<PAGE> 1
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For quarterly period ended March 31, 1998.
Commission File Number 0-24248
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 87-0361799
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Empl. Ident. No.)
incorporation or organization)
13114 Evening Creek Drive South, San Diego, California 92128
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(619) 679-2114
(Issuer's telephone number)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 ____
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
equity, as of the latest practicable date:
Common Stock, $.00001 par value 11,181,935
- ------------------------------- ----------
(Class) (Outstanding at May 8, 1998)
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): YES __ NO X
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AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<S> <C> <C>
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited):
Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1998 and
September 30, 1997 3
Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended
March 31, 1998 and 1997 4
Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended
March 31, 1998 and 1997 5
Notes to Interim Financial Statements 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations 9
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 12
Item 1. Legal Proceedings *
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds 12
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities *
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders *
Item 5. Other Information *
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 12
SIGNATURES 13
</TABLE>
* No information provided due to inapplicability of the item.
2
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
March 31, September 30,
1998 1997
----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $ 2,380,401 $ 3,338,458
Investment securities 18,955 29,289
Trade accounts receivable - net 122,218 307,174
Inventories 58,104 189,815
Prepaid expenses and other 75,463 27,376
----------- -------------
Total current assets 2,655,141 3,892,112
EQUIPMENT - NET 201,905 196,422
OTHER ASSETS
Patents 184,484 137,440
Other 10,000 25,904
----------- -------------
$ 3,051,530 $ 4,251,878
=========== =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES -
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 345,011 $ 172,305
LONG-TERM DEBT (NOTE 7) -- 386,651
----------- -------------
Total Liabilities 345,011 558,956
----------- -------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (NOTE 8)
Preferred stock $.00001 par value: authorized
5,000,000 shares;
Series A Convertible preferred stock, 350,000
shares designated, -0- and 350,000
issued and outstanding, respectively,
(liquidation preference of $10 per share) -- 3,321,153
Common stock $.00001 par value; authorized
20,000,000 shares; 11,179,435 and 9,758,779 shares
issued and outstanding, respectively 112 98
Additional paid-in capital 8,572,653 4,666,035
Notes receivable (153,150) (153,150)
Accumulated deficit (5,731,848) (4,170,300)
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale 18,752 29,086
----------- -------------
Total stockholders' equity 2,706,519 3,692,922
----------- -------------
$ 3,051,530 $ 4,251,878
=========== =============
</TABLE>
See notes to interim financial statements.
3
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AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 31, March 31,
---------------------------- ----------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES $ 23,695 $ 81,433 $ 84,579 $ 683,104
Cost of goods sold 183,354 68,147 284,519 544,488
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
GROSS PROFIT (LOSS) (159,659) 13,286 (199,940) 138,616
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative 520,320 372,208 978,557 614,704
Research and development 258,363 107,662 476,107 205,608
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 778,683 479,870 1,454,664 820,312
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Loss from operations (938,342) (466,584) (1,654,604) (681,696)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)
Interest income 36,057 -- 84,611 --
Interest expense -- (1,073) -- (1,141)
Non-cash interest expense (1,167) (125,200) (6,555) (125,200)
Other -- 3,880 15,000 6,408
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total other income (expense) 34,890 (122,393) 93,056 (119,933)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Loss before taxes on income (903,452) (588,977) (1,561,548) (801,629)
Taxes on income -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET LOSS $ (903,452) $ (588,977) $ (1,561,548) $ (801,629)
============ ============ ============ ============
BASIC NET LOSS PER SHARE
OF COMMON STOCK (NOTE 3) $ (0.08) $ (0.06) $ (0.15) $ (0.09)
============ ============ ============ ============
AVERAGE WEIGHTED NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 10,880,598 9,144,518 10,475,165 8,901,276
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to interim financial statements.
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AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH Six Months Ended
March 31,
----------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (1,561,548) $ (801,629)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to cash used in operating activities:
Amortization and depreciation 65,737 41,332
Warrants issued for services -- 4,500
Non-cash interest on long-term debt 6,555 125,200
Compensation and services paid in common stock 37,273 --
Write-down of inventory and loss accrual 160,000 --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other (48,087) 56,891
Trade accounts receivable 184,956 (72,931)
Inventories 6,711 (37,569)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 137,706 146,597
Accrued interest on long-term debt -- 986
------------ ------------
Net cash (used in) operating activities (1,010,697) (536,623)
------------ ------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of equipment (59,137) (26,470)
Purchase of other assets (43,223) (36,438)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (102,360) (62,908)
------------ ------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from exercise of stock warrants 105,000 20,000
Proceeds loaned on notes receivable-officers for options -- (175,271)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 50,000 312,600
Proceeds from convertible notes -- 1,000,000
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 155,000 1,157,329
------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash (958,057) 557,798
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 3,338,458 657,331
------------ ------------
CASH, END OF PERIOD $ 2,380,401 $ 1,215,129
============ ============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Cash paid for:
Interest $ -- $ 87
Non-cash financing activities:
Convertible notes exchanged for common stock $ 375,000 --
Interest paid by issuance of common stock 18,206 --
</TABLE>
See notes to interim financial statements.
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AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. OPERATIONS
American Technology Corporation (the "Company") is engaged in the design,
development and commercialization of sound, acoustics and other technologies and
the sales and marketing of consumer electronic products.
The Company's plan of operation for the next twelve months is to introduce to
market the Company's patent-pending sound and acoustics technologies, continue
research and development on proprietary existing and new technologies and
distribute a new line of portable electronic products. The Company expects to
incur additional operating losses primarily as a result of research and
development and marketing costs for its sound and acoustics technologies known
as Stratefied Field Technology(TM) ("SFT(TM)") Hypersonic Sound Technology(TM)
("HSS(TM)") and other technologies. The Company anticipates that the
introduction to market of its sound and acoustics technologies will require
increased personnel, patent preparation and filing fees and operating costs. The
timing and amounts of the Company's expenditures and the extent of operating
losses will depend on many factors, some of which are beyond the Company's
control.
At the current rate of expenditures, the Company believes it will require
approximately $600,000 in additional funds during the next twelve months.
Management also believes these funds may be generated from operations. However
these estimates are subject to significant variability and change due to
management decisions regarding technology development and marketing, operations
and the result of factors beyond management's control. The long-term success of
the Company is dependent upon achieving a level of revenues adequate to support
the Company's capital and operating requirements.
2. STATEMENT PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
information. They do not include all information and footnotes required by
generally accepted accounting principles. The interim financial statements and
notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited financial
statements and notes thereto for the year ended September 30, 1997.
In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements reflect all
adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the
results for interim periods. Operating results for the three and six month
periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for
the year.
3. NET LOSS PER SHARE
The Company has implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." Previously the Company followed the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") 15, "Earnings Per Share." SFAS No.
128 provides for the calculation of "Basic" and "Diluted" earnings per share
("EPS"). Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of
securities that could share in the earnings of an entity, similar to fully
diluted earnings per share. The Company's net losses for the periods presented
cause the inclusion of potential common stock instruments outstanding to be
antidilutive and, therefore, in accordance with SFAS No. 128, the Company is not
required to present a diluted EPS. Stock options and warrants to purchase
2,172,500 shares of common stock were outstanding at March 31, 1998 and stock
options, warrants and convertible debt exercisable into 1,497,800 shares of
common stock were outstanding as of March 31, 1997. These securities were not
included in the computation of diluted EPS because of the net losses but could
potentially dilute EPS in future periods. All prior period loss per share data
is presented in conformity with the requirements of SFAS No. 128.
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AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
4. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") has issued SFAS No. 130
"Reporting Comprehensive Income", SFAS No. 131 "Disclosures About Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" and SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and Other Post retirement Benefits." SFAS No. 130 establishes
standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income, its components and
accumulated balances. Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in
equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to
owners. Among other disclosures, SFAS No. 130 requires that all items that are
required to be recognized under current accounting standards as components of
comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with
the same prominence as other financial statements. SFAS No. 131 supersedes SFAS
No. 14 "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise." SFAS No. 131
establishes standards on the way that public companies report financial
information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires
reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim financial
statements issued to the public. It also establishes standards for disclosure
regarding products and services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS No.
131 defines operating segments as components of a company about which separate
financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief
operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing
performance. SFAS No. 132 standardizes the disclosure requirements for pensions
and other post retirement benefits and requires additional information on
changes in the benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets that will
facilitate financial analysis.
SFAS No. 130 and No. 131 are effective for financial statements for periods
beginning after December 15, 1997 and require comparative information for
earlier years to be restated. SFAS No. 132 is effective for years beginning
after December 15, 1997 and requires comparative information for earlier years
to be restated, unless such information is not readily available. Management
believes the adoption of these statements will have no material impact on the
Company's financial statements and that results of operations and financial
position will be unaffected by their implementation.
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using
the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories consist of the following at
March 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Finished goods $27,544
Work in process 23,880
Raw materials _6,680
--------
$58,104
</TABLE>
6. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The Company's investment securities consists of 225,300 shares of Norris
Communications Inc. ("NCI") common stock, an affiliated corporation. These
securities are reported at fair value as a current asset with unrealized gains
and losses reported as a net amount as a separate component of stockholders'
equity. At March 31, 1998 the Company's market value of available for sale
securities consisted of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Estimated
Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Value
---- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common stock $203 $18,752 $18,955
</TABLE>
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
During the six month period ended March 31, 1998 the Company's $375,000 of
unsecured 6% convertible subordinated promissory notes due March 1, 1999 and
accrued interest of $18,206 were converted into 128,459 common shares.
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AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The following summarizes equity transactions for the six months ended March 31,
1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock
------------------------------ Preferred Stock
Common (Par Value and --------------------------
Shares Paid in Capital) Shares Dollars
----------- ---------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance October 1, 1997 9,758,779 $ 4,666,133 350,000 $ 3,321,153
Stock issued on conversion of convertible
6% notes 122,494 375,000 -- --
Stock issued for interest on convertible 6%
notes 5,965 18,206 -- --
Stock issued on conversion of warrants 210,000 105,000 -- --
Stock issued on exercised stock options 100,000 50,000 -- --
Common stock issued on conversion of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock 974,197 3,321,153 (350,000) (3,321,153)
Common stock issued for compensation
and services 8,000 37,273 -- --
----------- ---------------- ----------- -----------
Balance March 31, 1998 11,179,435 $ 8,572,765 -- --
=========== ================ =========== ===========
</TABLE>
During the six months ended March 31, 1998 all outstanding shares of the
Company's 350,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were converted
into 974,197 common shares.
The following table summarizes information about stock option activity during
the period ended March 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted Average
Shares Exercise Price
--------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding October 1, 1997 1,672,500 $ 3.79
Granted 185,000 $ 7.03
Canceled/expired -- --
Exercised 100,000 $ 0.50
---------
Outstanding March 31, 1998 1,757,500 $ 4.32
=========
Exercisable at March 31, 1998 1,080,833 $ 3.16
=========
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at
March 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Range of Number Remaining Average Number Average
Exercise Outstanding Contractual Exercise Exercisable Exercise
Prices at 03/31/98 Life Price at 03/31/98 Price
- ------------ ------------ ----------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$0.50-$0.55 480,000 2.90 $ 0.52 580,000 $ 0.52
$1.59-$2.25 38,500 0.31 1.95 38,500 1.95
$3.59-$4.48 237,000 3.35 4.31 108,333 4.12
$4.98-$5.90 952,000 4.39 5.81 454,000 5.63
$16.00 50,000 4.51 16.00 -0- --
- ------------ ------------ ----------- -------- ----------- --------
$0.50-$16.00 1,757,500 3.76 $ 4.32 1,080,833 $ 3.16
============ ============ =========== ======== =========== ========
</TABLE>
At March 31, 1998 the Company had the following warrants outstanding, each
exercisable into one common share:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Exercise Price Expiration Date
-------- -------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
100,000 $1.00 May 31, 1998
50,000 $5.00 March 1, 2000
175,000 $7.50 August 1, 2000
90,000 $5.00 February 5, 2000
--------
415,000
========
</TABLE>
Subsequent to March 31, 1998, a total of 2,500 warrants were exercised at a
price of $5.00.
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AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
9. INCOME TAXES
At March 31, 1998, a valuation allowance has been provided to offset the net
deferred tax asset as management has determined that it is more likely than not
that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has for federal
income tax purposes net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $3,600,000
which expire through 2012 of which certain amounts are subject to limitations
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
10. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The Company, like most owners of computer software, will be required to modify
significant potions of its software so that it will function properly in the
year 2000. Preliminary estimates of the total costs to be incurred by the
Company to resolve this problem range from $10,000 to $20,000. Since the Company
mainly uses third party "off-the-shelf" software, it does not anticipate a
problem in resolving the year 2000 problem in a timely manner. Maintenance or
modification costs will be expensed as incurred, while the costs of new software
will be capitalized and amortized over the software's useful life.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION INCLUDES FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE
COMPANY'S FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY
FROM THOSE CURRENTLY ANTICIPATED AND FROM HISTORICAL RESULTS DEPENDING UPON A
VARIETY OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE DESCRIBED BELOW UNDER THE SUB-HEADING,
"BUSINESS RISKS." SEE ALSO THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB FOR THE
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.
OVERVIEW
The Company is focusing on completing development and commercializing of its
patent-pending Stratefied Field Technology ("SFT") and Hypersonic Sound
Technology(TM) ("HSS") sound reproduction technologies. The SFT technology
features a thin form factor, in a variety of shapes and sizes, producing high
fidelity, low distortion sound reproduction. HSS technology employs a laser-like
beam to project sound to any listening environment. The Company has entered into
working agreements with two global consumer product companies for HSS and one
for SFT technology. The Company's strategy is to enter into additional
arrangements with the goal of establishing definitive licensing or supply
agreements. There can be no assurance the Company will be successful in
commercially exploiting the SFT or HSS technology.
From 1988 to early 1992 the Company was inactive. In early 1992 the Company
commenced its current business activities related to electronic products and
technologies and in 1996 commenced development of its acoustical technologies.
The SFT and HSS technologies have not been developed to the point of
commercialization. There can be no assurance that commercially viable systems
can be completed due to the inherent risks of new technology development,
limitations on financing, competition, obsolescence, loss of key technical
personnel and other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company has not
generated any revenues from its SFT or HSS technology to date, and currently has
no agreements or arrangements providing any assurance of revenues in the future.
The Company's various development projects are high risk in nature.
Unanticipated technical obstacles can arise at any time and result in lengthy
and costly delays or result in determination that further development is
unfeasible. There can be no assurance of timely completion of commercially
viable SFT and/or HSS technology or that, if available, the technologies will
perform on a cost-effective basis, or that if introduced, they will achieve
market acceptance. The Company is also developing its patented and
patent-pending GPS and jet engine noise reduction technologies.
The future of the Company is largely dependent upon the success of the SFT
and/or HSS technology, other technologies or the development of new
technologies. The Company invests significant funds in research and development
and on patent applications related to its proprietary technologies. There can be
no assurance the Company can introduce any of
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<PAGE> 10
its technologies or that, if introduced, they will achieve market acceptance
sufficient to sustain the Company or achieve profitable operations. See also
"Business Risks" below.
To date substantially all of the Company's revenues have been derived from
portable consumer electronic products, primarily an ear radio line of products.
In the first quarter of fiscal 1998 the Company began phasing out the existing
ear radio line and sourcing a line of miniature radios and portable consumer
electronic products manufactured by others to be marketed and distributed by the
Company. The Company terminated AM and FM ear radio production in the second
fiscal quarter and included in cost of sales is a $160,000 charge for the
write-off of obsolete parts inventory and writedown of finished goods to be
liquidated. The Company also terminated its mini-headphone radio development to
focus on sourced products and the Company's acoustical technologies. The Company
has sourced a total of eight portable electronic products (including FM and
solar radios) targeted for niche markets at retail prices ranging from $11.99 to
$51.99. Sourcing is on both an exclusive and nonexclusive basis and for
different market territories on a product by product basis. The Company's major
market focus is in North America. The Company intends to inventory finished
goods as well as provide direct factory shipment to certain customers. The
Company recently obtained initial purchase orders for the new line and expects
initial shipments during the third fiscal quarter ending June 30, 1998.
Demand for the Company's portable consumer electronic products is subject to
significant month to month variability resulting from seasonal demand issues and
the limited number of customers and market penetration achieved to date by the
Company. Prior ear radio sales were concentrated with a few customers and sales
of the new sourced product line may also be concentrated in a few customers. The
Company is reliant on outside manufacturers to supply the products and there can
be no assurance of future supply. The markets for the Company's products and
future products and technologies are subject to rapidly changing customer tastes
and a high level of competition. Demand for the Company's products is influenced
by demographic trends in society, marketing and advertising expenditures,
product positioning in retail outlets, technological developments, seasonal
variations and general economic conditions. Because these factors can change
rapidly, customer demand can also shift quickly. The Company may not be able to
respond to changes in customer demand because of the time required to change or
introduce products, production limitations and because of limited financial
resources.
There can be no assurance that the new line of out-sourced radios and other
products can be marketed successfully. As a result, the Company anticipates
significantly lower portable consumer electronic product sales in the current
fiscal year compared to the prior year.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales for the six months ended March 31, 1998 were $84,579, an 88% decrease
from the first six months of the prior year. Substantially all sales in both
periods were from ear radio products. Sales for the three months ended March 31,
1998 were $23,695 compared to $81,433 for the comparable prior period. Sales in
the first six months of fiscal 1998 included sales to several new large chain
retailers and the significant decrease in the current six month period reflects
the phasing out and termination of the current FM and AM Sounds ear radio line.
Future portable electronic product sales are expected to consist of the new line
of out-sourced products manufactured by others. The Company anticipates
significantly lower portable consumer electronic product sales in the current
fiscal year compared to the prior year. Sales are also subject to significant
month to month and quarter to quarter variability based on the timing of orders,
new accounts, lost accounts and other factors. The Company's sales are further
affected by a variety of factors including seasonal requirements of customers.
Management believes, but there can be no assurance, that with the marketing and
distribution of out-sourced higher margin portable electronic products that it
can achieve better results over time with a broader product line than achieved
in the past. There can be no assurance that the planned new product line can be
successfully introduced to market.
Cost of sales for the six months ended March 31, 1998 were $284,519 resulting in
a gross loss of $199,940. Cost of sales for the three months ended March 31,
1998 were $183,354 and the gross loss was $159,659. Included in the cost of
sales for the current year was $160,000 for the write-off of obsolete parts
inventory and writedown of finished goods to be liquidated. In the prior year
the Company recorded a gross margin of $138,616 for the first six months and
$13,286 for the second fiscal quarter. The current year gross loss is the result
of the phasing out of the FM and AM Sounds product line and included special
close-out pricing to reduce inventory levels as well as the $160,000 charge.
Until the new products are introduced there is significant uncertainty about
future gross margins. Gross margin percentage is highly dependent on sales
prices, volumes, purchasing costs and overhead allocations.
Research and development costs for the six months ended March 31, 1998 were
$476,107 compared to $205,608 for the comparable six months of the prior year.
The $270,499 increase resulted primarily from an increase in HSS and SFT
technology development activities and related personnel and component costs.
Personnel costs increased $155,000 in the current period due to additional
research employees and component and equipment costs increased by $54,000 due to
the increased level of activity in the current period. Research and development
costs increased from $107,662 in the
10
<PAGE> 11
second quarter of the prior year to $258,363 in the second fiscal quarter of
1998 reflecting the increased personnel and activity.
Research and development costs vary quarter by quarter due to the timing of
projects, the availability of funds for research and development and the timing
and extent of use of outside consulting, design and development firms. The
Company expects fiscal 1998 research and development costs to be at
significantly higher levels than the prior year due to increased staffing and
use of outside design and consultants primarily associated with SFT and HSS
technology development. The Company is seeking additional engineering and
support personnel to further expand in-house research and development activities
in future periods.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $614,704 for the six
months ended March 31, 1997 to $978,557 for the six months ended March 31, 1998.
The $363,853 increase included a $219,000 increase in personnel costs primarily
associated with the addition of senior executives and SFT/HSS technology
marketing personnel, a $62,000 increase in outside marketing and professional
services, a $36,000 increase in occupancy related costs due to a new leased
facility and increased personnel and a $32,000 increase in legal and audit costs
related to expanded financing and pre-licensing activities. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased to $520,320 in the second quarter compared to
$372,208 in the prior year's comparable second quarter as a result of the
increased costs outlined above. Management anticipates that selling, general and
administrative costs will continue at higher levels in fiscal 1998 due to the
recent additions of senior executive and marketing personnel, the expanded
facility and related operations. Management anticipates hiring additional
licensing and marketing personnel during the current fiscal year which will
further increase selling, general and administrative expenses.
As a result of the above factors, the Company experienced a loss from operations
of $1,654,604 during the six months ended March 31, 1998, compared to a loss
from operations of $681,696 for the comparable six months ended March 31, 1997.
The operating loss for the second fiscal quarter of 1998 was $938,342 compared
to $466,584 for the prior year's second quarter. The increase in the operating
losses resulted primarily from the increases in research and development costs
and increases in selling, general and administrative costs associated with the
SFT and HSS technology combined with the gross loss from product sales.
During the six months ended March 31, 1998, the Company recognized interest
income of $84,611 from the increased cash on hand and also realized a $15,000
gain from the sale of the Company's royalty interest in EarPHONE technology.
During the first six months the Company incurred $6,555 of noncash interest paid
in common shares related to outstanding 6% convertible notes.
As a result of the above factors, the Company reported a net loss of $1,561,548
for the six months ended March 31, 1998, compared to a net loss of $801,629 for
the six month period ended March 31, 1997. The Company has federal net loss
carryforwards of approximately $3,600,000 for federal tax purposes expiring
through 2011. The amount and timing of the utilization of the Company's net loss
carryforwards may be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Future operations are subject to significant variability as a result of product
sales and margins, timing of new product offerings, decisions regarding future
research and development and variability in other expenditures.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Since the Company recommenced operations in January 1992, the Company has had
significant negative cash flow from operating activities. The negative cash flow
from operating activities was $1,572,425 for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1997 and $1,010,697 for the six months ended March 31, 1998. During the six
months ended March 31, 1998, the net loss of $1,561,548 included non-cash
expenses of $269,565 resulting in an adjusted net cash loss of $1,291,983. In
addition to this amount of $1,291,983, cash was used in operating activities
through an increase in prepaid expenses and other of $48,087. Operating cash was
provided by a $184,956 reduction in accounts receivable, a $6,711 reduction in
inventories and a $137,706 increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
At March 31, 1998 the Company had accounts receivable of $122,218 as compared to
$307,174 at September 30, 1997. The reduction in receivables is a direct result
of the significantly reduced sales in the first two quarters from the phasing
out of the ear radio product line. Receivables can vary dramatically due to
quarterly and seasonal variations in sales and timing of shipments to and
receipts from large customers many of which demand extended terms of 90-120
days.
For the six months ended March 31, 1998, the Company used approximately $59,000
for the purchase of laboratory equipment and made a $43,223 investment in
patents and new patent applications. The Company estimates a significant level
of investments in patents in fiscal 1998 and requirements for additional
equipment for developing SFT, HSS and other technologies. Dollar amounts of
these patent investments and equipment additions are not currently estimable by
management.
11
<PAGE> 12
At March 31, 1998 the Company had working capital of $2,310,130 and at September
30, 1997, the Company had working capital of $3,719,807. The reduction is the
result of the Company's operating loss and cash used in operating activities.
Since the Company's reorganization in January 1992 and through March 31, 1998,
the Company has financed its operations primarily through the sale of common
equity, exercise of stock options, issuances of convertible notes and proceeds
from the sale of shares of NCI.
Other than cash of $2,380,401 at March 31, 1998 and the NCI shares, the Company
has no other material unused sources of liquidity at this time. The Company
expects to incur additional operating losses as a result of expenditures for
research and development and marketing costs for its SFT and HSS technology and
other products and technologies. The timing and amounts of the Company's
expenditures and the extent of operating losses will depend on many factors,
some of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company anticipates that the
commercialization of the SFT and HSS technology will require increased personnel
and operating costs. At the current rate of expenditures, without any
contribution from product sales or technology exploitation, the Company
estimates it will require approximately $600,000 of additional funding during
the next twelve months. Management believes that operations during the next
twelve months may be able to generate the required funds, but there can be no
assurance thereof. Management's estimates are subject to significant variability
and change due to decisions regarding technology development and marketing,
operations and the result of outside factors. Should additional funding be
required there can be no assurance of its availability nor the terms thereof.
The long-term success of the Company is dependent upon achieving a level of
revenues adequate to support the Company's capital and operating requirements.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued a number of new
pronouncements for future implementation as discussed in the footnotes to the
Company's interim financial statements (see page 6, Note 4). As discussed in the
notes to the interim financial statements, the implementation of these new
pronouncements is not expected to have a material effect on the financial
statements.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The Company, like most owners of computer software, will be required to modify
significant potions of its software so that it will function properly in the
year 2000. Preliminary estimates of the total costs to be incurred by the
Company to resolve this problem range from $10,000 to $20,000. Since the Company
mainly uses third party "off-the-shelf" software, it does not anticipate a
problem in resolving the year 2000 problem in a timely manner. Maintenance or
modification costs will be expensed as incurred, while the costs of new software
will be capitalized and amortized over the software's useful life.
BUSINESS RISKS
This report contains a number of forward-looking statements which reflect the
Company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance.
These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or
those anticipated. In this report, the words "anticipates," "believes,"
"expects," "intends," "future" and similar expressions identify forward-looking
statements. Readers are cautioned to consider the specific risk factors
described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
September 30, 1997 and not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking
statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements, to
reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
(c) During the second quarter ending March 31, 1998, the Company issued 210,000
common shares on the exercise of stock purchase warrants by three investors. The
warrants were issued in connection with a Regulation S unit offering made in
February 1996. The original transaction was reported on Form 8-K dated March 12,
1996.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits - The following exhibits are filed with this Form 10-QSB:
27 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K - NONE
12
<PAGE> 13
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
Date: May 8, 1998 By: /s/ ROBERT PUTNAM
--------------------------------
Robert Putnam, Vice President,
Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer and duly
authorized to sign on behalf
of the Registrant)
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM UNAUDITED
INTERIM STATEMENTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-QSB FOR THE
QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1998
<CASH> 2,380,401
<SECURITIES> 18,955
<RECEIVABLES> 130,423
<ALLOWANCES> 8,205
<INVENTORY> 58,104
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 2,655,141
<PP&E> 713,435
<DEPRECIATION> 327,048
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 3,051,530
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 345,011
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 112
<OTHER-SE> 2,706,407
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 3,051,530
<SALES> 84,579
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 84,579
<CGS> 284,519
<TOTAL-COSTS> 284,519
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 1,454,664
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,561,548)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (1,561,548)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,561,548)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.15)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.15)
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