Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v3.24.1
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and include all assets and liabilities of the Company. In May 2020, the Company dissolved a wholly owned subsidiary ST Sub, Inc. At the time of dissolution, the subsidiary had no assets, liabilities, equity, or operations.

 

Reverse Stock Split

Reverse Stock Split

 

On December 20, 2022, the Company effected a 1 for 100 reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock. The par value and the authorized shares of the common and preferred stock were not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. All common stock shares, equivalents, and per-share amounts for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the reverse stock split.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue to operate as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business, and does not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to its ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred a net loss of $8.3 million and $12.0 million, respectively, and used cash in operations of $14.1 million and $10.3 million, respectively. The Company had an accumulated deficit of $270.7 million and $262.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. To date, the Company’s operations have been principally financed from proceeds from the issuance of preferred and common stock and, to a lesser extent, cash generated from product sales. It is anticipated that the Company will continue to generate operating losses and use cash in operations. The Company’s continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to increase sales, and/or raise additional funds through the capital markets. Whether and when the Company can attain profitability and positive cash flows from operations or obtain additional financing is uncertain.

 

The Company is actively generating additional scientific and clinical data to have it published in leading industry publications. The unique features of our advanced ceramic materials are not well known, and we believe the publication of such data would help sales efforts as the Company approaches new prospects. The Company is also making additional changes to the sales strategy, including a focus on revenue growth by expanding the use of silicon nitride in other areas outside of spinal fusion applications. The Company has also acquired equipment and certain proprietary know-how for the purpose of developing, manufacturing and commercializing armored plates made from boron carbide and a composite of boron carbide and silicon carbide for military, law enforcement and other civilian uses.

 

The Company has common stock that is publicly traded and has been able to successfully raise capital when needed since the date of the Company’s initial public offering in February 2014.

 

 

On February 25, 2021, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (as amended, the “2021 Distribution Agreement”) with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”), pursuant to which the Company may sell from time to time, shares of the Company’s common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1.1 million through Maxim, as agent. As of December 31, 2023, there have been 1,317,749 shares of common stock sold under the 2021 Distribution Agreement. Subsequent to December 31, 2023 there have been 1,145,200 shares of common stock sold under the 2021 Distribution Agreement (see Note 15). Because the Company’s public float is less than $75 million, we may not sell securities over a 12-month period in an amount greater than one-third of our public float.

 

On January 10, 2023, The Company entered into an amendment to our Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Maxim, pursuant to which the expiration date of the Distribution Agreement was extended to the earlier of: (i) the sale of shares having an aggregate offering price of $15.0 million, (ii) the termination by either Maxim or the Company upon the provision of fifteen (15) days written notice, or (iii) February 25, 2024. No other changes were made to the terms of the Distribution Agreement. Because the Company’s public float is less than $75 million, we may not sell securities over a 12 month period in an amount greater than one-third of our public, or approximately $3.27 million, based on a share price of $2.68 on March 3, 2023.

 

On October 17, 2022, the Company closed on the sale of 4,656 Units for gross proceeds of approximately $4.7 million pursuant to the terms of a Rights Offering to holders of the Company’s common stock, Series B and Series C preferred stock and holders of certain outstanding common stock warrants. See Note 9 below for a more detailed discussion of the Rights Offering.

 

On February 10, 2023, the Company closed on a public offering of 2,150,000 units, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock, or one pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of its common stock, one Class C Warrant to purchase one share of common stock, and one half of one Class D Warrant with each whole Class D Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one share of common stock. Gross proceeds, before deducting offering expenses, totaled approximately $12.0 million. Of the $12.0 million of gross proceeds, approximately $5.4 million were allocated to common stock and prefunded warrants ($4.8 million net of offering costs) and approximately $6.7 million were allocated to derivative liabilities (with approximately $0.7 million of cash offering costs and $0.1 million of agent warrant offering costs recorded as derivative expense).

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, the company raised $4.0 million gross proceeds from a fund raise (see Note 15 Subsequent Events for more information).

 

These uncertainties raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. As of December 31, 2023, the most significant estimate relates to derivative liabilities and stock based compensation.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Significant Customers

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Significant Customers

 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, and note receivables. Because the financial institution that the Company currently uses does not participate in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”), the Company does not presently have a program to limit its exposure to credit loss. The Company’s deposits, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.

 

As of December 31, 2023, two commercial customers and government agencies represent 80% of the Company’s total revenues and 78% of the Company’s total accounts receivable as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

 

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company derived its product revenue primarily from the sale of aerospace components and spinal fusion products. The aerospace components are key ceramic aircraft engine components sold to a leading manufacturer of aerospace components and systems whom the Company has entered into a 10-year, long-term agreement. The spinal fusion products are used in the treatment of spine disorders and sold to CTL Medical, with whom the Company signed a 10-year exclusive sales agreement in October 2018. The Company also records revenue from grants, contracts, and awards provided by government agencies. The Company is currently pursuing other sales opportunities for silicon nitride outside the spinal fusion application.

 

Revenue is recognized when control of the goods or services promised under the contract is transferred to the customer either at a point in time (e.g., upon delivery) or over time (e.g., as performed under the contract). The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights and payment terms of the parties are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Contracts are reviewed to determine whether there is one or multiple performance obligations. A performance obligation is a promise to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer and represents the unit of accounting for revenue recognition. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the expected consideration, or the transaction price, is allocated to each performance obligation identified in the contract based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. Revenue is then recognized for the transaction price allocated to the performance obligation when control of the promised goods or services underlying the performance obligation is transferred. Contract consideration is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component when, at contract inception, the period between when control transfers and when the customer will pay for that good or service is one year or less. Contact modifications that provide for additional distinct goods or services at the standalone selling price are treated as separate contracts. The transaction price for our contracts reflects our estimate of returns, rebates and discounts, which historically have not been significant. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in the transaction price and generally are not treated as separate performance obligations as these costs fulfill a promise to transfer the product to the customer. The Company employs salespeople to actively seek additional customers; there are no incremental costs for obtaining customers that need to be capitalized.

 

The Company recognizes revenue from sales of products at the time the product is shipped.

 

Revenues from grants, contracts, and awards provided by governmental agencies are recorded based upon the terms of the specific agreements, which generally provide that revenue is earned when the allowable costs specified in the applicable agreement have been incurred or a milestone has been met. Cash received from federal grants, contracts, and awards can be subject to audit by the grantor and, if the examination results in a disallowance of any expenditure, repayment could be required. The duration of the government grants, contracts, and awards varies by government entity as well as phase level. The general duration period during 2023 was 1.8 years.

 

Grant, contract, and award receivables relate to allowable amounts expended or otherwise incurred or earned in connection with the terms of a grant, contract, or award and for which reimbursement has not yet taken place. As of December 31, 2023, government grants, contracts, and awards accounted for approximately $0.3 million in accounts receivable. To be eligible to receive moneys from government agencies the Company must meet commitments as outlined in the grant, contract, and award agreements.

 

 

Costs of Revenue

Costs of Revenue

 

The expenses that are included in costs of revenue associated with product sales include all raw material and in-house manufacturing costs for the products we manufacture.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all cash on deposit, money market accounts and highly-liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

 

Inventories

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost for manufactured inventory determined under the standard costs, which approximate actual costs, determined on the first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method. Manufactured inventory consists of raw material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead cost components. The Company reviews the carrying value of inventory on a periodic basis for excess or obsolete items, and records any write-down as a cost of revenue, as necessary. Inventory that is not expected to be utilized within 12 months of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively is recorded as long term.

 

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related lease term, generally five years.

 

The Company reviews the carrying value of the Company’s property and equipment that are held and used in the Company’s operations for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined based upon expected undiscounted future net cash flows from the operations to which the assets relate, utilizing management’s best estimate, assumptions, and projections at the time. If the carrying value is determined to be unrecoverable from future operating cash flows, the asset is deemed impaired and an impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value of the asset. The Company estimates the fair value of assets based on the estimated future discounted cash flows of the asset.

 

 

Leases

Leases

 

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are in operating lease right of use asset and operating lease liability in our consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases, if any, are included in property and equipment in our consolidated balance sheet. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not presented on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company accounts for lease payments separately than from non-lease components. The depreciable life of the asset and leasehold improvement are limited by the expected lease term.

 

Account and Other Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses

Account and Other Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses

 

Financial assets, which potentially subject the Company to credit losses, consist primarily of receivables. We measure expected credit losses of financial assets based on historical loss and other information available to management using type of receivable (commercial, grants or contracts, retainage, or other) and different aging categories (less than 90 days past due, over 90 days past due, over 180 days past due, and financially troubled customers). These expected credit losses are recorded to an allowance for credit losses valuation account that is deducted from receivables to present the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset on the consolidated balance sheet. Management believes that the historical loss information it has compiled is a reasonable basis on which to determine expected credit losses for trade receivables held as of December 31, 2023, because the composition of the trade receivables as of that date is consistent with that used in developing the historical credit-loss percentages (i.e., the similar risk characteristics of its customers and its lending practices have not changed significantly over time).

 

Long Lived Intangible Assets

Long Lived Intangible Assets

 

The Company evaluates the carrying value of intangibles when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers important which could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of its use of acquired assets or its overall business strategy, and significant industry or economic trends. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The Company recorded no impairment loss for definite-lived intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Derivative Liabilities

Derivative Liabilities

 

Derivative liabilities include the fair value of certain common stock warrants, that are initially recorded at fair value and are required to be re-measured to fair value at each reporting period. The change in fair value of the instruments is recognized as a component of other income (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations until the instruments settle, expire or are no longer classified as derivative liabilities. The Company estimates the fair value of these instruments primarily using Monte-Carlo valuation models. The significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value include the exercise price, volatility of the stock underlying the instrument, risk-free interest rate, estimated fair value of the stock underlying the instrument and the estimated life of the instrument.

 

 

Research and Development

Research and Development

 

All research and development costs, including those funded by third parties, are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist of engineering, product development, test-part manufacturing, testing, developing and validating the manufacturing process, and regulatory related costs. Research and development expenses also include employee compensation, employee and nonemployee stock-based compensation, supplies and materials, consultant services, and travel and facilities expenses related to research activities.

 

We expect to incur additional research and development costs as we continue to develop new biomedical and antipathogenic products.

 

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. The primary component of the Company’s advertising expenses is advertising in trade periodicals. Advertising costs were not significant for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the fiscal year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

The Company operates in various tax jurisdictions and is subject to audit by various tax authorities. The Company provides for tax contingencies whenever it is deemed probable that a tax asset has been impaired, or a tax liability has been incurred for events such as tax claims or changes in tax laws. Tax contingencies are based upon their technical merits relative tax law and the specific facts and circumstances as of each reporting period. Changes in facts and circumstances could result in material changes to the amounts recorded for such tax contingencies.

 

The Company recognizes uncertain income tax positions taken on income tax returns at the largest amount that is more-likely than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.

 

The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions is to record such items as a component of our income tax provision. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not record any material interest income, interest expense or penalties related to uncertain tax positions or the settlement of audits for prior periods.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company measures stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the awards as determined on the date of grant and is recognized as expense over the remaining requisite service period. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of employee stock options. The Black-Scholes-Merton model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the estimated fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, the expected term of the stock option, and the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock over the period equal to the expected term of the grant. The Company estimates forfeitures at the date of grant and revises the estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company accounts for stock options to purchase shares of stock that are issued to non-employees based on the estimated fair value of such instruments using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model.

 

New Accounting Pronouncement, Not Yet Adopted

New Accounting Pronouncement, Not Yet Adopted

 

The Company has reviewed all recently issued, but not yet adopted, accounting standards, in order to determine their effects, if any, on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Based on that review, the Company believes that no other pronouncements will have a significant effect on its financial statements.

 

 

Net Loss Per Share – Basic and Diluted

Net Loss Per Share – Basic and Diluted

 

Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period that are determined to be dilutive. Common stock equivalents are primarily comprised of preferred stock, options and warrants for the purchase of common stock The Company had potentially dilutive securities, totaling approximately 0.7 million and 0.7 million shares of common stock as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Below are basic and diluted loss per share data for the year ended December 31, 2023, which are in thousands except for share and per share data:

 

   

Basic

Calculation

   

Effect of

Dilutive

Warrant

Securities

   

Diluted

Calculation

 
Numerator:                        
Net loss   $ (8,259 )   $ (5,320 )   $ (13,579 )
Deemed dividend and accretion of a discount     (26 )     -       (26 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders   $ (8,285 )   $ (5,320 )   $ (13,605 )
                         
Denominator:                        
Number of shares used in per common share calculations:     3,736,412       620,830       4,357,242  
                         
Net loss per common share:                        
Net loss   $ (2.21 )   $ (8.57 )   $ (3.12 )
Deemed dividend and accretion of a discount     (0.01 )     -       (0.01 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders   $ (2.22 )   $ (8.57 )   $ (3.13 )

 

Below are basic and diluted loss per share data for the year ended December 31, 2022, which are in thousands except for share and per share data:

 

   

Basic

Calculation

   

Effect of

Dilutive

Warrant

Securities

   

Diluted

Calculation

 
Numerator:                        
Net loss   $ (12,039 )   $ (2,807 )   $ (14,846 )
Deemed dividend and accretion of a discount     (4,450 )     -       (4,450 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders   $ (16,489 )   $ (2,807 )   $ (19,296 )
                         
Denominator:                        
Number of shares used in per common share calculations:     301,610       15,713       317,323  
                         
Net loss per common share:                        
Net loss   $ (39.92 )   $ (6.87 )   $ (46.79 )
Deemed dividend and accretion of a discount     (14.75 )     0.73       (14.02 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders   $ (54.67 )   $ (6.14 )   $ (60.81 )