TIDMAKR
RNS Number : 4148H
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
15 November 2018
November 15, 2018
This announcement contains inside information
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
Financial Results for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Akers Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKER) (AIM: AKR.L), ("Akers
Bio" or the "Company"), a developer of rapid health information
technologies, reports its financial results for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2018. A Form 10-Q containing the full
financial statements is available for viewing on the Company's
website at www.akersbio.com or www.sec.gov and the full text
appears further below.
Q3 Financial Summary:
-- Q3 total revenue $557,089 (Q3 2017: $675,831)
o Revenue from flagship PIFA Heparin PF/4 Rapid Assay products
increased by 16% to $567,262 (Q3 2017: $490,058), with the increase
principally on account of filling open backorders
o Revenue from breathalyzer product sales utilizing MPC
Biosensor technology decreased by 118% to $(18,798) (Q3 2017:
$104,094), on account of our settlement with Pulse, and a decline
in the sales of Breath Alcohol products
-- Q3 gross profit margin declined to 14% (Q3 2017: 52%),
principally on account of the Pulse litigation settlement which
resulted in a write off of BreathScan OxiChek(TM) products in the
aggregate amount of $218,799
-- Q3 operating expenses increased by 109%
o Administrative expenses increased by 108% to $1,706,651 (Q3
2017: $819,565)
o Sales and Marketing expenses decreased by 3% to $364,641 (Q3
2017: $377,091)
o Research and Development expenses decreased by 45% to $160,867
(Q3 2017: $290,447)
o Litigation Settlement Expenses incurred of $930,000
-- Q3 net loss attributable to shareholders $3,083,949 (Q3 2017: $1,177,644)
-- Cash and marketable securities at September 30, 2018 of
$6,167,451 (31 December 2017: $5,450,039)
Q3 Operational Summary:
-- Agreements signed with multiple additional Independent Sales
Representative (ISR) organizations to further expand US sales and
marketing capabilities for the Company's rapid test for
heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) - since the start of 2018,
Akers Bio has developed sales and marketing coverage through ISRs
in 39 of the 50 United States, covering more than 75 per cent of
the country's total population
-- During Q3, antigen yields in the process of extracting
antigen from the platelets used to produce our PIFA Heparin PF/4
Rapid Assay products improved, and the Company was able to fill all
of its backorders. The Company's engineers and representatives from
its supplier continue to work together to adjust processes in order
to restore the yield to appropriate levels, the results of which
are not yet determined. Furthermore, the Company is evaluating and
testing a resolution that may involve one or more alternative
antigen suppliers and processes that may provide a path to
restoring yield levels for this product. For each of these
potential solutions, the Company will be conducting production
validation and stability testing
-- The Company reached an amicable resolution by way of a
settlement agreement and release with Pulse Health, LLC. Pursuant
to the settlement, the Company paid $930,000 to Pulse and agreed to
a permanent injunction and will not make, use, sell or offer to
sell the BreathScan OxiChek(TM) product
Howard R. Yeaton, Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief
Financial Officer, commented:
"I am pleased to report growth in revenues of our core PIFA
Heparin PF/4 Rapid Assay products over the corresponding quarter of
2017, with the increase principally on account of filling open
backorders. The considerable efforts to improve the antigen yields
in the process of manufacturing these products has resulted in
improved yields, enabling us to fill all backorders. Our dedicated
technical sales account executives continue to work with our
distribution partners and Independent Sales Representatives to
drive awareness and sales of these products.
"Following new leadership's review of the Company's commercial
and product development strategies, the Company moved into the
final quarter of the year as a more focused organization, working
primarily on the commercialization of our Particle
Immuno-Filtration Assay (PIFA(R)) Technology platform.
"The Board of Directors and officers of the Company are
committed to identifying the best pathway to maximizing value for
our shareholders. An offering of common stock and warrants for
gross proceeds of $2 million last month has boosted the Company's
balance sheet, and I believe this helps to place the Company in a
strong position to evaluate strategic alternatives to maximize
shareholder value. This process is considering a range of potential
strategic alternatives including possible business combinations,
while simultaneously supporting the management and employees in the
execution of the Company's current business activities. I look
forward to reporting further on this process when appropriate."
Inquiries:
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
Howard R. Yeaton, Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief
Financial Officer
Tel. +1 856 848 8698
finnCap (UK Nominated Adviser and Broker)
Ed Frisby / Scott Mathieson (Corporate Finance)
Tel. +44 (0)20 7220 0500
Vigo Communications (Global Public Relations)
Ben Simons / Fiona Henson
Tel. +44 (0)20 7390 0234
Email: akers@vigocomms.com
About Akers Biosciences, Inc.
Akers Bio develops, manufactures, and supplies rapid screening
and testing products designed to deliver quicker and more
cost-effective healthcare information to healthcare providers and
consumers. The Company has advanced the science of diagnostics
while responding to major shifts in healthcare through the
development of several proprietary platform technologies. The
Company's state-of-the-art rapid diagnostic assays can be performed
virtually anywhere in minutes when time is of the essence. The
Company has aligned with major healthcare companies and high volume
medical product distributors to maximize product offerings, and to
be a major worldwide competitor in diagnostics.
Additional information on the Company and its products can be
found at www.akersbio.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or
historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking
statements reflect the Company's expectations about its future
operating results, performance and opportunities that involve
substantial risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include,
without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plans,
compliance with the requirements of various regulatory agencies and
certain NASDAQ Stock Market listing rules, objectives, projections,
expectations and intentions and other statements identified by
words such as "projects," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should,
" "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends,"
"plans," "potential" or similar expressions, as they relate to the
Company, its subsidiaries, or its management. These statements are
based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's
management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties,
including those detailed in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, performance,
prospects, and opportunities to may differ materially from those
set forth in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties
that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which
are beyond the Company's control). The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as required by applicable law.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2018
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File No. 001-36268
AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey 22-2983783
------------------------------ --------------------
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
201 Grove Road
Thorofare, NJ 08086
(Address of principal executive offices)
(856) 848-8698
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months, and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted
electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec.232.405 of this
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X] No
[ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer,
smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the
definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer,"
"smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [X]
Emerging growth company [X]
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the
registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [
]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
As of November 13, 2018, there were 12,474,028 shares
outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, after accounting for
the one-for-eight reverse stock split effectuated by the Company on
November 7, 2018.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017
As of
------------------------------------------
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(unaudited) (audited)
-------------------- -------------------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash $ 1,301,418 $ 438,432
Marketable Securities 4,866,033 5,011,607
Trade Receivables, net 283,228 964,671
Deposits and other receivables 30,426 16,590
Deposits and other receivables - Related Party 30,243 -
Inventories, net 807,975 947,612
Prepaid expenses 513,348 145,488
Prepaid expenses - Related Party 77,500 251,499
---------------- ---------------
Total Current Assets 7,910,171 7,775,899
---------------- ---------------
Non-Current Assets
Prepaid expenses - Related Party 273,411 120,118
Restricted Cash 500,000 -
Property, Plant and Equipment, net 258,611 235,113
Intangible Assets, net 1,002,336 1,130,667
Other Assets 76,093 76,093
---------------- ---------------
Total Non-Current Assets 2,110,451 1,561,991
---------------- ---------------
Total Assets $ 10,020,622 $ 9,337,890
================ ===============
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Trade and Other Payables $ 2,254,199 $ 1,745,216
Trade and Other Payables - Related Party 47,187 39,821
---------------- ---------------
Total Current Liabilities 2,301,386 1,785,037
---------------- ---------------
Total Liabilities 2,301,386 1,785,037
---------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Convertible Preferred Stock, No par value, 50,000,000 shares
authorized, 0 and 1,755 shares
issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December
31, 2017 - 1,755,000
Common Stock, No par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized,
11,779,584 and 5,543,867 issued
and outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December 31,
2017 119,582,020 110,647,169
Deferred Compensation - (3,469)
Comprehensive Loss (5,543) -
Accumulated Deficit (111,857,241) (104,845,847)
---------------- ---------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 7,719,236 7,552,853
---------------- ---------------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 10,020,622 $ 9,337,890
================ ===============
See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial
statements.
AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and
2017
(unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------------------ -----------------------------
2018 2017 2018 2017
--------------- ------------ --------------- -----------
Revenues:
Product Revenue $ 557,089 $ 638,331 $ 1,386,165 $ 2,378,441
License & Service Revenue - 37,500 - 37,500
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Total Revenues 557,089 675,831 1,386,165 2,415,941
Cost of Sales:
Product Cost of Sales (476,453) (323,527) (1,076,779) (872,847)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Gross Income 80,636 352,304 309,386 1,543,094
Administrative Expenses 1,650,226 819,565 4,112,444 2,440,023
Administrative Expenses - Related
Party 56,425 - 75,342 -
Sales and Marketing Expenses 381,994 342,763 1,292,844 1,254,308
Sales and Marketing Expenses -
Related Party (17,353) 34,328 41,418 128,108
Research and Development Expenses 160,867 290,447 805,619 929,730
Research and Development Expenses
- Related Party - - 54,342 22,994
Litigation Settlement Expenses 930,000 - 930,000 -
Amortization of Non-Current
Assets 42,777 42,777 128,331 128,331
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Loss from Operations (3,124,300) (1,177,576) (7,130,954) (3,360,400)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Other (Income)/Expenses
Foreign Currency Transaction
(Gain)/Loss (634) 3,195 5,271 (6,172)
Other Income (4,172) - (4,172) -
Interest and Dividend Income (35,545) (3,127) (120,659) (9,296)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Total Other Income (40,351) 68 (119,560) (15,468)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Loss Before Income Taxes (3,083,949) (1,177,644) (7,011,394) (3,344,932)
Income Tax Benefit - - - -
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net Loss Attributable to Common
Shareholders (3,083,949) (1,177,644) (7,011,394) (3,344,932)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Other Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
Marketable Securities 6,900 (1,009) (5,543) -
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Total Other Comprehensive
Income/(Loss) 6,900 (1,009) (5,543) -
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Comprehensive Loss $ (3,077,049) $ (1,178,653) $ (7,016,937) $(3,344,932)
=========== =========== =========== ==========
Basic and Diluted loss per
common share $ (0.26) $ (1.04) $ (0.65) $ (3.20)
=========== =========== =========== ==========
Weighted average basic and
diluted common shares
outstanding 11,779,584 1,111,510 10,805,151 1,033,606
=========== =========== =========== ==========
See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial
statements.
AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholder's
Equity
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018
Preferred Common Accumulated
Shares Shares Other
Issued and Preferred Issued and Common Deferred Accumulated Comprehensive Total
Outstanding Stock Outstanding Stock Compensation Deficit Loss Equity
------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------- ------------- --------------- -----------
Balance at December
31, 2017 (audited) 1,755 $ 1,755,000 5,543,867 $110,647,169 $ (3,469) $(104,845,847) $ - $ 7,552,853
Net loss - - - - - (7,011,394) - (7,011,394)
Exercise of
warrants for
common stock - - 4,770,092 7,155,200 - - - 7,155,200
Conversion of
preferred stock
to common stock (1,755) (1,755,000) 1,462,500 1,755,000 - - - -
Amortization of
deferred
compensation - - - - 3,469 - - 3,469
Issuance of
restricted
stock to key
employees - - 3,125 5,175 - - - 5,175
Issuance of
non-qualified
stock options
to key
employees - - - 6,931 - - - 6,931
Issuance of
restricted
stock for
services for
non-employees - - - 12,545 - - - 12,545
Net unrealized
loss on
marketable
securities - - - - - - (5,543) (5,543)
Balance at
September 30, 2018
(unaudited) - $ - 11,779,584 $119,582,020 $ - $(111,857,241) $ (5,543) $ 7,719,236
=========== ========== =========== =========== === ========= ============ =========== ==========
See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial
statements.
AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
(unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
-----------------------------------------------
2018 2017
--------------------- --------------------
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss $ (7,011,394) $ (3,344,932)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Accrued income on marketable securities (10,633) (148)
Depreciation and amortization 173,047 182,866
Charge for obsolescence 218,799 -
Allowance for doubtful accounts 97,000 46,239
Amortization of deferred compensation 3,469 15,784
Share based compensation to employees - options 6,931 14,502
Share based compensation to employees - restricted stock 5,175 -
Share based compensation to non-employees - options - 2,183
Share based compensation to non-employees - restricted
stock 12,545 5,455
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase)/decrease in trade receivables 584,443 (570,065)
Decrease in trade receivables - related party - 31,892
(Increase)/decrease in deposits and other receivables (13,836) 2,034
Increase in deposit and other receivables - related party (30,243) -
Increase in inventories (79,162) (111,486)
(Increase)/decrease in prepaid expenses (367,860) 68,797
Decrease in prepaid expenses - related party 20,706 38,438
Increase in other assets - (9,280)
Increase in trade and other payables 508,983 174,185
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables - related
party 7,366 (213,822)
Increase in deferred revenue - 12,500
----------------- ----------------
Net cash used in operating activities (5,874,664) (3,654,858)
----------------- ----------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (68,214) (37,191)
Purchases of marketable securities (5,309,998) (2,709,148)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities 5,460,662 2,749,119
----------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 82,450 2,780
----------------- ----------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock - 3,413,311
Net proceeds from exercise of warrants for common stock 7,155,200 301,200
----------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 7,155,200 3,714,511
----------------- ----------------
Net increase in cash and restricted cash 1,362,986 62,433
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period 438,432 72,700
----------------- ----------------
Cash and restricted cash at end of period $ 1,801,418 $ 135,133
================= ================
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Financing and Investing
Activities
Net unrealized losses on marketable securities $ (5,543) $ -
================= ================
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock to common shares $ 1,755,000 $ -
================= ================
See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial
statements.
AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business
Akers Biosciences, Inc. ("Akers"), is a New Jersey corporation.
These condensed consolidated financial statements include two
wholly owned subsidiaries, Akers Acquisition Sub, Inc. and Bout
Time Marketing Corporation, (together, the "Company"). All material
intercompany transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
The Company's primary focus is the development and sale of
disposable diagnostic testing devices that can be performed in
minutes, to facilitate time sensitive therapeutic decisions. The
Company's main products are a disposable breathalyzer test that
measures the blood alcohol content of the user, a rapid test
detecting the antibody causing an allergic reaction to Heparin.
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company
are prepared in U.S. Dollars and in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US
GAAP).
Certain information and note disclosures normally included in
the financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have
been condensed. As such, the information included in these
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31,
2017 and 2016 included in the Company's 2017 Form 10-K/A, Amendment
No. 1, as filed on July 13, 2018. In the opinion of the management,
these condensed consolidated financial statements include all
adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring nature, necessary
for a fair statement of the financial position of the Company as of
September 30, 2018 and its results of operations and cash flows for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The
results of operations for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.
The Company is an emerging growth company as the term is used in
The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act enacted on April 5, 2012
and has elected to comply with certain reduced public company
reporting requirements.
On November 8, 2018, the Company effectuated a reverse stock
split of its shares of common stock whereby every eight (8)
pre-split shares of common stock were exchanged for one (1)
post-split share of the Company's common stock ("Reverse Stock
Split"). No fractional shares were issued in connection with the
Reverse Stock Split. Stockholders who would otherwise have held a
fractional share of the common stock were given one additional full
share of the Company's common stock. Numbers presented in these
financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse
Stock Split.
(b) Use of Estimates and Judgments
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US
GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and
the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions
to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the
estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
Information about significant areas of estimation, uncertainty and
critical judgments in applying accounting policies that have the
most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial
statements is included in the following notes for revenue
recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory
write-downs, impairment of intangible assets and valuation of
share-based payments.
(c) Functional and Presentation Currency
These condensed consolidated financial statements are presented
in U.S. Dollars, which is the Company's functional currency. All
financial information presented in U.S. Dollars has been rounded to
the nearest dollar. Foreign Currency Transaction Gains or Losses,
resulting from loans and cash balances denominated in Foreign
Currencies, are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
(d) Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board
Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) 220 in reporting
comprehensive income (loss). Comprehensive income is a more
inclusive financial reporting methodology that includes disclosure
of certain financial information that historically has not been
recognized in the calculation of net income.
(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances. The Company
considers all highly liquid investments, which include short-term
bank deposits (up to 3 months from date of deposit) that are not
restricted as to withdrawal date or use, to be cash equivalents.
Bank overdrafts are shown as part of trade and other payables in
the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(f) Restricted Cash
At September 30, 2018, restricted cash included in non-current
assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet was
$500,000 representing cash in trust for the purpose of funding
legal fees for certain threatened litigation.
(g) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash
equivalents, marketable securities, receivables and trade and other
payables. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents,
receivables and trade and other payables approximate their fair
value because of their short maturities.
The framework for measuring fair value provides a fair value
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used
to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to
unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities (level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable
inputs (level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy
under FASB ASC 820 are described as follows:
Level Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities
1 in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
-- quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-- quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-- inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
-- inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation
or other means
If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable
for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
3
The asset or liability's fair value measurement level within the
fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is
significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques
maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use
of unobservable inputs.
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used
for assets measured at fair value as of September 30, 2018 and
December 31, 2017.
U.S. Agency Securities and Corporate and Municipal Securities:
Valued using pricing models maximizing the use of observable inputs
for similar securities. This includes basing value on yields
currently available on comparable securities of issuers with
similar credit ratings.
Quoted Prices in Quoted Prices for
Active Markets for Similar Assets or
Identical Assets or Liabilities in Significant
Liabilities Active Markets Unobservable Inputs
(Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
------------------------ -------------------- ----------------------
Marketable securities at
September 30, 2018 $ - $ 4,866,033 $ -
=== ===================== ================ ==================
Marketable securities at
December 31, 2017 $ - $ 5,011,607 $ -
=== ===================== ================ ==================
Marketable securities include U.S. agency securities, corporate
securities, and municipal securities, which are classified as
available for sale. The securities are valued at fair market value.
Maturities of the securities are less than one year. Unrealized
gains and losses relating to the available for sale investment
securities were recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Changes in Shareholders' Equity as comprehensive income. These
amounts were an increase of $6,900 and a decrease of $5,543 in
unrealized losses for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2018. These amounts were a decrease of $1,009 and $0 in unrealized
gains for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities in the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $3,153,987 and
$5,460,662. Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities in the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $1,003,565 and
$2,749,119. Gross gains and losses, resulting from these sales,
amounted to a loss of $6,900 and a gain of $1,719 for the three
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and a loss of $11,300 and
a gain of $3,375 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and
2017.
(h) Trade Receivables, Trade Receivables - Related Party and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The carrying amounts of current trade receivables is stated at
cost, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and approximate their
fair value given their short-term nature.
The normal credit terms extended to customers ranges between 30
and 90 days. Credit terms longer than these may be extended after
considering the credit worthiness of the customers and the business
requirements. The Company reviews all receivables that exceed terms
and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on
management's assessment of the collectability of trade and other
receivables. A considerable amount of judgment is required in
assessing the amount of allowance. The Company considers the
historical level of credit losses, makes judgments about the credit
worthiness of each customer based on ongoing credit evaluations and
monitors current economic trends that might impact the level of
credit losses in the future.
As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, allowances for
doubtful accounts for trade receivables were $693,196 and $596,196.
Bad debt expenses for trade receivables were $0 and $0 for the
three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and
$125,500 and $47,741 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
and 2017, respectively.
(i) Concentrations
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash on
deposit with financial institutions and accounts receivable. At
times, the Company's cash in banks is in excess of the FDIC
insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any loss as a
result of these cash deposits. These cash balances are maintained
with four banks.
Major Customers
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, three customers
generated 61%, 18% and 16%, or 95% in the aggregate, of the
Company's revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018,
two customers generated 55% and 17%, or 72% in the aggregate, of
the Company's revenue. As of September 30, 2018, the amount due
from these two customers was $69,567. This concentration makes the
Company vulnerable to a near-term severe impact should these
relationships be terminated.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, two customers
generated 42% and 27%, or 69% in the aggregate, of the Company's
revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, three
customers generated 34%, 21% and 17%, or 72% in the aggregate, of
the Company's revenue.
Three customers accounted for 47%, 15%, and 13% or 75%, in the
aggregate, of gross trade receivables, before accounting for
allowance for doubtful accounts, as of September 30, 2018. To limit
such risks, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its
customers' financial condition. As of September 30, 2018, the
Company had $457,881, $146,196 and $127,329 in trade receivables,
respectively, from these customers.
Major Suppliers
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, three suppliers
accounted for 25%, 18% and 11%, or 54% in the aggregate, of the
Company's purchases. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018,
one supplier accounted for 14% of the Company's purchases.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, two suppliers
accounted for 18% and 13%, or 31% in the aggregate, of the
Company's purchases. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,
one supplier accounted for 11% of the Company's purchases.
Two vendors accounted for 21% and 14%, or 35%, in the aggregate,
of trade payables as of September 30, 2018. As of September 30,
2018, the Company had $150,668 and $98,738 in trade payables,
respectively, from these vendors.
(j) Property, Plant and Equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less
accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs
include expenditures that are directly attributable to the
acquisition of the asset.
Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and
equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal
with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are
recognized within "other income" in the Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
Depreciation is recognized in profit and loss on the accelerated
basis over the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and
equipment. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the
lease term or their useful lives.
Depreciation expense totaled $17,366 and $18,709 for the three
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $44,716
and $54,536 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
(k) Intangible Assets
The Company's long-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill,
are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate
there may be an impairment. These assets were initially recorded at
their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition and assets
not acquired in acquisitions were recorded at historical cost.
However, if their estimated fair value is less than the carrying
amount, other intangible assets with indefinite life are reduced to
their estimated fair value through an impairment charge to our
condensed consolidated statements of income.
Intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017
were $1,002,336 and $1,130,667, respectively. Intangible assets at
September 30, 2018 consisted of patents, trademarks and customer
lists of $3,897,635 net of accumulated amortization and impairment
of $2,895,299.
Effective on October 9, 2018, the Company pulled the OxiChek
product line from the market (See note 3). This served as a
triggering event for testing whether or not our intangible assets
were impaired. The Company then preformed a recoverability analysis
and determined that as of September 30, 2018, there was no
indication of impairment.
Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the
estimated useful lives of intangible assets, other than goodwill,
from the date that they are available for use. Amortization expense
was $42,777 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
and $128,331 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and
2017.
The following is an annual schedule of approximate future
amortization of the Company's intangible assets:
Period Amount
-------------------- --------
2018 (three months) $ 42,777
2019 171,108
2020 149,298
2021 147,315
2022 147,315
2023 147,315
(l) Revenue Recognition
In accordance with FASB ASC 605, the Company recognizes revenue
when (i) persuasive evidence of a customer or distributor
arrangement exists, (ii) a retailer, distributor or wholesaler
receives the goods and acceptance occurs, (iii) the price is fixed
or determinable, and (iv) the collectability of the revenue is
reasonably assured. Subject to these criteria, the Company
recognizes revenue from product sales when title passes to the
customer based on shipping terms. The Company typically does not
accept returns nor offer charge backs or rebates except for certain
distributors. Revenue recorded is net of any discount, rebate or
sales return. The accrual for estimated sales returns was $- as of
September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. In cases where the right
of return is granted, and the Company does not have historical
experience to reasonably estimate the sales returns, the revenue is
recognized when the return privilege has substantially expired.
The Company may provide for rebates to the distributors under
limited circumstances. The Company established an accrual of
$71,632 and $126,471 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31,
2017. Accounts receivable will be reduced when the rebates are
applied by the customer. The Company recognized $26,262 and $51,791
during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively, for rebates and $70,156 and $224,469 during the nine
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is
included as a reduction of product revenue in the Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
License fee revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over
the term of the license agreement.
When the Company enters into arrangements that contain more than
one deliverable, the Company allocates revenue to the separate
elements under the arrangement based on their relative selling
prices in accordance with FASB ASC 605-25.
(m) Income Taxes
The Company utilizes an asset and liability approach for
financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. The provision
for income taxes is based upon income or loss after adjustment for
those permanent items that are not considered in the determination
of taxable income. Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects
of differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of the
Company's assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates in effect
for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets
and establishes a valuation allowance when it is more likely than
not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. Management makes judgments as to the interpretation of
the tax laws that might be challenged upon an audit and cause
changes to previous estimates of tax liability. In management's
opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made. If
actual taxable income by tax jurisdiction varies from estimates,
additional allowances or reversals of reserves may be
necessary.
Tax benefits are recognized only for tax positions that are more
likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax
authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest
amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be
realized upon settlement. A liability for "unrecognized tax
benefits" is recorded for any tax benefits claimed in the Company's
tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement
standards. As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, no liability for
unrecognized tax benefits was required to be reported.
There was no income tax expense for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. There is no income tax benefit
for the losses for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2018 and 2017 since management has determined that the realization
of the net deferred assets is not assured and has created a
valuation allowance for the entire amount of such tax benefits.
The Company's policy for recording interest and penalties
associated with tax audits is to record such items as a component
of general and administrative expense. There were no amounts
accrued for penalties and interest for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company does not expect its
uncertain tax position to change during the next twelve months.
Management is currently unaware of any issues under review that
could result in significant payments, accruals or material
deviations from its position.
The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state
tax returns in New Jersey, California, Connecticut and Minnesota as
its "major" tax jurisdictions, and such returns for the years 2015
through 2017 remain subject to examination.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") was enacted on
December 22, 2017. The Tax Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate
tax rate from 35% to 21%. As December 31, 2017, the Company had
made a reasonable estimate of the effects of the Tax Act. This
estimate incorporates assumptions made based upon the Company's
current interpretation of the Tax Act and may change as the Company
may receive additional clarification and implementation guidance
and as the interpretation of the Tax Act evolves. In accordance
with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting
Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("SAB 118"), which allows
us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to
extend beyond one year form the enactment date. SAB 118 was
codified by the FASB as part of ASU No. 2018-05, Amendments to SEC
Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. As of
June 30, 2018, we have not made any additional measurement period
adjustments. Such adjustments may be necessary in future periods
due to, among other things, the significant complexity of the Act
and anticipated additional regulatory guidance that may be issued
by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), changes in analysis,
interpretations and assumptions the Company has made and actions
the Company may take as a result of the Act. We are continuing to
gather information to assess the application of the Act and expect
to finalize the accounting for the effects of the Tax Act no later
than the fourth quarter of 2018. Future adjustments made to the
provisional effects will be reported as a component of income tax
expense in the reporting period in which any such adjustments are
determined. Based on the new tax law that lowers corporate tax
rates, on December 31, 2017, the Company revalued its deferred tax
assets.
(n) Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
The Company charges actual shipping plus a handling fee to
customers, which amounted to $8,625 and $13,679 for the three
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $41,006
and $47,148 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively. These fees are classified as part of product revenue
in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss. Shipping and other related delivery costs,
including those for incoming raw materials consumed are classified
as part of the cost of sales, which amounted to $18,126 and $16,148
for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively, and $83,063 and $63,719 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(o) Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share of Common Stock
Basic earnings per common share are based on the weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the periods presented.
Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average
number of common shares plus dilutive common share equivalents
outstanding during the period. Potential common shares that would
have the effect of increasing diluted earnings per share are
considered anti-dilutive, i.e. the exercise prices of the
outstanding stock options were greater than the market price of the
common stock.
The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the
three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was based on the
loss attributable to common shareholders of $3,083,949 and
$1,177,644, respectively, and $7,011,394 and $3,344,932 for the
nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The
basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
was 11,779,584 and 1,111,510, respectively, and 10,805,151 and
1,033,606 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted
average number of common and dilutive potential common shares
outstanding during the period.
The following securities are excluded from the calculation of
weighted average dilutive common shares because their inclusion
would have been anti-dilutive:
For the Three and Nine Months
Ended September 30,
--------------------------------
2018 2017
------------------ ------------
Incentive and Award Stock Options 10,500 31,875
Unvested Restricted Shares of Common Stock - 1,146
Warrants 1,416,229 186,321
----------------- ------------
Total potentially dilutive shares 1,426,729 219,342
================= ============
(p) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
As the Company is an emerging growth company, it has elected to
adopt recently issued accounting pronouncements based on effective
dates applicable to other than public business entities.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of
Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash. The amendments in this
Update require that a statement of cash flows explains the change
during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and
amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash
equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted
cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash
and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of period and
end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows.
The amendments in this Update do not provide a definition of
restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in
this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within
those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and
interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this as of
January 1, 2018 (See note 2(f)).
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Adopted
In May 2014 and April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 and
ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).
The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should
recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or
services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration
to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those
goods or services. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which
deferred the effective date of Update 2014-09 to annual reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and for entities other
than public business entities, and to annual reporting periods
beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting
periods within that reporting period for public business entities.
Early application is permitted as of annual reporting periods
beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim reporting
periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently
evaluating the effect of the amendments, but it does not anticipate
a material impact of its financial statements. The Company expects
to use the modified retrospective adoption method and will adopt
this Update as of January 1, 2019.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic
842). The amendments in this Update specify the accounting for
leases. The core principle of Topic 842 is that a lessee should
recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. For
public business entities, the amendments in this Update are
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,
including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is
evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation-Stock
Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based
Payment Accounting, which expands the scope of Topic 718 to include
share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services
from nonemployees. The guidance is effective for public business
entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee
benefit plans for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,
including interim periods within that fiscal year. For all other
entities, ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted, but
no earlier than an entity's adoption date of Topic 606. The Company
is evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement.
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, Codification
Improvements, to makes changes to a variety of topics to clarify,
correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the Accounting
Standards Codification. Certain items of the amendments in ASU
2018-09 will be effective for the Company in annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently
evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2018-09 will have on the
consolidated financial statements.
Note 3 - Key Recent Events and Management Plans
By way of a letter dated November 28, 2017, the Listing
Qualifications Department of NASDAQ advised the Company that it did
not comply with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued
listing, because the Company's common stock did not meet NASDAQ's
minimum $1.00 bid price requirement (the "Price Requirement"). The
Company informed Nasdaq that the Company is fully committed to
regain compliance with the Price Requirement as quickly as possible
and, therefore, proposed to institute a reverse stock split. NASDAQ
approved of the Company's proposal of a reverse stock split and
granted the Company until November 26, 2018, for the Company to be
in compliance with the Price Requirement. The Company's latest
reported stock price on November 13, 2018 was $2.46. If the
Company's stock remains priced above $1.00 by the end of trading on
November 21, 2018, it is expected that Nasdaq would give the
Company notice of its compliance with the Price Requirement.
On April 25, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company
terminated Dr. Raymond F. Akers from his position as Executive
Chairman of the Board and from each of his officer positions as
Chief Scientific Director and Secretary of the Company. Dr. Raymond
F. Akers continued as a member of the Board of Directors until his
resignation on May 27, 2018.
On April 25, 2018, the Board appointed Richard Carlyle Tarbox
III, a director of the Company as the interim Non-Executive
Chairman of the Board, to hold that position until his successor is
appointed, and to the position of Secretary of the Company.
By way of a letter dated May 22, 2018, the Listing
Qualifications Department of NASDAQ advised the Company that it did
not comply with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) for continued
listing because NASDAQ has not received the Company's Quarterly
Report. Company filed a Current Report on a Form 8-K with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on May 25, 2018, that NASDAQ has
informed the Company that the Company is required to submit a plan
to regain compliance with NASDAQ's filing requirements for
continued listing within 60 calendar days of the date of the
Notice. NASDAQ informed the Company that it is in Compliance with
NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) on July 12, 2018.
On June 11, 2018, the Company received a letter from the Listing
Qualifications Department NASDAQ notifying the Company that it has
determined that the Company violated the shareholder approval
requirements of Listing Rule 5635(c). Listing Rule 5635(c) requires
shareholder approval prior to the issuance of securities when a
stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially
amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially
amended, pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers,
directors, employees or consultants.
Prior to the Company's public offering and listing on NASDAQ,
the Company's 2013 Incentive Stock and Award Plan (the "2013 Plan")
was approved by its Board of Directors. NASDAQ has concluded that
the 2013 Plan was materially amended on two occasions after the
Company's public offering and listing on NASDAQ. The first
amendment, as approved by the Board on January 9, 2015, increased
the number of shares available under the 2013 Plan from 50,000 to
100,000 shares and the second amendment, as approved by the Board
on October 5, 2016, increased the number of shares under the 2013
Plan from 100,000 to 103,750 shares (the "2013 Plan
Amendments").
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company promptly notified
NASDAQ, as required by Listing Rule 5625, when it became aware of
its potential non-compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c). On May 4,
2018, the Staff requested additional information from the Company
with respect to such non-compliance and on May 31, 2018, the
Company responded. On June 25, 2018, the Company submitted a plan
to NASDAQ to remediate this matter (the "5635 Compliance Plan").
The 5635 Compliance Plan included that a proposal for shareholders
of the Company to ratify the 2013 Plan Amendments be included in
the proxy statement for the Company's 2018 annual meeting of the
shareholders of the Company and that the Company shall suspend the
trading of each share granted, and each share granted upon the
exercise of any option granted, in excess of 50,000 shares under
the 2013 Plan (the number of shares properly approved pursuant to
the 2013 Plan prior to the 2013 Plan Amendments until shareholder
ratification). The 5635 Compliance Plan also proposes to prevent
the exercise of any option granted under the 2013 Plan until
shareholder ratification.
On July 12, 2018, NASDAQ approved of the 5635 Compliance Plan
and granted the Company until December 10, 2018, to regain
compliance with Listing Rule 5635. The Company intends to have a
shareholder meeting on December 7, 2018 to approve the amendments
to the 2013 Plan.
On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class
action lawsuits against the Company. See Note 10 - Contingencies
for details.
On July 26, 2018, the Company implemented a reduction in
workforce plan which resulted in the elimination of six staff
positions in four operating departments.
On September 6, 2018, with the recommendation of the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee (the "N&G Committee") of the
Board appointed Mr. Joshua Silverman as a Director of the Company
for a term that expires at the Company's 2018 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, or until his earlier death, disability, resignation
or removal.
On September 17, 2018, the Company reached an amicable
resolution by way of a settlement agreement and release (the
"Settlement Agreement") with Pulse Health, LLC, an Oregon limited
liability company (the "Plaintiff") with respect to the lawsuit
Plaintiff filed against the Company, in the United States District
Court, District of Oregon (the "Court"), Case No.:3:16-CV-01919-HZ
(the "Litigation"), effective upon the Court entering a permanent
injunction against the Company, which the Court has entered on to
the docket on October 4, 2018. Pursuant to the settlement reached
between the Plaintiff and the Company, on October 9, 2018 the
Company paid $930,000 to the Plaintiff. The Company has also agreed
to a permanent injunction and will not make, use, sell or offer to
sell the BreathScan OxiChek(TM) product, any product that detects
aldehydes or oxidative stress in exhaled human breath or breath
condensate using either basic fuchsin or sodium metabisulfite or
any form, analog or equivalent thereof, and the BreathScan Lync
device, or any equivalent thereof, as part of a test for aldehydes
or oxidative stress in human exhaled breath or breath condensate.
The Company does not anticipate a material impact on revenues as a
result of the withdrawal of the BreathScan OxiChek(TM) product from
sale. The Settlement Agreement does not contain any admission of
liability, wrongdoing, or responsibility by any of the parties.
On October 5, 2018, John J. Gormally submitted to the Board his
resignation from his position as the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and as a member of the Board, effective immediately.
Mr.
Gormally's resignation was voluntary and not a result of any
disagreement with the Company or its executive officers on any
matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices.
In connection with his resignation from the Board, Mr. Gormally
entered into a Resignation Agreement with the Company.
Effective on October 5, 2018, the Board appointed Howard R.
Yeaton, who through Financial Consulting Strategies LLC ("FCS")
served previously as a consultant to the Company, to serve as the
Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer of the
Company. Mr. Yeaton is the managing principal of FCS and the
Company's relationship with FCS shall continue, with FCS continuing
to provide accounting services to the Company. FCS is considered to
be a related party. During the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2018, the Company expensed $56,425 and $75,342,
respectively, to FCS in connection with these services. As of
September 30, 2018, the Company owed FCS $22,862 which is included
in trade and other payables - related party on the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
On October 6, 2018, finnCap Ltd, the Company's Nominated Adviser
on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange ("finnCap"), gave
the Company formal three months' notice of its resignation as the
Company's Nominated Adviser and Broker. Should finnCap cease to act
as the Company's Nominated Adviser and the Company does not appoint
a replacement Nominated Adviser, the Company's shares will be
suspended from trading on AIM with immediate effect. The Company
would then have one further month to appoint a replacement
Nominated Adviser failing which the admission of its AIM securities
will be cancelled.
On October 8, 2018, the Board, following a review of the
Company's commercial and product development strategies, determined
that it is in the best interests of the Company to focus primarily
on the commercialization of its Particle Immuno-Filtration Assay
(PIFA(R)) Technology platform, and to explore other commercial
opportunities for the deployment of PIFA(R) technology, which is
also utilized in the Company's core commercialized products, the
PIFA(R) Heparin/PF4 and PIFA(R) Pluss/PF4 rapid assays, which test
for an allergic reaction to Heparin. The Company will continue to
manufacture BreathScan Alcohol Detectors (based on the Company's
Micro Particle Catalyzed (MPC(R)) Biosensor technology platform)
and Tri-Cholesterol products (based on the Company's Rapid
Enzymatic Assay (REA(TM)) technology platform. The Company is
taking steps to improve its market presence for these products
including the use of specialized independent sales representatives
and through a program to educate the marketplace through the
preparation and publication of additional clinical studies and
physician seminars on the risks associated with heparin induced
thrombocytopenia.
On October 18, 2018, Richard C. Tarbox III submitted to the
Board his resignation from his positions as interim Non-Executive
Chairman of the Board, as Secretary of the Company, as a member of
the Board and as a member of each of the committees of the Board
upon which he serves, effective immediately. Mr. Tarbox's
resignation was voluntary and as a result of his other business
commitments, and not a result of any disagreement with the Company
or its executive officers on any matter relating to the Company's
operations, policies or practices.
On October 19, 2018, as a result of Mr. Tarbox's resignation
from the Board and its committees the Board appointed Joshua
Silverman to its Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, having determined
that he satisfies all applicable requirements to serve on such
committees, including without limitation the applicable
requirements of NASDAQ.
On November 2, 2018, the Company entered into a securities
purchase agreement with certain investors (the "Purchase
Agreement") pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell an
aggregate of 694,445 shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase approximately 694,445 shares of common stock (the
"Warrants"). The combined purchase price for one share of common
stock and each Warrant will be priced at $2.88 (the "Offering").
The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations,
warranties, and covenants by the Company.
Each Warrant has an initial exercise price of $3.76 per share,
will be exercisable immediately after the date of issuance and will
expire five years from the date it becomes exercisable. Subject to
limited exceptions, a holder of the Warrants will not have the
right to exercise any portion of such securities if the holder,
together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of
4.99% of the number of shares of the Company's common stock
outstanding immediately after the exercise. The exercise price of
the Warrants, and in some cases the number of shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, will be subject to
adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends,
combinations, rights offerings and similar events affecting the
common stock.
In addition, the Warrants provide that, in the event of a
fundamental transaction (as such term is described in the Warrant),
the holder of such Warrant, at the holder's option, may receive,
for each warrant share (as such term is described in the Warrant)
that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior
to the occurrence of such fundamental transaction, the number of
shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or
of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any
additional consideration receivable as a result of such fundamental
transaction by a holder of the number of shares of common stock for
which the Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such
fundamental transaction. If holders of common stock are given any
choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a
fundamental transaction, then the holder shall be given the same
choice as to the alternate consideration it receives upon any
exercise of the Warrant following such fundamental transaction. The
Company shall cause any successor entity (as such term is described
in the Warrant), at the option of the holder, to deliver to the
holder in exchange for the Warrant a security of the successor
entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in
form and substance to the Warrant which is exercisable for a
corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such successor
entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of common
stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of the Warrant
(without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant)
prior to such fundamental transaction, and with an exercise price
which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of
capital stock.
The Offering was made pursuant to a shelf registration statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 333-214214), previously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 24, 2016 and declared
effective on November 16, 2016. Such securities are being offered
only by means of a prospectus.
On November 7, 2018, effective as of November 8, 2018, the
Company filed a Certificate of Amendment (the "Certificate of
Amendment") to its Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of New
Jersey to effect a reverse stock split of its common stock at a
ratio of eight-for-one (8-for-1). As a result of the reverse stock
split, there are approximately 12,474,028 shares of common stock
outstanding. The reverse stock split affected all stockholders
uniformly and did not alter any stockholder's percentage interest
in the Company's equity, except to the extent that the reverse
stock split would have resulted in a stockholder owning a
fractional share. Fractional shares have not been issued as a
result of the reverse stock split; instead, the board of directors
of the Company determined to effect an issuance of shares to
holders that would otherwise have been entitled to a fractional
share such that any fractional shares were rounded up to the
nearest whole number.
On November 7, 2018, the announced that the Board of Directors
has initiated a process to evaluate strategic alternatives to
maximize shareholder value. This process will consider a range of
potential strategic alternatives including, but not limited to,
business combinations, while simultaneously supporting the
Company's management and employees in the execution of the
Company's current business activities. The Company does not plan to
disclose or comment on developments regarding the strategic review
process until it is complete or further disclosure is deemed
appropriate. There can be no assurance that the exploration of
strategic alternatives will result in any transaction or other
alternative.
Historically, the Company has relied upon public offerings and
private placements of Common Stock to raise operating capital.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company raised
$9,478,897, net of expenses, in public and private offerings and an
additional $981,948, net of expenses, from the exercise of
warrants. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company raised an
additional $7,155,200 from the exercise of warrants (Note 7). On
November 2, 2018, the Company raised gross proceeds of $2,000,000
through the sale of 694,445 shares of the Company's common stock.
Each share includes a warrant to purchase one share of common stock
at an exercise price of $3.76. As of November 7, 2018, the Company
had cash and marketable securities of approximately $6.2 million
and working capital of approximately $6.2 million.
The Company believes that its current working capital position
will be sufficient to meet its obligations as they fall due within
one year after these financial statements are issued.
Note 4 - Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable
value. The cost of inventories is based on the weighted-average
principle, and includes expenditures incurred in acquiring the
inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs
incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition.
In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, costs
include an appropriate share of production overhead based on normal
operating capacity.
Inventories consist of the following:
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
-------------------- -------------------
Raw Materials $ 562,175 $ 458,441
Sub-Assemblies 907,381 886,274
Finished Goods 582,427 815,505
Reserve for Obsolescence (1,244,008) (1,212,608)
---------------- ---------------
$ 807,975 $ 947,612
================ ===============
Obsolete inventory charged to cost of goods during the three
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 totaled $219,701 and
$2,664, respectively, and $251,984 and $3,158 during the nine
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company
reserved $218,799 of inventory for the removal of OxiChek from the
market which is included in cost of goods sold and wrote-off,
against the reserve, $187,399 of expired BreathScan Alcohol
products, resulting in a net increase of $31,400 in the reserve for
obsolescence as of September 30, 2018 compared to that as of
December 31, 2017.
Note 5 - Trade and Other Payables
Trade and other payables consist of the following:
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
-------------------- -------------------
Trade Payables $ 684,966 $ 948,951
Accrued Expenses 1,509,483 736,515
Deferred Compensation 59,750 59,750
---------------- ---------------
$ 2,254,199 $ 1,745,216
================ ===============
Trade and other payables - related party are as follows:
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
-------------------- -------------------
Trade Payables $ 47,187 $ 39,821
--- --------------- --- --------------
$ 47,187 $ 39,821
=== =============== === ==============
Note 6 - Share-based Payments
On January 23, 2014, upon effectiveness of the registration
statement filed with the SEC, the Company adopted the 2013 Stock
Incentive Plan (the "Plan") which will provide for the issuance of
up to 50,000 shares. The purpose of the Plan is to provide
additional incentive to those officers, employees, consultants and
non-employee directors of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries
and affiliates whose contributions are essential to the growth and
success of the Company's business.
On January 9, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company
approved, upon recommendation from the Compensation Committee of
the Board, by unanimous written consent the Amended and Restated
2013 Incentive Stock and Award Plan (the "Amended Plan"), which
increases the number of authorized shares of Common Stock subject
to the Plan to 100,000 shares (Note 3).
On September 30, 2016, the Board of Directors increased the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock subject to the Amended
Plan to 103,750 shares. As of September 30, 2018, grants of
restricted stock and options to purchase 10,500 shares of Common
Stock have been issued, pursuant to the Amended Plan, and are
unvested or unexercised and 22,287 shares of Common Stock remain
available for grants under the Amended Plan (Note 3).
On August 7, 2017, the Shareholders approved and the Company
adopted the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") which will
provide for the issuance of up to 168,750 shares. The purpose of
the Plan is to provide additional incentive to those officers,
employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company
and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates whose contributions
are essential to the growth and success of the Company's business.
As of September 30, 2018, grants totaling 40,013 shares of
restricted Common Stock have been issued pursuant to the Plan and
128,737 shares of Common Stock remain available for grants under
the Plan.
The Plan is administered by the Board or a Board-appointed
committee. Eligible recipients of option awards are employees,
officers, consultants or directors (including non-employee
directors) of the Company or of any parent, subsidiary or affiliate
of the Company. The Board has the authority to grant to any
eligible recipient any options, restricted stock or other awards
valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on,
the Company's Common Stock.
The Company did not issue any options or warrants under the
above plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Stock Options
The following table summarizes the option activities for the
nine months ended September 30, 2018:
Weighted
Average
Weighted Weighted Remaining
Number Average Average Contractual Aggregate
of Exercise Grant Date Term Intrinsic
Shares Price Fair Value (years) Value
-------- ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 2017 31,875 $ 34.00 $ 20.48 2.02 $ -
Granted - - - - -
Exercised - - - - -
Forfeited (21,375) 35.76 22.00 1.07 -
Canceled/Expired - - - - -
------- ------ --------
Balance at September 30, 2018 10,500 $ 30.40 $ 17.44 1.69 $ -
======= ====== ========
Exercisable as of September 30,
2018 10,500 $ 30.40 $ 17.44 1.69 $ -
======= ====== ========
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference
between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the closing
stock price of $2.27 for the Company's common shares on September
30, 2018.
As of September 30, 2018, all of the Company's outstanding stock
options were fully vested and exercisable.
During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the
Company incurred stock option expenses totaling $1,477 and $4,373,
respectively, and $6,931 and $16,685 during the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Stock Warrants
The table below summarizes the warrant activity for the nine
months ended September 30, 2018:
Average
Weighted Remaining
Average Contractual Aggregate
Number of Exercise Term Intrinsic
Warrants Price (years) Value
----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31, 2017 6,186,321 $ 1.76 4.95 $ -
Granted - - -
Exercised (4,770,092) 1.52 -
Forfeited - - -
Canceled/Expired - - -
---------- -------
Balance at September 30, 2018 1,416,229 $ 2.80 4.15 $ 947,029
========== =======
Exercisable as of September 30, 2018 1,416,229 $ 2.80 4.15 $ 947,029
========== =======
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference
between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the closing
stock price of $2.27 for the Company's common shares on September
30, 2018. All warrants were vested on date of grant.
Note 7 - Equity
The holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share
at meetings of the Company. Holders of Series B convertible
preferred shares have no voting rights at meetings of the
Company.
A restricted stock award is an award of common shares that are
subject to certain restrictions during a specified period.
Restricted stock awards are independent of option grants and are
generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to
the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the
shares before the restricted shares vest. Shares on non-vested
restricted stock have the same voting rights as Common Stock, are
entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon and
are considered to be currently issued and outstanding. The Company
expenses the cost of the restricted stock awards, which is
determined to be the fair market value of the shares at the date of
grant, straight-line over the period during which the restrictions
lapse. For these purposes, the fair market value of the restricted
stock is determined based on the closing price of the Company's
Common Stock on the grant date.
On April 11, 2017, the Company issued 1,250 restricted shares to
a consultant for services to be rendered during the year ending
December 31, 2017. These shares vested on the date of the grant.
The fair value of these shares was $18,000 and was based on the
share price on the date of the grant. During the year ended
December 31, 2017, $5,455 was recognized as stock-based
compensation expense. The remaining $12,545 fair value of
restricted shares issued was recognized during the three months
ended March 31, 2018 as sales and marketing expenses on the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive
Loss.
On January 16, 2018, the Board of Directors issued 3,125
restricted shares of Common Stock to a key employee of the Company
as part of the Plan. The fair value of the shares was $5,175 and
was based on the closing share price of $1.66 per share. The share
grants vested immediately. The Company recorded the expense as
sales and marketing expenses on the Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the nine months
ended September 30, 2018.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, 1,755 shares of
the Company's Series B Preferred Stock, no par value, were
converted into 1,462,500 shares of Common Stock.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, warrant holders
from the December 21, 2017 public offering exercised 4,770,092
warrants with an exercise price of $1.50 per common share, raising
net proceeds of $7,155,200.
Note 8 - Related Party Transactions
On June 19, 2012, the Company entered into a 3-year exclusive
License & Supply Agreement with ChubeWorkx Guernsey Limited (as
successor to SONO International Limited) ("ChubeWorkx") for the
purchase and distribution of Akers' proprietary breathalyzers
outside North America. ChubeWorkx paid a licensing fee of
$1,000,000 which was recognized over the term of the agreement
through September 30, 2015.
On June 13, 2013, the Company announced an expansion of the
License and Supply Agreement with ChubeWorkx to include worldwide
marketing and distribution of the "Be CHUBE" program using the
Company's breathalyzer.
On August 17, 2016, the Company entered into a Settlement
Agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") with ChubeWorkx Guernsey
Limited ("ChubeWorkx"), a major shareholder, which settled all
pending claims between the Company and ChubeWorkx. Specifically,
the Company and ChubeWorkx agreed to voluntarily dismiss (i) the
action in the United States Federal Court, District of New Jersey
brought by the Company against ChubeWorkx for outstanding amounts
due to the Company under a promissory note and (ii) the action in
The High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division Commercial Court,
Royal Courts of Justice, United Kingdom brought by ChubeWorkx
against the Company arising from an exclusive licensing agreement
between ChubeWorkx and the Company ("Licensing Agreement").
Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the Company would
receive the full outstanding principal amount in the year ended
December 31, 2016 in the form of $750,000 of BreathScan(R) Alcohol
Detector inventory and the balance of $549,609 as prepaid royalty.
Akers established an allowance for this doubtful note in the
Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2015. As a result of the Settlement Agreement, the Company reversed
the allowance for doubtful note in the amount of $1,299,609 which
was included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2016.
In addition to addressing the promissory note described above,
the Settlement Agreement also allows the Company to market and sell
all of the Company's breath technology tests worldwide,
unencumbered by any past/future claims by ChubeWorkx under the
Licensing Agreement (entered into with ChubeWorkx in 2012 and
subsequently amended in 2013). Under the terms of the Settlement
Agreement, ChubeWorkx no longer holds any rights pertaining to
Akers' BreathScan(R) technology, which serves as the basis for
several commercialized products including BreathScan(R) Alcohol
Detector.
In return for the Company regaining the full rights to sell
breath technology products, under the terms of the Settlement
Agreement, ChubeWorkx is entitled to receive a royalty of 5% of the
Company's gross revenues (the "ChubeWorkx Royalty") until
ChubeWorkx has earned an aggregate $5,000,000, after which point
ChubeWorkx will no longer be entitled to receive any royalties from
the Company and the Company shall have no further obligation to
ChubeWorkx. The Settlement Agreement further allows the Company to
retain 50% of the ChubeWorkx Royalty until the full $549,609 cash
component of the monies owed by ChubeWorkx to the Company as
described above has been satisfied. The Company recorded royalty
expenses of $(17,353) and $34,328 for the three months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $41,418 and $128,108
for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively, which are included in sales and marketing expenses -
related party on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
and Comprehensive Loss.
Other terms of the Settlement include: 1) the pledge as security
of all earned but unpaid royalties by the Company to ChubeWorkx all
Company assets, worthy to satisfy its obligations, including all
inventory and receivables, with the exception of (i) distribution
contracts of the Company or any of its affiliates, (ii) customer
lists, (iii) manufacturing processes (including all intellectual
property required to use those processes and exploit products made
thereby), and (iv) all equipment required to perform said
manufacturing processes and other equipment; 2) the pledge as
security of the settlement sum which remains unpaid by the Company
to ChubeWorkx all Company (i) distribution contracts of the Company
or any of its affiliates, (ii) customer lists, (iii) manufacturing
processes (including all intellectual property required to use
those processes and exploit products made thereby), and (iv) all
equipment required to perform said manufacturing processes and
other equipment; and 3) the grant of voting proxy by ChubeWorkx to
the Company which allows the Company to vote ChubeWorkx's shares
for corporate formalities under certain conditions.
The pledged assets are only at risk in the event that the
Company cannot satisfy any outstanding royalty payment obligations
subject to various cure periods and/or through a restructuring
and/or liquidation under the United States Bankruptcy laws of the
Company in favor of payment of said obligation.
During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the
Company recognized sales of $- and $-, respectively, for the
BreathScan Breath Alcohol products acquired from the Settlement and
$20,265 and $- during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and
2017, respectively.
As of September 30, 2018, the Company owed ChubeWorkx Guernsey
Limited, previously a major shareholder, royalties of $4,864 which
is included in trade and other payables - related party on the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
The Company began purchasing manufacturing molds, plastic
components and the assembled BreathScan Lync(TM) device through
Hainan and its related party during the year ended December 31,
2016. The Company purchased a total of $16,300 and $- during the
three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and
$20,936 and $16,774 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018
and 2017, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, the Company owed
Hainan and its related party $19,460 which is included in trade and
other payables - related party on the Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet.
As of September 30, 2018, the Company owed Hainan $670. Senior
management at Hainan are actively involved in Shenzhen Savy-Akers
Biosciences ("Shenzhen") which is therefore being included as a
related party. The Company owed Shenzhen $18,790 as of September
30, 2018.
On January 31, 2018, the Company engaged Medical Horizons, Inc.
("Medical Horizons"), a company owned and operated by the spouse of
a member of the Company's leadership team, to provide engineering
and design services. The Company recorded $- and $54,342 during the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively,
related to the engagement of Medical Horizons which is included in
research and development - related party on the Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. As of
September 30, 2018, the Company owed Medical Horizons $-.
Product revenue - related party for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $-.
Effective on October 5, 2018, the Board appointed Howard R.
Yeaton, who through FCS served previously as a consultant to the
Company, to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief
Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Yeaton is the managing
principal of FCS and the Company's relationship with FCS shall
continue, with FCS continuing to provide accounting services to the
Company. FCS is considered to be a related party. During the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company expensed
$56,425 and $75,342, respectively, to FCS in connection with these
services. As of September 30, 2018, the Company owed FCS $22,862
which is included in trade and other payables - related party on
the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Note 9 - Commitments
The Company leases its facility in West Deptford, New Jersey
under an operating lease ("Thorofare Lease") with annual rentals of
$132,000 plus common area maintenance (CAM) charges. The lease,
which took effect on January 1, 2008, reduced the CAM charges
allowing the Company to reach their own agreements with utilities
and other maintenance providers. On January 7, 2013, the Company
extended its lease agreement for a term of 7 years, expiring
December 31, 2019. Rent expense for the Thorofare Lease, including
related CAM charges for the three months ended September 30, 2018
and 2017 totaled $40,926 and $40,440, respectively, and $124,070
and $121,220 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
The Company entered into a 24-month lease for a satellite office
located in Ramsey, New Jersey ("Ramsey Lease") with annual rents of
$25,980 plus common area maintenance (CAM) charges. The lease took
effect on June 1, 2017 and runs through May 31, 2019. Rent expenses
for the Ramsey Lease, including related CAM charges totaled $6,522
and $6,506 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively, and $19,512 and $6,506 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company posted a
security deposit of $4,330 which is included in other assets on the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The Company entered into a 29-month lease for warehouse space
located in Pitman, New Jersey ("Pitman Lease") with annual rents of
$39,650. The lease took effect on August 1, 2017 and runs through
December 31, 2019. Rent expenses for the Pitman Lease totaled
$10,210 and $6,608 for the three months ended September 30, 2018
and 2017, respectively, and $30,035 and $6,608 for the nine months
ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. A security deposit
of $4,950 is included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet.
The Company entered into a 60-month operating lease for
equipment with annual rentals of $6,156 on September 29, 2014. The
lease commenced on October 21, 2014 upon the delivery of the
equipment.
The Company entered into a 36-month contract with Oracle
Corporation for the NetSuite accounting platform in March 2018 with
annual cost commitments pursuant to the table below. During the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company
expensed $46,670 related to this contract.
The schedule of lease commitments is as follows:
Thorofare Ramsey Pitman Equipment Oracle
Lease Lease Lease Lease NetSuite Total
----------- ------- ------- ----------- -------- --------
Next 12 Months $ 132,000 $17,320 $39,650 $ 6,156 $102,766 $297,892
Next 13-24 Months 33,000 - 9,912 513 100,281 143,706
Next 25-36 Months - - - - 46,157 46,157
Note 10 - Contingencies
On October 17, 2016 the Company was served with a notice that
Pulse Health LLC ("Pulse") filed a lawsuit against the Company on
September 30, 2016 in United States Federal District Court,
District of Oregon, alleging a breach of contract under the
settlement agreement entered into by the Company and Pulse on April
8, 2011 which settled all claims and disputes between the Company
and Pulse arising from a previously executed Technology Development
Agreement entered into by the Company and Pulse and damages
resulting from said alleged breach. Additionally, Pulse alleges
false advertising and unlawful trade practices in connection with
the Company's sales activities related to the Company's OxiChek(TM)
products.
The Company filed a series of motions with the Court seeking (1)
to dismiss the Pulse complaint for lack of jurisdiction or, in the
alternative, transfer the matter to the District Court for the
District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage and (2) to dismiss the
unfair competition claims for failure to state a claim on which
relief could be granted. Oral arguments on these motions were heard
by the Court on March 10, 2017.
The Court decided by order dated April 14, 2017 in favor of the
Company and has dismissed with prejudice the claims brought by
Pulse for unfair competition (both federal and state counts). The
court decided against the Company in its motions for transfer of
venue and for lack of jurisdiction. As such, the case shall proceed
in the District Court of Oregon.
The Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on January 24,
2018. On June 21, 2018, the Court ruled in favor of the Company on
some issues and determined that other issues warranted a trial. As
part of its ruling on the Motion for Summary Judgment, the Court
held "While it seems likely that Plaintiff did suffer some amount
of damages, Plaintiff has so far failed to provide a sufficient
evidentiary foundation from which the trier of fact could
reasonably calculate the value of its injury." The Court stated
that it was "reasonably certain that Plaintiff suffered some
damage" and found that Pulse Health "may be entitled to nominal
damages." The Court further determined that equitable relief, such
as an injunction, "may be warranted." Following such rulings, the
Company discovered certain deficiencies in its discovery responses
and is taking the appropriate steps to supplement the record and
correct these deficiencies. In addition, the Court has ordered a
settlement conference in front of a U.S. magistrate that was held
on August 31, 2018.
On September 17, 2018, the Company and Pulse entered into a
settlement. Pursuant to the settlement reached between the
Plaintiff and the Company, the Company accrued $930,000 payable to
Pulse as of September 30, 2018, which was paid on October 9, 2018.
The Company has also agreed to a permanent injunction and will not
make, use, sell or offer to sell the BreathScan OxiChek(TM)
product, any product that detects aldehydes or oxidative stress in
exhaled human breath or breath condensate using either basic
fuchsin or sodium metabisulfite or any form, analog or equivalent
thereof, and the BreathScan Lync device, or any equivalent thereof,
as part of a test for aldehydes or oxidative stress in human
exhaled breath or breath condensate. The Company does not
anticipate a material impact on revenues as a result of the
withdrawal of the BreathScan OxiChek(TM) product from sale. The
Settlement Agreement does not contain any admission of liability,
wrongdoing, or responsibility by any of the parties.
On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class
action lawsuits against the Company.
Faulkner v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10521
(D.N.J.)
On June 13, 2018, Plaintiff Tim Faulkner filed a class action
complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences,
Inc. ("Akers"), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch ("Individual
Defendants") (together with Akers, "Defendants") on behalf of all
persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities
from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5
against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the
complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading
statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and
third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was
improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal
controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true
extent of those weaknesses. On July 10, 2018, Plaintiff and
Defendants entered into a stipulation that Defendants are not
required to respond to the complaint until the court appoints a
lead plaintiff and lead counsel for the class, and then after the
lead plaintiff chooses whether to file an amended complaint or
whether to designate the complaint as the operative complaint.
Gleason v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10805
(D.N.J.)
On June 20, 2018, Plaintiff David Gleason filed a class action
complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences,
Inc. ("Akers"), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch ("Individual
Defendants") (together with Akers, "Defendants") on behalf of all
persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities
from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5
against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the
complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading
statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and
third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was
improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal
controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true
extent of those weaknesses. No Defendant has been served yet, and
no response is due at this time.
Other class action lawsuits have been threatened against the
Company and may be filed shortly. Although there are currently two
separate actions pending, we anticipate that the two actions will
be consolidated into one action.
The Company maintains D&O liability insurance coverage,
insuring both the Company and the Directors and Officers for
covered defense and indemnification, and has noticed these matters
thereunder.
Additionally, a former executive has threatened to sue the
Company, Board members, and executives under CEPA over the
termination of his employment. That statute prohibits any
retaliatory action against an employee who discloses, or threatens
to disclose to a supervisor or to a public entity any activity,
policy or practice of the employer that is a violation of a law, or
a rule or regulation. Remedies may include a counter claim for back
pay, reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages and
attorneys' fees if appropriate. The Company will vigorously defend
any litigation brought by this former executive.
The Company intends to establish a rigorous defense of all
claims. The Company is unable to assess the potential outcome, so
no accrual for losses was made as of September 30, 2018. All legal
fees were expensed as and when incurred.
Note 11 - Revenue Information
Revenue by product lines was as follows:
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
Product Line 2018 2017 2018 2017
------------------------------------------ ----------- -------- ---------- ----------
MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor ("MPC") $ (18,798) $104,094 $ 106,832 $ 259,601
Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay ("PIFA") 567,262 490,058 1,183,327 1,477,726
Rapid Enzymatic Assay ("REA") - 27,500 55,000 27,500
Other 8,625 16,679 41,006 613,614
------- ------- --------- ---------
Product Revenue Total 557,089 638,331 1,386,165 2,378,441
License Fees - 37,500 - 37,500
------- ------- --------- ---------
Total Revenue $ 557,089 $675,831 $1,386,165 $2,415,941
======= ======= ========= =========
The total revenue by geographic area determined based on the
location of the customers was as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
Geographic Region 2018 2017 2018 2017
--------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ----------
United States $ 554,269 $626,077 $1,311,360 $1,755,558
People's Republic of China - - - 502,268
Rest of World 2,820 49,754 74,805 158,115
-------- ------- --------- ---------
Total Revenue $ 557,089 $675,831 $1,386,165 $2,415,941
======== ======= ========= =========
The Company had long-lived assets totaling $59,355 and $59,830
located in the People's Republic of China and $1,201,592 and
$1,305,950 located in the United States as of September 30, 2018
and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q and other reports filed by
Akers Biosciences, Inc. ("Akers", "Akers Bio", "we" or the
"Company") from time to time with the SEC (collectively, the
"Filings") contain or may contain forward-looking statements and
information that are based upon beliefs of, and information
currently available to, the Company's management as well as
estimates and assumptions made by Company's management. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the
date hereof. When used in the Filings, the words "anticipate,"
"believe," "estimate," "expect," "future," "intend," "plan," or the
negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to
the Company or the Company's management identify forward-looking
statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company
with respect to future events and are subject to risks,
uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including the risks
relating to the Company's business, industry, and the Company's
operations and results of operations. Should one or more of these
risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ
significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated,
expected, intended, or planned.
Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in
the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot
guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or
achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the
securities laws of the United States, the Company does not intend
to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these
statements to actual results.
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
("GAAP"). These accounting principles require us to make certain
estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the
estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are
reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that
these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These
estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial
statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the periods presented. Our financial statements would be
affected to the extent there are material differences between these
estimates and actual results. In many cases, the accounting
treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by
GAAP and does not require management's judgment in its application.
There are also areas in which management's judgment in selecting
any available alternative would not produce a materially different
result. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with
our financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
this report.
Overview
Akers Bio develops, manufactures, and supplies rapid,
point-of-care screening and testing products designed to bring
health-related information directly to the patient or clinician in
a timely and cost-efficient manner. Akers believes it has advanced
the science of diagnostics through the development of several
proprietary platform technologies that provide product development
flexibility.
All of Akers' rapid, single-use tests are performed in vitro
(outside the body) and are designed to enhance patient well-being
and reduce the cost of healthcare. The Company's current product
offerings focus on delivering diagnostic assistance in a variety of
healthcare fields/specialties, including diagnostic rapid manual
point-of-care tests for the detection of allergic reactions to
Heparin, for cholesterol screening and for on- and off-the-job
alcohol safety initiatives.
Akers believes that low-cost, single-use testing not only saves
time and money, but allows for more frequent, near-patient testing
which may save lives. We believe that our FDA-cleared rapid
diagnostic tests help facilitate targeted diagnoses and real-time
treatment. We also believe that our rapid diagnostic tests surpass
most other current diagnostic products with their flexibility,
speed, ease-of-use, readability, low cost and accuracy. In minutes,
detection of a medical condition can be performed on single-patient
specimens without sacrificing accuracy.
We believe the use of rapid tests, which can be performed at the
point-of-care when and where the patient is being consulted, can
result in immediate diagnostic decisions and subsequent treatment
regimens and is an important development in the practice of
medicine. Point-of-care testing addresses today's challenges in the
healthcare industry, such as:
-- cost pressures/efficiency of healthcare delivery; and
-- need for easy to use, accurate at-home tests for individuals to monitor their personal health
and wellness
The Company has also developed tests for non-medical use within
the health and wellness industry. These tests monitor general
markers of health and wellness as they relate to diet, nutrition
and exercise programs.
Following a review of the Company's commercial and product
development strategies, the Board of Directors has determined that
it is in the best interests of the Company to focus primarily on
the commercialization of its Particle Immuno-Filtration Assay
(PIFA(R)) Technology platform. PIFA(R) technology is a
cutting-edge, patented immunoassay method which rapidly and
accurately detects target antigens or antibodies. It is the
technology platform utilized in the Company's core commercialized
products, the PIFA(R) Heparin/PF4 and PIFA(R) Pluss/PF4 rapid
assays, which test for an allergic reaction to Heparin. These
products account for the significant majority of the Company's
current revenues. The Company is taking steps to improve its market
presence for these products including the use of specialized
Independent Sales Representatives and through a program to educate
the marketplace through the preparation and publication of
additional clinical studies and physician seminars on the risks
associated with heparin induced thrombocytopenia. The Company will
continue to explore other commercial opportunities for the
deployment of PIFA(R) technology. Akers Bio will continue to
manufacture BreathScan Alcohol Detectors and METRON breath ketone
tests (based on the Company's Micro Particle Catalyzed (MPC(R))
Biosensor technology platform), and Tri-Cholesterol products (based
on the Company's Rapid Enzymatic Assay (REA(TM)) technology
platform).
Key Events, Management's Plans and Basis of Presentation
By way of a letter dated November 28, 2017, the Listing
Qualifications Department of NASDAQ advised the Company that it did
not comply with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued
listing, because the Company's common stock did not meet NASDAQ's
minimum $1.00 bid price requirement (the "Price Requirement"). The
Company informed Nasdaq that the Company is fully committed to
regain compliance with the Price Requirement as quickly as possible
and, therefore, proposed to institute a reverse stock split. NASDAQ
approved of the Company's proposal of a reverse stock split and
granted the Company until November 26, 2018, for the Company to be
in compliance with the Price Requirement. The Company's latest
reported stock price on November 13, 2018 was $2.46. If the
Company's stock remains priced above $1.00 by the end of trading on
November 21, 2018, it is expected that Nasdaq would give the
Company notice of its compliance with the Price Requirement.
On April 25, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company
terminated Dr. Raymond F. Akers from his position as Executive
Chairman of the Board and from each of his officer positions as
Chief Scientific Director and Secretary of the Company. Dr. Raymond
F. Akers continued as a member of the Board of Directors until his
resignation on May 27, 2018.
On April 25, 2018, the Board appointed Richard Carlyle Tarbox
III, a director of the Company as the interim Non-Executive
Chairman of the Board, to hold that position until his successor is
appointed, and to the position of Secretary of the Company.
By way of a letter dated May 22, 2018, the Listing
Qualifications Department of NASDAQ advised the Company that it did
not comply with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) for continued
listing because NASDAQ has not received the Company's Quarterly
Report. Company filed a Current Report on a Form 8-K with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on May 25, 2018, that NASDAQ has
informed the Company that the Company is required to submit a plan
to regain compliance with NASDAQ's filing requirements for
continued listing within 60 calendar days of the date of the
Notice. NASDAQ informed the Company that it is in Compliance with
NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) on July 12, 2018.
On June 11, 2018, the Company received a letter from the Listing
Qualifications Department NASDAQ notifying the Company that it has
determined that the Company violated the shareholder approval
requirements of Listing Rule 5635(c). Listing Rule 5635(c) requires
shareholder approval prior to the issuance of securities when a
stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially
amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially
amended, pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers,
directors, employees or consultants.
Prior to the Company's public offering and listing on NASDAQ,
the Company's 2013 Incentive Stock and Award Plan (the "2013 Plan")
was approved by its Board of Directors. NASDAQ has concluded that
the 2013 Plan was materially amended on two occasions after the
Company's public offering and listing on NASDAQ. The first
amendment, as approved by the Board on January 9, 2015, increased
the number of shares available under the 2013 Plan from 50,000 to
100,000 shares and the second amendment, as approved by the Board
on October 5, 2016, increased the number of shares under the 2013
Plan from 100,000 to 103,750 shares (the "2013 Plan
Amendments").
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company promptly notified
NASDAQ, as required by Listing Rule 5625, when it became aware of
its potential non-compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c). On May 4,
2018, the Staff requested additional information from the Company
with respect to such non-compliance and on May 31, 2018, the
Company responded. On June 25, 2018, the Company submitted a plan
to NASDAQ to remediate this matter (the "5635 Compliance Plan").
The 5635 Compliance Plan included that a proposal for shareholders
of the Company to ratify the 2013 Plan Amendments be included in
the proxy statement for the Company's 2018 annual meeting of the
shareholders of the Company and that the Company shall suspend the
trading of each share granted, and each share granted upon the
exercise of any option granted, in excess of 50,000 shares under
the 2013 Plan (the number of shares properly approved pursuant to
the 2013 Plan prior to the 2013 Plan Amendments until shareholder
ratification). The 5635 Compliance Plan also proposes to prevent
the exercise of any option granted under the 2013 Plan until
shareholder ratification.
On July 12, 2018, NASDAQ approved of the 5635 Compliance Plan
and granted the Company until December 10, 2018, to regain
compliance with Listing Rule 5635. The Company intends to have a
shareholder meeting on December 7, 2018 to approve the amendments
to the 2013 Plan.
On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class
action lawsuits against the Company. See Note 10 - Contingencies
for details.
On July 26, 2018, the Company implemented a reduction in
workforce plan which resulted in the elimination of six staff
positions in four operating departments.
On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class
action lawsuits against the Company.
Faulkner v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10521
(D.N.J.)
On June 13, 2018, Plaintiff Tim Faulkner filed a class action
complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences,
Inc. ("Akers"), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch ("Individual
Defendants") (together with Akers, "Defendants") on behalf of all
persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities
from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5
against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the
complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading
statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and
third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was
improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal
controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true
extent of those weaknesses. On July 10, 2018, Plaintiff and
Defendants entered into a stipulation that Defendants are not
required to respond to the complaint until the court appoints a
lead plaintiff and lead counsel for the class, and then after the
lead plaintiff chooses whether to file an amended complaint or
whether designate the complaint as the operative complaint.
Gleason v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10805
(D.N.J.)
On June 20, 2018, Plaintiff David Gleason filed a class action
complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences,
Inc. ("Akers"), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch ("Individual
Defendants") (together with Akers, "Defendants") on behalf of all
persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities
from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5
against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the
complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading
statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and
third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was
improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal
controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true
extent of those weaknesses. No Defendant has been served yet, and
so no response is due at this time.
Other class action lawsuits have been threatened against the
Company and may be filed shortly. Although there are currently two
separate actions pending, we anticipate that the two actions will
be consolidated into one action.
The Company maintains D&O liability insurance coverage,
insuring both the Company and the Directors and Officers for
covered defense and indemnification, and has noticed these matters
thereunder.
On September 6, 2018, with the recommendation of the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee (the "N&G Committee") the
Board appointed Mr. Joshua Silverman as a Director of the Company
for a term that expires at the Company's 2018 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, or until his earlier death, disability, resignation
or removal.
On September 17, 2018, the Company reached an amicable
resolution by way of a settlement agreement and release (the
"Settlement Agreement") with Pulse Health, LLC, an Oregon limited
liability company (the "Plaintiff") with respect to the lawsuit
Plaintiff filed against the Company, in the United States District
Court, District of Oregon (the "Court"), Case No.:3:16-CV-01919-HZ
(the "Litigation"), effective upon the Court entering a permanent
injunction against the Company, which the Court has entered on to
the docket on October 4, 2018. Pursuant to the settlement reached
between the Plaintiff and the Company, on October 9, 2018 the
Company paid $930,000 to the Plaintiff. The Company has also agreed
to a permanent injunction and will not make, use, sell or offer to
sell the BreathScan OxiChek(TM) product, any product that detects
aldehydes or oxidative stress in exhaled human breath or breath
condensate using either basic fuchsin or sodium metabisulfite or
any form, analog or equivalent thereof, and the BreathScan Lync
device, or any equivalent thereof, as part of a test for aldehydes
or oxidative stress in human exhaled breath or breath condensate.
The Company does not anticipate a material impact on revenues as a
result of the withdrawal of the BreathScan OxiChek(TM) product from
sale. The Settlement Agreement does not contain any admission of
liability, wrongdoing, or responsibility by any of the parties.
On October 5, 2018, John J. Gormally submitted to the Board his
resignation from his position as the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and as a member of the Board, effective immediately. Mr.
Gormally's resignation was voluntary and not a result of any
disagreement with the Company or its executive officers on any
matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices.
In connection with his resignation from the Board, Mr. Gormally
entered into a Resignation Agreement with the Company.
Effective on October 5, 2018, the Board appointed Howard R.
Yeaton, who through Financial Consulting Strategies LLC ("FCS")
served previously as a consultant to the Company, to serve as the
Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer of the
Company. Mr. Yeaton is the managing principal of FCS and the
Company's relationship with FCS shall continue, with FCS continuing
to provide accounting services to the Company. FCS is considered to
be a related party. During the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2018, the Company expensed $56,425 and $75,342,
respectively, to FCS in connection with these services. As of
September 30, 2018, the Company owed FCS $22,862 which is included
in trade and other payables - related party on the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
On October 6, 2018, finnCap Ltd, the Company's Nominated Adviser
on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange ("finnCap"), gave
the Company formal three months' notice of its resignation as the
Company's Nominated Adviser and Broker. Should finnCap cease to act
as the Company's Nominated Adviser and the Company does not appoint
a replacement Nominated Adviser, the Company's shares will be
suspended from trading on AIM with immediate effect. The Company
would then have one further month to appoint a replacement
Nominated Adviser failing which the admission of its AIM securities
will be cancelled.
On October 8, 2018, the Board, following a review of the
Company's commercial and product development strategies, determined
that it is in the best interests of the Company to focus primarily
on the commercialization of its Particle Immuno-Filtration Assay
(PIFA(R)) Technology platform, and to explore other commercial
opportunities for the deployment of PIFA(R) technology, which is
also utilized in the Company's core commercialized products, the
PIFA(R) Heparin/PF4 and PIFA(R) Pluss/PF4 rapid assays, which test
for an allergic reaction to Heparin. The Company will continue to
manufacture BreathScan Alcohol Detectors (based on the Company's
Micro Particle Catalyzed (MPC(R)) Biosensor technology platform)
and Tri-Cholesterol products (based on the Company's Rapid
Enzymatic Assay (REA(TM)) technology platform. The Company is
taking steps to improve its market presence for these products
including the use of specialized independent sales representatives
and through a program to educate the marketplace through the
preparation and publication of additional clinical studies and
physician seminars on the risks associated with heparin induced
thrombocytopenia.
On October 18, 2018, Richard C. Tarbox III submitted to the
Board his resignation from his positions as interim Non-Executive
Chairman of the Board, as Secretary of the Company, as a member of
the Board and as a member of each of the committees of the Board
upon which he serves, effective immediately. Mr. Tarbox's
resignation was voluntary and as a result of his other business
commitments, and not a result of any disagreement with the Company
or its executive officers on any matter relating to the Company's
operations, policies or practices.
On October 19, 2018, as a result of Mr. Tarbox's resignation
from the Board and its committees the Board appointed Joshua
Silverman to its Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, having determined
that he satisfies all applicable requirements to serve on such
committees, including without limitation the applicable
requirements of NASDAQ.
On November 7, 2018, effective as of November 8, 2018, the
Company filed a Certificate of Amendment (the "Certificate of
Amendment") to its Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of New
Jersey to effect a reverse stock split of its common stock at a
ratio of eight-for-one (8-for-1). As a result of the reverse stock
split, there are approximately 12,474,028 shares of common stock
outstanding. The reverse stock split affected all stockholders
uniformly and did not alter any stockholder's percentage interest
in the Company's equity, except to the extent that the reverse
stock split would have resulted in a stockholder owning a
fractional share. Fractional shares have not been issued as a
result of the reverse stock split; instead, the board of directors
of the Company determined to effect an issuance of shares to
holders that would otherwise have been entitled to a fractional
share such that any fractional shares were rounded up to the
nearest whole number.
On November 7, 2018, the announced that the Board of Directors
has initiated a process to evaluate strategic alternatives to
maximize shareholder value. This process will consider a range of
potential strategic alternatives including, but not limited to,
business combinations, while simultaneously supporting the
Company's management and employees in the execution of the
Company's current business activities. The Company does not plan to
disclose or comment on developments regarding the strategic review
process until it is complete or further disclosure is deemed
appropriate. There can be no assurance that the exploration of
strategic alternatives will result in any transaction or other
alternative.
Through September 30, 2018, the Company has in large part relied
on equity financing to fund its operations, raising $30,717,381,
net of expenses, in various public and private offering on the
NASDAQ Capital Market and through the exercise of warrants
associated with the offerings. The Company has experienced
recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations.
Management's strategic plans include the following:
-- continuing to advance the development and commercialization of the Company's Particle Immuno-Filtration
Assay (PIFA(R)) Technology platform;
-- continuing to strengthen and forge domestic and international relationships with well-established
sales organizations with strong distribution channels in specific target markets;
-- evaluating strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, including the consideration
of a range of potential strategic alternatives including, but not limited to, business combinations,
while simultaneously supporting the Company's management and employees in the execution of
the Company's current business activities; and
-- continuing to monitor and implement cost control initiatives to conserve cash.
Despite our plans, the Company expects to continue to incur
losses from operations for the near-term for the following
reasons:
-- some of Akers' distribution partnerships (Diagnostica Stago) have been recently established
or are in the process of being initiated and, therefore, consistent and historical ordering
patterns have not been instituted;
-- the Company continues to incur expenses related to marketing activities for its existing product
platforms;
-- and to expand the use of its clinical laboratory products, the Company may need to invest
in additional marketing support programs to increase brand awareness.
At September 30, 2018, Akers had cash (including restricted cash
of $500,000) of $1,801,418, working capital of $5,608,785,
shareholders' equity of $7,719,236 and an accumulated deficit of
$111,857,241. The Company believes that its current working capital
position, including funds raised on November 2, 2018, will be
sufficient to meet its estimated cash needs for at least the next
12 months. The Company closely monitors its cash balances, cash
needs and expense levels.
Summary of Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017
Revenue
Akers' revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018
totaled $557,089, an 18% decrease from the same period in 2017. The
table below summarizes our revenue by product line for the three
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage
of change year-over-year:
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
------------------------
Product Lines 2018 2017 Percent Change
------------------------------------------ ------------ --------- --------------
Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay ("PIFA") $ 567,262 $ 490,058 16%
MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor ("MPC") (18,798) 104,094 (118)%
Rapid Enzymatic Assay ("REA") - 27,500 (100)%
Other 8,625 16,679 (48)%
-------- --------
Product Revenue Total 557,089 638,331 (13)%
License Fees - 37,500 (100)%
-------- --------
Total Revenue $ 557,089 $ 675,831 (18)%
======== ========
Revenue from the Company's PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products
increased 16% to $567,262 (2017: $490,058) during the three months
ended September 30, 2018, over the same period of 2017, with the
increase principally on account of filling open backorders.
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we experienced lower
yields in the process of extracting antigen from the platelets used
to produce our PIFA Heparin product. At these yield levels, our
production of this product was under target levels, resulting in
backorders. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, our
antigen yields improved, and we were able to fill all of our
backorders. Our engineers and representatives from our supplier
continue to work together to adjust our processes in order to
restore the yield to appropriate levels, the results of which are
not yet determined.
Furthermore, we are evaluating and testing a resolution that may
involve one or more alternative antigen suppliers and processes
that may provide a path to restoring yield levels for this product.
For each of these potential solutions, we will be conducting
production validation and stability testing.
The Company's dedicated technical sales account executives are
supporting over 300 sales representatives of Akers' U.S.
distribution partners, Cardinal Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific
and Diagnostica Stago, and the Company's ISRs. Domestic sales for
the three months ended September 30, 2018, of our distributors,
Cardinal Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Diagnostica Stago,
accounted for $529,860 of the total PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay
related product sales as compared to $441,676 for the same period
of 2017.
The Company's MPC product sales decreased by 118% to $(18,798)
(2017: $104,094) during the three months ended September 30, 2018.
On account of our settlement with Pulse (as discussed in Note 10 of
the footnotes within this Quarterly Report), we repurchased from
our U.S. distributor their remaining inventory in the amount of
$33,600 for the OxiChek products. In addition, we saw a decline in
sales of the Breath Alcohol products.
The Company's REA products generated $0 (2017: $27,500) during
the three months ended September 30, 2018.
Other revenue decreased to $8,625 (2017: $16,679) during the
three months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to a decline in
shipping/handling revenue. The category is made up of the sales of
miscellaneous raw material components, sub-assembled products and
fees billed for shipping and handling charges.
Gross Margin
The Company's gross margin declined to 14% (2017: 52%) for the
three months ended September 30, 2018, principally on account of
the Pulse litigation settlement which resulted in a write off of
OxiChek products in the aggregate amount of $218,799. Fixed costs
within product cost of sales consisted principally of direct
personnel costs, manufacturing and warehousing space and
depreciation of equipment. Within these fixed costs, direct
personnel costs decreased during the period to $76,254 (2017:
$88,903). This decrease was a result of fewer personnel being
utilized in production related activities.
Cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018
increased to $476,453 (2017: $323,526). The increase was
principally attributable to the write off of $218,799 of OxiChek
product. Direct cost of sales decreased to 22% of product revenue
while other cost of sales increased to 64% for the three months
ended September 30, 2018 as compared to 31% and 20% respectively
for the same period in 2017 as described above.
Direct cost of sales for the three months ended September 30,
2018 were $122,545 (2017: $196,866). Other cost of sales for the
three months ended September 30, 2018 were $353,908 (2017:
$126,660).
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended
September 30, 2018, totaled $2,636,651, which was a 222% increase
as compared to $819,565 for the three months ended September 30,
2017.
The table below summarizes our general and administrative
expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as
well as the percentage of change year-over-year:
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
------------------------------
Description 2018 2017 Percent Change
----------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------
Personnel Costs $ 287,054 $ 223,361 29%
Professional Service Costs 727,069 320,081 127%
Stock Market & Investor Relations Costs 122,214 120,807 1%
Other General and Administrative Costs 1,500,314 155,316 866%
------------- ----------
Total General and Administrative Expense $ 2,636,651 $ 819,565 222%
------------- ----------
Personnel expenses increased by 29% for the three months ended
September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. An
increase in salaries, wages and bonuses to $249,445 (2017:
$172,587) was offset by a decline in employee benefit expenses of
$14,723 (2017: $22,857).
Professional service costs increased 127% for the three months
ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. A
significant increase in legal fees ($394,067 (2017: $258,026)) and
accounting and audit expenses ($206,374 (2017: $36,130)) resulted
in the change. The increase in the legal and accounting fees were
principally in connection with our Board's recent investigation and
the resulting restatement of our previously issued financials, as
well as in connection with litigation matters. Configuration and
implementation expenses for the planned NetSuite Financial System
also contributed to the increased accounting service costs.
Stock market and investor fees increased 1% for the three months
ended September 30, 2018. The fees included costs associated with
the Company's nominated advisor, stock transfer agents, investor
relations team and stock exchange fees.
Other general and administrative expenses increased by 866%.
During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company made
a lump sum compensation payment of $100,000 to each of the
independent directors. In addition, the Board approved the
settlement of the Pulse Litigation which resulted in a one-time
charge of $930,000. Increases in other general and administrative
expenses were also attributable to business insurance costs,
totaled $137,256 (2017: $39,902) and computer expenses $58,502
(2017: $7,688) related to the licensing and implementation of the
NetSuite Financial System impacted the higher costs.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended
September 30, 2018 totaled $364,641 which was a 3% decrease
compared to $377,091 for the three months ended September 30,
2017.
The table below summarizes our sales and marketing expenses for
the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
------------------------------
Description 2018 2017 Percent Change
--------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------ --------------
Personnel Costs $ 209,029 $ 184,835 13%
Professional Service Costs 41,147 67,111 (39)%
Royalties and Outside Commission Costs 68,017 43,635 56%
Other Sales and Marketing Costs 46,448 81,510 (43)%
------------ -----------
Total Sales and Marketing Expenses $ 364,641 $ 377,091 (3)%
------------ -----------
The U.S. market has been divided into two regional zones, each
with a business director that is responsible for recruiting and
supporting Independent Sales Representatives ("ISRs") to target
large integrated delivery networks and individual facilities. This
strategy requires more experienced and technically knowledgeable
sales personnel to interact with surgeons, executive management,
laboratory and medical directors. The Company has increased its
sales and marketing staff from 4 members on September 30, 2017 to 5
as of September 30, 2018.
Personnel costs increased in the three months ended September
30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017, the results of an
increase in compensation, commissions and benefit costs to $175,296
(2017: $155,488).
The Company has terminated relationships with several of its
professional service providers.
Commissions paid to ISRs totaled $85,370 in the three months
ended September 30, 2018 (2017: $9,307) which were offset by an
adjustment to the royalties due to ChubeWorkx Guernsey, Ltd
("ChubeWorkx").
The Company recognized reductions in computer and travel
expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2018 ($5,230
(2017: $12,854) and ($26,651 (2017: $37,405), respectively) plus
smaller reductions in several other operating categories that
resulted in a 43% decrease in other sales and marketing costs.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses for the three months ended
September 30, 2018 totaled $160,867, which was a 45% decrease as
compared to $290,447 for the three months ended September 30,
2017.
The table below summarizes our research and development expenses
for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as
the percentage of change year-over-year:
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
------------------------------
Description 2018 2017 Percent Change
---------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------ --------------
Personnel Costs $ 95,896 $ 214,369 (55)%
Clinical Trial Costs - 2,153 (100)%
Professional Service Costs 15,554 41,829 (63)%
Other Research and Development Costs 49,417 32,096 54%
------------ -----------
Total Research and Development Expenses $ 160,867 $ 290,447 (45)%
------------ -----------
Personnel costs decreased 55% during the three months ended
September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. The
Company's termination of Dr. Akers in April combined with
additional reductions in the number of staff in the department
resulted in the decline in personnel costs.
Professional services consisted of fees paid to engineering
consultants to address production mold designs, specialized tooling
and manufacturing process development, regulatory consultants to
assist with governmental filings and facility certifications and
the medical director. Engineering service costs decreased to $8,545
(2017: $32,830) and other general and regulatory consulting fees
totaled $7,009 (2017: $9,000) in the three months ended September
30, 2018.
Increases in laboratory supplies ($14,948 (2017: $9,325)) and
seminar and conference fees ($15,213 (2017: $0)) resulted in an
increase of 54% for other research and development costs during the
three months ended September 30, 2018.
Other Income and Expense
Other income, net of expense, for the three months ended
September 30, 2018 totaled $40,351 as compared to an expense of $68
for the three months ended September 30, 2017.
The table below summarizes our other income and expenses for the
three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------------------
Description 2018 2017 Percent Change
------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- --------------
Currency Translation (Gain)/Loss $ (634) $ 3,195 (120)%
Interest and Dividend Income (35,545) (3,127) 1,036%
Other Income (4,172) - N/A
------------ ---------
Total Other Income, Net of Expenses $ (40,351) $ 68 (59,440)%
------------ ---------
Realized gains, interest and dividend income increased to
$35,545 (2017: $3,127). The Company's available capital for
investment activities increased significantly due to the capital
raise in December 2017 and the subsequent exercises of warrants
during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 resulting in the
increase in investment income.
Summary of Statements of Operations for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017
Revenue
Akers' revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
totaled $1,386,165, a 43% decrease from the same period in 2017.
The table below summarizes our revenue by product line for the nine
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage
of change year-over-year:
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
----------------------
Product Lines 2018 2017 Percent Change
------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- --------------
Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay ("PIFA") $1,183,327 $1,477,726 (20)%
MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor ("MPC") 106,832 259,601 (59)%
Rapid Enzymatic Assay ("REA") 55,000 27,500 100%
Other 41,006 613,614 (93)%
--------- ---------
Product Revenue Total 1,386,165 2,378,441 (42)%
License Fees - 37,500 (100)%
--------- ---------
Total Revenue $1,386,165 $2,415,941 (43)%
========= =========
Revenue from the Company's PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products
decreased 20% to $1,183,327 (2017: $1,477,726) during the nine
months ended September 30, 2018, over the same period of 2017. The
decline in revenues was principally on account of the
aforementioned yield matters and the resulting and customer
backorders, but our antigen yields improved, and we were able to
fill all our backorders from June 30, 2018.
Domestic sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, of
our distributors, Cardinal Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific and
Diagnostica Stago accounted for $1,067,018 of the total PIFA
Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay related product sales as compared to
$1,207,372 for the same period of 2017.
The Company's MPC product sales decreased by 59% to $106,832
(2017: $259,601) during the nine months ended September 30,
2018.
The Company's REA products generated $55,000 (2017: $27,500)
during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Other revenue decreased to $41,006 (2017: $613,614) during the
nine months ended September 30, 2018. The category is made up of
the sales of miscellaneous raw material components, sub-assembled
products and fees billed for shipping and handling charges. During
the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company received an
order for manufacturing components totaling $500,000.
Gross Margin
The Company's gross margin declined to 22% (2017: 64%) for the
nine months ended September 30, 2018 principally on account of the
decline in revenue against a base of certain fixed costs within
product cost of sales. These fixed costs within product cost of
sales consisted principally of direct personnel costs,
manufacturing and warehousing space, depreciation of equipment.
Within these fixed costs, direct personnel costs increased during
the period to $283,707 (2017: $213,867).
Cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
increased to $1,076,779 (2017: $872,847). Direct cost of sales
increased to 30% of product revenue while other cost of sales
increased to 47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as
compared to 19% and 18% respectively for the same period in 2017 as
described above. The increase was principally attributable to the
write off of $218,799 of the OxiChek products.
Direct cost of sales for the nine month period ended September
30, 2018 were $419,910 (2017: $446,549). Other cost of sales for
the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $656,869 (2017:
$426,299).
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018, totaled $5,117,786, which was a 110% increase
as compared to $2,440,023 for the nine months ended September 30,
2017.
The table below summarizes our general and administrative
expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as
well as the percentage of change year-over-year:
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-----------------------------
Description 2018 2017 Percent Change
----------------------------------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Personnel Costs $ 786,781 $ 781,833 1%
Professional Service Costs 1,958,819 866,403 126%
Stock Market & Investor Relations Costs 382,151 320,446 19%
Other General and Administrative Costs 1,990,035 471,341 322%
----------- -----------
Total General and Administrative Expense $ 5,117,786 $ 2,440,023 110%
----------- -----------
Personnel expenses increased by 1% for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017.
Professional service costs increased by 126% for the nine months
ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. A
significant increase in legal fees ($1,277,518 (2017: $568,225)),
accounting and audit services ($442,416 (2017: $140,130)) and
general consulting services of $134,567 (2017: $52,975) were offset
partially by a decrease in engineering fees $28,883 (2017:
$82,718). The increase in the legal and accounting fees were
principally in connection with our Board's recent investigation and
the resulting restatement of our previously issued financials, as
well in connection with litigation matters. Configuration and
implementation expenses for the planned NetSuite Financial System
also contributed to the increased accounting and general consulting
service costs.
Stock market and investor fees increased 19% for the nine months
ended September 30, 2018. The fees included costs associated with
the Company's nominated advisor, stock transfer agents, investor
relations team and stock exchange fees. Investor relations fees of
$181,548 (2017: $167,245) and stock exchange fees of $71,669 (2017:
$37,631) contributed to the increase.
Other general and administrative expenses increased by 322%.
During September of 2018, the Company made a lump sum compensation
payment of $100,000 to each of the independent directors. The Board
approved the settlement of the Pulse Litigation which resulted in a
one-time charge of $930,000. Other categories that increased during
the nine months ended September 30, 2018 included bad debt expenses
$125,000 (2017: $47,471), business insurance costs totaled $233,008
(2017: $116,482) and computer expenses $87,278 (2017: $32,406)
related to the licensing and implementation of the NetSuite
Financial System impacted the higher costs.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses for the nine months ended September
30, 2018 totaled $1,334,262 which was a 3% decrease compared to
$1,382,416 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
The table below summarizes our sales and marketing expenses for
the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-----------------------------
Description 2018 2017 Percent Change
--------------------------------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
Personnel Costs $ 797,627 $ 702,319 14%
Professional Service Costs 181,770 204,237 (11)%
Royalties and Outside Commission Costs 165,855 192,470 (14)%
Other Sales and Marketing Costs 189,010 283,390 (33)%
----------- -----------
Total Sales and Marketing Expenses $ 1,334,262 $ 1,382,416 (3)%
----------- -----------
Personnel costs increased in the nine months ended September 30,
2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. This was due to an
increase in compensation, bonuses, commissions and severance
payments to $651,402 (2017: $602,029) and employee benefit expenses
of $37,891 (2017: $23,454).
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the ChubeWorkx
royalty totaled $41,418 (2017: $128,109) and was partially off-set
by an increase in commissions to ISRs, which were $124,437 (2017:
$64,362), which contributed to the decline in royalty and outside
commission costs during the nine months ended September 30,
2018.
The Company recognized significant reductions in advertising
expenses ($12,167 (2017: $60,568)) due to a television commercial
that was produced in 2017 and a reduction in trade show expenses
($950 (2017: $33,199)) plus smaller reductions in several other
operating categories that resulted in a 33% reduction in other
sales and marketing costs.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 totaled $859,961, which was a 10% decrease as
compared to $952,724 for the nine months ended September 30,
2017.
The table below summarizes our research and development expenses
for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as
the percentage of change year-over-year:
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
--------------------------------
Description 2018 2017 Percent Change
---------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
Personnel Costs $ 571,311 $ 727,206 (21)%
Clinical Trial Costs 1,480 2,453 (40)%
Professional Service Costs 153,450 89,541 71%
Other Research and Development Costs 133,720 133,524 0%
----------- ----------
Total Research and Development Expenses $ 859,961 $ 952,724 (10)%
----------- ----------
Personnel costs decreased 21% during the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. The
Company's termination of Dr. Akers in April combined with
additional reductions in the number of staff in the department
resulted in the decline in personnel costs.
Professional services consisted of fees paid to engineering
consultants to address production mold designs, specialized tooling
and manufacturing process development, regulatory consultants to
assist with governmental filings and facility certifications and
the medical director. Engineering service costs increased to
$106,345 (2017: $56,164), fees for the other general and regulatory
consulting fees totaled $47,105 (2017: $33,377) in the nine months
ended September 30, 2018.
Other Income and Expense
Other income, net of expense for the nine months ended September
30, 2018 totaled $119,560, which was a 673% increase as compared to
$15,468 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
The table below summarizes our other income and expenses for the
nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-----------------------------
Description 2018 2017 Percent Change
------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------- --------------
Currency Translation (Gain)/Loss $ 5,271 $ (6,172) (185)%
Interest and Dividend Income (120,659) (9,296) 1,198%
Other Income (4,172) - N/A
------------ ---------
Total Other Income, Net of Expenses $ (119,560) $ (15,468) 673%
------------ ---------
Realized gains, interest and dividend income increased to
$120,659 (2017: $9,296). The Company's available capital for
investment activities increased significantly due to the capital
raise in December 2017 and the subsequent exercises of warrants
during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 resulting in the
increase in investment income.
Income Taxes
As of September 30, 2018, the Company does not believe any
uncertain tax positions exist that would result in the Company
having a liability to the taxing authorities. The Company's policy
is to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax
benefits, if and when required, as part of interest expense and
general and administrative expense, respectively in the
consolidated statement of operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the
Company generated a net loss attributable to shareholders of
$7,011,394 and $3,344,932, respectively. As of September 30, 2018
and December 31, 2017, the Company has an accumulated deficit of
$111,857,241 and $104,845,847 and had cash (excluding restricted
cash) and marketable securities totaling $6,167,451 and $5,450,039,
respectively.
Our primary focus is to expand the global distribution of our
PIFA Heparin PF/4 rapid assays. The Company continues
commercialization of its BreathScan Alcohol detection devices and
the Tri-Cholesterol assay.
We expect to continue to incur losses from operations for the
near-term and these losses could be significant as we incur
regulatory and commercialization related expenses. We expect that
our current working capital position will be sufficient to meet our
estimated cash needs for at least the next twelve months. We are
closely monitoring our cash balances, cash needs and expense
levels. The accompanying financial statements do not include any
adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the
recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and
classification of liabilities that might result in the possible
inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.
We will also continue to support marketing activities of in-line
products PIFA Heparin/PF4 rapid assays, PIFA PLUSS(R) PF4, breath
alcohol detectors, METRON breath ketone tests and Tri-Cholesterol
products, globally.
Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30,
2018 were $68,214 (2017: $37,191). As per the Company's lease
agreement, the owner of the facility will be handling most of the
facility upgrades, and we anticipate financing any production and
laboratory capital expenditures through working capital.
We lease our manufacturing facility which also contains our
administrative offices. Our current lease was executed January 1,
2013 and is effective through December 31, 2019. The Company has
leased this property from the current owner since 1997. The Company
executed a lease for a satellite office in Ramsey, New Jersey on
June 23, 2017 which expires May 31, 2019. The satellite office
supports members of executive management and the sales and
marketing team with convenient access to resources in the greater
New York City area.
Our net cash consumed by operating activities totaled $5,874,664
during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Cash was consumed
by the loss of $7,011,394 plus non-cash adjustments of $173,047 for
depreciation and amortization of non-current assets, $3,469 for the
amortization of deferred compensation, $218,799 for the charge for
obsolescence, $97,000 for the allowance of doubtful accounts,
$12,106 for share based compensation to employees and $12,545 for
share based compensation to non-employees less $10,633 for accrued
interest and dividends on marketable securities. For the nine
months ended September 30, 2018, decreases in trade receivables of
$584,443, prepaid expenses - related party of $20,706 and increases
in trade and other payables - related party of $7,366 and trade and
other payables of $508,983 provided cash, primarily related to
routine changes in operating activities. A net increase in deposits
and other receivables of $13,836, deposits and other receivables -
related party of $30,243, inventory of $79,162, and prepaid
expenses of $367,860 consumed cash from operating activities.
Our net cash consumed by operating activities totaled $3,654,858
during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Cash was consumed
by the loss of $3,344,932 plus non-cash adjustments of $182,866 for
depreciation and amortization of non-current assets, $46,239 for
the reserve and write-off of doubtful accounts, $15,784 for the
fair value of restricted common stock issued for services and
$14,502 for share-based compensation less $148 for accrued interest
and dividends on marketable securities. For the nine months ended
September 30, 2017, decreases in deposits and other receivables of
$2,034, trade receivables - related parties of $31,892, prepaid
expenses of $68,797, prepaid expenses - related party of $38,438,
and an increase in trade and other payables of $174,185 provided
cash, primarily related to routine changes in operating activities.
A net increase in trade receivables of $570,065, inventories of
$111,486 and other assets of $9,280 and a decrease in trade and
other payables - related party of $213,822 consumed cash from
operating activities.
Investing and Financing Activities
The Company's net cash provided by investing and financing
activities totaled $7,237,650 (2017: $3,717,291) during the nine
months ended September 30, 2018. Cash of $5,378,212 (2017:
$2,746,339) was consumed by capital expenditures and the purchase
of marketable securities. Proceeds from the sale of marketable
securities contributed cash of $5,460,662 (2017: $2,749,119) and
net proceeds from the public and private placements of common and
Series B preferred stock and the exercise of warrants for Common
Stock contributed $7,155,200 (2017: $3,714,511) for the nine months
ended September 30, 2018.
On November 2, 2018, the Company, entered into a securities
purchase agreement with certain investors (the "Purchase
Agreement") pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell an
aggregate of 694,445 shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase approximately 694,445 shares of common stock (the
"Warrants"). The combined purchase price for one share of common
stock and each Warrant will be priced at $2.88 (the "Offering").
The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations,
warranties, and covenants by the Company.
Each Warrant has an initial exercise price of $3.76 per share,
will be exercisable immediately after the date of issuance and will
expire five years from the date it becomes exercisable. Subject to
limited exceptions, a holder of the Warrants will not have the
right to exercise any portion of such securities if the holder,
together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of
4.99% of the number of shares of the Company's common stock
outstanding immediately after the exercise. The exercise price of
the Warrants, and in some cases the number of shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, will be subject to
adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends,
combinations, rights offerings and similar events affecting the
common stock.
In addition, the Warrants provide that, in the event of a
fundamental transaction (as such term is described in the Warrant),
the holder of such Warrant, at the holder's option, may receive,
for each warrant share (as such term is described in the Warrant)
that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior
to the occurrence of such fundamental transaction, the number of
shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or
of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any
additional consideration receivable as a result of such fundamental
transaction by a holder of the number of shares of common stock for
which the Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such
fundamental transaction. If holders of common stock are given any
choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a
fundamental transaction, then the holder shall be given the same
choice as to the alternate consideration it receives upon any
exercise of the Warrant following such fundamental transaction. The
Company shall cause any successor entity (as such term is described
in the Warrant), at the option of the holder, to deliver to the
holder in exchange for the Warrant a security of the successor
entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in
form and substance to the Warrant which is exercisable for a
corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such successor
entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of common
stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of the Warrant
(without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant)
prior to such fundamental transaction, and with an exercise price
which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of
capital stock.
The Offering was made pursuant to a shelf registration statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 333-214214), previously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 24, 2016 and declared
effective on November 16, 2016. Such securities are being offered
only by means of a prospectus.
Critical Accounting Policies
See accounting policies in Note 2 of the condensed consolidated
financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no significant known off balance sheet arrangements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk
We do not hold any derivative instruments and do not engage in
any hedging activities.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Pursuant to Rule 13a- 15(b) under the Exchange Act, the Company
carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company's
management, including the Company's Principal Executive Officer
("PEO") and Principal Financial Officer ("PFO"), of the
effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the
end of the period covered by this report.
Subsequent to the filing of the Company's Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2017, the Company determined that there were
material errors within its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the
periods ended June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 and in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Specifically, the Company determined that certain revenue
transactions did not qualify for revenue recognition under
generally accepted accounting principles, that certain obligations
were not recorded as expenses on a timely basis and that the
Company did not properly value its inventory. The Company concluded
that the impact of applying corrections for these errors was
materially different from its previously reported results under its
historical practice.
As of September 30, 2018 and based upon that evaluation, and in
light of the restatement discussion above, the Company's PEO and
PFO concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures
were not effective to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or
submits under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized
and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules
and forms, and that such information is accumulated and
communicated to the Company's management, including the Company's
PEO and PFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.
Management is actively engaged in the planning for and
implementation of remediation efforts to address the material
weakness identified above. The remediation plan includes (i) the
engaging of additional experienced financial resources, (ii) the
development and implementation of enhanced controls designed to
evaluate the appropriateness of revenue recognition policies and
procedures, (iii) the implementation of review and monitoring of
transactions to ensure compliance with the new policies and
procedures, and (iv) the training of personnel responsible for
revenue and inventory.
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company has implemented additional controls around sales
transactions to (i) further validate shipping terms including, the
date for which risk of ownership transfers to the purchaser and
(ii) that shipped product met purchasers' specifications. In
connection with the preparation of the condensed consolidated
financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the
Company engaged a third party consultant to assist in the review of
financial statements and to address complex accounting matters.
There have been no other changes in our internal control over
financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation
required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the
Exchange Act that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended
September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting. On October 5, 2018, the Company hired Mr. Howard Yeaton
as its CEO and interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Yeaton replaced
the former CEO, Mr. John Gormally who resigned on October 5,
2018.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are a party to litigation and subject to
claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Future
litigation may be necessary to defend ourselves and our customers
by determining the scope, enforceability and validity of third
party proprietary rights or to establish our proprietary
rights.
On October 17, 2016 the Company was served with a notice that
Pulse Health LLC ("Pulse") filed a lawsuit against the Company on
September 30, 2016 in United States Federal District Court,
District of Oregon, alleging a breach of contract under the
settlement agreement entered into by the Company and Pulse on April
8, 2011 which settled all claims and disputes between the Company
and Pulse arising from a previously executed Technology Development
Agreement entered into by the Company and Pulse and damages
resulting from said alleged breach. Additionally, Pulse alleges
false advertising and unlawful trade practices in connection with
the Company's sales activities related to the Company's OxiChek(TM)
products.
The Company filed a series of motions with the Court seeking (1)
to dismiss the Pulse complaint for lack of jurisdiction or, in the
alternative, transfer the matter to the District Court for the
District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage and (2) to dismiss the
unfair competition claims for failure to state a claim on which
relief could be granted. Oral arguments on these motions were heard
by the Court on March 10, 2017.
The Court decided by order dated April 14, 2017 in favor of the
Company and has dismissed with prejudice the claims brought by
Pulse for unfair competition (both federal and state counts). The
court decided against the Company in its motions for transfer of
venue and for lack of jurisdiction. As such, the case shall proceed
in the District Court of Oregon.
The Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on January 24,
2018. On June 21, 2018, the Court ruled in favor of the Company on
some issues and determined that other issues warranted a trial. As
part of its ruling on the Motion for Summary Judgment, the Court
held "While it seems likely that Plaintiff did suffer some amount
of damages, Plaintiff has so far failed to provide a sufficient
evidentiary foundation from which the trier of fact could
reasonably calculate the value of its injury." The Court stated
that it was "reasonably certain that Plaintiff suffered some
damage" and found that Pulse Health "may be entitled to nominal
damages." The Court further determined that equitable relief, such
as an injunction, "may be warranted." Following such rulings, the
Company discovered certain deficiencies in its discovery responses
and is taking the appropriate steps to supplement the record and
correct these deficiencies. In addition, the Court has ordered a
settlement conference in front of a U.S. magistrate to be held on
August 31, 2018. Trial has been set for November 13, 2018 in
Portland, Oregon.
On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class
action lawsuits against the Company.
On September 17, 2018, the Company and Pulse entered into a
settlement. Pursuant to the settlement reached between the
Plaintiff and the Company, on October 9, 2018 the Company paid
$930,000 to the Plaintiff. The Company has also agreed to a
permanent injunction and will not make, use, sell or offer to sell
the BreathScan OxiChek(TM) product, any product that detects
aldehydes or oxidative stress in exhaled human breath or breath
condensate using either basic fuchsin or sodium metabisulfite or
any form, analog or equivalent thereof, and the BreathScan Lync
device, or any equivalent thereof, as part of a test for aldehydes
or oxidative stress in human exhaled breath or breath condensate.
The Company does not anticipate a material impact on revenues as a
result of the withdrawal of the BreathScan OxiChek(TM) product from
sale. The Settlement Agreement does not contain any admission of
liability, wrongdoing, or responsibility by any of the parties.
Faulkner v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10521
(D.N.J.)
On June 13, 2018, Plaintiff Tim Faulkner filed a class action
complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences,
Inc. ("Akers"), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch ("Individual
Defendants") (together with Akers, "Defendants") on behalf of all
persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities
from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5
against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the
complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading
statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and
third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was
improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal
controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true
extent of those weaknesses. On July 10, 2018, Plaintiff and
Defendants entered into a stipulation that Defendants are not
required to respond to the complaint until the court appoints a
lead plaintiff and lead counsel for the class, and then after the
lead plaintiff chooses whether to file an amended complaint or
whether to designate the complaint as the operative complaint.
Gleason v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10805
(D.N.J.)
On June 20, 2018, Plaintiff David Gleason filed a class action
complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences,
Inc. ("Akers"), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch ("Individual
Defendants") (together with Akers, "Defendants") on behalf of all
persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities
from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5
against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the
complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading
statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and
third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was
improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal
controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true
extent of those weaknesses. No Defendant has been served yet, and
no response is due at this time.
Other class action lawsuits have been threatened against the
Company and may be filed shortly. Although there are currently two
separate actions pending, we anticipate that the two actions will
be consolidated into one action.
The Company maintains D&O liability insurance coverage,
insuring both the Company and the Directors and Officers for
covered defense and indemnification, and has noticed these matters
thereunder.
Additionally, a former executive has threatened to sue the
Company, Board members, and executives under CEPA over the
termination of his employment. That statute prohibits any
retaliatory action against an employee who discloses, or threatens
to disclose to a supervisor or to a public entity any activity,
policy or practice of the employer that is a violation of a law, or
a rule or regulation. Remedies may include a counter claim for back
pay, reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages and
attorneys' fees if appropriate. The Company will vigorously defend
any litigation brought by this former executive.
The Company intends to establish a rigorous defense of all
claims. The Company is unable to assess the potential outcome, so
no accrual for losses was made as of September 30, 2018. All legal
fees were expensed as and when incurred.
With the exception of the foregoing, we are not currently
involved in any litigation that we believe could have a materially
adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation
before or by any court, public Board, government agency,
self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge
of the executive officers of our Company, threatened against or
affecting our Company or our Common Stock, in which an adverse
decision could have a material adverse effect.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the risk factors in this quarterly report, please
see the additional risk factors in our Annual Report on Form
10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, filed with the SEC on July 13, 2018, our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on July 13, 2018,
and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on August
14, 2018.
The market price of our common stock is likely to be volatile
and could subject us to litigation.
The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly
volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a
number of factors that are beyond our control, including, but not
limited to:
-- variations in our revenue and operating expenses;
-- actual or anticipated changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in stock
market analyst recommendations regarding our ordinary shares, other comparable companies or
our industry generally;
-- market conditions in our industry and the economy as a whole;
-- developments in the financial markets and worldwide or regional economies;
-- announcements of innovations or new products or services by us or our competitors;
-- announcements by the government relating to regulations that govern our industry;
-- sales of our common stock or other securities by us or in the open market;
-- recruitment or departure of key personnel;
-- any actions taken against the Company by former executives;
-- Potential delisting from the NASDAQ Stock Market;
-- any class action lawsuits brought against the Company; and
-- changes in the market valuations of other comparable companies
In addition, if the market for biotech stocks or the stock
market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the
trading price of our common stock could decline for reasons
unrelated to our business, financial condition or operating
results. The trading price of our shares might also decline in
reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry,
even if these events do not directly affect us. Each of these
factors, among others, could harm the value of your investment in
our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in
the market, securities class-action litigation has often been
instituted against companies. Such litigation, if instituted
against us, could result in substantial costs and diversion of
management's attention and resources, which could materially and
adversely affect our business, operating results and financial
condition. Specifically, on or about June 15, 2018, certain parties
have brought certain class action lawsuits against the Company, and
a former executive has threatened to sue the Company, Board
members, and executives under the New Jersey CEPA, N.J. Stat. Ann.
-- 34-19.1 over the termination of his employment. Both, the class
action lawsuits brought against the Company and CEPA action
threatened by a former executive could result in substantial costs
and diversion of management's attention and resources, which could
harm the value of your investment in our common stock and
materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and
financial condition.
A robust public market for our common stock may not develop or
be sustained, which could affect your ability to sell our common
stock or depress the market price of our common stock.
Our common stock is listed on NASDAQ, but we cannot assure you
that our common stock will continue to trade on this market or
another national securities exchange. In addition, we are unable to
predict whether an active trading market for our common stock will
develop or will be sustained.
On June 11, 2018, the Company received a letter from the Listing
Qualifications Department NASDAQ notifying the Company that it has
determined that the Company violated the shareholder approval
requirements of Listing Rule 5635(c). Listing Rule 5635(c) requires
shareholder approval prior to the issuance of securities when a
stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially
amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially
amended, pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers,
directors, employees or consultants.
Prior to the Company's public offering and listing on NASDAQ,
the Company's 2013 Plan was approved by its Board NASDAQ has
concluded that the 2013 Plan was materially amended on two
occasions after the Company's public offering and listing on
NASDAQ. The first amendment, as approved by the Board on January 9,
2015, increased the number of shares available under the 2013 Plan
from 50,000 to 100,000 shares and the second amendment, as approved
by the Board on October 5, 2016, increased the number of shares
under the 2013 Plan from 100,000 to 103,750 shares. The Company has
until December 10, 2018, to regain compliance with Listing Rule
5635.
During the first quarter of 2018 the Company promptly notified
NASDAQ, as required by Listing Rule 5625, when it became aware of
its potential non-compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c). On May 4,
2018, the Staff requested additional information from the Company
with respect to such non-compliance and on May 31, 2018, the
Company responded. On June 25, 2018, the Company submitted the 5635
Compliance Plan to NASDAQ to remediate this matter. The 5635
Compliance Plan included that a proposal for shareholders of the
Company to ratify the 2013 Plan Amendments be included in the proxy
statement for the Company's 2018 annual meeting of the shareholders
of the Company and that the Company shall suspend the trading of
each share granted, and each share granted upon the exercise of any
option granted, in excess of 50,000 shares under the 2013 Plan (the
number of shares properly approved pursuant to the 2013 Plan prior
to the 2013 Plan Amendments). The 5635 Compliance Plan also
proposes to prevent the exercise of any option granted under the
2013 Plan.
If NASDAQ does not find that the 5635 Compliance Plan acceptable
to cure the Company's violation of Listing Rule 5635(c), then we
cannot assure you that our common stock will continue to trade on
this market or another national securities exchange.
The restatement of our previously issued financial statements
contained in our Forms 10-Q for the periods ended June 30, 2017 and
September 30, 2017 and the Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2017 may lead to additional risks and uncertainties, including
regulatory, stockholder or other actions, loss of investor
confidence and negative impacts on our stock price.
Our Audit Committee, after consultation with management and
discussing with outside counsel, external auditors and third-party
consultants, concluded that our previously issued consolidated
financial statements for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2017
and September 30, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2017
should be restated. The Company determined that certain revenue
transactions did not qualify for revenue recognition under
generally accepted accounting principles, that certain obligations
were not recorded as expenses on a timely basis and that the
Company did not properly value its inventory. The Company concluded
that the impact of applying corrections for these errors was
materially different from its previously reported results under its
historical practice. As a result, the Company restated its
consolidated financial statements for the periods impacted, as more
fully described within each of the respective amended reports, as
filed on July 13, 2018. Financial information included in our
previously filed Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
and all earnings press releases and similar communications issued
by us, for such periods, should not be relied upon and are
superseded in their entirety by the above described amended
Quarterly and Annual reports.
Accordingly, this Form 10-Q reflects: (1) changes to our
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and our Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders' Equity as of December 31, 2017; (2)
expanded risk factor disclosures within Part II, Item 1A, and (3)
additional disclosures and conclusions regarding Controls and
Procedures in Part II, Item 4.
As a result of the 2017 restatements and associated non-reliance
on previously issued financial information, we have become subject
to a number of additional costs and risks, including unanticipated
costs for accounting and legal fees in connection with or related
to the restatement and the remediation of our ineffective
disclosure controls and procedures and material weakness in
internal control over financial reporting. Likewise, the attention
of our management team has been diverted by these efforts. In
addition, we could also be subject to additional shareholder,
governmental, regulatory or other actions or demands in connection
with the restatement or other matters. Any such proceedings will,
regardless of the outcome, consume a significant amount of
management's time and attention and may result in additional legal,
accounting, insurance and other costs. If we do not prevail in any
such proceedings, we could be required to pay damages or settlement
costs. In addition, the restatement and related matters could
impair our reputation or could cause our customers, shareholders,
or other counterparties to lose confidence in us. Any of these
occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations, financial condition and stock price.
In connection with the restatement of our financial statements
for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2017 and September 30,
2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2017, our management
identified material weaknesses in our internal control over
financial reporting, as described in Item 9A, "Control and
Procedures" of this Form 10-K. A material weakness is a deficiency,
or combination of deficiencies in internal controls over financial
reporting that results in a reasonable possibility that a material
misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not
be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Further, management
determined that control deficiencies existed with respect to
certain aspects of our historical financial reporting and,
accordingly, management has concluded that management's reports
related to the effectiveness of internal and disclosure controls
may not have been correct.
A deterioration of global economic conditions may adversely
affect our industry, business and results of operations.
Disruptions in the global credit and financial markets and in
economic conditions generally may include diminished liquidity and
credit availability, a decline in consumer confidence, a decline in
economic growth, an increased unemployment rate and uncertainty
about economic stability. Such disruptions may affect businesses
such as ours in a number of ways, making it difficult to accurately
forecast and plan our future business activities. Any adverse
global economic conditions and tightening of credit in financial
markets may lead consumers to postpone spending, which may cause
our customers to cancel, decrease or delay their existing and
future orders with us. In addition, financial difficulties
experienced by our suppliers, manufacturers, distributors or
customers could result in product delays, increased accounts
receivable defaults and inventory challenges. We are unable to
predict the likely duration and severity of disruptions in the
credit and financial markets and adverse global economic
conditions.
Our ability to grow and compete in the future will be adversely
affected if adequate capital is not available to us or not
available on terms favorable to us.
Historically, our cash generated from operations has not been
sufficient to meet our expenses. We have financed our operations
principally through the raising of equity capital, debt and through
trade credit with our vendors. Our ability to continue our
operations and to pay our obligations when they become due is
contingent upon obtaining additional financing. If we are unable to
obtain sufficient amounts of additional capital, we may be required
to reduce the scope of our planned market development activities,
and/or consider reductions in personnel costs or other operating
costs. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern.
Obligations associated with being a public company require
significant company resources and management attention, which may
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
results of operations.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the "Exchange Act," and the
other rules and regulations of the SEC, including the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Exchange Act requires, among other things,
that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to
our business and financial condition and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure
controls and procedures and internal control over financial
reporting. These reporting and other obligations place significant
demands on our management, administrative, operational and
accounting resources, make certain activities more time-consuming
and cause us to incur significant legal, accounting and other
expenses. In order to comply with these obligations, we may need to
upgrade our systems or create new systems, implement additional
financial and management controls, reporting systems and
procedures, expand or outsource our internal audit function, and
hire additional accounting and finance staff. Because our resources
are limited compared to many public companies, these requirement
may impose a disproportionate financial burden on us. Furthermore,
our limited management resources may exacerbate the difficulties in
complying with these reporting and other requirements and prevent
us from focusing on executing our business strategy. In addition,
if we are unable to comply with the financial reporting
requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies, the
market price of our common stock could be adversely affected.
As an "emerging growth company" and a "smaller reporting
company" we intend to continue to take advantage of certain
exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable
to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies"
or "smaller reporting companies," including, but not limited to,
not being required to comply with the auditor attestation
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced
disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our
periodic reports and proxy statements and other scaled disclosure
requirements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a
nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder
approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
In general, we will remain an "emerging growth company" until
December 31, 2020, although a variety of circumstances could cause
us to lose that status earlier, and will remain a "smaller
reporting company" for each fiscal year where our public float
remains below $75 million as of the last day of the second fiscal
quarter of the prior fiscal year. We intend to take advantage of
some or all of these exemptions and reduced reporting requirements
until we are no longer an "emerging growth company" and/or a
"smaller reporting company," at which time, we expect to incur
significant additional expenses and devote substantial management
effort toward ensuring compliance with these additional
requirements.
The Company's business would suffer if the Company were unable
to acquire adequate sources of supply.
We use a diverse and broad range of raw materials in the
manufacturing of our products. We purchase all of our raw materials
and select items, such as packaging, from external suppliers. In
addition, we purchase some supplies from single sources for reasons
of proprietary know-how, quality assurance, sole source
availability, or due to regulatory qualification requirements and
disruption of these sources could have, at a minimum, a temporary
adverse effect on shipments and the financial results of the
Company. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure continuity of
supply while maintaining high quality and reliability. Any
prolonged inability to obtain certain materials or components could
have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or
results of operations and could result in damage to its
relationships with its customers and, accordingly, adversely affect
the Company's business.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we experienced
lower yields in the process of extracting antigen from the supplier
provided platelets used to produce our PIFA Heparin product. At
these yield levels, our production of this product was under target
levels, which had resulted in backorders. Our engineers and
representatives from our supplier have been working together to
adjust our processes in order to restore the yield to appropriate
levels, the results of which are not yet determined. Furthermore,
we are evaluating and testing a solution that may involve one or
more alternative antigen suppliers and processes that may provide a
path to restoring yield levels for this product.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of
Proceeds
There were no unregistered sales of the Company's equity
securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, other than
those previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
There has been no default in the payment of principal, interest,
sinking or purchase fund installment, or any other material
default, with respect to any indebtedness of the Company.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits.
31.1 Certification by the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of Registrant
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)).
*
32.1 Certification by the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
* Filed herewith
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC.
Date: November 14, 2018 By: /s/ Howard Yeaton
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Howard Yeaton
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer)
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRINCIPAL
FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Howard Yeaton, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Akers Biosciences, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report;
4. I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13-a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures
to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented
in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures,
as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth
fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting,
to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's Board of Directors
(or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal
control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a
significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 14, 2018 By: /s/ Howard Yeaton
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard Yeaton
Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive
Officer,
Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with this Quarterly Report of Akers Biosciences,
Inc. (the "Company"), on Form 10-Q for the period ended September
30, 2018, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
on the date hereof, the undersigned, in the capacity and on the
date indicated below, hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operation of the Company.
Date: November 14, 2018 By: /s/ Howard Yeaton
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard Yeaton
Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer)
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
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