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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO ____________
Commission File Number 0-21926
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AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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GEORGIA 34-1621925
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S.Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
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4600 HIGHLANDS PARKWAY, SUITE G, SMYRNA, GEORGIA 30082
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (770) 433-2127
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Common Stock on the
Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market on March 23, 1998 was approximately
$22,923,170.
As of March 23, 1998 the registrant had outstanding 24,802,263 shares of
Common Stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Certain portions of the Proxy Statement for the registrant's 1998 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference to the extent indicated in
Part III of this Form 10-K.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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PART I
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Item 1. Business.................................................... 3
2. Properties.................................................. 8
3. Legal Proceedings........................................... 8
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......... 8
Executive Officers of the Registrant........................ 9
PART II
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Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters....................................... 10
6. Selected Financial Data..................................... 10
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................. 11
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data................. 14
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure.................................. 14
PART III
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Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.......... 15
11. Executive Compensation...................................... 15
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management................................................ 15
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............. 15
PART IV
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Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form
8-K....................................................... 16
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
GENERAL
Since its inception, AER Energy Resources, Inc. (the "Company" or "AER
Energy") has been engaged in the development and commercialization of high
energy density, rechargeable zinc-air batteries that provide long, continuous
runtime to users of portable electronic products. The Company believes the
limited runtime between recharges (generally two to four hours) offered by other
manufacturers' rechargeable batteries is a major source of dissatisfaction to
some users of portable electronic devices. The Company's rechargeable zinc-air
technology, which provides high energy density by weight and high energy storage
capacity, is being used to develop batteries capable of operating certain
electronic products at maximum power continuously for a full workday on a single
charge.
The Company continues to be a development stage company and has generated
only minimal revenues from battery sales. The Company has focused its efforts on
developing its rechargeable zinc-air technology, building a patent portfolio,
establishing a manufacturing process, developing relationships with
manufacturers (OEMs) of portable electronic devices, defining and developing
market opportunities and testing and selling rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
In 1994, the Company converted its pilot manufacturing line to a production
facility and began shipping its first battery product. Since that time, the
Company has produced and marketed two types of rechargeable zinc-air batteries:
stand-alone accessory batteries designed to power various portable electronic
products, including certain notebook computers; and customized optional
batteries designed to power specific notebook computer models of certain OEMs.
During 1997, the Company marketed two rechargeable zinc-air battery products:
the AER Energy PowerSlice LX(TM) and the AER Energy PowerSlice Pro(TM).
The PowerSlice LX was introduced in 1995 and was originally designed for
the Hewlett-Packard OmniBook 600 PC notebook computer that was upgraded to the
more powerful Pentium-based OmniBook 800 in September 1996. The increased power
requirements of the OmniBook 800 necessitated an upgrade of the PowerSlice LX,
which the Company shipped in limited quantities in 1997. In November 1997, the
Company discontinued sales of the PowerSlice LX, which used an outdated cell
design and had insufficient power to operate a recently upgraded, more powerful
version of the OmniBook 800.
During 1997, the Company also marketed the PowerSlice Pro. The PowerSlice
Pro incorporates several of the Company's more recent design changes including a
smaller cell, which enabled the Company to build a more powerful battery in
approximately the same size case, and the "Diffusion Air Manager," an improved
system of managing exposure to the air surrounding the zinc-air cells. In May
1997, the Company began shipping the PowerSlice Pro for use as an accessory
power source with the OmniQuest(TM) satellite telephone system manufactured by
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The battery has been supplied to customers by
Alegna, Inc. under private label as the PowerLink(TM). In October 1997, the
Company announced that Bartizan Data Systems LLC had selected the PowerSlice Pro
for use with Bartizan's Expo! The Database Builder(TM), a remote data
acquisition device used at tradeshows to scan attendee badges and compile
information used to contact potential customers. Although the Company has orders
for battery deliveries for these two applications in 1998, the opportunity to
release shipment against these orders has been adversely affected by the timing
of the OEMs' product introductions and the difficulty of debugging the
PowerSlice Pro battery design, which is a complex integration of battery
chemistry and electronic circuit control.
The Company recognized only minimal revenues from the sales of the
PowerSlice LX and PowerSlice Pro batteries during the year ended December 31,
1997.
In November 1997, the Company was issued a United States patent for its
"Diffusion Air Manager". The Diffusion Air Manager can extend zinc-air battery
storage life by isolating the cells in zinc-air batteries from exposure to air
during periods when the battery is in storage or not in use. Because of its
simplicity, small size and enhanced storage life capability, the Company
believes that the Diffusion Air Manager may allow certain rechargeable and
primary (disposable) zinc-air batteries to be applied to a variety of markets
and products that have not been practical in the past. The Company is reviewing
possible new commercial opportunities, such as licensing, which may be available
as a result of this new patent. The Company considers the Diffusion Air Manager
to be a significant addition to its growing patent portfolio which, as of March
1, 1998, included 27 U.S. and six foreign patents.
In December 1997, the Company announced it was developing a new zinc-air
cell that was 70% smaller than the cell used in its PowerSlice Pro battery. The
Company hopes that the combination of its smaller, prototype cell and its
Diffusion Air Manager may present the Company with opportunities in the battery
markets for smaller, handheld electronic products, for which zinc-air batteries
were not practical in the past.
One goal the Company has been pursuing is to secure an agreement with one
or more OEMs to design notebook computers that are mechanically and electrically
compatible with AER Energy batteries. Despite numerous developmental successes
regarding battery power, size and weight, the power requirements of notebook
computers have reached levels that currently preclude the Company from meeting
the battery size, weight and recharge life required by OEMs in the notebook
computer market. The Company continues to work to solve the limitations of
rechargeable zinc-air technology with research and development projects focused
on such areas as reducing carbon corrosion to improve battery power and
increasing the number of recharges while reducing battery size and weight.
The Company was formed to use technology licensed from Dreisbach
Electromotive, Inc. ("DEMI"). DEMI was formed in 1982 to conduct research and
development on electric vehicles and battery systems utilizing, among others,
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zinc-air technology. DEMI's zinc-air development programs included applications
for electric vehicles and portable products. The Company and DEMI entered into a
license agreement (the "DEMI License") in July 1989 whereby DEMI granted to the
Company exclusive worldwide rights to DEMI's zinc-air battery patents and
technology (including trade secrets) for all applications other than motor
vehicles for so long as the Company wishes to use such licensed rights. DEMI has
retained the rights to zinc-air technology for motor vehicle applications and to
its other technologies for motor vehicle applications and batteries producing
over 500 watts continuous power output.
The Company was originally incorporated in Ohio in July 1989 under the name
Aerobic Power Systems, Inc. It subsequently changed its state of incorporation
to Georgia and its name to AER Energy Resources, Inc.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
The market for batteries is currently being served by a variety of
different battery technologies, some of which were first commercialized
approximately 100 years ago. Each of these battery technologies offers certain
attributes such as energy density, energy storage capacity, cost, configuration
and service life which make it best suited for particular product applications.
Choosing the appropriate battery to serve a given application involves matching
the battery's characteristics to the user's application requirements. The
Company is not aware of any single battery technology that can ideally serve all
applications.
The battery industry is broadly segmented into two types of batteries:
primary and rechargeable. Primary batteries are used until discharged, then
discarded and they typically are priced below rechargeable batteries. In
contrast, rechargeable batteries can be discharged and then recharged to almost
full capacity and discharged again.
The Company believes important battery characteristics include energy
density, energy storage capacity, cell voltage and discharge voltage profile.
Energy density can be calculated based on either the weight or volume of the
battery. For a given amount of energy, higher energy density by weight yields
lighter batteries and higher energy density by volume yields smaller batteries.
Energy storage capacity refers to the limits on a battery's ability to store
energy safely and practically. Batteries with high energy storage capacity may
more easily be configured to deliver increased operating time. Cell voltage
determines the number of individual cells that must be connected in series to
provide the overall voltage required to operate a specific product. Generally,
batteries requiring fewer cells to achieve a given battery voltage are more
reliable and facilitate OEM product design. The shape of a battery's discharge
voltage profile defines the range of voltage over which a product must operate
to utilize all of the energy stored in the battery. A battery with a flat
discharge profile delivers a more consistent level of voltage throughout the
battery's discharge cycle and may simplify an OEM product design and contribute
to better operating efficiency.
The Company believes its zinc-air rechargeable batteries offer a unique
combination of high energy density by weight and high energy storage capacity.
In addition, the Company's zinc-air battery cell has a flat discharge voltage
profile that can be an advantage in an OEM product design.
Zinc-air batteries are known to exhibit superior energy density by weight
compared to other types of batteries due to their ability to absorb oxygen
directly from the atmosphere to fuel the chemical reaction that generates
electricity. However, if stored in an open-to-air condition, the storage life of
zinc-air batteries can be greatly reduced. As a result, the use of primary
zinc-air batteries has been relegated to niche applications in which the battery
operates continuously once it is placed in service. For this reason, primary
zinc-air batteries have been predominately used in hearing aids. In order to
develop a rechargeable zinc-air battery, AER Energy needed to develop an air
management system to isolate the battery's zinc-air cells from exposure to air
during the period the battery is not in use. The Company's early air manager
designs were bulky and expensive since they involved the use of sliding doors or
electromechanical devices to control the air surrounding the zinc-air cells. In
November 1997, the Company was issued a patent on its "Diffusion Air Manager",
an air management system which consists of openings configured as long tubes to
admit air into the battery enclosure and a small fan to draw air through the
tubes. The Company believes its Diffusion Air Manager can be applied to both
rechargeable and primary zinc-air batteries.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company's strategy has been to try to capitalize on the demand for long
runtime batteries by mobile workers and other consumers dissatisfied with the
runtime of their portable electronic devices powered by other manufacturers'
batteries. The following are key elements of the Company's strategy:
Technology Development. The Company plans to continue to work to improve
its rechargeable zinc-air technology and to focus on such objectives as
improving energy storage capacity and energy density, reducing battery size and
recharge time, increasing power output and the number of recharges, extending
overall field service life and lowering product costs. The Company also plans to
explore the impact of its newly patented Diffusion Air Manager on both
rechargeable and primary zinc-air battery applications. Concurrent with the
Diffusion Air Manager development, the Company is also working on developing its
newest, smaller, prototype zinc-air cells to serve smaller, handheld electronic
products.
Marketing. A primary focus of the Company's marketing efforts has been to
try to identify portable electronic products and product applications that match
the current capability of the Company's zinc-air technology. During 1997, the
Company identified two applications where the potential long runtime capability
of the Company's zinc-air batteries appeared appealing to consumers: satellite
telephones and data acquisition devices. The Company believes that the constant
emergence of new electronic products on the market and the growth of new product
applications provide opportunities for the Company's batteries. The Company also
hopes to capitalize on its Diffusion Air Manager and its 70% smaller, prototype
zinc-air cell to explore new markets for its battery technology that include
smaller, handheld
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electronic devices. The Company plans to continue to seek agreements with OEMs
of portable electronic products to design products that are electrically and
mechanically compatible with AER Energy zinc-air batteries.
Licensing Opportunities. The Company is also exploring the potential
opportunities arising from its patent portfolio including, but not limited to,
the licensing or sublicensing of aspects of its technology. In particular, the
Company plans to explore the options surrounding its Diffusion Air Manager and
its possible application to both primary and rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
Manufacturing. The Company has developed a flexible, low volume production
facility that enables it to accommodate changes in the Company's zinc-air
technology and manufacture both prototype and commercial product designs. During
1997, the Company modified its manufacturing operations to produce both the
zinc-air cell used in the PowerSlice Pro battery product and the smaller,
prototype cell for potential use in handheld electronic devices. In order to
maintain control of its development and manufacturing processes, the Company
believes it is currently desirable to manufacture its cells and batteries itself
rather than contract with third party manufacturers.
Funding. While Company management believes the Company currently has
sufficient cash to fund operations through the end of 1998, management
recognizes that the Company will need to raise additional funds by the end of
1998. Management is currently reviewing its options in this area which include,
among other things, the licensing or sublicensing of its technology, joint
development contracts and equity financing.
PRODUCTS
During 1997, the Company produced and marketed two battery products: the
PowerSlice LX and the PowerSlice Pro. As discussed above, the PowerSlice LX was
discontinued in November 1997. Also discussed above, during 1997 the PowerSlice
Pro was marketed under private label as the PowerLink by Alegna as an accessory
battery for the Mitsubishi OmniQuest satellite telephone.
MARKETING AND SALES
The Company's marketing efforts have been focused on the identification of
potential product applications for the Company's zinc-air technology, the sales
and marketing of the Company's PowerSlice Pro and the development and
maintenance of relationships with OEMs of portable electronic products. While
the Company recognizes that the requirements of notebook computer OEMs exceed
the performance available from the Company's current zinc-air batteries, the
Company continues to work with OEMs of other electronic products which are more
compatible with the Company's technology at its current state of development.
During 1997, the Company worked with two OEMs of electronic products, Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation and Bartizan Data Systems LLC, to adapt the Company's
PowerSlice Pro battery as a long runtime accessory battery for their respective
products: satellite telephones and data acquisition devices. The Company
currently employees three people in sales and marketing.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company's research and development efforts have been focused on the
commercialization of its rechargeable zinc-air batteries. To date, the Company
has made improvements in its battery power, size and weight, has developed an
air management system and charging circuitry for its zinc-air batteries and has
eliminated mercury. During 1997, the Company's research and development
activities resulted in the introduction of the PowerSlice Pro, the development
of a 70% smaller prototype zinc-air cell and the initial application of the
Company's Diffusion Air Manager. The Company plans to continue to work to
improve the energy storage capacity and energy density of its zinc-air
batteries, further reduce battery size and weight, refine materials and
processing methods, increase the number of recharges and lower product costs.
A majority of the Company's expenses to date have been for research and
development. The Company's research and development expenses for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $4,024,000, $4,208,000 and $4,696,000,
respectively.
MANUFACTURING
The Company currently manufactures its zinc-air batteries itself rather
than contracting with third party manufacturers. The Company believes that
control of the basic elements of the production process should assist the
Company in its efforts to improve the performance and quality of its zinc-air
batteries and maintain a proprietary position. The Company maintains a flexible
manufacturing facility that has accommodated numerous battery and cell design
changes.
The Company commenced pilot production of prototype batteries in the fourth
quarter of 1992. In 1993, the Company purchased certain equipment for the
production of air cathodes used in its rechargeable zinc-air batteries and
licensed certain related air cathode process technology pursuant to an agreement
(the "Westinghouse License") with Westinghouse Electric Corporation
("Westinghouse"). During 1994, the Company converted its pilot manufacturing
line to a production facility for volume assembly of rechargeable zinc-air
batteries, both prototype batteries and batteries for sale to customers. During
1997, the Company's production facility produced PowerSlice Pro and PowerSlice
LX battery products, several experimental battery designs and three different
zinc-air cell sizes, including the new 70% smaller, prototype cell.
The principal raw materials used in the production of the zinc-air
batteries are zinc, carbon, metal and plastic parts and potassium hydroxide.
These materials are available from multiple sources in North America and Asia.
Frequent
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design and material changes combined with low volume production has inhibited
the Company's ability to reduce material costs through long-term relationships
with vendors and high volume purchases.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company is subject to various United States federal, state and local
standards that govern the storage, use and disposal of various chemicals used in
and waste materials produced in the manufacture of its zinc-air batteries,
including zinc, carbon, potassium hydroxide, solvents and adhesives. These
standards include the Environmental Protection Agency's regulations governing
the amount of zinc in the manufacturing waste stream and state and local
regulations governing fire protection, air quality standards and employee
safety, training and preparedness.
During 1996, the Company eliminated the addition of mercury to its zinc-air
cells and batteries without sacrificing size, weight or power. Under federal
regulations, the Company's rechargeable zinc-air batteries with no added mercury
are not considered hazardous waste and can be disposed of as household garbage.
However, the Company believes that some of the chemicals currently used in its
batteries, such as zinc metal and potassium hydroxide, may subject its batteries
to regulation in the future.
COMPETITION
The development and marketing of battery products is highly competitive.
The industry consists primarily of major domestic and international companies,
the vast majority of which have financial, technical, marketing, sales,
manufacturing, distribution and other resources and name recognition
substantially greater than those of the Company as well as established positions
in the market and established ties with OEMs.
The Company is not aware of any competitor currently developing
rechargeable zinc-air batteries for portable electronic products. Although the
Company does not have extensive knowledge of specific competitive activities,
the Company is aware that a great deal of battery research is in progress on a
global basis. The Company believes that the major competitors for its
rechargeable zinc-air batteries are makers of nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal
hydride and lithium-based rechargeable batteries. Ralston Purina's Energizer
Division, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Matsushita Electric
Industrial Co., Ltd., SAFT and Varta Batterie AG, among others, currently
manufacture nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries or both. Sony
Corporation, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. and Matsushita Electric, among others, are
marketing a lithium-ion battery that is designed for use with portable
computers, video cameras and cellular telephones. Valence Technology, Inc.,
Ultralife Batteries, Inc., Hydro-Quebec, Dowty Battery Company and Asahi
Chemical Industry Company, Ltd. are engaged in the research and development of
lithium-polymer batteries, most of which are not yet commercially available.
Ultralife has received an order for lithium-polymer notebook computer batteries
from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The Company is also aware that Electric
Fuel Corporation is working to develop primary zinc-air batteries for portable
electronic products. In addition, companies such as Sony, Matsushita, Sanyo,
SAFT, Tadiran Electronic Industries, Energizer, Duracell and Toshiba, and
possibly other companies, have active research and development programs to
commercialize high energy density batteries. No assurance can be given that such
companies will not develop batteries similar or superior to the Company's
zinc-air batteries.
PATENTS AND LICENSES
The Company relies on certain technology for which either the Company or
DEMI has sought patent protection, including certain patents licensed to the
Company by DEMI. The Company has sought to protect certain technology that the
Company believes to be proprietary, filing patent applications for such
technology both in the United States and in certain countries abroad. The
Company plans to prosecute infringements to its patent rights, where
appropriate. However, there can be no assurance that any particular infringement
will be prosecuted, or if prosecuted, that it will be successful. The Company
also plans to rely upon trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological
innovations and its ability to exploit new opportunities to develop and maintain
its competitive position.
Through the DEMI License, the Company has exclusive rights to ten DEMI
patents (except for motor vehicle applications) which have been issued in the
United States, two of which have also issued in Japan. The DEMI patents relate
to air manager systems, a flexible cell case that allows for internal volume
change during charge and discharge, a continuous consumable anode, a coated air
electrode and a method for attaching zinc-air batteries to electronic products.
The Company currently is utilizing only the technology embodied in the anode
technology.
During the last seven years, the Company has been granted seventeen United
States and four European patents. In addition, as of March 1, 1998, the Company
has filed twelve United States and twenty-two foreign patent applications and
has thirty-six patent disclosures in review. It is the Company's intention to
continue filing new patent applications in the United States, Japan, Europe and
Canada as appropriate for the technology, products and product improvements
developed through its research and commercialization activities.
The Company believes that its most significant intellectual property
benefits are derived from its air manager patents and pending applications. The
air manager system regulates the flow of air within the battery during use and
isolates the zinc-air cells from air during storage, both critical variables
affecting zinc-air battery life. The Company has been issued five United States
patents on its air manager systems and believes its most significant air manager
patent is No. 5,691,074, which covers the Company's Diffusion Air Manager. The
Company's early air manager designs were bulky and expensive since they involved
the use of sliding doors or electromechanical devices. The Company's Diffusion
Air Manager consists of openings that are configured as long tubes to admit air
into the battery enclosure and a small fan to draw air through the tubes. The
Company believes the Diffusion Air Manager is a simple, low cost method of
improving storage life issues
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encountered by both rechargeable and primary zinc-air battery designs. The
Company also has six United States patent applications pending on its designs
relating to its air manager system.
United States patents, either issued to or applied for by DEMI, Mr. Cheiky,
or the Company, and in each case subject to the DEMI License, relate to some of
the operating parameters of the zinc-air battery system. The Company and DEMI
entered into the DEMI License in July 1989 whereby DEMI granted to the Company
the exclusive worldwide rights to DEMI's zinc-air battery patents and technology
(including trade secrets) for all applications other than motor vehicles for so
long as the Company wishes to use such licensed rights. The DEMI License
includes the right to sublicense and it covers any new zinc-air technology
developed or acquired by DEMI, or by Mr. Mike Cheiky, DEMI's former principal
scientist, prior to expiration of his employment agreement with DEMI. For these
rights, the Company agreed to pay DEMI royalties, beginning in 1991, of 4% of
net sales through July 18, 2004, subject to certain minimum amounts and possible
increases or decreases to a maximum of 4% and a minimum of 2%, as specified in
the DEMI License. The applicable percentage of royalties is currently 4% of net
sales. After July 18, 2004, the Company may continue to use such licensed
technology without payment of further royalties. In order to maintain exclusive
rights to the technology covered by the DEMI License, the Company must pay
minimum royalties to DEMI for the first ten years of the DEMI License (through
1999). Pursuant to a Technology Assignment Agreement, DEMI also had rights to
battery technology developed by Mr. Cheiky after the expiration of his
employment agreement with DEMI (which expired on October 15, 1993) and prior to
July 19, 2004, subject to certain annual payments to be made to Mr. Cheiky and
certain other conditions and exceptions. This Technology Assignment Agreement
was terminated on December 26, 1995. Effective October 15, 1993, the DEMI
License was amended so that, under certain circumstances, some or all of the
royalties due under the DEMI License are payable to the shareholders of DEMI
rather than to DEMI. DEMI has also agreed to the terms of a proposed OEM air
manager license agreement to be entered into by the Company and any OEMs
licensing the air manager system, which provides that 4% of the royalties the
Company receives from sublicensing the air manager system will be payable to
DEMI, subject to the reduction as provided in the proposed agreement. Pursuant
to the DEMI License, a relationship for the exchange of technology exists
between the Company and DEMI.
In order to manufacture air electrodes for its zinc-air batteries at its
present production facility, the Company purchased production equipment and
licensed the accompanying air electrode and process technology pursuant to the
Westinghouse License. The Westinghouse License included two United States
patents, one of which was also issued in Japan. Both of the United States
patents have expired. The Japanese patent, which relates to a multi-ply pasted
air electrode, expires in August 1998. The Company paid Westinghouse a total of
$325,000 to purchase the production equipment. The Company's rights with respect
to use of Westinghouse's air electrode technology are exclusive for portable
computer products, but non-exclusive for all other portable products. The
Westinghouse License entitled the Company to improvements developed or acquired
by Westinghouse prior to May 1, 1995. The Company has an option to negotiate
with Westinghouse to acquire certain other Westinghouse improvements developed
or acquired by Westinghouse from May 1, 1995 to May 1, 1998. Under the
Westinghouse License, the Company paid an initial license fee of $250,000 and is
obligated to pay royalties of 1% of its revenues from sales of zinc-air battery
products up to $300,000, followed by royalties of 0.5% of such revenues up to an
additional $350,000, at which time no further royalties for product sales will
be due. In addition, for ten years the Company will pay Westinghouse the greater
of (i) 50% of any sublicense fees it receives if it sublicenses the technology
licensed from Westinghouse, or (ii) 0.5% of sublicensee product sales.
In addition to potential patent protection, the Company attempts to protect
its trade secrets and other proprietary information through secrecy agreements
with customers, suppliers, employees and consultants and other security
measures. Although the Company intends to protect its rights vigorously, there
can be no assurance that these measures will be successful.
The Company is exploring the potential opportunities arising from its
patent portfolio, licenses and trade secrets including, but not limited to, the
licensing or the sublicensing of various aspects of its zinc-air technology. In
particular, the Company plans to explore the opportunities arising out of its
Diffusion Air Manger and its possible applications to both primary and
rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 1997, the Company had 70 regular employees and 15 temporary
employees. Of the total number of regular employees, 22 were engaged in research
and development, 35 (including 12 hourly employees) were engaged in
manufacturing and manufacturing process development and 13 were in marketing and
general and administrative functions. In an effort to reduce expenses, the
Company reduced its number of temporary employees to 4 and regular employees to
60 in February 1998. Of the 60 regular employees, 18 were engaged in research
and development, 32 (including 12 hourly employees) were engaged in
manufacturing and 10 were engaged in marketing and general and administrative
functions. None of the Company's employees are covered by a collective
bargaining agreement, and the Company considers its relations with its employees
to be good.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains statements which to the extent that they are not
recitations of historical fact, may constitute "forward looking statements"
within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws and are based on the
Company's current expectations and assumptions. These expectations and
assumptions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause
actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, which include but
are not limited to the following: ability of the Company to achieve development
goals, ability of the Company to commercialize its battery technology,
development of competing battery technologies, ability of the Company to protect
its proprietary rights to its technology, improvements in conventional battery
technologies, demand for and acceptance of the Company's
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products in the marketplace, ability to obtain commitments from OEMs, ability of
the Company to ramp up production to meet anticipated sales, impact of any
future governmental regulations, impact of pricing or material costs, ability of
the Company to raise additional funds and other factors affecting the Company's
business that are beyond the Company's control.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The Company leases 9,600 square feet of office administration, engineering
and testing space and an additional 24,800 square feet of production and
manufacturing space in Smyrna, Georgia. Both facilities are located within the
same industrial park. The Company believes that its existing facilities and
equipment, together with equipment to be purchased with existing cash, will be
adequate to manufacture its zinc-air batteries through 1998. Management does not
anticipate needing additional space in the near future, but believes that if
needed, the Company would be able to secure additional space at reasonable
rates.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Company is not currently a party to, and no property of the Company is
presently the subject of, any pending legal proceeding.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
8
<PAGE> 9
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The executive officers of the Company as of March 15, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
David W. Dorheim 48 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
R. Dennis Bentz 47 Vice President -- Manufacturing
M. Beth Donley 45 Vice President -- Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Secretary
Frank M. Harris 45 Vice President -- Marketing and Sales
Lawrence A. Tinker 45 Vice President -- Engineering
</TABLE>
David W. Dorheim joined the Company in 1989 as President, Chief Executive
Officer and a director. From 1985 to 1989, Mr. Dorheim was Vice President,
Battery Assembly Division, Gates Energy Products, Inc., with responsibility for
assembly operations in Juarez, Mexico, Newcastle, England and Hong Kong as well
as a design center in El Paso, Texas. Prior to 1985, Mr. Dorheim held various
marketing and sales positions with the General Electric Battery Division in
Gainesville, Florida, including Regional Sales Manager and Manager of Marketing
Programs. Mr. Dorheim is a director of DEMI.
R. Dennis Bentz joined the Company in 1990 as Vice
President -- Manufacturing. Mr. Bentz was employed from 1978 to 1990 by Duracell
International, Inc., a battery manufacturer. Mr. Bentz's last four years at
Duracell were spent as Product Engineering Manager, with responsibility for
product and process design of alkaline, lithium and disposable zinc-air
batteries. Prior to 1987, Mr. Bentz managed the Duracell development and testing
facility in Tarrytown, New York and served as Engineering Manager and Product
Engineer.
M. Beth Donley joined the Company in August 1994 as Cost Accounting Manager
and was promoted to Vice President -- Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Secretary in September 1994. From 1987 to 1994, Ms. Donley was employed by
BraeLoch Holdings Inc., a New Orleans-based independent operator of oil and gas
properties, where she served as Manager of Financial Reporting and Manager of
Corporate Planning and Analysis. Prior to 1987, Ms. Donley served as a
consulting manager for Ernst & Young LLP, a national public accounting firm, was
a partner in a Texas-based public accounting firm, and held various supervisory
positions with E. I. Dupont de Nemours and Co., a chemical manufacturing
company, and GHR Industries, Inc., an independent oil and gas producer and
refiner. Ms. Donley is a certified public accountant.
Frank M. Harris joined the Company in 1990 as Vice President -- Marketing
and Sales. From 1987 through 1989, Mr. Harris was employed by International
Components Corporation, a Chicago-based manufacturer of battery chargers, as
Vice President of Engineering and Director of Sales. From 1986 to 1987, Mr.
Harris served as Manager of Marketing Programs for a lighting product line of
the GE Business Lighting Group. From 1981 to 1986, Mr. Harris worked with the
battery business of General Electric where he held positions in market research
and served as manager of private label battery marketing.
Lawrence A. Tinker joined the Company in January 1993 as Vice
President -- Engineering. During the prior five years, Dr. Tinker was employed
by Gates Energy Products, Inc., where his most recent position was Manager,
Technology for aerospace batteries. In this position, Dr. Tinker managed a group
of scientists responsible for developing nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride
and nickel-hydrogen aerospace battery systems. Prior to 1988, Dr. Tinker was
employed by Ballard Research Inc. for six years, where he managed the research
and development effort for rechargeable lithium battery systems. Dr. Tinker
holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Chemistry from Georgia State University,
and a Doctorate degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas.
9
<PAGE> 10
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The Company's common stock is traded under the symbol "AERN" on the Nasdaq
National Market ("Nasdaq").
The following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated, the high and
low sales prices for the Company's common stock on Nasdaq. Nasdaq quotations are
based on actual transactions and not bid prices.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE
--------------
QUARTER ENDED: HIGH LOW
- -------------- ---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
March 31, 1996.............................................. 3 7/16 1 7/8
June 30, 1996............................................... 7 3/4 4
September 30, 1996.......................................... 4 11/16 2 15/16
December 31, 1996........................................... 3 7/8 2 3/16
March 31, 1997.............................................. 3 9/16 2 1/4
June 30, 1997............................................... 3 1/4 2
September 30, 1997.......................................... 2 13/16 2 1/16
December 31, 1997........................................... 2 7/16 1 1/8
</TABLE>
On December 31, 1997, the closing price of the common stock as reported on
Nasdaq was $1.125 per share. On March 16, 1998, there were 286 holders of record
of the Company's common stock. This number excludes shareholders holding stock
under nominee or street name accounts with brokers.
The Company has not declared a cash dividend on its common stock since
inception. The Company has incurred operating losses since inception and expects
to incur operating losses at least through 1998. Thus, the Company anticipates
that for the foreseeable future, earnings, if any, will be retained for the
operation and growth of its business. Accordingly, the Company does not
anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JULY 17, 1989
(DATE OF
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, INCEPTION) TO
------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1997
----------------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues...................................... $ 108 $ 23 $ 159 $ 49 $ -- $ 338
Gross Margin.................................. (2,566) (1,288) (2,020) (546) -- (6,421)
Costs and Expenses:
Research and development.................... 4,024 4,207 4,696 6,341 5,045 30,716
Marketing, general, and
administrative........................... 2,999 3,123 4,174 3,766 2,514 20,567
------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Total costs and expenses............ 7,023 7,330 8,870 10,107 7,559 51,283
------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Operating loss................................ (9,589) (8,618) (10,890) (10,653) (7,559) (57,704)
Interest income (expense), net................ 823 1,059 692 464 297 3,245
------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net loss...................................... $(8,766) $(7,559) $(10,198) $(10,189) $(7,262) $(54,459)
======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
Net loss per share (basic and diluted)........ $ (0.36) $ (0.33) $ (0.59) $ (0.68) $ (0.56) $ (3.86)
======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and
diluted)(1)................................. 24,617 22,673 17,229 14,905 13,047 14,095
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Computed on the basis described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Financial
Statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA: 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
- ------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents............................. $ 10,207 $ 18,728 $ 16,417 $ 16,030 $ 5,343
Working capital....................................... 10,155 18,502 16,125 15,953 13,502
Total assets.......................................... 12,057 20,688 18,895 19,007 16,314
Total liabilities..................................... 494 512 703 665 679
Deficit accumulated during the development stage...... (54,795) (46,008) (38,223) (27,936) (17,747)
Total stockholders' equity............................ 11,563 20,176 18,192 18,342 15,635
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE> 11
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
GENERAL
Since its inception, the Company has been a development stage company
primarily engaged in developing rechargeable zinc-air battery technology,
establishing the manufacturing process, defining and developing market
opportunities, testing and selling rechargeable zinc-air batteries and
recruiting and training personnel. Starting in 1994, with the sale of the
Company's first battery product, a portion of the research and development
effort became focused on the manufacturing process and the production of both
prototype batteries and batteries for sale to customers. Much of the Company's
marketing focus over the last few years has been to seek a commitment from one
or more original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of portable notebook computers
to design a product that is electrically and mechanically compatible with an AER
Energy rechargeable zinc-air battery. Management now believes that the Company
will need to improve its current technology before it will be in a position to
obtain such a commitment from a notebook computer OEM due in large part to the
growth in the power demands of notebook computers. As a result, in 1997 the
Company began to expand its marketing focus to include additional portable
electronic products less powerful than notebook computers that could benefit
from the key attributes of AER Energy's zinc-air technology. During the year
ended December 31, 1997, the Company sold its AER Energy PowerSlice Pro(TM)
rechargeable zinc-air accessory battery for use with two such products:
satellite telephones and data acquisition devices.
During 1997, the Company shipped the PowerSlice Pro, for use as an
accessory power source with the OmniQuest(TM) satellite telephone system
manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The battery was supplied to
customers by Alegna, Inc. under private label as the PowerLink(TM). In October
1997, the Company announced that Bartizan Data Systems LLC had selected the
PowerSlice Pro for use with Bartizan's Expo! The Database Builder(TM), a remote
data acquisition device used at tradeshows to scan attendee badges and compile
information used to contact potential customers.
In November 1997, the Company discontinued sales of the AER Energy
PowerSlice LX(TM) battery, an accessory battery designed to power the
Hewlett-Packard OmniBook 600 and 800 portable computers. The PowerSlice LX used
an outdated cell design and had insufficient power to operate a recently
upgraded, more powerful version of the OmniBook 800 portable computer.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company recorded minimal
revenues from the sales of PowerSlice Pro and PowerSlice LX batteries.
The Company has incurred cumulative losses of $54.5 million since inception
to December 31, 1997 and expects to continue to incur operating losses beyond
the end of 1998.
In November 1997, the Company was issued a United States patent for its
"Diffusion Air Manager." The Diffusion Air Manager can extend zinc-air battery
storage life by isolating the cells in zinc-air batteries from exposure to air
during periods when the battery is in storage or not in use. Because of its
simplicity, small size and enhanced storage life capability, the Company
believes that the Diffusion Air Manager may allow certain rechargeable and
primary (disposable) zinc-air batteries to be applied to a variety of markets
and products that have not been practical in the past. The Company is reviewing
possible new commercial opportunities, such as licensing, which may be available
as a result of this new patent.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net revenues for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 were
$108,000, $23,000 and $159,000, respectively. Net revenues during 1997 were
attributable to the Company's PowerSlice Pro and PowerSlice LX battery products.
Net revenues during 1996 and 1995 were attributable to the Company's AER Energy
PowerPro(TM) and PowerSlice LX battery products.
The Company's cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 were $2.7 million, $1.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The high
cost of sales in all three years is primarily due to manufacturing
inefficiencies and high material costs resulting from low production volumes.
Research and development expenses decreased to $4.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 1997 from $4.2 million for the same period in 1996. This
decrease was primarily the result of a reduction in the allocation of
manufacturing overhead to research and development expense, which is an
allocation based on the level of manufacturing effort spent on the production of
commercial batteries versus the effort spent on the production and testing of
prototype zinc-air batteries and cells. During the years ended December 31, 1997
and 1996, a total of $652,000 and $1,127,000 in manufacturing overhead expenses
were allocated to the research and development effort, respectively. This
reduction in research and development expenses in 1997 compared to 1996 was
partially offset by a $187,000 increase in personnel costs and a $128,000
increase in legal expenses related to the Company's patent activity.
Research and development expenses decreased to $4.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 from $4.7 million for the same period in 1995. This
decrease was primarily the result of a $351,000 reduction in the costs related
to the design and development of the Company's battery products. These design
and development costs include an allocation of manufacturing overhead pertaining
to the production and testing of prototype zinc-air batteries and cells. During
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, a total of $1,127,000 and $389,000
in manufacturing overhead expenses were allocated to the research and
development effort, respectively. The reduction in research and development
expenses in 1996 compared to 1995 also resulted from an $83,000 decrease in
personnel related costs, and a $40,000 decrease in legal expenses.
11
<PAGE> 12
Marketing, general and administrative expenses decreased to $3.0 million
for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $3.1 million for the same period in
1996. The Company experienced a $108,000 reduction in the write-off of obsolete
inventory, an $85,000 decrease in warranty expense and a decrease of $63,000 in
allocated facility costs. The Company also experienced a $118,000 decrease in
professional fees and a $54,000 reduction in royalty payments pursuant to the
DEMI License. These decreases were partially offset by a $230,000 increase in
personnel related costs and a $65,000 increase in travel costs.
Marketing, general and administrative expenses decreased to $3.1 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $4.2 million for the same period in
1995. This decrease of $1.1 million was largely due to a $315,000 reduction in
marketing, advertising, and public relations expenses. The Company also
experienced a decrease of $186,000 in consulting fees, a reduction of $157,000
in the write-off of obsolete inventory, a decrease of $155,000 in warranty
expense, a reduction of $146,000 in professional fees, a $96,000 decrease in
royalty payments pursuant to the DEMI License, and a $42,000 reduction in
amortization expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a $60,000
increase in personnel costs.
Interest income decreased in 1997 to $823,000 from $1,059,000 in 1996 due
to lower cash balances throughout 1997. Interest income increased to $1,059,000
in 1996 from $691,000 in 1995 due to the higher cash balance in 1996 resulting
from the Company receiving net proceeds of $9.4 million from the private
placement of common stock and warrants during May 1996.
LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Company financed its operations from inception through July 9, 1993
with debt and private placements of common stock. On July 9, 1993, the Company
received, net of underwriting discounts and commissions but before deducting
expenses, proceeds of $16.3 million from its initial public offering of
2,500,000 shares of common stock. On August 6, 1993, the Company issued an
additional 311,700 shares pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters' over-
allotment option, and received additional proceeds of $2.0 million, net of
underwriting discounts and commissions. On November 9, 1994, the Company closed
a second public offering of 2,500,000 shares of its common stock, generating
proceeds of $12.3 million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions but
before deducting expenses. On December 7, 1994, an additional 150,000 shares
were issued pursuant to the underwriters' overallotment option, generating
additional proceeds of $736,500, net of underwriting discounts and commissions.
On November 29, 1995, the Company issued $10,675,000 principal amount of 8%
convertible subordinated debentures due November 17, 1997. Interest on the
debentures accrued at 8% per year and was paid in common stock upon conversion.
Beginning January 13, 1996 and ending November 17, 1997, a holder of a debenture
could have elected to convert the debenture into common stock of the Company at
a conversion price equal to the lesser of $3.60 per share or a percentage
ranging from 85% to 100% of the average closing bid price for the five trading
days immediately prior to the conversion. In connection with the transaction,
the Company paid to a placement agent $840,500 in fees and delivered warrants to
purchase 225,590 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of
$4.32 per share. The warrants expire in three years. The cash payment has been
charged to stockholders' equity. During 1997, the remaining $900,000 in
principal plus accrued interest was converted into 518,683 shares of common
stock at an average conversion price of $1.93 per share. During 1996, $9,775,000
in principal plus accrued interest was converted into 5,394,992 shares of common
stock at an average conversion price of $1.86 per share.
On May 20, 1996, the Company issued 1,584,158 shares of its common stock,
and warrants to purchase an additional 835,000 shares, in a private placement at
an aggregate purchase price of $10 million. The transaction generated proceeds
of $9.4 million, net of expenses. The warrants have an exercise price of $6.3125
per share and expire in five years. The value of the warrants is included in
common stock on the balance sheet.
The Company plans to use the remaining net proceeds from these financings
to fund capital equipment purchases, research and development efforts, marketing
activities, production of commercial and prototype zinc-air battery products,
working capital and general corporate purposes as determined by management. In
the interim, the Company invests the net proceeds in government securities and
other short-term, investment grade, interest bearing investments.
As of December 31, 1997 the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $10.2
million.
Net cash used in operating activities increased to $8.2 million in 1997
from $6.9 million in 1996. Net cash used in operating activities decreased to
$6.9 million in 1996 from $9.2 million in 1995. The changes in net cash used in
operating activities are primarily due to the changes in costs and expenses
discussed above in "Results of Operations."
During the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, cash used in
investing activities was $280,000, $158,000 and $324,000, respectively, which
primarily reflected the purchase of manufacturing and battery testing equipment.
No cash was provided by financing activities during 1997. Net cash provided
by financing activities was $9.4 million in 1996 as compared to $9.9 million in
1995. The cash provided by financing activities in 1996 was primarily due to the
private placement sale of the Company's common stock and warrants for $10
million, net of $635,000 in expenses. The cash provided by financing activities
in 1995 was primarily due to the issuance of $10.7 million of 8% convertible
debentures, net of $841,000 of placement fees.
As discussed in Note 7 to the Financial Statements, the Company has agreed
to pay DEMI royalties pursuant to the DEMI License. The Company recorded royalty
expense related to the DEMI License for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996,
and 1995 and for the period from inception to December 31, 1997 of $100,000,
$150,000, $250,000, and $1,250,000, respectively.
12
<PAGE> 13
As discussed in Note 8 to the Financial Statements, the Company executed an
agreement with Westinghouse Electric Corporation (the "Westinghouse License")
pursuant to which the Company pays 1% of revenues up to $300,000 followed by
0.5% of revenues up to $350,000, at which time no further royalties for product
sales will be due.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had available net operating loss
carryforwards for income tax purposes of approximately $47.1 million and
research and development credit carryforwards of approximately $1.2 million.
These carryforward items will both begin to expire in 2004. Additionally, these
carryforwards are both subject to certain limitations on annual utilization
because of changes in ownership of the Company. These limitations could
significantly reduce the amount of the net operating loss and credit
carryforwards available to the Company in the future.
On March 1, 1996, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of
Directors approved a plan to reprice certain options to purchase shares of the
Company's common stock granted to employees pursuant to the 1992 Stock Option
Plan, as discussed in Note 6 to the Financial Statements.
As discussed in Note 6 to the Financial Statements, on November 7, 1996,
the Company amended a stock option agreement with a member of the Board of
Directors. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company recorded $14,000 in
compensation expense related to the amended stock option.
As described in Note 1 to the Financial Statements, the Company adopted
FASB Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" during the first quarter of 1996.
During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company recorded
write-offs of obsolete equipment with a net book value of $28,679 and $7,890,
respectively.
As discussed in Note 6 to the Financial Statements, the Company has elected
to follow APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and
related Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options. Under FASB
Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," certain pro forma
information is required regarding net income and earnings per share to be
determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options
subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement.
The Company estimates its pro forma net loss using the fair value method for
valuing employee stock options for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 to be $9.4 million, $8.0 million and $10.7 million, respectively.
As a result of some computer programs being written using two digits
instead of four digits to define an applicable year, time-sensitive software may
recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000 which
could potentially result in miscalculations or system failure. The Company has
been assessing its exposure to this "Year 2000 Issue" and has determined that
all of its operational programs controlling its purchasing, inventory, billing
and accounting systems have been designed year 2000 compliant. In addition to
its operational programs, the Company has several programs that test product
performance and quality. These programs are currently being reviewed for year
2000 compliance. The Company does not anticipate that required modifications to
these test programs, if any, would be material in cost or time. Currently the
Company has no critical interfacing systems to third parties. However, there is
no guarantee that systems of other companies with which the Company has business
transactions will be timely converted and would not have an adverse effect on
the Company.
The Company currently anticipates that its existing cash balances will fund
operations and continue technology development at the current level of activity
through the end of 1998. However, it may be necessary for the Company to
increase its research and development expenses as it continues to work to
improve its zinc-air technology and to explore markets for its rechargeable
zinc-air batteries. It may also be necessary for the Company to expend greater
than expected funds either on its manufacturing facilities or otherwise. The
Company will continue to need working capital beyond its current levels, and
depending on the Company's results of operations, the Company may find it
necessary to obtain additional working capital on an accelerated basis or in
amounts greater than currently anticipated. There can be no assurance that
additional equity or debt financing will be available when needed or on terms
acceptable to the Company. To date, both costs and development times have
substantially exceeded the Company's forecasts. The Company has also encountered
greater difficulty in commercializing its technology than originally expected.
In addition, the battery business is a chemical processing business and, as
such, the Company will require specialized equipment to manufacture its zinc-
air batteries. Future equipment additions could exceed current Company estimates
in cost, complexity and development time.
The market price of the Company's common stock has fluctuated significantly
since it began to be publicly traded July 1, 1993 and may continue to be highly
volatile. Factors such as delays by the Company in achieving development goals,
inability of the Company to commercialize or manufacture its products, inability
of the Company to reach agreements with OEMs, fluctuation in the Company's
operating results, changes in earning estimates by analysts, the addition or
deletion of analyst coverage, announcements of technological innovations or new
products by the Company or its competitors, perceived changes in the markets for
various OEM applications incorporating the Company's products, the announcement
or termination of relationships with OEMs, and general market conditions may
cause significant fluctuations in the market price of the Company's common
stock. The market prices of the stock of many high technology companies have
fluctuated substantially, often unrelated to the operating or research and
development performance of the specific companies. Such market fluctuations
could adversely affect the market price for the Company's common stock.
13
<PAGE> 14
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Reference is made to the Index to Financial Statements on Page F-1 of the
Financial Statements of the Company filed as part of this report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
14
<PAGE> 15
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
The information concerning the nominees for Directors of the Company set
forth under "Election of Directors" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its
1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference in
response to the information required by this Item 10.
Information concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 set forth under the heading "Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1998
Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference in response
to the information required by this Item 10.
Information concerning the Executive Officers of the Company is contained
in a separate section captioned "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I
of this report and is incorporated herein by reference in response to the
information required by this Item 10.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information set forth under "Executive Compensation" in the Company's
Proxy Statement for its 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated
herein by reference in response to the information required by this Item 11.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The information set forth under "Voting Securities" in the Company's Proxy
Statement for its 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by
reference in response to the information required by this Item 12.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information set forth under "Certain Transactions" and "Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the Company's Proxy Statement
for its 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference
in response to the information required by this Item 13.
15
<PAGE> 16
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Documents:
(1) The following financial statements of the Company and Report of
Independent Auditors are filed as part of this report.
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996,
and 1995, and for the period from July 17, 1989 (date of inception) to December
31, 1997
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996, and 1995, and for the period from July 17, 1989 (date of inception)
to December 31, 1997
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996,
and 1995, and for the period from July 17, 1989 (date of inception) to December
31, 1997
Notes to Financial Statements
Report of Independent Auditors
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
Financial statement schedules have been omitted either because they are not
applicable or because the information that would be included in such schedules
is included elsewhere in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
- ------- -----------------------
<C> <C> <S>
3.1 -- Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended.(1)
3.2 -- Bylaws of the Company, as amended.(1)
4.1 -- See Articles II and VII of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation located within Exhibit 3.1.
4.2 -- See Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Company's Bylaws located
within Exhibit 3.2.
10.1 -- License Agreement dated July 19, 1989 among the Company,
Dreisbach Electromotive, Inc. and Mike Cheiky.(2)
10.2 -- Technology Assignment Agreement dated July 19, 1989 among
the Company, Dreisbach Electromotive, Inc. and Mike
Cheiky.(2)
10.3 -- Shareholders Agreement.(2)
10.4 -- Industrial Real Estate Lease dated February 5, 1991 between
the Company and Brentwood One and Brentwood II Joint
Venture.(2)
10.5 -- Lease dated September 16, 1992 between the Company and
Indian Trail Development Company.(2)
10.6* -- AER Energy Resources, Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan, as
amended.(2)
10.7* -- Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement.(3)
10.8* -- Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement.(3)
10.9 -- Agreement dated May 12, 1993 between the Company and
Westinghouse Electric Corporation.(2)
10.10* -- Form of Indemnity Agreement with Directors.(2)
10.11 -- Voting and Co-Sale Agreement dated July 17, 1992 among the
Company, Jon A. Lindseth, Battery Partners, Elmwood Partners
II, The Kindt-Collins Company, Odyssey Partners, L.P. and
Chemical Equity Associates.(2)
10.12 -- Consent to Partial Assignment of Royalties and Amendment No.
2 to License Agreement dated as of October 15, 1993 among
the Company, Dreisbach Electromotive, Inc. and Mike
Cheiky.(4)
10.13 -- Amended and Restated DEMI/AER Air Manager Agreement dated
October 15, 1993 among the Company, Dreisbach Electromotive,
Inc. and Mike Cheiky.(4)
10.14* -- AER Energy Resources, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Directors'
Restricted Stock Award Plan.(4)
10.15* -- Form of Director's Restricted Stock Award Agreement.(5)
10.16* -- Stock Option Agreement dated November 2, 1989 by and between
David W. Dorheim and Aerobic Power Systems, Inc. (now AER
Energy Resources, Inc.).(6)
10.17* -- Stock Option Agreement dated February 8, 1991 by and between
R. Dennis Bentz and AER Energy Resources, Inc.(6)
10.18* -- Stock Option Agreement dated July 1, 1990 by and between
Frank M. Harris and Aerobic Power Systems, Inc. (now AER
Energy Resources, Inc.).(6)
10.19 -- Lease Agreement dated November 15, 1993 between AER Energy
Resources, Inc. and Highlands Park Associates.(7)
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE> 17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
- ------- -----------------------
<C> <C> <S>
10.20 -- Lease Agreement dated March 25, 1994 between AER Energy
Resources, Inc. and Highlands Park Associates.(7)
10.21* -- Stock Option Agreement dated December 20, 1994 between H.
Douglas Johns and AER Energy Resources, Inc.(8)
10.22* -- Consulting Agreement dated December 20, 1994 between H.
Douglas Johns and AER Energy Resources, Inc.(9)
10.23 -- Form of Convertible Debenture Subscription Agreement.(10)
10.24 -- Form of 8% Convertible Debenture due November 17, 1997.(10)
10.25 -- Registration Rights Agreement.(10)
10.26 -- Warrant to Purchase Common Stock.(10)
10.27 -- Amendment No. 3 to License Agreement and Termination of
Technology Assignment Agreement dated December 26, 1995.(11)
10.28 -- Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 20, 1996, by
and between FW AER Partners, L.P. and AER Energy Resources,
Inc.(12)
10.29 -- Warrant to Purchase Common Stock.(12)
10.30* -- Agreement between H. Douglas Johns and AER Energy Resources,
Inc. dated November 7, 1996, amending Mr. Johns' Consulting
Agreement and Stock Option Agreement.(13)
21 -- Subsidiaries of the Company.(2)
23 -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
27 -- Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only).
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1) Filed on June 17, 1993 as an Exhibit to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-62668) and incorporated
herein by reference.
(2) Filed on May 14, 1993 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-62668) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(3) Filed on October 5, 1993 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-69982) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(4) Filed on October 29, 1993 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 0-21926) for the quarter ended September 30,
1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
(5) Filed on September 24, 1993 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-69462) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(6) Filed on March 25, 1994 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 0-21926) for the year ended December 31, 1993 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(7) Filed on September 23, 1994 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-84300) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(8) Filed on February 2, 1995 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-89068) and incorporated herein by
reference.
(9) Filed on March 23, 1995 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 0-21926) for the year ended December 31, 1994 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(10) Filed on December 13, 1995 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Form 8-K (File
No. 0-21926) and incorporated herein by reference.
(11) Filed on March 28, 1996 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 0-21926) for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(12) Filed on May 20, 1996 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Form 8-K (File No.
0-21926) and incorporated herein by reference.
(13) Filed on March 27, 1997 as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 0-21926) for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed in the fourth quarter of 1997:
The registrant did not file any reports on Form 8-K during quarter ended
December 31, 1997.
17
<PAGE> 18
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 27, 1998.
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
By: /s/ DAVID W. DORHEIM
----------------------------------------
David W. Dorheim,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ JON A. LINDSETH Chairman March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
Jon A. Lindseth
/s/ DAVID W. DORHEIM Director, President and Chief Executive March 27, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------- Officer
David W. Dorheim
/s/ M. BETH DONLEY Vice President -- Chief Financial March 27, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------- Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
M. Beth Donley (Principal Accounting Officer and
Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ DAVID G. BROWN Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
David G. Brown
/s/ JAMES W. DIXON Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
James W. Dixon
/s/ WILLIAM L. JACKSON Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
William L. Jackson
/s/ H. DOUGLAS JOHNS Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
H. Douglas Johns
Director March , 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
John L. Wilkes
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE> 19
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Auditors.............................. F-2
Financial Statements
Balance Sheets............................................ F-3
Statements of Operations.................................. F-4
Statements of Stockholders' Equity........................ F-5
Statements of Cash Flows.................................. F-6
Notes to Financial Statements............................. F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 20
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Stockholders and Board of Directors
AER Energy Resources, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of AER Energy Resources,
Inc. (a development stage company) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 and for the period from
July 17, 1989 (date of inception) to December 31, 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 AER Energy Resources, Inc.
(a development stage company) at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997 and for the period from July 17, 1989 (date of
inception) to December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
------------------------------------------
Atlanta, Georgia
January 19, 1998
F-2
<PAGE> 21
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)........................ $ 10,206,870 $ 18,728,427
Trade accounts receivable (less allowance of $0 at
December 31, 1997 and $2,411 at December 31, 1996)..... 116 3,475
Inventories (Notes 1 and 2)............................... 291,278 100,399
Prepaid expenses.......................................... 149,474 178,137
------------ ------------
Total current assets........................................ 10,647,738 19,010,438
Equipment and improvements:
Machinery and equipment................................... 3,207,603 2,993,555
Office equipment.......................................... 469,537 445,926
Leasehold improvements.................................... 254,766 254,766
------------ ------------
3,931,906 3,694,247
Less accumulated depreciation............................. 2,539,020 2,033,392
------------ ------------
1,392,886 1,660,855
Other assets................................................ 16,841 16,841
------------ ------------
Total assets................................................ $ 12,057,465 $ 20,688,134
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 219,230 $ 168,911
Accrued royalties -- related party (Note 7)............... 30,000 30,000
Other accrued expenses.................................... 243,046 309,855
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities................................... 492,276 508,766
Deferred rental expense..................................... 2,112 2,957
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible debentures (Note 11).......................... -- 909,198
Preferred stock, no par value:
Authorized -- 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and
outstanding........................................... -- --
Common stock, no par value:
Authorized -- 100,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding -- 24,791,013 shares at December 31, 1997
and 24,276,080 shares at December 31, 1996............ 66,519,348 65,675,743
Notes receivable from common stock sales (Note 5)......... (35,938) (71,875)
Unearned stock compensation (Note 4)...................... (124,882) (328,455)
Deficit accumulated during the development stage.......... (54,795,451) (46,008,200)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity.................................. 11,563,077 20,176,411
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................. $ 12,057,465 $ 20,688,134
============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-3
<PAGE> 22
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JULY 17, 1989
(DATE OF
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, INCEPTION) TO
---------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1995 1997
----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues........................................... $ 108,399 $ 22,633 $ 158,602 $ 338,174
Cost of sales.................................... 2,675,098 1,310,360 2,178,681 6,758,985
----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Gross margin....................................... (2,566,699) (1,287,727) (2,020,079) (6,420,811)
Costs and expenses:
Research and development
-- related party (Note 7)........................ -- -- -- 1,145,913
-- other......................................... 4,023,876 4,207,551 4,695,756 29,570,743
Marketing, general and administrative
-- related party (Note 7)........................ 95,663 149,317 245,242 1,238,764
-- other......................................... 2,902,998 2,973,899 3,928,550 19,328,037
----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Total costs and expenses........................... 7,022,537 7,330,767 8,869,548 51,283,457
----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Operating loss..................................... (9,589,236) (8,618,494) (10,889,627) (57,704,268)
Interest income.................................... 823,422 1,059,173 691,432 3,509,820
Interest expense
-- related parties............................... -- -- -- (264,445)
----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net loss........................................... $(8,765,814) $(7,559,321) $(10,198,195) $(54,458,893)
=========== =========== ============ ============
Basic and diluted loss per share................... $ (0.36) $ (0.33) $ (0.59) $ (3.86)
=========== =========== ============ ============
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and
diluted)......................................... 24,616,762 22,673,126 17,228,972 14,095,343
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-4
<PAGE> 23
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEFICIT
NOTES ACCUMULATED
COMMON STOCK RECEIVABLE DURING THE TOTAL
CONVERTIBLE ------------------------ FROM COMMON UNEARNED DEVELOPMENT STOCKHOLDERS'
DEBENTURES SHARES AMOUNT STOCK SALES COMPENSATION STAGE EQUITY
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Issuance of common stock:
For cash ranging from
$0.02 to $7.00 per
share, inception to
December 1994.......... $ -- 13,883,450 $41,514,338 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 41,514,338
For promissory notes
ranging from $0.89 to
$1.89 per share,
February 1990 to
January 1993........... -- 135,450 169,675 (169,675) -- -- --
For exchange of debt
ranging from $1.22 to
$1.89 per share, May
1991 to July 1992...... -- 3,079,305 4,438,934 -- -- -- 4,438,934
Exercise of stock options
ranging from $0.89 to
$1.89 per share, May 1994
to October 1994.......... -- 60,750 65,893 -- -- -- 65,893
Payments received on
promissory notes......... -- -- -- 42,425 -- -- 42,425
Shares granted under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan (Note 4)............ -- 99,750 993,750 -- (993,750) -- --
Shares canceled under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan (Note 4)............ -- (12,000) (96,000) -- 96,000 -- --
Compensation under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan..................... -- -- (195,750) -- 411,750 -- 216,000
Cancellation of promissory
notes.................... -- (21,375) (40,375) 40,375 -- -- --
Net loss, inception to
December 31, 1994........ -- -- -- -- -- (27,935,563) (27,935,563)
----------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31,
1994....................... -- 17,225,330 46,850,465 (86,875) (486,000) (27,935,563) 18,342,027
Exercise of stock options
ranging from $0.89 to
$1.89 per share, March to
October 1995............. -- 43,850 55,212 -- -- -- 55,212
Compensation under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan..................... -- -- -- -- 144,000 -- 144,000
Payments received on
promissory notes......... -- -- -- 15,000 -- -- 15,000
Sale of convertible
debentures for cash,
November 1995............ 9,834,500 -- -- -- -- -- 9,834,500
Interest payable on
convertible debentures... 89,573 -- -- -- -- (89,573) --
Net loss................... -- -- -- -- -- (10,198,195) (10,198,195)
----------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31,
1995....................... 9,924,073 17,269,180 46,905,677 (71,875) (342,000) (38,223,331) 18,192,544
Issuance of common stock:
For cash at $6.31 per
share, May 1996........ -- 1,584,158 9,365,217 -- -- -- 9,365,217
Exercise of stock options
ranging from $1.22 to
$5.00 per share, June
1996..................... -- 4,000 12,441 -- -- -- 12,441
Conversion of debentures
into common stock........ (9,240,423) 5,394,992 9,240,423 -- -- -- --
Interest payable on
convertible debentures... 225,548 -- -- -- -- (225,548) --
Shares granted under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan..................... -- 29,750 185,922 -- (185,922) -- --
Shares canceled under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan..................... -- (6,000) (48,000) -- 48,000 -- --
Compensation under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan..................... -- -- -- -- 151,467 -- 151,467
Grant of Compensatory Stock
Options.................. -- -- 14,063 -- -- -- 14,063
Net loss................... -- -- -- -- -- (7,559,321) (7,559,321)
----------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31,
1996....................... 909,198 24,276,080 65,675,743 (71,875) (328,455) (46,008,200) 20,176,411
Conversion of debentures
into common stock........ (930,635) 518,683 930,635 -- -- -- --
Interest payable on
convertible debentures... 21,437 -- -- -- -- (21,437) --
Shares granted under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan..................... -- 14,250 29,783 -- (29,783) -- --
Shares canceled under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan..................... -- (18,000) (116,813) -- 116,813 -- --
Compensation under
Restricted Stock Award
Plan..................... -- -- -- -- 116,543 -- 116,543
Forgiveness of promissory
notes.................... -- -- -- 35,937 -- -- 35,937
Net loss................... -- -- -- -- -- (8,765,814) (8,765,814)
----------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31,
1997....................... $ -- 24,791,013 $66,519,348 $ (35,938) $(124,882) $(54,795,451) $ 11,563,077
=========== ========== =========== ========= ========= ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-5
<PAGE> 24
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JULY 17, 1989
(DATE OF
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, INCEPTION) TO
------------------------------------------ DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1995 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................... $ (8,765,814) $ (7,559,321) $(10,198,195) $(54,458,893)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............................. 519,212 547,530 640,371 2,948,611
Amortization of unearned stock compensation............... 116,543 151,467 144,000 628,010
Grant of compensatory stock options....................... -- 14,063 -- 14,063
Forgiveness of promissory notes........................... 35,937 -- -- 35,937
Loss on disposal of equipment............................. 28,679 7,390 14,936 67,270
Deferred rental expense................................... (845) (4,099) (9,901) 2,112
Accretion of discount on marketable securities............ -- -- -- (187,407)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable............................... 3,359 4,550 (6,962) (116)
Inventories............................................. (190,879) 153,609 124,845 (291,278)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............... 28,663 (37,005) 49,816 (149,784)
Accounts payable........................................ 50,319 (162,524) (66,011) 219,230
Accrued royalties payable -- related party.............. -- (30,000) (30,343) 30,000
Other current liabilities............................... (66,809) 5,540 144,393 401,980
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in operating activities....................... (8,241,635) (6,908,800) (9,193,051) (50,740,265)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of equipment and improvements..................... (279,922) (157,583) (324,296) (4,035,094)
Purchase of marketable securities........................... -- -- -- (11,512,296)
Purchase of license agreement............................... -- -- -- (250,000)
Proceeds from marketable securities......................... -- -- -- 11,700,000
Changes in other assets..................................... -- -- -- (140,501)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities....................... (279,922) (157,583) (324,296) (4,237,891)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from revolving credit note to related parties...... -- -- -- 5,430,000
Issuance of convertible debentures, net of issuance costs... -- -- 9,834,500 9,834,500
Payments on notes payable to related parties................ -- -- -- (1,150,000)
Payments received on promissory notes....................... -- -- 15,000 57,425
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options..... -- 12,441 55,212 133,546
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs............. -- 9,365,217 -- 50,879,555
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities................... -- 9,377,658 9,904,712 65,185,026
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents............ (8,521,557) 2,311,275 387,365 10,206,870
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 18,728,427 16,417,152 16,029,787 --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 10,206,870 $ 18,728,427 $ 16,417,152 $ 10,206,870
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-6
<PAGE> 25
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
AER Energy Resources, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated on July 17,
1989 and since inception has engaged in the development and commercialization of
high energy density, rechargeable zinc-air batteries. The Company's operations
to date have been primarily focused on developing and updating the technology,
setting up the manufacturing process, testing and selling zinc-air batteries,
recruiting personnel and similar activities. The Company began selling its first
product in August 1994. Sales through December 31, 1997 have been minimal. Until
significant product sales occur, the Company is considered to be a development
stage company for financial reporting purposes.
USES OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
In accordance with FASB Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," the Company
records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events
and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than
the carrying amounts of those assets. Based on the Company's estimate of future
undiscounted cash flows, the Company expects to recover the carrying amounts of
its remaining fixed assets. Nonetheless, it is reasonably possible that the
estimate of undiscounted cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the
need to write-down those assets to fair value. During the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996, the Company recorded write-offs of obsolete equipment with a
net book value of $28,679 and $7,890, respectively, which was included in
marketing, general and administrative expenses.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
For purposes of the balance sheets and statements of cash flows, cash and
cash equivalents consist of cash, bank deposits and highly liquid investments
with maturities of three months or less when purchased and are stated at cost,
which approximates market.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market, using the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method.
EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation of equipment
and improvements is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated
useful lives. Certain equipment is used to advance the development of production
processes, refine product designs for volume production and produce batteries
for laboratory and field testing. The Company plans to utilize this equipment to
manufacture batteries in commercial quantities. Amortization of leasehold
improvements is recorded over the shorter of the lives of the related assets or
the lease terms.
INCOME TAXES
The liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences
between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are
measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the
differences are expected to reverse.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.
ADVERTISING EXPENSES
The Company expenses advertising costs upon first showing. Advertising
costs included in marketing, general and administrative expense were $43,724,
$74,272, $272,866, and $1,224,925 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995 and for the period from inception to December 31, 1997, respectively.
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 128,
Earnings per Share. Statement 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully
diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike
primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive
effects of options, warrants and convertible
F-7
<PAGE> 26
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
securities. Diluted earnings per share is very similar to the previously
reported fully diluted earnings per share. All earnings per share amounts for
all periods have been presented, and where appropriate, restated to conform to
the Statement 128 requirements.
2. INVENTORIES
Inventories are summarized below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Raw material................................................ $233,997 $ 95,814
Work in progress............................................ 34,818 4,585
Finished goods.............................................. 22,463 --
-------- --------
$291,278 $100,399
======== ========
</TABLE>
3. LEASES
The Company leases office and manufacturing space under operating leases
which expire in 1998 and 1999. Rent expense under the operating leases for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 and for the period from inception
to December 31, 1997 was $213,431, $201,253, $189,780, and $1,043,185,
respectively. Future minimum lease payments by year and in the aggregate under
the operating leases consist of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Years ending December 31,
1998........................................................ $206,848
1999........................................................ 45,512
--------
$252,360
========
</TABLE>
4. 1993 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PLAN
On August 26, 1993, the Board of Directors adopted, subject to shareholder
approval, the Company's 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Restricted Stock Award
Plan. The plan provides for the grant of up to an aggregate of 240,000 shares of
the Company's common stock to directors of the Company who are not officers or
employees of the Company. In general, the plan provides for awards of 15,000
shares of common stock to each non-employee director, with 3,000 vesting after
each year of his or her service as a director.
On October 1, 1993 and November 11, 1993, in accordance with the plan, the
Company issued a total of 87,000 shares of this restricted common stock to
eligible members of the Company's Board of Directors. The plan was subsequently
approved by shareholders at the Company's 1994 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. A
summary of the activity related to the 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Restricted
Stock Award Plan follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares outstanding -- beginning of year..................... 111,500 87,750 87,750
Issued.................................................... 14,250 29,750 --
Canceled.................................................. (18,000) (6,000) --
------- ------- ------
Shares outstanding -- end of year........................... 107,750 111,500 87,750
======= ======= ======
Shares vested -- end of year................................ 69,500 51,750 33,750
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On May 20, 1996, the Company issued 1,584,158 shares of its common stock,
and warrants to purchase an additional 835,000 shares, in a private placement at
an aggregate purchase price of $10,000,000, as discussed in Note 10.
On November 29, 1995, the Company reserved 225,590 shares of common stock
for issuance in connection with a warrant delivered to the placement agent of
$10,675,000 principal amount of 8% convertible subordinated debentures, as
discussed in Note 11.
During the period from inception to December 31, 1994, the Company issued
shares of stock to officers and employees of the Company in exchange for notes
receivable. These notes are secured by the shares of common stock issued and
bear interest at 10%. The notes required payments of interest only through 1993.
In December 1994, the notes were amended to include full recourse against the
borrowers in the event of nonpayment with principal and accrued interest payable
in equal annual installments in 1997 and 1998. The amended notes also include a
forgiveness provision for the entire indebtedness contingent on the continued
employment of the makers of the notes. On December 1, 1997,
F-8
<PAGE> 27
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
pursuant to the forgiveness provision, $35,937 of outstanding principal and
related interest was forgiven and recorded as compensation expense in the
Statement of Operations.
During 1991, a major stockholder and another stockholder exchanged notes
due from the Company in the amount of $2,400,000 plus accrued interest of
$125,545 for 2,066,355 shares of the Company's common stock. During 1992, a
major stockholder of the Company advanced $1,880,000 to the Company under a
revolving credit note bearing interest at prime plus 2%. During 1992, the
stockholder exchanged the outstanding balance plus accrued interest of $33,389
for 1,012,950 shares of the Company's common stock.
6. STOCK OPTIONS
In December 1994, the Company entered into a stock option agreement with a
member of the Board of Directors which granted the Director the option to
acquire 50,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of
$4.25 per share. The agreement was entered into as part of the consulting
arrangement discussed in Note 7. On November 7, 1996, the agreement was amended
to reduce the number of shares subject to the option from 50,000 shares to
25,000 shares and to reduce the option exercise price from $4.25 per share to
$2.125 per share. The Company recorded $14,063 in compensation expense related
to the amended agreement since the closing market price for the Company's common
stock on November 7, 1996 was $2.6875 per share and therefore higher than the
amended option exercise price. The option is 100% vested and expires in 2004.
During 1992, the Company established the 1992 Stock Option Plan whereby
options may be granted to key employees to purchase shares of common stock at
prices not less than the fair value of the shares on the date of the grant for
incentive stock options and not less than 50% of the fair value of the shares on
the date of the grant for non-qualified stock options. Options become vested 20%
per year not earlier than 12 months from the date of the grant and are
exercisable for a period of ten years from the grant date. On May 9, 1996, the
Company amended the 1992 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares
reserved for future issuance to 1,500,000.
On March 1, 1996, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of
Directors approved a plan to reprice certain options to purchase shares of the
Company's common stock granted to employees pursuant to the 1992 Stock Option
Plan. The options were repriced effective March 22, 1996. Options originally
priced from $4.63 to $8.00 per share were repriced at $3.19 per share, the
closing market price of the common stock on March 22, 1996. Each of the repriced
options, whether or not vested, could not be exercised for a period of one year
ending February 28, 1997. Options to purchase a total of 795,000 shares of
common stock were repriced, of which 71,000 were fully vested prior to
repricing.
The Company has elected to follow APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and related Interpretations in accounting for
its employee stock options because, as discussed below, the alternative fair
value accounting provided for under FASB Statement No. 123 ("Statement 123"),
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," requires use of option valuation
models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under
APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options
equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no
compensation expense is recognized.
Pro forma information regarding net loss and net loss per share is required
by Statement 123, which also requires that the information be determined as if
the Company has accounted for its employee stock options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value
for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 1997,
1996, and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 5.4%, 5.0% and 5.0%; a
dividend yield of 0%; volatility factors of the expected market price of the
Company's common stock of 82%, 91% and 91%; and a weighted-average expected life
of the option of five years.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions
and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the
input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in
management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. Because
Statement 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to December 31,
1994, its pro forma effect will not be fully reflected until the year 1999. The
Company's pro forma information follows (in thousands except for loss per share
information):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pro forma net loss.......................................... $(9,428) $(7,996) $(10,722)
Pro forma net loss per share:
Basic and diluted......................................... $ (0.38) $ (0.35) $ (0.62)
</TABLE>
F-9
<PAGE> 28
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
A summary of option activity related to the 1992 Stock Option Plan follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED
OPTION AVERAGE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE PER SHARE
-------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Granted, 1992 to 1994..................................... 673,500 $6.63
Canceled, 1992 to 1994.................................... (156,625) 6.05
Exercised................................................. (7,650) 1.89
-------- -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1994............................ 509,225 6.87
Granted................................................... 525,000 5.07
Canceled.................................................. (158,500) 6.32
Exercised................................................. (8,100) 1.89
-------- -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1995............................ 867,625 5.93
Granted................................................... 85,000 4.83
Canceled.................................................. (50,000) 6.04
Exercised................................................. (2,000) 5.00
-------- -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1996(1)......................... 900,625 3.37
Granted................................................... 60,000 2.38
Canceled.................................................. (59,000) 4.39
-------- -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1997............................ 901,625 $3.26
======== =====
Outstanding at December 31, 1997:
Exercise price ranging from $1.88 to $3.19 with a
weighted-average remaining contractual life of 7.0
years.................................................. 812,625 $3.09
Exercise price ranging from $3.20 to $6.19 with a
weighted-average remaining contractual life of 8.3
years.................................................. 89,000 4.85
-------- -----
901,625 $3.26
======== =====
Options exercisable at December 31, 1997:
Exercise price ranging from $1.88 to $3.19................ 391,100 $3.10
Exercise price ranging from $3.20 to $6.19................ 18,000 4.90
-------- -----
409,100 $3.18
======== =====
Options exercisable at December 31, 1996(1):
Exercise price ranging from $1.89 to $2.19(2)............. 19,575 $1.89
Exercise price ranging from $2.20 to $6.19................ 222,000 3.25
-------- -----
241,575 $3.14
======== =====
Options exercisable at December 31, 1995:
Exercise price ranging from $1.89 to $2.88(3)............. 13,050 $1.89
Exercise price ranging from $2.89 to $8.00................ 73,000 7.51
-------- -----
86,050 $6.66
======== =====
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Exercise price reflects repricing to $3.19 per share on March 22, 1996.
(2) $2.19 reflects the market price for the Company's common stock at December
31, 1996.
(3) $2.88 reflects the market price for the Company's common stock at December
31, 1995.
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during 1997, 1996, and
1995 was $1.49, $3.51, and $3.69, respectively.
Prior to adoption of the 1992 Stock Option Plan, the Company entered into
stock option agreements with key employees to purchase common stock of the
Company. Options granted under these stock option agreements were immediately
100% vested and expire in 1999. A summary of option activity related to these
agreements follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED
OPTION AVERAGE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE PER SHARE
------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1994............................ 249,750 .94
Exercised................................................. (35,750) 1.12
------- -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1995............................ 214,000 .91
Exercised................................................. (2,000) 1.22
------- -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1997................... 212,000 $ .90
======= =====
Options exercisable at December 31, 1996 and 1997........... 212,000 $ .90
======= =====
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE> 29
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In December 1994, the Company entered into a one-year consulting agreement
with a member of the Board of Directors. Under the terms of the agreement, the
director provided the Company with certain business and marketing consulting
services in return for approximately $209,000 plus an option to acquire 50,000
shares of the Company's common stock, as discussed in Note 6. The agreement
expired in December 1995 and was not renewed. As discussed in Note 6, in
November 1996, the number of shares of common stock subject to the option was
reduced from 50,000 shares to 25,000 shares.
The Company has a license agreement with Dreisbach Electromotive, Inc.
("DEMI"). Under DEMI's agreement, the Company has an exclusive license to use
the patent rights for the purpose of manufacturing and marketing certain
batteries and other products employing similar technology. In addition, the
Company agreed to pay DEMI royalties, beginning in 1991, of 4% of net sales
subject to certain minimum amounts and possible increases or decreases to a
maximum of 4% and a minimum of 2%, as specified in the agreement. The applicable
percentage of royalties is currently 4% of net sales. The Company recorded
royalty expense related to the DEMI license for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996, and 1995 and for the period from inception to December 31, 1997 of
$100,000, $150,000, $250,000, and $1,250,000, respectively. Minimum royalty
expenses are included in marketing, general and administrative expenses in the
statements of operations. Actual royalties due as a percentage of sales are
included in the cost of sales. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, $30,000 of
these royalty payments remained unpaid. The future minimum royalty payments
specified by the agreement consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,
- -------------------------
<S> <C>
1998........................................................ $100,000
1999........................................................ 50,000
</TABLE>
The Company recorded research and development expenses as a part of the
agreement for the period from inception to December 31, 1997 of approximately
$1,146,000, all of which were recorded prior to 1993. No additional amounts of
research and development expenses were required under the agreement after 1992.
8. LICENSE AGREEMENT
On May 12, 1993, the Company executed an agreement with Westinghouse
Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse") whereby the Company obtained exclusive
license and sublicense rights to use Westinghouse's air electrode technology for
portable computer products and non-exclusive license and sublicense rights for
all other portable products. The agreement entitles the Company to improvements
developed or acquired by Westinghouse prior to May 1, 1995. Pursuant to the
agreement, the Company paid an initial license fee of $250,000 and pays 1% of
revenues up to $300,000 followed by 0.5% of revenues up to $350,000, at which
time no further royalties for product sales will be due. In addition, the
Company purchased specific production equipment for $325,000 from Westinghouse.
The agreement also includes certain provisions requiring additional payments to
Westinghouse if the Company sublicenses the technology.
9. INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the federal statutory
rate of 34% is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM JULY,
1989 (DATE OF
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, INCEPTION) TO
--------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1995 1997
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Tax at statutory rate...................... $(2,978,246) $(2,570,161) $(3,467,386) $(18,513,884)
Research and development costs............. (43,402) (80,319) (123,621) (1,183,419)
Other...................................... 5,217 4,329 4,546 28,999
Valuation reserve.......................... 3,016,431 2,646,151 3,586,461 19,668,304
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
$ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
=========== =========== =========== ============
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE> 30
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise
to significant portions of deferred tax assets consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards.......................... $16,015,904 $12,538,803
Depreciation.............................................. 144,103 102,190
Accrued royalties......................................... -- 212,499
Start-up costs............................................ 2,192,760 2,524,251
Research and development credits.......................... 1,183,419 1,140,017
Warranty reserve.......................................... 39,100 48,789
License agreement......................................... 64,118 59,004
Accounts receivable reserve............................... -- 820
Inventory obsolescence.................................... 28,900 25,500
----------- -----------
Gross deferred assets..................................... 19,668,304 16,651,873
Valuation allowance....................................... 19,668,304 16,651,873
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax assets..................................... $ -- $ --
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1997, the Company had available net operating loss
carryforwards for income tax purposes of approximately $47.1 million and
research and development credit carryforwards of approximately $1.2 million.
These carryforward items will both begin to expire in 2004. Additionally, the
Company's net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards
are both subject to certain limitations on annual utilization because of changes
in ownership of the Company. These limitations could significantly reduce the
amount of the net operating loss and credit carryforwards available to the
Company in the future.
10. PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF COMMON STOCK
On May 20, 1996, the Company issued 1,584,158 shares of its common stock,
and warrants to purchase an additional 835,000 shares, in a private placement at
an aggregate purchase price of $10,000,000. The transaction generated proceeds
of $9,365,217, net of expenses. The warrants have an exercise price of $6.3125
per share and expire in five years. The value of the warrants is included in
common stock on the balance sheet.
On November 9, 1994, the Company closed a public offering of 2.5 million
shares of its common stock, generating proceeds of $12.3 million, net of
underwriting discounts and commissions but before deducting expenses. On
December 7, 1994, an additional 150,000 shares of common stock were issued
pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option, generating additional
proceeds of $736,500, net of underwriting discounts and commissions.
On July 9, 1993, the Company closed an initial public offering of 2.5
million shares of its common stock, generating proceeds of $16.3 million, net of
underwriting discounts and commissions but before deducting expenses. On August
6, 1993, an additional 311,700 shares of common stock were issued pursuant to
the underwriters' over-allotment option, generating additional proceeds of $2.0
million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions.
The net proceeds from the common stock sales have been and continue to be
used to fund capital equipment purchases, research and development efforts,
sales and marketing activities, working capital and general corporate purposes
at the Company's discretion.
11. PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
On November 29, 1995, the Company issued $10,675,000 principal amount of 8%
convertible subordinated debentures due November 17, 1997. Interest on the
debentures accrued at 8% per year and was paid in common stock upon conversion.
Beginning January 13, 1996 and ending November 17, 1997, a holder of a debenture
could have elected to convert the debenture into common stock of the Company at
a conversion price equal to the lesser of $3.60 per share or a percentage
ranging from 85% to 100% of the average closing bid price for the five trading
days immediately prior to the conversion. In connection with the transaction,
the Company paid to a placement agent $840,500 in fees and delivered warrants to
purchase 225,590 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of
$4.32 per share. The warrants expire in three years. The cash payment has been
charged to stockholders' equity. During 1996, $9,775,000 in principal plus
accrued interest converted into 5,394,992 shares of common stock at an average
conversion price of $1.86 per share. During 1997, the remaining $900,000 in
principal plus accrued interest converted into 518,683 shares of common stock at
an average conversion price of $1.93 per share. Assuming the 1997 debenture
conversions occurred at January 1, 1997, net loss per share for the year ended
December 31, 1997 was $(0.35).
F-12
<PAGE> 31
AER ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
12. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION BENEFIT PLAN
Effective February 1, 1993, the Company adopted the AER Energy Resources
401(k) Plan, a defined contribution benefit plan which qualifies under Section
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All employees of the Company as of February
1, 1993 were eligible to participate in the plan. Employees hired after February
1, 1993 who have completed six months of service with the Company may
participate in the plan. Participants may contribute up to 15% of their base
salary to the plan and any employer matching contribution is discretionary.
There was no employer matching contribution for either the year ended December
31, 1997 or 1996.
F-13
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-69982) pertaining to the AER Energy Resources, Inc. 1992 Stock
Option Plan and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-69462) pertaining
to the AER Energy Resources, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Director's Restricted Stock
Award Plan and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-89068) pertaining
to the AER Energy Resources, Inc./H. Douglas Johns Stock Option Agreement of our
report dated January 19, 1998, with respect to the financial statements of AER
Energy Resources, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1997.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 24, 1998
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM AUDITED
BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS OF AER ENERGY RESOURCE AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FORM 10K FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 10,206,870
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 116
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 291,278
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 10,647,738
<PP&E> 3,931,906
<DEPRECIATION> 2,539,020
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 12,057,465
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 492,276
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 66,519,348
<OTHER-SE> (54,956,271)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 12,057,465
<SALES> 108,399
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 108,399
<CGS> 2,675,098
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2,675,098
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 7,022,537
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> (8,765,814)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (8,765,814)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (8,765,814)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.36)
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
