UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-KSB/A*
Amendment
No. 1
(Mark
One)
x
ANNUAL
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For
the
fiscal year ended
December
31, 2007
¨
TRANSITION
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For
the
transition period from
to
Commission
file number
000-50542
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC.
(Name
of
small business issuer in its charter)
Nevada
|
82-0497807
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.)
|
2502
East
Poplar Street, Algona, Iowa 50511
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(515)
295–3178
(issuer’s
telephone number)
Securities
registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
|
Title of each class
|
Name of each exchange on which registered
|
Securities registered
under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
$0.001
par value Common Stock
(Title
of
class)
Check
whether the issuer is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act.
¨
Note
–
Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations
under
those Sections.
SEC
2337 (12-05)
|
Persons
who are to respond to the collection of information contained in
this form
are not
required
to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
|
*See
explanatory note regarding amendment
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.
x
Yes
¨
No
Check
if
there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of
Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained,
to
the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any
amendment to this Form 10-KSB.
¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
¨
Yes
x
No
State
issuer’s revenues for its most recent fiscal year.
$
740,799
State
the
aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by
non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity
was
sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of a
specified date within the past 60 days. (See definition of affiliate in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
As
of
February 21, 2008, we had 9,967,077 shares held by persons not considered
affiliates of the company. The closing price on that date was $0.48 for an
aggregate market value of shares held by non-affiliates of
$4,784.196.
Note:
If
determining whether a person is an affiliate will involve an unreasonable effort
and expense, the issuer may calculate the aggregate market value of the common
equity held by non-affiliates on the basis of reasonable assumptions, if the
assumptions are stated.
(ISSUERS
INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE
YEARS)
Check
whether the issuer has filed all documents and reports required to be filed
by
Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the distribution of securities
under a plan confirmed by a court.
¨
Yes
¨
No
(APPLICABLE
ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)
State
the
number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity,
as of the latest practicable date.
Class
|
|
Outstanding at February 21, 2008
|
|
Common
, par value $.001
|
|
|
27,590,164
|
|
Series B Preferred
, par value $.001
|
|
|
1,932,846
|
|
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE
The
definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is
incorporated by reference into Part III of this annual report.
Transitional
Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes
¨
;
No
x
EXPLANATORY
NOTE REGARDING AMENDMENT
We
are
amending this Form 10-KSB for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 in
response to an SEC comment letter dated July 9, 2008. We have reevaluated our
line item “losses related to inventory” previously included in operating
expenses. We have concluded that portions of these amounts were classified
incorrectly and should be included in cost of goods sold for the year ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the period from inception (May 19, 2003) to
December 31, 2007. The Consolidated Statements of Operations and accompanying
notes for these periods have been revised to reflect this reclassification.
We are also revising Item 6, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations, in light of the restatement.
Also
in
response to our SEC comment letter, we have concluded that a $1,889,063
beneficial conversion feature accretion was inappropriately recorded as an
increase to the accumulated deficit in our Consolidated Statements of
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Loss and Consolidated Balance
Sheet rather than a decrease to Additional Paid-In Capital in accordance with
Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 98-5, “Accounting for Convertible
Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable
Conversion Ratios” and Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic 3 (C), “Senior
Securities – Redeemable Preferred Stock.” The Consolidated Statements of
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Loss and Consolidated Balance
Sheet have been revised to reflect this change.
We
are
also amending Exhibit 31 in this Form 10-KSB to include the introductory
language in paragraph 4 of the certification of internal controls as required
by
Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-B that refers to the certifying officers’
responsibility for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial
reporting for the company and to also include paragraph 4(b) which refers to
the
design of our internal control over financial reporting. Exhibit 31 has been
revised to include the appropriate certification language.
This
amendment also includes a correction in Exhibit 32. Previously the Section
1350
certifications read “In connection with the Annual Report of Hydrogen Engine
Center, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-KSB for the period ending December 31,
2005…”
rather
than the appropriate date of December 31, 2007. Exhibit 32 has been revised
using the correct date.
We
are
also correcting an error on page 2 in this Form 10-KSB. The “Yes” box was
inappropriately checked following the statement “Check whether the issuer has
filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act after the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed
by a court.” This “check” has been removed.
Except
as
described above, no other changes were made to the Form 10-KSB as previously
filed.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
|
Page
|
PART I.
|
|
|
ITEM 1.
|
DESCRIPTION
OF BUSINESS
|
6
|
|
Business
Development
|
6
|
|
Corporate
History
|
7
|
|
Principal
Products and Markets
|
8
|
|
Current
Product Offerings
|
9
|
|
Commercial
Applications of our Products
|
9
|
|
Distributed
Power Generation: Use of Integrated Gensets
|
11
|
|
By-product
Gas Power Generation Segment
|
13
|
|
Industrial
Applications
|
13
|
|
Distribution
Methods for our Products and Services
|
14
|
|
Competition
|
14
|
|
Principal
Suppliers
|
15
|
|
Dependence
on One or Few Major Customers
|
15
|
|
Intellectual
Property and Patent Protection
|
15
|
|
Research
and Development
|
19
|
|
Hydrogen
as a Fuel
|
19
|
|
Issues
Related to Government Approvals or Governmental
Regulations
|
20
|
|
Cost
of Compliance with Environmental Laws
|
20
|
|
Employees
|
21
|
|
Risk
Factors
|
21
|
|
|
|
ITEM 2.
|
DESCRIPTION
OF PROPERTY
|
30
|
|
|
|
ITEM 3.
|
LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
|
31
|
|
|
|
ITEM 4.
|
SUBMISSION
OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
|
31
|
|
|
|
PART II.
|
|
|
ITEM 5.
|
MARKET
FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|
32
|
|
Market
Information
|
32
|
|
Securities
Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
|
33
|
|
|
|
ITEM 6.
|
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
|
34
|
|
Overview
|
34
|
|
Results
of Operations
|
35
|
|
Critical
Accounting Policies
|
38
|
|
Inventories
|
38
|
|
Warranty
Reserve
|
38
|
|
Revenue
Recognition
|
38
|
|
Stock-based
Compensation
|
38
|
|
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
|
38
|
|
Operating
Budget and Financing of Operations
|
38
|
|
Going
Concern
|
39
|
|
Plan
of Operation
|
41
|
|
Grants
and Government Programs
|
42
|
|
Employees
|
43
|
|
Net
Operating Loss
|
43
|
|
Inflation
|
43
|
|
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
|
43
|
|
|
|
ITEM 7.
|
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
|
44
|
|
|
|
ITEM 8.
|
CHANGES
IN AND DISAGREEMENT WITH ACCOUNTANTS
|
72
|
|
|
|
ITEM 8A
|
CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
|
72
|
|
|
|
PART III.
|
|
|
ITEM 9.
|
DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVES, OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE
WITH
SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
|
73
|
|
|
|
ITEM 10.
|
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
|
73
|
|
|
|
ITEM 11.
|
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|
73
|
|
|
|
ITEM 12.
|
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
|
74
|
|
|
|
ITEM 13.
|
EXHIBITS
|
74
|
|
|
|
ITEM 14.
|
PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
|
74
|
PART
I
ITEM
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
Business
Development
Hydrogen
Engine Center, Inc.,
a
Nevada
corporation
(
the
“company,” “HYEG,” “us,” “we,” or “our
”)
was
organized for the purpose of developing and commercializing clean solutions
for
today’s energy needs. We offer
technologies
today that enable spark-ignited internal combustion engines and power generation
systems to produce clean energy with near-zero carbon emissions, using our
proprietary engine controller and software to efficiently distribute ignition
spark and fuel to injectors. Our business plan is centered on a growing
portfolio of intellectual property that we expect to play an increasing role
in
addressing the world’s energy needs as well as its environmental concerns. We
expect future revenue generation from the sale of hydrogen or ammonia-fueled
engines and gensets for dedicated uses, such as airport ground support and
irrigation pumping. We are, for example, currently working, in collaboration
with Air Liquide and a number of other participants, to finalize an opportunity
to sell some of our hydrogen-fueled engines for use in ground support vehicles
at designated airports. Our long-term plans include revenue generating
opportunities from licensing fees and from the production and marketing, often
in collaboration with others, of our technologies and products to a wider
variety of end-users and manufacturers.
Our
common stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “HYEG.OB.”
Our
Founder, Ted Hollinger, and Dr. Tapan Bose who was President of HEC Canada
until
his recent death, are recognized leaders in the development of technologies
for
the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Dr. Bose co-authored with Pierre Malbrunot,
Hydrogen
- facing the energy challenges of the 21st century
,
published 2007 by John Libbey Eurotext. A French version of the book was
published in December 2006.
The
book
is available for sale direct through the publisher—John Libbey Eurotext at:
www.jle.com
and at:
www.amazon.com
.
Dr.
Bose
and Mr. Hollinger co-authored the chapter on hydrogen internal combustion
engines in
Hydrogen
Technology: Mobile and Portable Applications (Green Energy and
Technology)
,
edited
by Aline Léon and scheduled for publication in 2008 by Springer-Verlag Berlin
Heidelberg.
The
book
is available for pre-sale at:
www.amazon.com
.
Our
primary objective is to become the undisputed leader in the development and
deployment of low carbon and carbonless fueled energy solutions that
are:
|
·
|
sustainable
and therefore capable of ushering in the carbonless fuel
era
|
|
·
|
competitive
with fossil fuel alternative
|
|
·
|
capable
of exceeding customer expectations
|
We
are
currently focusing on the following market segments:
|
·
|
Distributed
power generation via renewable power
support
|
|
·
|
Power
generation using clean-burning by-product gases such as
hydrogen
|
|
·
|
Industrial
applications for our engine controls and fuel distribution
system
|
We
have
not received the amount of capital we anticipated receiving from investors
to
date. We have also experienced delays in the receipt of quality parts and,
as a
result, delays in developing our intellectual property and completing the
certification process for our engines. We are generating limited revenue through
the sale of new and remanufactured engines as well as open power units using
our
high-quality, reliable remanufactured engines and new Oxx Power
®
engines.
Revenue from these sources is helping to support our continuing operations,
assist with funding for our research and development efforts, and make it
possible for us to introduce the intellectual property that we believe to be
the
core of the company’s future. With our limited resources, we have been able
to:
|
·
|
Launch
the Oxx Power
®
4.9L engine line
|
|
·
|
Establish
US and India based distribution
|
|
·
|
Establish
a core line of power generation
products
|
|
·
|
Hire
the core staff of the organization
|
|
·
|
Create
a brand presence
|
|
·
|
Establish
the basis of our IP portfolio
|
|
·
|
Establish
proof of concept projects throughout the
world
|
Corporate
History
Hydrogen
Engine Center, Inc., an Iowa corporation (“HEC Iowa”) was incorporated on May
19, 2003 by Theodore G. Hollinger, formerly Director of Engineering at Ford
Motor Company and Vice President of the Power Conversion Group at Ballard Power
Systems responsible for development of hydrogen engine gensets. Operations
commenced with the lease of the facilities in Algona, Iowa. Mr. Hollinger left
Ballard with the ultimate intention of continuing the commercialization of
hydrogen engines. His employment contract with Ballard contained a one-year,
non-compete clause related to internal combustion engines, which expired on
May
29, 2003. HEC Iowa was founded with the goal of establishing a “hydrogen engine
center of excellence” to foster the development of alternative fuel engines and
generator systems.
On
August
25, 2005, we incorporated Hydrogen Engine Centre (HEC) Canada, Inc., a Canadian
corporation (“HEC Canada”). HEC Canada is located in Quebec and works with
Universite Du Quebec at Trois-Rivieres on matters related to hydrogen research.
HEC Canada was founded with the goal of establishing a research and development
center to assist in the development of alternative fuel and hydrogen engines
and
generator systems.
The
actual development and assembly of our products is completed in the United
States. The engine controller used to program the engines to run on alternative
fuels and hydrogen is manufactured in small quantities at the
Universite
Du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres in Canada.
The
company (previously known as Green Mt. Labs, Inc.) was originally organized
in
Idaho on July 12, 1983 to acquire and develop mining claims. The company
initially acquired certain unpatented mineral claims located in the Miller
Mountain Mining District near Idaho City, but the claims were eventually written
off in 1997. Corporate records do not indicate the extent to which the company
developed the property. Because the company had no available funds, it was
unable to continue to pay the necessary assessment fees related to the claims.
In 1997, the claims were abandoned and written off because management was unable
to determine the future value of the claims.
In
January 1996, the company effected a 1 share for 10 shares reverse stock split
of its 10,000,000 shares of common stock then issued and outstanding. This
reverse split resulted in 1,000,000 shares being issued and outstanding.
In
August
2000, the company formed a new Nevada corporation for the purpose of
transferring the company's domicile from Idaho to Nevada. In March 2001, the
company implemented the change of domicile by effecting a merger between the
Idaho and Nevada corporations, resulting in the Nevada corporation being the
surviving entity and the Idaho corporation being dissolved.
On
August
30, 2005, we completed the acquisition of HEC Iowa. The acquisition was made
pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into on June 3, 2005, and
revised on July 6, 2005 and July 29, 2005. To accomplish the acquisition, we
merged our newly created, wholly-owned subsidiary, Green Mt. Acquisitions,
Inc.,
with and into HEC Iowa with HEC Iowa being the surviving entity. Just prior
to
the acquisition, we had completed a 3.8 shares for 1 share forward stock split
of our issued and outstanding common stock. As a result of the forward stock
split, our outstanding shares of common stock increased from 1,006,000 shares
to
approximately 3,822,800 shares, representing 19% of the total outstanding shares
following consummation of the acquisition. Under the terms of the acquisition
agreement, we issued 16,297,200 shares of our post-split common stock
(representing 81% of our total outstanding shares (post-split) immediately
following the transaction) to Ted Hollinger, who was the sole stockholder of
HEC
Iowa, in exchange for 100% of HEC Iowa’s outstanding capital stock. HEC Iowa has
become our wholly-owned subsidiary. In connection with the acquisition, we
have
changed our name from Green Mt. Labs, Inc. to Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc.
As
a
result of the merger transaction and acquisition of HEC Iowa, we assumed all
of
the operations, assets and liabilities of HEC Iowa and HEC Canada. HEC Iowa
and
HEC Canada are both development stage companies engaged in designing, developing
and manufacturing internal combustion engines and generation systems that use
alternative fuels.
We
have
funded our operations from inception through December 31, 2007, through a series
of financing transactions, including $7,126,964 gross proceeds from two private
offerings of common stock (as described below), $3,022,500 in gross proceeds
from the private offering of Series A Preferred Stock, $3,865,692 in gross
proceeds from the private offering of Series B Preferred Stock and convertible
loans in the amount of $557,051.
On
October 11, 2005, we closed a private placement of our common stock (“First
Private Offering”) at $1.00 per share. We sold 3,948,500 shares of our common
stock, $.001 par value, for a total of $3,948,500 to 93 investors, which
represents 13.38% of the 29,523,010 issued and outstanding shares of common
stock (including 1,932,846 shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into
1,932,846 shares of common stock) as of February 21, 2008. We sold the shares
in
a private transaction and we relied on an exemption from registration pursuant
to Regulation D, Rules Governing the Limited Offer and Sale of Securities
without Registration under the Securities Act of 1933.
On
October 2, 2006, we closed the sale of 930,000 shares of our Series A Preferred
Stock at $3.25 per share, (the “Series A Preferred Offering”), for a total of
$3,022,500. All of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been converted
into 1,511,250 shares of common stock, which number represents 5.12% of the
29,523,010 issued and outstanding shares of common stock (including 1,932,846
shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into 1,932,846 shares of common
stock as of February 21, 2008, subject to anti-dilution
protection).
On
October 15, 2006, we closed the sale of 978,009 shares of common stock in our
Second Private Offering of common stock (“Second Private Offering”) at $3.25 per
share for a total of $3,178,464 to 41 investors, which represents 3.31% of
the
29,523,010 issued and outstanding shares of common stock (including 1,932,846
shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into 1,932,846 shares of common
stock, as of February 21, 2008, subject to anti-dilutions protections).
On
May
31, 2007 we closed the sale of 1,932,846 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock
(the “Series B Offering”) at $2.00 per share for a total of $3,865,692 to 19
investors. Those shares are currently convertible into 1,932,846 shares of
common stock. The outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock represent
6.55%
of the 29,523,010 issued and outstanding shares of common stock (including
1,932,846 shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into 1,932,846 shares
of common stock) as of February 21, 2008). If we were to sell shares of common
stock prior to May 31, 2008, the conversion price for the Series B Preferred
Stock would be adjusted to equal that lower price and additional shares of
common stock would be issued upon conversion.
The
shares in all of our private placements (the “Private Offerings”) were sold in
reliance upon an exemption from registration pursuant to Regulation D, Rules
Governing the Limited Offer and Sale of Securities without Registration under
the Securities Act of 1933. All of the shares in the Private Offerings, other
than those held by affiliates of the company, are now freely tradable under
Rule
144 of the Securities Act of 1933.
Principal
Products and Markets
Our
goal
is to develop cost effective, market driven products and technologies that
will
provide clean-energy solutions to the world’s energy needs. We manufacture and
market products under the brand name Oxx Power
®
.
Oxx
Power
®
engines
and gensets are assembled and tested at our Algona, Iowa facility. Our Oxx
Boxx
™
engine
controller, which is critical to our ability to offer clean energy solutions,
was developed through HEC Canada in collaboration with the University of Quebec.
We expect the airport ground support industry to offer a near-term opportunity
for revenue generation.
Current
Product Offerings
Our
current product line includes:
|
·
|
4.9L,
6-cylinder
Oxx
Power
®
Engine
|
|
·
|
4.9L,
6 cylinder
Oxx
Power
®
Hydrogen
engine
|
|
·
|
Oxx
Power
®
Power
Units
|
|
·
|
50kW
Oxx
Power
®
Hydrogen
Genset
|
|
·
|
250kW
4
+ 1™
Hydrogen
Genset
|
|
·
|
Oxx
Boxx™
Engine
Controller
|
During
2006 we developed a prototype for a 2.4L, 3-cylinder engine; and a .8L,
1-cylinder engine for use on smaller applications. We are not actively pursuing
production of these products because of our limited resources and the
development time and expense needed to get them ready for the market place.
We
have also developed a prototype for a 1.6L, 2-cylinder
Mini
Oxx
™
engine,
which we expect to develop further for use with electrolyzers and small
generator systems. As of April 4, 2008, we have built and shipped over 600
of
our engines.
We
are
designing a variety of innovative products to deliver “cleaner power today” with
spark-ignited, internal combustion engines and power generation systems. We
believe market opportunities for our 4.9L, 6-cylinder Oxx Power
®
engines
and Oxx Boxx
™
controllers include green power generation with waste hydrogen, wind and solar.
We believe market opportunities for our 1.6L, 2-cylinder Mini Oxx
™
engines
and Mini Oxx Boxx
™
controllers include electrolyzers and small green power generation systems.
Additional information regarding our products and intellectual property can
be
found below and in our discussion of “Intellectual Property.”
Commercial
Applications of our Products
We
believe that early commercial markets for our stationary power generation
equipment will emerge in conjunction with the use of by-product hydrogen
produced by chemical factories and waste treatment facilities. For example,
the
hydrogen produced as a by-product of the production of chlor-alkali can be
captured and used in our gensets to generate electricity that can then be used
in the manufacturing process. This concept is currently being tested by Grasim
Industries in India using one of our hydrogen-fueled gensets in a chlor-alkali
factory. Similar opportunities may exist in the waste processing industries,
where hydrogen or other gas could be produced, and then recaptured as fuel.
We
expect to pursue this market opportunity with Startech Environmental
Corporation.
We
also
believe that the airport ground support industry is a realistic near-term
opportunity for our hydrogen fueled engines. Hydrogen-fueled engines could
address environmental concerns at airports, and hydrogen delivery constraints
could be minimized if the system is installed in a controlled environment such
as an airport. Our Oxx Power
®
engines
have been configured to conform to the same form, fit and function as engines
currently in common use in certain ground support equipment, such as baggage
tractors. Thus our engines can be used as replacement engines in most
traditional ground support vehicles and can be maintained by existing personnel
with minimal additional training. We are currently working, in collaboration
with Air Liquide and a number of other participants, to finalize an opportunity
to sell some of our hydrogen-fueled engines for use in ground support vehicles
at designated airports. Such an opportunity could also allow us to achieve
a
safety certification for hydrogen usage at airports.
Our
hydrogen powered products are generally sold to customers through business
agreements, which are most often for power products that meet certain
specifications. Income related to business agreements is recorded as a reduction
in research and development expense. During 2007, we earned $192,713 from the
sale of a 250kW 4+1 to Natural Resources Canada and we received $30,000 from
the
sale of a 50kW Oxx Power
®
hydrogen
genset to Grasim Industries in India. All of our hydrogen products utilize
our
Oxx Boxx™
engine
controller. We expect that our future revenue will come from the licensing
and
sale of our technologies as well as from the sale of hydrogen or ammonia-fueled
engines and gensets for dedicated uses, such as airport ground support and
irrigation pumping.
We
are
constantly seeking synergistic collaborations with others in the development
and
marketing of our technologies. In addition to our efforts related to the ground
support industry, as discussed above, we have entered into a number of
collaborative projects around the world for the purpose of developing, testing
and promoting the use of the company’s technology. Some of those projects are
discussed below.
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·
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We
entered into a strategic alliance with Startech Environmental Corporation,
a Connecticut based firm, on February 19, 2008. Startech designs
and
manufactures plasma conversion waste processing equipment. Startech
believes that it can produce gas from its waste mitigation process
that
can be used to create power from both traditional and non-traditional
power generation systems. We will supply Startech a single genset
to
integrate with its system in order to prove the concept. Assuming
we have
successful trials, we will work together to package and market a
complete
system.
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In
September 2007 we
entered
into a memorandum of understanding with New Delhi-based Belliss India
Limited to sell, deploy, and service its engines and distributed
generation equipment in India. We believe our new relationship with
Belliss offers us the opportunity to establish broader sales penetration
of carbonless energy products in India while allowing Belliss to
expand
its product and service scope.
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In
September 2007 we shipped our first ammonia-fueled power unit for
testing
purposes. The power unit, equipped with an Oxx Power
®
4.9L
engine outfitted with our proprietary controls and fuel delivery
system,
was shipped to TGP West in California. The engine is being tested
to run
primarily on anhydrous ammonia, with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
as a
catalyst fuel for this test. The clean power supplied by this unit
is used
to irrigate a walnut grove and provide water for a cattle ranch in
the San
Luis Obispo area.
We
believe ammonia could be the enabler to the hydrogen economy. There
is an
established manufacturing and distribution infrastructure in place
around
the world for anhydrous ammonia, which is the greatest carrier of
hydrogen, at 17.6% hydrogen by weight. We are developing the means
to
operate engines effectively on this fuel, and intend to continue
to
further optimize the platform.
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In
August 2007 we received an order for two hydrogen-fueled, V-8 Oxx
Power
®
engines
in support of the
International
Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technology/UNIDO (United Nations Industrial
Development Organization) hydrogen development program in Istanbul,
Turkey
which are expected
to
be integrated into the water taxi fleet in Istanbul, bringing
emission-free fuel for taxis operating in that busy port.
The
engines to be delivered under this purchase order will be specially
outfitted for marine use.
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In
January 2007, we shipped one of our 4+1
™
250
kW Oxx Power
®
generator
systems to a demonstration site in Toronto as part of our contract
to
deliver the generator system to Natural Resources Canada (“NRCan”). The
HEC Oxx Power
®
generator
system was successfully tested in Canada for several months, generating
power by burning non-polluting hydrogen fuel. The generator system
is
controlled by our Oxx Boxx
™
technology developed by HEC Canada, whereby four engines run in parallel
while one is always in reserve. This design maximizes both output
and
reliability, to become a key part of extending the use of both wind
power
and the power grid.
|
The
unit
has been returned to Iowa for additional work to allow it to be connected to
the
grid. We believe that this Oxx Power
®
4+1™
system is highly scalable and can be an integral part of large-scale power
generation systems. NRCan is seeking power generation solutions that are
environmentally clean and economically viable. By integrating wind-based energy
with our Oxx Power
®
generator
system, NRCan, its project partners, and HEC plan to bring on-line a sustainable
solution that extends the reach of wind energy, and reduces customers’
dependence on petroleum and gas burning technology. During slack wind
conditions, hydrogen, which is produced by water electrolysis when the wind
is
blowing, will be used to fuel the 4+1
™
power
generation system, thereby extending the use of wind energy sources.
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In
December 2006 we delivered one 4.9L hydrogen-fueled engine to Hidrener
-
Hidrogen Enerji Sistemleri A.S. in Turkey. This order is part of
a United
Nations energy project in Turkey.
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On
November 6, 2006, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with
ITM
Power plc (“ITM”), one of the UK’s leading innovators within the
alternative energy industry. The parties plan to jointly develop
products
for a non-polluting, grid-independent energy system which can undergo
early field trial testing. We anticipate that ITM can offer an assured
supply of hydrogen using ITM’s low cost electrolyzer technology. ITM
anticipates that HEC will provide an early route to the provision
of a
complete system package using our proven engine technology. The
combination of a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine and a
low cost
electrolyzer could provide the essential technology to convert low-value,
intermittent, renewable energy (wind, solar) into a reliable, non-fossil
energy supply. Subject to the production of satisfactory results
from the
field trials, the company and ITM will progress into detailed discussions
with the intention of entering into a more formal commercial exploitation
arrangement.
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In
August 2006, we received an order from Grasim Industries Limited
for one
50 kW hydrogen engine together with a generator and control system.
We
shipped that system on March 30, 2007. Grasim Industries, a member
of the
Aditya Birla Group of Indian companies, owns and operates a number
of
chlor-alkali manufacturing factories. Our hydrogen engines and gensets
are
of particular interest to Grasim Industries because hydrogen is a
waste
product of the chlor-alkali manufacturing process. The company and
Grasim
have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding as a first step toward
the
goal of working together to develop and market a complete electrical
generation system for the chlor-alkali manufacturing industry.
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On
May 15, 2006, we executed a statement of intent acknowledging our
commitment to provide funding over a three-year period to support
research
by Propulsion Sciences Co. at the United States Merchant Marine Academy,
relating to the use of ammonia emulsions in diesel
fuels.
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In
April 2006, we received a purchase order from National Renewable
Energy
Lab and Xcel Energy Services Inc. for the purchase of one 50kW hydrogen
fueled genset. This genset was delivered in December 2006 and is
being
tested in a wind farm setting in Colorado. The following internet
link
provides an animation where the overall process can be
reviewed;
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http://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/proj_wind_hydrogen_animation.html
We
will
need to certify our engines for emissions standards in order to sell engines
to
original equipment manufacturers for mobile off-road applications. These
certification requirements apply to the distributed power generation market
and
in 2009 they will apply to the stand-by power generation market. To certify
an
engine to meet regulations for exhaust emissions, an engine must successfully
pass stringent third-party testing. We intend to have emission-certificated
stationary 4.9L Oxx Power
®
engines
available as soon as possible, subject in part to our ability to obtain the
necessary financing. We expect the cost for certifying our 4.9L engine will
be
approximately $500,000. We expect to then follow with completing off-road mobile
certification of the 4.9L engine in 2009, which is a more stringent and complex
process.
Our
efforts to create short-term revenue include the sale of engines in a variety
of
applications, power units and generator systems using our high-quality, reliable
new Oxx Power
®
engines
and remanufactured engines. Power units are a user-configurable system that
allows for customization in the field. Distributors or end-user customers can
install a variety of “power take off” devices including pumps, generators,
compressors and more.
During
2007 we generated $740,799 in total sales, including $393,822 in revenue from
the sale of products utilizing remanufactured Oxx Power
®
engines,
$296,198 from the sale of products utilizing our new Oxx Power
®
engines,
and $49,979 from the sale 4.9L engine parts. We expect this revenue to increase
as we add additional distribution, and begin to penetrate the market with our
products. The 2007 sales were primarily for use with traditional
fuels.
Distributed
Power Generation: Use of Integrated Gensets to Provide Renewable Power and
Manage Power Loads
Distributed
power is the decentralized generation of electricity. We use five of our 4.9L
alternative-fueled engines to produce our 4+1
™
250kW
generator set. The 4+1
™
includes
four engines running and generating power while the fifth engine is waiting
in
standby, should it be needed. This system combines all the switching technology
on board to minimize installation effort and complexity. We expect to expand
our
product offerings and have shipped one 50 kW 4+1
™
hydrogen
generator set to Grasim Industries, Ltd. of India for purposes of generating
electrical power from hydrogen produced as a by-product in its chlor-alkali
manufacturing factories. We have also delivered one 50kW hydrogen fueled genset
to National Renewable Energy Lab and Xcel Energy Services Inc. This genset
is
being tested in a wind farm setting in Colorado.
Our
markets are for highly flexible generation systems that can run on several
fuels, primarily hydrogen or by-product hydrogen. We realize, however, that
the
hydrogen economy is emerging slowly, and we fully intend to work with hybridized
fuel solutions to give the end customer the most flexible system and the ability
to usher in the carbonless fuel era. To differentiate our generator products,
we
believe we must create a system that is easily expandable and highly flexible
with regard to fuel requirements. To facilitate this, we have redesigned the
4+1
platform, so that generators can be added, or removed, to make this a true
N+1™
system. We expect the platform to also allow for affordable heat recapture
from
both coolant water and exhaust.
We
expect
our N+1
™
system
to serve markets where utility spinning reserves falls below 15-20%, and higher
demand and peak demand charges are common. “Spinning reserves” are a reserved
source of generation that can be turned up quickly, to accommodate unexpected
surges in demand, or loss of generation or transmission. In California, for
example the electrical “peak demand charges” are very high and California is the
leader in emission reduction programs in the United States. Our Oxx
Power
®
gensets
operating on hydrogen are well within EPA/ARB specifications for extended run
use in California and can offer a viable solution to controlling demand
charges.
Electric
utilities in California may double or triple the cost of electricity if a
commercial customer exceeds a peak power consumption limit over a given time
interval. Our gensets supply additional power and function in a “peak shaving”
mode, cutting the peak power consumption and lowering demand charges. In
addition, these units can provide full-time, reliable power independent of
the
electrical grid or centralized utilities.
HEC
Canada’s sale of a 250 kW 4+1
™
power
generator or “genset” to Natural Resources Canada is a good illustration of the
use of our products in distributed power generation. Natural Resources Canada,
a
governmental agency promoting the sustainable development and responsible use
of
Canada's mineral, energy, and forestry resources, intends to integrate this
genset into a wind/hydrogen project on Ramea Island off the southern coast
of
Newfoundland, Canada. With the wind blowing, hydrogen and electric power will
be
generated from wind energy and under slack wind conditions hydrogen will be
used
to create electric power with our 4+1
™
system.
This reduces or eliminates the need to use fossil fuels to generate electric
power when the wind is not blowing, thereby reducing operating costs and making
wind projects of this kind environmentally clean. The use of hydrogen in wind
projects smoothes out the peaks and valleys in wind energy production.
Our
quotation level for 4+1
™
and
other hydrogen powered generator sets has been increasing. Further, we have
now
redesigned the 4+1™ platform to reflect a platform that can start with as few as
one generator, and we believe we can add up to nine additional units. We have
been referring to this system as the “n+1™” as shown in Figure 1.
Figure
1
:
n+1
™
System
By-product
Gas Power Generation Segment
There
are
a variety of industrial processes that result in the creation of a by-product
gas that is combustible. Some are clean burning, and others are not. One such
process that creates a relatively clean burning gas is the chlor-alkali process,
whereby chlorine, and chlor-products are created. The by-product gas is
hydrogen, which can be used for applications as diverse as hydrogenation of
oils
(soon to be eliminated in the US due to health concerns), the creation of
hydrochloric acid, and synthesis of ammonia for example. Another use is the
creation of electrical power from the by-product hydrogen.
We
have a
pilot program in place with Grasim Industries in India to field validate the
use
of our power generator and engine technology with the by-product hydrogen gas
created in their chlor-alkali process for the purpose of reducing electrical
utility demand. Our initial testing has been successful. We fully expect to
move
into scale power production at this facility, and others around the world.
We
believe this is a significant near term market segment that we can penetrate.
We
have
also entered into a strategic alliance with Startech Environmental Corporation,
whereby our joint intent is to utilize the by-product hydrogen gas created
during the Startech plasmification waste treatment process to create
electricity, and thereby reduce operational costs for the end user of the
system. We expect this to be a highly diversified and global opportunity for
both firms.
Industrial
Applications for our engine controller and fuel distribution
system
Industrial
engine applications include airport ground support vehicles, forklifts, wood
chippers, irrigation pumping equipment, farm tractors and equipment, delivery
vehicles, yard tractors, cranes, construction equipment, mining vehicles, and
buses as well as an increasing number of “green” electric power projects.
Long-term applications may include certain sectors of the industrial power
market such as hybrid buses and boats, water generation and desalinization
and
large-scale power generation through the parallel operation of electric
generators. In September 2007 we shipped our first ammonia-fueled power unit
for
testing purposes. The power unit was shipped to TGP West in California. The
engine is being tested to run primarily on anhydrous ammonia, with liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) as a catalyst fuel for this test. The clean power supplied
by this unit is used to irrigate a walnut grove and provide water for a cattle
ranch in the San Luis Obispo area.
We
believe that any application that currently uses gasoline-fueled industrial
engines, and many applications that use diesel engines, are likely future users
of our engines and/or controls. Any company which uses power equipment that
is
under strict emissions restrictions should be receptive to alternative-fueled
engines. One important factor to the acceptance of these engines is cost. We
feel that even in the early “life cycle” of production of the Oxx
Power
®
engines,
that we can be cost competitive. We expect, however, that there will be certain
factors within these markets, such as government regulation, that could allow
us
to charge a premium price for our products. In the initial phase of the creation
of market share, we plan to price our products competitively.
Distribution
Methods for our Products and Services
We
distribute our traditional engines through an existing network of industrial
engine distributors. To date, we have distribution agreements with major
distributors in this industrial engine network. Two of these distributors are
in
Canada. This gives us nearly coast-to-coast distribution capability in both
the
United States and Canada.
Sales
of
generator power sets (“gensets”) and many of our nontraditional engine products
are made directly by the company. As we develop our products and intellectual
property, we expect to add dealers and distributors to sell and support our
products, both domestically and abroad. We are also constantly seeking
synergistic collaborations with others in the development and marketing of
our
technologies. We have entered into a number of collaborative projects, some
of
which are described above.
Our
distributors will not be able to offer our new engines for sale to original
equipment manufacturers for mobile applications until the engines have passed
U.S. Emissions Regulations which are defined and enforced by the Environmental
Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board. In 2008, certification
will be necessary in order to sell engines for distributed power generation
and
any stationary engine that runs for more than 200 hours per year. In 2009,
certification will be necessary for stand-by power generation markets. Until
such time, stand-by and replacement engines, and engines that operate on
non-polluting fuels like hydrogen, are not subject to the same requirements.
We
intend to have emission-certificated stationary 4.9L Oxx Power
®
engines
available as soon as possible, subject in part to our ability to obtain the
necessary financing. We expect the cost for certifying our 4.9L engine will
be
approximately $500,000. We expect to then follow with completing off-road mobile
certification of the 4.9L engine in 2009, which is a more stringent and complex
process. This testing procedure will be an expense of research and development.
We
have
also
entered
into a memorandum of understanding with New Delhi-based Belliss India Limited
to
sell, deploy, and service its engines and distributed generation equipment
in
India. We believe our new relationship with Belliss could offer the opportunity
to establish broader sales penetration of carbonless energy products in
India.
Competition
The
power
generation and alternative fuel industry is highly competitive and is marked
by
rapid technological growth. Although there are several companies developing
and/or marketing hydrogen engines, we are not aware of any significant
production of alternative fueled industrial engines as of this date. We believe
that the companies targeting production of hydrogen-fueled engines are
automotive engine builders, such as Ford, GM, Honda, and BMW. We further believe
that those engines will initially be used for automobiles and then for
industrial applications. The gasoline-fueled industrial engine market is also
served by GM and Ford.
Other
competitors and potential competitors include H2Car Co., Cummins/Westport,
Daimler Chrysler, Mazda, and Caterpillar.. Many existing and potential
competitors have greater financial resources, larger market share, and larger
production and technology research capability, which may enable them to
establish a stronger competitive position than we have, in part through greater
marketing opportunities, however, we believe our size and flexibility is an
asset in that we can respond rapidly to an emerging need.
Fuel
cells may be perceived to be competition to our products, but we believe they
are not at this time. Fuel cells cannot be currently manufactured in sufficient
quantity to compete with hydrogen and other alternative fuel internal combustion
engines. Also, fuel cells are more costly than the hydrogen internal combustion
engines. However, the governments of the United States, Canada, Japan and
certain European countries have provided significant funding to promote the
development and use of fuel cells. Tax incentives have also been initiated
in
Japan, and have been proposed in the United States and other countries, to
stimulate the growth of the fuel cell market by reducing the cost of these
fuel
cell systems to consumers. Our business does not currently enjoy any such
advantages and, for that reason, may be at a competitive disadvantage to the
fuel cell industry.
Our
direct competition in the 4.9L new and remanufactured gasoline engine and power
unit market comes from established engine remanufacturers and traditional engine
manufacturers. Our remanufactured engines are built to company specifications
and are dressed with sheet metal, dampers and water pumps. We believe we are
currently the only source for parts for our Oxx Power
®
engines.
A
major
concern is that some competitors are likely to have considerably greater
resources than we would have, thus potentially putting us at a disadvantage.
We
believe we can lessen that risk by exploiting our ability to react quickly
to
customer needs. Our larger competitors may not be able to act as quickly because
of cumbersome internal processes and procedures.
Principal
Suppliers
We
out-source manufactured parts and bring them into our production facility as
components ready for the assembly line. We then assemble all components to
produce our products. We have experienced significant delays in obtaining some
component parts from our suppliers, thus delaying sales of new 4.9L engines
and
open power units to our distributor network and delaying our ability to generate
revenue. We are working to establish dual sources so in the event there are
further significant delays or stoppage of shipments from one supplier, we have
a
secondary source.
Currently
we purchase parts for our 4.9L new
Oxx
Power
®
and
4.9L
remanufactured engines from several different industrial parts suppliers. The
parts are sourced from destinations located all over the world, including China.
Our new Oxx Power
®
engine
blocks were sourced to a supplier in China. We have initially rejected most
of
the engine blocks received from that supplier. Under the Warranty and
Replacement Terms dated March 22, 2007, the supplier has agreed to replace
the
rejected products. One sample block has been shipped to us and we are testing
it
to assure its quality. We are aggressively pursuing efforts to recover losses
we
have recognized because of these rejected products. We plan to visit the factory
in China in April, 2008 to witness the production and participate in the
inspection of the next shipment of Oxx Power
®
blocks.
By actually being on-site we expect to assure that the product we will be
receiving meets our specifications before the product is shipped. We have been
sourcing internally and have also retained consultants to assist us with the
procurement of parts from China. We are aggressively pursuing vendors who can
deliver quality parts on time at reasonable prices.
There
are
risks and uncertainties with respect to the supply of certain component parts
that could impact availability in sufficient quantities to meet our needs.
If,
for any reason, a manufacturer is unable or refuses to manufacture our component
parts, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be
materially and adversely affected.
Dependence
on One or Few Major Customers
We
do not
anticipate dependence on one or few major customers at this time.
Intellectual
Property and Patent Protection
Hydrogen
Engine Center is built on the vision of carbon-free energy independence through
the development and commercialization of
clean
solutions for today’s energy needs. W
e
are
expanding our intellectual property portfolio and developing technologies to
allow engines and gensets to generate and use clean power on demand, where
needed. Some products and technologies are available today. We refer to our
advanced engineering group responsible for the development of alternative fuel
systems as the
Oxx
Works
™
.
We are
working to establish comprehensive intellectual property coverage in the United
States and in the most relevant foreign markets in anticipation of
commercialization opportunities.
Our
patent portfolio is being methodically developed, to provide us with a long-term
“position of strength” in negotiating license or cross-license agreements where
necessary with competitors as well as with collaborators. We believe that our
developing technologies have the potential to revolutionize our world by
removing the political and environmental problems generated by our
ever-increasing appetite for energy sources. As our founder Ted Hollinger is
fond of saying, there is no shortage of energy. There is only a shortage of
wisdom and creativity in the methods we use to harness the energy that is all
around us.
We
have a
number of patents pending and a number of potential patents in the development
stage. These patents relate to energy efficiency and the use of hydrogen,
ammonia and other alternative fuels for the production of cleaner energy. We
also rely on trade secrets, common law trademark rights and trademark
registrations. We intend to protect our intellectual property via non-disclosure
agreements, license agreements and limited information distribution.
Our
current patent filings are listed and briefly described below.
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Precision
Hi-speed Generator Alignment Fixture
-
A patent has been filed and is pending covering a method and apparatus
allowing for precise alignment between engines and hi-speed alternators.
The device solves the issue of misalignment, the cause of most failures
associated with using hi-speed engines with 2-pole 3000 or 3600 rpm
alternators. The device’s precise alignment of +/-.004 between engine
crankshaft and alternator rotor shaft greatly reduces vibration and
significantly increases the system’s life span. The device also acts as a
safety hub preventing the destruction of the alternator, should there
be a
catastrophic failure of the
coupler.
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Material
Neutral Process
–
A
patent has been filed and is pending covering a method and apparatuses
for
the development of a self-sustaining and carbon-free power system.
The
system would utilize renewable electrical power created from wind,
hydro
or solar to power an electrolyzer creating hydrogen “H
2
”.
The H
2
would then be synthesized into anhydrous ammonia “NH
3
”
by adding nitrogen from the air. The NH
3
would then be stored in tanks and later used as fuel in Oxx
Power
®
generators.
|
A
byproduct of burning NH
3
in the
engine is the creation of water “H
2
O”
which
can be returned to the electrolyzer to be re used. Nitrogen from the engine
exhaust is also fed into the H
2
synthesizer to create NH
3
.
Please
refer to the diagram below regarding the process:
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|
Permanent
Magnet Generator Cooling
-
A patent has been filed and is pending covering the method and apparatus
for the more efficient transfer of heat away from the permanent magnet
generator. Permanent magnet generators represent a major step forward
in
the evolution of power generation. A stumbling block to the future
widespread implementation of this technology is the increased heat
associated with the design. Our method of reducing this heat represents
a
significant breakthrough in this area. These heat deflection capabilities
will allow us to produce prime power alternators with one-third of
the
footprint of their air-cooled
counterparts.
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|
Dual
Connecting Rod Piston
-
A patent has been filed and is pending covering a large displacement
piston and connecting rod. The piston comprises a large bore piston
and a
plurality of connecting rods. A very large displacement engine is
built
using one piston with the plurality of connecting rods, wherein the
one
piston has the combined diameter of two pistons in a smaller bore
engine.
The connecting rods are spaced to operatively connect with a standard
crankshaft style, where each connecting rod of the two smaller, standard
pistons would connect to the crankshaft.
|
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|
Indexed
Segmented Crankshaft
-
A patent has been filed and is pending relating to the manufacture
and
assembly of a crankshaft for an internal combustion or diesel engine.
The
invention is comprised of a crankshaft that is made up of pieces
or
segments that are assembled together with the proper segment indexing
to
achieve a design that could not be achieved by casing or machining
as a
single component. Crankshafts are generally made by molding and designing
to fit a specific engine and specific stroke. This design allows
for
changing the crankshaft design without having to make a new mold
or
undertake other associated steps.
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|
Large
Displacement Engine
-
A patent has been filed and is pending covering an engine block with
a
plurality of relatively large piston bores. The engine block is adapted
for use of relatively large bore pistons, and preferably dual connecting
rod pistons. Configured in this manner, the engine block has a relatively
large displacement and is especially suited for use of low-btu fuels,
more
particularly hydrogen.
|
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·
|
Laminated
Internal Combustion Engine Design and Fabrication
Technique
-
A patent has been filed and is pending covering an engine block for
an
internal combustion engine that is fabricated from laminated pieces
of
material instead of cast iron or cast aluminum. The advantages of
this
design are several. There is the flexibility of the design. Each
lamination piece can be designed to complex three dimensional structures
and/or passages. The lamination material itself can be changed to
improve
strength, thermal conductivity, reduce cost, or any other parameter
that
one might like to adjust. We believe this engine will have a manufacturing
cost of half, or less, than the cost of a traditional cost engine.
The
laminated engine is illustrated in Figure
2.
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|
Carbon
Free Hydrogen and Ammonia Fueled Internal Combustion
Engine
-
A patent has been filed and is pending covering a spark ignited internal
combustion engine with a dual-fuel system and a special engine control
system, including special software. The engine control system starts
the
engine on either H
2
or
on a combination of H
2
and NH
3
where in the latter case the percentage of H
2
is
adjusted to ensure proper starting. Once the engine is running, the
engine
control system adjusts the percentage of hydrogen needed for proper
operation. The percentage of hydrogen can be from about 5% to 100%,
while
the percentage of ammonia can be from 0% to about 95%. NH
3
provides greater power and requires less storage space and is therefore
the preferred fuel. The preferred way to operate the engine is to
start
with a hydrogen rich mixture and slowly decrease the percentage of
H
2
until
the minimum amount required for proper engine operation is achieved.
This
minimum will be determined by several factors. The most notable is
the
flame velocity. At higher engine speeds (rpms) greater amounts of
hydrogen
will be required.
|
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·
|
Gaseous/Liquid
and Ammonia Fueled Internal Combustion Engine
-
A patent has been filed and is pending covering a spark ignited internal
combustion engine with a dual-fuel system and a special engine control
system, including special software. The engine control system starts
the
engine with either 100% of a gaseous or liquid fuel (such as natural
gas,
gasoline or ethanol and referred to as “standard fuel”) or a combination
of standard fuel and NH
3
.
In the latter case, the percentage of standard fuel is adjusted to
ensure
proper starting. Once the engine is running, the engine control system
adjusts the percentage of standard fuel needed for proper operation.
The
percentage of standard fuel can be from approximately 5% to 100%,
while
the percentage of ammonia can be from 0% to approximately 95%.
NH
3
produces no CO
2
emissions and is therefore the preferred fuel. The preferred way
to
operate the engine is to start with a gaseous fuel rich mixture and
slowly
decrease the percentage of standard fuel until the minimum amount
required
for proper engine operation is achieved. This minimum will be determined
by several factors. The most notable is the flame velocity. At higher
engine speeds (rpms) greater amounts of standard fuel will be
required.
|
We
expect
to file additional patents in the near future, all of which will be designed
to
enhance our ability to bring clean energy to the market place.
We
also
rely on trade secrets, common law trademark rights and trademark registrations.
We intend to protect our intellectual property via non-disclosure agreements,
license agreements and limited information distribution. The current status
of
our federal trademarks is summarized below:
Mark
|
|
Status
|
|
Reg./Serial
No.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
Energy In A Bottle
|
|
|
Allowed
|
|
|
77/015,544
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
4 + 1
|
|
|
Pending
Filed
on 2/6/2006
|
|
|
78/807,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
HEC
|
|
|
Pending
Filed
on 4/5/2007
|
|
|
77/149,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
Baby Oxx
|
|
|
Allowed
|
|
|
77/015,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
No Carbon Design
|
|
|
Allowed
|
|
|
78/942,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
OXX & Design
|
|
|
Registered
|
|
|
78/841,069
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
OXX BOXX
|
|
|
Pending
Filed
on 3/27/2006
|
|
|
78/846,909
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
OXX CART
|
|
|
Allowed
|
|
|
78/812,253
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
OXX POWER
|
|
|
Registered:
|
|
|
78/537,731
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
OXX WORKS
|
|
|
Allowed
|
|
|
78/807,587
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
Part of the Solution
|
|
|
Allowed
|
|
|
77/036,246
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TM:
Tangible Technology
|
|
|
Pending
Filed
on 6/8/2007
|
|
|
77/201,544
|
|
Research
and Development
We
have
spent a total of $
3,2
50,503
on
research and development activities with $
1,370,151
being
spent during calendar year 2007. As we are a development stage company, the
costs of our research and development are not at this time borne directly by
customers.
Hydrogen
as a Fuel
Our
system allows engines to run on a variety of fuels, including
hydrogen.
We
believe that one of the key attributes of our technology is that a standard
production internal combustion engine can be modified to achieve near-zero
emissions. We have established a process for converting certain internal
combustion engines to operate efficiently with hydrogen as a fuel. Our first
engines were remanufactured 6-cylinder, 4.9L internal combustion engines, based
in form on the engine formerly used in the Ford F–150 pickup and currently being
used in airport ground support equipment vehicles, We believe that this
conversion process could apply to nearly any internal combustion
engine.
We
have
achieved near-zero NOx emissions when using hydrogen fuel in our engines. CO
and
CO
2
are not
present. The projected cost of a hydrogen internal combustion engine is as
little as one-tenth the cost of a comparable fuel cell. A further advantage
of a
spark-ignited, hydrogen-fueled engine is that it can run on regular welding
grade hydrogen, or on mixed gases such as natural gas and hydrogen, versus
the
ultra pure hydrogen typically required for fuel cells, or on mixed gases such
as
natural gas and hydrogen. When produced renewably it has the potential to
eliminate carbon based emissions.
The
hydrogen internal combustion engine has the benefit of being understood by
experienced engine technicians with only a basic review of differences
respective of this engine. It can then be serviced by these technicians using
the tools they already possess. There is no need to change the transmission
or
any other part of the power train to use a hydrogen engine. Oil changes and
other servicing are similar to gasoline engines with few exceptions. There
is no
need for a catalytic converter nor is there a danger from the exhaust fumes.
Special spark plugs, engine tuning, engine control system and a crank case
ventilation system are required, but they appear merely as transparent or
additional items to the service technician.
When
a
hydrogen-fueled engine is installed it looks like a standard gasoline engine.
There is no need to change motor mounts, radiator or any other part of the
equipment infrastructure except the fuel storage and delivery system. We intend
to assist the end-users in choosing the proper fueling system.
Possible
near-term applications for alternative fuel and hydrogen engines include, but
are not limited to, airport vehicles, forklifts, mining vehicles and buses,
as
well as green electric power generation. Long-term applications could include
hybrid buses and boats, water generation and large-scale power generation
through the parallel operation of electric generators.
Although
hydrogen as an alternative fuel can be readily extracted from water, any
hydrocarbon fuel or biomass, we believe that acceptance of hydrogen engines
and
securing a consistent and dependable supply of hydrogen will take time. We
are
cognizant of the fact that the hydrogen fuel infrastructure is not in place
in
the United States and that it could take a number of years before it is
developed, therefore we expect to sell more gasoline, propane, natural gas
and
ethanol engines and power units than hydrogen-fueled engines in the near
future.
We
supply
both new and rebuilt engines, as well as power units, that are capable of being
fueled with traditional fuels such as gasoline and alternative fuels including
hydrogen. Consequently, the end-user has the flexibility to convert a gasoline
engine to ethanol, propane, natural gas or hydrogen in the future without having
to replace the engine.
Issues
Related to Government Approvals or Governmental Regulations
Our
facilities are subject to health and safety regulations, building codes, and
other regulations customary in any manufacturing enterprise in the United
States.
Demand
for alternative fuel technology abroad and in the United States could be
influenced by numerous factors, such as the availability of affordable fossil
fuels in troubled regions of the world, mandates by various government entities
calling for the introduction of clean-energy alternative, and the long-term
acceptance of the Kyoto Treaty.
Approximately
176 countries, including all industrialized countries other than the United
States, have signed the Kyoto Protocol. We believe the Kyoto Protocol could
have
substantial impact on the company.
This
treaty requires many of the large industrialized nations of the world to reduce
emissions of greenhouse gases. Any weakening of this treaty or its symbolic
value could have a negative impact on the demand for our products.
As
discussed below, we will also be affected by governmental regulations relating
to environmental matters, specifically emission standards.
Cost
of Compliance with Environmental Laws
We
out-source all manufactured parts and bring them into our production facility
as
components ready for the assembly line. We then assemble all components to
produce our products. The assembly process uses no hazardous materials nor
do
they create any hazardous waste. Our engine-testing facility hot tests all
engines on a dynamometer to ensure that they meet our specifications. This
process is subject to air and water environmental laws and regulations. These
laws and regulations will vary with the fuel choice that the testing procedure
requires.
We
have
designed our buildings and have written our procedures to meet or exceed current
environmental and fire code laws. Any changes in the laws at the state or
federal level could require us to modify our testing procedures to comply with
future environmental regulations.
Beginning
in July 2008, all large spark-ignited stationary engines will be required to
meet more aggressive emissions standards adopted by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
The
Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board have
both
adopted and implemented regulations which govern the control of exhaust
emissions from
large
spark-ignited (LSI) engines (engines greater than 25 HP). Both regulations
came
into effect on January 1, 2004 and require that engine manufacturers make
available LSI emission-compliant engines so original equipment manufacturers
(OEM) can comply with these regulations. The regulations, which specifically
identify tailpipe emissions and apply to gasoline and liquid propane gas (LPG)
powered engines, call for longer warranty periods to ensure long-term compliance
with emissions standards and to protect the end-users.
To
certify an engine to meet the LSI regulations, the engine manufacturer or the
equipment OEM must demonstrate that the engine has successfully passed stringent
third party testing to ensure compliance with the emissions guidelines. Upon
successful completion of the testing process a submission for certification
is
filed which includes the following:
|
·
|
Recommended
maintenance;
|
|
·
|
Service
or repair manuals;
|
|
·
|
End-user
warranty statement;
|
|
·
|
Recall
and campaign processes;
|
|
·
|
Warranty
reporting process;
|
|
·
|
Record
retention process.
|
A
successful application is granted e
xecutive
order numbers
from
both agencies. These numbers will identify specific engines as part of a
certified engine family. The engine manufacturer will then be required to place
an engine emission label on the engine that clearly identifies the
engine
.
We need
to comply with these regulations so that our customers who are manufacturers
of
equipment using our engines will also be in compliance. We expect to spend
approximately $500,000 to have our 4.9L engine certified.
Employees
As
of
December 31, 2007, HEC Iowa had 20 employees, all of whom were full time.
Commencing February 11, 2008, three employees decreased their work week to
24
hours. Commencing with the first pay period in March 2008, the four officers
of
HEC Iowa (Ted Hollinger, Don C. Vanderbrook, Sandy Batt and Mike Schiltz)
deferred 50% of their salaries. These steps were taken to reduce costs and
preserve our available cash. As of December 31, 2007, HEC Canada had four
employees, two full-time and two part-time. Dr. Tapan Bose, president of HEC
Canada, passed away on January 24, 2008, leaving three employees in Canada,
one
of whom is full time. We also have a contract with the Universite Du Quebec
at
Trois-Rivieres for the full-time services of an engineer. Our employees are
not
members of any union, and they have not entered into any collective bargaining
agreements. We believe that our relationship with our employees is
good.
RISK
FACTORS
THE
FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OTHER
FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES
APPEARING IN THIS FORM 10-
KSB
.
THIS
DISCUSSION CONTAINS FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES. OUR ACTUAL RESULTS WILL DEPEND UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS BEYOND
OUR CONTROL AND COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN THE FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENTS. SOME OF THESE FACTORS ARE DISCUSSED BELOW AND ELSEWHERE
IN
THIS FORM 10-
KSB
.
We
have a limited operating history and have not recorded an operating profit since
our inception. Continuing losses may exhaust our capital resources and force
us
to discontinue operations.
HEC
Iowa
was incorporated on May 19, 2003, has a limited operating history, and has
incurred net losses since inception. We incurred $5,372,721 of losses during
the
year ended December 31, 2007 and $12,505,678 of losses since inception. Prior
to
the merger of August 30, 2005, the company (then known as “Green Mt. Labs,
Inc.”) had been inactive for several years. The potential for us to generate
profits depends on many factors, including the following:
|
·
|
timely
receipt of required financing which has to date been delayed beyond
our
initial expectations;
|
|
·
|
successful
pursuit of our research and development efforts;
|
|
·
|
protection
of our intellectual property;
|
|
·
|
quality
and reliability of our products;
|
|
·
|
ability
to attract and retain a qualified work force in a small
town;
|
|
·
|
size
and timing of future customer orders, milestone achievement, product
delivery and customer acceptance;
|
|
·
|
success
in maintaining and enhancing existing strategic relationships and
developing new strategic relationships with potential customers;
|
|
·
|
actions
taken by competitors, including suppliers of traditional engines,
hydrogen
fuel cells and new product introductions and pricing changes;
|
|
·
|
reliability
of our suppliers, which to date have been less reliable than we had
expected;
|
|
·
|
reasonable
costs of maintaining our facilities and our
operations;
|
We
cannot
assure you we will achieve any of the foregoing factors or realize profitability
in the immediate future or at any time.
Additional
financing to proceed with our anticipated business activities is required.
There
can be no assurance that financing will be available on terms beneficial to
us,
or at all.
In
order
to continue our operations, we have reduced expenses by reducing salaries and
eliminating other expenses. We are pursuing bank financing and have retained
an
investment banking firm to assist us in obtaining additional financing. If
we
raise additional capital by selling equity or equity-linked securities, these
securities will dilute the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders.
Similarly, if we raise additional capital by issuing debt securities, those
securities may contain covenants that restrict us in terms of how we operate
our
business, which could also affect the value of our common stock. We have
financed our operations since inception primarily through equity and debt
financings and loans from our officers, directors and stockholders. Although
we
expect to offer securities of the company for sale during 2008, there can be
no
assurance that we will successfully complete such an offering or that the
proceeds of the offering, if completed, would be sufficient to satisfy our
capital requirements.
If
we
raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our existing
stockholders' percentage ownership will be reduced which may cause them to
experience substantial dilution. We may also issue equity securities that
provide for rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common
stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt securities, these debt
securities would have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of
our
common stock, and the terms of the debt securities issued could impose
significant restrictions on our operations. If we raise additional funds through
collaborations and licensing arrangements, we may be required to relinquish
some
rights to our technology, or to grant licenses on terms that are not favorable
to us. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable
terms, our ability to fund our operations, take advantage of opportunities,
develop products and technologies, and otherwise respond to competitive
pressures could be significantly delayed or limited, and we may need to downsize
or halt our operations.
If
we are
not able to obtain the needed financing in a timely fashion, our ability to
fulfill our business plans will be materially impaired.
There
are substantial risks associated with the Standby Equity Distribution
Agreement.
In
order
to obtain needed capital, we entered into a Standby Equity Distribution
Agreement (the “SEDA”) with YA Global Investments, L.P., (the “Investor”) in
April 2008. The terms of the SEDA are described below under “Liquidity and
Capital Resources - Terms of the SEDA.”
The
sale
of shares pursuant to the SEDA will have a dilutive impact on our stockholders.
We believe the Investor intends to promptly re-sell the shares we issue to
them
under the SEDA and that such re-sales could cause the market price of our common
stock to decline significantly with Advances under the SEDA. To the extent
of
any such decline, any subsequent Advances would require us to issue a greater
number of shares of common stock to the Investor in exchange for each dollar
of
the Advance. Under this circumstance our existing stockholders would experience
greater dilution. The sale of our stock under the SEDA could encourage short
sales by third parties, which could contribute to the further decline of our
stock price.
Because
of the structure of standby equity distribution transactions, we will be deemed
to be involved in a near continuous indirect primary public offering of our
securities. Therefore, our ability to engage in a private placement will be
limited during this time because of integration concerns. We have not decided
how much of the commitment amount under the standby equity distribution
agreement we will use. The fees we will have paid for the SEDA will be
relatively expensive if only a small part of the facility is ever used.
Reliance
on principal suppliers
.
We
contract the manufacture of many of the components for our Oxx Power
®
engines
to third parties, mainly in the United States and China. In many cases, we
do
not have an alternative supplier. Although finding a suitable replacement is
time-consuming and expensive, we continue our efforts to find suitable
alternative sources in different regions. We have experienced problems receiving
quality parts needed for production of our Oxx Power
®
engines.
These problems have adversely affected our operations and our financials
results. If these problems persist, our business, financial condition, and
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We
are
dependent on a small number of vendors to supply the components for our 4.9L
engines. We have rejected most of the engine blocks received from our Chinese
supplier. Based upon the Warranty and Replacement Terms agreement with the
supplier, dated March 22, 2007, and visits to the factory in China, we expect
that the supplier will replace the rejected products at no additional cost
to
us. One replacement block has been shipped to us and we are testing it to assure
its quality. There is, however, no assurance that we will not incur additional
unexpected costs or that the replacement blocks we may receive will meet our
quality standards. Continued problems with suppliers may have a materially
adverse effect on our operations.
Because
our capital raising has been slower than anticipated we may be required to
take
additional actions to reduce our operating costs in the near
future.
During
2008 we have undertaken actions to reduce our operating costs. The actions
we
have taken include a reduction in our workforce and the reduction of hours
for
some employees. We have also implemented the deferral of 50% of the salaries
for
the four officers of HEC Iowa. If we are not able to secure additional financing
in the near future, we will be required to take additional steps to reduce
costs. These reductions have an adverse impact on our ability to pursue our
business plans and could have a materially adverse effect on our results of
operation. We anticipate that some of the reductions (such as salary deferrals)
will be temporary. There is no assurance that we will be successful in raising
additional capital or that the disruption caused by these reductions will not
have a permanent and material adverse effect on our operations.
We
may be unable to hire the qualified employees we will need to pursue our
business plans.
Because
of our unmet needs for capital, we have been forced to reduce our workforce
and
have been unable to undertake efforts to recruit much-needed employees to assist
with our engineering and marketing efforts. If we do receive sufficient capital,
our history of financial losses may make it difficult to successfully recruit
qualified people. Any inability on our part to do so will have a materially
adverse effect on our product development, business, financial condition, and
results of operations. As of December 31, 2007, we had a total of 24 employees,
including 20 full-time employees in Iowa as well as two part-time and two
full-time employees in Canada. As of March 10, 2008, we have a total of 20
employees, including 14 full-time and three part-time employees in Iowa, as
well
as two part-time and one full-time employees in Canada.
We
may not be able to manage growth effectively, which could adversely affect
our
operations and financial performance.
If
we
were to receive sufficient capital to effect our business plans, the ability
to
manage and operate our business as we execute our development and growth
strategy will require effective planning. Significant rapid growth could strain
our management and other resources, leading to increased cost of operations,
an
inability to ship enough products to meet customer demand, and other problems
that could adversely affect our financial performance. We expect that our
efforts to grow would place a significant strain on personnel, management
systems, infrastructure, and other resources. Our management team is currently
under considerable strain with the current level of our operations and our
limited financial capacity. Our ability to manage future growth effectively
will
require us to successfully attract, train, motivate, retain, and manage new
employees and continue to update and improve our operational, financial, and
management controls and procedures. If we do not manage our growth effectively,
our operations could be materially adversely affected, resulting in slower
growth and a failure to achieve or sustain profitability.
If
we are unable to effectively and efficiently implement the necessary internal
controls and procedures, there could be an adverse effect on our operations
or
financial results.
Our
President and our Board of Directors are currently in the process of working
with our Chief Financial Officer to complete the design and implementation
of
internal controls and disclosure controls, and procedures in accordance with
Sarbanes Oxley 404. Based on management’s assessment of internal controls and
the material weakness identified in our controls over the valuation and
treatment of stock conversions, we have identified possible areas for
improvement and plan to implement measures to ensure proper accounting treatment
of future similar transactions.
Our
future success depends on hiring, retaining and assimilating key employees.
The
loss of key employees or the inability to attract new key employees could limit
our ability to execute our growth strategy, resulting in lost sales and a slower
rate of growth.
Our
future success depends in part on our ability to retain key employees, including
our founder, Ted Hollinger. We currently do not carry "key man" insurance on
our
executives; however, we are considering the purchase of such insurance. It
would
be difficult for us to replace any one of these individuals. In addition, as
we
grow we will need to hire additional key personnel. We may experience difficulty
in recruiting experienced engineers, management personnel, and others who are
interested in living and working in the Algona area.
We
may experience labor shortages.
Our
production facilities are located in Algona, Iowa, a town with a population
of
approximately 5,500 people. To date, we have successfully attracted employees
who possess a solid work ethic. We may find it difficult to hire and retain
a
workforce sufficient to meet our production needs and allow for sustained growth
of our operations. Our ability to hire and retain qualified employees for our
production facilities will be key to our success. Our inability to do this
may
have a materially adverse effect on our future results.
We
have experienced delays in the commencement of production, which could
materially and adversely impact our sales and financial results and the ultimate
acceptance of our products.
We
have,
to date, been unable to transition to full production in our new facility or
to
fully finance the development of our intellectual property. Delays have been
caused by lack of funding and unforeseen quality control issues. The disruption
resulting from these delays may have a materially adverse effect on results
of
operation
.
Our
products may contain design faults.
Though
we
believe it unlikely, the technologies we have developed and are developing,
and
the products we produce in our new facility, could contain undetected design
faults despite our careful design and testing. We may not discover these faults
or errors until after our customers have used a product. Any such faults or
errors may cause delays in product introduction and shipments, require design
modifications, or harm customer relationships, any of which could adversely
affect our business and competitive position. We understand that customer
service is an important part of our mission and we feel poised to address any
issues that may arise. If we are unable to successfully address any such issues,
our results of operation could be materially and adversely
affected.
We
cannot assure you that there will be an active trading market for our common
stock.
Even
though our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, shares that may
be
issued in a private offering are "restricted securities" within the meaning
of
Rule 144 promulgated by the SEC and are therefore subject to certain limitations
on the ability of holders to resell such shares. Restricted shares may not
be
sold or otherwise transferred without registration or reliance upon a valid
exemption from registration. Thus, holders of restricted shares of our common
stock may be required to retain their shares for a long period of time.
Acceptance
of hydrogen and ammonia as alternative fuels will affect our ability to achieve
commercial application of our products and
technologies.
Members
of the public may be wary of hydrogen because hydrogen, as compared to other
fuels, has the largest flammability limit (4% to 77% of hydrogen in air). This
means that it takes very little hydrogen to start a fire. On the other hand,
hydrogen is a light gas. As such, if there is a hydrogen leak, it will
immediately diffuse into the surrounding air. People may be wary of ammonia
because of its toxicity. With proper precaution, we believe that hydrogen and
ammonia could be as safe as any other fuel. However, because neither hydrogen
nor ammonia have been tested extensively as fuels in the market place, there
can
be no assurance that proper precautions will be taken, or that the costs of
necessary precautions will be commercially reasonable. The main benefit of
hydrogen or ammonia as a fuel is that it produces little or no pollution or
greenhouse gases when it is used in an internal combustion engine. The
development of a market for our technologies is dependent in part upon the
development of a market for hydrogen and ammonia as fuels, which may be impacted
by many factors, including:
|
·
|
consumer
perception of the safety of hydrogen and ammonia and willingness
to use
engines powered by hydrogen or ammonia;
|
|
·
|
the
cost competitiveness of hydrogen or ammonia as a fuel relative to
other
fuels;
|
|
·
|
the
future availability of hydrogen or ammonia as a fuel;
|
|
·
|
adverse
regulatory developments, including the adoption of onerous regulations
regarding hydrogen, or ammonia, use or storage;
|
|
·
|
barriers
to entry created by existing energy providers; and
|
|
·
|
the
emergence of new competitive technologies and products.
|
Certain
government regulations concerning electrical and hydrogen generation, delivery
and storage of fuels and other related matters may negatively impact our
business.
Our
business is subject to and affected by federal, state, local, and foreign laws
and regulations. These may include state and local ordinances relating to
building codes, public safety, electrical and hydrogen production, delivery
and
refueling infrastructure, hydrogen storage, and related matters. The use of
hydrogen inside a building will require architectural and engineering changes
in
the building to allow the hydrogen to be handled safely. We have received
approval from the Iowa State Fire Marshall for limited use of hydrogen in the
dynamometer room where we test our engines. Full occupancy was delayed subject
to final inspection once new dynamometers, testing equipment, and sensors were
installed. Similar delays could be experienced at other locations involving
the
use of hydrogen inside a building. As our engines and other new products are
introduced into the market commercially, governments may impose new regulations.
We do not know the extent to which any such regulations may impact our business
or our customers’ businesses. Any new regulation may increase costs and could
reduce our potential to be profitable.
The
industry in which we operate is highly competitive and such competition could
affect our results of operations, which would make profitability even more
difficult to achieve and sustain.
The
power
generation and alternative fuel industry is highly competitive and is marked
by
rapid technological growth. Other competitors and potential competitors include
H2Car Co., Cummins, Daimler Chrysler, General Motors, BMW, Mazda, and
Caterpillar. Many existing and potential competitors have greater financial
resources, larger market share, and larger production and technology research
capability, which may enable them to establish a stronger competitive position
than we have, in part through greater marketing opportunities. The governments
of the United States, Canada, Japan, and certain European countries have
provided funding to promote the development and use of fuel cells. Tax
incentives have also been initiated in Japan, and have been proposed in the
United States and other countries, to stimulate the growth of the fuel cell
market by reducing the cost of these fuel cell systems to consumers. Our
business does not currently enjoy any such advantages and, for that reason,
may
be at a competitive disadvantage to the fuel cell industry. If we fail to
address competitive developments quickly and effectively, we will not be able
to
grow.
Our
business could be adversely affected by any adverse economic developments in
the
power generation industry and/or the economy in general.
We
depend
on the perceived demand for the application of our technology and resulting
products. Our products are focused on reducing CO
2
emissions and upon the use of alternative fuels for industrial uses, such as
ground support vehicles, and for the power generation business. Therefore,
our
business is susceptible to downturns in the airline industry and the genset
portion of the distributed power industry and the economy in general. Any
significant downturn in the market or in general economic conditions would
likely hurt our business.
We
believe that we carry a reasonable amount of insurance. However, there can
be no
assurance that our existing insurance coverage would be adequate in term and
scope to protect us against material financial effects in the event of a
successful claim.
We
could
be subject to claims in connection with the products that we sell. There can
be
no assurance that we would have sufficient resources to satisfy any liability
resulting from any such claim, or that we would be able to have our customers
indemnify or insure us against any such liability. There can be no assurance
that our insurance coverage would be adequate in term and scope to protect
us
against material financial effects in the event of a successful claim.
If
we fail to keep up with changes affecting our technology and the markets that
we
will ultimately serve, we will become less competitive and future financial
performance would be adversely affected.
In
order
to remain competitive and serve our potential customers effectively, we must
respond on a timely and cost-efficient basis to the need for new technology,
as
well as changes in technology, industry standards and procedures, and customer
preferences. We need to continuously develop new technology, products, and
services to address new technological developments. In some cases changes may
be
significant and the cost of implementation may be substantial. We cannot assure
you that we will be able to adapt to any changes in the future or that we will
have the financial resources to keep up with changes in the marketplace. Also,
the cost of adapting our technology, products, and services may have a material
and adverse effect on our operating results.
Our
long-term success depends upon our ability to develop and commercialize our
intellectual property.
Our
technologies are in the development stage. If we or our collaboration partners
fail to complete the development and/or commercialize our technologies, we
will
not be able to generate significant revenues from the sale of licenses or from
sales of our technologies. There is a risk that development and testing will
demonstrate that our anticipated technologies are not suitable for
commercialization, because they are inefficient, or too costly to manufacture,
or because third party competitors market a more effective or more
cost-effective product.
If
we or
our collaboration partners are unable to successfully develop and commercialize
our technologies, we will not have a sufficient source of revenue.
Our
ability to enter into successful collaborations cannot be
assured.
A
material component of our business strategy is to establish and maintain
collaborative arrangements with third parties to co-develop our technologies
and
to commercialize products made using our technology. We also intend to establish
collaborative relationships to obtain domestic or international sales, marketing
and distribution capabilities.
The
process of establishing collaborative relationships is difficult, time-consuming
and involves significant uncertainty. Our partnering strategy entails many
risks, including:
|
·
|
we
may be unsuccessful in entering into or maintaining collaborative
agreements for the co-development of our technologies or the
commercialization of products incorporating our
technology;
|
|
·
|
we
may not be successful in applying our technology to or otherwise
satisfying the needs of our collaborative
partners;
|
|
·
|
our
collaborators may not be successful in, or may not remain committed
to,
co-developing our technologies or commercializing products incorporating
our technology;
|
|
·
|
our
collaborators may seek to develop other proprietary
alternatives;
|
|
·
|
our
collaborators may not commit sufficient resources to incorporating
our
technology into their business;
|
|
·
|
our
collaborators are not obligated to market or commercialize our
technologies or products incorporating our technology, and they are
not
required to achieve any specific commercialization
schedule;
|
|
·
|
our
collaborative agreements may be terminated by our partners on short
notice.
|
Furthermore,
even if we do establish collaborative relationships, it may be difficult for
us
to maintain or perform under such collaboration arrangements, as our funding
resources may be limited or our collaborators may seek to renegotiate or
terminate their relationships with us due to unsatisfactory field results,
a
change in business strategy, or other reasons.
If
we or
any collaborator fails to fulfill any responsibilities in a timely manner,
or at
all, our research, development or commercialization efforts related to that
collaboration could be delayed or terminated.
It
may
also become necessary for us to assume responsibility for activities that would
otherwise have been the responsibility of our collaborator.
Further,
if we are unable to establish and maintain collaborative relationships on
acceptable terms, we may have to delay or discontinue further development of
one
or more of our product candidates, undertake development and commercialization
activities at our own expense or find alternative sources of
funding.
Local,
state, national, and international laws or regulations could adversely affect
our business.
Our
future success depends in part on laws and regulations that exist, or are
expected to be enacted, around the world. Should these laws or regulations
take
an adverse turn, this could negatively affect our business and anticipated
revenues. We cannot guarantee a positive outcome in direction, timing, or scope
of laws and regulations that may be enacted which will affect our
business.
Our
distributors will be limited in their ability to offer and sell our engines
until the engines have been certified to have passed U.S. Emissions Regulations,
which are defined and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency and
California Air Resources Board. Engine certification is necessary for us to
sell
engines to original equipment manufacturers for mobile off-road applications
and
will also be necessary for distributed power generation applications in 2008
and
stand-by power generation applications in 2009. To certify an engine to meet
regulations for exhaust emissions, an engine must successfully pass stringent
third-party testing. We have been delayed in the certification process because
of our inability to obtain the necessary financing.
The
use of hydrogen and ammonia may expose us to certain safety risks and potential
liability claims.
Our
business will expose us to potential product liability claims that are inherent
in hydrogen or ammonia and products that use hydrogen or ammonia. Hydrogen
is a
flammable gas and therefore a potentially dangerous product. Ammonia is quite
toxic. Any accidents involving our engines or other hydrogen- or ammonia-using
products could materially impede widespread market acceptance and demand for
our
products. In addition, we might be held responsible for damages beyond the
scope
of our insurance coverage. We also cannot predict whether we will be able to
maintain our insurance coverage on acceptable terms, or at all.
We
may be unable to protect our intellectual property adequately or cost
effectively, which may cause us to lose market share or reduce
prices.
Our
future success depends in part on our ability to develop, protect, and preserve
our proprietary rights related to our technology and resulting products. We
cannot assure you that we will be able to prevent third parties from using
our
intellectual property rights and technology without our authorization. We do
not
currently own any patents, although three patents are pending related to our
technology. We anticipate making several patent applications in the future.
We
also rely on trade secrets, common law trademark rights, and trademark
registrations. We intend to protect our intellectual property via non-disclosure
agreements, contracts, and limited information distribution, as well as
confidentiality and work-for-hire, development, assignment, and license
agreements with our employees, consultants, third party developers, licensees,
and customers. However, these measures afford only limited protection and may
be
flawed or inadequate. Also, enforcing intellectual property rights could be
costly and time-consuming and could distract management’s attention from
operating business matters.
Our
intellectual property may infringe on the rights of others, resulting in costly
litigation.
In
recent
years, there has been significant litigation in the United States involving
patents and other intellectual property rights. In particular, there has been
an
increase in the filing of suits alleging infringement of intellectual property
rights, which pressure defendants into entering settlement arrangements quickly
to dispose of such suits, regardless of their merits. Other companies or
individuals may allege that we infringe on their intellectual property rights.
Litigation, particularly in the area of intellectual property rights, is costly
and the outcome is inherently uncertain. In the event of an adverse result,
we
could be liable for substantial damages and we may be forced to discontinue
our
use of the subject matter in question or obtain a license to use those rights
or
develop non-infringing alternatives. Any of these results would increase our
cash expenditures, adversely affecting our financial condition.
If
the estimates we make and the assumptions on which we rely in preparing our
financial statements prove inaccurate, our actual results may vary
significantly.
Our
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial
statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported
amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, the amounts of
charges taken by us and related disclosure. Such estimates and judgments include
the carrying value of our property, equipment and intangible assets, revenue
recognition and the value of certain liabilities. We base our estimates and
judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we
believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, these estimates
and
judgments, or the assumptions underlying them, may change over time, which
could
require us to restate some of our previously reported financial information.
A
restatement of previously reported financial information could cause our stock
price to decline and could subject us to securities litigation. For a further
discussion of the estimates and judgments that we make and the critical
accounting policies that affect these estimates and judgments, see "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" elsewhere in this annual
report on Form 10-KSB.
Being
a public company involves increased administrative costs, which could result
in
lower net income and make it more difficult for us to attract and retain key
personnel.
As
a
public company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that
we would not incur as a private company. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of
2002, as well as new rules subsequently implemented by the SEC, have required
changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. These rules
and
regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some
activities more time consuming. For example, in connection with being a public
company, we are required to create several board committees, implement and
disclose additional internal controls and procedures, retain a transfer agent
and financial printer, adopt an insider trading policy, and incur costs relating
to preparing and distributing periodic public reports in compliance with our
obligations under securities laws. These rules and regulations could also make
it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board
of
directors, particularly to serve on our audit committee, and qualified executive
officers.
We
do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. This could make
our stock less attractive to potential investors.
We
anticipate that we will retain any future earnings and other cash resources
for
future operation and development of our business and do not intend to declare
or
pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future payment of cash
dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors after taking
into
account many factors, including our operating results, financial condition,
and
capital requirements. Corporations that pay dividends may be viewed as a better
investment than corporations that do not.
The
authorization and issuance of blank
–
check
preferred stock may prevent or discourage a change in our management.
Our
amended certificate of incorporation authorizes the board of directors to issue
up to 10 million shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval having
terms, conditions, rights, preferences and designations as the board may
determine. The board of directors has designated 1,000,000 of the authorized
preferred shares as the Series A Preferred Stock and 5,000,000 shares of the
Series B Preferred Stock. Additional shares of preferred stock could be
designated in the future. The rights of the holders of our common stock will
be
subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of
existing preferred stock and any preferred stock that may be issued in the
future. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility
in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could
have the effect of discouraging a person from acquiring a majority of our
outstanding common stock.
It
may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, and this could depress our
stock price.
Nevada
corporate law includes provisions that could delay, defer, or prevent a change
in control of our company or our management. These provisions could discourage
information contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders
to elect directors and take other corporate actions. As a result, these
provisions could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future
for shares of our common stock. For example:
|
·
|
Without
prior stockholder approval, the board of directors has the authority
to
issue one or more classes of preferred stock with rights senior to
those
of common stock and to determine the rights, privileges, and preferences
of that preferred stock;
|
|
·
|
There
is no cumulative voting in the election of directors;
and
|
|
·
|
Stockholders
cannot call a special meeting of
stockholders.
|
We
may experience losses due to inventory and building
impairments.
Since
inception we have written down inventory by $628,861 to reflect changes in
our
marketing efforts of our remanufactured engine inventory. If demand for our
product decreases or current marketing efforts are unsuccessful, we may be
forced to write down the inventory further to properly reflect the fair market
value.
Since
inception we have not been able to utilize the full capacity of our existing
buildings. We could realize a loss due to the impairment of the value of one
or
more of our buildings if we are forced to sell them at less than recorded
value.
ITEM
2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.
We
commenced operations in a 12,000 square foot armory, built in approximately
1949. This building is located at 602 Fair Street in Algona, Iowa and was under
lease from the Kossuth County Agricultural Association. This facility was
adequate for our initial needs and continued to serve us as the research and
testing facility until March 14, 2008, when an agreement was entered into to
buy
out the lease. The lease required monthly rental payments of $700 and was to
expire in May 2008. The total buyout totaled approximately $2,100 which included
reimbursement for utilities.
On
June
27, 2005 we purchased Lots 3, 4, and 5 of the Dana Hollinger Industrial Park
on
Poplar Street in Algona, Iowa. The land was purchased from the Algona Area
Economic Development Corporation using proceeds of a loan from that entity,
the
terms of which are described below. Construction of our 30,000 square foot
manufacturing facility on this site was completed in March 2006 and production
of the 4.9L remanufactured engine began in April 2006. Construction costs on
the
new manufacturing building totaled approximately $1.6 million. We have
implemented an ‘engine cell’ production method in the new facility that we
believe can speed production and reduce work-in-process inventory. Under this
method, each engine cell is designed to match the assembly time of the next
cell
to eliminate inventory between cells, and minimize overall assembly time.
To
reduce
engine assembly contaminants introduced by forced-air heating, the new building
has over five miles of PEX radiant heat pipe in the production floor. It also
has a unique mono-roof design that allows planned building expansion without
production line shut-down.
Late
in
December of 2005 we acquired an existing 30,000 square foot building shell
located on Lot #1 of the Dana Hollinger Industrial Park in Algona, Iowa for
a
purchase price of $332,901. The building is located across the street from
the
new manufacturing building on Poplar Street. We have finished a portion of
the
building to provide office space. The building was only a shell when purchased
and some interior construction was necessary to make the building useful to
us.
Construction costs on this building totaled approximately $547,000.
Our
facilities are subject to mortgages in favor of Iowa State Bank in the amount
of
$561,304; Farmers State Bank for $594,246; Algona Area Economic Development
Corporation in the amounts of approximately $146,124 and $105,000 and the City
of Algona in the amount of $160,000. The mortgages to Algona Area Development
Corporation include a subordination in favor of Iowa State Bank.
HEC
Canada leases a small facility from the Universite Du Quebec at Trois-Rivieres
for approximately US $912 per month.
We
believe that all of our properties are adequately insured.
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
None.
ITEM
4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
During
the year ended December 31, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the following
items for submission to our shareholders at the Annual Meeting of the
Stockholders held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1501 Walnut Street, Algona,
Iowa, 50511, on the 30th day of May, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. (CST):
|
1)
|
To
elect four directors to hold office for the ensuing year and until
their
successors are elected and qualified. Theodore G. Hollinger, Thomas
Trimble, Edward T. Berg and Philip G. Ruggieri were each elected
to the
Board of Directors at the annual meeting. Votes cast for and against
each
of them were as follows:
|
Theodore
G. Hollinger:
|
For:
20,200,299
|
Withheld:
3,625
|
Thomas
Trimble:
|
For:
20,197,299
|
Withheld:
6,625
|
Edward
T. Berg:
|
For:
20,166,049
|
Withheld:
37,875
|
Philip
G. Ruggieri:
|
For:
20,197,299
|
Withheld:
6,625
|
|
2)
|
To
ratify the appointment of LWBJ, LLP as the company’s independent public
accountants for 2006. The appointment was ratified as follows: For:
20,198,924 Against: 0 Abstain:
5,000.
|
Further
information regarding our May 30, 2007 annual meeting can be found in our
Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on May 1,
2007.
PART
II.
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS.
Market
Information
Our
common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the trading symbol
"HYEG.OB." Inclusion on the OTC Bulletin Board permits price quotations for
our
shares to be published by such service.
The
following table sets forth the high and low bid quotations for our common stock
for the period from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.
|
|
High
Bid
|
|
Low
Bid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter ended March 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
8.20
|
|
$
|
5.00
|
|
Second
Quarter ended June 30, 2006
|
|
|
23.25
|
|
|
6.50
|
|
Third
Quarter ended September 30, 2006
|
|
|
14.10
|
|
|
3.10
|
|
Fourth
Quarter ended December 31, 2006
|
|
|
3.60
|
|
|
2.30
|
|
First
Quarter ended March 31, 2007
|
|
|
3.55
|
|
|
2.50
|
|
Second
Quarter ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
3.08
|
|
|
1.35
|
|
Third
Quarter ended September 30, 2007
|
|
|
1.75
|
|
|
0.95
|
|
Fourth
Quarter ended December 31, 2007
|
|
|
1.85
|
|
|
0.65
|
|
The
foregoing quotations represent inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up,
mark-down, or commission, and may not represent actual transactions.
As
of
February
21
,
2008,
there were 241 holders of record of the company’s common stock, including
broker-dealers and clearing firms holding shares on behalf of their clients,
as
reported by our transfer agent. This figure does not take into account those
individual shareholders whose certificates are held in the name of
broker-dealers or other nominees.
As
of
February
21,
2008, we
had 27,590,164 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Of the total
outstanding shares, all may be sold, transferred or otherwise traded in the
public market without restriction, unless held by an affiliate or controlling
shareholder. Of these shares we have identified 17,623,087 shares as being
held
by affiliates.
In
addition to the above, we have 1,932,846 shares of Series B Preferred Stock
issued and outstanding. As of February 21, 2008 those shares are convertible
into 1,932,846 shares of common stock.
Under
Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person who is not an affiliate (and has
not
been an affiliate for the preceding three months) of an issuer that has met
reporting requirements for at least 90 days, may resell the securities after
a
six-month holding period. If the issuer has not filed all required reports
for
at least twelve months prior to the sale (or for a shorter period if the issuer
has been subject to reporting requirements for less than twelve months), the
holding period is extended to one year.
If
the
issuer has met reporting requirements for at least 90 days and has filed all
required reports for at least twelve months prior to the sale (or for a shorter
period if the issuer has been subject to reporting requirements for less than
twelve months), an affiliate can resale securities after the expiration six
months, subject to certain other conditions:
|
·
|
The
number of securities to be resold must fall within specified volume
limitations;
|
|
·
|
The
resale must comply with the revised "manner of sale" conditions;
and
|
|
·
|
The
seller may be required to file a Form 144 reporting the sale (or
proposed
sale), subject to the new reporting threshold.
|
A
person
who is not deemed to be an "affiliate" and has not been an affiliate for the
most recent three months, and who has held restricted shares for at least one
year would be entitled to sell such shares without regard to the reporting
status of the issuer.
We
have
never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying
cash
dividends in the foreseeable future.
Securities
authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31,
2007
We
have
granted employees and directors options under our incentive compensation plan
to
purchase 288,000 shares of our common stock at $1.00 per share, options to
purchase 403,250 shares at $1.34 per share, and 356,000 shares of restricted
stock (92,000 of which remain subject to forfeiture). We have granted
consultants options under our incentive compensation plan to purchase 201,666
shares of our common stock at $1.00 per share and 5,000 shares of restricted
stock. The above numbers include shares issued upon exercise of options to
purchase a total of 8,000 shares at $1.00 per share. These numbers do not
include options to purchase 406,084 shares that have been cancelled, or 65,000
shares of restricted stock that have been forfeited, because of termination
of
service.
Effective
January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No.
123R. As prescribed in SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” we elected to
use the ‘‘modified prospective method.” Under this method, we are required to
recognize stock-based compensation for all new and unvested stock-based awards
that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered,
beginning January 1, 2006. Prior to January 1, 2006, we applied the intrinsic
method as provided in Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25
(“APB No. 25”),
Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations.
In
March
2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin (“SAB”) 107 providing supplemental implementation guidance for SFAS
123R. We have applied the provisions of SAB 107 in its adoption of SFAS 123R.
We
record restricted stock awards at the fair value at the date of the grant and
amortize the expense over the vesting period as services are
performed.
The
following table provides information as of December 31, 2007.
Plan
Category
|
|
Number of Securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
|
|
Number of securities
remaining available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans, excluding
securities reflected in column
(a)
(c)
|
|
Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
892,916
|
1
|
$
|
1.16
|
|
|
746,084
|
3
|
Equity
compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
782,871
|
2
|
$
|
2.13
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,675,787
|
|
$
|
1.61
|
|
|
746,084
|
3
|
1.
Options
issued under the company’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan to purchase 892,916
shares, including employee/director options for 691,250 shares and consultant
options for 201,666 shares, less options to purchase 8,000 shares that have
been
exercised. Does not include 361,000 shares of restricted stock issued under
the
company’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, 92,000 of which remain subject to
forfeiture as of December 31, 2007.
2.
782,871
shares of common stock underlying warrants, 69,640 of which were issued in
the
First Private
Offering,
134,346 of which were issued in the Second Private Offering, 120,900 of which
were issued in the
Series
A
Preferred Offering, 57,985 of which were issued in the Series B Preferred
Offering, 375,000 of which were issued to settle a vendor dispute and 25,000
of
which were issued for the purchase of inventory.
3.
This
amount equals the number of shares remaining to be issued under the company’s
2005 Incentive Compensation Plan.
ITEM
6. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS.
Hydrogen
Engine Center, Inc. (“HEC” or the “company”) is in the business of offering
tangible technologies that produce clean energy solutions designed to lessen
America’s dependence on carbon-based foreign fuels. We currently offer
technologies that enable spark-ignited internal combustion engines and power
generation systems to produce clean energy with near-zero carbon emissions,
using our proprietary engine controller and software to efficiently distribute
ignition spark and fuel to injectors. Our business plans are centered on a
growing portfolio of intellectual property that we expect to play an increasing
role in addressing the world’s energy needs as well as it environmental
concerns.
THE
FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OTHER
FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES
APPEARING IN THIS FORM 10-
KSB
.
THIS
DISCUSSION CONTAINS FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES. OUR ACTUAL RESULTS WILL DEPEND UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS BEYOND
OUR CONTROL AND COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN THE FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENTS. SOME OF THESE FACTORS ARE DISCUSSED UNDER “RISK FACTORS” AND
ELSEWHERE IN THIS FORM 10-
KSB
.
The
accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and
the consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statement of
stockholders equity, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the
years
ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period from inception (May 19,
2003) to December 31, 2007 respectively, consolidate the historical financial
statements of the company with HEC Iowa after giving effect to the Merger where
HEC Iowa is the accounting acquirer and after giving effect to the Private
Offerings.
Overview
As
a
result of the Merger, we own all of the issued and outstanding shares of HEC
Iowa and all of the issued and outstanding shares of Hydrogen Engine Center
(HEC) Canada, Inc. (“HEC Canada”). HEC Iowa is a development stage company being
built upon the vision of carbon-free, energy independence. On a step-by-step
basis we are working to build engines and gensets that provide the ability
to
generate and use clean power on demand, where needed.
We
have
funded our operations from inception through December 31, 2007, through a series
of financing transactions, including the convertible loans and the Private
Offerings described above. In April 2008 we entered into a Standby Equity
Distribution Agreement (the “SEDA”), which provides us the opportunity to access
additional capital in the maximum amount of $4 million, subject to our obtaining
an effective registration statement for shares of our Common Stock sold under
the SEDA. We expect to access up to $350,000 of this capital during July 2008.
We view the SEDA as a financial safety net and we do not intend to access the
full amount that may become available to us. See “Liquidity and Capital
Resources - Terms of the SEDA” below.
We
did
not receive the amount of capital we anticipated receiving from investors during
the fourth quarter of 2007. We have also experienced delays in the receipt
of
quality parts for our engines and we have experienced delays in initiating
the
certification process of our engines. Although our long-term vision has not
changed, these factors have caused us to focus our immediate efforts to
generating revenue through the sale of open power units and generator systems
using our high-quality, reliable remanufactured engines. We anticipate that
revenue from these sources will help support our continuing operations, assist
with funding for our research and development efforts, and make it possible
for
us to introduce the products that we believe to be the core of our
future.
Results
of Operations
A
summary
statement of our operations, for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
and
for the period from inception through December 31, 2007 follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
From Inception
(May 19, 2003) to
December 31, 2007
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
740,799
|
|
$
|
278,344
|
|
$
|
1,062,703
|
|
Cost
of Sales
|
|
|
1,178,393
|
|
|
681,870
|
|
|
1,883,807
|
|
Gross
Profit (Loss)
|
|
|
(437,594
|
)
|
|
(403,526
|
)
|
|
(821,104
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Expenses
|
|
|
4,828,292
|
|
|
5,293,366
|
|
|
11,500,447
|
|
Loss
from Operations
|
|
|
(5,265,886
|
)
|
|
(5,696,892
|
)
|
|
(12,321,551
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Income (Expense)
|
|
|
(106,835
|
)
|
|
(55,377
|
)
|
|
(184,127
|
)
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(5,372,721
|
)
|
$
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
$
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
A Preferred Stock Beneficial Conversion Feature Accreted as a
Dividend
|
|
|
(1,889,063
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
(1,889,063
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss Available to Common Stockholders
|
|
$
|
(7,261,784
|
)
|
$
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
$
|
(14,394,741
|
)
|
Historical
information for periods prior to the Merger is that of HEC Iowa.
We
continue to operate as a development stage company. We are still developing
our
alternative-fueled internal combustion engines and related products and have
not
realized significant revenues to date. As a development stage company we are
engaging in the research and development of our products, we continue to foster
relationships with vendors and customers and we are in the process of raising
additional capital to support our business plan.
Revenues
Revenues
in 2007 totaled $740,799, an increase of 166% compared to revenues of $278,344
in 2006. Revenues in 2007 resulted from the sale of our 4.9L remanufactured
engines and power units, revenues from the sale of our new 4.9L Oxx
Power
®
engines
and Oxx Power
®
units
and
the sale of 4.9L engine replacement parts. From inception to date we have
realized revenues of $1,062,703.
We
also
derive income through business agreements for the development and/or
commercialization of our hydrogen and ammonia products, which are not reflected
in our revenue. We record income related to business agreements as a reduction
in research and development expense. The expenses we incur are recorded as
research and development costs. In 2007, we received project reimbursements
of
$222,713 from business agreements we entered into with Natural Resources Canada,
for a 4+1 hydrogen generator set and Grasim Industries, Ltd. of India for a
50kW
hydrogen generator set. In 2006, we realized $51,200 from the delivery of one
hydrogen powered 4.9L engine to Hidrener Hidrogen Enerji Sistemleri, Turkey
and
the delivery of one 50kW hydrogen generator set to Xcel Energy Services, Inc.,
Colorado.
Cost
of Sales and Gross Profit
We
realized negative gross profit on our revenues of approximately 59% in 2007
and
approximately 145% in 2006 as a result of writing down our remanufactured engine
inventory and as a result of establishing an inventory allowance account for
engine blocks obtained from our supplier in China, as explained below. At this
time, we do not expect to record further declines in the market value of our
inventory or increase our inventory allowance account. We do expect to realize
gross profit margins of approximately 15% as long as our primary sales are
composed of traditional fueled engines. We expect our gross profit margins
to
increase as we increase our alternative fuel sales.
In
an
effort to sell our remanufactured engine inventory, so that we can focus on
the
sale of our new Oxx Power
®
engines
and generator sets, we recorded a decline in the market value of our inventory.
The inventory write-downs were necessary so that we could bring the selling
price of our engines in line with other engine remanufacturers. We recorded
a
decline in the market value of our inventory, net of recoveries of $200,714
for
the year ended December 31, 2007 and $428,147 for the year ended December 31,
2006. The total decline in market value of inventory, net of recoveries is
$628,861 from inception (May 19, 2003) to December 31, 2007. We are in the
process of selling our entire remanufactured engine inventory
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, we established an inventory allowance account
in
the amount of $333,162 for substandard inventory received from a supplier
located in China. The inventory is covered under warranty. In 2007, the supplier
relocated to a new facility and purchased new machinery. The relocation efforts
have taken longer than we expected and to date the supplier has been unable
to
deliver the warranted inventory. The supplier has assured us that he will
deliver the warranted inventory, within our product specifications. On March
10,
2008, we received sample inventory from this supplier and upon visual
inspection, the inventory appears to meet our specifications. This development
is encouraging as we continue our efforts to recover the warranted inventory.
Operating
Expenses
Our
sales
and marketing expenses for the years ended 2007 and 2006 are $219,875 and
$859,587, respectively and the total expense from inception to date (May 19,
2003) is $1,201,036. We are in the process of accelerating our efforts toward
full commencement of operations, which we expect will take place in late 2008
or
early 2009. We continue our search for technically qualified sales personnel
which we feel is a key element in the success of our company. We expect to
be
more involved in the distributed generation market because of the tightening
of
governmentally imposed emission standards. We also plan to aggressively market
our products in 2008 and expect that our sales and marketing expense will
increase significantly as we pursue national and international sales
opportunities.
General
and administrative expenses decreased from $
3,007,139
for the
year ended December 31, 2006 to $
2,790,255
for the year ended December 31, 2007. General and administrative expenses from
inception (May 19, 2003) through December 31, 2007 were $6,471,408. Our general
and administrative costs include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based
compensation, and other costs associated with general and administrative costs
such as investor relations, accounting and legal fees.
Our
general and administrative expenses also include overhead and direct production
expense related to pre-production costs, which costs, if we had reached
production capacity, would be allocated to products manufactured. Expenses
related to pre-production include salaries for production, personnel, purchasing
costs and costs associated with production ramp up. Total pre-production
expenses included in general and administrative expense for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006 respectively, are $621,718 and $721,716.
Pre-production expense from inception (May 19, 2003) through December 31, 2007
totaled $1,343,434. We expect administrative costs to decrease in 2008, as
we
begin to align these expenses with our revenues.
We
view
our stock based compensation as a key tool that allows us to attract talented,
experienced employees and directors without having to increase cash
compensation. Although we have been able to preserve cash with this tool, we
have recognized $499,542 in stock option expense for employees and directors
in
the year ended December 31, 2007 and $724,209 in stock option and restricted
stock expense for the year ended December 31, 2006. Total stock option
compensation for employees and directors from inception (May 19, 2003) through
December 31, 2007 was $1,374,419. Stock option expense is allocated among sales
and marketing expense, general and administrative expense and research and
development expense.
Since
inception (May 19, 2003), we have accrued approximately $26,000 in accrued
property taxes and approximately $35,000 in accrued program costs related to
forgivable loans and grants from state and local government sponsored programs.
These expenses have also been recorded as general and administrative expenses.
Expenses related to forgivable loans and grants will continue to accrue until
we
meet certain criteria for job creation. If we can comply with the job creation
criteria, these expenses would be recorded, at the time of forgiveness, as
other
income.
Costs
related to research and development were $1,370,151 and $1,297,151 for the
years
ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Total expense for research
and
development expense from inception (May 19, 2003) to December 31, 2007 is
$3,250,503. Management believes that, assuming receipt of additional capital,
research and development expenses will increase significantly during 2008.
Research and development costs for 2008 will include the cost of engine
certification along with the cost of additional engine and generator
development.
During
the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, we recorded an expense
of $448,011 and $129,489 to settle a dispute with a vendor who was supplying
us
with engine parts. The settlement payment was made by issuing 375,000 warrants
with a three year term and an exercise price of $2.00. The fair value of the
warrants was calculated using the Black Scholes Option pricing formula.
Loss
from Operations
We
recorded a net loss of $5,372,721 for the year ending December 31, 2007 compared
to a net loss
of
$5,752,269
for the
year ended December 31, 2006.
We
recorded net losses totaling $12,505,678 from inception (May 19, 2003) through
December 31, 2007. We expect to continue to operate at a net loss during
2008.
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 we accreted a beneficial conversion
dividend to the Series A stockholders of $1,889,063, resulting in a net loss
to
common stockholders of $7,261,784. We recorded net losses attributable to common
stockholders totaling $14,394,741 from inception (May 19, 2003) through December
31, 2007. We did not record any dividends during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2006.
Other
Income (Expense)
We
had
total interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007 of $73,057 as
compared to interest income received for the year ended December 31, 2006 of
$58,972. We realized interest income from inception (May 19, 2003) to December
31, 2007 of $164,052.
Interest
expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $173,158 and $114,349 for
the
year ended December 31, 2006. Our interest expense from inception (May 19,
2003)
to December 31, 2007 totaled $341,445. We accrue interest expense related to
forgivable loans and grants from state and local government sponsored programs.
From inception (May 19, 2003) through December 31, 2007 we have accrued
approximately $123,000 in accrued interest expense related to our forgivable
loans and grants and will continue to accrue these expenses until we meet
certain criteria for job creation. If we can comply with the job creation
criteria, these amounts would be recorded, at the time of forgiveness, as other
income.
During
the year ended December 31, 2007 we realized a loss from the sale of assets
of
$6,734. We did not sell any assets during the year ended December 31,
2006.
Critical
Accounting Policies
Our
discussion and analysis of our financial position and results of operations
are
based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared
in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of
America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires
us
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and
liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date
of the consolidated financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses
during the period.
Inventories
Our
inventories consist mainly of parts, work-in-process and finished goods that
are
stated at the lower of cost or market. Certain inventory items have been written
down to the estimated sales price.
Warranty
Reserve
We
record
a warranty reserve at the time products are sold or at the time revenue is
recognized. We estimate the liability for product warranty costs based upon
industry standards and best estimate of future warranty claims. Due to a lack
of
actual warranty history to use as a basis for our reserve estimate, it is
possible that actual claims may vary significantly from the estimated
amounts.
Revenue
Recognition
Revenue
from the sale of our products is recognized at the time title and risk of
ownership transfer to customers. This occurs upon shipment to the customer
or
when the customer picks up the goods.
Stock-based
Compensation
We
consider certain accounting policies related to stock-based compensation to
be
critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of
operations. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information about stock-based compensation.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Operating
Budget and Financing of Operations
With
current cash and cash flow generated from operations we believe that we will
have sufficient cash to cover operations through June, 2008. On March 24, 2008
we secured a loan from a local bank in the amount of $250,000. We have entered
into a Standby Equity Distribution Agreement (the “SEDA”) with YA Global
Investments, L.P. (the “Investor”), which provides us the opportunity to access
additional capital in the maximum amount of $4 million in increments not to
exceed $350,000 each. We will have access to these funds over a two-year period
beginning on the date on which the SEC first declares effective a registration
statement registering the resale of our shares by the Investor. We plan to
access the SEDA funds in July and will only access the SEDA funds thereafter
to
the extent necessary.
In
addition to the above, we expect to secure an agreement to provide
hydrogen-fueled engines for ground support vehicles at designated airports
during the first half of 2008 and we continue to engage in discussions to secure
a strategic banking relationship. We believe that the combination of these
opportunities and potentials can provide needed cash flow to the company
throughout 2008.
The
following table depicts cash flow information for the years ended December
31,
2007 and 2006 and from inception (May 19, 2003) to December 31,
2007:
|
|
|
|
From Inception
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
(May 19, 2003) to
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
|
$
|
(4,067,546
|
)
|
$
|
(6,136,676
|
)
|
$
|
(11,168,312
|
)
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
89,393
|
|
|
(1,841,333
|
)
|
|
(3,091,336
|
)
|
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
3,536,428
|
|
|
6,787,980
|
|
|
14,976,349
|
|
Going
Concern
Our
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going
concern basis, which contemplates our continuation of operations, realization
of
assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
Since
inception, we have incurred substantial operating losses and expect to incur
additional operating losses over the next several months. As of December 31,
2007, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $14.4 million. Our
accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
We
have
financed our operations since inception primarily through equity and debt
financings and loans from our officers, directors, and stockholders. Continuing
our operations is dependent upon obtaining further financing. Although we expect
to access necessary funds through the SEDA, there can be no assurance that
we
will successfully complete the registration required under the agreement, or
that amounts accessed would be sufficient to satisfy our capital requirements.
These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a
going concern.
Since
inception, we have incurred substantial operating losses and expect to incur
additional operating losses in the foreseeable future. We have financed
operations since inception primarily through equity and debt financings. We
anticipate our expenses will increase as we continue to expand our operations.
We had approximately $236,231 in cash, $104,635 in trade receivables and $69,420
in trade payables at March 28, 2008. If we are unable to raise additional funds
through the SEDA, we anticipate that our existing capital will fund operations
through June 2008. These timeframes will vary either positively or negatively
based on subsequent events.
Terms
of the SEDA
The
SEDA
provides us the opportunity, for a two-year period beginning on the date on
which the SEC first declares effective a registration statement registering
the
resale of our shares by the Investor, to sell shares of our common stock to
the
Investor for a total purchase price of up to $4 million. For each share of
common stock purchased under the SEDA, the Investor will pay 93% of the lowest
daily volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) during the five consecutive trading
days after the Advance Notice Date (as such term is defined in the SEDA). Each
such sale (“Advance”) may be for an amount not to exceed $350,000 and each
Advance Notice Date must be no less than five trading days after the prior
Advance Notice Date. The Advance request will be reduced to the extent the
price
of our common stock during the five consecutive trading days after the Advance
Notice Date is less that 85% of the VWAP on the trading day immediately
preceding the Advance Notice Date. See Exhibit 10.3.
We
have
paid $15,000 to the Investor as a Structuring and Due Diligence Fee and are
obligated to issue $160,000 worth of stock at the earlier of the date of
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or 60 days from the Closing Date
as
a Commitment Fee under the SEDA. We are obligated to pay a monthly monitoring
fee of $3,333 during the term of the agreement. We are also obligated to pay
7%
of the gross proceeds of each draw and issue warrants covering shares of common
stock equal to 5% of each draw under an existing investment banking
relationship.
We
may
terminate the SEDA upon 15 trading days of prior notice to the Investor, as
long
as there are no Advances outstanding and we have paid to the Investor all amount
then due.
We
claim
an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the “Act”) for the private placement of our shares in the SEDA
pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Act and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated
thereunder. The transaction does not involve a public offering, the Investor
is
an “accredited investor” and/or qualified institutional buyer and the Investor
has access to information about the Company and its investment.
Cash
Flow From Operations
Net
cash
used in operating activities decreased approximately $2 million during the
year
ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The decrease is
primarily the result of a decrease in inventory purchasing activity and efforts
to reduce our operating expenses. From inception (May 19, 2003) through December
31, 2007 we have used $11,168,312 to fund our operating activities.
At
December 31, 2007 we had cash on hand of $713,289 compared to cash on hand
of
$1,149,207 at December 31, 2006, compared to $2,346,248 at December 31, 2005,
$19,808 at December 31, 2004, and $49,857 as of December 31, 2003.
Cash
Flow Used in Investing Activities
The
decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December
31, 2007 was approximately $1.9 million compared to the year ended December
31,
2006. The decrease is a direct result of a decrease in purchases of property
and
equipment. We have used approximately $3 million for the purchase of property
and equipment since inception (May 19, 2003) through December 31,
2007.
Cash
Flow From Financing Activities
Cash
flow
from financing activities decreased approximately $3.3 million during the year
ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. We
borrowed approximately $723,000 less and made payments on debt of approximately
$292,000 more during 2007, as compared to the same time period in 2006. During
the year ended December 31, 2007 we raised approximately $2.2 million dollars
less with private placements than we did during the year ended December 31,
2006.
Cash
from
our financing activities from inception to date (May 19, 2003) came from various
financing transactions:
During
the year ended December 31, 2007, we renewed our note with Iowa State Bank,
Algona, Iowa, in the principal amount of $561,304 and we renewed our note with
Farmers State Bank in the principal amount of $591,956. In addition, on February
21, 2007, we obtained a line of credit with Bank of America in the amount of
$250, 000 and repaid the line on October 3, 2007 and on December 27, 2007,
we
obtained short term financing from First Insurance Funding Group for $33,374.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, we received short term bank financing
of $906,046.
From
inception (May 19, 2003) through December 31, 2006 we received proceeds from
long-term debt in the amount of $400,000 in forgivable loans from the Iowa
Department of Economic Development, $200,000 from the City of Algona revolving
loan fund, and convertible loans in the amount of $572,052. We did not receive
any proceeds from long-term debt financing during the year ended December 31,
2007.
During
the year ended December 31, 2007, we raised $3,595,095, net of expenses from
the
sale of Series B preferred stock in a private placement. During the year ended
December 31, 2006, we received $2,779,813 in proceeds, net of expenses from
the
private offering of our Series A Preferred Stock and we received $3,044,119
in
proceeds, net of expenses from our Second Private Offering of common stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2005, we received $3,594,889 in proceeds,
net
of expenses from the First Private Offering of our common stock.
At
December 31, 2007 we had total assets of $5,985,477 and stockholders equity
of
$3,381,158 compared to
total
assets of $7,050,239 and stockholders’ equity of $4,045,170 in 2006. At December
31, 2005, we had total assets of $
4,822,
022
and
stockholders’ equity of $
3,204,53
3
compared to total assets of $186,438 and total stockholders' deficit of $118,766
at December 31, 2004, and total assets of $128,934 and total stockholders'
equity of $34,523 at December 31, 2003.
Plan
of Operation
Since
inception, we have incurred substantial operating losses and expect to incur
additional operating losses in the foreseeable future. We have financed
operations since inception primarily through equity and debt financings. We
anticipate our expenses will increase significantly only if we obtain sufficient
capital to expand our operations. Until such time, we intend to curtail our
operations and decrease our monthly expenditures.
We
expect
to continue our efforts to raise additional capital resources during 2008.
We
anticipate that increased sales of our products could commence for calendar
year
2008, subject to timely receipt of quality parts from suppliers and receipt
of
anticipated purchase orders, which may add to cash reserves. We are currently
exploring a variety of opportunities to obtain additional capital. There is
no
assurance that we will be able to raise the necessary capital or that the
capital, if available, will be available on terms that will be acceptable to
us.
We
are a
development stage enterprise and, as such, our continued existence is dependent
upon our ability to resolve our liquidity problems, principally by obtaining
additional debt or equity financing. We have yet to generate a positive internal
cash flow, and until meaningful sales of our products begin, we are dependent
upon debt and equity funding.
In
the
event that we are unable to obtain debt or equity financing or we are unable
to
obtain financing on terms and conditions that are acceptable to us, we may
have
to cease or severely curtail our operations. These factors raise substantial
doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. So far, we have been
able to raise the capital necessary to reach this stage of product development
and have been able to obtain funding for operating requirements, but there
can
be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so.
We
believe that the manufacture and sale of our current Oxx Power
®
engines,
open power units and gensets are merely the first steps toward our vision of
a
carbon-free, energy independent future. We have not received the amount of
capital we anticipated receiving from investors to date. We have also
experienced delays in the receipt of quality parts for our engines and we have
experienced delays in initiating the certification process of our engines.
Although our long-term vision has not changed, these factors have caused us
to
delay our efforts to commercialize our intellectual property. However, we
anticipate that revenue from these sources will continue to help support our
continuing operations and assist with funding for our research and development
efforts.
Our
basic
business plan is based upon the development of our intellectual property and
the
commercialization of our technologies. We currently have nine patents pending
and expect to file several more during the next several months.
In
the
event that we are unable to obtain debt or equity financing or we are unable
to
obtain financing on terms and conditions that are acceptable to us, we will
not
be able to attain our goals and we may have to cease or severely curtail our
operations. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue
as a going concern. So far, we have been able to raise the capital necessary
to
reach this stage of product development and have been able to obtain funding
for
operating requirements and for construction of our manufacturing facilities,
but
there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do
so.
We
do not
anticipate expanding our manufacturing facilities in 2008. We anticipate our
capital expenditures for 2008 will be approximately $500,000, subject to
sufficient capital from anticipated financing.
We
believe we will have expenditures of approximately $500,000 in 2008 to certify
the 4.9L engine. This testing procedure will be an expense of research and
development. We anticipate that our research and development costs could be
approximately $1 million (including this certification process) in 2008, subject
to sufficient capital from anticipated financing.
Grants
and Government Programs
On
July
7, 2005, we were notified by the Iowa Department of Economic Development the
following funding assistance:
·
Community
Economic Betterment Account (“CEBA”) Forgivable Loan
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
·
Physical
Infrastructure Assistance Program (PIAP) Forgivable Loan
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
|
·
Enterprise
Zone (“EZ”) (estimated value)
|
|
$
|
142,715
|
|
These
awards were provided to assist us in the acquisition of machinery and equipment
for our new 30,000 square foot manufacturing building. As a result, we agreed
to
make an investment of $1,543,316 in our Algona location and create 49 full-time
equivalent positions. This agreement was amended September 28, 2006 to include
both facilities on our production site and amends the job creation requirement
to 59 full-time equivalent positions. More information regarding these
forgivable loans can be found in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
The
Iowa
Department of Economic Development has approved us for participation in the
Enterprise Zone Program. Under the Program, we are eligible for the following
benefits provided we continue to meet certain Program requirements:
|
·
|
Funding
for training new employees through a supplemental new jobs withholding
credit equal to 3.0% of gross wages of the new jobs created;
|
|
·
|
A
refund of 100% of the sales, service and use taxes paid to contractors
and
subcontractors during the construction phase of the plant (excluding
local
option taxes);
|
|
·
|
A
6.5% research activities tax credit based on increasing research
activities within the State of Iowa;
|
|
·
|
An
investment tax credit equal to 10% of our capital investment. This
Iowa
tax credit may be carried forward for up to seven years.
|
|
·
|
A
value-added property tax exemption. Our community has approved an
exemption from taxation on a portion of the property in which our
business
is located.
|
In
order
to receive these benefits, we must create 59 new full-time equivalent jobs
at
the project site within three years of the date of the agreement, which was
June
28, 2005. We must also pay an average median wage for of $23.89 per hour and
pay
80% of our employees’ medical and dental insurance. Within three years of the
effective date of the agreement, we must also make a capital investment of
at
least $1,329,716 within the Enterprise Zone. If we do not meet these
requirements, we may have to repay all or a portion of the incentives and
assistance we have received.
We
received a partially forgivable loan in the amount of $146,124 from the Algona
Area Economic Development Corporation (“AAEDC”), used for purchase of land and
construction of our manufacturing facility. If we create 50 new jobs in Algona,
Iowa by June 1, 2010 and retain those jobs through June 1, 2015, $67,650 of
this
loan will be forgiven. If we create and retain 50 additional new jobs in Algona,
Iowa (total of 100 jobs) by June 1, 2015 another $67,650 of this loan will
be
forgiven. The balance of $10,824 will be the only amount we repay to AAEDC,
if
we are successful in creating 100 new jobs. A wage must be paid equal to or
greater than the average hourly wage for workers in Kossuth County, Iowa, as
determined annually by Iowa Workforce Development. If we are unsuccessful we
must repay the loan with 8% interest. We are accruing interest on this loan
until we meet the terms.
Employees
We
currently have 20 employees, 17 of which are in Algona, Iowa and 3 of which
are
in Canada. We anticipate that we will create 5-10 additional new jobs in 2008
subject to receipt of sufficient capital from anticipated
financing.
Net
Operating Loss
We
have
accumulated approximately $9,590,000 of net operating loss and approximately
$120,000 in research and development credit carryforwards as of December 31,
2007, which may be offset against taxable income and income taxes in future
years. In addition, we have accumulated a foreign net operating loss
carryforward of approximately $860,000. The use of these losses to reduce future
income taxes will depend on the generation of sufficient taxable income prior
to
the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards. The carry-forwards
will
begin to expire in the year 2018. The amount and availability of the net
operating loss carryforwards may be subject to annual limitations set forth
by
the Internal Revenue Code and foreign taxing authorities. Factors such as the
number of shares ultimately issued within a three-year look-back period; whether
there is deemed more than 50 percent change in control; the applicable long-term
tax exempt bond rate; continuity of historical business; and subsequent income
of the company all enter into the annual computation of allowable annual
utilization of the carryforwards.
Inflation
In
our
opinion, inflation has not and will not have a material effect on our operations
in the immediate future. Management will continue to monitor inflation and
evaluate the possible future effects of inflation on our business and
operations.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We
do not
have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
ITEM
7.
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Index
to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and
2006
and the period from inception (May 19, 2003) through December 31,
2007
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December
31, 2007 and 2006 and the period from inception (May 19, 2003) through
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and
2006
and the period from inception (May 19, 2003) through December 31,
2007
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
53
|
|
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The
Board
of Directors
Hydrogen
Engine Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We
have
audited the accompanying balance sheets of Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. and
Subsidiaries (a corporation in the development stage) as of December 31, 2007
and 2006, and the related statements of operations, stockholder's equity
(deficit) and comprehensive loss, and cash flows for the years then ended and
the period from May 19, 2003 (inception date) to December 31, 2007. 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 the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and 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 Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. and
Subsidiaries (a corporation in the development stage) as of December 31, 2007
and 2006 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years
then
ended, and for the period from May 19, 2003 (inception date) to December 31,
2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
We
were
not engaged to examine management’s assertion about the effectiveness of
Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2007 included in the Annual Report included in
From
10KSB and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion thereon.
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that Hydrogen
Engine Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries (a corporation in the development stage)
will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial
statements, the Company has suffered significant losses from operations and
is
dependent on generating revenue, reducing costs and obtaining substantial
additional capital which creates substantial doubt about the Company's ability
to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters
are also discussed in Note 1. The financial statements do not contain any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of these
uncertainties.
As
discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the financial statements have
been restated.
/s/
LWBJ, LLP
|
|
|
LWBJ,
LLP
|
|
|
West
Des Moines, Iowa
|
|
|
April
15, 2008,
except
as to the restatement discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements,
which is as of July 21, 2008.
|
|
|
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
|
|
December
31,
|
|
December
31,
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
713,289
|
|
$
|
1,149,207
|
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
115,157
|
|
|
352,584
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
134,237
|
|
|
203,375
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
1,655,359
|
|
|
2,001,004
|
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
89,901
|
|
|
69,882
|
|
Total
current assets
|
|
|
2,707,943
|
|
|
3,776,052
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property,
Plant and Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leasehold
improvements
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
17,156
|
|
Building
|
|
|
2,271,209
|
|
|
2,150,322
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
908,999
|
|
|
757,217
|
|
Land
and improvements
|
|
|
472,504
|
|
|
467,188
|
|
Construction
in progress
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
64,744
|
|
|
|
|
3,652,712
|
|
|
3,456,627
|
|
Less
accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
375,178
|
|
|
182,440
|
|
Net
property and equipment
|
|
|
3,277,534
|
|
|
3,274,187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Assets
|
|
$
|
5,985,477
|
|
$
|
7,050,239
|
|
See
accompanying notes
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
|
|
December
31,
|
|
December
31,
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND EQUITY
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
payable, banks
|
|
$
|
594,677
|
|
$
|
568,693
|
|
Current
portion long-term debt
|
|
|
30,350
|
|
|
48,289
|
|
Current
installments of obligation under capital lease
|
|
|
45,247
|
|
|
8,084
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
146,585
|
|
|
498,316
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
207,328
|
|
|
175,935
|
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
129,965
|
|
|
98,045
|
|
Unearned
project reimbursements
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
102,972
|
|
Unearned
grants
|
|
|
30,977
|
|
|
66,663
|
|
Accrued
purchase commitment losses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
26,458
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
1,185,129
|
|
|
1,593,455
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
debt, net of current maturities
|
|
|
1,338,235
|
|
|
1,369,339
|
|
Obligation
under capital lease, excluding current
installments
|
|
|
80,955
|
|
|
42,275
|
|
|
|
|
1,419,190
|
|
|
1,411,614
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
2,604,319
|
|
|
3,005,069
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments
and Contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders'
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock - Series A, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized,-0-
and
930,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
930
|
|
Preferred
stock - Series B, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized,1,932,846
and -0- shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
1,933
|
|
|
-
|
|
Common
stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized,27,590,164
and
26,143,914 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
27,590
|
|
|
26,144
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
15,860,725
|
|
|
11,160,272
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss - foreign currency
|
|
|
(3,412
|
)
|
|
(9,219
|
)
|
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
|
(7,132,957
|
)
|
Total
stockholders' equity
|
|
|
3,381,158
|
|
|
4,045,170
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
$
|
5,985,477
|
|
$
|
7,050,239
|
|
See
accompanying notes
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
From Inception
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
(May 19, 2003) to
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
|
|
$
|
740,799
|
|
$
|
278,344
|
|
$
|
1,062,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of Goods Sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Material,
labor, and overhead
|
|
|
644,517
|
|
|
253,723
|
|
|
921,784
|
|
Inventory
markdowns
|
|
|
533,876
|
|
|
428,147
|
|
|
962,023
|
|
|
|
|
1,178,393
|
|
|
681,870
|
|
|
1,883,807
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Profit (Loss)
|
|
|
(437,594
|
)
|
|
(403,526
|
)
|
|
(821,104
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
and marketing
|
|
|
219,875
|
|
|
859,587
|
|
|
1,201,036
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
2,790,255
|
|
|
3,007,139
|
|
|
6,471,408
|
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
1,370,151
|
|
|
1,297,151
|
|
|
3,250,503
|
|
Vendor
settlement
|
|
|
448,011
|
|
|
129,489
|
|
|
577,500
|
|
|
|
|
4,828,292
|
|
|
5,293,366
|
|
|
11,500,447
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Loss
|
|
|
(5,265,886
|
)
|
|
(5,696,892
|
)
|
|
(12,321,551
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Income (Expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
73,057
|
|
|
58,972
|
|
|
164,052
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(173,158
|
)
|
|
(114,349
|
)
|
|
(341,445
|
)
|
Loss
on sale of asset
|
|
|
(6,734
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(6,734
|
)
|
|
|
|
(106,835
|
)
|
|
(55,377
|
)
|
|
(184,127
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(5,372,721
|
)
|
$
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
$
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
A Preferred stock beneficial conversion feature accreted as a
dividend
|
|
|
(1,889,063
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(1,889,063
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss Attributable To Common Stockholders
|
|
$
|
(7,261,784
|
)
|
$
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
$
|
(14,394,741
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average
shares outstanding
|
|
|
26,325,151
|
|
|
25,207,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share
|
|
$
|
(0.28
|
)
|
$
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|
|
|
See
accompanying notes
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Consolidated
Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive
Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Common
|
|
Common
|
|
Additional
|
|
Unearned
|
|
Other
|
|
During the
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock A
|
|
Stock A
|
|
Stock B
|
|
Stock B
|
|
Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
Paid - in
|
|
Stock-Based
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Capital
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Loss
|
|
Stage
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock to founder in exchange for equipment and expenses
incurred
by founder
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
$
|
2,000
|
|
$
|
98,165
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
100,165
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(65,642
|
)
|
|
(65,642
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2003
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
98,165
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(65,642
|
)
|
|
34,523
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company
- related expenses paid by founder
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
39,187
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
39,187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(192,476
|
)
|
|
(192,476
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2004
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
137,352
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(258,118
|
)
|
|
(118,766
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company
- related expenses paid by founder
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
12,135
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
12,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange
of previous shares by sole shareholder of HEC Iowa
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,000,000
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
in Green Mt. Labs acquired in reverse merger
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,006,000
|
|
|
1,006
|
|
|
(1,006
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
split of 3.8 to 1 prior to the merger
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,816,804
|
|
|
2,817
|
|
|
(2,817
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock to the sole shareholder of HEC Iowa
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
16,297,200
|
|
|
14,297
|
|
|
(14,297
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of restricted common stock to employees and directors
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
426,000
|
|
|
426
|
|
|
425,574
|
|
|
(275,332
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
150,668
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock in connection with private placement, net of
expenses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,948,500
|
|
|
3,949
|
|
|
3,590,940
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,594,889
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock in connection with conversion of debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
663,401
|
|
|
663
|
|
|
556,388
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
557,051
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consultant
compensation associated with stock options
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
133,333
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
133,333
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,329,310
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive
Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign
currency translation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,207
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(2,207
|
)
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(1,122,570
|
)
|
|
(1,122,570
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
comprehensive loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(1,124,777
|
)
|
Balance
at December 31, 2005
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
25,157,905
|
|
$
|
25,158
|
|
$
|
4,837,602
|
|
$
|
(275,332
|
)
|
$
|
(2,207
|
)
|
$
|
(1,380,688
|
)
|
$
|
3,204,533
|
|
-
Continued -
See
accompanying notes
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Consolidated
Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Preferred
|
|
Common
|
|
Common
|
|
Additional
|
|
Unearned
|
|
Other
|
|
During the
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock A
|
|
Stock A
|
|
Stock B
|
|
Stock B
|
|
Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
Paid - in
|
|
Stock-Based
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Capital
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Loss
|
|
Stage
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification
due to implementation of SFAS 123R
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(275,332
|
)
|
$
|
275,332
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee/Director
compensation associated with stock options and restricted
stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
724,209
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
724,209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consultant
compensation associated with stock options
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
43,777
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
43,777
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of preferred stock in connection with private placement, net of
expenses
|
|
|
930,000
|
|
|
930
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,778,883
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,779,813
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock in connection with private placements, net of
expenses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
978,009
|
|
|
978
|
|
|
3,043,141
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,044,119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of stock related to option exercises
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
8,000
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
7,992
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
8,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,804,451
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive
Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign
currency translation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(7,012
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(7,012
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
comprehensive loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(5,759,281
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
930,000
|
|
$
|
930
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
26,143,914
|
|
$
|
26,144
|
|
$
|
11,160,272
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(9,219
|
)
|
$
|
(7,132,957
|
)
|
$
|
4,045,170
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee/Director
compensation associated with stock options and restricted
stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
499,542
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
499,542
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeiture
of restricted stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(65,000
|
)
|
|
(65
|
)
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consultant
compensation associated with stock options
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,700
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
9,700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of preferred stock in connection with private placement Series
B, net of
expenses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,932,846
|
|
|
1,933
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,593,162
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,595,095
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of warrants in vendor dispute
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
577,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
577,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of warrants for inventory
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
21,065
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
21,065
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conversion
of Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock
|
|
|
(930,000
|
)
|
|
(930
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,511,250
|
|
|
1,511
|
|
|
(581
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,748,072
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive
Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign
currency translation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
5,807
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
5,807
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(5,372,721
|
)
|
|
(5,372,721
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
comprehensive loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(5,366,914
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2007 (Restated)
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
1,932,846
|
|
$
|
1,933
|
|
|
27,590,164
|
|
$
|
27,590
|
|
$
|
15,860,725
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(3,412
|
)
|
$
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
$
|
3,381,158
|
|
See
accompanying notes
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
From Inception
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
December 31,
|
|
(May 19, 2003) to
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(5,372,721
|
)
|
$
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
$
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
244,403
|
|
|
142,622
|
|
|
426,843
|
|
Compensation
to directors and employees of stock options and restricted
stock
|
|
|
499,542
|
|
|
724,209
|
|
|
1,374,419
|
|
Compensation
to consultants of stock options
|
|
|
9,700
|
|
|
43,777
|
|
|
186,810
|
|
Warrants
issued in vendor dispute
|
|
|
448,011
|
|
|
129,489
|
|
|
577,500
|
|
Loss
on sale of assets
|
|
|
6,734
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
6,734
|
|
Change
in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
69,138
|
|
|
(170,223
|
)
|
|
(134,237
|
)
|
Inventories
|
|
|
366,710
|
|
|
(1,794,913
|
)
|
|
(1,634,294
|
)
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
(41,476
|
)
|
|
7,841
|
|
|
(111,358
|
)
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
(242,022
|
)
|
|
132,486
|
|
|
230,441
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
51,173
|
|
|
148,583
|
|
|
253,566
|
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
31,920
|
|
|
82,087
|
|
|
129,965
|
|
Unearned
project reimbursements
|
|
|
(102,972
|
)
|
|
102,972
|
|
|
-
|
|
Unearned
grants
|
|
|
(35,686
|
)
|
|
66,663
|
|
|
30,977
|
|
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(4,067,546
|
)
|
|
(6,136,676
|
)
|
|
(11,168,312
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing
Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Withdrawal/(deposit)
of restricted cash
|
|
|
237,427
|
|
|
(352,584
|
)
|
|
(115,157
|
)
|
Proceeds
from sale of assets
|
|
|
36,500
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
36,500
|
|
Purchases
of property, plant, and equipment
|
|
|
(184,534
|
)
|
|
(1,488,749
|
)
|
|
(3,012,679
|
)
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
89,393
|
|
|
(1,841,333
|
)
|
|
(3,091,336
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing
Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from note payable, bank
|
|
|
283,374
|
|
|
906,046
|
|
|
1,839,420
|
|
Payments
on note payable, bank
|
|
|
(263,144
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(913,144
|
)
|
Proceeds
from long-term debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
1,172,052
|
|
Payments
on long-term debt
|
|
|
(78,897
|
)
|
|
(49,998
|
)
|
|
(143,895
|
)
|
Proceeds
from exercise of stock option
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
8,000
|
|
|
8,000
|
|
Issuance
of preferred stock (Series A) in private placement, net of
expenses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,779,813
|
|
|
2,779,813
|
|
Issuance
of preferred stock (Series B) in private placement, net of
expenses
|
|
|
3,595,095
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,595,095
|
|
Issuance
of common stock in private placements, net of expenses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,044,119
|
|
|
6,639,008
|
|
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
3,536,428
|
|
|
6,787,980
|
|
|
14,976,349
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect
of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
5,807
|
|
|
(7,012
|
)
|
|
(3,412
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
(435,918
|
)
|
|
(1,197,041
|
)
|
|
713,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period
|
|
|
1,149,207
|
|
|
2,346,248
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and Cash Equivalents - End of Period
|
|
$
|
713,289
|
|
$
|
1,149,207
|
|
$
|
713,289
|
|
-
Continued -
See
accompanying notes
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
-Continued-
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
From Inception
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
December 31,
|
|
(May 19, 2003) to
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Cash Flow Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
paid
|
|
$
|
141,081
|
|
$
|
32,262
|
|
$
|
211,290
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing
Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital contribution for expenses paid by founder
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
103,636
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock for equipment
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
47,851
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock for conversion of debt
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
557,051
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquistion
of property, plant, equipment, and prepaid expenses through
financing
|
|
$
|
111,450
|
|
$
|
101,460
|
|
$
|
692,081
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payables
for construction in progress
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
232,208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivable
for state loan
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series
A Preferred stock beneficial conversion feature accreted as a
dividend
|
|
$
|
1,889,063
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
1,889,063
|
|
See
accompanying notes
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Overview
of Companies
Hydrogen
Engine Center, Inc., formerly known as Green Mountain Labs, Inc. (“Green Mt.
Labs”), is a Nevada corporation. Green Mt. Labs was a public-reporting shell
company and, in connection with our merger, changed its name to Hydrogen Engine
Center, Inc. (the “Company”). Also, as a result of our merger, the Company’s
operations are those of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Hydrogen Engine Center,
Inc., an Iowa corporation (“HEC Iowa”), and Hydrogen Engine Center (HEC) Canada
Inc. (“HEC Canada”).
HEC
Iowa
was incorporated on May 19, 2003 (“inception date”) for the purpose of
commercializing environmentally friendly internal combustion systems for
industrial engines and generator sets. HEC Iowa’s operations are located in
Algona, Iowa.
HEC
Canada was incorporated as a Canadian corporation on August 25, 2005, for the
purpose of establishing a research and development center to assist in the
development of alternative fuel and hydrogen engines and generator sets. HEC
Canada is located in Quebec, and works with Universite Du Quebec a
Trois-Rivieres.
Description
of Business - A Corporation in the Development Stage
We
are in
the business of offering tangible technologies that produce clean energy
solutions designed to lessen America’s dependence on carbon-based foreign fuels.
We currently offer technologies that enable spark-ignited internal combustion
engines and power generation systems to produce clean energy with near-zero
carbon emissions, using our proprietary engine controller and software to
efficiently distribute ignition spark and fuel to injectors. Our business plans
are centered on a growing portfolio of intellectual property that we expect
to
play an increasing role in addressing the world’s energy needs as well as its
environmental concerns. Our engines and engine products are sold under the
brand
name Oxx Power
TM
.
We
intend to have emission-certified stationary 4.9L Oxx Power
®
engines
available as soon as possible, subject in part to our ability to obtain the
necessary financing. We expect the cost for certifying our 4.9L engine will
be
approximately $500,000. We expect to then follow with completing off-road mobile
certification of the 4.9L engine in 2009, which is a more stringent and complex
process.
Through
December 31, 2007, we remain in the development stage. Development stage is
characterized by minimal revenues, with efforts focused on fund raising and
prioritization of expenditures for the design and development of our products,
manufacturing processes, intellectual property and strategic sales and
marketing.
Principles
of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our Company and its
wholly owned subsidiaries, HEC Iowa and HEC Canada. All intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Liquidity
and Going Concern
Our
financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles
applicable to a going concern. As a result, they do not include adjustments
that
would be necessary if we were unable to continue as a going concern and would
therefore, be obligated to realize assets and discharge its liabilities other
than in the normal course of operations.
Since
inception, we have invested in the resources and technology we believe necessary
to deliver carbon free energy technology. As such, we have incurred substantial
operating losses. We expect to incur operating losses in 2008. We have financed
all development, sales and operations since inception through equity and debt
financings. We continue to take steps to lower our monthly cash expenditures.
On
March
28, 2008, we secured a loan from a local bank in the amount of $250,000. In
addition we have entered into a Standby Equity Distribution Agreement (“SEDA”)
with an investment fund, which provides us the opportunity to access additional
capital in the maximum amount of $4 million in increments of $350,000 each.
We
will have access to these funds over a two-year period beginning on the date
on
which the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) first declares effective a
registration statement registering the resale of our shares by the Investor.
We
plan to access the SEDA funds in July and will only access the SEDA funds
thereafter to the extent necessary.
In
addition to the above, we expect to secure an agreement to provide
hydrogen-fueled engines for ground support vehicles at designated airports
during the first half of 2008 and we continue to engage in discussions to secure
a strategic banking relationship. We believe that the combination of these
opportunities could provide needed cash flow to the company throughout
2008.
As
of
March 28, 2008, we had cash on hand of $297,989, including a certificate of
deposit of $116,454 which serves as collateral for a letter of credit with
a
balance of $0, accounts receivable of $104,635 and accounts payable of $69,420.
If we are unable to raise additional funds through the SEDA, we anticipate
that
our existing capital will fund operations through June 2008. As our funding
efforts continue, we plan to stage our growth by expanding our sales and
marketing programs, and by proceeding with technology development, patent
filings and essential engine certification. While interest in the alternative
energy sector is strong, we are prepared to further curtail spending if needed.
These timeframes may vary if events occur which negatively or positively affect
our operations.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
Due
to
the short-term nature of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts
payable and accrued expenses, we believe that the carrying amounts reported
in
the balance sheet approximate their fair values at the balance sheet date.
The
fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on anticipated interest rates,
which management believes would currently be available for similar issues of
debt, taking into account our current credit risk and other market factors,
which approximate fair value.
Foreign
Currency Translation
Our
results of operations and cash flows of foreign subsidiaries are translated
to
U.S. dollars at average period currency exchange rates. Assets and liabilities
are translated at end-of-period exchange rates. Foreign currency translation
adjustments related to foreign subsidiaries using the local currency as their
functional currency are included in
Accumulated
other
comprehensive loss.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
We
consider highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of ninety days
or
less to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash balances in four institutions.
At
times, our cash and cash equivalent balances may exceed amounts insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We believe we are not exposed to any
significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Restricted
Cash
We
have a
letter of credit with a financial institution which is secured by a certificate
of deposit. As long as the certificate of deposit is retained as security for
the letter of credit, it will be recorded as restricted cash.
Accounts
Receivable
Accounts
receivable are recorded at their estimated net realizable value. We follow
a
policy of providing an allowance for doubtful accounts. However, based on the
evaluation of receivables at December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006, we
believe that such accounts will be collectible and thus, an allowance is not
necessary. Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely
basis in accordance with our credit policy. Accounts considered uncollectible
are written off. Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course
of
business. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial
condition and, generally, require no collateral.
Inventories
Inventories
consist mainly of parts, work-in-process and finished goods that are stated
at
the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method) or market
value
(Note 3). We record inventories that are marked down as cost of sales, in
accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 96-9,
“Classification of Inventory Markdowns and Other Costs Associated with a
Restructuring” and note 13 of Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 100,
“Restructuring and Impairment Charges.”
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Once assets are placed in service,
depreciation is provided over estimated useful lives by using the straight-line
method. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease.
Depreciation expense was $244,403 and $142,622 for the years ended December
31,
2007 and 2006, respectively. Depreciation expense was $426,843 from inception
(May 19, 2003) to December 31, 2007. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as
incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized.
We
review
our property, plant and equipment for indicators of impairment when events
or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be
recoverable. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying amount of the asset
may not be recoverable and an impairment loss exists, the amount of the loss
will be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.
Warranty
Reserve
We
record
a warranty reserve at the time products are sold and the revenue is recognized.
We estimate the liability for product warranty costs based upon industry
standards and best estimate of future warranty claims. We recorded a warranty
reserve at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 of $36,556 and $18,397,
respectively.
Revenue
Recognition
Revenue
from the sale of our products is recognized at the time title and risk of
ownership transfer to customers. This occurs upon shipment to the customer
or
when the customer picks up the goods.
Shipping
and Handling Costs
Amounts
charged to customers and costs we incur for shipping and handling are currently
treated as expense reimbursements and are not included in revenue and cost
of
goods sold, respectively, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”)
Issue No. 00-10, “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and
Costs.”
Stock
Conversion
As
per
EITF 00-27, we evaluated the embedded beneficial conversion feature of the
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock transaction. This beneficial conversion
feature was accreted to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as a dividend
because the preferred stock was convertible immediately upon issuance. The
accretion is included on the income statement and the statement of stockholders
equity as a quasi dividend to determine net loss attributable to common
shareholders.
Business
Agreements
Income
is
also derived through business agreements for the development and/or
commercialization of products based upon our proprietary technology. Some of
the
business agreements have stipulated performance milestones and deliverables
where others require “best efforts” with no performance criteria. The business
agreements require that payments be made to us as certain milestones are reached
prior to delivery of the product to the customer. Accordingly, income related
to
business agreements are recorded as a reduction in research and development
expense, when title and risk of ownership transfers to the customer. Expenses
we
incur are recorded as research and development costs. As of December 31, 2007
and December 31, 2006, we have recorded $222,713 and $51,200, respectively
as a
reduction in research and development expense. From inception (May 19, 2003)
to
December 31, 2007, we have recorded $273,913, as a reduction in research and
development expense. We have recorded $0 and $102,972 as “Unearned project
reimbursements” for projects which are in process at December 31, 2007 and
December 31, 2006.
Grants
and Incentive Programs
We
recognize grant income as reimbursement of expenses incurred, when it is
reasonably probable that the conditions of the grant will be met. For
reimbursements of capital expenditures, the grants are recognized as a reduction
of the basis of the asset upon complying with the conditions of the grant.
We
record the receipt of funds when compliance is uncertain as “Unearned grants”
(Note 7).
Sales
and Marketing Costs
Sales
and
marketing expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation,
and other costs associated with sales and marketing personnel and advertising,
promotions, tradeshows, seminars and other marketing-related programs. We
expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006 are $28,244 and $169,544. For the period from
inception (May 19, 2003) to December 31, 2007 advertising costs were
$235,274.
General
and Administrative Costs
General
and administrative costs include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based
compensation, and other costs associated with general and administrative costs
including administrative personnel, professional fees, consulting fees and
office expense. We allocate overhead and direct production expense to products
manufactured. However, because we have not reached our production capacity,
excess manufacturing costs are expensed as incurred as general and
administrative costs. Expenses related to pre-production include salaries for
production personnel, purchasing costs and the costs associated with production
ramp up. Total pre-production costs included in general and administrative
expenses for the years ending December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 totaled
$621,718 and $721,716, respectively. For the period from inception (May 19,
2003) to December 31, 2007 pre-production expense was $1,343,434.
Research
and Development Costs
Research
and development costs include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based
compensation, and other costs associated with product development and are
expensed as they are incurred. Accordingly, our investments in technology and
patents are recorded at zero on our balance sheet, regardless of their value.
Income
Taxes
As
of
January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, which supplements Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, by defining the
confidence level that a tax position must meet in order to be recognized in
the
financial statements. FIN 48 requires that the tax effect of a position be
recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained based solely on
its technical merits as of the reporting date. If a tax position is not
considered more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical
merits, no benefits of the position are recognized. This is a different standard
for recognition than was previously required. The more-likely-than-not threshold
must continue to be met in each reporting period to support continued
recognition of a benefit. We have reviewed our tax positions and have not
identified any positions that fail the more-likely-than-not threshold. Due
to
our full valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset, the adoption of FIN
48
had no material impact on our financial statements (Note 9).
Net
Loss Per Share
Under
the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per
Share” (“SFAS 128”) and Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 98 (“SAB 98”), basic loss per share is computed by dividing our net
loss for the period by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock
outstanding during the period.
The
following table sets forth the computation of basic net loss per share of common
stock:
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss attributable to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
(7,261,784
|
)
|
$
|
(5,725,269
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
common shares outstanding
|
|
|
26,417,151
|
|
|
25,483,440
|
|
Unvested
restricted common shares
|
|
|
(92,000
|
)
|
|
(275,490
|
)
|
Weighted-average
common shares outstanding
|
|
|
26,325,151
|
|
|
25,207,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share
|
|
$
|
(.28
|
)
|
$
|
(.23
|
)
|
Diluted
net loss per share excludes potential common shares since the effect is
anti-dilutive.
In
2007,
the following shares were not included in the calculation of basic earnings
per
share due to their antidilutive effect:
|
a.
|
565,916
shares related to exercisable employee and non-employee incentive
stock
options.
|
|
b.
|
92,000
unvested restricted shares.
|
|
d.
|
1,932,846
shares of preferred stock.
|
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during
the reporting periods. Our actual results could differ from our
estimates.
Stock-Based
Compensation
Effective
January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”).
As prescribed in SFAS 123R, we have elected to use the modified prospective
transition method, and accordingly, prior periods have not been restated to
reflect the impact of SFAS 123R. Under this method, we are required to recognize
stock-based compensation for all new and unvested stock-based awards that are
ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered, beginning
January 1, 2006. We record stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line
basis over the requisite period, which is generally a four-to five-year vesting
period. Historically, we applied the intrinsic method as provided in Accounting
Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25 (“APB No. 25”), “Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations and accordingly, no
compensation cost had been recognized for stock options issued to employees
in
years prior to 2006.
In
March
2005, SAB 107 provided supplemental implementation guidance for SFAS 123R.
We
applied the provisions of SAB 107 in our adoption of SFAS 123R. As a result
of
adopting the fair value method for stock compensation, all stock options and
restricted stock awards are expensed over the award vesting period. These awards
are expensed under the same approach using the fair value measurements which
were used in calculating pro forma stock-based compensation expense under SFAS
123.
SFAS
123R
requires the use of a valuation model (Note 13), to calculate the fair value
of
stock-based awards. We have elected to utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing
model to estimate the fair value of options.
Prior
to
the adoption of SFAS 123R, we accounted for stock-based awards to employees
and
directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB No. 25 as
allowed under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS
123”). As permitted by SFAS 123, we chose to follow APB No. 25 and related
interpretations for its employee stock-based compensation. Under APB No. 25,
no
compensation expense was recognized at the time of option grant if the exercise
price of the employee stock option is fixed and equals or exceeds the fair
value
of the underlying common stock on the date of grant and the number of shares
to
be issued pursuant to the exercise of such option are known and fixed at the
date of grant. We use the fair value of common stock at the close of business
on
the date the option is approved by our Board of Directors.
We
account for options issued to non-employees (other than directors) under SFAS
123R and EITF No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to
Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods,
or
Services.” Therefore, the fair value of options issued to non-employees, as
calculated, using the Black Scholes Option pricing formula (Note 13), is
recorded as an expense over the vesting terms. Options issued to non-employees
and employees are issued using the same methodology and
assumptions.
The
following table illustrates the effect on net loss as if we had applied, prior
to January 1, 2006, the fair value recognition provisions for stock-based
employee compensation of SFAS 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure.”
|
|
Period from Inception
|
|
|
|
(May 19, 2003) to
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss attributable to common shareholders, as reported
|
|
$
|
(14,394,741
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
options and restricted stock-based employee compensation expense
included
in reported net loss
|
|
|
1,374,419
|
|
Deduct:
options and restricted stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under fair value based method
|
|
|
(1,560,221
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
forma net loss attributable to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
(14,580,543
|
)
|
Total
employee non-cash stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, for December
31, 2007 and 2006 was $499,542 and $724,209, respectively.
For
purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
granted is amortized to expense over the option vesting periods as services
are
performed (Note 13).
Warrants
We
have
granted warrants to certain finders in our private placements. Based on EITF
00-19, “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and
Potentially Settle in, a Company's Own Stock,” the sale of the warrants was
reported in permanent equity and accordingly, there is no impact on our
financial position and results of operation. Subsequent changes in fair value
will not be recognized as long as the warrants continue to be classified as
an
equity instrument (Note 12).
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
FASB
Statement No. 157
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS
157”). SFAS 157 provides a single definition of fair value, together with a
framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use
of
fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 also emphasizes that
fair
value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and
established a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being the quoted
price in active markets. This statement is effective for years beginning on
or
after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact on our
Consolidated Financial Statements, but do not believe that it will have a
material impact. We plan to adopt SFAS 157 in the first quarter of
2008.
FASB
Statement No. 159
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” (“SFAS 159”) which permits entities
to choose to measure, on an item-by-item basis, specified financial instruments
and certain other items at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items
for
which the fair value option has been elected are required to be reported in
earnings at each reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007. The provisions of this statement are required
to be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating whether to adopt SFAS
159 and if adopted, the impact of adoption.
Reclassifications
Certain
amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statements of
Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow, for the year ended
December 31, 2006 have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net loss as previously
reported.
2.
RESTATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Correction
of error related to presentation of inventory write-downs and establishment
of
inventory valuation account.
During
2006 and 2007, we recorded inventory write-downs, net of recoveries and
inventory write-offs as operating expense (Note 3). Per EITF 96-9 and note
13 of
SAB 100, inventory markdowns should be classified in the income statement as
a
component of cost of goods sold.
We
have
evaluated the financial statement impact in each of the previously filed
reporting periods effected, and concluded that the changes are quantitatively
material to our previously filed financial statements. The amounts previously
recorded in each of the two years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31,
2007
and the period from inception (May 19, 2003) to December 31, 2007 have been
adjusted for this reclassification.
The
effect of the correction of this error on the Consolidated Statement of
Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 is summarized as
follows:
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
|
|
December 31, 2007
As Previously Reported
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
December 31, 2007
As Restated
|
|
Sales
|
|
$
|
740,799
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
740,799
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of Goods Sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Material,
labor, and overhead
|
|
|
644,517
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
644,517
|
|
Inventory
markdowns
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
533,876
|
|
|
533,876
|
|
|
|
|
644,517
|
|
|
533,876
|
|
|
1,178,393
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Profit (Loss)
|
|
|
96,282
|
|
|
(533,876
|
)
|
|
(437,594
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses
related to inventory
|
|
|
981,887
|
|
|
(981,887
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Vendor
settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
448,011
|
|
|
448,011
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
5,362,168
|
|
|
(533,876
|
)
|
|
4,828,292
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Loss
|
|
|
(5,265,886
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(5,265,886
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(5,372,721
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(5,372,721
|
)
|
The
effect of the correction of this error on the Consolidated Statement of
Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 is summarized as
follows:
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
|
|
December 31, 2006
As Previously Reported
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
December 31, 2006
As Restated
|
|
Sales
|
|
$
|
278,344
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
278,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of Goods Sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Material,
labor, and overhead
|
|
|
253,723
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
253,723
|
|
Inventory
markdowns
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
428,147
|
|
|
428,147
|
|
|
|
|
253,723
|
|
|
428,147
|
|
|
681,870
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Profit (Loss)
|
|
|
24,621
|
|
|
(428,147
|
)
|
|
(403,526
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses
related to inventory
|
|
|
557,636
|
|
|
(557,636
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Vendor
settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
129,489
|
|
|
129,489
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
5,721,513
|
|
|
(428,147
|
)
|
|
5,293,366
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Loss
|
|
|
(5,696,892
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(5,696,892
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(5,752,269
|
)
|
The
effect of the correction of this error on the Consolidated Statement of
Operations for the period from inception to December 31, 2007 is summarized
as
follows:
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
|
|
Inception to
December 31, 2007
As Previously Reported
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
Inception to
December 31, 2007
As Restated
|
|
Sales
|
|
$
|
1,062,703
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
1,062,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of Goods Sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Material,
labor, and overhead
|
|
|
921,784
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
921,784
|
|
Inventory
markdowns
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
962,023
|
|
|
962,023
|
|
|
|
|
921,784
|
|
|
962,023
|
|
|
1,883,807
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Profit (Loss)
|
|
|
140,919
|
|
|
(962,023
|
)
|
|
(821,104
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses
related to inventory
|
|
|
1,539,523
|
|
|
(1,539,523
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Vendor
settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
577,500
|
|
|
577,500
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
12,462,470
|
|
|
(962,023
|
)
|
|
11,500,447
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Loss
|
|
|
(12,321,551
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(12,321,551
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
Correction
of error related to presentation of the beneficial conversion feature accretion
for Series A Preferred Stock
The
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued in 2006 had certain anti-dilution
rights. As a result of these anti-dilution rights and the sale of the Series
B
Preferred Stock on March 27, 2007, the conversion price of the Series A
Preferred Stock was reduced from $3.25 per share to $2.00 per share. We
concluded that this reduced conversion price resulted in a noncash, quasi
dividend totaling $1,889,063. Our previously filed financial statements
reflected this quasi dividend as an increase to accumulated deficit in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Loss as of December 31, 2007. Per EITF 98-5
and SAB Topic 3, when there is an accumulated deficit rather than retained
earnings, the quasi dividend should be recorded as a reduction in additional
paid-in capital.
The
effect of the correction of this error on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for
the
period ended December 31, 2007 is summarized as follows:
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
|
|
December 31, 2007
As Previously Reported
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
December 31, 2007
As Restated
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
$
|
17,749,788
|
|
$
|
(1,889,063
|
)
|
$
|
15,860,725
|
|
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
(14,394,741
|
)
|
|
1,889,063
|
|
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
Total
Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
$
|
3,381,158
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
3,381,158
|
|
The
effect of the correction of this error on the Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
for the period ended December 31, 2007 is summarized as follows:
Consolidated
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
December 31, 2007
As Previously Reported
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
December 31, 2007
As Restated
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
$
|
17,749,788
|
|
$
|
(1,889,063
|
)
|
$
|
15,860,725
|
|
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
(14,394,741
|
)
|
|
1,889,063
|
|
|
(12,505,678
|
)
|
Total
Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
$
|
3,381,158
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
3,381,158
|
|
3.
INVENTORIES
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by the
first-in, first-out method:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Component
parts
|
|
$
|
1,266,612
|
|
$
|
1,490,676
|
|
Work
in process
|
|
|
10,407
|
|
|
119,416
|
|
Finished
goods
|
|
|
378,340
|
|
|
390,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,655,359
|
|
$
|
2,001,004
|
|
We
follow
the provisions of SFAS 151, “Inventory Costs” that amends the guidance in
Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing” (ARB No.
43). Under this guidance, we allocate fixed production overhead to inventory
based on the normal capacity of the production facilities, any expense incurred
as a result of idle facility expense, freight and handling costs are expensed
as
period costs. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we allocated
approximately $23,400 and $22,000, respectively, of overhead to inventory.
We
allocated approximately $45,400 of overhead to inventory from inception (May
19,
2003) to December 31, 2007. The balance of fixed production overhead is recorded
in general and administrative costs.
Loss
on inventory
As
a
result of recent changes in our efforts to market our excess 4.9L remanufactured
engine inventory, we recorded an inventory write-down, net of recoveries of
$200,714 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The inventory write-down consists
of component parts and finished goods. The amount of inventory write-down for
the year ended December 31, 2006 was $428,147 which consisted of component
parts, finished goods, and purchase commitments. The amount of inventory
write-down from inception (May 19, 2003) through December 31, 2007 was
$628,861.
At
December 31, 2007 we recorded a loss of $333,162 for engine blocks purchased
from our supplier in China. We have rejected most of the engine blocks received
from this supplier. Based upon the Warranty and Replacement Terms agreement
with
the supplier, dated March 22, 2007, and a visit to the factory in China during
the month of October, 2007, the supplier has agreed to replace the rejected
products at no additional cost to us. However, unexpected vendor delays have
caused us to be concerned with the reliability of this vendor and doubt whether
the blocks will be replaced in a timely manner. Therefore, we have established
an allowance for the full value of this inventory at December 31, 2007. It
is
our intent to use all available resources to obtain the warranted blocks,
including a planned trip to the factory in April, 2008.
4.
NOTES PAYABLE, BANKS
At
December 31, 2007 we had a letter of credit with a bank in the amount of
$108,000. The letter of credit bears interest equal to the bank’s prime rate.
The balance of the letter of credit at December 31, 2007 was $0 and the
agreement expires on October 16, 2008. This letter of credit is secured by
a
certificate of deposit in the amount of $115,157.
On
December 10, 2007, we renewed a note from a bank for $561,304. This note matures
on December 15, 2008, and carries a variable interest rate equal to the base
rate on corporate loans posted by at least 75% of the nation’s largest banks
(Wall Street Journal U.S. Prime Rate). At December 31, 2007, the note bears
an
interest rate of 7.25% with monthly interest and principal payments of $4,484
until maturity. The balance of this note on December 31, 2007 was $561,304.
The
loan is secured by real estate.
On
December 27, 2007, we obtained funding for our yearly D&O insurance premium
through a loan agency. The original loan amount was $33,374 and requires three
quarterly payments of $11,626 beginning March 27, 2008. The loan carries an
interest rate of 8.95%.
On
March
24, 2008, we obtained a line of credit from a bank for $250,000. The line of
credit expires August 1, 2008 and is secured by real estate and a business
security agreement. The line of credit carries a variable interest rate equal
to
1.5% above the Wall Street Journal U.S. Prime Rate. Currently the line of credit
bears interest at 6.75%. As of March 31, 2008, we have not drawn any funds
from
the line of credit.
5.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term
debt consists of the following:
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
payable to City of Algona. See (a)
|
|
$
|
160,000
|
|
$
|
175,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
payable to Algona Area Economic Development Corporation. See
(b)
|
|
|
146,124
|
|
|
146,124
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
payable to Algona Area Economic Development Corporation. See
(c)
|
|
|
61,827
|
|
|
64,566
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
payable to Iowa Department of Economic Development. See
(d)
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
payable to finance company. See (e)
|
|
|
6,388
|
|
|
31,938
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
payable to bank. See (f)
|
|
|
594,246
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,368,585
|
|
|
1,417,628
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less
amounts due within one year
|
|
|
30,350
|
|
|
48,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
|
$
|
1,338,235
|
|
$
|
1,369,339
|
|
Future
maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2007 are as follows:
2009
|
|
$
|
618,621
|
|
2010
|
|
|
169,562
|
|
2011
|
|
|
200,330
|
|
2012
|
|
|
148,800
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
200,922
|
|
Total
long-term debt
|
|
$
|
1,338,235
|
|
(a)
In
September 2005, we obtained $200,000 from the City of Algona. The note requires
quarterly payments of $5,000 starting January 1, 2006, with the final payment
due October 1, 2015. There is no interest on this loan provided we create and
retain at least 42 new full-time positions for five years. If such requirements
are not met, interest on the loan will be payable at 10% per annum. At this
time
the requirements have not been met. Therefore, as of December 31, 2007, we
have
accrued interest on the note in the amount of $42,097. The loan is
collateralized by real estate.
(b)
On
June 27, 2005, we executed a note payable of $146,124 from the Algona Area
Economic Development Corporation in exchange for land received to be used for
the construction of a new facility. The loan is a ten-year partially forgivable
loan with interest at 8%, conditioned upon us achieving performance targets
as
follows:
|
·
|
$67,650
of principal and interest will be forgiven if we certify that we
have
created 50 new full-time equivalent jobs by June 1, 2010, and continuously
retained those jobs in Algona, Iowa until June 1,
2015.
|
|
·
|
$67,650
of principal and interest will be forgiven if we certify that we
have
created and continuously retained 50 additional new full-time equivalent
jobs by June 1, 2015.
|
|
·
|
Balance
of $10,824 due on June 1, 2015, without interest if paid by that
date.
|
|
·
|
Payment
of a wage for the retained jobs that is equal to or greater than
the
average hourly wage for workers in Kossuth County, Iowa, as determined
annually by Iowa Workforce
Development.
|
At
this
time the requirements have not been met. Therefore, as of December 31, 2007,
we
have accrued interest in the amount of $29,369. The loan is secured by the
real
estate.
(c)
On
December 16, 2005, we assumed a no-interest note provided by the Algona Area
Economic Development Corporation in the amount of $117,500 in conjunction with
the purchase of land and building. This note was recorded at the fair value
of
future payments using an interest rate of 10% which amounted to $70,401,
resulting in a total purchase price of the land and building of $332,901. This
note is subordinate to a short-term note held by a bank. The note requires
quarterly payments of $2,500 starting January 1, 2006, with the final payment
due July 1, 2017.
(d)
On
June 28, 2005, the Iowa Department of Economic Development (“IDED”) awarded us a
Physical Infrastructure Assistance Program (“PIAP”) grant in the amount of
$150,000. This is a five-year forgivable loan and proceeds are to be used for
the construction and equipping of the 30,000 square foot manufacturing facility.
We received payment of this award in December 2005. Other terms of the loan
include a minimum contribution of $1,543,316 for building construction,
machinery and equipment, and working capital. In addition, we must create 49
full-time equivalent positions, with 38 positions at a starting wage exceeding
$11.76 per hour, and an average wage for all positions of $24.94 per hour.
In
order to qualify for the job count, employees must be Iowa residents. We are
required to maintain the minimum employment level through the thirteenth week
after the project completion date. If requirements are not met, the balance
of
the forgivable loan determined by IDED as due and payable will be amortized
over
three years from the agreement expiration date of July 31, 2010, at 6% interest
per annum with equal quarterly payments. IDED requires end-of-year status
reports to ensure compliance. At this time the requirements have not been met.
Therefore, as of December 31, 2007, the total amount of interest accrued was
$18,764. The note is secured by a security agreement on our assets.
Also
on
June 28, 2005, IDED awarded us a Community Economic Betterment Account (“CEBA”)
forgivable loan in the amount of $250,000. This is a three-year forgivable
loan
and proceeds are to be used for the construction of the plant. We received
$150,000 of this award in December 2005. The balance of the award, $100,000,
was
received in January 2006. The terms of this award are the same as the PIAP
award
explained in the previous paragraph. At the project completion date, if we
have
fulfilled at least 50% of our job creation/retention and wage obligation, $6,579
will be forgiven for each new full-time equivalent job created and retained
and
maintained for at least ninety days past the project completion date. The
project completion date of this award is July 30, 2010. Any balance (shortfall)
will be amortized over a two-year period, beginning at the project completion
date at 6% per annum from the date of the first CEBA disbursement on the
shortfall amount, with that amount accrued as of the project completion date,
being due and payable immediately. If we have a loan balance, the shortfall
balance and existing balance will be combined to reflect a single monthly
payment. We are accruing interest on this note until the terms of the note
have
been met. The total amount of interest accrued at December 31, 2007 was $31,274.
The note is secured by a security agreement on our assets.
(e)
On
March 20, 2006, we acquired manufacturing equipment through an equipment
financing agreement with Wells Fargo Financial Leasing, Inc. The note requires
payments of $2,129 per month for 24 months. The equipment serves as collateral
for the note. At December 31, 2007, the entire remaining balance is due within
one year and considered current.
|
(f)
On March 27, 2008, we renewed a note with a bank for $591,956. The
balance
of this note on December 31, 2007 was $594,246. This note matures
on April
1, 2009, and carries a variable interest rate equal to the Wall Street
Journal U.S. Prime Rate. At December 31, 2007, the interest rate
on the
note was 7.25% and requires monthly interest and principal payments
of
$4,340. The loan is secured by real
estate.
|
At
December 31, 2007 we have created 20 jobs to meet the above job creation
requirement.
6.
CAPITALIZED LEASES
On
February 14, 2007, we entered into a capital lease agreement, to acquire
equipment totaling approximately $111,000 that is being depreciated over five
years. The lease calls for 36 monthly installments of $3,756 and a downpayment
of $15,351. This lease agreement contains a bargain purchase option at the
end
of the lease term. We have other leases with bargain purchase options that
are
being depreciated over five year periods. The purchase price for this equipment
was $49,940 and has monthly lease payments of $1,032.
The
net
book value of capital lease assets was $132,699 at December 31, 2007.
Amortization of assets held under capital lease is included with depreciation
expense.
The
following is a schedule, by years of future minimum payments, required under
the
lease together with their present value as of December 31, 2007:
2008
|
|
$
|
57,448
|
|
2009
|
|
|
57,448
|
|
2010
|
|
|
19,889
|
|
2011
|
|
|
11,586
|
|
2012
|
|
|
635
|
|
Total
minimum lease payments
|
|
|
147,006
|
|
Less
amount representing interest
|
|
|
20,804
|
|
Present
value of minimum lease payments
|
|
|
126,202
|
|
Less
amounts due within one year
|
|
|
45,247
|
|
Totals
|
|
$
|
80,955
|
|
7.
GRANTS AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
On
June
28, 2005, we signed an Enterprise Zone (EZ) Agreement with IDED. This agreement
was later amended, September 26, 2006, to include both properties on our
production site. The agreement provides the following benefits:
|
·
|
Funding
for training new employees is allowed through the new jobs and
supplemental new jobs withholding credit equal to 3.0% of gross wages
of
the new jobs created;
|
|
·
|
A
refund of 100% of the sales, service and use taxes paid to contractors
and
subcontractors during the construction phase of the plant (excluding
local
option taxes);
|
|
·
|
A
6.5% research activities tax credit based on increasing research
activities within the State of Iowa;
|
|
·
|
An
investment tax credit equal to 10% of the capital investment. This
Iowa
tax credit may be carried forward for up to seven
years;
|
|
·
|
A
value–added property tax exemption. Our community has approved an
exemption from taxation on a portion of the property in which our
business
has located.
|
In
order
to receive these benefits, we must create 59 new full-time equivalent jobs
at
the project site within three years of the date of the agreement, which was
June
28, 2005. We must also pay an average median wage of $23.89 per hour and pay
80%
of the employees' medical and dental insurance. Within three years of the
effective date of the agreement, we must also make a capital investment of
at
least $1,329,716 within the Enterprise Zone. If we do not meet these
requirements, a portion of the incentives and assistance will have to be repaid,
which will be based on the portion of requirements that we have
met.
At
December 31, 2007, we had not met all of our obligations under this agreement.
Until it is likely we will meet all of our obligations, we record benefits
received as liabilities. At December 31, 2007, we recorded approximately $25,700
in property taxes connected with the property tax exemption, as an accrued
expense.
In
August
2005, we entered into an Industrial New Jobs Training Agreement with Iowa Lakes
Community College. At December 31, 2007, we had received approximately $68,800
of the training grant, with net proceeds available of $104,000. The “New Jobs
Credit from Withholding” and the “Supplemental New Jobs Credit from Withholding”
training programs are funded through payments equaling 3% of gross wages and
are
required to be paid quarterly in the same manner as withholding payments are
reported to the Iowa Department of Revenue. The payments made to the college
are
deducted from the amount of state withholding tax collected from employee
payroll. There are fees associated with the administration of this grant. At
December 31, 2007, we recorded $35,131 for fees accrued in connection with
the
grant as accrued expenses. We also recorded unearned grant income of $30,977
at
December 31, 2007, which is the net amount received and repaid through state
withholding for the training grant.
At
December 31, 2007, we recorded unearned grant income of $30,355 for a sales
tax
refund we received from the construction of our engine production building.
8.
RELATED PARTIES
One
of
the members of our Board of Directors is the manager of an engine parts
distributor from which we purchase engine parts. Purchases from this company
for
the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 totaled $20,800 and $88,833,
respectively. Related party purchases from this company totaled $156,003 for
the
period from inception (May 19, 2003) to December 31, 2007. We do not have a
payable to this company at December 31, 2007.
This
same
engine parts distributor has purchased engines from us. The company’s purchases
from us for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $62,200 and $14,550.
At December 31, 2007, we have a receivable from this company in the amount
of
$14,246.
9.
INCOME TAXES
Our
tax
returns filed and to be filed for years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and
2006
are open to review by the Internal Revenue Service. As of March 31, 2008 we
have
not been notified that we have any tax returns under review. We have sustained
net operating losses in each of these years in the United States and for 2005
and 2006 in Canada. We h
ave
reviewed our calculations of unrecognized tax benefits that may result from
tax
uncertainties, and we believe that our estimate for unrecognized tax benefits
is
appropriate. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax
positions in our provision for income taxes.
As a
result of the adoption of FIN 48, there has been no change in unrecognized
tax
benefits.
The
tax
effects of significant items comprising our net deferred tax asset and the
related valuation allowance as of December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006,
are
as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Deferred
tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
3,840,000
|
|
$
|
2,250,000
|
|
State
|
|
|
530,000
|
|
|
310,000
|
|
Foreign
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
240,000
|
|
Total
|
|
|
4,820,000
|
|
|
2,800,000
|
|
Valuation
allowance
|
|
|
(4,820,000
|
)
|
|
(2,800,000
|
)
|
Provision
for income taxes, less valuation
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Due
to
our operating loss and lack of operating experience, a valuation allowance
was
provided for our net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2007, and December
31,
2006.
The
reconciliation of federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income
tax
rate is as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Rate
Reconciliation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected
expense/(benefit) at federal statutory rate
|
|
|
(35
|
)%
|
|
(35
|
)%
|
State
tax benefit, net of federal benefit
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
(5
|
)
|
Stock
based compensation
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
2
|
|
Foreign
tax benefit
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
(4
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
|
Valuation
allowance
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
40
|
|
Expected
tax rate
|
|
|
-
|
%
|
|
-
|
%
|
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes
and
the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred
tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Deferred
tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
operating loss carryforward
|
|
$
|
3,840,000
|
|
$
|
2,290,000
|
|
Foreign
tax benefit
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
240,000
|
|
Unrealized
inventory impairment loss
|
|
|
380,000
|
|
|
170,000
|
|
Warranty
accrual
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
Vacation
accrual
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
Stock
based compensation
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Research
and development credit
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
Total
deferred tax assets
|
|
|
4,830,000
|
|
|
2,810,000
|
|
Deferred
tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
(10,000
|
)
|
|
(10,000
|
)
|
Total
deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(10,000
|
)
|
|
(10,000
|
)
|
Gross
deferred tax asset
|
|
|
4,820,000
|
|
|
2,800,000
|
|
Valuation
allowance
|
|
$
|
(4,820,000
|
)
|
$
|
(2,800,000
|
)
|
As
of
December 31, 2007, we have a net operating loss carryforward for federal and
state income tax purposes of approximately $9,590,000 which will begin to expire
in 2018. Also, at December 31, 2007, we have a foreign net operating loss
carryforward of approximately $900,000. The amount and availability of the
net
operating loss carryforward may be subject to annual limitations set forth
by
the Internal Revenue Code and foreign taxing authorities.
10.
PREFERRED STOCK
On
March
13, 2007, we commenced the private placement of our Series B Preferred Stock.
The Board of Directors authorized 5,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock
at $2.00. We sold 1,932,846 shares for $3,865,692 and incurred expenses of
$270,597 as a result of this offering. We also issued 57,985 warrants in
connection with the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock. The warrants were
issued at an exercise price of $2.00 and expire May 15, 2012.
The
shares of Series B Preferred Stock are convertible into a number of shares
of
Common Stock at a conversion price determined by dividing the offering price
by
any lower price at which the Company may sell shares of Common Stock prior
to
the expiration of twelve months from that date of issue, May 31,
2007.
The
shares of Series B Preferred Stock are currently convertible into a number
of
shares of common stock equal to the number of shares of Series B Preferred
Stock
outstanding.
In
the
event of a sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up, prior to the date of conversion of the Series B
Preferred Stock, proceeds shall first be paid to the holders of the Series
B
Preferred Stock in the amount of the total purchase price of the shares plus
any
accrued but unpaid dividends related thereto. Any remaining proceeds will be
paid to the holders of the Common Stock.
The
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued in 2006 had certain anti-dilution
rights. As a result of the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock in 2007,
the
conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock was reduced from $3.25 per
share to $2.00 per share. This modification resulted in a beneficial conversion
totaling $1,889,063. This beneficial conversion feature was accreted to the
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as a dividend because the preferred stock
was convertible immediately upon issuance. The accretion is included on the
income statement and the statement of stockholders equity as a quasi dividend
to
determine net loss attributable to common shareholders.
All
shares of Series A Preferred Stock were converted during 2007. See Note 11
for
details.
11.
COMMON
STOCK
On
September 29, 2007, 465,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock automatically
converted to 755,625 shares of common stock per the terms of the Certificate
of
Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock dated September 29, 2006. In
addition, on October 4, 2007 the balance of the Series A Preferred Stock of
465,000 shares converted to 755,625 shares of Common Stock.
12.
WARRANTS
In
October 2006, we issued warrants to purchase a total of 134,346 shares of our
Company for services rendered in connection with our second private offering
of
Common Stock. These warrants to purchase Common Stock for $3.25 per share expire
October 15, 2010. We also issued warrants to purchase 120,900 shares of our
Common Stock for $2.00 in connection with the private placement of preferred
stock. The warrants issued in connection with the sale of Preferred Stock also
expire October 15, 2010.
On
May 3,
2007, we settled a vendor dispute by agreeing to issue 375,000 warrants as
a
settlement. The warrants carry a three year term and an exercise price of $2.00.
We account for warrants issued to vendors and suppliers under SFAS 123R and
EITF
No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other Than
Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods, or Services.”
Therefore, the fair value of options issued to the vendor, was calculated,
using
the Black Scholes Option pricing formula. Our assumptions included an expected
life of three years, a risk-free interest rate of 4.65%, and a volatility rate
of 100.73%. The calculation yielded a per warrant price of $1.54 and total
expense of $577,500. We recognized an expense of $448,011 and $129,489,
respectively for the settlement during the periods ended December 31, 2007
and
December 31, 2006. We have recognized an expense of $577,500 for the period
(May
19, 2003) to December 31, 2007.
On
May
17, 2007, we issued 57,985 warrants in connection with our Series B Private
Placement. The warrants carry a five-year term and an exercise price of
$2.00.
On
August
21, 2007, we issued 25,000 warrants for inventory purchased. The warrants carry
a three-year term and an exercise price of $2.00. Our assumptions included
an
expected life of three years, a risk-free interest rate of 4.6%, and a
volatility rate of 96.56%. The calculation, under SFAS 123R and EITF No. 96-18,
yielded a per warrant price of $.84 and total expense of $21,065. This amount
was included as part of the total inventory cost.
13.
STOCK-BASED
COMPENSATION
On
September 1, 2005, we adopted an Incentive Compensation Plan (“Incentive Plan”)
for the purpose of encouraging key officers, directors, employees and
consultants to remain with the Company and devote their best efforts to the
business of the Company. Under this plan, options may be granted to eligible
participants, at a price not less than the fair market value of the stock at
the
date of grant. Options granted under this plan may be designated as either
incentive or non-qualified options and vest over periods designated by the
Board
of Directors, generally over two to five years, and expire no later than ten
years from the date of grant. Upon exercise, we issue new shares of Common
Stock
to the employee.
We
may
also issue restricted stock under the Incentive Plan. Restricted stock awards
made under this program vest over periods designated by the Board of Directors,
generally two to four years. The aggregate number of shares authorized for
employee stock options, non-employee stock options and restricted stock awards
is 2,000,000. At December 31, 2007, there were 746,084 shares available for
grant and 1,253,916 shares granted. Of the shares granted, 361,000 were granted
as restricted stock, 201,666 were granted as non-employee stock options, and
691,250 were granted as employee and director stock options.
On
August
14, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the repricing of all of the options
granted after September 1, 2005. The Board of Directors determined such a
repricing to be appropriate in order to sustain the incentivization of the
employees. Employees’ existing option grants were repriced to an exercise price
of $1.34 per share (the closing price of the common stock as of the reprice
date). Prior exercise prices had ranged from $3.50 to $1.70 per share.
Additionally, any unvested portion of the original option will vest per the
original grant.
The
following table presents the weighted-average assumptions post repricing, used
to estimate the fair values of the stock options granted to employees and
non-employees in the periods presented, using the Black-Scholes option pricing
formula. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life
of
the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time
of
grant. The expected life is based on our historical data of option exercise
and
forfeiture. Expected volatility is based on the average reported volatility
and
vesting period of a representative sample of eight comparable companies in
the
alternative fuel technology and services niches with market capitalizations
between $14 million and $1 billion, in addition to our actual history over
a
twenty-five month period.
|
|
|
|
Period from Inception
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
(May 19, 2003) to
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk-free
interest rate
|
|
|
4.72
|
%
|
|
4.6
|
%
|
|
4.21
|
%
|
Expected
volatility
|
|
|
96.4
|
%
|
|
113.5
|
%
|
|
148.8
|
%
|
Expected
life (in years)
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
Dividend
yield
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
Weighted-average
estimated fair value of options granted during the period
|
|
$
|
.99
|
|
$
|
2.94
|
|
$
|
.99
|
|
The
following table summarizes the activity for outstanding employee and
non-employee stock options for the year ended December 31, 2007:
|
|
Options Outstanding
|
|
|
|
Number of
Shares
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
|
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(1)
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
838,666
|
|
$
|
1.85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
195,000
|
|
$
|
1.34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(148,750
|
)
|
$
|
1.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
884,916
|
|
$
|
1.16
|
|
|
5.22
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
Vested
and exercisable as
of
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
565,916
|
|
$
|
1.08
|
|
|
3.31
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
Vested
and expected to vest as
of
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
858,369
|
|
$
|
1.19
|
|
|
5.22
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
(1)
|
The
aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as approximately the difference
between the weighted-average exercise price of the underlying awards
and
our closing stock price of $.66 on December 31, 2007, the last day
of
trading in December.
|
There
were no stock options exercised during the year ending December 31, 2007. We
received $8,000 for 8,000 employee stock options exercised during 2006. The
total intrinsic value of the stock options exercised at December 31, 2006,
was
$71,520. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during 2007,
2006, and inception (May 19, 2003) to December 31, 2007 was $610,453, $487,719,
and $1,351,171.
As
of
December 31, 2007, there was approximately $934,600 of unrecognized compensation
cost related to outstanding stock options, net of forecasted forfeitures. This
amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.82
years. To the extent the forfeiture rate is different than we have anticipated,
stock-based compensation related to these awards will be different from
expectations.
The
following table summarizes the activity for the unvested restricted stock for
the year ended December 31, 2007:
|
|
Unvested Restricted Stock
|
|
|
|
Number of
Shares
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unvested
at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
218,000
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
Vested
|
|
|
(61,000
|
)
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(65,000
|
)
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
Unvested
at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
92,000
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
As
of
December 31, 2007, there was approximately $74,367 of unrecognized compensation
cost related to unvested restricted stock. This amount is expected to be
recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.75 years. To the extent actual
forfeiture rate is different than we have anticipated, the numbers of restricted
stock expected to vest would be different from expectations.
The
following table summarizes additional information about stock options
outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2007:
Options
Outstanding
|
|
Options
Exercisable
|
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Options
Outstanding
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Shares
Exercisable
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
|
481,666
|
|
|
2.97
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
|
429,666
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
$
|
1.34
|
|
|
393,250
|
|
|
7.87
|
|
$
|
1.34
|
|
|
136,250
|
|
$
|
1.34
|
|
$
|
1.40
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
9.66
|
|
$
|
1.40
|
|
|
0
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
884,916
|
|
|
5.22
|
|
$
|
1.16
|
|
|
565,916
|
|
$
|
1.08
|
|
14.
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
Standby
Equity Distribution Agreement (SEDA)
In
order
to obtain needed capital, we entered into a Standby Equity Distribution
Agreement (the “SEDA”) with an investor on April 11, 2008. For a two-year period
beginning on the date on which the SEC first declares effective a registration
statement registering the resale of our shares by the Investor, we will have
the
right, at our discretion, to sell shares of our common stock to the Investor
for
a total purchase price of up to Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000). For each
share of common stock purchased under the SEDA, The Investor will pay
ninety-three (93%) of the lowest daily volume weighted average price (“VWAP”)
during the five consecutive trading days after the Advance Notice Date (as
such
term is defined in the SEDA). Each such sale (“Advance”) may be for an amount
not to exceed $350,000 and each Advance Notice Date must be no less than five
trading days after the prior Advance Notice Date. The Advance request will
be
reduced to the extent the price of our common stock during the five consecutive
trading days after the Advance Notice Date is less that 85% of the VWAP on
the
trading day immediately preceding the Advance Notice Date.
Under
the
terms of the SEDA, we have paid a structuring fee of $10,000 and a due diligence
fee of $5,000. We are obligated to issue $160,000 worth of stock at the earlier
of the date of effectiveness of the Registration Statement or 60 days from
the
Closing Date as a Commitment Fee under the SEDA. We are also obligated to pay
a
monthly monitoring fee of $3,333 during the term of the agreement. We may
terminate the SEDA upon 15 trading days notice, provided there are no Advances
outstanding and that we have paid all amounts then due to the
Investor.
ITEM
8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENT WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE.
None
ITEM
8A(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
EVALUATION
OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Under
the
supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness
of
the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such
term
is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act")). Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other
procedures that we designed to ensure that we record, process, summarize and
report in a timely manner the information we must disclose in reports that
we
file with or submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange
Act. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that our disclosure controls
and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this
report because of the material weakness discussed below.
MANAGEMENT’S
ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING.
We
are
responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of those
internal controls. As defined by the SEC, internal control over financial
reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of
our principal executive officer and principal financial officer and
effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may
not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
We
have
assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting
as
of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, management used the criteria
set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework.
Based on our assessment and those criteria, we have concluded that our internal
control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2007,
because of the material weakness noted when we evaluated our controls over
valuation and treatment of stock conversions.
We
are
working with our Audit Committee to identify and implement corrective actions,
where required, to improve our internal controls. As of the date of this
report, management has initiated efforts to define, publish and implement
policies and procedures in key areas related to its internal controls and
financial reporting. Management plans to enhance its review and approval
procedures in the first quarter of 2008. Management plans to provide education
and implement accounting reviews as it pertains to stock conversions. In
addition, management will have future conversions reviewed by an external
subject matter expert.
This
annual report does not include an attestation report of the company’s registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the company’s registered
public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission that permit the company to provide only management’s report
in this annual report.
CHANGES
IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING.
There
were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other
factors identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph
(d)
of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the fourth quarter
ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely
to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
PART
III
ITEM
9.
|
DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVES, OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, AND CONTROL
PERSONS;
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE
ACT.
|
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy
Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC
within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007.
ITEM 10.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy
Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC
within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007.
ITEM 11.
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy
Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC
within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007.
ITEM 12.
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy
Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC
within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007.
ITEM
13.
EXHIBITS.
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Revised
and Amended Agreement and Plan of Merger with Hydrogen Engine Center,
Inc.
and Green Mt. Acquisitions, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to the
preliminary information statement filed with the SEC on July 12,
2005).
|
3.1
|
|
Certificate
of Incorporation (Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10−SB filed
January 8, 2004)
|
3.2
|
|
Bylaws
(Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10−SB filed January 8,
2004)
|
3.3
|
|
Certificate
of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (Previously filed as an
Exhibit
to the Form 10-QSB filed 11-21-2005)
|
3.4
|
|
Amendment
to Bylaws (Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10-QSB filed
11-21-2005)
|
3.5
|
|
Certificate
of Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock (Previously filed
as an
Exhibit to the Form 10-KSB filed April 17, 2007)
|
3.6
|
|
Certificate
of Designation for the Series B Preferred Stock (Previously filed
as an
Exhibit to the Form 10-KSB filed April 17, 2007)
|
4.1
|
|
Instrument
defining rights of stockholders (See Exhibits No.
3.1-3.6)
|
10.1
|
|
Iowa
State Bank Note dated 3-24-2008. (Previously filed as an Exhibit
to the
Form 10-KSB filed April 15, 2008)
|
10.2
|
|
Farmers
State Bank Note dated 3-27-2008
(Previously
filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10-KSB filed April 15,
2008)
|
10.3
|
|
Standby
Equity Distribution Agreement with YA Global Investments, L.P. dated
April
11, 2008
(Previously
filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10-KSB filed April 15,
2008)
|
10.4
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement with YA Global Investments, L.P. dated April 11,
2008
(Previously
filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10-KSB filed April 15,
2008)
|
21.1
|
|
List
of subsidiaries of Registrant
(Previously
filed as an Exhibit to the Form 10-KSB filed April 15,
2008)
|
31.1
|
|
Certification
pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-B, as adopted pursuant to Section
302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Theodore G. Hollinger, the
company's
Chief Executive Officer.
|
31.2
|
|
Certification
pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-B, as adopted pursuant to Section
302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Sandra Batt, the Company's
Chief
Financial Officer.
|
32.1
|
|
Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Theodore G. Hollinger, the Company's
Chief Executive Officer.
|
32.2
|
|
Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Sandra Batt, the Company's Chief
Financial Officer.
|
ITEM
14.
PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy
Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC
within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007.
Notes
about Forward-looking Statements
Statements
contained in this current report which are not historical facts, including
some
statements regarding the effects of the merger, acceptance of the company's
products, future value of the company’s intellectual property, levels of
competition for the company, new products and technological changes, the
company's dependence on third-party suppliers, and other risks detailed
elsewhere in this report, may be considered "forward-looking statements" under
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. We
caution readers that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance. Unknown risks and uncertainties as well as other
uncontrollable or unknown factors could cause actual results to materially
differ from the results, performance or expectations expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
duly authorized.
|
|
HYDROGEN
ENGINE CENTER., INC.
|
|
|
|
Date:
July 22, 2008
|
By
|
/s/
Theodore G. Hollinger
|
|
|
Theodore
G. Hollinger
|
|
|
Acting
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
Date:
July 22, 2008
|
By
|
/s/
Sandra Batt
|
|
|
Sandra
Batt
|
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
|
(Principal Financial
Officer)
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has
been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
Date:
July 22 , 2008
|
By:
|
/s/
Theodore G. Hollinger
|
|
|
Theodore
G. Hollinger, Director
|
|
|
Acting
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
Date:
July 22 , 2008
|
By:
|
/s/
Thomas O. Trimble
|
|
|
Thomas
O. Trimble, Director
|
|
|
|
Date:
July 22, 2008
|
By:
|
/s/ Stephen
T. Parker
|
|
|
Stephen
T. Parker, Director
|
|
|
|
Date:
July 22, 2008
|
By:
|
/s/ Philip
G. Ruggieri
|
|
|
Philip
G. Ruggieri, Director
|
Grafico Azioni Hydrogen Engine Center (CE) (USOTC:HYEG)
Storico
Da Ott 2024 a Nov 2024
Grafico Azioni Hydrogen Engine Center (CE) (USOTC:HYEG)
Storico
Da Nov 2023 a Nov 2024