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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
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SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
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SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission File Number: 1-14559
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MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 85-0437001
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
1601 Randolph, SE, Suite 210, Albuquerque, NM 87106
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(Address of principal (Zip Code)
executive offices)
Issuer's telephone number: (505) 843-6873
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:
Common Stock
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(Title of Class)
Class A Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants
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(Title of Class)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:
Common Stock
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(Title of Class)
Class A Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants
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(Title of Class)
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Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No X (Registrant not subject to
filing requirements for the past 90 days)
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to
Item 405 of Regulation S-B is not contained is this form, and no disclosure
will be contained, to the best of registrant's 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. Yes No X
State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $6,206,000.
As of December 21, 1998, there were outstanding 10,143,893 shares of
Common Stock (the "Common Stock") and Class A Redeemable Common Stock Purchase
Warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase 1,113,881 shares of Common Stock. Based
on the closing prices of the Common Stock and the Warrants on that date,
$11.125 and $3.75, respectively, the approximate aggregate market value of the
Common Stock and the Warrants held by non-affiliates was $79,424,590 and
$4,177,054, respectively.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement, which
statement will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Report, are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.
Certain exhibits are incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 and the amendments thereto, as listed in
response to Item 13(a)(2).
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one):
Yes No X
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[The remainder of this page is intentionally blank.]
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This Report contains certain forward-looking statements and
information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of
management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available
to, the Company. When used in this Prospectus, the words "anticipate,"
"believe," "estimate," "expect," "will," "could," "may" and similar
expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but the
absence of any such words does not mean that the statement is not
forward-looking. Such statements reflect the current views of management with
respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, including those described under "Factors Affecting Operating
Results and Market Price of Stock" and elsewhere in this Report. Should one or
more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those
described herein. In addition to the other information in this Report, the
above factors should be carefully considered in evaluating the Company and its
business.
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
General
Muse Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") has developed and commenced
marketing several software products designed to enhance the user's ability to
understand and analyze data and information and to provide solutions to
complex data integration and data management problems encountered by
scientists, engineers and other computing professionals. The Company believes
"MuSE(Registered)"1, its core software product, represents a new approach
to computer interaction since it permits the integration of various types of
data from multiple sources without affecting the integrity of such data and the
presentation of data in a multisensory environment to enhance the user's ability
to analyze and understand such data. MuSE can be used with different computing
platforms and different physical or logical input and output devices. The
multisensory capabilities of MuSE enables the user to present information in
real time using visual, auditory, tactile and other perceptual tools.
The Company has also developed a proprietary software product,
"Continuum(Trademark)," designed for multiuser, real-time collaboration within
the MuSE environment. Continuum permits multiple users to work and interact with
each other within a common environment and to analyze and manipulate the same
data independent from other users in a parallel private environment. Since it is
designed for use with MuSE, users can interact using various platforms, devices
and tools. MuSE and Continuum were developed for the Unix operating system and
for the Windows-NT(Trademark) platform.
In addition to its software products, the Company also offers custom
design and other consulting and support services relating to MuSE. The Company
provides such services to customers in order to provide customized solutions
to specific customer problems.
MuSE is a tool which can be used in a wide variety of industrial,
commercial, entertainment and governmental applications. Each application
would be designed to meet the specific
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1 MuSE (spelled with the Greek "mu" symbol as the first character) is
a registered trademark of the Company registered in the United States
Patent and Trademark Office. For the purposes of electronic submission,
the Greek symbol "mu" appears as the letter "M" in this
Report.
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requirements of the end users in a particular industry. In order to maximize
the market potential from its products and services, the Company will attempt
to enter into strategic relationships with partners that have the financial,
technological and marketing capability of developing applications for MuSE in
specific industries.
MuSE is based on software licensed to the Company by Sandia
Corporation ("Sandia") pursuant to a license agreement dated October 9, 1995
(the "License Agreement"). Sandia is the operator, under the auspices of the
United States Department of Energy, of Sandia National Laboratories ("SNL").
Prior to organizing the Company, certain of the Company's founders were
employed by Sandia, where they developed MuSE. Unless the context otherwise
requires, references to "Sandia" include Sandia Corporation and SNL.
The Company was incorporated on October 24, 1995 in order to acquire
certain assets and liabilities from Viga Technologies Corporation ("Viga"),
including the License Agreement and related technology. Such acquisition was
consummated in December 1995. The Company's executive offices are located at
1601 Randolph, SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, and its telephone number is
(505) 843-6873.
Products And Services
The Company was organized to commercialize the MuSE technology and
software which were initially developed by the Company's founders and some of
its current employees at Sandia. MuSE allows the user to develop and execute
software programs and import data into a multisensory environment. The MuSE
software has been substantially redesigned and rewritten by the Company from
the original prototype developed at Sandia.
MuSE is a software shell that allows data representation and analysis
through a new approach to human-computer interaction and software development.
MuSE is designed both to allow the manipulation of data and information from
other sources and the incorporation of software programs within the MuSE
environment, and to enhance the user's ability to understand and analyze such
data and information. MuSE can be used with different computing platforms and
different physical or logical input and output devices. The multisensory
capabilities of MuSE enables the user to present information in real-time
using visual, auditory, tactile and other physical or interactive tools.
MuSE assists users in creating synthetic or virtual environments in
which information can be processed in ways which are different from
traditional use of computers. Most computer software requires users to learn
an entirely new way of interacting with and processing information that is not
consistent with human perceptual processing. MuSE adapts the computer to
humans by complementing human perceptual processes. MuSE is designed to allow
the user to interact with the computer as if the computer is an extension of
the user and the way that particular user processes and analyzes information.
MuSE possesses the following attributes:
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o Device Independence: MuSE permits the incorporation of most existing
computer peripheral device technologies, including flat-screen
display, stereo viewing, head and body tracking devices, "virtual
reality," sound, speech recognition, voice synthesis, and other
mechanical devices such as mouse, joystick and steering wheel,
without changes to the software application code.
o Software Simplification: Software development and integration for use
in the MuSE environment is significantly simplified by eliminating
the need to write specific software code to access and interface
hardware devices within the MuSE environment.
o Real-Time Operation: MuSE is designed to rapidly and efficiently
coordinate parallel input and output devices and the operation of
such devices within the MuSE environment. Such efficient coordination
results in immediate output in the form of visual and auditory
displays which approximate real-time responses.
o Ancillary Virtual Environment: Through the creation of a secondary
space around the user, MuSE allows the user to "travel" throughout
the virtual environment and explore data and applications in ways
that the Company believes are more consistent with human perceptual
processes than traditional computer environments. The user may pilot
a virtual craft which operates independent from any other
application, and allows movement, control of objects in the
environment, provides both navigational and managerial aids and the
display of associated information in a readily accessible manner
within the virtual craft.
o Multiprocessing: MuSE is designed to support multiprocessing
capabilities at several levels, including user interaction, device
control and foreground-background operation.
Continuum, a proprietary product developed by the Company and not
connected with Sandia, permits multiple users to work and interact with each
other within a common MuSE environment and to analyze and manipulate the same
data either together with other users in the same space or independent from
other users in a parallel private environment (or multiple environments) from
which other users can be excluded or included at the discretion of the user
establishing the parallel environment. A particular user can manipulate a
parallel private environment according to individual interests and perceptual
tools, and can be joined by other users for collaboration and idea exchange as
such user deems appropriate. Similarly, a user can jump from a private
parallel environment at any time to rejoin other users in the "public"
environments.
The Company's software products can be utilized with a wide range of
hardware configurations and can be used simultaneously by more than one user
in desktop, office, laboratory or theatre settings.
In addition to its software products, the Company also offers custom
application design and development as well as consulting and support services
relating to its products.
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Strategy
At present, the Company's products are designed to be used within the
high-end industrial, scientific and educational sectors of "visual computing."
These sectors are largely driven by technological advances in the areas of
computer graphics; real-time simultaneous processing of three-dimensional
("3D") graphics, audio, videos, images, and text; multiprocessing, and
increased computer processing capabilities through advanced chip technology
and enhanced graphics card capabilities. Visual computing is the use of
digital inputs to create and manipulate true-color, 3D objects, representing
complex data with extreme precision and speed, thereby enhancing human
understanding. In visual computing, a 3D, full-color window or screen replaces
the standard black- and-white, two-dimensional screen image. The use of images
makes it possible to represent complex data sets more understandably as well
as simulate real-world characteristics. Combined with appropriate input and
output devices (not provided by the Company), visual computing can be
significantly enhanced into a multi-dimensional synthetic environment. The
Company believes that, with MuSE, visual computing becomes not only
multi-dimensional but also multi-sensory and highly interactive.
MuSE is a software environment that operates on multiple platforms
which can be used in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, educational,
entertainment and governmental applications. Each application would be
designed to meet the specific requirements of a particular end user or a
particular industry.
MuSE and Continuum were initially designed to operate on UNIX-based,
high-end graphics computers and workstations such as those marketed by SGI and
Sun. The Company has expanded the potential market for its products and
services by developing MuSE and Continuum software that operates on
Windows-NT(Trademark) systems with advanced graphics capabilities.
The Company believes that, in order to maximize the market potential
from its products and services, it will be necessary for the Company to enter
into strategic relationships with partners, through its strategic reselling
partner distribution program (the "SRP Program"), that have the financial,
technological and marketing capability of developing applications for MuSE or
distributing the Company's products and services in specific industries.
In furtherance of this strategy, in July 1998, the Company entered
into an agreement (the "CRI Agreement") with Continuum Resources International
ASA ("CRI"), a Norwegian company and wholly-owned subsidiary of The Norex
Group, a major publicly-held Norwegian company engaged in providing data
collection services to the oil and gas industry worldwide, for CRI to market,
sell, distribute and support MuSE-based products in the oil and gas industry
worldwide. In addition, in July 1998, CRI purchased 1,000,000 shares of Common
Stock and warrants (the "CRI Warrants") to purchase an additional 1,000,000
shares of Common Stock for $8 million.
In December 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with
Intergraph Corporation ("Intergraph") granting Intergraph the non-exclusive
right to resell the Company's products and
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services worldwide. Intergraph has agreed to minimum annual sales commitments
over the next three years aggregating $4 million.
Marketing and Sales
The Company is expanding its marketing staff, currently consisting of
nine employees, including its Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The
Company is in the process of hiring additional sales and marketing personnel
with expertise and contacts in the Company's targeted markets. Additionally,
the Company will seek to leverage its existing relationships and applications
of its software products to enhance its marketing efforts.
The Company is seeking to enter into agreements with potential
strategic partners that have the financial, technological and marketing
capability of developing applications for MuSE or distributing the Company's
products and services in specific industries. See "Strategy" above. The
Company is initially directing its marketing efforts to obtain strategic
partners in the database, automotive manufacturing and medical imaging
industries, and from agencies of the Federal government.
Historically, the Company's largest customers have been agencies or
departments of the United States government, which accounted for 15%, 70% and
72% of revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998 ("fiscal 1998 "),
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 ("fiscal 1997") and the period from
inception to September 30, 1996 ("fiscal 1996 "), respectively. Such contracts
are subject to renegotiation or termination at the convenience of the
government. The Company has devoted most of its resources to date to the
development of MuSE and Continuum, and has recently commenced marketing of its
products and services.
The CRI Agreement
On June 19, 1998, the Company and CRI entered into the CRI Agreement,
pursuant to which the Company granted CRI an exclusive, worldwide
non-transferable license to market, sell and distribute the Company's products
in the oil and gas industry relating to the exploration and production of oil
and gas. The CRI Agreement has a term of three years and continues for
successive three-year terms unless either party terminates the agreement on
written notice given not later than 60 days prior to the end of the initial
term or any renewal term. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the
CRI Agreement, the Company can terminate the CRI Agreement upon 60 days
notice.
Pursuant to the CRI Agreement, the Company recognized revenues of
$5,000,000 reflecting a non-refundable license fee. The CRI Agreement has
quarterly quotas, which, during the initial term, range from $500,000 to
$2,000,000 and aggregate $12,000,000 over such three-year initial term. The
quotas are based on the Company's present product pricing structure and are
subject to adjustment under certain conditions at the Company's discretion.
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The CRI Agreement also requires the Company to assign a support team
of four persons to be dedicated to working with CRI on its sales and
development efforts. The cost of such support team is borne by the Company,
except that, under certain conditions, some or all of the cost of such persons
is paid by CRI.
In October, 1998, in order to assist CRI with its short term cash
requirements in connection with CRI's commencement of marketing efforts with
respect to the Company's products, the Company approved certain loans to CRI
in the principal amount of up to $1,000,000 payable on demand with interest at
12% per annum accruing and payable monthly following 60 days from the
draw-down date. As of the date hereof, $1,000,000 is outstanding under such
loan arrangement.
The Intergraph Agreement
In December 1998, the Company entered into a non-exclusive reseller
agreement with Intergraph, an automated business solutions company with
customers worldwide in a variety of commercial sectors and government. The
agreement with Intergraph provides Intergraph with the non-exclusive right to
resell the Company's products and services worldwide in exchange for minimum
annual sales commitments over the next three years aggregating $4 million. The
agreement is automatically renewable for successive one year terms unless
notice of termination is given at least 60 days prior to the end of a renewal
term. The agreement contains provisions relating to product pricing and
support similar to those contained in the CRI Agreement.
The License Agreement
Pursuant to the License Agreement, the Company received (i) a limited
exclusive worldwide license to use and reproduce the MuSE software, (ii) a
license to create derivative works of MuSE software and (iii) the right to
distribute and sublicense the MuSE software. The License Agreement provides
the Company with a ten year exclusive license with respect to the MuSE
software, and thereafter provides a non-exclusive right through 2015. After
the end of such ten year period of exclusivity, the Company may request Sandia
to extend exclusivity through 2015, which determination shall be made in
Sandia's sole discretion and subject to continued royalty payments under the
License Agreement. If the License Agreement continues in force for a total of
20 years, the Company's rights under the License Agreement convert to a
paid-up non-exclusive license.
The Company is required to pay a licensing fee of $10,000 per year
until December 31, 1999 and a one-time payment of $20,000 prior to July 1999.
In addition, the Company is required to pay royalties (with an annual minimum
royalty of $20,000) for the term of the License Agreement, based on the
Company's gross revenues, less cost of goods sold and certain other expenses,
from the sale of products utilizing MuSE. Additionally, the Company paid a
one-time license fee of $400,000 in connection with the acquisition of the
License Agreement from Viga. The Company is also required to retain the
services of key personnel capable of supporting the MuSE software. In
addition, the License Agreement is terminable by Sandia in the event of a
breach thereunder by the Company (including, without limitation, due to
failure to pay minimum royalties in the annual amount of
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$20,000), or in its discretion, in the event of any such breach, Sandia may
convert the license into a non-exclusive license or otherwise reduce the
Company's rights thereunder.
As part of the License Agreement, the Company has agreed to grant
Sandia an irrevocable non-exclusive license to use the MuSE software (and all
enhancements, modifications and corrections made by the Company) and to
develop derivative works based on the MuSE software for internal use at
Sandia.
Under the License Agreement, the Company bears the risk that the
information and technology licensed from Sandia and incorporated in the MuSE
software may infringe the rights of third parties and must indemnify Sandia in
respect of any claims for copyright infringement brought against them and
arising from the development and distribution of the programs incorporated in
the MuSE software. The Company has agreed to treat the originally licensed
MuSE software as proprietary to Sandia. However, enhancements and
modifications to such original software, which have been extensive, are
considered proprietary to the Company.
Illustrative Applications
MuSE has been used in various research and development projects at
Sandia from 1991 through October 1995 and by the Company since October 1995.
During this period, various technical applications programs were developed in
pilot projects by Sandia and the Company. Most of the work on the original
MuSE software was performed by certain of the Company's present employees who
were then employees of Sandia. The applications described below represent
specific customized applications of MuSE that were developed either by Sandia
or the Company. The Company does not intend to commercialize such applications
and such applications are not an ongoing source of revenue to the Company. The
following descriptions are intended to provide only illustrations of certain
industrial or governmental applications of MuSE and are not intended as any
representation that the Company can or will be engaged to develop any specific
applications for MuSE or that any applications of MuSE which are developed by
the Company will result in revenues or profits to the Company.
o Medical--CT Scan of Human Head: This application demonstrates the
ability of MuSE to translate a standard CAT Scan and/or MRI data from
actual patients into full-color, 3D models; to present heart rate,
respiration, and other similar information as sound; and to permit
users to create cross sections for analysis and to examine potential
medical procedures.
o Modeling--Dynamic Solar System: This educational/entertainment model
simulates the solar system, including 73 independently moving objects
(planets and moons). As in every MuSE application, the viewer can
control the speed of time and tether to any given object in the
environment. The user can also access certain additional NASA data
and simulations.
o Simulation--Explosive Welding: MuSE was used to investigate the
simulated explosive welding of two dissimilar metals for a production
process. The data was generated from a
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complex supercomputer data-set input, which included data as to the
physical characteristics of both metals and the explosive charge.
After this data was recreated in a MuSE environment, the
client/researchers discovered, within minutes, a process flaw that
required revisions of their proposed manufacturing process.
o Astronomy--Impact of Shoemaker/Levy 9 Comet on Jupiter: MuSE was
applied to understand the predicted effects of the collision of the
Shoemaker/Levy 9 Comet with Jupiter in 1995 based on simulated
supercomputer models. By placing the information in a MuSE
environment, scientists identified previously unanticipated effects
of the collision, which ultimately closely matched scientific
observations.
o Manufacturing--Design and Assembly: MuSE was used to simulate the
assembly of a radioactive-waste containment vessel. The components of
the vessel can be examined and manipulated and viewed externally and
internally in the MuSE environment. The MuSE System can capture and
display CAD/CAE data, including manufacturing, factory modeling,
process simulation, assembly-line design, architecture, art and
sculpture, and special effects for entertainment, games, education,
training, biotechnology, and medicine.
o Graphical Database Analysis: The database in this project contained
production-flow information obtained from roadway sensors over a one
year period at different geographical locations, the sensors measure
the type, weight, number of axles, time of detection and direction of
travel for each vehicle detected. Users were able to present the
information in visual displays. The customer quickly discovered
significant amounts of erroneous information provided by participants
as well as invalid data resulting from sensor malfunction.
o Seismic Data Interpretation and Oil Reservoir Modeling: The Company
has deployed a variety of applications for customers in the oil and
seismic industries. One project yielded a simulation of an actual oil
field with four producing wells. The simulation revealed underground
oil movement relative to the wells over a two-year period and
included information about rock porosity and oil, gas and water
pressure. Another oil industry project produced a sophisticated
surface-to-data analysis tool that helps analysts create more
accurate seismic models, saving oil companies time and money and
reducing unnecessary drilling.
o Electronics Component Design Validation: MuSE was used to study the
design of an electronic controller chip intended to power a set of
stepping motors prior to the manufacture of the chip. This MuSE
application integrated results from commercial CAD programs,
electronic circuit simulation models, thermal modeling software and
thermal transfer programs. The mapping of electronic circuit data to
sound permitted engineers to detect a circuit failure, correlate such
failure with overheating, isolate the design components causing the
failure and test a correction of the chip design prior to prototype
construction. MuSE resulted in several months of analysis using
conventional analytic tools to be condensed into a few hours.
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o Situational Analysis and Environmental Evaluation: Topographical,
geometric, photographic, and observational information was combined
in a MuSE environment to recreate a portion of a real beach to show
dynamic lighting variation; actual weather and surf conditions; and
changes in terrain, structures, and climatic effects over a
three-month period. MuSE was used both by designers to actually
construct the model as well as by users to interact with it.
o Command and Control Operations: Terrain information was used to
recreate an area in the Middle East for the purpose of studying a
hypothetical engagement between land-air and air-sea forces. This
simulation included a variety of ships, planes, and missiles and can
constantly acquire updated status information on all elements in the
scene from military simulators. The simulation permits the user to
interact with a complex, dynamically changing environment in
real-time and to assess and respond to new conditions. This
simulation included a simulated missile attack and response and used
streamers and ground shadows to help interpret movement patterns. The
ability instantly to attach to moving objects and to move anywhere
within the simulated environment greatly enhances a viewer's ability
to understand and intelligently examine and respond to rapidly
changing, complex situations.
Research and Product Development
Management believes that the Company's future success depends in
large part upon the timely enhancement of existing products and the
development of new products and applications. The Company is currently
developing new software products relating to information management with broad
applications in the commercial, government and education markets and enhancing
existing products to improve price and performance, expand product
capabilities, simplify user interfaces, help define and support emerging
industry standards, and develop interoperability with most products and
devices commonly used in the Company's targeted markets. Such existing
MuSE-based products include desktop, office, laboratory and theatre
environments that operate on a broad range of platforms and with a variety of
display devices and tools. The Company also believes that it is beneficial to
work with third parties to accomplish these goals and has, in the past,
received funding from outside sources, such as grants from government
organizations, to develop products and applications. The Company intends to
continue to pursue such external research and development funding sources.
For fiscal 1998, fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, the Company's research
and development expense was approximately $957,000, $742,000, and $599,000,
respectively. Except for payments related to Small Business Innovative
Research grants from the Federal government of approximately $341,000 and
$124,000 which was included in revenue in fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1996,
respectively, and related to development of certain applications of MuSE, all
research and development was Company-sponsored.
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Intellectual Property Rights
The Company has been advised that Sandia has filed patent
applications for aspects of the MuSE software and holds copyrights to the MuSE
software. The Company depends on Sandia for the protection of the intellectual
property covered by the License Agreement. No assurance can be given that
Sandia will be able to patent other inventions present in the MuSE software or
otherwise protect the proprietary intellectual property covered by the License
Agreement.
The Company has filed and is in the process of filing patent
applications for Continuum and related technologies, and it has also filed
trademark applications and logo identifications for certain of its other
products and its logo, although the Company does not currently have copyright
protection for all of its trademarks.
The Company will generally rely on a combination of trade secret,
copyright, trademark and patent law to protect its proprietary rights in the
intellectual property developed by it. Although the Company intends to provide
products utilizing the MuSE software to its customers primarily in object code
form, no assurance can be given that unauthorized third parties will not be
able to copy the MuSE software. In addition, there can be no assurance that
the Company's competitors will not independently utilize existing technologies
to develop products that are substantially equivalent or superior to MuSE. The
Company could incur substantial costs in defending itself or its licensees in
litigation brought by third parties, or in seeking a determination of the
scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others.
Competition
The Company believes that the current market for MuSE and other
visual computing software products is relatively small and fragmented.
However, based upon publicly available market research, the Company believes
that this market will grow rapidly over the next decade. The Company believes
that no single company dominates the market at the present time; however, a
number of small companies, such as Paradigm Systems, Inc. ("Paradigm") and
Division Group PLC ("Division"), and larger companies, such as SGI
International ("SGI") and Autodesk, Inc. ("Autodesk"), are aggressively
pursuing business opportunities in this field. Many of the companies with whom
the Company competes or expects to compete have substantially greater
financial resources, research and development capabilities, sales and
marketing staffs and distribution channels and are better known than the
Company.
The Company believes that the principal factors affecting the
Company's ability to compete are the availability, functionality and
architecture of its products; the quality, ease of use, performance and
functionality of the derivative applications developed and marketed by the
Company; the effectiveness of the Company in marketing and distributing its
products and services; and price.
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Employees
As of December 21, 1998, the Company had 25 full-time employees. The
Company believes that its relationships with its employees are satisfactory.
Of the 25 persons employed by the Company, six work in administration and
management, nine work in sales and marketing and ten work in product
development. The Company has no history of any work stoppages and no employees
of the Company are currently represented by a union.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company has completed the construction of a synthetic environment
laboratory to develop and demonstrate applications of MuSE. The Company has a
three year lease for approximately 8,700 square feet of office and laboratory
space in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The lease provides for rental payments of
approximately $8,600 per month. The Company believes that such property is
adequately insured and is suitable for its intended purposes.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings
as of the date hereof.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Company did not submit any matters to a vote of its stockholders,
through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1998. In October 1998, holders of a majority of the outstanding Common
Stock of the Company, by written consent, voted to increase the number of
shares of Common Stock subject to options available for grant under the
Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and approved other amendments thereto.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCK-HOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock and Warrants are traded on the Nasdaq
SmallCap(Trademark) Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbol "MUZE" and "MUZEW",
respectively, and on the Boston Stock Exchange ("BSE") under the symbols "MZE"
and "MZEW", respectively. The following table sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the range of high and low bid prices of the Common Stock and the
Warrants as reported by Nasdaq and the BSE from November 17, 1998, the first
trading day following the effective date of the Company's registration
statement in connection with its initial public offering, through December 21,
1998. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up,
mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual
transactions.
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Common Stock High Low
-------- -------
From November 17, 1998 (first trade date) $14.00 $8.50
through December 21, 1998........................
Warrants
From November 17, 1998 (first trade date) $4.18 $1.25
through December 21, 1998........................
The approximate number of record holders of the Common Stock at
December 21 , 1998 was 180, not including beneficial owners whose shares are
held by banks, brokers and other nominees.
The Company has not paid any dividends. The Company does not expect
to pay cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future as any
earnings are expected to be retained to finance the Company's operations.
Declaration of dividends in the future will remain within the discretion of
the Company's Board of Directors.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The following presentation of management's discussion and analysis of
the Company's financial condition and results of operations should be read in
conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, the
accompanying notes thereto and other financial information appearing elsewhere
in this Report. This section and other parts of this Report contain forward-
looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual
results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference
include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operation--Factors Affecting Operating Results and Market Price of Stock"
commencing on page 16.
Operational Overview
From the Company's inception (October 24, 1995) until September 30,
1996 the Company's primary activities consisted of developmental activities,
including the acquisition of MuSE; research and development relating to MuSE
and Continuum; commercialization of MuSE; developing marketing strategies;
selecting a management team; and obtaining financing. During fiscal 1997, the
Company commenced active sales and marketing activities relating to MuSE and
related products and began generating revenues from sales and licensing of
such products and providing consulting and maintenance services.
In June 1998, the Company entered into the CRI Agreement with respect
to distribution of the Company's products and services in the oil and gas
industry worldwide. In exchange for such exclusive rights, CRI paid the
Company a non-refundable license fee of $5,000,000 and will pay minimum sales
commitments totaling $12,000,000 over the next three years. The Company has
recognized the $5,000,000 license fee under the CRI Agreement as revenue for
the fiscal year ended
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September 30, 1998. Additionally, in December 1998, the Company entered into a
non-exclusive reseller agreement with Intergraph, an automated business
solutions company with customers worldwide in a variety of commercial sectors
and government. The agreement with Intergraph provides Intergraph with the
non-exclusive right to resell the Company's products and services worldwide in
exchange for minimum annual sales commitments over the next three years
aggregating $4 million.
The Company's strategy is to seek to enter into similar arrangements
in other markets. The Company is in the process of hiring additional sales and
marketing personnel with expertise and contacts in such targeted markets.
Additionally, the Company will seek to leverage its existing relationships and
applications of its software products to enhance its marketing efforts.
Revenues during fiscal 1998 of $6,206,000 include $5,000,000 that
relates to the CRI Agreement. Although such revenues represent a significant
increase over fiscal 1997 revenues of $756,000, such results are not
comparable since the Company did not begin commercialization and marketing
efforts until the latter part of fiscal 1997. Although the Company had net
income of $324,000 for fiscal 1998 and net income of $2,440,000 for the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1998, without the $5,000,000 of revenues from CRI
($4,000,000 of which was recognized in the fourth quarter), the Company would
have had a significant net loss during fiscal 1998 due in part to increased
marketing and personnel costs associated with the commercialization effort,
interest expense and $948,000 for a non-cash imputed compensation expense
incurred in connection with the repricing of employee stock options. However,
a significant portion of selling, general and administrative expenses can be
attributed to the entering into, and obligations under, the CRI Agreement.
Earnings per share were $0.04 and $0.25 for fiscal 1998 and the fourth quarter
of fiscal 1998, respectively, as compared to a net loss per share of $(0.28)
for fiscal 1997.
Revenues for fiscal 1997 consisted primarily of product sales,
licensing fees and consulting and maintenance fees. Revenues of $355,000 for
fiscal 1996 consisted primarily of fees related to research and development
services provided on behalf of government and industrial customers. The net
loss from operations for fiscal 1997 and for fiscal 1996 of ($2,049,000) and
($1,204,000), respectively, resulted principally from the disproportionate
amount of overhead expenses in relation to revenues received due to the
commercialization of the Company's products and services in fiscal 1997.
Research and development expense was $957,000 for fiscal 1998, a 29%
increase over the research and development expense for fiscal 1997, which was
$742,000. The increase reflects expenditures relating to the development of
Continuum and software and modifications to enable MuSE and Continuum to
operate on Windows-NT(Trademark) systems.
Interest expense was $799,000 for fiscal 1998 as compared to $168,000
for fiscal 1997, reflecting accrued interest and debt issuance costs in
connection with various private placements of notes during fiscal 1998.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
To date, the Company's capital needs have been funded through a
series of debt and equity financings.
In December 1995, the Company sold convertible promissory notes and
warrants for net proceeds of approximately $900,000, which proceeds were used
to pay certain liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition of the
License Agreement and related technology. In April 1996, such notes were
converted into an aggregate of 131,579 shares of Common Stock.
During April through September 1996, the Company received net
proceeds of approximately $1,700,000 through the sale of Common Stock.
In June 1997, the Company received net proceeds of $1,113,750 from
the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $1,237,500 and an aggregate
of 81,411 shares of Common Stock. Of such notes, $937,500 were paid on
maturity in June 1998 out of the proceeds of the April 1998 Private Placement
(described below) and $309,960 of such notes and accrued interest were
converted to an aggregate of 68,881 shares of Common Stock and Warrants to
purchase 68,881 shares of Common Stock.
In December 1997, the Company completed a private placement (the
"December 1997 Private Placement") consisting of 8% promissory notes (the
"1997 Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $875,000 and an aggregate
of 57,566 shares of Common Stock. The net proceeds to the Company from the
December 1997 Private Placement was $688,000. The Company used approximately
$270,000 of the net proceeds of its initial public offering completed in
November 1998 (the "IPO") to pay the balance due on the 1997 Notes, together
with accrued interest thereon.
In April and May 1998, the Company sold an aggregate of 355,000
shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 355,000 shares of Common
Stock, for net proceeds of $1,412,750 (the "April 1998 Private Placement").
The underwriter of the Company's IPO acted as placement agent in connection
with the April 1998 Private Placement and received a commission of 10% of the
gross proceeds of such sale and reimbursement of its expenses (including legal
fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with such placement of $25,000.
In July 1998, the Company sold 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock and
CRI Warrants to purchase 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock to CRI for an
aggregate purchase price of $8,000,000. The Company paid an aggregate of
approximately $520,000 to three officers of the Company in connection with such
transaction.
In October, 1998, in order to assist CRI with its short term cash
requirements in connection with CRI's commencement of marketing efforts with
respect to the Company's products, the Company approved certain loans to CRI
in the principal amount of up to $1,000,000 payable on demand with interest at
12% per annum accruing and payable monthly following 60 days from the
draw-down date. As of the date hereof, $1,000,000 is outstanding under such
loan arrangement.
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On November 19, 1998, the Company consummated its IPO through the
sale of 1,200,000 shares of Common Stock and Warrants to purchase 600,000
shares of Common stock and received gross proceeds of $9,600,000.
Additionally, on December 2, 1998, the underwriter of the Company's IPO
exercised its over-allotment option in full and the Company received gross
proceeds of $1,440,000. Total net proceeds to the Company approximated
$9,600,000.
Pursuant to his employment agreement in December 1998, Curtiz J.
Gangi was given a loan in the principal amount of $150,000 in connection with
his relocation to New Mexico. The loan bears interest at the rate of 5% per
annum and is secured by a pledge of vested stock options having a value equal
to the principal amount of the loan.
The Company's capital requirements depend on numerous factors,
including the progress of its product development programs, the ability of the
Company to enter into strategic arrangements or other marketing arrangements
which result in the commercialization of its products, the need to purchase or
lease additional capital equipment and the cost of filing, prosecuting,
defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property
rights. To date, the Company's principal source of funds has been from the
sale of its debt and equity securities. Based upon its current plans, the
Company believes that the net proceeds of its IPO, together with the net
proceeds from the sale of securities to CRI in July 1998 and funds generated
from operations, including payments and royalties under the CRI Agreement,
will be sufficient to satisfy the Company's operations for at least the next
twelve months. The foregoing sentence is considered a forward-looking
statement for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
and is subject to the risks and factors set forth below under "Factors
Affecting Operating Results and Market Price of Securities." However, if the
Company's current and projected needs change due to unanticipated events or
otherwise, the Company may be required to obtain additional capital and there
can be no assurance that additional financing will be available or that the
terms of any financing will be acceptable to the Company.
Year 2000 Compliance
There are issues associated with the programming code in existing
computer systems as the year 2000 approaches. The "year 2000 problem" is
pervasive and complex, as virtually every computer operation will be affected
in some way by the rollover of the two digit year value of 00. The issue is
whether computer systems will properly recognize date sensitive information
when the year changes to 2000. Systems that do not properly recognize such
information could generate erroneous data or cause a system to fail. The
Company has not verified that companies doing business with it are year 2000
compliant. The Company does not anticipate that it will incur significant
operating expenses or be required to invest heavily in computer systems
improvements to be year 2000 compliant. The Company believes that its products
are currently year 2000 compliant. However, significant uncertainty exists
concerning the potential costs and effects associated with year 2000
compliance. Any year 2000 compliance problem of either the Company or its
customers or strategic partners could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
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FACTORS AFFECTING OPERATING RESULTS AND MARKET PRICE OF SECURITIES
Uncertainty of Future Profitability and Substantial Accumulated Deficit
Any increase in revenue will be dependent upon the ability of the
Company to market its software, either directly or through distributors or
strategic partners. The Company expects to substantially increase its
operating expenses in anticipation of increased revenue with no assurance that
the Company will generate sufficient revenue to cover such expenses.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company can or will ever
achieve profitable operations.
Cash Requirements
The Company's capital requirements depend on numerous factors,
including the progress of its product development programs, the ability of the
Company to enter into strategic arrangements or other marketing arrangements
which result in the commercialization of its products, the need to purchase or
lease additional capital equipment and the cost of filing, prosecuting,
defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property
rights. To date, the Company's principal source of funds has been from the
sale of its debt and equity securities. Based upon its current plans, the
Company believes that the net proceeds from its IPO, together with the net
proceeds from the sale of securities to CRI in July 1998 and funds generated
from operations, including payments and royalties received under the CRI
Agreement, will be sufficient to satisfy the Company's operations for at least
the next twelve months. However, if the Company's current and projected needs
change due to unanticipated events or otherwise, the Company may be required
to obtain additional capital and there can be no assurance that additional
financing will be available or that the terms of any financing will be
acceptable to the Company. If adequate funds are not available, the Company
may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate one or more of its product
development programs, including but not limited to the further development of
MuSE and Continuum or related products, or the Company may be forced to obtain
funds through entering into arrangements with collaborative partners or others
that may require the Company to relinquish rights to certain of its
technologies or products that the Company would not otherwise relinquish.
Technological Uncertainties
The commercial success of the Company's software will be dependent on
its acceptance by potential customers. The Company's software is based on
technology that has not been generally proven in the marketplace and is
subject to the risks of failure inherent in products based on new
technologies. A significant portion of the Company's resources, including
approximately $6,200,000, or 78% of the net proceeds of the Company's IPO,
will be used for research and development and marketing relating to the
Company's software and other products and services. There can be no assurance
that the Company can or will develop marketable products. The failure of the
Company to achieve market acceptance of its products will have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
Marketing Activities Required
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The Company's ability to generate revenue and profits from its
software products is dependent upon its ability to successfully market MuSE
and applications using MuSE. The Company's marketing efforts will be directed
principally, at least initially, toward potential strategic partners who can
develop and market applications based on MuSE products in various industries.
Substantial marketing efforts will be required to obtain such strategic
partnerships. No assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in
its marketing efforts. In addition, the Company is subject to the risks
inherent in any attempt to commercialize products based on new technology,
many of which are not within the Company's control.
Anticipated Dependence on Strategic Partners
Other than the CRI Agreement and the agreement with Intergraph, the
Company does not currently have any agreements or understandings with other
potential strategic partners, and there can be no assurance that the Company
can or will be able to enter into strategic relationships or that any
agreements or arrangements with strategic partners will generate revenue or
profits for the Company.
To the extent that the Company relies upon strategic partners to
perform such functions as research and development and marketing or
commercialization of applications based on MuSE products, the Company will be
dependent upon the ability and willingness of such strategic partners to
perform its obligations in a timely manner. The amount and timing of the
allocation of resources by any strategic partner pursuant to its arrangement
or agreement with the Company may be affected by numerous factors not within
the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, a change in
management or direction by the strategic partner, the introduction by the
strategic partner of products which may compete with the Company's products or
applications or the strategic partner's perception of the market for the
Company's products.
Certain conflicts of interest could arise between the Company and one
or more of its strategic partners which, depending on the nature of the
conflict, could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business,
prospects and financial condition. Although the Company will seek to restrict
its strategic partners from developing competitive products it may not be able
either to obtain or enforce such restrictions. The Company's strategic
partners or their affiliates may develop, either alone or with others,
products which are competitive or have applications which are competitive with
the Company's products. Such conflicts could affect the support provided by
the strategic partner for the Company's products which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
The ability of the Company to enter into arrangements with strategic
partners on acceptable terms may be affected by the Company's financial
condition. To the extent that the Company is in a position where it requires
substantial capital to fund its operations, it may be necessary for the
Company to grant to strategic partners certain rights to the Company's
products or technology which the Company would not otherwise grant.
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Dependence on License Agreement
MuSE is based on software which is licensed to the Company by Sandia
pursuant to the License Agreement, which grants the Company exclusive rights
to develop and commercialize MuSE until October 2005 and thereafter provides a
non-exclusive right through 2015. At the end of such ten year period of
exclusivity, the Company may request Sandia to extend exclusivity through
2015, which determination shall be made in Sandia's sole discretion. Sandia
has the right to terminate the license or make the license non-exclusive in
the event the Company fails to pay the required royalties under the License
Agreement, with an annual minimum royalty of $20,000 through the year ending
December 31, 2006. The Company is also obligated to pay an annual license fee
of $10,000 through the year ending December 31, 1999 and a one-time payment of
$20,000 prior to July 1999. Any termination of the License Agreement will have
a material adverse effect on the Company. Furthermore, at such time as the
license becomes non-exclusive, other companies may obtain the rights to the
MuSE technology to develop products which may compete with those of the
Company.
Rapid Changes in Technology
The computer industry in general and the software industry in
particular are subject to rapid changes in technology, which can make hardware
or software obsolete. Advances in technology create markets for new products
and change or reduce the market for existing products. There can be no
assurance that future technological developments will not result in
technologies which render the Company's products or applications obsolete. In
order for the Company to obtain market acceptance of MuSE and Continuum or
related products, the Company must be able to convince its potential customers
and strategic partners that it has the technological capabilities to meet the
technological demands of the marketplace. Furthermore, the willingness of a
potential strategic partner to enter into an agreement or arrangement with the
Company and to devote the financial and personnel resources to the development
of applications using MuSE may be dependent on, among other factors, the
ability of the Company or the strategic partner to offer solutions which are
competitive with products developed and offered by others and whether such
products can generate an acceptable market share.
Uncertainty of Protection of Patents and Intellectual Property Rights
The Company believes that patent and other protection of intellectual
property rights is crucial to its business and that its future will depend in
part on its ability to develop proprietary and/or patented products, maintain
trade secret protection and operate without infringing the proprietary rights
of others. The Company's products are based on patents and other proprietary
technology developed by Sandia and by the Company. Patents have been issued
separately to Sandia and the Company with respect to various aspects of MuSE
and to the Company with respect to Continuum. However, no assurance can be
given that the patents will be upheld if challenged. Any challenge to the
validity of the Company's patent rights, regardless of whether the Company
ultimately prevails, could be expensive and could require the Company to use a
significant portion of its resources in any such litigation, without any
assurance of success. Pursuant to the License Agreement, Sandia has the
obligation to defend the patents licensed to the Company against any
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claim of infringement or invalidity, as a result of which the Company will be
dependent upon Sandia's willingness or ability to defend the patents against
any claim. No assurance can be given that third parties will not challenge the
validity and enforceability of the patent applications or any patents owned or
issued in the future to the Company, or that such challenges will not be
successful. There can be no assurance that patent infringement claims will not
be asserted and found to have merit, that the Company will not be enjoined
from using MuSE and licensing MuSE, or that the Company would not be forced to
obtain a license and pay future royalty fees as well as past damages to the
party claiming infringement.
The Company will generally rely on a combination of trade secret,
copyright, trademark and patent law to protect its proprietary rights in the
intellectual property developed by it or licensed to the Company. Although the
Company intends to provide products utilizing MuSE to its customers primarily
in object code form, no assurance can be given that unauthorized third parties
will not be able to duplicate the software code.
Risk of Product Liability; Product Liability Insurance May Be Insufficient or
Unavailable
The use of the Company products, including products designed and
marketed by a potential strategic partner, may expose the Company to liability
claims resulting from the use of the products. The Company currently maintains
limited product liability insurance in the aggregate amount of $2,000,000 per
occurrence with a total aggregate limit of $5,000,000, and there can be no
assurance that such coverage will be adequate. Furthermore, there can be no
assurance that adequate product liability insurance will be available to the
Company or any of its strategic partners in the future at a reasonable cost,
if at all. The inability of the Company or any strategic partner to obtain
sufficient coverage at an acceptable cost or to obtain other protection
against potential liability could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of
the one or more of Company's proposed products. A successful product liability
claim or a product recall would have a material adverse effect upon the
Company's business, prospects and financial condition.
Government Contracts
The Company maintains several Federal government contracts and
receives grants from the Federal government, all of which are cancellable and
subject to renegotiation at the option of the government for any reason.
Historically, the Company derived a significant portion of revenues, and
expects to continue to derive a material portion of its revenues in the near
future, from government contracts. Accordingly, any such cancellation or
renegotiation relating to significant projects could have a material adverse
impact on the Company.
Dependence on Management
The Company is dependent upon the services of Dr. Creve Maples,
Chairman of the Board and Chief Technical Officer, Curtiz J. Gangi, President,
and Craig Peterson, Senior Software Development Manager, for the development
of the Company's products, and Douglas Harless, Vice President-Sales and
Marketing, for the marketing of the Company's products and services. Given the
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Company's early stage of development and the shortage of personnel trained in
the application and adaptation of MuSE, the Company is dependent on its
ability to identify, hire, train, retain and motivate high quality personnel,
especially highly skilled engineers involved in the ongoing developments
required to adapt MuSE to specific applications and solutions. Loss of the
services of any of Dr. Maples or Messrs. Gangi or Peterson would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's operations and financial condition.
The Company has obtained, and is required to maintain, key man life insurance
on the lives of Dr. Maples and Mr. Gangi in the amount of $1,000,000 each and
Mr. Peterson in the amount of $500,000 while employed by the Company. The
Company has entered into three-year employment agreements with Dr. Maples,
Messrs. Gangi, Clark and Harless commencing as of June 1, 1998 and with Mr.
Peterson commencing as of August 1, 1998, providing for current annual
compensation of $175,000, $215,000, $150,000, $150,000 and $90,000,
respectively. Each agreement provides for certain bonuses, severance benefits,
non-competition covenants and, in some cases, payments in the event of a
change of control of the Company. In addition, certain officers have the right
to obtain a 5% loan from the Company to cover certain relocation expenses.
Competition
There are many companies, both public and private, engaged in
developing and marketing software products which compete or have applications
which compete with the Company's software products. At the present time,
Division, Paradigm, Advanced Visual Systems, Inc., Gemini Technology Corp.,
Autodesk, and SGI among others, market such products. The Company believes
that the principal factors affecting its ability to compete include such
factors as the functionality and architecture of MuSE, the performance of
specific applications of products using MuSE, the price of MuSE and the
perceived ability of the Company and/or a strategic partner to support and
service MuSE after installation.
Most of the companies with which the Company competes or is expected
to compete have substantially greater financial resources, research and
development capabilities, sales and marketing staffs and distribution channels
than the Company. There can be no assurance that products and services based
on MuSE will achieve sufficient quality, functionality or cost-effectiveness
to compete with existing or future alternatives. Additionally, other major
software companies may be able to develop competing products and, if MuSE
gains market acceptance, other more established companies may enter the
Company's markets.
Effects of Customers' Cost-reduction Programs
The pricing of software products in general, and those, such as the
Company's, that are based on new technology in particular, may be affected by
the continuing efforts of end-users and project directors to contain or reduce
costs through various means, including curtailment of discretionary spending
or reduction in the scope of or termination of existing projects. The Company
cannot predict the effect such cost reduction measures or changes in the
overall economy may have on its business, and no assurance can be given that
any such actions or changes in the economy will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
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operations. Further, to the extent that such actions or changes have a
material adverse effect upon the business, financial condition and
profitability of other companies that are prospective strategic partners for
certain of the Company's products, the Company's ability to commercialize its
products may be adversely affected.
Effective Control by Officers, Directors and Principal Stockholders
The officers and directors of the Company currently beneficially own
approximately 29.1% of the Common Stock of the Company and will have the
ability to significantly influence the election of the directors of the
Company and otherwise significantly influence the affairs of the Company. In
addition, CRI owns approximately 10.0% of the Common Stock of the Company and
may also be able to significantly influence the affairs of the Company.
Related Party Transactions
The Company has entered into several business transactions with its
directors, officers and principal stockholders and their affiliates. Such
arrangements could result in certain conflicts of interest between such
persons and the Company. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions"
contained in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120
days of the fiscal year end.
Absence of Dividends
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its capital stock and
does not anticipate paying any such cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Earnings, if any, will be retained to finance future growth.
Shares of Common Stock Issuable Pursuant to Warrants And Underwriter's Unit
Purchase Option; Registration Rights
In addition to the 10,143,893 shares of Common Stock outstanding,
there are outstanding Warrants to purchase 1,113,881 shares of Common Stock,
of which Warrants to purchase 423,881 shares of Common Stock are held by
certain selling securityholders, and other outstanding warrants to purchase
1,445,362 shares of Common Stock. The Company has issued to the underwriter of
its IPO for nominal consideration a Unit Purchase Option to purchase 120,000
units consisting of 120,000 shares of Common Stock and Warrants to purchase
60,000 shares of Common stock. The Company also has stock option plans
pursuant to which options to purchase 2,458,750 shares of Common Stock are
outstanding. The holders of Warrants and the underwriter's Unit Purchase
Option have certain demand and/or piggyback registration rights. The Company
will bear the cost of preparing such registration statements but will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock or Warrants
pursuant thereto other than payment of the exercise price with respect to any
Warrants that are exercised. The Company anticipates that it will register the
shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Company's stock option plans pursuant
to a Form S-8 registration statement. CRI also possesses certain demand and
piggyback registration rights with respect to the
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1,000,000 shares of Common Stock held by CRI and the 1,000,000 shares of
Common Stock underlying the CRI Warrants. The existence of these registration
rights, as well as the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to registration
statements which the Company may be required to prepare, may have a depressive
effect on the price of the Common Stock in the open market. In addition, the
existence of such warrants and options and the registration rights referred to
above may adversely affect the terms on which the Company can obtain
additional equity financing. The holders of warrants are likely to exercise
them at a time when the Company would otherwise be able to obtain capital on
terms more favorable than those provided by the Warrants.
Potential Adverse Effect of Redemption of The Warrants
Commencing November 16, 1999, or earlier with the consent of the
underwriter of the Company's IPO, the Warrants may be redeemed by the Company
at a redemption price of $.01 per Warrant upon not less than 30 days' notice
if the average closing price per share of the Common Stock is at least $12.00,
subject to adjustment, during the 20 day period ending not earlier than five
days from the date the Warrants are called for redemption. Redemption of the
Warrants could force the holders to exercise the Warrants and pay the exercise
price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for the holder to do
so, to sell the Warrants at the then current market price when they might
otherwise wish to hold the Warrants, or to accept the redemption price, which,
at the time the Warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be
substantially less than the market value of the Warrants. The Company will not
call the Warrants for redemption except pursuant to a currently effective
prospectus and registration statement.
Current Prospectus And State Registration Required to Exercise Warrants
Holders of the Warrants will only be able to exercise the Warrants if
(a) a current prospectus under the Securities Act relating to the shares of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants is then in effect and (b)
such securities are qualified for sale or exemption from qualification under
the applicable securities laws of the states in which the various holders of
Warrants reside. Although the Company has undertaken to use commercially
reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of a current prospectus
covering the Common Stock underlying the Warrants, and may not call the
Warrants for redemption unless there is a current and effective registration
statement covering the issuance of the Common Stock upon exercise of the
Warrants, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to do so.
Unless there is an effective and current registration statement covering the
issuance of the Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants, the Company will
not accept payment for, or issue Common Stock with respect to, the exercise of
any Warrants, and any payments made by a Warrant holder will be refunded by
the Company. The value of the Warrants may be greatly reduced if a current
prospectus covering the Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the
Warrants is not kept effective or if such securities are not qualified or
exempt from qualification in the states in which the holders of Warrants
reside. The Company has registered or qualified the Warrants for sale in a
limited number of states. There is no assurance that, at the time a holder of
Warrants desires to exercise the Warrants, that such holder will reside in a
state in which the underlying Common Stock may be issued.
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Future Sales of Common Stock Under Rule 144 or Otherwise
Of the total shares outstanding, approximately 7,000,000 shares are
subject to the restrictions contained in certain agreements with the
underwriter of the Company's IPO and officers, directors and certain
stockholders of the Company restricting the sale or other disposition of such
persons' Common Stock until November 15, 1999 without the prior written
consent of the underwriter. Subsequent to the end of such restriction, all of
such restricted shares will be eligible for sale under Rule 144. In general,
under Rule 144, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who has
satisfied a one-year holding period may sell "restricted securities" within
any three-month period limited to a number of shares which does not exceed the
greater of one percent of the then outstanding shares or the average weekly
trading volume during the four calendar weeks prior to such sale. Rule 144
also permits the sale (without any quantity limitation) of "restricted
securities" by a person who is not an affiliate of the issuer and who has
satisfied a two-year holding period. Accordingly, the 2,004,604 shares (and
all shares subject to options and warrants) held by officers and directors
will be subject to the volume limitations described above so long as such
persons are deemed affiliates of the Company.
Quarterly Fluctuations in Revenues And Market Price
Quarterly revenues and operating results will fluctuate as a result
of a variety of factors. These factors, some of which are beyond the Company's
control, include the timing of the completion, material reduction or
cancellation of major projects, the loss of a major customer or the
termination of a relationship with a strategic partner, timing of the receipt
of new business, timing of the hiring or loss of personnel, changes in the
pricing strategies and business focus of the Company or its competitors,
capital expenditures, operating expenses and other costs relating to the
expansion of operations, general economic conditions and acceptance and use of
the Company's software products. Revenues and operating results are difficult
to forecast because of those fluctuations.
The trading prices of the Common Stock and the Warrants are subject
to fluctuation in response to quarterly variations in operating results,
announcements of technological innovations or new products or services by the
Company or its competitors, as well as other events or factors. In addition,
the stock market has from time to time experienced price and volume
fluctuations which have particularly affected the market price of
technology-oriented and computer software companies, which often have been
unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. These broad market
fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock and the
Warrants.
24
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Item 13(a)(1) in Part IV.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL
PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE
ACT
The information required for this item is incorporated by reference
to the Company's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement which the Company will file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days subsequent
to September 30, 1998.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required for this item is incorporated by reference
to the Company's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement which the Company will file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days subsequent
to September 30, 1998.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The information required for this item is incorporated by reference
to the Company's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement which the Company will file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days subsequent
to September 30, 1998.
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required for this item is incorporated by reference
to the Company's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement which the Company will file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days subsequent
to September 30, 1998.
25
<PAGE>
PART IV
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Page
----
<S> <C> <C>
(a) Documents filed as part of this report.
1. Financial Statements (appearing at end of this report)
Report of Independent Public Accountants F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheet - September 30, 1998 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations - For the years ended September 30, 1998
and 1997 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - For the years ended
September 30, 1998 and 1997 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the years ended September 30, 1998
and 1997 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6
2. Exhibits
1.1 Revised Form of Underwriting Agreement.*
1.2 Revised Form of Underwriter's Unit Purchase Option.*
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended.*
3.2 By-Laws of the Registrant.*
3.3 Amendment No. 1 to By-Laws of Registrant.*
4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate.*
4.2 Revised Form of Warrant Agreement between the Registrant and
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, including the
revised form of Class A Redeemable Common Stock Purchase
Warrant and the form of Class B Redeemable Common Stock
Purchase Warrant.*
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
10.1 License Agreement dated October 9, 1995 between the Company and Sandia, as
amended.*/**
10.2 Office Lease dated September 6, 1995 between the Company and Airpark
Associates, as amended.*
10.3 1995 Stock Option Plan.*
10.4 1996 Stock Option Plan.*
10.4(a) Amendment No. 1 to 1996 Stock Option Plan.*
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1998 between Creve Maples and the
Registrant.*
10.6 Employment Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1998, between Craig Peterson and
the Registrant.*
10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1998, between Curtiz J. Gangi and the
Registrant.*
10.8 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1998, between Brian Clark and the
Registrant.*
10.9 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1998, between Douglas Harless and
the Registrant.*
10.10 Super Value-Added Reseller (S-VAR) Agreement, dated June 19,
1998 between Continuum Resources International ASA and the
Registrant.*/**
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- -------------
* Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 (Commission File No. 333-62495).
** Portions of this document have been deleted pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
(b) The Company did not file any Current Reports on Form 8-K during the
last quarter of the period covered by this Report.
27
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By: /s/ Curtiz J. Gangi Dated: December 22, 1998
---------------------------------
Curtiz J. Gangi, President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each of the undersigned hereby appoints Curtiz J. Gangi, as his
attorney-in-fact to sign his name, in any and all capacities, to any
amendments to this Form 10-KSB and any other documents filed in connection
therewith to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed
below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
/s/Curtiz J. Gangi Principal Executive Officer, December 22, 1998
- -------------------------
Curtiz J. Gangi President and Director
/s/Creve Maples Director December 22, 1998
- -------------------------
Creve Maples
/s/David Durgin Director December 22, 1998
- -------------------------
David Durgin
/s/Edward Masi Director December 22, 1998
- -------------------------
Edward Masi
Director December __, 1998
- -------------------------
Benjamin Huberman
/s/Brian Clark Chief Financial Officer December 22, 1998
- -------------------------
Brian Clark (principal financial and
accounting officer), Treasurer and
Secretary
28
<PAGE>
MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC
REPORT ON AUDITS OF
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
<PAGE>
MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
Independent Auditors' Report...............................................F-1
Balance Sheets.............................................................F-2
Statements of Operations...................................................F-3
Statement of Stockholders' Equity..........................................F-4
Statements of Cash Flows...................................................F-5
Notes to Financial Statements...........................................F-6-16
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Stockholders and
Board of Directors of
MUSE Technologies, Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of MUSE Technologies,
Inc. as of September 30, 1998, and the related statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows, for the years ended September 30, 1998 and
1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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 MUSE Technologies,
Inc. as of September 30, 1998, and the results of its operations and cash flows,
for the years ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/Feldman Sherb Ehrlich & Co., P.C.
Feldman Sherb Ehrlich & Co., P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
New York, NY
December 4, 1998
F-1
<PAGE>
MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
ASSETS
------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $ 3,539,403
Accounts receivable 4,364,000
Stock subscription receivable 4,000,000
Prepaid insurance 22,877
------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 11,926,280
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT- net 438,164
NOTE RECEIVABLE - RELATED PARTY 55,000
DEFERRED OFFERING COSTS 363,860
OTHER ASSETS 29,242
------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 12,812,546
============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 135,099
Accrued liabilities 851,658
Capital lease - current portion 9,093
Notes payable (net of discount of $25,521) 599,479
------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,595,329
CAPITAL LEASE, less current portion 3,121
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,598,450
------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $.015 par value, 50,000,000 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding 8,763,893 131,458
Additional paid-in capital 14,444,091
Stock subscription receivable (87,500)
Accumulated deficit (3,273,953)
------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 11,214,096
------------
------------
$ 12,812,546
============
See notes to financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE>
MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended
September 30,
---------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
REVENUE $ 6,206,135 $ 755,705
----------- -----------
EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative expenses 2,702,359 1,467,240
Research and development 956,946 741,910
Non-cash imputed compensation expense 948,355 --
Depreciation 475,928 427,735
Interest expense 798,653 167,922
----------- -----------
TOTAL EXPENSES 5,882,241 2,804,807
----------- -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 323,894 $(2,049,102)
=========== ===========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:
Basic $ 0.04 $ (0.28)
=========== ===========
Diluted $ 0.04 $ (0.28)
=========== ===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES AND COMMON EQUIVALENTS:
Basic 7,672,010 7,193,169
=========== ===========
Diluted 8,654,838 7,193,169
=========== ===========
See notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Additional Stock Total
--------------------------- Paid-in Subscription Accumulated Stockholders'
Shares Amount Capital Receivable Deficit Equity
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE - October 1, 1996 7,076,579 $ 106,149 $ 2,437,275 $ -- $(1,603,745) $ 939,679
Sale of common stock pursuant to
private placement 99,014 1,485 584,000 -- -- 585,485
Sale of common stock in
connection with notes 81,415 1,221 335,855 -- -- 337,076
Issuance of common stock pursuant to
consulting agreements 9,758 146 74,014 -- -- 74,160
Sale of stock to officer 11,513 173 87,327 (87,500) -- --
Dividend adjustment -- -- -- -- 55,000 55,000
Net loss -- -- -- -- (2,049,102) (2,049,102)
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE - September 30, 1997 7,278,279 109,174 3,518,471 (87,500) (3,597,847) (57,702)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to
consulting agreements 4,058 61 30,780 -- -- 30,841
Sale of common stock pursuant to
private placements 1,412,566 21,188 9,637,285 -- -- 9,658,473
Conversion of notes into
common stock 68,880 1,033 308,927 -- -- 309,960
Exercise of stock options 110 2 273 -- -- 275
Non-cash imputed compensation
expense -- -- 948,355 -- -- 948,355
Net income -- -- -- -- 323,894 323,894
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE - September 30, 1998 8,763,893 $ 131,458 $14,444,091 $ (87,500) $(3,273,953) $11,214,096
=========== =========== =========== ========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
September 30,
----------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ 323,894 $(2,049,102)
Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation 475,928 427,735
Amortization of discount 585,886 127,968
Amortization of finance cost 138,421 --
Non-cash imputed compensation expense 948,355 --
Issuance of common shares for consulting expense 30,841 --
Issuance of common shares for interest expense 9,960 --
Retirement of fixed assets -- 17,028
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable (4,148,551) (45,015)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets 377 (23,254)
(Increase) decrease in other assets (6,590) 47,224
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable (76,893) 190,326
(Increase) decrease in accrued liabilities 647,971 (14,784)
----------- -----------
CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (1,070,401) (1,321,874)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment (151,919) (273,555)
----------- -----------
CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (151,919) (273,555)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from sale of stock 5,411,561 629,062
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options 275 --
Net proceeds from issuance of notes 677,241 1,113,750
Deferred offering cost (363,860) --
Due from affiliate -- 23,627
Decrease in capital lease payable (13,430) 25,644
Borrowings - line of credit (50,000) 50,000
Repayments of notes payable (1,187,500) --
----------- -----------
CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 4,474,287 1,842,083
----------- -----------
NET INCREASE IN CASH 3,251,967 246,654
CASH - Beginning of year 287,436 40,782
----------- -----------
CASH - End of year $ 3,539,403 $ 287,436
=========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 59,778 $ 167,922
=========== ===========
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
(1) Convertible notes converted to common stock 300,000 --
(2) Reclass of stock subscription receivable
to note receivable 87,500 --
(3) Common stock issued in conjunction with
note issuance 306,250 433,125
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
MUSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
1. THE COMPANY
MUSE Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware
on October 24, 1995 to develop and market software products, designed
to enhance the user's ability to understand and analyze data and
information and to provide solutions to complex data integration and
data management problems. The multisensory capabilities of the
software ("MuSE"), enables the user to present information in real
time using visual, auditory, tactical and other analytical tools.
MuSE is based on software licensed to the Company by Sandia
Corporation ("Sandia") pursuant to a license agreement dated October
9, 1995 (the "License Agreement"). The Company has also developed a
proprietary software product, "Continuum", designed for multiuser,
real-time collaboration within the MuSE environment.
In December, 1995 the Company acquired substantially all assets and
liabilities from Viga Technologies Corporation ("Viga"), an affiliate
with common ownership. As part of the acquisition Viga agreed to
transfer the License Agreement to the Company. Pending completion of
the transfer Viga sublicensed its rights under the License Agreement
to the Company. On July 15, 1996, the License Agreement was formally
assigned to the Company.
The Company commenced operations in December 1995. Prior to entering
into an exclusive marketing agreement in July 1988 (see note 12), the
majority of the Company's revenue had been generated from products
utilizing the MuSE technology and applied research and development
services for customers in the Federal, corporate and nonprofit
markets of the United States. Sales to the United States government
represented $906,055 or 15%, and $528,748 or 70%, of revenue in 1998
and 1997, respectively. Accounts receivable from the United States
government were $361,000 and $98,125 at September 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The Company does not require collateral on its accounts
receivable.
The Company effected a 1-for-3.04 reverse stock split on March 5,
1998. In addition, in conjunction with the 1-for-3.04 reverse stock
split, the par value of the Company's stock was changed from $0.01
per share to $0.015 per share. All references to the number of shares
of common stock and per share amounts in the accompanying financial
statements and related footnotes have been restated as appropriate to
reflect the stock split for all periods presented.
F-6
<PAGE>
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
b. Revenue Recognition - The Company licenses software to end
users under license agreements. The Company recognizes
revenues in accordance with Statement of Position 91-1
entitled "Software Revenue Recognition" ("SOP-91"), issued
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
("AICPA"). SOP-91 requires that software license revenue be
recognized upon the receipt of a valid order and product
shipment, provided no significant obligation to the customer
exists. Maintenance (post-contract support) revenues are
recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the
maintenance agreement (generally, one year). Maintenance
revenues not currently recognized are recorded as deferred
revenues. Revenues for other services and training are
recognized upon performance of the service.
The AICPA has issued SOP 97-2 with regards to recognizing
revenues on software transactions. SOP 97-2, which
supersedes SOP 91-1, is effective on a prospective basis for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The adoption
of the new SOP is not expected to have a material effect on
the Company's financial statements.
c. Research and Development - Research and development
expenditures are charged to operations as incurred.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 86,
"Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold,
Leased or Otherwise Marketed," requires capitalization of
certain software development costs subsequent to the
establishment of technological feasibility. Based on the
Company's product development process, technological
feasibility is established upon completion of a working
model. Costs incurred by the Company between completion of
the working model and the point at which the product is
ready for general release have been immaterial.
d. Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated
at cost. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line
method over three years, which is the estimated useful life
of the assets.
e. Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Basic earnings (loss) per
share is computed using the weighted average number of
shares of outstanding common stock. Diluted per share
amounts also include the effect of dilutive common stock
equivalents from the assumed exercise of stock options.
F-7
<PAGE>
f. Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes," which is an asset and
liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred
tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax
consequences of events that have been recognized in the
Company's financial statements or tax returns.
g. Cash Equivalents - Cash equivalents are carried at cost,
which approximates market value. For purposes of the
statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid short-term investments that are readily convertible
to cash and have original maturities of three months or less
from their date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash
equivalents consist of overnight interest funds, which
exceed the maximum insured by the Federal Depository
Insurance Corp. (FDIC) by approximately $3,400,000.
h. Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The Company's
financial instruments under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 107 ("SFAS 107") "Disclosures About
Fair Value of Financial Instruments," includes cash,
accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable,
notes payable, borrowings under line of credit facility, and
long-term debt. The Company believes that the carrying
amounts of these accounts are a reasonable estimate of their
fair value because of the short-term nature of such
instruments.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at September 30, 1998 is as follows:
Computer equipment $ 1,460,927
Furniture and fixtures 126,636
--------------
1,587,563
Less: accumulated depreciation (1,149,399)
--------------
$ 438,164
==============
4. ISSUANCES OF STOCK AND DEBT
(i) During the year ended September 30, 1997, 99,014 shares of
common stock were sold for net proceeds of $585,485.
(ii) During June 1997, the Company issued $1,237,500 principal
amount of, 8% promissory notes and shares of the Company's
common stock for which it received net proceeds of
$1,113,750. The principal balance and accrued interest were
due and payable upon the earlier of the one year anniversary
of the date of the note or
F-8
<PAGE>
seven days after the consummation of an initial public
offering. For valuation purposes, $433,125 was allocated to
the common stock and the remainder to the notes. Accordingly,
the notes were issued at a discount from their face value. The
discount was amortized over the one year term of the notes. At
September 30, 1997, the unamortized debt discount was
$305,157. As of September 30, 1998, $937,500 of such notes
were repaid and $300,000 plus accrued interest of $9,960 was
converted to common stock.
(iii) In September 1997, the Company sold to an officer 11,513
shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $7.60 per
share for an aggregate of $87,500. Payment of the purchase
price was made by issuance of a non-recourse promissory note
secured by a pledge of the shares purchased. The officer has
agreed to pay such loan within six months of the effective
date of the Company's initial public offering.
(iv) In April and May 1998, the Company received net proceeds of
$1,411,500 from the sale in a private placement of 35.5
units at $45,000 per unit. Each unit consists of 10,000
shares of the Company's common stock and a series A common
stock purchase warrant to purchase 10,000 shares of common
stock.
(v) During the year ended September 30, 1998, the Company issued
$875,000 of promissory notes at 8% interest, attached with
shares of the Company's common stock for which it received
net proceeds of $688,131. The principal balance and accrued
interest are payable upon the earlier of the one year
anniversary of the date of the note or seven days after the
consummation of an initial public offering. For valuation
purposes, $306,250 debt discount was allocated to the common
stock, less $48,448 attributed to offering costs. A total of
57,566 shares of the Company's common stock was issued. At
September 30, 1998, the unamortized debt discount was
$25,521. As of September 30, 1998, $250,000 of the notes
plus accrued interest has been repaid.
(vi) On July 15, 1998, the Company sold 1,000,000 shares of
common stock and stock purchase warrants for the purchase up
to 1,000,000 shares of common stock at $9.60 per share. Such
warrants are exercisable upon issuance thru June 30, 2003.
The stock and the warrants were sold as a unit for
$8,000,000. The Company received $4,000,000 as of September
30, 1998 of such stock sale. The remaining $4,000,000 was
received in November 1998.
The Company paid its Vice President of Sales and Marketing
and two other executives a commission of $520,000 in
connection with this investment.
The warrants are redeemable by the Company at any time after
December 31, 1998 at $.01 per warrant upon 30 days prior
notice, provided that (A) the following criteria are
satisfied: (a) with respect to redemption of up to 50% of
the warrants, the average closing price of the Common Stock
as listed on the Nasdaq Stock
F-9
<PAGE>
Market (or other securities exchange) is at least $14.40 for
the twenty day period ending at least two days before the
redemption date, or (b) with respect to redemption of up to
100% of the warrants, the average closing price of the
Common Stock as listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (or other
securities exchange) is at least $19.20 for the twenty day
period at least two days before the redemption date, and (B)
the Company is engaged in a subsequent underwritten public
offering of its securities in which the managing underwriter
thereof requires redemption of such warrants.
5. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
The Company currently has two stock option plans with essentially
identical terms and conditions. Under the 1995 Stock Option Plan, the
Company may grant non-qualified stock options to purchase up to
3,586,513 shares of common stock. Under the 1996 Stock Option Plan,
the Company may grant non-qualified or incentive stock options to
purchase up to 1,644,737 shares of common stock. Options may be
granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants and
independent contractors. Under the Plans, options may be for periods
up to ten years and become exercisable in varying amounts based on a
vesting schedule. In general, the options become exercisable in three
installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant. All
options allow for the purchase of common stock at prices equal to
market value at the date of the grant.
The Company accounts for its stock option plans under APB Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," ("APB 25"), under
which no compensation cost is recognized. In fiscal 1997, the Company
adopted SAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock- Based Compensation,"
("SAS 123") for disclosure purposes: accordingly, no compensation has
been recognized in the results of operations for its stock option
plans as required by APB 25, other than a $948,355 non-cash
compensation charge related to the repricing of certain stock
options.
For disclosure purposes the fair value of each stock option grant is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for stock
options granted during the years ended September 30, 1998 and 1997;
annual dividends of $0.00, expected volatility of 50%, risk-free
interest rate of 5.7%, and expected option lives of six years. The
weighted average fair value of the stock options granted for the
years ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 was $2.79 and $1.89,
respectively.
See Notes 4 and 8 with respect to the issuance of warrants by the
Company.
The following table summarizes the changes in options and warrants
outstanding, and the related exercise price for shares of the
Company's common stock:
F-10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Stock Options Warrants
-------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Exercise Exercise
Shares Price (1) Exercisable Shares Price Exercisable
---------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at
October 1, 1996 92,105 $ 2.50 16,630 121,710 $ 7.60 --
===============
Granted 790,131 2.50 -- 425,691 7.60 --
Granted 197,368 7.60 -- -- -- --
Canceled (13,158) 2.50 -- (102,039) 7.60 36,033
---------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Outstanding at
September 30, 1997 1,066,446 2.50-7.60 307,610 445,362 7.60 445,362
===============
Granted 689,804 2.50 -- 423,881 4.50 --
Granted 727,500 7.50 -- 1,000,000 9.60 --
Canceled (24,671) 2.50 -- -- -- --
Exercised (329) 2.50 -- -- -- --
---------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Outstanding at
September 30, 1998 2,458,750 $ 2.50-7.60 1,426,035 1,869,243 $ 4.50-9.60 1,869,243
========== ============= =============== ============= ============= ===========
</TABLE>
(1) As a result of the March 5, 1998 1-for-3.04 reverse stock
split, the exercise price of the options under the Company's
1995 and 1996 stock option plans was $7.60. In April 1998,
the exercise price of the options was reduced to $2.50 per
share. The above table reflects such repricing. The Company
incurred a non-cash compensation expense of $948,355 related
to such repricing.
Had compensation cost for the Company's two option plans been
determined in accordance with SFAS 123, the Company's net income
(loss) and income (loss) per share would have been decreased
(increased) to the pro forma amounts indicated below for the years
ended September 30:
1998 1997
----------- -------------
Net income (loss):.................. As reported $ 323,894 $ (2,049,102)
Pro forma $ (127,077) $ (2,241,718)
Net income (loss) per share:.......
Basic As reported $ 0.04 $ (0.28)
Pro forma $ (0.02) $ (0.31)
Diluted As reported $ 0.04 $ (0.28)
Pro forma $ (0.01) $ (0.31)
F-11
<PAGE>
6. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Effective June 1, 1998 the Company has entered into three year
employment agreements with various officers of the Company as
follows:
- The Chief Technical Officer of the Company will receive an
annual base salary of $175,000 and a bonus of up to $65,000
upon the Company achieving certain performance objectives.
This officer also received options to purchase Common Stock
of the Company at an exercise price of $7.50 per share,
which vests as follows: 30,000 shares on June 1, 1999,
37,500 shares on June 1, 2000, and 50,000 shares on June 1,
2001.
- The President of the Company will receive an annual base
salary of $215,000 and a bonus of up to $134,000 upon the
Company achieving certain performance objectives. The
President also received options to purchase Common Stock of
the Company at an exercise price of $7.50 per share, which
vests as follows: 100,000 shares on June 1, 1999, 125,000
shares on June 1, 2000 and 150,000 shares on June 1, 2001.
The President is entitled to receive a five year loan in the
amount of $150,000 at 5% annual interest in connection with
his relocation to New Mexico pursuant to the completion of
the initial public offering ("IPO") of the Company's
securities.
- The Vice-President of Sales and Marketing will receive an
annual base salary of $150,000. This officer will receive
commissions under the Company's Sales Compensation Plan. The
officer also received options to purchase Common Stock of
the Company at an exercise price of $7.50 per share, which
vests as follows: 30,000 shares on June 1, 1999, 37,500
shares on June 1, 2000 and 50,000 shares on June 1, 2001.
Such officer is entitled to receive a five year loan in the
amount of $75,000 at 5% annual interest in connection with
his relocation to New Mexico pursuant to the completion of
an IPO.
- The Chief Financial Officer will receive an annual base
salary of $150,000 and a bonus of up to $65,000 upon the
Company achieving certain performance objectives. This
officer also received options to purchase Common Stock of
the Company at an exercise price of $7.50 per share, which
vests as follows: 30,000 shares on June 1, 1999, 37,500
shares on June 1, 2000 and 50,000 shares on June 1, 2001.
The Chief Financial Officer is entitled to receive a five
year loan in the amount of $75,000 at 5% annual interest in
connection with his relocation to New Mexico pursuant to the
completion of an IPO.
Under the above agreements, if such the officer is terminated by the
Company other than for cause (as defined in each employment
agreement), or if the officer dies or becomes permanently disabled,
all stock options held by such officer shall immediately vest upon
such termination and such officer shall receive severance payments in
an amount equal to
F-12
<PAGE>
one year's base salary for the President, Chief Financial Officer and
the Vice President of Sales and Marketing (if terminated after
November 30, 1998), and two year's base salary for the Chief
Technical Officer. Each of the employment agreements also contain
provisions relating to severance payments equal to the salary and
bonus for the remainder of the employment term plus an additional one
year's base salary in the event of a change in control (as defined in
the employment agreement).
In addition to the above agreements, effective August 1, 1998 the
Company entered into a three year employment agreement with an
employee to serve as the Company's Director of Product Development
at an annual salary of $90,000.
7. RETIREMENT PLAN
In October 1996, the Company established a defined contribution plan
(SARSEP plan) covering substantially all employees. Under the terms
of the plan, eligible employees may contribute up to fifteen percent
of their compensation, subject to statutory limitations. The Company
expensed $27,759 and $23,249, representing 2% and 3% percent of
eligible employees compensation, for their contribution to the plan
for the years ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 respectively.
8. LICENSE AGREEMENT
The Company's license agreement, for the "MuSE" technology was
amended in July 1998. It grants the Company exclusive rights to
develop and commercialize MuSE until October 2005 and thereafter
provides a non-exclusive right through 2015. At the end of such ten
year period of exclusivity, the Company may request the licensor to
extend exclusivity through 2015, which determination shall be made in
the licensor's sole discretion. The licensor has the right to
terminate the license or make the license non-exclusive in the event
the Company fails to pay the required royalties under the license
agreement, with an annual minimum royalty of $20,000 through the year
ended December 31, 2006. The Company is also obligated to pay an
annual license fee of $10,000 through the year ending December 31,
1999 and a one-time payment of $20,000 prior to July 1999.
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
a. Note Receivable - In 1997 Viga reduced by $55,000 the
purchase price that the Company had paid to acquire the
assets and rights to the license agreement for the MuSE
Technology. Viga issued a note for the $55,000, bearing
interest at 6.50% due in November 2001.
b. Investment Banking Agreement - The Company had entered into
an investing banking agreement with Investors Associates,
Inc. ("IAI"). Certain owners of IAI are stockholders of the
Company. In general, the Company has engaged IAI to provide
investment banking services relating to the financings
described in Note 4. On June 30, 1997, the investment
banking agreement with IAI was mutually terminated.
F-13
<PAGE>
For services as placement agent for such transactions, in
1997, the Company paid IAI fees of $123,750 and issued to
IAI warrants to purchase 419,112 of common stock at $7.60
per share, of which 102,039 were subsequently canceled. In
1996, the Company paid IAI fees of $203,490 and issued to
IAI warrants to purchase 121,710 shares of common shares at
$7.60 per share. The warrants expire at various times from
December 31, 1998 to April 2001.
c. Transactions With Stockholders - The Company had entered
into a consulting agreement that expired on September 30,
1997 with Quatro Corporation ("Quatro"), a minority
shareholder, in which Quatro provided accounting services,
financial and business support, executive and marketing
consulting, and manufacturing consulting services to the
Company. The Company paid $19,324 to Quatro for these
services in 1997.
d. Consulting Agreement - In March 1997, the Company entered
into a consulting agreement with an independent contractor,
wherein the contractor will act as an advisor to the Company
with respect to business development and strategic alliance
matters. The contractor was granted options to purchase
23,688 shares of Company common stock at a price of $7.60
per share, vesting at 1,974 shares per month.
9. INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation between the federal statutory tax rate and the
effective income tax rate for the years ended September 30, 1998 and
1997 are as follows:
1998 1997
------------ -----------
Statutory Federal income
tax rate 34 % (34 %)
Benefit of operating loss
carry forwards (34 %) --
Losses for which no benefit
is provided -- 34 %
------------ -----------
Effective income tax rate 0 % 0 %
============ ===========
As of September 30, 1998 the Company had net operating loss carry
forwards of approximately $ 2,148,000 for federal tax purposes
expiring in 2012. The resulting tax deferred tax asset of $752,000
has been offset by a corresponding valuation allowance.
10. LEASES
The Company leases its laboratory and office facilities under
non-cancelable lease arrangements. Rent expense for 1998 and 1997 was
$104,712 and $109,583 respectively. Future minimum lease payments
under noncancellable operating leases are:
F-14
<PAGE>
1999 $ 109,105
2000 18,306
-----------------
$ 127,411
=================
11. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
The Company derives significant revenue from contracts with the
Federal government. Recognition of revenue is generally conditioned
upon compliance with terms and conditions of the contracts and
applicable Federal regulations. Substantially all contracts are
subject to audit by agencies of the Federal government or their
designees. Disallowances by Federal officials as a result of these
audits may become liabilities of the Company. The Company has not
recorded any liability for disallowances which may be determined in
the future.
12. MARKETING AGREEMENT
In June 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with an entity
which grants them the rights to market, sell and distribute the
Company's products. This entity is the same that entered into a
subscription agreement on July 15, 1998 to purchase 1,000,000 shares
of common stock.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will receive a
$5,000,000 non-refundable fee granting the entity exclusive worldwide
selling rights of the Company's products in the oil and gas industry.
As of September 30, 1998, the Company has received $1,000,000 of the
$5,000,000. The Company received an additional $2,000,000 in October
1998, with the balance due in December 1998.
The agreement is for an initial term of three years with a provision
for three successive three year renewal periods. The agreement
provides for the Company to receive a minimum of $12,000,000 from the
entity for the sale of MuSE software over the initial and renewal
terms of the agreement.
In connection with this agreement, the Company's Vice President of
Sales and Marketing earned previously granted options to purchase
197,369 shares at an exercise price of $7.60 per share.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Public Offering - In November 1998, the Company successfully
completed an initial public offering of its securities. A total of
1,200,000 units were sold for $8.00 per unit for a total of
$9,600,000. Each unit consists of one share of the Company's common
stock and one-
F-15
<PAGE>
half warrant. Only whole warrants can be used to purchase one share
of common stock. The warrants are exercisable upon issuance until
November 13, 2003 at $9.60 per share of common stock. Net proceeds
after underwriting commissions and other related fees was
approximately $8,360,000.
An additional 180,000 shares were subsequently issued pursuant to the
underwriters over allotment option. Net proceeds after underwriting
commissions and other related fees was approximately $1,253,000.
Issuance of Notes Receivables - In October 1998 and November 1998,
respectively, the Company issued a $250,000 and a $750,000 note
receivable. The maker of the note is the entity that entered into a
subscription agreement on July 15, 1998 to purchase 1,000,000 shares
of common stock. The notes which are payable upon demand are interest
free for the first sixty days from issuance and after such period
bear interest at 12% per year.
Reseller Agreement - In December 1998 the Company entered into a
non-exclusive reseller agreement with an entity. The agreement
provides such entity with the non-exclusive right to resell the
Company's products and services in exchange for minimum annual sales
commitments over the next three years aggregating $4,000,000.
F-16
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1998
<CASH> 3,539,403
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 4,364,000
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 11,926,280
<PP&E> 1,587,563
<DEPRECIATION> 1,149,399
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 12,812,546
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,595,329
<BONDS> 3,121
0
0
<COMMON> 131,458
<OTHER-SE> 11,082,638
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 12,812,546
<SALES> 6,206,135
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 6,206,135
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 5,083,588
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 798,653
<INCOME-PRETAX> 323,894
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 323,894
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 323,894
<EPS-PRIMARY> .04
<EPS-DILUTED> .04
</TABLE>
