FORM
10-KSB
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: July 31, 2006 |
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from _______________ to ________________
Commission file number 0-11485
ACCELR8
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
Colorado | 84-1072256 | ||
---|---|---|---|
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | ||
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | ||
7000
North Broadway, Building 3-307, Denver, CO 80221
(Address of principal executive offices)
Issuers telephone number: (303) 863-8088
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Common
Stock, no par value
(Title of class)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None.
Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-B is not contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [ ]
The Registrants revenues for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 were $212,701.
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of October 27, 2006 was approximately $18,602,110 based upon the last reported sale on that date. For purposes of this disclosure, Common Stock held by persons who hold more than 5% of the outstanding voting shares and Common Stock held by officers and directors of the Registrant have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates as that term is defined under the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This determination is not necessarily conclusive.
The number of shares of the Registrants Common Stock outstanding as of July 31, 2006 was 9,971,210.
Documents incorporated by reference None
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format Yes [ ] No [ X ]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE |
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PART I
Item 1 | Description of Business | 3 | |||
Item 2 | Description of Property | 22 | |||
Item 3 | Legal Proceedings | 22 | |||
Item 4 | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 22 | |||
PART II
Item 5 | Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters | 22 | |||
Item 6 | Managements Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation | 23 | |||
Item 7 | Financial Statements | 30 | |||
Item 8 | Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on | ||||
Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 30 | ||||
Item 8A | Controls and Procedures | 30 | |||
Item 8B | Other Information | 30 | |||
PART III
Item 9 | Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control | ||||
Persons; Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act | 30 | ||||
Item 10 | Executive Compensation | 34 | |||
Item 11 | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and | ||||
Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 38 | ||||
Item 12 | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions | 39 | |||
Item 13 | Exhibits | 39 | |||
Item 14 | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 40 | |||
SIGNATURES | 41 | ||||
Financial Statements | F-1 | ||||
Notes to Financial Statements | F-6 | ||||
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.
This Annual Report on Form 10-KSB contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and the Company, as defined below, intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. These forward-looking statements include the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans and objectives relating to the products and future economic performance of the Company. The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that the Company will retain key management personnel, that the Companys forecasts will accurately anticipate market demand for the Companys products and that there will be no material adverse change in the Companys operations or business. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in forward-looking information will be realized. Although management believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in forward-looking information will be realized. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In addition, as disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report, the business and operation of the Company are subject to substantial risks that increase the uncertainty inherent in such forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives or plans of the Company will be achieved.
PART I
Item 1. Description of Business
History And Development Of The Company
Accelr8 Technology Corporation (Accelr8 or the Company), a Colorado corporation was incorporated on May 26, 1982. The Companys office and laboratory are located at 7000 North Broadway, Building 3-307, Denver, Colorado 80221, and our telephone number is 303-863-8088.
On January 18, 2001, we acquired the OpTest portfolio of technologies (OpTest) from DDx, Inc. (DDx). Since the acquisition of the OpTest assets, we have focused primarily upon furthering the research and development of the acquired technologies, and the development of revenue producing products related to that technology. The purchase of OpTest provided us with a proprietary surface chemistry formulation and quantitative bio-analytical measurement instruments. Recently, we have invested in the BACcelr8r platform for applications related to rapid identification of bacteria and their antibiotic resistance.
Before our acquisition of OpTest, we provided software tools and consulting services for system modernization solutions for Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), VMS legacy systems. On July 30, 2004, we completed the sale of the assets related to the software business, which consisted of tools for legacy-code modernization and the resale of third-party software (the Software Migration Business) to Transoft Group Ltd (the Asset Sale).
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Business Strategy
Our vision is to develop and commercialize an innovative, integrated system for rapid identification of bacteria and the determination of their antibiotic resistance in critically ill patients. Our business strategy is to penetrate a large market segment, develop profitable sales growth, and demonstrate the value of our technology in the broad market for biomedical products with the intent of licensing our proprietary technology to market leaders.
Products
We are developing an innovative bacterial analysis system, the BACcelr8r, which we intend to eventually be used in clinical diagnostics for life-threatening bacterial infections. The system integrates our proprietary technologies to provide advantages in bacterial strain identification, particularly with regard to antibiotic resistance. Proprietary technologies include OptiChem(r) surface coatings and assay processing methods. We have received patents or we have patent applications pending for the major technology components and systems.
The BACcelr8r project began with a number of innovative analytical biological concepts that had no direct precedent, even though based on familiar microbiological principles. However, these accepted principles had only been applied to cultures that contain hundreds of millions of bacteria descended from single organisms hand-selected as colonies grow from a patient specimen.
The BACcelr8r is based on a simple transformation of standard methods. We believed that speed and precision should be possible by analyzing, as individuals, many thousands of cells extracted directly from the patient specimen. This contrasts with standard culturing in which the descendants of fewer than ten cells are presumed to represent the entire infectious bacterial population in a specimen, and with which many hours of repeated growth are required to perform analyses.
Our first laboratory BACcelr8r research model, Version 0.1, is used in our own internal research to investigate and characterize the biological principles that we believe confer advantages upon our analytical methods. We also developed functional specifications and product requirements for the first clinical version of the BACcelr8r. During development, we identified a product version that we believe will shorten the path to market. We call this system the BACcel-1.0.
We plan the BACcel-1.0 to provide the same rapid (2-hour) bacterial quantitation and identification functions as the clinical BACcelr8r. However, we plan to augment the first reported ID with additional strain identification based on major antibiotic resistance groups. The purpose of this version is to narrow the drug choices for empiric therapy.
For example, the first report might state that some quantity of Staph is present. The second report might then state that all of the Staph fall into a major antibiotic resistance group known as MRSA (methicillin resistant Staph. aureus, sometimes referred to as superbugs in news reports). However the BACcel-1.0 would not report specific antibiotic resistance and susceptibility as would happen with the clinical BACcelr8r. Instead it would report the numbers of organisms that fall within major groups that are typically the most difficult to treat, and thus narrow the initial empiric therapy options to help improve the chances of initial success. The Company believes that with this information, the physician can rule out drugs that are likely to fail.
We plan to include such major category identification for the most difficult major organism groups. Examples of such resistance groups include MRSA, ESBL producers in Enterobacteriaceae, and multi-drug resistant Psuedomonadales.
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In addition to the BACcelr8r project, we have developed and out-licensed OptiChem surface coatings for use in microarraying components. We have granted Schott Jenaer Glas GmbH(SCHOTT), which is a global leader in high-quality glass manufacturing, a two-year exclusive global license with an additional one-year option to manufacture and market OptiChem microarraying products. The current license includes the use of OptiChem on glass slides for gene and protein microarraying. SCHOTT has exercised its right to a third year of non-exclusive production.
OptiChem slide revenues for the year ended July 31, 2006 were $155,701. Management believes that substrate sales will continue and that there will be royalties and licensing fees with SCHOTT in the next fiscal year; however, there can be no assurance that sales will occur or that the anticipated revenues will be generated.
In a strategy similar to our OptiChem licensing program, we intend to customize our technologies to the specific requirements of additional large licensees when opportunities become available.
The Problem of Antibiotic Resistance
Since their first commercial introduction in the 1940s, antibiotics have revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. However as antibiotic usage has become widespread throughout the world, many bacterial strains have emerged that express resistance to currently marketed antibiotics.
The cost and risk of new drug development has continued to rise and the rate of new antibiotic development has declined. As antibiotic resistance continues to worsen and spread, we believe that the physicians challenge today is to select from an ever-shrinking list of possible drugs; the antibiotics that might succeed in each individual case.
Management believes that ideal therapy consists of the narrowest-spectrum antibiotic (limited range of affected species) that delivers the quickest and most complete kill of the bacteria known to cause the infection. To do this, management believes that the physician needs a detailed analysis of the exact antibiotic responsiveness in each individual case.
The Medical Microbiology Market Opportunity
The clinical microbiology laboratory now typically requires from approximately two to five days to grow and analyze a bacterial culture for antibiotic susceptibility. With patients who have rapidly-progressing infections the physician cannot wait for lab results before commencing drug therapy, and therefore must use a combination of powerful, broad-spectrum drugs in the hope of arresting the infection. Published studies have shown that in approximately 20% to 40% of such cases empiric therapy fails to adequately control the infection. The goal for the BACcel-1.0 is to rule out drugs that are likely to fail. The goal for the BACcelr8r it is to proceed further and identify drugs that are likeliest to work best when de-escalating to specific therapy from empiric therapy.
Furthermore, a study of the therapy and outcome of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) showed that changing the therapy later than approximately 24 hours did not significantly improve outcomes for most patients. Management believes that the inherent delay with current bacterial culturing methods can significantly increase a patients medical risk. Patients who receive inadequate initial therapy may face extended hospitalization and increased risk of worsening disease severity and mortality.
Todays tests still employ culturing methods that were first popularized in the 1870s. Culturing consists of growing bacteria from a patient specimen (such as blood) in an artificial nutrient medium that stimulates growth. After growing colonies, which are discrete clusters of bacteria on a gel plate surface, the microbiologist then physically picks representative sample colonies for further growth and analysis. These isolates require many hours to prepare and many additional hours to analyze. As a result, lab results usually require from one to five days, or even longer for slow-growing organisms, before the physician receives the results after submitting a patient specimen.
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Management believes that standard lab methods only indicate which drug might succeed, but do not indicate the potential superiority of one drug over another.
We believe that the BACcelr8r will help physicians reduce the severity of life-threatening infections by providing much quicker and more precise analyses than are possible with culturing. Our objective is to provide complete bacterial strain characterization, including antimicrobial responsiveness, in less than 8 hours after the hospital lab receives a patient specimen. We also intend to identify and count bacteria by species in less than 2 hours.
Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI)
We believe that the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is the hospital area that has the most urgent problems with regard to controlling aggressive infections. Furthermore, severe illness often weakens a patients defenses against infectious organisms of all types. Management believes that the hospital also exposes patients to a reservoir of aggressive pathogens that may have evolved resistance to the most commonly used antibiotics.
According to the FDA, about 70% of bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one of the drugs most commonly used to treat infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that antibiotic resistance is among the organizations top public health concerns. The global spread of drug-resistant microbes has led to prolonged hospitalizations, and increased health care costs. Despite the antibiotic revolution, bacterial infections remain a leading cause of mortality in critically ill patients. Once microbes become resistant, infections can become difficult or impossible to treat.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia is the leading cause of death from infections acquired in the hospital. In the ICU, approximately 85% of hospital-acquired pneumonia is ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). It is the most common life-threatening infection contracted by ICU patients during their hospital stay. Worldwide, over one million patients annually are at risk of developing VAP. Because these patients are critically ill before contracting pneumonia, the infection can have particularly serious consequences. A review of papers in medical journals highlights the fact that no medical standard of care now exists for diagnosing VAP and identifying the organisms that cause it.
VAP is a direct result of mechanical ventilation (an element of life support), which requires the insertion of a tube deep into the patients trachea (windpipe) and connects to a sophisticated mechanical air pump. The airway tube renders the patient vulnerable to infection because it facilitates leakage of microbes from the mouth into the airway and the lungs. The longer the tube is in place, the greater the risk that a patient will develop VAP.
Management believes that there are approximately one million patients annually in the United States, Europe, and Japan who are on mechanical ventilation for two or more days and thus are at substantial risk of developing VAP. Approximately 9% to 27% of patients who require mechanical ventilation for at least two days develop VAP. In spite of empiric antibiotic therapy, patients who develop VAP spend, on average, seven to nine extra days in the ICU, which adds incremental costs that range approximately from $12,000 to $40,000. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has identified VAP prevention as a core ICU performance measure. Performance measurements are used by hospitals to support performance improvements and to demonstrate accountability to external stakeholders, including insurance companies.
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Because of these reasons, we believe that rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing for the bacteria that cause VAP represents an urgent unmet medical need and an attractive market opportunity. We are developing the BACcelr8r with the intent of meeting this need.
The BACcelr8r system will include a fixed instrument and proprietary single-use analytical cartridges. By changing only a small set of cartridge assay components we believe we can change the bacterial species identified by the cartridge to fit new diagnostic application. Many such panels of target organism overlap in medical diagnostics, reducing the complexity of new application development.
After introducing a diagnostic system for pneumonia, we intend to add cassettes for other diagnostic categories. Because antibiotic resistance is so widespread, most serious bacterial infections require the same type of analysis as used for pneumonia.
Bacterial meningitis provides an example of another rapidly-progressing infection that can be difficult to treat, and in which very little time is available for antibiotic testing. Some bacterial species are the same in pneumonia and meningitis. Other species can be dropped from the pneumonia panel and replaced with meningitis-specific pathogens in order to provide broad coverage for meningitis.
As another example, premature babies in the neonatal ICU are prone to infection because they have not yet developed their defenses. Because the babies are so small, it is also difficult to obtain enough specimen volume for analysis. We believe that the BACcelr8rs high sensitivity and speed could have excellent potential in helping to manage these critical cases.
To varying degrees, more familiar forms of hospital acquired infection are also associated with resistant organisms. Examples include blood-borne infection (bacteremia that can result in sepsis), wound infections, and other infections. We believe that medical urgency arises with many of these infections as in VAP. We intend to systematically approach these applications and develop appropriate cassettes and specimen handling products.
Finally, we believe that proof of the BACcelr8rs ability to perform rapid, highly sensitive and specific analysis will also showcase the commercial value of all of Accelr8s proprietary technology including novel surface chemistry applications (implanted medical devices), detection and capture methodologies and coatings for pharmaceutical packaging.
Quantum Microbiology(tm)"
We developed a new analytical strategy in order to eliminate bacterial culturing and isolation, and thus eliminate the most time-consuming steps in bacterial testing. We call this strategy Quantum Microbiology(tm)" (or QM) to emphasize its ability to analyze each individual organism in a sample that contains tens of thousands of bacterial cells. Management believes that Quantum Microbiology adds substantial value to our intellectual property, and it is the method embodied in the BACcelr8r.
The QM method identifies and maps each individual bacterium extracted from a sample and immobilized on an assay surface. It conducts a series of tests on the immobilized cells and computes a statistical profile to identify each significant strain type in the sample. Strain typing or phenotyping includes assessment of antimicrobial responses.
We believe that this strategy has major implications when compared to standard culturing methods. Speed is only one aspect, as we believe that QM can produce a complete analysis within the 8-hour objective established for the BACcelr8r. In addition, we believe that QM has the potential to identify hidden or minority resistant strains. We believe that standard methods only reveal the properties of the fastest-growing organisms in a culture. We believe that they usually ignore slow-growing strains or minor strains that can become late-onset or secondary superinfections. Early tests also demonstrate that QM makes it possible to automate certain types of sequential analysis that are difficult to automate with todays high capacity systems. Therefore management believes that QM and the BACcelr8r have the potential to make a significant impact on the practice of clinical microbiology.
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BACcelr8r Technology
The BACcelr8r implements QM methods by using a computerized microscope with proprietary image analysis software to analyze each individual organisms responses to a series of tests. The Version 0.1 lab model now in use at Accelr8 demonstrates the feasibility of automating QM.
The BACcelr8r instrument will contain computer boards, analyzer optics, electromechanical actuators, power supplies, and other subsystems that do not need to be disposable. Each single-use cartridge (or cassette) will contain assay surfaces, sample introduction ports, couplings for fluids and electrical circuits, and optical interfaces. Cassettes may also contain reagents in small on-board reservoirs. The single-use cassettes will contain most assay components that cannot be re-used. In a typical application, the operator will use one cassette per patient specimen and dispose of the cassette when the test ends. Cassette and instrument designs are proprietary and wholly owned by Accelr8.
As envisioned in a typical application, the operator will perform basic specimen preparation (on material such as blood, lung fluids, etc.) and introduce a small, standardized volume of sample into a cassette, and insert the cassette into the instrument. All remaining operations will take place under computer control without operator intervention in normal operation. During the analysis the system will automatically report its operating status and current results for each cassette being processed.
We believe that the system will perform four basic processes. First, it will rapidly distribute the sample to multiple flow channels, each having its own assay surface, then extract and immobilize individual bacteria from the sample onto each of those surface areas. Second, it will perform presumptive species identification and map the physical location of each immobilized organism in each flow channel. Third, it will measure the growth rates of the individual immobilized organisms for a brief period. Fourth, it will deliver a different antibiotic to each flow channel and measure the rate at which each different drug kills or attenuates the growth of each identified organism.
At the end of the second step (presumptive species identification) we believe that the system will report the number of organisms for each species in the analytical panel. We plan the first hospital product to have a panel of approximately five to nine species.
We believe that the system will eliminate culturing and isolation by directly analyzing all of the organisms extracted from the sample without requiring prior growth. We believe that it will quickly extract the organisms using an electrical field to drive the bacteria to a universal capture surface. We believe that OptiChem coatings within the sample distribution flow passages will prevent most bacteria from adhering to the passage walls. The OptiChem coatings and the electrical extraction method are part of Accelr8s intellectual property.
Management believes that the BACcelr8r project illustrates the importance of discovering new ways to perform analyses at a very small scale with high sensitivity and ultra-low interference. Similar principles apply to other potential new versions of the integrated platform. We believe that by developing this system we will be in position to offer a customizable platform with short time to market for other companies who are in the business of marker discovery useful for drug discovery, molecular diagnostics, and other important vertical markets.
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Research and Development
We conduct an aggressive research and development program to expand our intellectual property portfolio and to adapt our licensable technologies to specific applications. Research and development programs include new physical coating methods for production of different substrate formats, additional methods for linking coatings to base materials, and additional functionalization for new applications. During the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, we spent approximately $2,155,988 and $1,304,888, respectively, on research and development activities. Primary research and development activities during the year included cassette development and characterization of the underlying biological principles.
At the start of the development of the BACcelr8r, very little precedent existed for single-cell analysis. The materials and methods for bacterial behavior at the single cell level needed development and validation. The company started with development of the highest-risk and necessary principles. We believe that we have systematically resolved the technical issues from those having the highest risk down through each subsequent risk level until characterizing all of the individual principles. In July, 2006 we demonstrated that the integrated process performed successfully on a limited, blinded set of laboratory model samples. During the year ended July 31, 2006, we presented peer-reviewed technical posters at two important scientific meetings, which summarized the evidence for each of the BACcelr8rs analytical methods. These presentations were the first exposure to the scientific and medical communities of the BACcelr8rs innovative working principles.
We believe that the BACcelr8r disposable, single-use cassette represents a significant advance in active fluidic technology. The multi-channel cassette carries multiple reagent reservoirs and fluidic valves that precisely deliver on-cassette contents according to flow control programs executed by the instrument. The cassette combines fluidic valving, multi-branch flow balancing, bubble prevention and clearance features, reagent reservoirs, precision flowcells, imaging-quality optical windows, electrokinetic electrodes, anti-adsorption coatings to prevent sample loss, universal microbial cell capture coatings, and the ability to sustain high internal operating pressures while incubating live cells and being maintained near body temperature for several hours.
We do not believe that any other fluidic or microfluidic product contains such flexibility and sophistication. Development required a diverse multidisciplinary team of experts from different organizations, guided by Accelr8s scientific and technical team. Management believes that, compared to industry norms, this accomplishment required relatively low investment.
The prototype laboratory instruments use off-the-shelf components as much as possible. They are based on sophisticated, commercially available research microscopes and accessories. We also started development of a custom microscope using commercially available optical components combined with custom components. The initial test fixture successfully demonstrated significant potential for simplification and reduction of both size and cost for higher-capacity instruments.
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Our research and development activities also focused on image analysis. Our image analyzer is able to track individual live bacterial cells as they grow and divide. The algorithms precisely measure individual cell and clone growth rates, and responses to different analytical tests. We believe that the growth data accurately parallels those obtained with standard culturing methods. Biostatistical algorithms make it possible to further segregate data from significant sub-populations of individual cells and clones.
Our goal is for a single typical BACcelr8r analysis to analyze approximately 2.5 million images of single cells or clones and perform accurate statistical analyses. We believe that this analytical power, performed in real time, will confer substantial advantages over alternative microbiological methods.
We believe that most standard laboratory sample handling materials may cause extensive loss of bacteria by non-specific adsorption to container walls. Examples of such commonplace disposable devices include specimen containers, centrifuge tubes, micropipette tips, and inoculation loops. We believe that applying OptiChem coatings to such devices might significantly reduce bacterial loss during specimen preparation. We have therefore added OptiChem coated labware development to the BACcelr8r program. If successful, we plan to include such devices in supply kits to be used in specimen access and preparation with the BACcelr8r. Low-loss sample preparation kits would improve the accuracy and consistency of quantitative high-sensitivity methods such as those used in the BACcelr8r.
We further believe that these devices would have additional applications in acquiring and preparing specimens that contain low-abundance analytes, whether cellular or molecular. For example, gene amplification tests are capable of multiplying even a single gene target to the level where it can be easily detected. It is therefore critical to assure that low-level targets such as these are not lost in the sample handling process. In addition, we may have the opportunity to license OptiChem coatings to companies that manufacture such devices for other purposes.
We believe that the relatively modest research and development investment so far has created an entirely new analytical approach to clinical microbiology and the core technology needed to perform it reliably. We intend to proceed with product development that embodies these methods. We have adjusted our product development plan to take advantage of specific technical discoveries and careful analysis of clinical applications that we believe will shorten the time to market without compromising the products market value.
The Microarray Market Opportunity
Microarraying slides were our first commercial biomedical products. Our products derive their advantages from OptiChem surface coatings. OptiChem can reduce background interference from materials in the analytical sample. Examples of materials that OptiChem sheds and that typically interfere with conventional surfaces include microbes, blood cells, blood and serum proteins, sticky proteins in cell culture lysates, and unbound dyes that remain after labeling test samples. Non-specific binding (also referred to as adsorption or fouling) of such materials is a dominant noise factor that limits the sensitivity of bio-analytical assays.
Microarrays typically consist of a microscopic grid of thousands of spots of a test chemistry on a glass slide. Each spot is made of a different variation of a test probe molecule, such as a unique short length of synthetic DNA that has a particular gene sequence. The researcher exposes a sample, such as extracts from a cell culture or blood, to the microarray. After incubation, washing, and labeling, a computerized scanner measures the amount of dye or label on each spot. The researcher can then compare the array pattern between two different samples, such as a tumor biopsy against normal tissue.
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Microarrays are important because they allow the researcher to determine which genes or biochemical pathways become more or less active during a disease or after exposure to a new drug candidate molecule. They allow the scientist to conduct thousands of analytical experiments at one time. This can reveal clues to disease processes or help determine whether a potential new drug has the expected biochemical effects in living tissues.
We decided to enter the microarray market because it has been in existence long enough to prove its potential application in clinical diagnostics, but we believe that it still has most of its growth ahead of it. Although the current research market is attractive in itself, we believe that emerging market segments in drug discovery and molecular diagnostics have much larger potential. In particular, we believe that research trends suggest that new array-based methods for cancer diagnostics may drive market growth. In addition, we believe that microarray technology has reached a crucial juncture, and that our unique technology has the potential to resolve critical issues, such as reducing complicated steps for sample preparation, that now retard the next phase of market evolution. Customer experience with OptArray slides confirms our beliefs about the nature of OptiChems superiority in bio-analytical assays such as gene arrays and protein arrays.
On November 24, 2004, the Company signed an exclusive two year manufacturing and marketing license with SCHOTT Jenaer Glas GmbH of Jena, Germany (SCHOTT). SCHOTT is a leading glass manufacturer in Europe. SCHOTT formed a division (Nexterion) in 2002 to enter the microarray market. Since then they have captured a share of the global microarray slide market selling several different formulas of coated slides. The license includes the global right to manufacturer and sell standard microarray slides using OptiChem amine-reactive coatings (Slide H).
Under the license, Accelr8 supplied SCHOTT with products manufactured by Accelr8 until SCHOTTs new production facility achieved its production validation requirements. SCHOTT obtained the right for a 2-year exclusive global manufacturing and marketing license for OptiChem-coated microarraying products, and the option for a 1-year extension. Accelr8 was SCHOTTs sole supplier of permeable hydrogel coatings for microarraying slides during the term of the Supply Agreement. Accelr8 also provided training to facilitate the transition to the new SCHOTT manufacturing facility. SCHOTT has elected to exercise its right for non-exclusive Slide H production through November 23, 2007.
On June 2, 2005 the Company signed a second supply agreement with SCHOTT for OptiChem-streptavidin coated microarraying slides (Slide HS). Accelr8 had been manufacturing the streptavidin slides for SCHOTT since October 2004. Under the second agreement Accelr8 extended production through December 2005. SCHOTT also had a right during 2005 to enter into negotiations for an exclusive manufacturing and distribution license, similar to the Slide H agreement signed November 24, 2004. On September 27, 2005, SCHOTT also provided written notification with the Amended Supply Agreement that it intended to exercise its exclusive right to negotiate an exclusive license for the application of the Companys OptiChem Streptavidin coated microarrying slides. During fiscal year 2006 no agreement was reached for an exclusive license. However, SCHOTT did elect to exercise its right to non-exclusive production for Slide HS through December 31, 2006.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 Accelr8 received revenues of $121,353 from SCHOTT (including royalty fees, consulting fees, training fees, and product sales).
Going forward, we intend to continue to selectively pursue additional high-potential opportunities in the microarray market. We also believe that OptiChem coatings may have opportunities in microbial biofilm inhibition (as it applies to implanted medical devices), specimen collection devices, pharmaceutical packaging, and other areas that require exceptional anti-adsorptive surface coatings.
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Competition
If the production of the BACcelr8r is successful, it will enter a market segment whose constituent hospital laboratories now use automated bacterial culturing, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing systems. Leading suppliers of such systems include Becton Dickinson (NYSE: BDX), Dade Behring (NASDAQ: DADE), Trek Diagnostics (private), and bioMerieux (France). These products provide broad-based culturing and analysis of a wide variety of bacteria. In contrast, we intend to position the BACcelr8r and BACcel-1.0 as disease-specific analysis and monitoring systems for critically ill patients using a small and specific subset of bacterial pathogens.
We believe that we will not need to displace installed culturing systems in order to sell the products. We have identified specific diseases for which there is an urgent clinical need for rapid detection. These diseases also result in major hospital costs that we believe can only be reduced, in the absence of effective prevention, by a product that performs as we intend the BACcelr8r to perform (results in eight hours or less).
We believe that the rapid, augmented identification of the BACcel-1.0 product will compete with certain rapid ID tests now on the market. Some rely on standard culturing while others apply new technology, particularly gene analysis. Examples of companies that sell clinical products in the latter group include Becton Dickinson and AdvanDx (private). Applied Biosystems (NYSE: ABI) sells genetic bacterial identification products for research applications.
To date such methods only identify species, or identify a very limited gene set (typically a single type of genetic mechanism for each product). We intend the BACcel-1.0 to identify multiple species related to specific diagnostic categories and multiple major antibiotic resistance types to which they may belong, without culturing or strain isolation.
Approximately 20 companies around the world sell activated slides for use in microarray printing. However, only a few of these produce high-performance products that we view as competing with OptiChem coated microarraying substrates.
Although Corning (NYSE:GLW) commands market leadership in activated microarray slides, we do not compete directly with Corning. OptArray targets the emerging need for high performance microarraying slides whereas Corning and others produce lower-cost products primarily for first-generation DNA expression arraying. Other companies that have similar products include TeleChem International (private), Thermo Electron Corp (NYSE: TMO), and SCHOTT (Germany).
General Electric (NYSE: GE) markets activated slides and manufactured microarrays under the CodeLink(tm) brand. The coating on CodeLink slides is a hydrogel polymer that competes with OptiChem coated slides. However, we view GE as a potential customer and their supplier, SurModics Inc. (NASDAQ: SRDX), as a competitor in surface coatings.
Accelr8s Business Models
We intend to offer licenses to assay and instrumentation manufacturers. We intend to offer such licenses in return for an up-front licensing fee plus a royalty on the net sales price for finished products that contain our licensed assets, subject to annual minimum royalties.
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Before we commit significant development effort to integrate our technologies into a customers products and processes, we intend to require the customer to fund our non-recurring development costs. This customary joint development phase should help us to preserve a portion of our cash assets and help to qualify the customers interest. However, there can be no assurance that we will enter into a joint development agreement with any of our customers.
We continue to evaluate the potential to produce fully integrated systems for sale to end users in various market niches. The projected potential consumption for coated substrates makes these niches attractive. Based upon our perception of the high value to customers and low projected production costs, we believe that this type of business model has attractive margin potential. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in increasing the demand for any of our products.
Customers
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, total revenues were $212,701, of which $155,701 (73.2%) were OptiChem slide revenues and $57,000 were training and consulting fees. Of the total OptiChem slide revenues, $91,353 (58.67%) was to SCHOTT. We are still engaged in research and development with respect to the OptiChem and BACcelr8r technologies. We believe that the selling cycle (to a customer) for a product such as OptiChem will average about nine to twelve months, because of the need to integrate our products into the customers production processes.
We continue to evaluate potential new products and the sale of products used in the internal development of other companies.
Marketing and Sales
We currently market our technologies to potential industrial customers through five primary routes:
Public presentations at scientific symposia attended by key scientific staff and research and development decision makers from targeted companies and institutions. |
Invited presentations at targeted companies by our own scientists or consultants. |
Telephone calls, emails, express letters, and personal visits to key executives, business development managers, marketing managers, and research and development managers at targeted companies. |
Our web site (www.accelr8.com), the content of which is technical in nature and targeted to scientists within prospective accounts. |
Exclusive and non-exclusive agreements with well established distributors and manufacturers who have demonstrated effective marketing and have existing sales channels. |
We believe that the executive selling process helps to assure that high-quality, effective information is presented directly to individuals who have decision making authority or who have strong influence over decisions to adopt novel technologies in their businesss product development programs.
We intend to continue to expand our exposure by means of research papers in technical and professional journals, feature articles in the trade press, and advertising.
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Operations
We own all of our laboratory equipment. We lease approximately 6,400 square feet of laboratory and administrative space. Within the laboratory facility we constructed a cleanroom pilot production operation. We believe the facility has adequate capacity to implement the current product development plan.
We have identified secondary sources for all materials used in OptiChem formulation, and have qualified multiple sources for the most critical constituents.
We conduct an aggressive research and development program to expand our intellectual property portfolio and to adapt our licensable technologies to specific applications. Research and development programs include new physical coating methods for production of different substrate formats, additional methods for linking coatings to base materials, and additional functionalization for new applications. During the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, we spent approximately $2,155,988 and $1,304,888, respectively, on research and development activities.
Instrumentation development requires certain components that are custom-fabricated to our specifications. Such components include injection-molded plastic components, and machined mechanical components. In all applicable cases, we will own the production tooling and believe that we will be able to qualify secondary sources. We plan to maintain inventory levels sufficient to bridge second-source response times and include an adequate safety factor.
We do not directly employ product development engineers but contract with independent engineering firms that have experience in each necessary technical discipline. In all cases these organizations pre-assign all new intellectual property to Accelr8 without future obligations by Accelr8. We retain full ownership without needing a license or payment of royalties.
The lead project engineering firm has been in the medical device development business since the late 1980s. They are designing the instrument and system software. This organization has extensive experience in designing medical devices under FDA regulations and ISO requirements. An executive in this organization has overall responsibility to supervise the other engineering teams. Accelr8 technical staff and executives directly coordinate these organizations and participate directly in technical project execution.
We also are developing custom antibodies for species identification and other assays. Commercial antibody sources do not exist for some of the species contained in our panels. In other cases commercial sources cannot provide antibodies that meet our criteria for performance or production. Management believes that custom antibodies derived from this development program will add significant asset value and competitive advantages. In this program we own the antibodies and any intellectual property that may emerge as a result of the contracts.
We have sold a manufacturing and marketing license to SCHOTT for the production of microarray slides (Slide H). We continue to use our own cleanroom pilot operation for ongoing product development and process engineering. As we approach commercialization for the BACcelr8r, we plan to engage experienced outsource vendors to produce finished goods thus avoiding costly investment for a manufacturing facility.
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Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, employee and third party non-disclosure agreements, license agreements and other intellectual property protection methods to protect our proprietary rights. We are committed to aggressively develop a continuing stream of intellectual property and to defend our position in key technologies.
We have a number of issued patents for technology acquired from DDx and have filed additional United States and international patent applications.
Accelr8s first patent on the OptiChem technology, U.S. Patent No. 6,844,028 titled Functional Surface Coating was issued on January 18, 2005. The patent specification covers the core OptiChem technology. On June 27, 2006, the United States Patent Office issued Patent No. 7,067,194 which awarded the Company a patent for devices that use OptiChem coatings. Additional OptiChem United States and international patent filings are in prosecution.
Accelr8 broadened the scope of its instrument patent claims by filing additional provisional patent applications during the 2006 fiscal year. Management believes that these filings address many of the core concepts of QM and include additional instrumentation and specimen preparation inventions related to the BACcelr8r system.
There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement or other claims against us with respect to any existing or future products. We cannot assure that licenses would be available if any of our technology was successfully challenged by a third party, or if it became desirable to use any third-party technology to enhance the Companys products. Litigation to protect our proprietary information or to determine the validity of any third-party claims could result in a significant expense to us and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel, whether or not such litigation is determined in our favor.
While we have no knowledge that we are infringing upon the proprietary rights of any third party, there can be no assurance that such claims will not be asserted in the future with respect to existing or future products. Any such assertion by a third party could require us to pay royalties, to participate in costly litigation and defend licensees in any such suit pursuant to indemnification agreements, or to refrain from selling an alleged infringing product or service.
The Company has secured or established trademarks for:
BACcel; |
Employees and Consultants
We have 13 full-time employees and contracts with five consultants. We have not entered into any collective bargaining agreements.
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Factors That May Affect Future Results
Dependence On Key Employees. Our success depends to a significant extent upon a number of key management and technical personnel, the loss of one or more of whom could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We carry key man life insurance in the amount of $5 million on Thomas V. Geimer. The Board of Directors has adopted resolutions under which one-half of the proceeds of any such insurance will be dedicated to a beneficiary designated by the insured. There can be no assurance that the proceeds from such life insurance would be sufficient to compensate us for the loss of Mr. Geimer, and these policies do not provide any benefits to the Company if Mr. Geimer becomes disabled or is otherwise unable to render services to the Company. Further, the loss of David Howson as President of the Company may have a significant adverse effect upon the Company and its business. We believe that our continued success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, managerial, sales and marketing personnel. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel we require to develop and market new and enhanced products and to conduct our operations successfully.
Need To Develop Market For Products. We have received only nominal revenue from sales based on products using the new OptiChem technology. Our competitors manufacture and market products that are similar to ours. Our principal competitors and the areas in which they compete with us are described more fully in Competition. While we have received nominal revenues from sales, there is no assurance that we will be successful in marketing our products or will receive additional revenues in the future. Further, we have experienced losses from operations and negative cash flow that is likely to continue unless we are able to complete the development of the BACcel and BACcelr8r and sell them into the marketplace. If we continue to experience losses from operations and negative cash flow as we have in the past, the price of our Common Stock may be adversely affected.
Our Success Depends Partly On Our Ability To Successfully Introduce New Products. In a market primarily driven by the need for innovative products, our revenue growth will depend on overcoming various technological challenges to successfully introduce new products, including but not limited to the BACcel and BACcelr8r into the marketplace in a timely manner. Our technology requires significant knowledge and experience in biochemistry. In addition, we must continue to develop new applications for our existing technologies. Market acceptance of these products will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to, demonstrating that our technologies are superior to other technologies and products that are currently available or may become available in the future.
If we are unable to overcome these technological challenges, or even if we experience difficulties or delays, we may be unable to attract additional customers for our products, which would seriously harm our business and future growth prospects.
If We Are Unable To Effectively Protect Our Intellectual Property, We May Be Unable To Prevent Infringement. Our success depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain patent protection for the technology underlying our products, both in the United States and in other countries. We cannot assure you that any of the presently pending or future patent applications will result in issued patents, or that any patents issued to us or licensed by us will not be challenged, invalidated or held unenforceable. Further, we cannot guarantee that any patents issued to us will provide us with a significant competitive advantage.
If we fail to successfully enforce our proprietary technology or otherwise maintain the proprietary nature of our intellectual property with respect to our significant current and proposed products, our competitive position and sales could suffer or we may be unable to increase sales.
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Notwithstanding our efforts to protect our intellectual property, our competitors may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or products that are equal to or superior to our technology and products without infringing on any of our intellectual property rights or design around our proprietary technologies. If customers prefer these alternative technologies to our technology, sales could be adversely affected.
Our Products Could Infringe On The Intellectual Property Rights Of Others. Due to the significant number of U.S. and foreign patents issued to, and other intellectual property rights owned by entities operating in the industry in which we operate, we believe that there is a significant risk of litigation arising from infringement of these patents and other rights. Third parties may assert infringement or other intellectual property claims against us or our licensees. We may have to pay substantial damages, including treble damages, for past infringement if it is ultimately determined that our products infringe on a third partys proprietary rights. In addition, even if such claims are without merit, defending a lawsuit may result in substantial expense to us and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel.
We may also be subject to significant damages or injunctions against development and sale of some of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our future revenues. Furthermore, claims of intellectual property infringement may require us to enter into royalty or license agreements with third parties, and we may be unable to obtain royalty or license agreements on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.
Third Parties May Seek To Challenge, Invalidate Or Circumvent Issued Patents Owned By Or Licensed To Us Or Claim That Our Products And Operations Infringe Their Patent Or Other Intellectual Property Rights. In addition to our patents, we possess an array of unpatented proprietary technology and know-how. The measures that we employ to protect this technology and these rights may not be adequate. Moreover, in some cases, the licensor can terminate a license or convert it to a non-exclusive arrangement if we fail to meet specified performance targets.
We may incur significant expense in any legal proceedings to protect our proprietary rights or to defend infringement claims by third parties. In addition, claims of third parties against us could result in awards of substantial damages or court orders that could effectively prevent us from manufacturing, using, importing or selling our products in the United States or abroad.
Competition. Many of our competitors have greater financial, manufacturing, marketing and sales resources than we do. In addition, some of our competitors may, individually or together with companies affiliated with them, have greater human and scientific resources than we do. Our competitors could develop technologies and methods for materials that render our technologies and methodologies less competitive. Accordingly, if new competitors introduce new products that are more cost effective than our current and proposed technologies, we could experience poor sales, revenues and operating results.
Ability To Respond To Technological Change. Our future success will depend significantly on our ability to enhance our current products and develop or acquire and market new products that keep pace with technological developments and evolving industry standards as well as respond to changes in customer needs. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing or acquiring product enhancements or new products to address changing technologies and customer requirements adequately, that we can introduce such products on a timely basis or that any such products or enhancements will be successful in the marketplace. Our delay or failure to develop or acquire technological improvements or to adapt our products to technological change would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Control By Management. At October 27, 2006, our officers and directors owned or controlled of record approximately 959,850 or 10.85% of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. If they exercise all of the options that they currently hold, they will own 1,644,850 or 17.26% of the then outstanding shares of our Common Stock. Due to their stock ownership, the officers, directors and key employees may be in a position to elect the Board of Directors and to control the business and affairs of the Company, including certain significant corporate actions such as acquisitions, the sale or purchase of assets and the issuance and sale of the Companys securities.
Shares Eligible For Future Sale As of July 31, 2006, we had reserved 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of options which have been or may be granted pursuant to our stock option plans. As of July 31, 2006, 599,000 options had been granted pursuant to the Qualified Plan with 12,500 of these options exercised, 179,000 options that expired, leaving 280,000 available for grant. Pursuant to the Non-Qualified Plan, 300,000 options have been granted with 75,000 of these options exercised and 50,000 options expired, leaving 50,000 available for grant. As of July 31, 2006, 377,500 options had been granted pursuant to the Omnibus Plan with none of these options exercised and 15,000 expired leaving 137,500 available for grant. As of October 15, 2006, there were 833,213 outstanding shares of our Common Stock, not held by our officers, directors that are restricted securities as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Further, as of October 15, 2006, there were approximately 1,093,405 shares that are deemed restricted securities whose restrictions have lapsed and may be sold as unrestricted securities. Although the Securities Act and Rule 144 place certain prohibitions on the sale of restricted securities, restricted securities may be sold into the public market under certain conditions.
The 1,129,110 warrants exercised by Mr. Geimer were exercised at $0.24 per share on October 14, 1997 and contributed to a Rabbi Trust. Under the terms of the Rabbi Trust, we will hold the shares in the trust, and carry them as treasury stock. The Rabbi Trust provides that upon Mr. Geimers death, disability or termination of his employment, the shares will be released ratably over the subsequent ten (10) years, unless the Board of Directors determines otherwise. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for further information. Sales of Common Stock underlying Plan Options may adversely affect the price of the Common Stock.
The Loss Of Our Major Customers Could Significantly Reduce Our Revenue. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, total revenues from SCHOTT were $121,353 or 57.1% of revenues. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2005, total revenues from SCHOTT were $394,045 or 78.5% of total revenues. There can be no assurance that revenue from SCHOTT or any customer will continue at their historical levels. Loss of SCHOTT or another one or more of our current clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we cannot broaden our customer base, we will continue to depend on a few clients for the majority of our revenue.
We Use Hazardous Materials In Some Of Our Research, Development And Manufacturing Processes. Our research activities sometimes involve the controlled use of various hazardous materials. Although we believe that our safety procedures for handling and disposing of such materials comply with the standards prescribed by state and federal regulations, the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials cannot be completely eliminated. We could be held liable for any damages that might result from any accident involving such materials. Any such liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes In Governmental Regulations May Reduce Demand For Our Products Or Increase Our Expenses. We compete in markets in which we or our customers must comply with federal, state, local and foreign regulations, such as environmental, health and safety and food and drug regulations. We develop, configure and market our products to meet customer needs created by these regulations. Any significant change in these regulations could reduce demand for our products.
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We Have A Single Manufacturing and Research and Development Facility And We May Lose Revenue And Be Unable To Continue to Conduct our Research and Development and Product Development Activities If We Lose This Facility. We manufacture all of the products we sell and conduct all of our research and development and product development activities in our existing facility in Denver, Colorado. If our production facility becomes incapable of manufacturing products for any reason, we would have no other means of manufacturing products incorporating our coating technologies until we were able to restore the manufacturing capability at our facility or develop an alternative manufacturing facility. Further, we may be unable to meet production requirements, we may lose revenue and we may not be able to maintain our relationships with our customers. If for any reason our research and development and product development activities could not be conducted at this facility, we would have no other location or means of conducting our research and development and product development activities. Although we carry business interruption insurance to cover lost revenue and profits in an amount we consider adequate, this insurance does not cover all possible situations. In addition, our business interruption insurance would not compensate us for the loss of opportunity and potential adverse impact on relations with our existing licensees resulting from our inability to produce products for them or our failure to conduct our research and development and product development activities.
Our Results Of Operations Will Be Adversely Affected If We Fail To Realize The Full Value Of Our Intangible Assets. As of July 31, 2006, our total assets included $3,712,286 of net intangible assets. Net intangible assets consist principally of costs associated with securing patent rights, trademark rights and technology licenses, net of accumulated amortization. These assets have historically been amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets to be held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. We continuously evaluate the recoverability of these items based on estimated future cash flows from and estimated fair value of such assets, and provide for impairment if such undiscounted cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying amount of the asset. Future impairment testing may result in additional intangible asset write-offs, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our business strategy approach may be adversely affected by potential healthcare reform. Our vision is to develop and commercialize an innovative, integrated system for rapid identification of bacterial antibiotic resistance in critically ill patients. Healthcare reform and the growth of managed care organizations have been considerable forces in the diagnostics industry. These forces continue to place constraints on the levels of overall pricing and thus could have a material adverse effect on our future profit margins of our products. Such continuing changes in the United States healthcare market could also force us to alter our approach to selling, marketing, distributing and servicing our customer base. In and outside the United States, changes to government reimbursement policies could reduce the funding that healthcare service providers have available for diagnostic product expenditures, which could have a material adverse impact on our future sales and /or profit margin.
We make significant investments in research and development, but there is no guarantee that any of these investments will ultimately result in a commercial product that will generate revenues. The BACcelr8r will integrate many of our component systems and processes. For the year ended July 31, 2006, we spent $2,155,988 on research and development expenses. Notwithstanding these investments, we anticipate that we will have to spend additional funds in the research and development of the BACcel and BACcelr8r. There can be no assurance that the BACcelr8r will be successful, or even if it is successful will be accepted in the marketplace. Further, we might also encounter substantial delays in getting products to market in a timely fashion.
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Changes in our business strategy or plans may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. If our business strategy or plans change, whether in response to changes in economic conditions or developments in the diagnostics industry, or otherwise, we may be required to expend significantly more resources than planned to develop the BACcelr8r or other new products. The expense of such change could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Compliance costs with recently enacted changes in the securities laws and regulations pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will increase our costs. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that became law in July 2002 has required changes in some of our corporate governance, securities disclosure, accounting and compliance practices. In response to the requirements of that act, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the American Stock Exchange have promulgated new rules on a variety of subjects. Compliance with these new rules as well as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has increased our legal, financial and accounting costs, and we expect the cost of compliance with these new rules to continue to increase and to be permanent. Further, the new rules may increase the expenses associated with our director and officer liability insurance.
Our stock price has been volatile and may continue to be volatile; Dividend Policy. The trading price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile, in large part attributable to developments and circumstances related to factors identified in Forward-looking Statements and Risk Factors. The market value of your investment in our common stock may rise or fall sharply at any time because of this volatility, and also because of significant short positions taken by investors from time to time in our stock. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, the closing sale price for our common stock ranged from $3.33 to $2.01 per share. The market prices for securities of medical technology companies historically have been highly volatile, and the market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. We do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
Colorado law and our Articles of Incorporation may protect our directors from certain types of lawsuits. Colorado law provides that our directors will not be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for all but certain types of conduct as directors. Our Articles of Incorporation permit us to indemnify our directors and officers against all damages incurred in connection with our business to the fullest extent provided or allowed by law. The exculpation provisions may have the effect of preventing stockholders from recovering damages against our directors caused by their negligence, poor judgment or other circumstances. The indemnification provisions may require us to use our limited assets to defend our directors and officers against claims, including claims arising out of their negligence, poor judgment, or other circumstances.
We may require additional capital in the future and we cannot assure you that capital will be available on reasonable terms, if at all, or on terms that would not cause substantial dilution to your stock holdings. We have historically relied upon our cash assets to fund our operating losses and may continue to incur operating losses until we are able to complete the development of the BACcel and BACcelr8r and sell them into the marketplace. If capital requirements vary materially from those currently planned, we may require additional capital sooner than expected. There can be no assurance that such capital will be available in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any sale of a substantial number of additional shares will cause dilution to your investment and could also cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline.
We have the authority to issue up to 12,000,000, shares of Common Stock (of which, as of October 17, 2006, 9,971,210 shares were outstanding) and to issue options and warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock. Issuances of additional shares of our stock in the future could dilute existing shareholders and may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
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Glossary
Antibody: a specialized protein (immunoglobulin) produced by the immune response that binds to a particular molecular surface that has previously been presented to certain cells in the organisms blood. The end-product of the humoral component of the immune response. Key component of immunoassays detecting as the analyte-specific detection agent.
Antigen: the material used to stimulate immune antibody production in an organism.
Assay, Qualitative: a chemical test in which the result is expressed as the presence or absence of an analyte. Also referred to as "detection," as opposed to measuring the amount of material.
Assay, Quantitative: a test in which the result is expressed as the quantity of analyte in a sample. Quantitative assays may be used to determine whether the amount of analyte is above or below a cut-point that distinguishes an acceptable level of the analyte, such as a food pathogen, from an unacceptable level.
Culturing (Bacterial): the analytical process of growing bacteria from a patient specimen (blood, sputum, etc.) to a quantity suitable for isolation and analysis.
DNA: the nucleic acid biomolecules that carry an organism's genetic code. The famous "double helix" molecular model of Watson and Crick.
Gene: a sequence of DNA or RNA that produces a functional protein product when translated by the normal biosynthetic route.
Genomics: the study, including sequencing, of molecules that carry an organism's genetic code (nucleic acids, DNA and RNA).
Genotype: the DNA gene sequence makeup that distinguishes one type of organism from another. Genotype differences may or may not directly correlate with phenotypes (see definition below).
Immunoassay: any type of biochemical assay that uses antigen-antibody affinity as the assay basis of selection and detection.
Isolation (Bacterial): the technique of growing bacterial cultures on selective media in such a way that only particular species grow successfully, thereby isolating colonies of the species for further analysis.
Microarray: a regular geometric array (matrix or grid pattern) of individual reactive chemical probes affixed to a physical substrate such as a microscope slide. Used in assays to conduct thousands of analyses at one time on sample materials presented to the microarray. The high-density evolution of the microtiter plate.
Microtiter Plate: a multi-well plate (typically 96 wells) of standard dimensions in which individual reactions occur near-simultaneously with different reagents. Analyzed visually or by automated optical plate readers. Currently the most widely-used standard laboratory assay format.
Nucleic Acid: DNA (deoxyribo-nucleic acid) or RNA (ribo-nucleic acid). Polymeric chains of nucleotides whose particular sequence constitutes an organisms genetic code (DNA and genomic RNA) or that participate in the biosynthesis of new protein molecules (other types of RNA such as messenger RNA, transfer RNA, and ribosomal RNA).
Pathogen: an infectious organism (bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi, prions) that when invading a host causes a disease. Pathogens may be transmitted through food, water, air, and/or contact with infected individuals or their biological fluids.
Phenotype: for microorganisms, the functional responses or observable characteristics that differentiate one set of organisms from another within the same species. The basis for strain differentiation based on observable behavior or properties other than those expressed in the genotype.
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Protein: biological polymeric macromolecules formed by long chains of amino acids (twenty in humans) and which provide the mechanism for cellular physiology and metabolism. All life functions are carried out through the mediation of proteins (typically enzymes).
Sensitivity: the smallest quantity of analyte that the assay can detect. Same as "Limit Of Detection." Statistically, the proportion of false negatives reported for a population sample.
Strain (Bacterial): variants or phenotypes of a bacterial species that exhibit significant characteristics that allow discrimination of one strain from another. In clinical application usually distinguished on the basis of disease severity, toxic products, antibiotic resistance, and other medically relevant properties.
Superinfection: a second infection that occurs after treatment has begun for a diagnosed infection.
Surface Chemistry: the chemistry of materials that provide a barrier or contact surface. In the context of biochemical assays, the chemistry of all exposed surface area that may come into contact with assay reagents.
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP): a version of hospital-acquired pneumonia whose symptoms first appear at least 48 hours after starting mechanical ventilation.
Item 2. Description of Property.
We lease approximately 6,400 square feet of office and laboratory space at 7000 North Broadway, Building 3-307, Denver, Colorado 80221. The monthly rent and utilities average $5200 per month.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Not Applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted by the Company to a vote of our security holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report.
PART II
Item 5. Market For Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
From November 21, 2000 to October 8, 2003, the Companys common stock traded on the NASDAQ Electronic Bulletin Board. On October 9, 2003, the Companys common stock began trading on the American Stock Exchange under the trading symbol AXK.
The table set forth below presents the range, of the high and the low sales price per share of Common Stock for the past two years on a quarterly basis.
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Quarter Ended | High | Low | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fiscal 2006 | |||||
October 31, 2005 | $ 3 | .33 | $ 2 | .94 | |
January 31, 2006 | $ 3 | .30 | $ 2 | .70 | |
April 30, 2006 | $ 3 | .25 | $ 2 | .75 | |
July 31, 2006 | $ 3 | .15 | $ 2 | .01 | |
Fiscal 2005 | |||||
October 31, 2004 | $ 3 | .40 | $ 2 | .30 | |
January 31, 2005 | $ 3 | .35 | $ 1 | .99 | |
April 30, 2005 | $ 2 | .45 | $ 1 | .97 | |
July 31, 2005 | $ 2 | .35 | $ 2 | .00 | |
The closing price for our Common Stock on October 27, 2006 was $2.36. On October 15, 2006, the Company had approximately 338 shareholders of record, which does not include shareholders whose shares are held in street or nominee names. The Company believes that there are approximately 1,652 beneficial owners of its Common Stock.
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefore. To date, no dividends have been declared by the Board of Directors, nor does the Board of Directors anticipate declaring and paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
On January 18, 2001, Accelr8 purchased the OpTest technology assets from DDx and commenced investment in development and optimization of OpTests surface chemistry (OptiChem) and quantitative instrument (QuanDx). Our proprietary surface chemistry and its quantitative instruments support rapid assessment of medical diagnostics, food-borne pathogens, water-borne pathogens and bio-warfare assessments. The Company sells advanced microarray slides coated with its proprietary OptiChem activated surface chemistry for use in academic research, drug discovery and molecular diagnostics. This surface coating has the ability to shed sticky biomolecules that interfere with bio-analytical assays such as microarrays and immunoassays. This property substantially improves analytical performance by enabling higher sensitivity, greater reproducibility, and higher throughput by virtue of simplified application methods.
On November 24, 2004, the Company entered into a worldwide exclusive manufacturing and marketing license agreement (the License Agreement) with SCHOTT Jenaer Glas GmbH (SCHOTT).
Pursuant to the License Agreement SCHOTT paid the Company a non-refundable fee of $100,000, of which $50,000 was credited against future royalties. An additional $15,000 in revenue was paid for training supplied to SCHOTT. During the 2-year term of the License Agreement SCHOTT agreed to pay Accelr8 a royalty payment equal to 6% of net sales of products licensed under the License Agreement. If the total net sales during the initial 2-year term equal or exceed, $1,125,000, then the total royalty payable by SCHOTT for the initial term shall be a flat fee of $90,000. An optional 1-year extension has been exercised by SCHOTT for non-exclusive manufacturing through November 2007.
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On June 2, 2005, we entered into a second supply agreement (the Second Supply Agreement) with SCHOTT Jenaer Glas GmbH (SCHOTT). Pursuant to the Second Supply Agreement, we supplied 5,000 OptArray Streptavidin coated microarrying slides (Slide HS) to SCHOTT on a non-exclusive basis at a price of $20.82 each for the first 1,000 slides and $17.15 for the remaining slides purchased under the Second Supply Agreement. The Second Supply Agreement with SCHOTT expired on December 31, 2005. We also granted an option to SCHOTT for a non-exclusive right to manufacture and sell, up to 12,500 glass slides, from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. In return for this right, SCHOTT agreed to provide 7,500 glass substrates to Accelr8 at no charge. The value of the slides is $12,750 and has been recorded as option revenue. On September 27, 2005, SCHOTT exercised the worldwide non-exclusive right to make, use, sell, offer to sell, import and export 12,500 Slide HS from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. In connection with the exercise of this right, SCHOTT paid the Company $15,000 for training on manufacturing of Slide HS and the Company will receive an 8% royalty of SCHOTTs (or its affiliates) net sales of Slide HS. On September 27, 2005, SCHOTT provided notice that it intended to exercise its right to negotiate an exclusive license for the application of the Companys OptiChem streptavidin coated microarrying slides. No agreement was reached during fiscal year 2006. However, SCHOTT did elect to exercise its right to non-exclusive production through December 31, 2006.
For a complete description of the research and development we intend to perform during fiscal 2007, see Item 1. Description of Business. We also intend to begin BACcel-1.0 product design and development for in fiscal 2007. In addition, we expect to conduct further custom OptiChem coating development in projects funded by industrial customers.
Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-KSB. The selected financial data as of July 31, 2006 and 2005 and for each of the two years in the period ended July 31, 2006 have been derived from our financial statements which have been audited by our independent auditors and included elsewhere in this Form 10-KSB. The selected financial data provided below is not necessarily indicative of our future results of operations or financial performance.
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Year Ended July 31, |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Statement of Operations Data: | 2006 | 2005 | |||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | |||||||
Total Revenue | 213 | 209 | |||||
Loss from operations | (3,031 | ) | (2,091 | ) | |||
Weighted average shares outstanding | 9,967,034 | 9,961,210 | |||||
Basic and diluted net loss per share | $ (0.30 | ) | $ (0.21 | ) | |||
Balance Sheet Data: | 2006 | 2005 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Working capital |
$2,922 | $ 5,634 | |||
Current assets | 3,084 | 6,131 | |||
Current liabilities | 162 | 497 | |||
Total assets | 7,848 | 11,008 | |||
Total liabilities | 1,109 | 1,340 | |||
Shareholders equity | 6,739 | 9,668 | |||
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of net sales represented by certain items included in the Companys Statements of Operations:
Fiscal year ended July 31, | 2006 |
2005 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total revenues from operations |
100 | % | 100 | % | |
Research and development | (1014 | ) | (259 | ) | |
General and administrative | (390 | ) | (185 | ) | |
Amortization | (111 | ) | (47 | ) | |
Cost of sales | (20 | ) | (31 | ) | |
Marketing and sales | (35 | ) | (12 | ) | |
Depreciation | (37 | ) | (14 | ) | |
Net loss | (1425 | )% | (416 | )% | |
Changes in Results of Operations: Year ended July 31, 2006 compared to year ended July 31, 2005
OptiChem slide revenues for the year ended July 31, 2006 were $155,701 as compared to $336,610 for the year ended July 31, 2005, resulting in a decrease of $180,909, or 53.7%. The decrease in OptiChem revenues was primarily due to a decrease in sales of slide H to SCHOTT.
Consulting fees and training for the year ended July 31, 2006 were $57,000. These fees were the result of $30,000 in training to SCHOTT and $27,000 in consulting fees for OptiChem custom development. During the year ended July 31, 2005, consulting fees were $90,000, the result of License and Option fees that were not present during the year ended July 31, 2006.
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Research and development expenses for the year ended July 31, 2006, were $2,155,988 as compared to $1,304,888 during the year ended July 31, 2005, an increase of $851,101 or 65.2%. The major increase was due to an increase in BACcelr8r consulting fees paid to an outside engineering firm. The consulting fees were $1,143,550 during the year ended July 31, 2006 as compared to $533,541during the year ended July 31, 2005, an increase of $610,009 or 114.3% Another increase was due to laboratory supplies related to the BACcelr8r. The laboratory expense and supplies were $355,975 for the year ended July 31, 2006 as compared to $153,662 for the year ended July 31, 2005, an increase of $202,313 or 131.7%.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended July 31, 2006 were $828,745 as compared to $933,183 during the year ended July 31, 2005, a decrease of $104,438 or 11.2%. The following summarizes the major components of the changes:
2006 |
2005 |
Increase (Decrease) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audit and Accounting |
$ 37,170 | $ 46,470 | $ (9,300 | ) | |||
Consulting Fees | 40,150 | 99,320 | (59,170 | ) | |||
Corporate and Shareholder | 51,023 | 74,159 | (23,135 | ) | |||
Corporate Insurance | 43,161 | 54,744 | (11,583 | ) | |||
Deferred Compensation | 86,169 | 101,332 | (15,163 | ) | |||
Employee Benefits | 103,821 | 115,048 | (11,227 | ) | |||
Payroll Taxes | 70,334 | 61,750 | 8,584 | ||||
Salaries | 319,227 | 286,452 | 32,775 | ||||
Travel | 13,105 | 13,006 | 99 | ||||
Legal | 30,078 | 37,086 | (7,008 | ) | |||
Miscellaneous Other | 34,507 | 43,816 | (9,309 | ) | |||
$828,745 | $ 933,183 | $(104,437 | ) | ||||
The decrease in audit and accounting was due to a change in auditors. The decrease in consulting fees of $59,170 was due to a decrease in fees paid to several consultants. Corporate and shareholder expenses were reduced by $23,135 because: (i) a nine month investor relations contract was fulfilled early in the fiscal year, and (ii) a public relations contract was converted to a per use basis. The decrease in Corporate Insurance was the result of a renewal of D&O insurance at a reduced rate through more competitive bidding. The change in deferred compensation was due to a market loss on related investments. Employee benefits were reduced by $11,227 during fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, because of a fewer full time employees. Payroll taxes and salaries expense increased due to several employee compensation increases. Legal fees decreased by $7,008 because $70,000 in legal fees were related to patent applications and filings relating to the BACcelr8r and were capitalized.
The increase in amortization for the year ended July, 31 2006 was negligible.
Cost of goods sold for the year ended July 31, 2006 were $41,604 compared to $155,508 during the year ended July 31, 2005, a decrease of $113,904 or 73.2%. This decrease was due to a decrease in sales. The cost of goods sold as a percentage of OptiChem revenues was 19.6% for the year ended July 31, 2006 as compared to 46.2% for the year ended July 31, 2005. This decrease is due to greater efficiency in production and decreased cost of materials.
Marketing and sales expenses were $74,909 for the year ended July 31, 2006 as compared to $61,795 during the year ended July 31, 2005, an increase of $13,114 or 21.2%. The increase was due to a contract with a vendor to write an Executive Informational Overview (EIO) for Accelr8 Technology Corp.
26
Depreciation for the year ended July 31, 2005 was $79,295 as compared to $70,075 during the year ended July 31, 2005 an increase of $9,220 or 13.2%. The increased depreciation was primarily the result of additional laboratory equipment being placed into service and depreciated.
As a result of these factors, loss from operations for the year ended July 31, 2006 was $3,204,523 as compared to a loss of $2,258,947 for the year ended July 31, 2005, an increased loss of $945,576 or 41.9%.
Interest and dividend income for the year ended July 31, 2006 was $181,243 as compared to $153,312 for the year ended July 31, 2005, an increase of $27,931 or 18.2%. The increase was due to an increased in interest earned on our cash balance because of increases in interest rates throughout the fiscal year.
Unrealized loss on marketable securities held in the deferred compensation trust for the year ended July 31, 2006 was $15,671 as compared to an unrealized gain of $13,064 during the year ended July 31, 2005. The unrealized loss was a result of market fluctuations.
Miscellaneous Other Expenses were $34,507 for the year ended July 31, 2006 as compared to $43,816 for the year ended July 31, 2005. A decrease of $9,309 or 21.2% was due to a decrease in office supplies expense and printing costs.
As a result of these factors, net loss for the year ended July 31, 2006 was $3,030,621 as compared to $2,090,800 during the year ended July 31, 2005, an increased loss of $939,821 or 45%.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
As of July 31, 2006, the Company had $3,004,336 in cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $2,559,923 from $5,564,259 at July 31, 2005. The primary reasons for change in cash and cash equivalents were cash used for operating activities of $2,737,796 offset by $177,873 net cash provided in investing activities.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, the Companys current assets decreased to $3,084,175 from $6,130,614 and the Companys liquidity during the same period, as measured by cash and cash equivalents, decreased by 54.0% from $5,564,259 to $3,004,336. The Companys working capital decreased by 30.2% from $5,633,524 to $2,921,687 and shareholders equity decreased 30.9% from $9,668,340 to $6,678,785 as a result of an increased in accumulated deficit of $3,031,385.
For the year ended July 31, 2006, we spent $2,155,988 on research and development expenses. As of the date of this annual report, we have only realized nominal revenues from the sale of our products. Notwithstanding our investments in research and development, there can be no assurance that the BACcelr8r or any of our other products will be successful, or even if they are successful, will provide sufficient revenues to continue our current operations. If we are unable to realize any revenues from our products, we will require additional funds from other sources to continue operations. As of July 31, 2006, management believes that current cash balances will be sufficient to fund our capital and liquidity needs for the next twenty four months. If the company continues to expend its capital resources at the current rate in the research and development of the BACcelr8r, it may have to seek capital resources from other sources to meet its obligations in the future.
27
Capital Commitments
As of July 31, 2006, the Company had one outstanding lease commitment in the amount of $64,344 through September 30, 2007 and an employment agreement with our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer which calls for the aggregate payments of approximately $340,000 over the next 18 months. See Note 12 to financial statements Operating Leases and Employment Agreement.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), which replaces SFAS 123 and supercedes APB Opinion No. 25. SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The proforma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. For the Company, SFAS 123R is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Early application of SFAS 123R was encouraged, but not required. We adopted SFAS 123R on February 1, 2006 using the modified prospective application method described in the statement. Under the modified prospective application method, we will apply the standard to new awards, and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the required effective date. Additionally, compensation cost for the unvested portion of awards outstanding as of the required effected date will be recognized as compensation expense as the requisite service is rendered after the required effective date.
The Company has elected to use the modified prospective transition method for adopting SFAS No. 123R, which requires the recognition of stock-based compensation cost on a prospective basis; therefore, prior period financial statements have not been restated. Under this method, the provisions of SFAS No. 123R are applied to all awards granted after the adoption date and to awards not yet vested with unrecognized expense at the adoption date based on the estimated fair value at grant date as determined under the original provisions of SFAS No. 123. The impact of forfeitures that may occur prior to vesting is also estimated and considered in the amount recognized. Pursuant to the requirements of SFAS No. 123R, the Company will continue to present the pro forma information for periods prior to the adoption date.
The Company has historically used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant. This model derives the fair value of stock options based on certain assumptions related to expected stock price volatility, expected option life, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. The Companys expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Companys stock price over the most recent period commensurate with the expected term of the stock option award. The estimated expected option life is based primarily on historical employee exercise patterns. The Company has not paid dividends in the past and does not have any plans to pay any dividends in the future.
As of July 31, 2006, total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to unvested stock options was approximately $25,896. For the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company recognized $18,765 in stock based compensation costs related to the issuance of options to employees under SFAS 123R. For the year ended July 31, 2006, the total recognized stock based compensation costs related to the extension of currently existing, fully vested options was $67,836. This cost was calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 123R and is reflected in operating expenses.
In August 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. SFAS 154 changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle, requiring, in general, retrospective application to prior periods financial statements of changes in accounting principle. The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 154 which are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption did not have a material effect on the results of operations of the Company.
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments - an Amendment to FASB Statement Nos. 133 and 140 (SFAS 155). This issuance is effective for fiscal year ends beginning after September 16, 2006. The Company does not expect the issuance to effect current reporting.
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets - and Amendment to FASB Stmt No. 140 (SFAS 156). This issuance is effective for fiscal year ends beginning after September 16, 2006. The Company does not expect the issuance to effect current reporting.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). The changes to current practice resulting from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. This issuance is effective for fiscal year ends beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the issuance to effect current reporting.
28
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We generate revenue as follows:
Consulting revenue is recognized as services are performed. |
OptiChem revenue is recognized upon shipping of the product to the customer. |
Deferred revenue represents amounts billed but not yet earned under consulting agreements. |
Deferred Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. As of July 31, 2006 and July 31, 2005, we have established a valuation allowance equal to our net deferred tax asset, as we have not been able to determine that we will generate sufficient future taxable income to allow us to realize the deferred tax asset.
Intangible Assets
We amortize our intangible assets over the period the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows. We evaluate the remaining useful life of each intangible asset that is being amortized each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.
We review our intangible assets for impairment each reporting period as discussed below under Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets. An impairment loss will be recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
Impairment of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets
We assess the impairment of identifiable intangibles and long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; |
29
significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; |
significant negative industry or economic trends; |
significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and |
our market capitalization relative to net book value. |
When we determine that the carrying value of intangibles and long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are also based on legal factors, market conditions and expected future operational performance of related product lines of the identifiable intangible. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that our identifiable assets are impaired. Management believes that the amounts carried on our balance sheet are recoverable, and that our intangible assets are not impaired at this time. Managements belief is based upon an independent valuation of our intangibles that was obtained from a third party valuation firm and managements assessment of the fair value of our intangibles. Our intangibles constitute a significant portion of our assets, and as a result, any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations in the future. We also evaluate the remaining estimated useful lives of each asset each reporting period and determine whether events or circumstances require revised useful lives.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses include salaries and related expenses associated with the development of our technology and include compensation paid to engineering personnel and fees to consultants.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth information with respect to our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of July 31, 2006.
Contractual Obligations(3)
Payments Due By Period
Total | 1 to 3 years | 4 to 5 years | More than 5 years |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Office and Laboratory |
$ 64,344 | $ 64,344 | -0- | -0- | |||||
Lease Payments(1) | |||||||||
Thomas V. Geimer | $340,000 | $340,000 | -0- | -0- | |||||
Employment Contract(2) |
(1) | Includes monthly deposits for taxes and assessments, landlord's liability insurance and common facilities charges. We have a three-year lease agreement that began on October 1, 2004 for our office and laboratory located at 7000 North Broadway, Building 3-307, Denver, Colorado 80221. |
(2) | Calculated as of July 31, 2006. Mr. Geimers employment agreement expires on December 31, 2007. See Item 10Executive Compensation. |
(3) | Excludes accounts payable and accrued liabilities. |
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Item 7. Financial Statements
The response to this item is submitted as a separate section of this report beginning on page F-1.
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not Applicable.
Item 8A. Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of the Companys management, including Thomas V. Geimer, the Companys Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of July 31, 2006. Based on that evaluation, Mr. Geimer concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Such officers also confirm that there was no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting during the year ended July 31, 2006.
Item 8B. Other Information.
Not Applicable.
PART III
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons; Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Set forth below is certain information concerning the directors, executive officers and key employees and consultants of the Company as of the date hereof.
Directors, Executive Officers, and Key Employees and Key Consultants | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas V. Geimer |
59 | Secretary, Chief Executive Officer, | |||||||
Chief Financial Officer, Chairman of the Board | |||||||||
David C. Howson | 63 | President | |||||||
Charles E. Gerretson (1) | 60 | Director | |||||||
A. Alexander Arnold III (1) | 65 | Director | |||||||
Michael J. Lochhead, Ph.D | 41 | Senior Scientist | |||||||
Jeffrey D. Shafer, Ph.D | 43 | Senior Research Bio-Informatics Scientist | |||||||
Steven W. Metzger | 32 | Senior Scientist | |||||||
David W. Grainger, Ph.D | 45 | Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board, Consultant | |||||||
David Goldberg, Ph.D | 51 | Consultant | |||||||
Marin Kollef, MD | 48 | Consultant |
__________
(1) | Members of the Audit and Compensation Committees |
Officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Each director holds office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified. All of our officers devote their full-time to our business and affairs. There are no family relationships between any directors, executive officers or key employees or consultants.
31
Thomas V. Geimer has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors and a director of Accelr8 since 1987. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company. Mr. Geimer is responsible for development of our business strategy, day-to-day operations, accounting and finance functions. Before assuming full-time responsibilities at the Company, Mr. Geimer founded and operated an investment banking firm.
David Howson became the President of the Company in April 2004. Previously Mr. Howson was a consultant to the Company and had acted as the Director for Business Development since January 2001. Mr. Howson is responsible for coordinating business plan development and execution. Before assuming responsibilities at the Company, Mr. Howson founded and operated the Altro Group, LLC, a medical technology consulting firm. His clients at Altro included medical industry leaders such as Pfizer, Boston Scientific, and Becton Dickinson. Mr. Howson had previously founded and managed three companies for advanced medical devices. From 1966 through 1970, Mr. Howson was enrolled in the Neurobiology Doctoral Program at Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Hobart College in 1966.
A. Alexander Arnold III has served as a director of the Company since September 1992. For the past 25 years Mr. Arnold has served as a Managing Director of Trainer, Wortham & Co., Inc., a New York City-based investment counseling firm. Mr. Arnold received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rollins College in 1964 and a Masters of Business Administration from Boston University in 1966.
Charles E. Gerretson was appointed a director of the Company on July 19, 2003. For the past 28 years, Mr. Gerretson has served as the President of Gerretson Realty, Inc., a Denver Colorado based real estate firm, which Mr. Gerretson founded. Mr. Gerretson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1968. Mr. Gerretson was formerly a CPA with Arthur Andersen and Company and currently heads the Companys Audit Committee.
Employees and Consultants
Michael J. Lochhead, Ph.D. has been a Senior Scientist with Accelr8 since April 2001. Dr. Lochhead is responsible for product design and development. From 1998 through 2001, Dr. Lochhead was an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Lochhead received a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1995. He is a surface chemist responsible for coating formulations and scalable manufacturing processes.
Steven W. Metzger has been a research scientist with the Company since April 2001, and is now a Senior Scientist. From 2000 through 2001, Mr. Metzger was responsible for the implementation of merging core technologies at Heska Corporation. He was previously employed by Geo-Centers, Inc. under contract at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. where he focused on bio-warfare pathogen detection. Mr. Metzger received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Colorado College in 1996.
Jeffrey D. Shafer Ph.D. has been a Senior Research Bio-Informatics Scientist since September 9, 2006. Dr Shafer was previously employed as a Senior Performance Analyst at Sun Microsystems from 2003-2006. At Sun Microsystems he developed and implemented application software to facilitate the collection, display and statistical analysis of storage array performance data, including configuration and sizing. Dr Shafer received a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from the University of Colorado and a Ph.D in Theoretical Particle Physics from the University of Colorado in 1998.
32
David W. Grainger, Ph.D. has been a consultant to the Company since January 2001. Since 1994, Dr. Grainger has taught as a Professor and Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Colorado State University. From 1998 through 1999, Dr. Grainger was the President and Chief Scientific Officer for Gamma-A Technologies, Inc. Dr. Grainger received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Engineering from Dartmouth College in 1983 and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Utah in 1987. Dr. Grainger chaired the prestigious Gordon Conference on Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials in 2001. He has been a consultant to companies such as Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Ciba-Geigy, and others.
David Goldberg, Ph.D. has been a consultant to the Company since October 2002. Dr. Goldberg received his Doctorate in Biology from the California Institute of Technology. He did postdoctoral studies at Harvard and at the Molecular Biology Laboratory of the MRC, Cambridge. Dr. Goldberg has wide-ranging expertise in analytical systems and engineering as well as molecular biology. He is the inventor of the Companys proprietary molecular capture methodology and has been an officer / founder of various startup technology companies that have focused on areas that apply to our business, i.e. vapor deposition sputtering and tunable thin film filter technologies.
Marin Kollef, M.D., FACP, FCCP has been a consultant to the Company since October of 2004. For the past five years Dr. Kollef has been self employed as a consultant to Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Dr. Kollef is a Professor of Medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit, and Director of Respiratory Care Services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Dr. Kollef is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point (1979) and received his degree as Doctor of Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (1983). Dr. Kollef has advised the Company on clinical applications and the major issues involved in managing infectious diseases in critically ill patients.
Scientific Advisory Board
The Company established a Scientific Advisory Board in 2003. Dr. David Grainger is Chairman and Dr. David Goldberg is a member.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
During the past five years, none of our directors, executive officers or persons that may be deemed promoters is or has been involved in any legal proceeding concerning (i) any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; (ii) any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); (iii) been subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activity; or (iv) been found by a court, the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law (and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated).
Board Committees
The Board of Directors maintains a Compensation Committee and an Audit Committee. The members of the Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee are Mr. Arnold and Mr. Gerretson, the Companys independent directors. The Compensation Committee did not meet during the last fiscal year. The Audit Committee held five meetings during the last fiscal year. The Audit Committees financial expert is Charles E. Gerretson.
33
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Companys audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2006.
The Audit Committee has also discussed with Comiskey & Company, P.C. the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended, by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Comiskey & Company, P.C. required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as amended, and has discussed with Comiskey & Company, P.C. their independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements referred to above be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended July 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Audit Committee of The Board of Directors
A.
Alexander Arnold III |
Compliance With Section 16(a) of The Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, generally requires the Companys directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Companys equity securities (10% owners) to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Directors and executive officers and 10% owners are required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Companys knowledge, based solely on review of copies of such reports furnished to us and verbal representations that no other reports were required to be filed during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its directors, executive officers and 10% owners were met.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics for its principal executive officer and senior financial officers and a code of ethics and standards of conduct, that is applicable to all directors, officers and employees. Stockholders may request a free copy of these documents from:
Accelr8
Technology Corporation |
Item 10. Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table. The following table sets forth the annual and long-term compensation for services in all capacities to the Company in the three fiscal years ended July 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, of Thomas V. Geimer and David C. Howson, the Companys most highly compensated executive officers.
34
Annual Compensation | Long Term Compensation | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name and Principal Position |
Fiscal Year |
Salary | Other | Other Annual Compensation |
Securities Underlying Options |
|||||||||||||
Thomas V. Geimer | 2006 | $165,000 | $75,000 | (1) | $ | | ||||||||||||
Chief Executive | 2005 | $165,000 | $75,000 | (1) | $ | | ||||||||||||
Officer and Chief | 2004 | $165,000 | $75,000 | (1) | $ | | ||||||||||||
Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||||||
David C. Howson | 2006 | $120,000 | | $ | ||||||||||||||
President | 2005 | $120,000 | | $ | 300,000 | (3) | ||||||||||||
2004 | $102,039 | (2) | | $ | | |||||||||||||
(1) | Represents deferred compensation for Mr. Geimer pursuant to the Companys deferred compensation plan, $75,000 of which vested during each of the fiscal years ended July 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. |
(2) | Includes $66,500 paid to Mr. Howson as a consultant from August 1, 2003 to March, 2004. |
(3) | Options at $2.57, of which 225,000 are vested and 75,000 are unvested. |
Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
There were no options granted during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 to either Thomas V. Geimer or David C. Howson.
Option Values
The
following table provides certain information concerning the fiscal year end value of
unexercised options held by Mr. Geimer and Mr. Howson.
Aggregated
Option Exercises in 2006 Fiscal Year
and Fiscal Year End Option Values
Name |
Shares Acquired on Exercise |
Value Realized |
Number of Unexercised Options at Fiscal Year End |
Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options Fiscal Year End(1) |
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exer- cisable |
Unexer- cisable |
Exer- cisable |
Unexer- cisable |
||||||||||||||||
Thomas V. Geimer | 0 | 0 | 300,000 | (2) | 0 | $227,000 | $0 | ||||||||||||
David Howson | 0 | 0 | 225,000 | (3) | 75,000 | (3) | $0 | $0 | |||||||||||
__________
(1) | Value calculated by determining the difference between the closing sales price on July 31, 2006, of $2.39 per share and the exercise price of the options. Fair market value was not discounted for restricted nature of any stock purchased on exercise of these options. |
(2) | Includes 200,000 options exercisable at a price of $1.45 per share and 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $1.50 per share. |
(3) | The options granted to Mr. Howson are exercisable at a price of $2.57 per share. |
Effective December 1, 2002, we entered into an employment agreement with our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Mr. Thomas V. Geimer. The agreement was negotiated and approved by the Compensation Committee. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $165,000 with annual deferred compensation of $75,000. The agreement expires on December 31, 2007. In the event of termination by mutual agreement, termination with cause, as defined in the agreement, death or permanent incapacity or voluntary termination, Mr. Geimer or his estate would be entitled to the sum of the base salary and unreimbursed expenses accrued to the date of termination and any other amounts due under the agreement. In the event of termination without cause, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Geimer would be entitled to the sum of the base salary and unreimbursed expenses accrued to the date of termination and any other amounts due under the agreement and an amount equal to the greater of Mr. Geimers annual base salary (12 months of salary) or any other amounts remaining due to Mr. Geimer under the agreement, which as of July 31, 2006 would be $340,000. Additionally, in the event of a change in control, any unpaid amounts due under the initial term of the agreement for both base salary and deferred compensation would be payable plus five times the sum of the base salary and deferred compensation.
Compensation Pursuant to Plans
Deferred Compensation Plan. In January 1996, we established a deferred compensation plan for our employees. Contributions to the plan are provided for under the employment agreement detailed above. For each of the fiscal years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, we contributed $75,000 to the plan. The $75,000 contribution for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 was made on October 12, 2006.
On October 14, 1997, Thomas V. Geimer exercised an aggregate of 1,140,000 warrants and options to acquire 1,140,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.24 per share. Under the terms of the Rabbi Trust, we will hold the shares in trust and carry the shares as held for employee benefit by the Company. The Rabbi Trust provides that upon Mr. Geimers death, disability, or termination of his employment the shares will be released ratably over the subsequent ten (10) years, unless the Board of Directors determines otherwise. See Note 14 to the Financial Statement for further information.
Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Compensation Plans
The table set forth below presents the securities authorized for issuance with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance as of July 31, 2006:
36
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the 1st column) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Equity Compensation | 970,000 | $ 2.06 | 467,500 | ||||||
Plans approved by | |||||||||
security holders | |||||||||
Equity Compensation | 200,000 | $ 2.25 | N/A | ||||||
Plans not approved by | |||||||||
security holders | |||||||||
Total | 1,170,000 | 467,500 | |||||||
(1) | In connection with the purchase of the YoDx technology, the Company agreed to issue an additional 200,000 stock options with the same terms as the Companys Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan upon the earlier of (a) the Company achieving certain accumulated revenue levels associated with the YoDx technology or (b) a change in control of the Company prior to the expiration date of the options. As of October 15, 2006, the contingent provisions have not been met and the options have not been granted. The Company has reserved a sufficient number of shares for such options. |
The 1996 Stock Option Plans
The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan (the Qualified Plan) which provides for the grant of options to purchase an aggregate of not more than 700,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock. The purpose of the Qualified Plan is to make options available to management and employees of the Company in order to provide them with a more direct stake in the future of the Company and to encourage them to remain with the Company. The Qualified Plan provides for the granting to management and employees of incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code).
The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted a non-qualified stock option plan (the Non-Qualified Plan) which provides for the grant of options to purchase an aggregate of not more than 300,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock. The purpose of the Non-Qualified Plan is to provide certain key consultants, independent contractors, technical advisors and directors of the Company with options in order to provide additional rewards and incentives for contributing to the success of the Company. These options are not incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
The Qualified Plan and the Non-Qualified Plan (the Stock Option Plans) are administered by a committee (the Committee) appointed by the Board of Directors which determines the persons to be granted options under the Stock Option Plans and the number of shares subject to each option. No options granted under the Stock Option Plans are transferable by the optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and each option is exercisable, during the lifetime of the optionee, only by such optionee. Any options granted to an employee terminate 90 days after his ceasing to be an employee, except in limited circumstances, including death of the employee, and where the Committee deems it to be in the Companys best interests not to terminate the options.
37
The exercise price of all incentive stock options granted under the Qualified Plan must be equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant as determined by the Committee, based on guidelines set forth in the Qualified Plan. The exercise price may be paid in cash or (if the Qualified Plan shall meet the requirements of rules adopted under the Exchange Act) in Common Stock or a combination of cash and Common Stock. The term of each option and the manner in which it may be exercised will be determined by the Committee, subject to the requirement that no option may be exercisable more than 10 years after the date of grant. With respect to an incentive stock option granted to a participant who owns more than 10% of the voting rights of the Companys outstanding capital stock on the date of grant, the exercise price of the option must be at least equal to 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant and the option may not be exercisable more than five years after the date of grant.
The Stock Option Plans were approved by our shareholders at a special shareholders meeting held on November 8, 1996. At the annual meeting of shareholders held on December 12, 2002, shareholders approved the following amendments to the Qualified Plan and the Non-Qualified Plan: (i) the Committee was given the power to amend and alter the Qualified Plan and the Non-Qualified Plan so long as the amendments do not affect any outstanding options; (ii) provide that any shares cancelled, terminated, or expired pursuant to the Qualified Plan and the Non-Qualified Plan be made available for purposes of the Qualified Plan and the Non-Qualified Plan; (iii) provide that the cashless exercise provision of the Qualified Plan and the Non-Qualified Plan be in the sole discretion of the Committee; and (iv) extended the expiration date of the Qualified Plan and the Non-Qualified Plan until December 12, 2012.
As of July 31, 2006, 599,000 options had been granted pursuant to the Qualified Plan with 12,500 of these options exercised, 179,000 options that expired, leaving 280,000 available for grant and 300,000 options had been granted pursuant to the Non-Qualified Plan with 75,000 of these options exercised, 50,000 options that expired and 50,000 available for grant.
2004 Omnibus Stock Option Plan
On December 14, 2004, the shareholders approved the Companys 2004 Omnibus Stock Option Plan (the Omnibus Plan). The Omnibus Plan authorizes the issuance of up to five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of the Companys Common Stock. The purpose of the Omnibus Plan is to promote the growth of the Company by permitting the Company to grant options (Options) to purchase shares of its Common Stock, to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility and to provide certain key employees, independent contractors, consultants, technical advisors and directors of the Company with a more direct stake in the future of the Company and provide an additional incentive to contribute to the success of the Company.
The Omnibus Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board or any committee of the Board performing similar functions, as appointed from time to time by the Board (the Omnibus Committee). Pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Plan, the Omnibus Committee may grant either incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code) or nonqualified stock options, provided that incentive stock options may not be granted to independent contractors and consultants. The exercise price of all incentive stock options granted under the Omnibus Plan must be equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant as determined by the Omnibus Committee, based on guidelines set forth in the Omnibus Plan. The exercise price of nonqualified stock options granted under the Omnibus Plan shall be not less than 50% of the fair market value of a share on the date of grant of such Option. The Omnibus Committee may grant on behalf of the Company, Options to purchase shares of the Companys Common Stock to any key employee, independent contractor, consultant, technical advisor or director.
As of July 31, 2006, 377,500 options had been granted pursuant to the Omnibus Plan with none of these options exercised and 15,000 expired leaving 137,500 available for grant.
38
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of October 15, 2006 by (i) each person who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the Companys outstanding Common Stock; (ii) each of the Companys executive officers and directors; and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group. The calculation excludes 1,129,110 shares which are held by the Rabbi Trust for the benefit of Thomas V. Geimer. Further, Mr. Geimer does not have voting power over the shares that are held in the Rabbi Trust. Common Stock not outstanding but deemed beneficially owned by virtue of the right of an individual to acquire shares is treated as outstanding only when determining the amount and percentage of Common Stock owned by such individual. Except as noted, each person or entity has sole voting and sole dispositve power with respect to the shares shown.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Shares Beneficially Owned |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number |
Percent |
||||||||
Thomas V. Geimer (1) | 348,700 | 3 | .81% | ||||||
7000 North Broadway, Building 3-307 | |||||||||
Denver, Colorado 80221 | |||||||||
A. Alexander Arnold III(2) | 868,000 | 9 | .73% | ||||||
845 Third Ave., 6th Floor | |||||||||
New York, NY 10021 | |||||||||
Charles E. Gerretson(3) | 128,150 | 1 | .45% | ||||||
7000 North Broadway, Building 3-307 | |||||||||
Denver, Colorado 80221 | |||||||||
David Howson(4) | 300,000 | 3 | .28% | ||||||
7000 North Broadway, Building 3-307 | |||||||||
Denver, Colorado 80221 | |||||||||
Executive Officers and Directors | 1,644,850 | 17 | .26% | ||||||
as a Group (4 persons) | |||||||||
(1) | Does not include 1,129,110 shares, which were purchased by Mr. Geimer upon exercise of warrants and options. Mr. Geimer exercised these options and warrants on October 14, 1997, and simultaneously contributed the shares acquired to a Rabbi Trust. See Note 9 to Financial Statements for further information. Includes 300,000 shares, which may be purchased by Mr. Geimer upon exercise of options. Includes 400 shares held in brokerage accounts for Mr. Geimers children, in which Mr. Geimer has the power and authority to dispose of the shares held by these accounts. |
(2) | Includes 730,000 shares held by four trusts. Mr. Arnold merely serves as trustee for each of those trusts, but is not a beneficiary of and has no pecuniary interest in any of those trusts. Also includes 63,000 shares held in investment advisory accounts for which Mr. Arnold serves as the investment advisor. Also includes 75,000 shares, which may be purchased by Mr. Arnold upon exercise of options. |
(3) | Includes: (i) 103,250 shares owned directly by Mr. Gerretson and (ii) 10,000 shares, which may be purchased by Mr. Gerretson upon exercise of options which options expire on March 15, 2015. Also includes 14,900 shares held in brokerage and retirement accounts of individuals in which Mr. Gerretson has the power and authority to dispose of the shares held by these accounts. Mr. Gerretson disclaims any beneficial ownership with respect to such shares. |
(4) | Includes 300,000 shares, which may be purchased by Mr. Howson upon exercise of options which options expire on March 15, 2015, of which 75,000 stock options shall vest if and only if prior to the expiration date of the Options, the Company closes on a transfer for the sale of the Company assets or the acquisition of the Company in which the Companys shareholders receive aggregate consideration at closing equal to or greater than $250,000,000. |
39
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
During fiscal year 1996, we established a deferred compensation plan for our employees. We may make discretionary contributions to the plan based on recommendations from the Board of Directors. As of July 31, 2005, the Board of Directors had authorized deferred compensation totaling $825,000 since fiscal year 1996 to Mr. Geimer of which $750,000 had been funded. The $75,000 representing the difference between the authorized deferred compensation and the funded deferred compensation was funded on October 12, 2006.
There were no other transactions or series of transactions for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, nor are there any currently proposed transactions, or series of the same to which we are a party, in which the amount involved exceeds $60,000 and in which, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, executive officer, nominee, 5% shareholder or any member of the immediate family of the foregoing persons, have or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Item 13. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
14.1 | Code of Ethics for Accelr8s principal executive officer and senior financial officers |
14.2 | Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct |
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
(b) Financial Statements
The following financial statements of the Company are included in Item 7:
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Comiskey & Company, P.C.
Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2006 and 2005
Statements of Operations for the years ended
July 31, 2006 and 2005
Statements of Stockholders Equity for the years ended July
31, 2006 and 2005
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005
Notes to Financial Statements
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The aggregate fees billed by Comiskey & Company, P.C. for professional services rendered for the audit of the Companys annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, including the reviews of the unaudited interim financial statements of the Companys Form 10-QSBs was approximately $37,000 and $32,000, respectively.
40
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Comiskey & Company, P.C. for professional services rendered for the tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 (Tax Fees) was $0 and $0, respectively.
All other Fees
Comiskey & Company, P.C. did not perform any professional services other than those set forth above for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
The Audit Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent auditor, subject to any de minimus exceptions that may be set for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(l)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the Committee prior to the completion of the audit.
None of the hours expended on the principal accountants engagement to audit the Companys financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountants full-time permanent employees.
41
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ACCELR8 TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION |
Date: October 30, 2006
By: /s/ David C. Howson |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: October 30, 2006
By: /s/ Thomas V. Geimer
|
Date: October 30, 2006
By: /s/ David Loftus
|
Date: October 30, 2006
By: /s/ A. Alexander Arnold III
|
Date: October 30, 2006
By: /s/ Charles E. Gerretson
|
42
ACCELR8 TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2006 and 2005
ACCELR8 TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | |||
---|---|---|---|
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
F-1 | ||
BALANCE SHEETS | F-2 | ||
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | F-3 | ||
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | F-4 | ||
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | F-5 | ||
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | F-6 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of
Directors
Accelr8 Technology Corporation
Denver, Colorado
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Accelr8 Technology Corporation (a Colorado corporation) as of July 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related statements of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows for the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Accelr8 Technology Corporation as of July 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of its operations and changes in its cash flows for the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Denver,
Colorado
September 22, 2006
/s/
COMISKEY & COMPANY |
F-1
ACCELR8
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
JULY 31, 2006 and 2005
ASSETS
2006 |
2005 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current assets: | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 3,004,336 | 5,564,259 | |||
Trade accounts receivable | 10,852 | 44,347 | |||
Inventory (Note 3) | 25,887 | 27,244 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 4) | 43,100 | 228,097 | |||
Note receivable (Notes 11) | | 266,667 | |||
Total current assets | 3,084,175 | 6,130,614 | |||
Property and equipment, net (Note 5) | 180,347 | 230,847 | |||
Investments, net (Note 12) | 871,415 | 767,637 | |||
Intellectual property, net (Note 6) | 3,712,286 | 3,878,969 | |||
Total assets | 7,848,223 | 11,008,067 | |||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||
Current liabilities: | |||||
Accounts payable | 71,570 | 153,408 | |||
Accrued compensation and other liabilities | 31,389 | 278,682 | |||
Deferred revenue (Note 13) | 59,529 | 65,000 | |||
Total current liabilities | 162,488 | 497,090 | |||
Long-term liabilities: | |||||
Deferred compensation | 946,415 | 842,637 | |||
Total liabilities | 1,108,903 | 1,339,727 | |||
Shareholders' equity (Notes 8): | |||||
Common stock, no par value; 12,000,000(2006) and | |||||
11,000,000(2005) shares, respectively, authorized; | |||||
9,971,210(2006) and 9,961,210(2005) shares issued and | |||||
Outstanding | 12,878,020 | 12,863,020 | |||
Contributed capital | 570,150 | 483,549 | |||
Accumulated (deficit) | (6,435,250 | ) | (3,404,629 | ) | |
Shares held for employee benefit (1,129,110 shares at cost) | (273,600 | ) | (273,600 | ) | |
Total shareholders' equity | 6,739,320 | 9,668,340 | |||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 7,848,223 | 11,008,067 | |||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-2
ACCELR8
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 2006 and
2005
2006 |
2005 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues (Note 7 and 10): | |||||||
OptiChem revenue | 155,701 | 336,610 | |||||
Consulting Fees | 57,000 | 90,000 | |||||
License Fees | | 50,000 | |||||
Option Fees | | 25,500 | |||||
Total revenues | 212,701 | 502,110 | |||||
Cost of sales | 41,604 | 155,508 | |||||
Gross profit | 171,097 | 346,602 | |||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||
Research and development | 2,155,988 | 1,304,888 | |||||
General and administrative | 828,745 | 933,183 | |||||
Amortization (Note 6) | 236,683 | 235,608 | |||||
Depreciation | 79,295 | 70,075 | |||||
Marketing and sales | 74,909 | 61,795 | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 3,375,620 | 2,605,549 | |||||
(Loss) from operations | (3,204,523 | ) | (2,258,947 | ) | |||
Other (expense) income: | |||||||
Interest and dividend income | 181,243 | 153,312 | |||||
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investments (Note 2) | (15,671 | ) | 13,064 | ||||
Miscellaneous | 8,330 | 1,771 | |||||
Total other income | 173,902 | 168,147 | |||||
Net (loss) | (3,030,621 | ) | (2,090,800 | ) | |||
Net loss per share: | |||||||
Basic and diluted net (loss) per share | (0.30 | ) | (0.21 | ) | |||
Weighted average shares outstanding | 9,967,034 | 9,961,210 | |||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
ACCELR8
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shares |
Amount |
Stock to be Issued |
Contributed Capital |
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) |
Shares Held For Employee Benefit |
Total Shareholders Equity |
||||||||||
Balances, July 31, 2004 | 9,961,210 | 12,863,020 | | 461,049 | (1,313,829 | ) | (273,600 | 11,736,640 | ||||||||
Extension of Stock Option Expiration Dates | 22,500 | 22,500 | ||||||||||||||
Net loss | | | | | (2,090,800 | ) | | (2,090,800 | ) | |||||||
Balances, July 31, 2005 | 9,961,210 | 12,863,020 | | 483,549 | (3,404,629 | ) | (273,600) | 9,668,340 | ||||||||
Exercise of options | 10,000 | 15,000 | | 15,000 | ||||||||||||
Extension of Stock Option Expiration Dates | 67,836 | 67,836 | ||||||||||||||
Stock option expense under SFAS 123R | 18,765 | 18,765 | ||||||||||||||
Net loss | | | | | (3,030,621 | ) | | (3,030,621 | ) | |||||||
Balances, July 31, 2006 | 9,971,210 | 12,878,020 | 570,150 | (6,435,250 | ) | (273,600) | 6,739,320 | |||||||||
F-4
ACCELR8
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 2006 and
2005
2006 |
2005 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash flows from operating activities | |||||
Net loss | (3,030,621 | ) | (2,090,800 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash | |||||
(used in) operating activities: | |||||
Depreciation | 79,295 | 70,075 | |||
Amortization | 236,683 | 235,609 | |||
Fair value of stock options | |||||
granted for services | 86,601 | 22,500 | |||
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments | 15,671 | (26,332 | ) | ||
Realized (gain) loss on sale of investments, interest and | |||||
dividends reinvested | (17,608 | ) | | ||
(Increase) decrease in assets: | |||||
Accounts receivable | 33,495 | (28,399 | ) | ||
Other accounts receivable | | 50,000 | |||
Inventory | 1,357 | 3,043 | |||
Prepaid expense and other | 184,997 | (194,125 | ) | ||
Increase (decrease) in liabilities: | |||||
Accounts payable | (81,840 | ) | 56,564 | ||
Accrued liabilities | (247,293 | ) | 231,889 | ||
Deferred revenue | (5,471 | ) | 5,000 | ||
Deferred compensation | 103,778 | 101,332 | |||
Net cash (used in) operating activities | (2,640,956 | ) | (1,563,644 | ) | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||
Purchase of laboratory equipment | (28,794 | ) | (84,189 | ) | |
Cost of obtaining patents and trademarks | (70,000 | ) | (43,746 | ) | |
Contribution to deferred compensation trust | (101,840 | ) | (75,000 | ) | |
Issuance of common stock | 15,000 | | |||
Receipt of note payment | 266,667 | 133,333 | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 81,033 | (69,602 | ) | ||
Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations | | (35,925 | ) | ||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (2,559,923 | ) | (1,669,171 | ) | |
Beginning balance: | 5,564,259 | 7,233,430 | |||
Ending balance: | 3,004,336 | 5,564,259 | |||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-5
ACCELR8 TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
We were incorporated on May 26, 1982, under the laws of the State of Colorado. Prior to the acquisition of the OpTest suite of technologies (OpTest), which occurred in January of 2001, Accelr8 Technology Corporation (Accelr8 or the Company) was primarily a provider of software tools and consulting services. We provided software tools and consulting services for system modernization solutions for Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), VMS legacy systems. We sold the assets related to the software business on July 30, 2004 to Transoft Group Ltd. See Notes 11 and 15.
On January 18, 2001, the Company acquired the OpTest suite of technologies from DDx, Inc. (DDx). The purchase of the assets of DDx provided the Company with a proprietary surface chemistry and quantitative instruments. The Company expects that its proprietary surface chemistry and quantitative instruments will support real-time analysis of medical diagnostic markers, pathogens, and bio-warfare agents.
Since the acquisition of the assets, we have focused primarily upon research and development relating to the technologies acquired, and the development of revenue producing products related to that technology. We have manufactured and marketed OptiChem® coated microarraying slides (OptiChem) for a variety of custom applications for specific customers. In November of 2004 we licensed the use of OptiChem (See Note 7).
During most of the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, our primary focus shifted to development of a program to integrate our OptiChem® surface chemistry (OptiChem), QuanDx light-scattering quantitative assay instrumentation (QuanDx), and YoDx assay acceleration process (YoDx) into a novel system for rapid bacterial identification and antibiotic resistance testing, the BACcelr8r (BACcelr8r). We intend to customize our technologies to the specific requirements of large licensees as well as develop new rapid pathogen detection assays.
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-6
Concentration
of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, accounts
receivable, and notes receivable, including receivables from major customers. See Note
10.
The Company places its cash equivalents with a high credit quality financial institution. The Company periodically maintains cash balances at a commercial bank in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit of $100,000. At July 31, 2006, the Companys uninsured cash balance was approximately $2,904,336, however, this amount is invested under a repurchase agreement with the bank and is collateralized by securities of the United States Federal agencies with approximate market value of 102% of the investment.
The Company grants credit to domestic and international clients in various industries. Exposure to losses on accounts receivable is principally dependent on each clients financial position. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients financial condition.
Estimated
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The
carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, investments and other long-term
liabilities approximates fair value at July 31, 2006 and 2005.
The carrying value of all other financial instruments potentially subject to valuation risk, principally consisting of accounts receivable and accounts payable, also approximate fair value.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:
Cash and Cash Equivalents The carrying amount approximates fair value. Investments The carrying amount is based on quoted market prices plus cash. Other Long-Term Liabilities The carrying amount approximates fair value. Cash and cash equivalents All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at time of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
Investments
The
Company accounts for its investments in accordance FAS 115. All investments are
recorded as trading and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses
are reported with current earnings.
Inventory
Inventory
is maintained by specific identification. Amounts of any particular inventory
item are small and are used depending on particular characteristics.
F-7
Property and
equipment
Property
and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to
expense as incurred and expenditures for major improvements are capitalized.
Gains and losses from retirement or replacement are included in costs and
expenses. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets, ranging from
five to seven years.
Research and
development
Research
and development costs charged to operations for the years ended July 31, 2006
and 2005 were $2,155,988 and $1,304,888, respectively.
Intellectual
property
Intellectual
properties are amortized over the period the asset is expected to contribute
directly or indirectly to the Companys future cash flows. The Company
evaluates the remaining useful life of each intellectual property that is being
amortized each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances
warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. Included in
intellectual property are patents, trademarks and technology. Intellectual
properties are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 20 years.
Long-lived
assets
Long-lived
assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by the Company
are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company
continuously evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets based on
estimated future cash flows from and the estimated fair value of such long-lived
assets, and provides for impairment if such undiscounted cash flows or the
estimated fair value are insufficient to recover the carrying amount of the
long-lived asset.
Revenue recognition
Consulting services:
Consulting
revenue is recognized at the completion of the contract.
OptiChem
Slides:
Revenue is recognized when the Company ships the product.
Sales returns and allowances:
Allowances
on accounts receivable and notes receivable are recorded when circumstances
indicate collection is doubtful for particular accounts receivable. Receivables
are written off if reasonable collection efforts prove unsuccessful. The Company
provides for sales returns and allowances on a specific account basis.
F-8
Deferred revenue:
Deferred
revenue represents amounts billed but not yet earned under existing agreements.
Income taxes:
The
Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach to financial
accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and
liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial
statement basis and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities that will
result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. Such deferred income tax
computations are based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the years in
which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation
allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to
the amounts expected to be realized.
Earnings per share:
The
Company follows SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share, which requires
companies to present basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share.
Basic earnings (loss) per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing
income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the
potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity.
The Companys net losses for the periods presented cause the inclusion of potential common stock instruments outstanding to be antidilutive. During the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, common stock options exercisable for 945,000 and 878,750 shares of common stock were not included in diluted loss per share as the effect was antidilutive due to the Company recording losses in each of those years. In addition, at July 31, 2006 and July 31, 2005, 200,000 contingently issuable options were not included in loss per share. See Note 8.
Stock based compensation:
For
the year ended July 31, 2005, the Company accounted for stock based compensation
to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. The Company
accounted for stock based compensation to non-employees in accordance with SFAS
No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS
No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and
Disclosure an amendment to FASB No. 123.
The fair value of options granted under the stock option agreements and stock-based compensation plans discussed above is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants for the year ended July 31, 2005: no dividend yield; risk free interest rate of 5.0%; expected life of 4 years; and expected volatility of 59%. The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal 2004 was $2.59. The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at July 31, 2005 was 5.7 years.
F-9
As of February 1, 2006, the Company applies SFAS No. 123R in valuing all options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. (See Note 8) The fair value is recorded as consulting expense as the vesting period lapses. Options granted for which vesting is contingent based on future performance are measured at their then current fair value at each period end, until vested. See Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional discussion.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants for the year ended July 31, 2006: no dividend yield; risk free interest rate between 3.27 and 5.0%; expected life between 2 and 4 years; and expected volatility between 47 and 59% The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal 2005 was $3.06. The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at July 31, 2006 was 5.0 years. The expected forfeiture rate used was 37%.
The following table illustrates the effect on net loss if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123:
Year Ended July 31, 2006 |
Year Ended July 31, 2005 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net loss - as reported |
$ (3,030,621 | ) | $ (2,090,800 | ) | |
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation | |||||
expense determined under fair | |||||
value based method for all awards | (0 | ) | (574,894 | ) | |
Pro forma net loss | $ (3,030,621 | ) | $ (2,665,694 | ) | |
Earnings per share: | |||||
Basic and diluted - as reported | $ (.30 | ) | $ (.21 | ) | |
Basic and diluted - pro forma | $ (.30 | ) | $ (.27 | ) | |
Comprehensive income (loss):
The
Company follows SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which
establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income (loss)
and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in a full set of
general-purpose financial statements. The Company has no other items that would
be included in comprehensive income (loss).
F-10
Recent accounting pronouncements:In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), which replaces SFAS 123 and supercedes APB Opinion No. 25. SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The proforma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. For the Company, SFAS 123R is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Early application of SFAS 123R was encouraged, but not required. We adopted SFAS 123R on February 1, 2006 using the modified prospective application method described in the statement. Under the modified prospective application method, we will apply the standard to new awards, and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the required effective date. Additionally, compensation cost for the unvested portion of awards outstanding as of the required effected date will be recognized as compensation expense as the requisite service is rendered after the required effective date.
The Company has elected to use the modified prospective transition method for adopting SFAS No. 123R, which requires the recognition of stock-based compensation cost on a prospective basis; therefore, prior period financial statements have not been restated. Under this method, the provisions of SFAS No. 123R are applied to all awards granted after the adoption date and to awards not yet vested with unrecognized expense at the adoption date based on the estimated fair value at grant date as determined under the original provisions of SFAS No. 123. The impact of forfeitures that may occur prior to vesting is also estimated and considered in the amount recognized. Pursuant to the requirements of SFAS No. 123R, the Company will continue to present the pro forma information for periods prior to the adoption date.
The Company has historically used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant. This model derives the fair value of stock options based on certain assumptions related to expected stock price volatility, expected option life, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. The Companys expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Companys stock price over the most recent period commensurate with the expected term of the stock option award. The estimated expected option life is based primarily on historical employee exercise patterns. The Company has not paid dividends in the past and does not have any plans to pay any dividends in the future.
F-11
As of July 31, 2006, total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to unvested stock options was approximately $25,896. For the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company recognized $18,765 in stock based compensation costs related to the issuance of options to employees under SFAS 123R. For the year ended July 31, 2006, the total recognized stock based compensation costs related to the extension of currently existing, fully vested options was $67,836. This cost was calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 123R and is reflected in operating expenses.
In August 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. SFAS 154 changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle, requiring, in general, retrospective application to prior periods financial statements of changes in accounting principle. The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 154 which are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption did not have a material effect on the results of operations of the Company.
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments an Amendment to FASB Statement Nos. 133 and 140 (SFAS 155). This issuance is effective for fiscal year ends beginning after September 16, 2006. The Company does not expect the issuance to effect current reporting.
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets and Amendment to FASB Stmt No. 140" (SFAS 156). This issuance is effective for fiscal year ends beginning after September 16, 2006. The Company does not expect the issuance to effect current reporting.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). The changes to current practice resulting from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. This issuance is effective for fiscal year ends beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the issuance to effect current reporting.
NOTE 3 INVENTORY
The Company purchases raw materials (custom chemicals and glass substrates) for producing OptiChem coated slides. Raw material on hand at the end of each reporting period is priced at cost based on the first-in first-out method. There was no work-in-process or finished goods inventory as of July 31, 2006 and July 31, 2005 as slides currently are made for specific orders and shipped as produced.
NOTE 4 PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets for the year ended July 31, 2006 were $43,100 as compared to $228,097 for the year ended July 31, 2005. The major difference was a deposit in the amount of $200,000 for an engineering services contract signed on July 8, 2005. For the year ended July 31, 2006, $20,504 of the $200,000 deposit remained and was included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
F-12
NOTE 5 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and consisted of the following at July 31: |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer equipment | $ 21,102 | $ 4,960 | ||||||
Laboratory and scientific equipment | 394,175 | 383,722 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures | 16,601 | 14,401 | ||||||
Total property and equipment | 431,878 | 403,083 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation | (251,531 | ) | (172,236 | ) | ||||
Net property and equipment | $ 180,347 | $ 230,847 | ||||||
Depreciation expense for the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 was $79,295 and $70,075, respectively.
NOTE 6 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual property consisted of the following at July 31: |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OptiChem technologies | $ 4,454,538 | $ 4,454,538 | ||||||
Patents | 293,991 | 223,991 | ||||||
Trademarks | 49,019 | 49,019 | ||||||
4,797,548 | 4,727,548 | |||||||
Accumulated amortization | (1,085,262 | ) | (848,579 | ) | ||||
$ 3,712,286 | $ 3,878,969 | |||||||
F-13
Future amortization expense for the intangible assets is estimated as follows:
Years Ending July 31, |
|||
---|---|---|---|
2007 | 236,000 | ||
2008 | 236,000 | ||
2009 | 236,000 | ||
2010 | 236,000 | ||
Thereafter | 2,768,286 | ||
Total future amortization | $3,712,286 | ||
Intellectual properties are recorded at cost and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 20 years, the patent and patent application life of the OptiChem Technologies. Amortization expense was $236,683 and $235,608, respectively, for the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005. The Company routinely evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets based upon estimated future cash flows from and estimated fair value of such long-lived assets. If in managements judgment, the anticipated undiscounted cash flows or estimated fair value are insufficient to recover the carrying amount of the long-lived asset, the Company will determine the amount of the impairment and the value of the asset will be written down. As of July 31, 2006 and 2005, management believes there was no impairment of the Companys long-lived assets.
NOTE 7. LICENSE AND SUPPLY AGREEMENTS
On November 24, 2004, the Company entered into a worldwide exclusive manufacturing and marketing license agreement (the License Agreement) with SCHOTT Jenaer Glas GmbH (SCHOTT). The Company also entered into a supply agreement (the Supply Agreement) with SCHOTT for OptiChem coated amine-reactive slides manufactured by the Company.
Pursuant to the License Agreement SCHOTT paid the Company a non-refundable fee of $100,000, of which $50,000 was credited against future royalties. An additional $15,000 in deferred revenue was recorded for training supplied to SCHOTT. During the 2-year term of the License Agreement SCHOTT agreed to pay the Company a royalty payment equal to 6% of net sales of products licensed under the License Agreement. If the total net sales during the initial 2-year term equal or exceed $1,125,000, then the total royalty payable by SCHOTT for the initial term shall be a flat fee of $90,000. An optional 1-year non-exclusive license extension to market and manufacture Slide H was exercised by SCHOTT on 9/27/06.
F-14
The Second Supply Agreement for Slide HS with SCHOTT expired on December 31, 2005. The Company also granted an option for SCHOTT to receive a non-exclusive right to manufacture and sell, up to 12,500 glass slides, from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. SCHOTT exercised this right and paid the Company $15,000 for training on manufacturing of Slide HS. In addition, for this right, SCHOTT provided 7,500 glass substrates to the Company at no charge. The slides were valued at $12,750 and that amount was recorded as option fees.
The Company also granted SCHOTT the right to negotiate an exclusive right for the manufacturing and worldwide sales of Slide HS coatings on microarraying slides. Schott formally initiated negotiations on October 1, 2005 and did not reach an agreement by July 31, 2006.
Deferred revenues of $50,000 in prepaid royalties and $15,000 for training were paid, but not realized at July 31, 2005. For the year ended July 31, 2006, $22,475 of royalties and $30,000 for training and consulting was realized from the license and supply agreements with SCHOTT.
NOTE 8 SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Authorized
Shares of Common Stock
On
December 14, 2004 the Shareholders adopted an amendment to the Companys
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to increase the number of authorized
shares of the Companys no par value common stock from 11,000,000 to
12,000,000.
Stock option
plans
The
Company has option agreements with key executives and two stock-based
compensation plans, which are discussed below:
Option and warrant agreement with key executive
In
fiscal 1998, options for the purchase of 1,129,110 shares held by the Chief
Executive Officer (Executive Options and Warrants) were exercised
and placed into a Rabbi Trust as discussed in Note 12. Such shares
are issuable upon the occurrence of retirement, death or termination of the
Chairmans employment over a ten-year period after such occurrence, unless
the Board of Directors determines otherwise.
In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company has included the assets and liabilities of the Rabbi Trust in its financial statements, and the shares of the Companys common stock held by the Rabbi Trust have been treated as treasury stock for financial reporting purposes and have no voting rights. (See Note 14)
F-15
Qualified stock option plan
The
Company has reserved 700,000 shares of its authorized but unissued common stock
for stock options to be granted to officers and employees of the Company under
its Incentive Stock Option Plan (the Incentive Plan). The exercise
price of each option, which has a maximum ten-year life, is established by the
Companys compensation committee on the date of grant. For the year ended
July 31, 2005, $15,000 was charged to compensation expense for the extension of
certain option expiration dates. For the year ended July 31, 2006, no stock
option expense was charged to employee benefits according to SAFS123.
As of July 31, 2006, 599,000 options had been granted pursuant to the Qualified Plan. Of these options, 12,500 were exercised and 179,000 were expired leaving 280,000 available for grant.
Non-qualified stock option plan
The
Company has reserved 300,000 shares of its authorized but unissued common stock
for stock options to be granted to independent contractors, technical advisors
and directors of the Company under its Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the
Non-Qualified Plan). The exercise price of each option, which has a
maximum ten-year life, is established by the Companys compensation
committee on the date of grant. On May 7, 2002, the Company issued options to
purchase 100,000 shares of its common stock to consultants for services to be
provided at exercise prices of $2.25 per share. The consultant options vest 50%
after one year and 50% after two years and renew two years after vesting
provided the consultant is still retained. The fair value of these options is
measured each reporting period until vested. There was $7,500 charged for
compensation expense in the year ended July 31, 2005 for certain options related
to the extension of expiration dates. During fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, $0
was expensed to employee benefits/compensation expense for stock options granted
during the year.
As of July 31, 2006, 300,000 options had been granted pursuant to the Non-Qualified Plan with 75,000 of these options exercised and 50,000 expired leaving 50,000 available for grant.
Omnibus
Stock Option Plan
On
December 14, 2004 the Shareholders approved an Omnibus Stock Option Plan and
reserved 500,000 shares of its authorized but unissued common stock for stock
options to be granted to employees, independent contractors, technical advisors
and directors of the Company.
As of July 31, 2006, 377,500 options had been granted pursuant to the Omnibus Plan with none of these options exercised and 15,000 expired, leaving 137,500 available for grant.
F-16
Contingent
options
In connection with the purchase of the YoDx technology discussed above, the
Company agreed to issue an additional 200,000 stock options with the same terms upon the
earlier of (a) the Company achieving certain accumulated revenue levels associated with
the YoDx(TM) technology, as defined in the agreement, or (b) a change in control of the
Company prior to the expiration date of the options. As of July 31, 2006, the contingent
provisions have not been met and the options have not been granted. The Company has
reserved a sufficient number of shares for such options.
Accounting for employee based option plans
For
the year ended July 31, 2005, the Company accounted for stock based compensation
to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. The Company
accounted for stock based compensation to non-employees in accordance with SFAS
No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS
No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and
Disclosure an amendment to FASB No. 123.
The fair value of options granted under the stock option agreements and stock-based compensation plans discussed above is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants for the year ended July 31, 2005: no dividend yield; risk free interest rate of 5.0%; expected life of 4 years; and expected volatility of 59%. The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal 2004 was $2.59. The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at July 31, 2005 was 5.7 years.
As of February 1, 2006, the Company applies SFAS No. 123R in valuing all options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. (See Note 8) The fair value is recorded as consulting expense as the vesting period lapses. Options granted for which vesting is contingent based on future performance are measured at their then current fair value at each period end, until vested. See Recent Accounting Pronouncements for additional discussion.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants for the year ended July 31, 2006: no dividend yield; risk free interest rate between 3.27 and 5.0%; expected life between 2 and 4 years; and expected volatility between 47 and 59% The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal 2005 was $3.06. The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at July 31, 2006 was 5.0 years.
The following table summarizes information on stock option activity for the Executive Options, the Omnibus Plan, the Qualified Plan and the Non-Qualified Plan, excluding the 225,000 contingent options.
F-17
Number of Shares |
Exercise Price Per Share |
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Options outstanding, July 31, 2004 | 712,500 | $1.45 - $3.25 | $ 1 | .85 | |||||
Options granted | 322,500 | 2.10 - 3.10 | $ 2 | .59 | |||||
Options exercised | -0- | ||||||||
Options expired or cancelled | (65,000 | ) | 2.25 - 3.25 | $ 2 | .46 | ||||
Options outstanding, July 31, 2005 | 970,000 | 1.45 - 3.20 | $ 2 | .06 | |||||
Options granted | 57,500 | 2.70 - 3.20 | $ 2 | .80 | |||||
Options exercised | (10,000 | ) | 1.5 | ||||||
Options expired or cancelled | (72,500 | ) | 2.25 - 3.20 | $ 2 | .38 | ||||
Options outstanding, July 31, 2006 | 945,000 | $1.45 - $3.20 | $ 2 | .08 | |||||
As of July 31, 2006 and 2005, 821,250 and 878,750 options outstanding were currently exercisable and carried weighted average exercise prices of $2.00 and $2.00 respectively. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at July 31, 2006:
Outstanding |
Exercisable |
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Range of Exercise Prices |
Number |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Number |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
||||||||
$1.45 - $1.50 | 375,000 | 4 | .4 | $ 1 | .47 | 375,000 | $ 1 | .47 | |||||
$2.10 - $2.25 | 202,500 | 1 | .4 | $ 2 | .25 | 201,250 | $ 2 | .25 | |||||
$2.57 - $2.90 | 350,000 | 7 | .9 | $ 2 | .60 | 242,500 | $ 2 | .59 | |||||
$3.00 - $3.20 | 17,500 | 3 | .0 | $ 3 | .06 | 2,500 | $ 3 | .10 | |||||
$1.45 - $3.20 | 945,000 | 5 | .0 | $ 2 | .08 | 821,250 | $ 2 | .00 | |||||
F-18
NOTE 9 INCOME TAXES
The following items comprise the Companys net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of July 31:
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
Net operating loss | $ 2,830,000 | $ 1,697,300 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 0 | 24,087 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | (75,000 | ) | 140,181 | |||||
Stock options issued to consultants | 45,000 | 45,023 | ||||||
General business credit | 220,000 | 109,516 | ||||||
Contribution carryforward | 4,000 | |||||||
Total | 3,024,000 | 2,016,107 | ||||||
Less valuation allowance | (3,024,000 | ) | (2,016,107 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | $ | ||||||
As of July 31, 2006, a valuation allowance increase of $1,008,000 has been recorded for the deferred tax asset, as management has determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Total income tax expense (benefit) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal statutory tax rates to pre-tax loss for the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 as follows: |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total expense (benefit) computed by: | |||||||||
Applying the U.S. Federal statutory rate | (34.0) | (34.0) | |||||||
State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit | (3.0) | (3.0) | |||||||
General business credits and other | (3.8) | (3.8) | |||||||
Valuation allowance | 40.8 | 40.8 | |||||||
Effective tax rate (benefit) | - % | - % | |||||||
The Company has unused net operating loss carry forward of approximately $7,600,000 and general business credits of approximately $220,000 that are available to offset future income taxes. The net operating loss will expire beginning in 2013 and the general business tax credits expire from 2007 through 2024.
F-19
NOTE 10 MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND FOREIGN REVENUE
For the years ending July 31, 2006 and 2005, OptiChem revenues were $212,701 and $336,610 respectively. Of those amounts, revenues from one customer were $121,353 (57.1%) in the year ended July 31, 2006 and $318,545 (94.6%) for the year ended July 31, 2005. In fiscal 2006 the consulting revenues of $30,000 were all from one customer.
Foreign Revenues were as follows:
Foreign Revenues | 2006 |
2005 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
OptiChem Revenues |
$ 212,701 | $ 318,545 | |||
License Fees | -0- | 50,000 | |||
Option Fees | -0- | 25,550 | |||
Total | $ 212,701 | $ 394,095 | |||
NOTE 11 SALE OF SOFTWARE MIGRATION TOOLS
On July 30, 2004, the Company entered into an asset sale agreement and closed the transaction selling substantially all of the business assets of the software business for an aggregate purchase price of $500,000; payable $100,000, at the time of closing and a promissory note with principal payable in three equal annual installments of $133,333 beginning July 15, 2005. During fiscal year end July 31, 2006, the final note payment in the amount of $266,666 was paid on August 31, 2005.
NOTE 12 COMMITMENTS
Investments and deferred compensation arrangement
In
January 1996, the Company established a deferred compensation plan for key
employees. Contributions to the plan are provided for under the employment
agreement with Thomas V. Geimer, which is detailed at the end of this note. For
each of the fiscal years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company contributed
$75,000 to the plan which was accrued but unpaid by the Company at year end. On
October 12, 2006, $75,000 was paid to the deferred compensation plan.
The following information is provided related to the trust assets, which consist of cash and equity securities as of July 31, 2006 and 2005. These assets, which based upon the Companys intended use of the investments, have been classified as trading securities. Unrealized holding gains or loss on trading securities are included in other income (expense).
F-20
2006 |
2005 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cost basis | $ 879,994 | $ 760,545 | |||
Unrealized holding gain (loss) | (8,579 | ) | 7,092 | ||
Aggregate fair value | $ 871,415 | $ 767,637 | |||
Deferred compensation related to the Rabbi Trust was $946,415 and $842,637 as of July 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The difference between the aggregate fair value and the deferred compensation amounts represents the award of $75,000 for each of the years ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 which was accrued but unpaid by the Company at year end. On October 12, 2006, $75,000 was paid to the deferred compensation plan.
Operating leases
The
Company has renegotiated a three-year lease for its office and laboratory space
with a term of October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2007. Total rent expense
was approximately $57,791 and $57,862 in fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments on the office and laboratory lease are as follows:
Year Ending July 31, |
Premises Rent |
||
---|---|---|---|
2007 |
59,374 | ||
2008 | 4,970 | ||
$64,344 | |||
Employment agreement
Effective December 1, 2002, a new employment agreement with Thomas V. Geimer, CEO and CFO, was negotiated and approved by the Compensation Committee. The new agreement provides for an annual base salary of $165,000 with annual deferred compensation of $75,000. The new agreement expires on December 31, 2007. In the event of termination by mutual agreement, termination "with cause," as defined in the agreement, death or permanent incapacity or voluntary termination, Mr. Geimer or his estate would be entitled to the sum of the base salary and unreimbursed expenses accrued to the date of termination and any other amounts due under the agreement. In the event of termination "without cause," as defined in the agreement, Mr. Geimer would be entitled to the sum of the base salary and unreimbursed expenses accrued to the date of termination and any other amounts due under the agreement and an amount equal to the greater of Mr. Geimers annual base salary (12 months of salary) or any other amounts remaining due to Mr. Geimer under the agreement, which as of July 31, 2006 would be $340,000. Additionally, in the event of a change in control, any unpaid amounts due under the initial term of the agreement for both base salary and deferred compensation would be payable plus five times the sum of the base salary and deferred compensation.
F-21
NOTE 13 DEFERRED REVENUE
Deferred revenue was $59,529 at year end July 31, 2006. Deferred revenue consists of prepaid royalty fees from SCHOTT in the amount of $29,332, prepaid technology license fees of $22,000 and 385 prepaid slides in the amount of $8,197.
NOTE 14 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
All services and material requirements for the Feasibility Testing Agreement with Promega have been completed as of September 12, 2006, and no further work on the part of Accelr8 is required. Therefore, deferred revenue of $22,000 for prepaid technology license fees will be recognized in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007.
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