CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
Information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this Report) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words believes, expects, intends, plans, anticipates, likely, will and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A. Risk Factors below. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CERTAIN TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT
References in this Report to we, us, our, the Company or ITUS means ITUS Corporation unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this Form 10-K to dollars or $ refer to US dollars.
Item 1. Business.
The primary operations of the Company involve the development, acquisition, licensing, and enforcement of patented technologies that are either owned or controlled by the Company. The Company currently owns or controls 8 patented technologies. Our primary source of our revenue comes from the monetization of our patented technologies, including the settlement of patent infringement lawsuits. In the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2014, the Company entered into 22 license and/or settlement agreements, and in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, the Company entered into 27 license and/or settlement agreements. All of our license and/or settlement agreements have provided for one time, lump sum payments to be received by the Company.
In August of 2014, the Company ended its relationship with Videocon Industries Limited (Videocon), terminating Videocons license to the Companys patented Nano Field Emissions Display technology (the Videocon Termination).
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On December 29, 2014, the Company and AU Optronics Corporation (AUO) entered into a Settlement Agreement (the AUO Settlement Agreement) and a Patent Assignment Agreement (the AUO Patent Assignment Agreement) pursuant to which the Company received an aggregate of $9,000,000 from AUO (the AUO Settlement). The AUO Settlement Agreement and the AUO Patent Assignment Agreement were entered into to resolve a lawsuit filed by the Company against AUO in January of 2013, relating to joint development projects in connection with the Companys ePaper® Electrophoretic Display, and Nano Field Emission Display (nFED) technologies. As part of the AUO Settlement, the Company terminated AUOs license to the Companys patented Nano Field Emissions Display technology. A more detailed description of the AUO lawsuit and settlement can be found in the section entitled AU Optronics Corporation Lawsuit and Settlement below.
As a result of the Videocon Termination and the AUO Settlement, the Companys Nano Field Emissions Display technology is now unencumbered and ready for continued development.
Patented Technologies
The Companys business model is to generate revenue from the development and licensing of patented technologies. In certain instances, the Company may seek to collect royalties from the unauthorized manufacture, sale, and use of patented products and services. We currently own or control 8 patented technologies including: (i) Encrypted Cellular Communication; (ii) Internet Telephonic Gateway; (iii) J-Channel Window Frame Construction; (iv) Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption; (v) Micro Electro Mechanical Systems Display; (vi) Nano Field Emission Display; (vii) VPN Multicast Communications; and (vii) Enhanced Auction Technologies.
ITUSs Patented Technologies
Encrypted Cellular Communications
The Encrypted Cellular Communications technology includes hardware and software used to encrypt cellular phone calls and other mobile communications. With the increased use of mobile devices, and the increased concerns regarding privacy and the protection of personal information, we believe the demand for secure mobile communications is increasing for both businesses and consumers.
Internet Telephonic Gateway
The internet telephonic gateway technology includes the integration of telephonic participation in web-based audio/video conferences by creating a gateway between the Internet, and cellular or traditional landline telephones. The end result is that participants can join and participate in online, audio/video conferences via a cellular or conventional telephone. This internet telephonic gateway technology is commonly used for web based audio/video events with broad based audience participation such as earnings calls, webinars, and virtual town hall meetings.
J-Channel Window Frame Construction
The J-Channel Window Frame Construction technology includes vinyl windows with an integrated frame, known in the industry as a J-Channel. Such windows are commonly used in modular buildings, mobile homes, and conventional, new home construction, resulting in easier and faster window installation.
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Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption
The Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption technology includes the generation and management of encryption keys. This type of encryption technology is commonly used to encrypt web-based conferencing, email for regulatory compliance purposes, and personal information such as contracts.
Micro Electro Mechanical Systems Display
The Micro Electro Mechanical Systems Display technology includes vanadium dioxide coated pixels that electrically modulate light at extremely high speeds to form an image, as well as the use of electrostatic force to move pixel sized membranes that create a color image. These are emerging, low voltage, display technologies with numerous potential commercial applications.
Nano Field Emission Display
The Nano Field Emission Display technology includes a new type of flat panel display consisting of low voltage color phosphors, specially coated carbon nanotubes, nano materials to generate secondary electrons, and ionized noble gas, resulting in a bright, sharp, high contrast color image. This emerging technology could result in a flat panel display utilizing less power, with better picture quality and lower manufacturing costs than is currently found in the flat panel display industry.
VPN Multicast Communications
The VPN Multicast Communications technology includes the multicast, internet delivery of streaming data, media, and other content to large numbers of recipients, within the confines of specialized virtual private networks (VPNs). Multicasting is a commonly used content delivery protocol that enables several recipients to simultaneous receive content from a single internet transmission, greatly reducing Internet bandwidth costs. When combined with specialized VPNs, the content and communications are protected from unwanted disclosure and piracy. Applications for these live, VPN multicast communications include videoconferences, online training and e-learning classes, internet television, web-based corporate events and strategy sessions, and other live transmissions of sensitive or protected content.
Enhanced Auction Technologies
The Enhanced Auction Technologies includes tools for the enhanced presentation and cross selling used by some of the worlds leading auction sites. The enhanced presentation tools covered by these patents enable auction sellers to cross sell and upsell additional items to interested buyers, resulting in incremental sales and higher yields per transaction.
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AU Optronics Lawsuit and Settlement
In May of 2011, the Company entered into an Exclusive License Agreement (the EPD License Agreement) and a License Agreement (the Nano Display License Agreement) with AUO (together the AUO License Agreements). Under the EPD License Agreement, the Company provided AUO with an exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to its ePaper® Electrophoretic Display (EPD) patents and technology, in connection with AUO jointly developing EPD products with the Company. Under the Nano Display License Agreement, the Company provided AUO with a non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to its Nano Field Emission Display patents and technology, in connection with AUO jointly developing nFED products with the Company.
On January 28, 2013, the Company terminated the AUO License Agreements due to numerous alleged material and continual breaches of the AUO License Agreements by AUO. On January 28, 2013, the Company also filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against AUO and E Ink Corporation in connection with the AUO License Agreements, alleging breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraudulent inducement, unjust enrichment, unfair business practices, and other charges (the AUO/E Ink Lawsuit). In June of 2013, the Company and AUO agreed to arbitrate the charges (the case against E Ink Corporation had been dismissed without prejudice) (the AUO/E Ink Arbitration).
Pursuant to the AUO Settlement Agreement entered into on December 29, 2014, AUO paid the Company $2,000,000 in U.S. currency, net of any Taiwanese withholding taxes. The Settlement Agreement further provides that:
· the Company will dismiss the AUO/E Ink Lawsuit and AUO/E Ink Arbitration, with prejudice;
· the AUO License Agreements are terminated;
· AUO gives up all rights to the nFED Technology;
· for a period of two years, the Company agrees not to initiate (whether on its own or through a third party) any patent infringement lawsuits against AUO or its affiliates alleging infringement by AUOs or AUOs affiliates products or services, for patents owned or controlled by the Company as of the date of the Settlement Agreement. Any potential damages for patent infringement will toll uninterrupted during this two year period. The prohibition does not apply to patents acquired by the Company after the date of the Settlement Agreement; and
· each of AUO and the Company mutually released each other from all claims that either may have against the other in connection with the AUO License Agreements, including any claims relating to the ePaper® Electrophoretic Display and nFED patents and technologies.
Pursuant to the AUO Patent Assignment Agreement entered into on December 29, 2014, AUO paid the Company $7,000,000 in U.S. currency, net of any Taiwanese withholding taxes in exchange for the Companys ePaper® Electrophoretic Display patent portfolio for which AUO was previously the exclusive licensee, consisting of:
· 10 active U.S. patents and 1 U.S. pending patent application; and
· 103 expired and/or abandoned U.S. and foreign patents and/or patent applications.
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Patent Acquisition and Monetization Activities
In April of 2013, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, ITUS Patent Acquisition Corporation (IPAC), acquired the exclusive rights to license and enforce a patent portfolio relating to vinyl windows with integrated J-Channels, commonly used in modular buildings, mobile homes, and conventional, new home construction. Additionally, in April 2013 IPAC acquired rights to license and enforce a patent portfolio relating to loyalty awards programs commonly provided by airlines, credit card companies, hotels, retailers, casinos, and others (Loyalty Conversion Systems). In November 2013, IPAC acquired two patent portfolios in the area of unified communications relating to (i) the multicast delivery of streaming data, media, and other content, within the confines of specialized virtual private networks, and (ii) the integration of telephonic participation in web-based audio/video conferences by creating a gateway between the internet and cellular or traditional landline telephones. In June 2014, IPAC acquired the exclusive rights to license and enforce a patent portfolio covering enhanced presentation and cross selling technologies used by some of the worlds leading auction sites. We have obtained and will continue to obtain the rights to develop and license additional technologies from third parties, and when necessary, will assist such parties in the further development of their patent portfolios through the filing of additional patent applications.
On May 6, 2014, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Encrypted Cellular Communications Corporation, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against AT&T in connection with its patented Encrypted Cellular Communications technology. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.
On September 3, 2014, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas invalidated two of our Loyalty Conversion Systems patents by ruling that they did not cover patentable subject matter, resulting in the dismissal of 7 of our Loyalty Conversion Systems lawsuits. On October 18, 2014, the Company terminated its Loyalty Conversion Systems patent assertion campaign.
On September 8, 2014, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Auction Acceleration Corporation, filed patent infringement lawsuits against Ebay, Vendio, and Auctiva, in connection with its Enhanced Auction Technologies patents. Vendio and Auctiva are part of Alibaba Group, one of the largest online and mobile commerce companies in the world. The patents cover presentation and cross selling technologies enabling auction sellers to cross-sell and upsell additional items to interested buyers, resulting in incremental sales, and higher yields per transaction. The lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
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On September 18, 2014, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Secure Web Conference Corporation, filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Apple Inc., in connection with its patented Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption technology. The Company has already licensed the encryption patents to Logitech in connection with its LifeSize web conferencing service, and has a patent infringement lawsuit pending against Microsoft Corporation in connection with the SKYPE and Lync web conferencing services.
On October 2, 2014, the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York provided a claims construction ruling in Secure Web Conference Corporation's Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption technology patent infringement lawsuit against Microsoft Corporation in which the court construed several key patent claim terms in a manner adverse to Secure Web Conference Corporation. Secure Web Conference Corporation suspended its lawsuits against Apple and Citrix, as well as Encrypted Cellular Communications Corporation patent infringement lawsuit against AT&T, which also rely on the language construed by the Court. On January 22, 2015, the Company filed a notice of appeal with respect to the New York District Court's claim construction ruling.
On November 4, 2014, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, VPN Multicast Technologies, LLC, filed patent infringement lawsuits against AT&T, and Dimension Data LLC, in connection with its patented VPN Multicast Communications technology. The lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaints allege infringement of United States Patent Number 8,477,778 entitled Applying Multicast Protocols and VPN Tunneling Techniques to Achieve High Quality of Service for Real Time Media Transport Across IP Networks.
The Company has engaged in and may continue to engage in patent infringement lawsuits in the ordinary course of its business operations. All litigation involves a significant degree of uncertainty, and we give no assurances as to the outcome or duration of any lawsuit.
Licensing Activity
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, the Company entered into 27 license and/or settlement agreements. We entered into license agreements with HWD Acquisition, Inc. in February 2014, PGT Industries, Inc. and MI Windows and Doors, LLC in March 2014, YKK AP America Inc. in April 2014, Jeld-Wen, Inc., Atrium Windows and Doors, Inc., Pella Corporation, Ply Gem Industries, Inc., Simonton Building Products, Inc. and Quaker Window Products Co. Inc. in September 2014, and Silver Line Building Products LLC, American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., Deceuninck North America, LLC, VEKA, Inc., L.B. Plastics, Inc., Chelsea Building Products, Inc., Moss Supply Company, Vinylmax, LLC, Wincore Window Company, LLC, Associated Materials, LLC, Comfort View Products, LLC, Croft, LLC, Magnolia Windows & Doors, LLC, MGM Industries, Inc., Sun Windows, Inc., and West Window Corporation in October 2014, all of the foregoing in connection with our patented J-Channel Window Frame Construction technology. In April 2014, we entered into a license agreement with Logitech, Inc. in connection with our Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption technology. Each of these agreements resulted in the Company reciving a one-time lump sum payment, the majority of the aforementioned license agreements were entered into in connection with the settlement of patent infringement lawsuits, which lawsuits have been dismissed.
Competition
The Company expects to encounter competition in the areas of development and acquisitions of patented technologies from both private and publicly traded companies. This includes competition from companies that are primarily engaged in patent enforcement that may be seeking to acquire the same patents and patent rights that we may seek to acquire. Entities such as Acacia Research Corporation, Intellectual Ventures, Wi-LAN, MOSAID, Round Rock Research LLC, IPvalue Management Inc., Vringo Inc., Pendrell Corporation, and others derive all or a substantial portion of their revenue from Patent Assertion.
We also compete with venture capital firms, strategic corporate buyers and various industry leaders in connection with the development and acquisition of patented technologies and licensing opportunities. Many of these competitors have more financial and human resources than our company.
Research and Development
We did not incur any research and development expenses during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013.
Employees
As of October 31, 2014, we had nine full-time employees.
Other
On September 2, 2014, the Company changed its name from CopyTele, Inc. to ITUS Corporation. The name change was approved by the Companys Board of Directors on May 28, 2014 and was subsequently approved by the Companys stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on August 8, 2014.
On October 11, 2013, our stockholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to increase the number of shares of common stock we are authorized to issue from 300 million to 600 million.
We were incorporated on November 5, 1982 under the laws of the State of Delaware. From inception through end of fiscal year 2012, our primary operations involved licensing in connection with the development of patented technologies. Since that date, our primary operations include the development, acquisition, licensing, and enforcement of patented technologies that are either owned or controlled by the Company or one of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Our principal executive offices are located at 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275, Los Angeles, California 90025, our telephone number is 310-484-5200 and our Internet website address is www.ITUScorp.com. We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements on Schedule 14A, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Alternatively, you may also access our reports at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SECs public reference room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room.
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See our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our business involves a high degree of risk and uncertainty, including the following risks and uncertainties: Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Operations We have a history of losses and may incur additional losses in the future. On a cumulative basis we have sustained substantial losses and negative cash flows from operations since our inception. As of October 31, 2014, our accumulated deficit was approximately $144,770,000. As of October 31, 2014, we had approximately $5,861,000 in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, and working capital of approximately $4,512,000. We incurred losses of approximately $9,606,000 in fiscal year 2014. We expect to continue incurring significant legal and general and administrative expenses in connection with our operations. As a result, we anticipate that we will incur losses in the future. We may need additional funding in the future which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and, if available, may result in dilution to our stockholders. Based on currently available information as of January 29, 2015, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and expected cash flows from patent licensing and enforcement, and other potential sources of cash flows will be sufficient to enable us to continue our business activities for at least 12 months. However, our projections of future cash needs and cash flows may differ from actual results. If current cash on hand, cash equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable and cash that may be generated from our business operations are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell equity securities or obtain loans from various financial institutions where possible. The sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt could result in dilution to our stockholders. Additionally, the sale of equity securities or issuance of debt securities may be subject to certain security holder approvals or may result in the downward adjustment of the exercise or conversion price of our outstanding securities. We can give no assurance that we will generate sufficient cash flows in the future (through licensing and enforcement of patents, or otherwise) to satisfy our liquidity requirements or sustain future operations, or that other sources of funding, such as sales of equity or debt, would be available or would be approved by our security holders, if needed, on favorable terms or at all. If we cannot obtain such funding if needed or if we cannot sufficiently reduce operating expenses, we would need to curtail or cease some or all of our operations. 9 Item 1A. Risk Factors.
If we encounter unforeseen difficulties with our business or operations in the future that require us to obtain additional working capital, and we cannot obtain additional working capital on favorable terms, or at all, our business will suffer.
Our consolidated cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments on hand totaled approximately $5,861,000 and $898,000 at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. To date, we have relied primarily upon cash from the public and private sale of equity and debt securities to generate the working capital needed to finance our operations. Although we received aggregate gross proceeds of $4,000,000 from the registered direct offering that closed on July 15, 2014 (the Registered Direct Offering), we may need substantial additional capital to continue to operate our business. We may encounter unforeseen difficulties with our business or operations in the future that may deplete our capital resources more rapidly than anticipated. As a result, we may be required to obtain additional working capital in the future through bank credit facilities, public or private debt or equity financings, or otherwise. Other than as disclosed in this Annual Report, we have not identified other sources for additional funding and cannot be certain that additional funding will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are required to raise additional working capital in the future, such financing may be unavailable to us on favorable terms, if at all, or may be dilutive to our existing stockholders. If we fail to obtain additional working capital as and when needed, such failure could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, such lack of funds may inhibit our ability to respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated capital needs, or may force us to reduce operating expenses, which would significantly harm the business and development of operations. Failure to effectively manage our potential growth could place strains on our managerial, operational and financial resources and could adversely affect our business and operating results. Our business strategy and potential growth is expected to place a strain on managerial, operational and financial resources and systems. Further, as our business grows, we will be required to manage multiple relationships as well as multiple patented technologies. Any growth by us, or an increase in the number of our strategic relationships or litigation, may place additional strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources and systems. Although we may not grow as we expect, if we fail to manage our growth effectively or to develop and expand our managerial, operational and financial resources and systems, our business and financial results will be materially harmed. Risks Related to Patent Monetization and Patent Assertion Activities We may not be able to monetize our patent portfolios which may have an adverse impact on our future operations. The primary operations of the Company are patent monetization. We expect to generate revenues and related cash flows from the licensing and enforcement of patents that we currently own and from the rights to license and enforce additional patents we have obtained, and may obtain in the future, from third parties. However, we can give no assurances that we will be able to identify opportunities to exploit such patents or that such opportunities, even if identified, will generate sufficient revenues to sustain future operations. 10
Our revenues are unpredictable, may come from a small number of licensees, and may harm our financial condition and the market price of our stock.
In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, our revenue from patent assertion activities was derived from 27 license and/or settlement agreements, and a substantial portion of this revenue was derived from four of the agreements. It is likely that going forward, a substantial portion of our revenue in each reporting period may come from a small number of licensees, and that one licensee may account for a substantial portion of our revenue. As a result, our revenues may be unpredictable and may vary from period to period. If we are unable to retain top legal counsel on a contingency basis or otherwise at a reasonable fee to represent us in patent enforcement litigation, it may adversely affect our business. The success of our licensing business depends in part upon our ability to retain top legal counsel on a contingency fee basis or otherwise at a reasonable fee to represent us in patent infringement litigation. If our patent enforcement actions increase, it may become more difficult to find top legal counsel to handle all of our cases because many of the top law firms may have a conflict of interest that prevents their representation of us. In addition, the terms of retention of such firms may be unacceptable to us. We, in certain circumstances, rely on representations, warranties and opinions made by third parties that, if determined to be false or inaccurate, may expose us to certain material liabilities. From time to time, we may rely upon the opinions of purported experts. In certain instances, we may not have the opportunity to independently investigate and verify the facts upon which such opinions are made. By relying on these opinions, we may be exposed to liabilities in connection with the licensing and enforcement of certain patents and patent rights which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. In connection with patent enforcement actions conducted by certain of our subsidiaries, a court that has ruled unfavorably against us may also impose sanctions or award attorneys fees, exposing us and our operating subsidiaries to certain material liabilities. In connection with any of our patent enforcement actions, it is possible that a court that has ruled against us may also impose sanctions or award attorneys fees to defendants, exposing us or our operating subsidiaries to material liabilities, which could materially harm our operating results and our financial condition. New legislation, regulations, rules and case-law related to obtaining patents or enforcing patents could significantly increase our operating costs and decrease our revenue.
We may obtain the rights to patents and may spend a significant amount of resources to enforce those patents. If new legislation, regulations or rules are implemented either by Congress, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), or the courts, that impact the patent enforcement process or the rights of patent holders, these changes could negatively affect our expenses and revenue. For example, new rules regarding the burden of proof in patent enforcement actions could significantly increase the cost of our enforcement actions, new standards or limitations on liability for patent infringement could negatively impact our revenue derived from such enforcement actions, and potential new rules requiring that the losing party pay legal fees of the prevailing party could also significantly increase the cost of our enforcement actions.
United States patent laws were recently amended with the enactment of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the America Invents Act, which took effect on March 16, 2013. The America Invents Act includes a number of significant changes to U.S. patent law. In general, the legislation attempts to address issues surrounding the enforceability of patents and the increase in patent litigation by, among other things, establishing new procedures for patent litigation. For example, the America Invents Act changes the way that parties may be joined in patent infringement actions, increasing the likelihood that such actions will need to be brought against individual parties allegedly infringing by their respective individual actions or activities. The America Invents Act and its implementation increases the uncertainties and costs surrounding the enforcement of our patented technologies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has conducted reviews of the patent system to evaluate the impact of patent assertion entities on industries in which those patents relate. It is possible that the findings and recommendations of the DOJ could impact the ability to effectively license and enforce standards-essential patents and could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the enforcement of any such patented technologies.
Further, in various pending litigation and appeals in the United States Federal courts, various arguments and legal theories are being advanced to potentially limit the scope of damages a patent licensing company such as the Company might be entitled to. Any one of these pending cases could result in new legal doctrines that could make our existing or future patent portfolios less valuable or more costly to enforce.
More patent applications are filed each year resulting in longer delays in getting patents issued by the USPTO.
We hold a number of pending patents. We have identified a trend of increasing patent applications each year, which we believe is resulting in longer delays in obtaining approval of pending patent applications. The application delays could cause delays in recognizing revenue, if any, from these patents and could cause us to miss opportunities to license patents before other competing technologies are developed or introduced into the market.
U.S. Federal courts are becoming more crowded, and as a result, patent enforcement litigation is taking longer.
Patent enforcement actions are almost exclusively prosecuted in U.S. Federal court. Federal trial courts that hear patent enforcement actions also hear criminal cases. Criminal cases always take priority over patent enforcement actions. As a result, it is difficult to predict the length of time it will take to complete an enforcement action. Moreover, we believe there is a trend in increasing numbers of civil lawsuits and criminal proceedings before United States Judges, and as a result, we believe that the risk of delays in patent enforcement actions will have a significant effect on our business in the future unless this trend changes.
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Any reductions in the funding of the USPTO could have an adverse impact on the cost of processing pending patent applications and the value of those pending patent applications.
Our primary asset is our patent portfolios, including pending patent applications before the USPTO. The value of our patent portfolios is dependent upon the issuance of patents in a timely manner, and any reductions in the funding of the USPTO could negatively impact the value of our assets. Further, reductions in funding from Congress could result in higher patent application filing and maintenance fees charged by the USPTO, causing an unexpected increase in our expenses.
Competition is intense in the industries in which we do business and as a result, we may not be able to grow or maintain our market share for our technologies and patents.
Our licensing business may compete with venture capital firms and various industry leaders for technology licensing opportunities. Many of these competitors may have more financial and human resources than we do. As we become more successful, we may find more companies entering the market for similar technology opportunities, which may reduce our market share in one or more technology industries that we currently rely upon to generate future revenue.
Our patented technologies have an uncertain market value.
Many of our patents and technologies are in the early stages of adoption in the commercial and consumer markets. Demand for some of these technologies is untested and is subject to fluctuation based upon the rate at which our licensees will adopt our patents and technologies in their products and services.
As patent enforcement litigation becomes more prevalent, it may become more difficult for us to voluntarily license our patents.
We believe that the more prevalent patent enforcement actions become, the more difficult it will be for us to voluntarily license our patents. As a result, we may need to increase the number of our patent enforcement actions to cause infringing companies to license the patent or pay damages for lost royalties. This may increase the risks associated with an investment in our company.
We may choose to further develop our patented technologies or invest in new patented technologies which are in need of development.
Early stage technologies involve a high degree of risk, and the development of early stage technologies can be capital intensive. Should we decide to further develop our patented technologies, or invest in new patented technologies, we may not have the capital necessary to continually fund the development of the technologies, and the likelihood of achieving commercial success with any early stage technology is highly speculative.
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Weak global economic conditions may cause infringing parties to delay entering into licensing agreements, which could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
Our business plan depends significantly on economic conditions, and the United States and world economies are only beginning to emerge from weak economic conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, negative financial news and declines in income or asset values. This response could have a material negative effect on the willingness of parties infringing on our patent assets to enter into licensing or other revenue generating agreements voluntarily which could cause material harm to our business.
We are dependent upon a few key personnel and the loss of their services could adversely affect us.
Our future success to monetize our patent portfolios will depend on the efforts of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert A. Berman, and our Senior Vice President Engineering, John Roop, and our strategic advisor, Dr. Amit Kumar. While we maintain key person life insurance on Mr. Berman, we do not maintain such key person life insurance on Messrs. Roop or Dr. Kumar. The loss of the services of any such persons could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The availability of shares for sale in the future could reduce the market price of our common stock.
In the future, we may issue securities to raise cash for operations and acquisitions of patents and/or companies. We have and in the future may issue securities convertible into our common stock. Any of these events may dilute stockholders' ownership interests in our company and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
In addition, sales of a substantial amount of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could reduce the market price of our common stock. This could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our securities.
Any actual or anticipated sales of shares by our stockholders or by Aspire Capital Fund, LLC (Aspire Capital) may cause the trading price of our common stock to decline. Additional issuances of shares to Aspire Capital may result in dilution to the interests of other holders of our common stock. The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock by our stockholders including Aspire Capital, or anticipation of such sales, could make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and at a price that we might otherwise wish to effect sales.
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Delaware law and our charter documents contain provisions that could discourage or prevent a potential takeover of our company that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price of their shares.
Provisions of Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL) and our certificate of incorporation, as amended (the Certificate of Incorporation) and by-laws (By-Laws) could make the acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and the removal of incumbent officers and directors, more difficult. These provisions include:
· Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a merger with a 15%-or-greater stockholder, such as a party that has completed a successful tender offer, until three years after that party became a 15%-or-greater stockholder;
· The authorization in our Certificate of Incorporation of undesignated preferred stock, which could be issued without stockholder approval in a manner designed to prevent or discourage a takeover; and
· Provisions in our By-Laws regarding stockholders' rights to call a special meeting of stockholders limit such rights to stockholders holding together at least a majority of shares of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting, which could make it more difficult for stockholders to wage a proxy contest for control of our Board of Directors or to vote to repeal any of the anti-takeover provisions contained in our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.
Together, these provisions may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that could otherwise involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our common stock.
We may fail to meet market expectations because of fluctuations in quarterly operating results, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Our reported revenues and operating results have fluctuated in the past and may continue to fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the future. It is possible that in future periods, revenues could fall below the expectations of securities analysts or investors, which could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. The following are among the factors that could cause our operating results to fluctuate significantly from period to period:
· the dollar amount of agreements executed in each period, which is primarily driven by the nature and characteristics of the technology being licensed and/or the magnitude of infringement associated with a specific licensee;
· the specific terms and conditions of agreements executed in each period and/or the periods of infringement contemplated by the respective payments;
· fluctuations in the total number of agreements executed;
15
· fluctuations in the sales results or other royalty-per-unit activities of our licensees that impact the calculation of license fees due;
· the timing of the receipt of periodic license fee payments and/or reports from licensees;
· fluctuations in the net number of active licensees period to period;
· costs related to acquisitions, alliances, licenses and other efforts to expand our operations;
· the timing of payments under the terms of any customer or license agreements into which we may enter;
· expenses related to, and the timing and results of, patent filings and other enforcement proceedings relating to intellectual property rights, as more fully described in this section; and
· the outcome of any of our patent infringement lawsuits.
Technology company stock prices are especially volatile, and this volatility may depress the price of our common stock.
The stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, and the market prices of technology companies have been highly volatile. We believe that various factors may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including, among others, the following:
· announcements of developments in our patent enforcement actions;
· developments or disputes concerning our patents;
· our or our competitors' technological innovations;
· developments in relationships with licensees;
· variations in our quarterly operating results;
· our failure to meet or exceed securities analysts' expectations of our financial results;
· a change in financial estimates or securities analysts' recommendations;
· changes in management's or securities analysts' estimates of our financial performance;
· changes in market valuations of similar companies;
· the current sovereign debt crises affecting several countries in the European Union and concerns about sovereign debt of the United States;
· announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, capital commitments, new technologies, or patents; and
· the timing of or our failure to complete significant transactions.
16
In addition, we believe that fluctuations in our stock price during applicable periods can also be impacted by court rulings and/or other developments in our patent licensing and enforcement actions. Court rulings in patent enforcement actions are often difficult to understand, even when favorable or neutral to the value of our patents and our overall business, and we believe that investors in the market may overreact, causing fluctuations in our stock prices that may not accurately reflect the impact of court rulings on our business operations and assets.
In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been the objects of securities class action litigation. If our common stock was the object of securities class action litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and resources, which could materially harm our business and financial results.
Our common stock is subject to the SECs penny stock rules which may make our shares more difficult to sell.
Our common stock fits the definition of a penny stock and therefore is subject to the rules adopted by the SEC regulating broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. The SEC rules may have the effect of reducing trading activity in our common stock making it more difficult for investors to sell their shares. The SECs rules require a broker or dealer proposing to effect a transaction in a penny stock to deliver the customer a risk disclosure document that provides certain information prescribed by the SEC, including, but not limited to, the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker or dealer must also disclose the aggregate amount of any compensation received or receivable by him in connection with such transaction prior to consummating the transaction. In addition, the SECs rules also require a broker or dealer to make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchasers written agreement to the transaction before completion of the transaction. The existence of the SECs rules may result in a lower trading volume of our common stock and lower trading prices.
We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends on our common stock which may adversely impact the market price of our stock.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay any cash dividends in the near future. Our current policy is to retain all funds and any earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. If we do not pay dividends, our stock may be less valuable to you because a return on your investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates.
17
The securities issued in our private placements and registered direct offering may dilute your percentage ownership interest and may also result in downward pressure on the price of our common stock.
In connection with our private placements in February 2011, January 2013 and November 2013 and our registered direct offering in July 2014, we have outstanding shares of preferred stock (following the conversion of the Debenture issued in November 2013) and warrants which are convertible into or exercisable for an aggregate of 25,623,281 shares of our common stock, at prices ranging from $0.1786 to $0.40 per share. In addition, as we are required to register these shares for resale by the holders, it is possible that a significant number of shares could be sold at the same time. Because the market for our common stock is thinly traded, the sales and/or the perception that those sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, the mere existence of a significant number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the debentures or the exercise of warrants may be perceived by the market as having a potential dilutive effect, which could lead to a decrease in the price of our common stock.
The sale of our common stock to Aspire Capital may cause substantial dilution to our existing stockholders and the sale, actual or anticipated, of the shares of common stock acquired by Aspire Capital could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
We have the right to sell up to $10 million of our shares of common stock to Aspire Capital, including the 5,380,000 shares sold to Aspire Capital since April 23, 2013, and have issued 3,500,000 shares to Aspire Capital as a commitment fee. We were obligated to register these shares with the SEC. The registration statement declared effective by the SEC on June 19, 2013 (post-effective amendment no. 1 of the registration statement updating the registration statement was declared effective on February 5, 2014) registers 20,000,000 shares for issuance and sale to Aspire Capital under the Purchase Agreement. It is anticipated that these shares will be sold by Aspire Capital pursuant to a registration statement or sold in reliance on an exemption from registration in Rule 144 of the Securities Act.
Any actual or anticipated sales of shares by Aspire Capital may cause the trading price of our common stock to decline. Additional issuances of shares to Aspire Capital may result in dilution to the interests of other holders of our common stock. However, we have the right to control the timing and amount of sales of our shares to Aspire Capital, and the purchase agreement may be terminated by us at any time at our discretion without any penalty or cost to us.
We may not have access to the full amount available under the Stock Purchase Agreement with Aspire Capital.
In order for us to receive the full $10 million proceeds under the Stock Purchase Agreement it is unlikely that the 20,000,000 shares registered will be sufficient. Accordingly, our ability to have access to the full amount under that certain common Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") with Aspire Capital will likely be subject to our ability to prepare and file one or more additional registration statements registering the resale of additional shares. These subsequent registration statements may be subject to review and comment by the staff of the SEC, and will require the consent of our independent registered public accounting firm. Therefore, the timing of effectiveness of these subsequent registration statements cannot be assured. The effectiveness of these subsequent registration statements is a condition precedent to our ability to sell the shares of common stock subject to these subsequent registration statements to Aspire Capital under the Stock Purchase Agreement.
18
Raising funds by issuing equity or debt securities could dilute the value of the common stock and impose restrictions on our working capital.
If we were to raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, including sales of shares of common stock to Aspire Capital, the value of the then outstanding common stock would be reduced, unless the additional equity securities were issued at a price equal to or greater than the market value of the common stock at the time of issuance of the new securities. If the additional equity securities were issued at a per share price less than the per share value of the outstanding shares, then all of the outstanding shares would suffer a dilution in value with the issuance of such additional shares. Further, the issuance of debt securities in order to obtain additional funds may impose restrictions on our operations and may impair our working capital as we service any such debt obligations. None. We lease approximately 3,000 square feet of office space at 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California (our principal executive offices) from an unrelated party pursuant to a lease that expires March 30, 2016. Our base rent is approximately $10,000 per month and the lease provides an escalation clause for increases in certain operating costs. On December 29, 2014, we settled our lawsuit against AU Optronics Corporation which had been filed on January 28, 2013. For a more detailed description of the settlement with AU Optronics, see the section above entitled AU Optronics Lawsuit and Settlement. Other than suits we bring to enforce our patent rights, which are an integral part of our business plan, we are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings other than that which arise in the ordinary course of business. We believe that any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Item 2. Properties.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Table of Contents
Market Information
Our common stock trades on the OTCQB under the symbol ITUS. The high and low sales prices as reported by the OTCQB for each quarterly fiscal period during our fiscal years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 have been as follows:
Fiscal Period | High | Low |
4th quarter 2014 3rd quarter 2014 2nd quarter 2014 1st quarter 2014
| $0.27 0.40 0.40 0.48
| $0.13 0.22 0.21 0.16
|
4th quarter 2013 3rd quarter 2013 2nd quarter 2013 1st quarter 2013
| $0.23 0.40 0.28 0.31
| $0.18 0.20 0.18 0.11
|
Holders
As of January 23, 2015, the approximate number of record holders of our common stock was 1,078 and the closing price of our common stock was $0.1079 per share.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
See Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Dividend Policy
No cash dividends have been paid on our common stock since our inception. We have no present intention to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 310,000 shares of our common stock to various companies in payment of public relations and investor relations services and 1,200,000 shares of our common stock to inventors in connection with the acquisition of patents. The common stock was issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as they were issued to accredited investors, without a view to distribution, and were not issued through any general solicitation or advertisement.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
The following selected financial data has been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements, and the notes related thereto, which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
|
As of and for the fiscal years ended October 31, | |||||||||||||
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 | |||||
Revenue from patent assertion activities | $ | 2,480,000 |
| $ | 388,850 |
| $ | - |
| $ | - |
| $ | - |
Amortization of revenue from display technology development and license fees received from AUO in 2011 |
| 1,187,320 |
|
| - |
|
| 940,010 |
|
| 872,670 |
|
| - |
Amortization of revenue from display technology development and license fees received from Videocon |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 600,000 |
Encryption products & engineering services revenue |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 130,523 |
|
| 130,675 |
Inventor royalties and contingent legal fees |
| 1,412,661 |
|
| 207,743 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Litigation and licensing expense |
| 575,413 |
|
| 108,915 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Amortization of patents |
| 314,453 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Cost of encryption products & engineering services |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 34,081 |
|
| 82,307 |
Research and development expenses |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 2,211,506 |
|
| 3,124,773 |
|
| 3,007,459 |
Marketing, general and administrative expenses |
| 6,408,861 |
|
| 7,989,846 |
|
| 2,863,060 |
|
| 2,872,605 |
|
| 2,889,129 |
Impairment in value of investments |
| (62,825) |
|
| (1,184,710) |
|
| (127,500) |
|
| (1,785,793) |
|
| - |
Change in value of derivative liability income (loss) |
| (592,945) |
|
| 475,189 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
| (2,699,022) |
|
| (343,517) |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Interest expense |
| (1,263,617) |
|
| (1,109,519) |
|
| (7,664) |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Dividend income |
| 47,568 |
|
| - |
|
| 13,463 |
|
| 33,507 |
|
| 68,211 |
Interest income |
| 8,595 |
|
| 125 |
|
| 3,458 |
|
| 2,516 |
|
| 4,878 |
Provision for income taxes |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (600,000) |
|
| - |
Net loss |
| (9,606,314) |
|
| (10,080,086) |
|
| (4,252,799) |
|
| (7,378,036) |
|
| (5,175,131) |
Net loss per share of common stock basic and diluted | $ | (.04) |
| $ | (.05) |
| $ | (.02) |
| $ | (.04) |
| $ | (.03) |
Total assets |
| 9,055,356 |
|
| 5,439,538 |
|
| 5,660,676 |
|
| 8,645,832 |
|
| 10,046,076 |
Long term obligations |
| 3,236,281 |
|
| 5,548,598 |
|
| 5,032,273 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Shareholders equity (deficit) |
| 4,009,573 |
|
| (3,320,593) |
|
| 1,058,033 |
|
| 4,595,955 |
|
| 4,452,272 |
Cash dividends per share of common stock |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
In reviewing Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, you should refer to our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes related thereto.
Fiscal Year ended October 31, 2014 compared with Fiscal Year ended October 31, 2013
Revenue from Patent Assertion Activities
In fiscal year 2014, we recorded revenue from patent assertion activities of $2,480,000, from 27 license agreements in connection with our J-Channel Window Frame Construction and Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption patent portfolios. In fiscal year 2013, we recorded revenue from patent assertion activities of approximately $389,000, from 4 license agreements in connection with our J-Channel Window Frame Construction and Loyalty Conversion Systems patent portfolios. The license agreements provided for one-time, non-recurring, lump sum payments in exchange for non-exclusive retroactive and future licenses, or covenants not to sue. Accordingly, the earning process from these licenses was complete and 100% of the revenue was recognized upon execution of the license agreements.
Display Technology Development and License Fees
Based on our assessment during fiscal 2014 that we have no further performance obligations under the AUO License Agreements, we recorded approximately $1,187,000 of display technology development and license fees revenue, representing the balance of the initial $3 million payment received from AUO in fiscal year 2011. We did not record any display technology development and license fees during the fiscal year ended 2013. On December 29, 2014, we settled our lawsuit against AUO and received gross proceeds of $9 million.
Inventor Royalties and Contingent Legal Fees
Inventor royalties and contingent legal fees increased by approximately $1,205,000 in fiscal year 2014, to approximately $1,413,000, from approximately $208,000 in fiscal year 2013. The increase was due to the increase in revenue from patent assertion activities. Inventor royalties and contingent legal fees are expensed in the period that the related revenues are recognized. The economic terms of patent agreements and contingent legal fee arrangements vary across the patent portfolios owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries.
Amortization of Patents
Amortization of patents of approximately $314,000 in fiscal year 2014 is related to patent portfolios acquired in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. We capitalize patent and patent rights acquisition costs and amortize the cost over the estimated economic useful life. We did not incur any patent amortization expense in fiscal year 2013.
Litigation and Licensing Expenses
Litigation and licensing expenses increased by approximately $466,000 in fiscal year 2014, to approximately $575,000 in fiscal year 2014, from approximately $109,000 in fiscal year 2013, resulting from the increase in our patent assertion activities and additional expenses related to the AUO/EInk Lawsuit initiated in January 2013.
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Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses
Marketing, general and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $1,581,000 to approximately $6,409,000 in fiscal year 2014, from approximately $7,990,000 in fiscal 2013. The decrease in marketing, general and administrative expenses was principally due to a decrease in legal and accounting fees of approximately $683,000, a decrease in employee stock option expense of approximately $565,000, a decrease in shareholder relations expense of approximately $307,000, a decrease in rent expense of approximately $251,000, offset by an increase in employee compensation and related costs, other than stock option expense, of approximately $357,000. Legal and accounting fees in 2013 included nonrecurring costs related to the Companys restructuring, which commenced in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2012. The decrease in rent expenses reflects the reduction in facilities requirements as a result of the Companys restructuring. The increase in employee compensation was primarily attributable to employee bonuses and an increase in staffing.
As of October 31, 2014, there was unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements for stock options granted to employees and directors of approximately $3,129,000, which will be recognized in future periods upon vesting of the stock options. In addition, as of October 31, 2014, there was unrecognized consulting expense related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements for stock options granted to consultants with a fair value of approximately $964,000, which may be recognized in future periods upon vesting of the stock options.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Loss on extinguishment of debt in fiscal year 2014 of approximately $2,699,000 consisted of approximately $483,000 related to the conversion of $1,240,000 principal amount of Convertible Debentures due January 2015 into shares of our common stock and the prepayment of $200,000 principal amount of Convertible Debentures due January 2015, and approximately $2,216,000 related to the conversion of $3,500,000 principal amount of Convertible Debentures due November 2016 into shares of our common stock and preferred stock.
Loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $344,000 in fiscal year 2013 related to the conversion of $325,000 principal amount of Convertible Debentures due January 2015 into shares of our common stock.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by approximately $154,000 to approximately $1,264,000 in fiscal year 2014, from approximately $1,110,000 in fiscal 2013. Interest expense in fiscal years 2014 and 2013 includes approximately $642,000 and $294,000, respectively, of amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs on convertible debentures, approximately $386,000 and $-0-, respectively, of amortized interest on our patent acquisition obligation and approximately $174,000 and $-0-, respectively, of accrued interest on the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 and approximately $62,000 and $99,000, respectively, of common stock issued to pay interest on the Convertible Debentures due January 2016 and the Convertible Debentures due September 2016. During fiscal year 2013, the Convertible Debentures due September 2016 were converted into shares of common stock. The conversion of these debentures resulted in a charge to interest expense of approximately $717,000 during fiscal year 2013. There was no charge to interest expense related to the conversion of debentures in the current fiscal period.
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liability
The change in value of derivative liability was a loss in the fiscal year 2014 of approximately $593,000, compared to a gain in fiscal year 2013 of approximately $475,000. The derivative liability is related to the Convertible Debentures due January 2015 and the Convertible Debentures due November 2016, and is changed each reporting period based upon the market price of common stock and the time remaining to the maturity of the debentures. As of October 31, 2014, the Company no longer has any convertible debentures.
Dividend Income
Dividend income of approximately $48,000 received in the fiscal year 2014 was related to the Videocon GDRs. There was no dividend income received in the fiscal year 2013.
23
Interest Income
Interest income increased to approximately $9,000 in fiscal year 2014 compared to approximately $-0- the fiscal year 2013, due to the increase of short-term investments during the current period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash, cash equivalents and short term investments on hand generated from our operating activities and proceeds from previous financing.
Based on currently available information as of January 29, 2015, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and expected cash flows from patent licensing and enforcement, and other potential sources of cash flows will be sufficient to enable us to continue our business activities for at least 12 months. However, our projections of future cash needs and cash flows may differ from actual results. If current cash on hand, cash equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable and cash that may be generated from our business operations are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell equity securities or obtain loans from various financial institutions where possible. The sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt could result in dilution to our stockholders. We can give no assurance that we will generate sufficient cash flows in the future (through licensing and enforcement of patents, or otherwise) to satisfy our liquidity requirements or sustain future operations, or that other sources of funding, such as sales of equity or debt, would be available, if needed, on favorable terms or at all. If we cannot obtain such funding if needed or if we cannot sufficiently reduce operating expenses, we would need to curtail or cease some or all of our operations.
During fiscal year 2014, cash used in operating activities was approximately $2,379,000. Cash used in investing activities was approximately $2,507,000, which principally resulted from the purchase of certificates of deposit totaling $5,200,000 which was partially offset by the proceeds on maturity of certificates of deposit totaling $2,700,000. Our cash provided by financing activities was approximately $7,349,000, which resulted from the net proceeds from the sale of 16,000,000 shares of the companys common stock for approximately $3,673,000, the sale of convertible debentures in a private placement for $3,500,000, the proceeds from exercise of warrants to purchase common stock of approximately $300,000, and the proceeds from exercise of stock options of approximately $76,000 offset by the payment to redeem convertible debentures of $200,000. As a result, our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at October 31, 2014 increased approximately $4,963,000 to approximately $5,861,000 from approximately $898,000 at the end of fiscal year 2013.
Accounts receivable at October 31, 2014 of $400,000 were collected in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Approximately $136,000 of royalties and contingent legal fees payable at October 31, 2014 of approximately $297,000, are scheduled to be paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. On December 29, 2014, we settled our lawsuit against AUO and received gross proceeds of $9 million.
In April 2013, the Company entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement with Aspire Capital, which provides that Aspire Capital is committed to purchase up to an aggregate of $10 million of shares of the Companys common stock over the two-year term of the agreement. In order to sell shares under the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company was required to have a registration statement covering the shares issued to Aspire Capital declared effective by the SEC. Such registration statement was declared effective by the SEC in June 2013 and a post-effective amendment was declared effective by the SEC in February 2014. Under the Stock Purchase Agreement there are two ways that the Company can elect to sell shares of common stock to Aspire Capital. On any business day the Company can select: (1) through a regular purchase of up to 200,000 shares (but not to exceed $200,000) at a known price based on the market price of the Companys common stock prior to the time of each sale, and (2) through a volume-weighted average price, or VWAP, purchase of a number of shares up to 30% of the volume traded on the purchase date at a price equal to the lesser of (i) the closing sale price on the purchase date or (ii) 95% of the VWAP for such purchase date. The Company can only require a VWAP purchase if the closing sale price for our Common Stock on the notice day for the VWAP purchase is higher than $0.50. The number of shares covered by and the timing of, each purchase notice are determined by the Company at its sole discretion. The Company cannot execute any sales under the Stock Purchase Agreement when the closing for our common stock is less than $0.15. Aspire Capital has no right to require any sales from us, but is obligated to make purchases as directed in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement. During fiscal year 2013, the Company sold 5,380,000 shares of our common stock to Aspire Capital for approximately $1,092,000. No shares of our common stock were sold to Aspire Capital during fiscal year 2014.
On July 15, 2014, the Company, raised $4,000,000 of gross proceeds via a registered direct offering of its common stock to certain investors (the Investors) (the Offering). The Company sold an aggregate of 16,000,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 shares of common stock. The purchase price of the common stock was $0.25 per share. The warrants are exercisable immediately as of the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.40 per share and expire five years from the date of issuance. The exercise price of the warrants is subject to customary adjustment in the case of stock splits, stock dividends, combinations of shares and similar recapitalization transactions. Under certain circumstances, the Company has the right to call for cancellation all or any portion of each warrant for which a notice of exercise has not yet been delivered for consideration equal to $.001 per share. The Offering was effected as a takedown off the Companys shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which became effective on April 25, 2014, pursuant to a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC.
24
We have no variable interest entities or other off-balance sheet obligation arrangements. Critical Accounting Policies The Companys consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In preparing these financial statements, we make assumptions, judgments and estimates that can have a significant impact on amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements. We base our assumptions, judgments and estimates on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On a regular basis, we evaluate our assumptions, judgments and estimates and make changes accordingly. We believe that, of the significant accounting policies discussed in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements, the following accounting policies require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments: · Revenue Recognition; · Investment Securities; · Stock-Based Compensation; and · Convertible Debentures Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable, and (iv) the collectability of amounts is reasonably assured. Patent Monetization and Patent Assertion In general, revenue arrangements provide for the payment of contractually determined fees in consideration for the grant of certain intellectual property rights for patented technologies owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries. These rights typically include some combination of the following: (i) the grant of a non-exclusive, retroactive and future license to manufacture and/or sell products covered by patented technologies owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries, (ii) a covenant-not-to-sue, (iii) the release of the licensee from certain claims, and (iv) the dismissal of any pending litigation. The intellectual property rights granted are perpetual in nature, extending until the expiration of the related patents. Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, our operating subsidiaries have no further obligation with respect to the grant of the non-exclusive retroactive and future licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other deliverables, including no express or implied obligation on our operating subsidiaries part to maintain or upgrade the technology, or provide future support or services. Generally, the agreements provide for the grant of the licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other significant deliverables upon execution of the agreement. As such, the earnings process is complete and revenue is recognized upon the execution of the agreement, when collectability is reasonably assured, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Display Technology Development and License Fees We assessed the revenue guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-25 Multiple-Element Arrangements (ASC 605-25) to determine whether multiple deliverables in our arrangements with AUO represent separate units of accounting. Under the AUO License Agreements, we received initial development and license fees of $3 million, of aggregate development and license fees of up to $10 million. The additional $7 million in development and license fees were to be payable upon completion of certain conditions for the respective technologies. We determined that the transfer of the licensed patents and technology and the effort involved in completion of the conditions for the respective technologies represent a single unit of accounting for each technology. Accordingly, using a proportional performance method, during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 we began recognizing the $3 million initial development and license fees over the estimated periods that we expected to complete the conditions for the respective technologies. Each of the license agreements also provided for the basis for royalty payments on future production, if any, by AUO to the Company, which we have determined represent separate units of accounting. We did not recognize any portion of the $7 million of additional development and license fees or any royalty income under the AUO License Agreements. Development and license fee payments received from AUO which are in excess of the amounts recognized as revenue (approximately $1,187,000 as of October 31, 2013) are recorded as non-refundable deferred revenue on the October 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet. As a result of the AUO/E Ink Lawsuit described above, we did not record any display technology development and license fee revenue during the period from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 through the second quarter of this fiscal year due to uncertainty as to our remaining performance obligations, if any. Based on our assessment performed for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we determined that we have no further performance obligations under the AUO License Agreements and accordingly we recognized display technology development and license fee revenue of approximately $1,187,000, representing the balance of the initial $3 million payment received from AUO. On December 29, 2014, we settled our lawsuit against AUO and received gross proceeds of $9 million.
Investment Securities
We classify our investment securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.
We monitor the value of our investments for indicators of impairment, including changes in market conditions and the operating results of the underlying investment that may result in the inability to recover the carrying value of the investment. In evaluating our investment in Videocon GDRs at October 31, 2013, we determined that based on both the duration and continuing magnitude of the market price decline compared to the carrying cost basis of approximately $5,382,000, and the uncertainty of its recovery we recorded a write-down of the investment of approximately of $1,185,000 and established a new cost basis of approximately $4,197,000. On August 29, 2014, the Company ended its relationship with Videocon Industries Limited and exchanged its 1,495,845 Videocon GDRs for 20,000,000 shares of Company common stock. Accordingly, on August 29, 2014, we recorded a further write-down of approximately $63,000 to reflect our investment in Videocon GDRs at fair value.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock options granted to employees and directors using the accounting guidance in ASC 718. We recognize compensation expense for stock option awards over the requisite or implied service period of the grant. We recorded stock-based compensation expense, related to stock options granted to employees and directors, of approximately $2,128,000 and $2,693,000 during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We account for stock options granted to consultants using the accounting guidance under ASC 505-50. We recognized stock-based compensation expense for stock options granted to non-employee consultants during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, of approximately $1,022,000 and $1,105,000, respectively.
Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, forfeiture rates and expected term. If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of ASC 718 and ASC 505-50 in future periods, the compensation expense that we record may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period. See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Convertible Instruments
The Company accounts for hybrid contracts that feature conversion options in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging Activities, (ASC 815) requires companies to bifurcate conversion options from their host instruments and account for them as free standing derivative financial instruments according to certain criteria. The criteria includes circumstances in which (a) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (b) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur and (c) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument.
Conversion options that contain variable settlement features such as provisions to adjust the conversion price upon subsequent issuances of equity or equity linked securities at exercise prices more favorable than that featured in the hybrid contract generally result in their bifurcation from the host instrument.
The Company accounts for convertible instruments, when the Company has determined that the embedded conversion options should not be bifurcated from their host instruments, in accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and Other Options (ASC 470-20). Under ASC 470-20 the Company records, when necessary, discounts to convertible notes for the intrinsic value of conversion options embedded in debt instruments based upon the differences between the fair value of the underlying common stock at the commitment date of the note transaction and the effective conversion price embedded in the note. The Company accounts for convertible instruments (when the Company has determined that the embedded conversion options should be bifurcated from their host instruments) in accordance with ASC 815. Under ASC 815, a portion of the proceeds received upon the issuance of the hybrid contract are allocated to the fair value of the derivative. The derivative is subsequently marked to market at each reporting date based on current fair value, with the changes in fair value reported in results of operations.
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In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This amendment updates addressing revenue from contracts with customers, which clarifies existing accounting literature relating to how and when a company recognizes revenue. Under the standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The amendments for this standard update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and are to be applied retrospectively or the cumulative effect as of the date of adoption, with early application not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-12 (ASU 2014-12), Compensation Stock Compensation. This amendment requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period shall be treated as a performance condition. Adoption of this standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-12 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15 (ASU 2014-15), which requires management to assess an entitys ability to continue as a going concern every reporting period including interim periods, and to provide related footnote disclosure in certain circumstances. Adoption of this standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and are to be applied retrospectively or the cumulative effect as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-15 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
As of October 31, 2014, we had investments in short term, fixed rate and highly liquid instruments that have historically been reinvested when they mature throughout the year. Although our existing instruments are not considered at risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments, our rate of return on these securities could be affected at the time of reinvestment, if any.
See accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.
None.
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Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President - Finance, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President - Finance concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of fiscal year 2014.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide full assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2014. In making this assessment our management used the criteria for effective internal control set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2014.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report was not subject to attestation by the Companys registered public accounting firm pursuant to a permanent exemption of the Commission that permits the Company to provide only managements report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, our managements assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2014 has not been audited by our auditors, Haskell & White LLP, or any other independent registered accounting firm.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
On January 28, 2015, the Companys Board of Directors approved a one-time cash bonus of $150,000 for each of Robert A. Berman and Dr. Amit Kumar for their services to the Company during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014.
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Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. (a) Our Directors and Executive Officers The following table sets forth certain information with respect to all of our directors and executive officers: Name Position with the Company and Principal Occupation Age Director and/or Executive Officer Since Lewis H. Titterton Chairman of the Board 70 2010 Robert A. Berman Director, President and Chief Executive Officer 51 2012 Dr. Amit Kumar Director, Strategic Advisor 50 2012 Bruce F. Johnson Director 72 2012 Dr. Andrea Belz Director 42 2014 Dale Fox Director 48 2014 Tisha Stender Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel 42 2014 Henry P. Herms Director, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Finance 69 2000 We believe that our Board represents a desirable mix of backgrounds, skills, and experiences. The principal occupation and business experience during the last five years for our executive officers and directors and some of the specific experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that led to the conclusion that each person should serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure is as follows: Lewis H. Titterton, 70, Chairman of the Board. Mr. Titterton has served as a director since August 16, 2010, the Chairman of the Board since July 20, 2012 and interim Chief Executive Officer from August 21, 2012 until September 19, 2012. Mr. Titterton is currently also Chairman of the Board of NYMED, Inc., a diversified health services company. His background is in high technology with an emphasis on health care and he has been with NYMED, Inc. since 1989. Mr. Titterton founded MedE America, Inc. in 1986 and was Chief Executive Officer of Management and Planning Services, Inc. from 1978 to 1986. Mr. Titterton also served as one of our Directors from July 1999 to January 2003. He holds a M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany, and a B.A. degree from Cornell University.
Robert A. Berman, 51, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Berman has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since September 19, 2012 and was elected to our Board on November 30, 2012. Mr. Berman has experience in a broad variety of areas including finance, acquisitions, marketing, and the development, licensing, and monetization of intellectual property. He was recently the CEO of IP Dispute Resolution Corporation (IPDR), a consulting company focused on patent monetization, from March 2007 to September 2012. Prior to IPDR, Mr. Berman was the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Acacia Research Corporation from 2000 to March 2007. Mr. Berman holds a J.D. from the Northwestern University School of Law and a B.S. in Entrepreneurial Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Amit Kumar, 50, Director, Strategic Advisor. Dr. Kumar has served on our Board since November 30, 2012 and has been a strategic advisor to the Company since September 19, 2012. Dr. Kumar has been CEO of Geo Fossil Fuels LLC, an energy company, since December 2010. From September 2001 to June 2010, Dr. Kumar was President and CEO of CombiMatrix Corporation, a NASDAQ listed biotechnology company and also served as director from September 2000 to June 2012. Dr. Kumar was Vice President of Life Sciences of Acacia Research Corp., a publicly traded patent monetization company, from July 2000 to August 2007 and also served as a director from January 2003 to August 2007. Dr. Kumar has served as Chairman of the board of directors of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., a publicly-held solar energy company, since June 2007, and as a director of Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. since June 2004. Dr. Kumar holds an A.B. in Chemistry from Occidental College and Ph.D. from Caltech and completed his post-doctoral training at Harvard University.
Bruce F. Johnson, 72, Director. Mr. Johnson has served on our Board since August 29, 2012. Mr. Johnson has been a commodity trader on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for over 40 years. He has served as a member of the board of directors of CME Group Inc. since 1998. He had previously served as President, Director and part-owner of Packers Trading Company, a former futures commissions merchant/clearing firm at the CME from 1969 to 2003. He also serves on the board of directors of the Chicago Crime Commission. Mr. Johnson holds a B.S. in Marketing from Bradley University and a J.D. from John Marshall Law School.
Dr. Andrea Belz, 42, Director. Dr. Belz is an advisor in technology commercialization, specializing in start-up and emerging companies whose core businesses frequently involve the licensing of patented technologies. Dr. Belz is currently on the faculty of the Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and is the Academic Director of the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. She has helped initiate spin-up and spinout efforts at some of the worlds leading sources of patented technologies, including Caltech, NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, BP, Occidental Petroleum, Avery Dennison, and UCLA. Dr. Belz is the Chairperson of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Licensing Executives Society, an organization for intellectual property professionals with chapters throughout the United States and Canada, and serves as a national trainer for courses on best practices in licensing. Dr. Belz is the President of the Belz Consulting Group, founded in 2002, and has been an Executive Committee Board Member at Caltech spinoff Ondax (privately held) since 2013. Dr. Belz holds a PhD in physics from the California Institute of Technology, an MBA in finance from the Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business, and a BS in physics from the University of Maryland at College Park.
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Dale Fox, 49, Director. Mr. Fox is an entrepreneur and innovator who has launched many companies. He is currently the CEO of Tribogenics, a start-up company he co-founded in 2010 that develops portable, powerful X-ray devices based, in part, upon a technology conceived and licensed from the University of California, Los Angeles. Mr. Fox has raised numerous rounds of capital for many types of companies, including venture capital, strategic investments, and other financings. Mr. Fox has built executive and advisory teams. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Southern Methodist Universitys Cox School of Business. Since 2009, Mr. Fox has taught at the Founders Institute where he teaches classes on start-ups and continues to mentor young entrepreneurs.
Tisha Stender, 42, Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel. Prior to Ms. Stenders employment with the Company, Ms. Stender served as Senior Vice president of Licensing of Acacia Research Corporation, a company involved in the monetization of patented inventions, from June 2005 through May 2014. At Acacia Research Corporation, Ms. Stender oversaw the licensing and enforcement of certain patent portfolios controlled by the subsidiaries of Acacia Research Corporation. Ms. Stender holds a J.D. and a Masters of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelors degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Henry P. Herms, 69, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Finance. Mr. Herms has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Finance since November 2000 and as one of our Directors since August 2001. Mr. Herms was also our Chief Financial Officer from 1982 to 1987. He is also a former audit manager and CPA with the firm of Arthur Andersen LLP. He holds a B.B.A. degree from Adelphi University. Mr. Herms has a deep understanding of the financial aspects of our business. He also has substantial experience as a public accountant, which is important to the Boards ability to review our consolidated financial statements, assess potential financings and strategies and otherwise supervise and evaluate our business decisions.
Except for Dr. Kumar and Mr. Johnson, none of our current directors or executive officers has served as a director of another public company within the past five years.
There are no family relationships between or among the directors, executive officers or persons nominated or chosen by the Company to become directors or executive officers.
(c) Our Significant Employees
We have no significant employees other than our executive management team.
(d) Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between or among the directors, executive officers or persons nominated or chosen by the Company to become directors or executive officers.
(e) Involvement of Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, during the past ten years, none of the following occurred with respect to a present or former director or executive officer of the Company: (1) any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; (2) any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); (3) being subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his or her involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; (4) being found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Commission or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated; (5) being subject of, or a party to, any Federal or State judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree or finding relating to an alleged violation of the federal or state securities, commodities, banking or insurance laws or regulations or any settlement thereof or involvement in mail or wire fraud in connection with any business entity not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated and (6) being subject of, or a party to, any disciplinary sanctions or orders imposed by a stock, commodities or derivatives exchange or other self-regulatory organization.
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock with the Commission. Directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based upon a review of these filings, we believe that all required Section 16(a) reports were made on a timely basis during fiscal year 2014.
We have adopted a formal code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. We will provide a copy of our code of ethics to any person without charge, upon request. For a copy of our code of ethics write to Secretary, ITUS Corporation, 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275, Los Angeles, California.
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There were no changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominations to our Board of Directors during our fiscal year 2014.
The SEC has adopted rules implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requiring public companies to disclose information about audit committee financial experts. We do not have a separately-designated standing Audit Committee. Therefore, we have not designated an audit committee financial expert. The functions of the Audit Committee have been assumed by our full Board. The SECs rules do not require us to have an audit committee financial expert, and our Board has determined that it possesses sufficient financial expertise to effectively discharge its obligations.
This item is not required for a smaller reporting company.
This item is not required for a smaller reporting company.
The following table sets forth certain information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, with respect to compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our current Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel and our Chief Financial Officer (the Named Executive Officers). No other executive officer received total compensation in excess of $100,000 during fiscal year 2014.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE | ||||||
Name and Principal Position |
Year |
Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) | Option Awards ($) (2) | All Other Compensation ($) (3) | Total Compensation ($) |
Robert A. Berman (1) Chief Executive Officer and Director | 2014 2013 2012 | $300,000 $290,000 $ 32,223 | $200,000 $ 50,000 $ - | $ 254,480 $ - $2,882,667 | $ 8,320 $ - $ - | $ 762,800 $ 340,000 $2,914,890 |
Tisha Stender Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel | 2014 | $ 78,200 | $ - | $ 850,200 | $ - | $ 928,840 |
Henry P. Herms Chief Financial Officer, Vice President- Finance Director | 2014 2013 2012 | $168,000 $150,000 $150,000 | $ - $ - $ - | $ 92,455 $ - $ 69,219 | $ - $ 15,033 $ 15,033 | $ 260,455 $ 166,665 $ 234,252 |
(1) A portion of Robert A. Bermans salary and bonus, which has been earned and accrued, has been deferred.
(2) Amounts in the Option Awards column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards made during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 for each Named Executive Officer in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718 and also reflects the amendment of certain options on November 8, 2013 and the repricing of certain options on September 5, 2012. A discussion of assumptions used in valuation of option awards may be found in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(3) Amounts in the All Other Compensation column reflect, for each Named Executive Officer, the sum of the incremental cost to us of all perquisites and personal benefits, which consisted solely of life insurance premiums for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014 and auto allowance and related expenses for fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.
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Employment Agreements
Employment Agreement with Robert Berman
On September 19, 2012, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Berman (the Berman Agreement) to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Pursuant to the Berman Agreement, Mr. Berman was to receive an annual base salary of $290,000, provided, however that payment of his salary was to be deferred until the Cash Milestone (as described below) was achieved. In February 2013, the Board elected to commence paying Mr. Berman his salary effective February 1, 2013, but his deferred salary, which has been earned and accrued, has not yet been paid. In August 2013, the Cash Milestone was achieved.
In addition to his base salary, Mr. Berman was entitled to a cash bonus of $50,000, if the Company generates aggregate cash payments in excess of a specified amount (the Cash Milestone) prior to September 19, 2013. The Cash Milestone bonus, which has been earned and accrued, has not yet been paid. Mr. Berman was also entitled to two additional cash bonuses of $50,000 if the average trading price of the Companys Common Stock exceeds two separate price targets (the Stock Price Targets) prior to September 19, 2013, which Stock Price Targets were not achieved prior to September 19, 2013.
The Company also granted Mr. Berman options to purchase 16,000,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock, with an exercise price equal $0.2175 (the average of the high and the low sales price of the Common Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the approval of such options by the Board). Half of the options vest in 36 equal monthly installments commencing on October 31, 2012, provided that if the Berman Agreement is terminated or constructively terminated by the Company without cause (as defined below), an additional 12 months of vesting will be accelerated and such accelerated options will become immediately exercisable. The balance of the options vest in three equal installments upon achievement of the Cash Milestone (which Cash Milestone has been achieved) and the Stock Price Targets (without regard to the 12 month period). The vesting conditions of the Stock Price Target options have been amended as described below. The options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan (as defined below).
If Mr. Bermans employment is terminated by the Company or he terminates his employment for any reason or no reason, the Company shall be obligated to pay to Mr. Berman only any earned compensation and/or bonus due under the Berman Agreement, any unpaid reasonable and necessary expenses, and any accrued and unpaid benefits due to him in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Companys benefit plans and policies including any accrued but unpaid vacation up to the cap of 20 days through the date of termination. All such payments shall be made in a lump sum immediately following termination as required by law.
Cause means (i) commission of or entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony; (ii) conviction for engaging or having engaged in fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, a crime of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or other acts of willful misconduct or gross negligence in connection with the business affairs of the Company or its affiliates; (iii) a conviction for theft, embezzlement, or other intentional misappropriation of funds by employee from the Company or its affiliates; (iv) a conviction in connection with the willful engaging by employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its affiliates, monetarily or otherwise.
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Table of Contents
Employment Agreement with Tisha Stender
On July 8, 2014, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Ms. Stender (the Stender Agreement) to serve as Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel of the Company. Pursuant to the Stender Agreement, Ms. Stender is to receive an annual base salary of $277,000 (effective August 4, 2014). In addition to her base salary, Ms. Stender is entitled to receive one or more cash bonuses at the reasonable discretion of Mr. Berman.
The Company also granted Ms. Stender options to purchase 4,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock, with an exercise price equal $0.25 per share (the average of the high and the low sales price of the common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the approval of such options by the Board). Half of the options vest in 36 equal monthly installments commencing on August 31, 2014. The balance of the options vest in two equal installments upon achievement of the certain Company milestones.
If Ms. Stenders employment is terminated by the Company or she terminates her employment for any reason or no reason, the Company shall be obligated to pay to Ms. Stender only any earned compensation and/or bonus due under the Stender Agreement, any unpaid reasonable and necessary expenses, and any accrued and unpaid benefits due to her in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Companys benefit plans and policies including any accrued but unpaid vacation up to the cap of 20 days through the date of termination. All such payments shall be made in a lump sum immediately following termination as required by law.
Cause means (i) commission of or entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony; (ii) conviction for engaging or having engaged in fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, a crime of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or other acts of willful misconduct or gross negligence in connection with the business affairs of the Company or its affiliates; (iii) a conviction for theft, embezzlement, or other intentional misappropriation of funds by employee from the Company or its affiliates; (iv) a conviction in connection with the willful engaging by employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its affiliates, monetarily or otherwise.
Amendment to Employment and Stock Option Agreements
Robert A. Bermans employment agreement includes the grant of certain stock options. On November 8, 2013, in light of the cost and expense of valuing the unvested portion of the options on a quarterly basis for financial reporting purposes, the Board approved an amendment to the Stock Price Target stock options awarded on September 19, 2012 (the Option Awards) to Mr. Berman. The amendment modifies the Option Awards vesting conditions to provide that the unvested portion of the stock options will vest in 23 consecutive monthly installments, commencing on November 30, 2013 through September 30, 2015. Prior to the amendment, the Option Awards had provided that the stock options would vest if certain milestone targets were met. All the other terms and conditions of the Option Awards remain unchanged.
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Stock Options
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to unexercised stock options held by the Named Executive Officers outstanding on October 31, 2014: OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END TABLE Option Awards Name Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Un -Exercisable Option Exercise Price ($) Option Expiration Date Robert A. Berman 5,555,558(1) 2,666,667(2) 2,782,609(3) 305,550(4) 2,444,442(1) 2,550,724(3) 694,450(4) $0.2175 $0.2175 $0.2175 $0.2000 9/19/2022 9/19/2022 9/19/2022 11/8/2023 Henry P. Herms 100,000 100,000 50,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 100,000 208,337(5) 168,050(4) 91,663(5) 381,950(4) $0.650 $0.520 $0.145 $0.700 $0.145 $0.145 $0.370 $0.235 $0.200 2/17/2015 10/30/2015 5/31/2016 11/20/2016 11/11/2017 10/7/2019 6/01/2021 9/19/2022 11/8/2018 Tisha Stender 166,685(6) 1,833,315(6) 2,000,000(7) $0.25 $0.25 7/16/2024 7/16/2024 (1) Options vest and became exercisable in 36 consecutive monthly installments, beginning October 31, 2012 and continuing through September 30, 2015. (2) Options vested upon achievement of the Cash Milestone. (3) Options were to vest in two equal installments upon achievement of the Stock Price Targets. On November 8, 2013, the vesting conditions were modified by the Board to provide that the unvested portion of the stock options will vest in 23 consecutive monthly installments, commencing on November 30, 2013 through September 30, 2015. (4) Options vest and became exercisable in 36 consecutive monthly installments, beginning December 31, 2013 and continuing through November 30, 2016. (5) Options vest and became exercisable in 36 consecutive monthly installments, beginning October 31, 2012 and continuing through September 30, 2015. (6) Options vest and became exercisable in 36 consecutive monthly installments, beginning August 31, 2014 and continuing through July 3, 2017. (7) Options vest in two equal installments upon achievement of certain Company milestones.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to grants of stock options to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal year 2014:
GRANTS OF PLAN BASED AWARDS TABLE Name Grant Date All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) Exercise Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) Grant Date Fair Value ($) (1) Robert A. Berman 11/8/2013 1,000,000 $0.20 $168,100 Henry P. herms 11/8/2013 550,000 $0.20 $92,455 Tisha Stender 7/16/2014 4,000,000(2) $0.25(3) $850,200 (1) Represent the grant date fair value of stock option awards in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718. (2) Reflects options granted to Ms. Stender under the Stender Agreement. (3) The exercise price was determined by calculating the average of the high and the low sales price of the common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the approval of such options by the Board. The following table summarizes the exercise of stock options during fiscal 2014 by Named Executives: OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED TABLE Name Option Awards Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) Value Realized on Exercise ($) (1) Henry P. Herms 75,000 $2,482 (1) The value realized on exercise is calculated based on the difference between the exercise price of the options and the market price of the stock at the time of exercise. Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control Robert A. Berman As more fully described in Employment Agreement with Robert Berman, if Mr. Berman is terminated without cause, an additional 12 months of vesting of his options will be accelerated and such accelerated options will become immediately exercisable. The intrinsic value of such options would be $-0-, which was calculated by multiplying (a) 2,444,442 options (being the number of options granted to him on September 19, 2012 that would be accelerated) (b) an amount equal to the excess of (x) our closing share price on October 31, 2014 of $0.20 and (y) the options exercise price of $0.2175 per share. Options granted Mr. Berman on November 8, 2013 provide for the vesting of the unvested portion of his options to be accelerated and such accelerated options to become immediately exercisable if Mr. Berman is terminated without cause. The intrinsic value of such options would be $-0-, which was calculated by multiplying (a) 694,450 options (being the number of options granted to him on November 8, 2013 that would be accelerated) (b) an amount equal to the excess of (x) our closing share price on October 31, 2014 of $0.20 and (y) the options exercise price of $0.20 per share. In addition to the acceleration of the options, if Mr. Bermans employment is terminated by the Company or he terminates his employment for any reason or no reason, the Company shall be obligated to pay to Mr. Berman only any earned compensation and/or bonus due under the Berman Agreement, any unpaid reasonable and necessary expenses, and any accrued and unpaid benefits due to him in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Companys benefit plans and policies including any accrued but unpaid vacation up to the cap of 20 days through the date of termination (which accrued and unpaid benefits would have a maximum value of $23,077). Tisha Stender If Ms. Stenders employment is terminated by the Company or she terminates her employment for any reason or no reason, the Company shall be obligated to pay to Ms. Stender only any earned compensation and/or bonus due under the Stender Agreement, any unpaid reasonable and necessary expenses, and any accrued and unpaid benefits due to her in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Companys benefit plans and policies including any accrued but unpaid vacation up to the cap of 20 days through the date of termination (which accrued and unpaid benefits would have a maximum value of $21,308).
Henry P. Herms
Mr. Herms outstanding unvested stock option awards granted under the 2010 Share Incentive Plan would immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control as defined below. The intrinsic value of Mr. Herms outstanding options granted on September 19, 2012 would be $-0-, which was calculated by multiplying (a) 91,663 options (being the unvested portion of options granted to him on September 19, 2012 that he held on October 31, 2014) by (b) an amount equal to the excess of (x) our closing share price on October 31, 2014 of $0.20 and (y) the options exercise price of $0.235 per share. The intrinsic value of Mr. Herms outstanding options granted on November 8, 2013 would be $-0-, which was calculated by multiplying (a) 381,950 options (being the unvested portion of options granted to him on November 8, 2014 that he held on October 31, 2014) by (b) an amount equal to the excess of (x) our closing share price on October 31, 2014 of $0.20 and (y) the options exercise price of $0.235 per share. Under the 2010 Share Incentive Plan, change in control means: · Change in Ownership: A change in ownership of the Company occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, excluding the acquisition of additional stock by a person or more than one person acting as a group who is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company. · Change in Effective Control: A change in effective control of the Company occurs on the date that either: o Any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; or o A majority of the members of the Board is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board before the date of the appointment or election; provided, that this paragraph will apply only to the Company if no other corporation is a majority stockholder.
There is no present arrangement for cash compensation of directors for services in that capacity. Consistent with the non-employee director compensation approved on March 28, 2013 for calendar year 2013, on November 8, 2013, the Board approved an amendment to the 2010 Share Incentive Plan to provide that on January 1st of each year commencing on January 1, 2014, each non-employee director (a Director Participant) of the Company at that time shall automatically be granted a 10 year nonqualified stock option to purchase 300,000 shares of Common Stock (or 400,000 in the case of the Chairman of the Board to the extent he qualifies as a Director Participant), with an exercise price equal to the closing price on the date of grant, that will vest in four equal quarterly installments in the year of grant. In addition, each person who is a Director Participant and joins the Board after January 1 of any year, shall be granted on the date such person joins the Board, a nonqualified stock option to purchase 300,000 shares of Common Stock (or 400,000 in the case of the Chairman of the Board) pro-rated based upon the number of calendar quarters remaining in the calendar year in which such person joins the Board (rounded up for partial quarters).
Our employee director, Robert A. Berman and former employee director Henry P. Herms, did not receive any additional compensation for services provided as a director during fiscal year 2014. The following table sets forth compensation of Lewis H. Titterton, Bruce F. Johnson, Dr. Andrea Belz and Dale Fox, our non-employee directors and Kent B. Williams, our former non-employee director, for fiscal year 2014:
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION | |||
Name | Option Awards ($) (1) |
Bonus ($) | All Other Compensation ($) |
Lewis H. Titterton | $567,580 | - | - |
Bruce F. Johnson | $ 47,460 | - | - |
Kent B. Williams | $118,590 | - | - |
Dr. Andrea Belz | $30,482 | - | - |
Dale Fox | $30,482 | - | - |
Dr. Amit Kumar (2) | - | - | - |
(1) Amounts in the Option Awards column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards made during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, in accordance with ASC 718. A discussion of assumptions used in valuation of option awards may be found in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. At October 31, 2014, Lewis H. Titterton, Brice F. Johnson, Dr. Andrea Belz and Dale Fox held unexercised stock options to purchase 5,610,000, 720,000, 150,000 and 150,000 shares respectively, of our Common Stock.
(2) Dr. Kumar did not receive any compensation for his services as a director. However, Dr. Kumar did receive compensation for his services as a consultant. For more information about Dr. Kumars consultancy arrangements, see the section entitled Transactions with Related Persons below.
38
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our common stock beneficially owned as of January 23, 2015 (or exercisable within 60 days) by (a) each person who is known by our management to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, (b) each of our directors and executive officers, and (c) all directors and executive officers as a group: Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) Percent of Class (6) Lewis H. Titterton 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275 Los Angeles, CA 90025 14,354,032 6.42% Robert A. Berman Los Angeles, CA 90025 13,933,220 5.98% Dr. Amit Kumar 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275 Los Angeles, CA 90025 15,010,911 6.43% Bruce F. Johnson Los Angeles, CA 90025 8,600,615 3.90% Dr. Andrea Belz 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275 Los Angeles, CA 90025 150,000 * Dale Fox 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275 Los Angeles, CA 90025 150,000 * Tisha Stender 12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275 Los Angeles, CA 90025 1,588,905 * Henry P. Herms Los Angeles, CA 90025 1,598,956 * All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (8 persons) 55,386,639 21.82% * Less than 1%. (1) A beneficial owner of a security includes any person who directly or indirectly has or shares voting power and/or investment power with respect to such security or has the right to obtain such voting power and/or investment power within sixty (60) days. Except as otherwise noted, each designated beneficial owner in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has sole voting power and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such person. (2) Includes 1,710,007 shares, 416,662 shares, 416,662 shares, 420,000 shares, 150,000 shares, 150,000 shares, 388,905 shares, 1,045,831 shares and 4,698,067 shares which Lewis H. Titterton, Robert A. Berman, Dr. Amit Kumar, Bruce F. Johnson, Dr. Andrea Belz, Dale Fox, Tisha Stender, Henry P. Herms and all directors and executive officers as a group, respectively, have the right to acquire within 60 days upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan and/or the 2010 Share Incentive Plan. (3) Includes 50,000 shares, 166,650 shares, 383,300 shares, 333,300, 400,000 and 1,333,250 shares that Lewis H. Titterton, Robert A. Berman, Dr. Amit Kumar, Bruce F. Johnson, Tisha Stender and all directors and executive officers as a group, respectively, have the right to acquire within 60 days upon exercise of warrants purchased by them in the private placements on January 25, 2013 and July 15, 2014. (5) Includes 2,150,000 shares, 12,821,258 shares, 12,821,258 shares, 300,000 shares and 28,092,516 shares which Lewis H. Titterton, Robert A. Berman, Dr. Amit Kumar, Bruce F. Johnson and all directors and executive officers as a group, respectively, respectively, have the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to option agreements with the Company. (6) Based on 219,712,190 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of January 23, 2015. 39
12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275
12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275
12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1275
(3) On September 19, 2012, the Company granted to Robert A. Berman, Dr. Amit Kumar and John Roop options to purchase 16,000,000 shares, 16,000,000 shares, and 8,000,000 shares, respectively, of the Companys common stock, with an exercise price equal $0.2175 (the average of the high and the low sales price of the common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the approval of such options by the Board). Half of the options granted to each of them vest in 36 equal monthly installments commencing on October 31, 2012, provided that if such person is terminated or constructively terminated by the Company without cause (as defined in the applicable employment or consulting agreement with the Company), an additional 12 months of vesting will be accelerated and such accelerated options will become immediately exercisable. The balance of the options vest in three equal installments if the Company generates aggregate cash payments in excess of a specified amount (the Cash Milestone), which Cash Milestone has been achieved, and if the average trading price of the Companys common stock for a period of 15 trading days exceeds two separate price targets (the Stock Price Targets). On November 8, 2013, in light of the cost and expense of valuing the unvested portion of the options on a quarterly basis for financial reporting purposes, the Board approved an amendment to the Stock Price Target stock options modifying the vesting conditions to provide that the unvested portion of the stock options will vest in 23 consecutive monthly installments, commencing on November 30, 2013 through September 30, 2015. The options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan.
(4) On September 19, 2012, the Board approved a grant to Lewis H. Titterton of a stock option to purchase 750,000 shares of Company common stock in compensation for his service as interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as compensation for his prior service as a Director of the Company and also approved a grant to Kent Williams of a stock option to purchase 750,000 shares of Company common stock in compensation for his service in bringing on the Companys new management team. All of these stock options have an exercise price of $0.2225 (the average of the high and low sales price on September 21, 2012), vest in 3 equal annual installments of 250,000 commencing on September 21, 2012 and have an expiration date of September 19, 2022. The options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan.
(5) On November 30, 2012, the Board approved a grant to Kent B. Williams of a stock option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of Company common stock in compensation for his service in recruiting the Companys new management team. These options have an exercise price of $0.211 (the average of the high and low sales price on date of grant) and vest 333,334 shares upon grant and 333,333 shares in two annual installments commencing November 30, 2013. The options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan.
(6) On February 15, 2013, the Board approved a grant to Lewis H. Titterton of a stock option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of Company common stock in compensation for his service as Chairman of the Board. These stock options have an exercise price of $0.235 (the average of the high and low sales price on date of grant) and vest 333,334 shares upon grant and 333,333 shares in two annual installments commencing February 15, 2014. The options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan.
(7) On March 28, 2013, the Board approved a grant to Lewis H. Titterton, Bruce F. Johnson and Kent B. Williams of a stock option to purchase 400,000 shares, 300,000 shares and 300,000 shares, respectively, of Company common stock as additional compensation as outside directors. Each of these stock options has an exercise price of $0.195 (the average of the high and low sales price on date of grant) and vest in four equal quarterly installments. The options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan.
41
Table of Contents
Transactions with Related Persons
On January 25, 2013, we completed a private placement of $1,765,000 principal amount of 8% Convertible Debentures due 2015 and warrants to purchase 5,882,745 shares of Common Stock. We had the option to pay any interest on the debentures in Common Stock based on the average of the closing prices of our Common Stock for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the interest payment date. During June and July 2013, $325,000 principal amount of these debentures were converted into 2,166,775 shares of Common Stock. During 2014, an aggregate of $1,240,000 principal amount of these debentures were converted into 8,267,080 shares of Common Stock. The principal amount outstanding of these debentures of $200,000 was paid in full during April 2014. Robert A. Berman, the Companys President, Chief Executive Officer and a director, Dr. Amit Kumar, a consultant and director of the Company, and Bruce Johnson, a director of the Company, purchased $50,000, $100,000, and $100,000, respectively, of securities in this offering. Mr. Berman, Dr. Kumar and Mr. Johnson received 333,350 shares, 666,700 shares and 666,700 shares, respectively, upon conversion of the debentures and 21,495 shares, 42,991 shares and 42,991 shares, respectively, in payment of interest on the debentures. Jeffery Titterton and Christopher Titterton, the adult sons of Lewis H. Titterton, our Chairman of the Board, purchased $25,000 and $25,000, respectively, of securities in this offering. Jeffery Titterton and Christopher Titterton have received 166,675 shares and 166,675 shares, respectively, upon conversion of the debentures and 10,748 shares and 8,451 shares, respectively, in payment of interest on the debentures.
As more fully described in Executive Compensation - Employment Agreements, on September 19, 2012, we entered into an employment with Robert A. Berman, the Companys President, Chief Executive Officer and a director, and concurrently issued to Mr. Berman options to purchase 16,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock. Additionally, on July 8, 2014, we entered into an employment agreement with Tisha Stender, the Companys Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel, and issued to her options to purchase 4,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock.
On September 19, 2012, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Dr. Amit Kumar (the "Kumar Agreement"), a director of the Company, pursuant to which Dr. Kumar agreed to provide business consulting services for an annual consulting fee of $120,000 (Dr. Kumar's fee was initially deferred until a Cash Milestone (as defined above) was achieved and certain of Dr. Kumar's deferred compensation remains accrued but unpaid). In connection with the Kumar Agreement, the Company granted Dr. Kumar options to purchase 16,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock, with an exercise price equal $0.2175. Dr. Kumar has also earned a $50,000 bonus pursuant to the Kumar Agreement. The Kumar Agreement was amended on November 8, 2013 to modify the vesting schedule of any unvested options. If Dr. Kumar's services are terminated by the Company or he terminates his services for any reason or no reason, the Company will be obligated to pay to Dr. Kumar only any earned compensation and/or bonus due under the Kumar Agreement and any unpaid reasonable and necessary expenses, due to him through the date of termination. All such payments will be made in a lump sum immediately following termination.
On July 15, 2014, the Company sold 16,000,000 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase 8,000,000 shares of its common stock in a registered direct offering for gross proceeds of $4,000,000. Lewis H. Titterton, the Chairman of the Board of the Company, Dr. Amit Kumar, a consultant and director of the Company, and Tisha Stender, the Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel of the Company, purchased $25,000, $25,000, and $200,000, respectively, of securities in this offering. Specifically, Mr. Titterton received 100,000 shares and 50,000 warrants, Dr. Kumar received 100,000 shares and 50,000 warrants and Ms. Stender received 800,000 shares and 200,000 warrants in this offering.
42
Related Person Transaction Approval Policy
While we have no written policy regarding approval of transactions between us and a related person, our Board, as matter of appropriate corporate governance, reviews and approves all such transactions, to the extent required by applicable rules and regulations. Generally, management would present to the Board for approval at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting any related person transactions proposed to be entered into by us. The Board may approve the transaction if it is deemed to be in the best interests of our stockholders and the Company.
Director Independence
Our Board oversees the activities of our management in the handling of the business and affairs of our company. We are not subject to listing requirements of any national securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system which require that our be Board comprised of a majority of independent directors. Notwithstanding, Lewis H. Titterton, Bruce F. Johnson, Dr. Andrea Belz and Dale Fox currently meet the definition of independent as defined by the SEC. The Board of Directors does not have separately designated audit, nominating or compensation committees. Our directors, Robert A. Berman and Dr. Amit Kumar, are employees of, or consultants to, the Company and as such do not qualify as independent directors.
The following table describes fees for professional audit services rendered and billed by Haskell & White LLP, our present independent registered public accounting firm and principal accountant, from May 2013 through October 31, 2014, for the audit of our fiscal year 2014 and 2013 consolidated financial statements, the re-audit of our fiscal year 2012 consolidated financial statements and for other services during the fiscal years 2014 and 2013 and KPMG LLP, from November 1, 2012 through May 2013, for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and for other services during fiscal 2013.
Type of Fee |
2014 |
|
2013 | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees (1) | $ | 82,280 |
| $ | 400,330 |
Audit Related Fees (2) |
| 37,130 |
|
| 79,000 |
Tax Fees |
| - |
|
| - |
All Other Fees |
| - |
|
| - |
Total | $ | 119,410 |
| $ | 479,330 |
(1) Audit fees for fiscal year 2013 represent fees billed for services rendered during fiscal 2013 by Haskell & White LLP and KPMG LLP of $109,330 and $291,000, respectively, for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and review of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, including Haskell & White LLPs re-audit of our fiscal year 2012 consolidated financial statements. Audit fees for fiscal year 2014 represent fees billed for services rendered during fiscal 2014 by Haskell & White LLP for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and review of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
(2) Audit related fees for fiscal year 2013 represent fees billed for services rendered during fiscal 2013 by KPMG LLP in connection with our Form S-1 Registration Statement filed during fiscal 2013. Audit related fees for fiscal year 2014 represent fees billed for services rendered during fiscal 2014 by Haskell & White in connection with our Form S-3 Registration Statements filed during fiscal 2014.
Procedures For Board of Directors Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditor
Our Board is responsible for reviewing and approving, in advance, any audit and any permissible non-audit engagement or relationship between us and our independent registered public accounting firm. Haskell & White LLPs engagement to conduct our fiscal year 2014 audit was approved by our Board on May 28, 2014. We did not enter into any non-audit engagement or relationship with Haskell & White LLP during fiscal year 2014.
43
See accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) Exhibits
3.1 | Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 1992 and Form S-3, dated February 11, 2014.) |
3.2 | Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.) |
3.3 | Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 on Form 8-K, dated September 4, 2014.) |
3.4 | Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 8-K, dated September 10, 2014.) |
3.5 | Amended and Restated By-laws. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-K dated, November 8, 2012.) |
4.1 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2013, by and between the Company and Aspire Capital Fund, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Form S-1, dated April 24, 2013.) |
10.1 | 2003 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to our Form S-8 dated May 5, 2003.) |
10.2 | Amendment No. 1 to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to our Form S-8 dated November 9, 2004.) |
10.3 | Amendment No. 2 to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2006.) |
10.4 | Amendment No. 3 to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2006.) |
10.5 | Amendment No. 4 to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to our Form S-8 dated September 21, 2007.) |
10.6 | Amendment No. 5 to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to our Form S-8 dated January 21, 2009.) |
10.7 | Amendment No. 6 to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Form 8-K, dated July 20, 2010.) |
10.8 | 2010 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K, dated July 20, 2010.) |
10.9 | Amendment No. 1 to the 2010 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K, dated July 7, 2011.) |
10.10 | Amendment No. 2 to the 2010 Share Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K, dated September 5, 2012.) |
10.11 | Amendment No. 3 to the 2010 Share Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2014.) |
10.12 | Loan and Pledge Agreement, dated November 2, 2007, by and between Mars Overseas Limited and CopyTele International Ltd. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2008.) |
10.13 | Loan and Pledge Agreement, dated November 2, 2007, by and between CopyTele International Ltd. and Mars Overseas Limited. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2008.) |
10.14 | Employment Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2012, between the Company and Robert Berman. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.) (Portions of Section 4 of this exhibit have been redacted and filed separately with the Commission in accordance with a request for, and related Order by the Commission, dated May 3, 2013, File No. 0-11254-CF#29240, granting confidential treatment for portions of Section 4 of this exhibit to pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) |
44
10.15 | Employment Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2012, between the Company and John Roop. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.) (Portions of Section 4 of this exhibit have been redacted and filed separately with the Commission in accordance with a request for, and related Order by the Commission, dated May 3, 2013, File No. 0-11254-CF#29240, granting confidential treatment for portions of Section 4 of this exhibit to pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) |
10.16 | Consulting Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2012, between the Company and Amit Kumar. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.) (Portions of Section 4 of this exhibit have been redacted and filed separately with the Commission in accordance with a request for, and related Order by the Commission, dated May 3, 2013, File No. 0-11254-CF#29240, granting confidential treatment for portions of Section 4 of this exhibit to pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) |
10.17 | Employment Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2014, between the Company and Tisha Stender. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to our Form S-1 dated December 8, 2014.) |
10.18 | Securities Purchase Agreement, dated July 15, 2014, between the Company and the Purchasers named therein in connection with the Companys registered direct offering. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, dated July 15, 2014.) |
10.19 | Form of Warrant issued to investors in connection with the Companys registered direct offering. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K, dated August 15, 2014). |
10.20 | Termination Agreements, each dated August 29, 2014, relating to the Companys transaction with Videocon Industries Limited. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to our Form S-1 dated December 8, 2014.) |
10.21 | Debt Conversion Agreement, dated September 9, 2014, between the Company and Adaptive Capital, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to our Form S-1 dated December 8, 2014.) |
10.22 | Warrant issued to Adaptive Capital, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to our Form S-1 dated December 8, 2014.) |
21 | Subsidiaries of ITUS Corporation. (Filed herewith.) |
23.1 | Consent of Haskell & White LLP. (Filed herewith.) |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated January 29, 2015. (Filed herewith.) |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated January 29, 2015. (Filed herewith.) |
32.1 | Statement of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code, dated January 29, 2015. (Filed herewith.) |
32.2 | Statement of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code, dated January 29, 2015. (Filed herewith.) |
45
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 2014
| Page |
|
|
F-1 | |
F-2 | |
| F-3 |
F-4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 | F-5 |
F-6 F-42 |
Additional information required by schedules called for under Regulation S-X is either not applicable or is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
ITUS Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ITUS Corporation (the Company) as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, shareholders equity (deficiency), and cash flows for each of the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company has determined that it is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ Haskell & White LLP
HASKELL & WHITE LLP
Irvine, California
January 29, 2015
F-1
|
October 31, 2014 |
|
October 31, 2013 | ||
|
| ||||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,361,246 |
| $ | 898,172 |
Shortterm investments in certificates of deposit |
| 2,500,000 |
|
| - |
Accounts receivable |
| 400,000 |
|
| 175,000 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
| 60,577 |
|
| 160,646 |
Total current assets |
| 6,321,823 |
|
| 1,233,818 |
Investment in Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts, at fair value (Note 4) |
| - |
|
| 4,197,341 |
Patents, net of accumulated amortization of $314,453 in 2014 |
| 2,721,658 |
|
| - |
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $48,842 and $45,654, respectively |
| 11,875 |
|
| 8,379 |
Total assets | $ | 9,055,356 |
| $ | 5,439,538 |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY, (DEFICIENCY) |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 1,249,426 |
| $ | 1,276,470 |
Royalties and contingent legal fees payable |
| 560,076 |
|
| 207,743 |
Derivative liability, at fair value |
| - |
|
| 540,000 |
Deferred revenue, nonrefundable development and license fees |
| - |
|
| 1,187,320 |
Total current liabilities |
| 1,809,502 |
|
| 3,211,533 |
Patent acquisition obligation (Note 8) |
| 3,236,281 |
|
| - |
Convertible debentures due January 2015, net of discount of $891,402 (Note 6) |
| - |
|
| 548,598 |
Loan payable by CopyTele International Ltd. to former affiliate, secured by Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts (Note1) | - |
|
| 5,000,000 | |
Total liabilities |
| 5,045,783 |
|
| 8,760,131 |
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8 and 9) |
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity (deficiency): |
|
|
|
| |
Preferred stock, par value $100 per share; 496,500 and 500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding, respectively | - |
|
| - | |
Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $100 per share; 3,500 and 0 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 350,000 |
|
| - | |
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 600,000,000 shares authorized; 219,692,190 and 209,276,745 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 2,196,922 |
|
| 2,092,767 | |
Additional paid-in capital |
| 146,232,373 |
|
| 134,750,048 |
Loan receivable from former affiliate (Note 1) |
| - |
|
| (5,000,000) |
Accumulated deficit |
| (144,769,722) |
|
| (135,163,408) |
Total shareholders equity (deficiency) |
| 4,009,573 |
|
| (3,320,593) |
Total liabilities and shareholders equity (deficiency) | $ | 9,055,356 |
| $ | 5,439,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-2
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the years ended October 31, | |||||
|
2014 |
|
2013 | ||
Revenue: |
|
|
|
| |
Revenue from patent assertion activities | $ | 2,480,000 |
| $ | 388,850 |
Amortization of display technology development and license fees received from AU Optronics Corp. in fiscal year 2011 |
| 1,187,320 |
|
| - |
Total revenue |
| 3,667,320 |
|
| 388,850 |
Operating costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
Inventor royalties and contingent legal fees |
| 1,412,661 |
|
| 207,743 |
Litigation and licensing expenses |
| 575,413 |
|
| 108,915 |
Amortization of patents |
| 314,453 |
|
| - |
Marketing, general and administrative expenses (including non-cash stock option compensation expense of $3,149,799 and $3,798,139, respectively) |
| 6,408,861 |
|
| 7,989,846 |
Total operating costs and expenses |
| 8,711,388 |
|
| 8,306,504 |
Loss from operations |
| (5,044,068) |
|
| (7,917,654) |
Impairment in value of Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts |
| (62,825) |
|
| (1,184,710) |
Change in value of derivative liability |
| (592,945) |
|
| 475,189 |
Loss on extinguishment of debt (Note 6) |
| (2,699,022) |
|
| (343,517) |
Interest expense |
| (1,263,617) |
|
| (1,109,519) |
Dividend income |
| 47,568 |
|
| - |
Interest income |
| 8,595 |
|
| 125 |
Loss before income taxes |
| (9,606,314) |
|
| (10,080,086) |
Provision for income taxes (Note 9) |
| - |
|
| - |
Net loss | $ | (9,606,314) |
| $ | (10,080,086) |
Net loss per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted | $ | (.04) |
| $ | (.05) |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted |
| 217,771,673 |
|
| 196,645,962 |
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
Reversal of unrealized loss as of October 31, 2012, on investment in Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts | $ | - |
| $ | 653,684 |
Comprehensive loss | $ | (9,606,314) |
| $ | (9,426,402) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-3
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2014 and 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan Receivable From former affiliate |
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
|
Total Shareholders Equity (Deficiency) | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Paid-in |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
| Preferred Stock |
| Common Stock |
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
| |||||||||||||||
| Shares |
|
Par Value |
| Shares |
|
Par Value |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, October 31, 2012 | - |
| $ | - |
| 184,979,037 |
| $ | 1,849,790 |
| $ | 127,693,160 |
| $ | (5,000,000) |
| $ | (125,083,322) |
| $ | (653,684) |
| $ | (1,194,056) |
Stock option compensation to employees | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 2,693,121 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 2,693,121 |
Stock option compensation to consultants | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 1,105,018 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 1,105,018 |
Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options | - |
|
| - |
| 146,000 |
|
| 1,460 |
|
| 24,150 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 25,610 |
Common stock issued to consultants | - |
|
| - |
| 1,345,000 |
|
| 13,450 |
|
| 291,235 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 304,685 |
Common stock issued upon conversion of convertible debentures due September 2016 and January 2015 | - |
|
| - |
| 10,318,945 |
|
| 103,189 |
|
| 1,250,175 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 1,353,364 |
Common stock issued in lieu of interest on convertible debentures | - |
|
| - |
| 480,270 |
|
| 4,803 |
|
| 93,936 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 98,739 |
Sale of common stock to Aspire Capital Fund, LLC net of expense | - |
|
| - |
| 5,380,000 |
|
| 53,800 |
|
| 996,605 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 1,050,405 |
Common stock issued to Aspire Capital Fund LLC, as consideration | - |
|
| - |
| 3,500,000 |
|
| 35,000 |
|
| (35,000) |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Warrants issued in connection with issuance of convertible debentures | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 221,985 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 221,985 |
Common stock issued upon exercise of warrants | - |
|
| - |
| 2,927,493 |
|
| 29,275 |
|
| 351,525 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 380,800 |
Common stock issued to acquire patent license | - |
|
| - |
| 200,000 |
|
| 2,000 |
|
| 40,000 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 42,000 |
Proceeds on sale of common stock held by ZQX Advisors, LLC | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 24,138 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 24,138 |
Reversal of unrealized loss as of October 31, 2012 on investment in Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 653,684 |
|
| 653,684 |
Net loss | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (10,080,086) |
|
| - |
|
| (10,080,086) |
BALANCE, October 31, 2013 | - |
|
| - |
| 209,276,745 |
|
| 2,092,767 |
|
| 134,750,048 |
|
| (5,000,000) |
|
| (135,163,408) |
|
| - |
|
| (3,320,593) |
Stock option compensation to employees | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 2,127,719 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 2,127,719 |
Stock option compensation to consultants | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 1,022,080 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 1,022,080 |
Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options | - |
|
| - |
| 515,000 |
|
| 5,150 |
|
| 70,725 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 75,875 |
Common stock issued to consultants | - |
|
| - |
| 310,000 |
|
| 3,100 |
|
| 81,598 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 84,698 |
Common stock issued upon conversion of convertible debentures due January 2015 | - |
|
| - |
| 8,267,080 |
|
| 82,671 |
|
| 2,652,678 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 2,735,349 |
Common stock and preferred stock issued upon conversion of convertible debentures due November 2016 | 3,500 |
|
| 350,000 |
| 2,520,000 |
|
| 25,200 |
|
| 4,854,441 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 5,229,641 |
Common stock issued in lieu of interest on convertible debentures | - |
|
| - |
| 263,415 |
|
| 2,634 |
|
| 59,144 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 61,778 |
Sale of common stock, net of expenses | - |
|
| - |
| 16,000,000 |
|
| 160,000 |
|
| 3,513,135 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 3,673,135 |
Acquisition of common stock in exchange for investment in Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (4,134,516) |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (4,134,516) |
Retire common stock acquired in exchange for investment in Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts | - |
|
| - |
| (20,000,000) |
|
| (200,000) |
|
| 200,000 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
Warrants issued in connection with issuance of convertible debentures | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 513,112 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 513,112 |
Common stock issued upon exercise of warrants | - |
|
| - |
| 1,339 950 |
|
| 13,400 |
|
| 286,609 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 300,009 |
Common stock issued to acquire patent license | - |
|
| - |
| 1,200,000 |
|
| 12,000 |
|
| 235,600 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 247,600 |
Satisfaction of loan receivable from former affiliate | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 5,000,000 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 5,000,000 |
Net loss | - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (9,606,314) |
|
| - |
|
| (9,606,314) |
BALANCE, October 31, 2014 | 3,500 |
| $ | 350,000 |
| 219,692,190 |
| $ | 2,196,922 |
| $ | 146,232,373 |
| $ | - |
| $ | (144,769,722) |
| $ | - |
| $ | 4,009,573 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| For the years ended October 31, | ||||
|
2014 |
|
2013 | ||
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss | $ | (9,606,314) |
| $ | (10,080,086) |
Stock option compensation to employees |
| 2,127,719 |
|
| 2,693,121 |
Stock option compensation to consultants |
| 1,022,080 |
|
| 1,105,018 |
Common stock issued to consultants |
| 84,698 |
|
| 304,685 |
Change in value of derivative liability |
| 592,945 |
|
| (475,189) |
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
| 2,699,022 |
|
| 343,517 |
Accrued interest reversed on conversion of convertible debenture |
| 173,833 |
|
| - |
Amortization of convertible debenture discount charge to interest expense |
| 634,267 |
|
| 991,180 |
Impairment in value of investment in Videocon Industries Limited GDRs |
| 62,825 |
|
| 1,184,710 |
Amortization of patents |
| 314,453 |
|
| - |
Amortized interest on patent acquisition obligations charged to interest expense |
| 385,770 |
|
| - |
Common stock issued to pay interest on convertible debentures |
| 61,778 |
|
| 98,739 |
Common stock issued to acquire patent license |
| 16,400 |
|
| 42,000 |
Other |
| 38,225 |
|
| 9,753 |
Change in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
| (225,000) |
|
| (175,000) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
| 100,069 |
|
| (78,320) |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
| (27,044) |
|
| 641,331 |
Royalties and contingent legal fees payable |
| 352,333 |
|
| 207,743 |
Deferred revenue |
| (1,187,320) |
|
| - |
Net cash used in operating activities |
| (2,379,261) |
|
| (3,186,798) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Disbursements to acquire short-term investments in certificates of deposit |
| (5,200,000) |
|
| (250,000) |
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments in certificates of deposit |
| 2,700,000 |
|
| 750,000 |
Other |
| (6,684) |
|
| (676) |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
| (2,506,684) |
|
| 499,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures |
| 3,500,000 |
|
| 1,765,000 |
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of expense |
| 3,673,135 |
|
| 1,050,405 |
Proceeds from exercise of warrants to purchase common stock |
| 300,009 |
|
| 380,800 |
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options |
| 75,875 |
|
| 25,610 |
Proceeds received on sale of common stock held by ZQX Advisors, LLC |
| - |
|
| 24,138 |
Payments to redeem convertible securities |
| (200,000) |
|
| - |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
| 7,349,019 |
|
| 3,245,953 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
| 2,463,074 |
|
| 558,479 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
| 898,172 |
|
| 339,693 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 3,361,246 |
| $ | 898,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash patent acquisition | $ | 3,036,011 |
| $ | - |
Common stock issued to acquire patent license | $ | 185,600 |
| $ | 42,000 |
Common stock issued upon conversion of debentures | $ | 2,735,349 |
| $ | 1,353,364 |
Fair value of debenture embedded conversion feature, at issuance | $ | 1,570,000 |
| $ | 1,180,000 |
Relative fair value of convertible debenture warrant, at issuance | $ | 513,112 |
| $ | 214,819 |
Non-cash acquisition of 20,000,000 shares of common stock | $ | 4,134,516 |
| $ | - |
|
|
|
|
| |
Common stock and preferred stock issued upon conversion of convertible debentures due November 2016 | $ | 5,229,641 |
| $ | - |
Cancellation of loan receivable from former affiliate | $ | (5,000,000) |
| $ | - |
Cancellation of loan payable to former affiliate | $ | 5,000,000 |
| $ | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. |
F-5
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BUSINESS AND FUNDING
Description of Business
As used herein, we, us, our, the Company or ITUS means ITUS Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The primary operations of the Company involve the development, acquisition, licensing, and enforcement of patented technologies that are either owned or controlled by the Company. The Company currently owns or controls 8 patented technologies. Our primary source of our revenue comes from the monetization of our patented technologies, including the settlement of patent infringement lawsuits. In the fiscal years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company entered into 27 and 4, respectively, license and/or settlement agreements. All of our license and/or settlement agreements provided for one time, lump sum payments.
In August of 2014, the Company ended its relationship with Videocon Industries Limited (Videocon), terminating Videocons license to the Companys patented Nano Field Emissions Display technology (the Videocon Termination). See Unwinding of Business Relationship and Interest with Videocon below.
On December 29, 2014, the Company and AU Optronics Corporation (AUO) entered into a Settlement Agreement and a Patent Assignment Agreement pursuant to which the Company received an aggregate of $9,000,000 from AUO (the AUO Settlement). The agreements were entered into to resolve a lawsuit filed by the Company against AUO in January of 2013, relating to joint development projects in connection with the Companys ePaper® Electrophoretic Display, and Nano Field Emission Display (nFED) technologies. As part of the AUO Settlement, the Company terminated AUOs license to the Companys patented Nano Field Emissions Display technology. A more detailed description of the AUO lawsuit and settlement can be found in Note 2 Subsequent Event AUO Lawsuit and Settlement below.
As a result of the Videocon Termination and the AUO Settlement, the Companys Nano Field Emissions Display technology is now unencumbered and ready for continued development.
In April of 2013, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, ITUS Patent Acquisition Corporation (IPAC), acquired the exclusive rights to license and enforce a patent portfolio relating to vinyl windows with integrated J-Channels, commonly used in modular buildings, mobile homes, and conventional, new home construction. Additionally, in April 2013 IPAC acquired rights to license and enforce a patent portfolio relating to loyalty awards programs commonly provided by airlines, credit card companies, hotels, retailers, casinos, and others (Loyalty Conversion Systems). In November 2013, IPAC acquired two patent portfolios in the area of unified communications relating to (i) the multicast delivery of streaming data, media, and other content, within the confines of specialized virtual private networks, and (ii) the integration of telephonic participation in web-based audio/video conferences by creating a gateway between the internet and cellular or traditional landline telephones. In June 2014, IPAC acquired the exclusive rights to license and enforce a patent portfolio covering enhanced presentation and cross selling technologies used by some of the worlds leading auction sites. We have obtained and will continue to obtain the rights to develop and license additional technologies from third parties, and when necessary, will assist such parties in the further development of their patent portfolios through the filing of additional patent applications.
F-6
The Companys business model is to generate revenue from the development and licensing of patented technologies. In certain instances, the Company may seek to collect royalties from the unauthorized manufacture, sale, and use of patented products and services. We currently own or control 8 patented technologies including: (i) Encrypted Cellular Communication; (ii) Internet Telephonic Gateway; (iii) J-Channel Window Frame Construction; (iv) Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption; (v) Micro Electro Mechanical Systems Display; (vi) Nano Field Emission Display; (vii) VPN Multicast Communications; and (vii) Enhanced Auction Technologies.
On May 1, 2013, CTIs wholly owned subsidiary, Secure Web Conference Corporation, initiated a patent infringement lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Microsoft Corporation, with respect to encryption technology utilized by Microsofts SKYPE video conferencing service. On July 8, 2013, Secure Web Conference Corporation initiated similar lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Citrix Systems and Logitech International.
On August 7, 2013, CTIs wholly owned subsidiary, J-Channel Industries Corporation, filed 8 separate patent infringement lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, against Lowes Companies, Clayton Homes, Pella Corporation, Jeld-Wen, Atrium Windows and Doors, Ply Gem Industries, RGF Industries, Tafco Corporation, Kinro Manufacturing, and Elixir Industries, all in connection with our patented J-Channel Window Frame Construction technology.
On August 20, 2013, CTIs wholly owned subsidiary, Loyalty Conversion System Corporation, filed 10 separate patent infringement lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, against Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, and U.S. Airways, all in connection with our Loyalty Conversion Systems patent portfolio.
On October 9, 2013, CTIs wholly owned subsidiary, J-Channel Industries Corporation, filed 19 patent infringement lawsuits in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, in connection with its patented J-Channel Window Frame Construction technology. Defendants in the lawsuits consist of retailers and window manufacturers, including: Home Depot U.S.A., Inc.; Anderson Corporation; American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc. (ABC Supply); Comfort View Products, LLC; Croft, LLC; Moss Supply Company; Wincore Window Company LLC; Vinylmax, LLC; Simonton Building Products, Inc.; HWD Acquisition, Inc. (Hurd Windows); Magnolia Windows and Doors, LLC; MGM Industries, Inc., MI Windows and Doors LLC; PGT Industries, Inc.; Quaker Window Products Co.; Sun Windows, Inc.; Weather Shield Manufacturing, Inc.; West Window Corporation; Woodgrain Millwork, Inc.; and YKK-AP American Inc.
On May 6, 2014, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Encrypted Cellular Communications Corporation, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against AT&T in connection with its patented Encrypted Cellular Communications technology. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.
On September 3, 2014, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas invalidated two of our Loyalty Conversion Systems patents by ruling that they did not cover patentable subject matter, resulting in the dismissal of 7 of our Loyalty Conversion Systems lawsuits. On October 18, 2014, the Company terminated its Loyalty Conversion Systems patent assertion campaign.
F-7
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On September 8, 2014, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Auction Acceleration Corporation, filed patent infringement lawsuits against Ebay, Vendio, and Auctiva, in connection with its Enhanced Auction Technologies patents. Vendio and Auctiva are part of Alibaba Group, one of the largest online and mobile commerce companies in the world. The patents cover presentation and cross selling technologies enabling auction sellers to cross-sell and upsell additional items to interested buyers, resulting in incremental sales, and higher yields per transaction. The lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
On September 18, 2014, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Secure Web Conference Corporation, filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Apple Inc., in connection with its patented Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption technology. The Company has already licensed the encryption patents to Logitech in connection with its LifeSize web conferencing service, and has a patent infringement lawsuit pending against Microsoft Corporation in connection with the SKYPE and Lync web conferencing services.
On October 2, 2014, the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York provided a claims construction ruling in Secure Web Conference Corporations Key Based Web Conferencing Encryption technology patent infringement lawsuit against Microsoft Corporation that was unfavorable to Secure Web Conference Corporation. Secure Web Conference Corporation is evaluating its options for appeal to the Federal Circuit, and in the interim, will suspend lawsuits against Apple and Citrix, as well as Encrypted Cellular Communications Corporation patent infringement lawsuit against AT&T, which also rely on the language construed by the Court. On January 22, 2015, the company filed a notice of appeal with respect to the New York District Court's claim construction ruling.
On November 4, 2014, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, VPN Multicast Technologies, LLC, filed patent infringement lawsuits against AT&T, and Dimension Data LLC, in connection with its patented VPN Multicast Communications technology. The lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaints allege infringement of United States Patent Number 8,477,778 entitled Applying Multicast Protocols and VPN Tunneling Techniques to Achieve High Quality of Service for Real Time Media Transport Across IP Networks.
The Company has engaged in and may continue to engage in patent infringement lawsuits in the ordinary course of its business operations. All litigation involves a significant degree of uncertainty, and we give no assurances as to the outcome or duration of any lawsuit.
On September 2, 2014, the Company changed its name from CopyTele, Inc. to ITUS Corporation. The name change was approved by the Companys Board of Directors on May 28, 2014 and was subsequently approved by the Companys stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on August 8, 2014.
F-8
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unwinding of Business Relationship and Interests with Videocon
On August 29, 2014, the Company and CopyTele International Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the Subsidiary), terminated their business relationship (the Business Relationship) with Videocon Industries Limited (Videocon) and Mars Overseas Limited, an affiliate of Videocon (Mars and together with the Company, the Subsidiary and Videocon, the Parties). The Business Relationship began in November 2007 and related to a proposed joint development effort between the Company and Videocon to develop a certain Nano Field Emission Display technology (the Technology). In connection with the proposed joint venture, (i) the Company granted a non-transferable, worldwide license to Videocon for the Technology (the License), (ii) the Subsidiary made a $5 million dollar loan to Mars (the Subsidiary Loan), (iii) Mars made an identical $5 million dollar loan to the Subsidiary (the Mars Loan and together with the Subsidiary Loan, the Loans), (iv) the Company sold to Mars 20 million shares of the Companys common stock (the Shares) and (v) Global EPC Ventures Limited sold to the Company 1,495,845 global depository receipts of Videocon (the GDRs). The Shares and GDRs were subsequently used to secure the Loans.
Because Videocon was unable to continue with its joint development responsibilities, the Technology was not jointly developed by the Parties. Accordingly, the Company and Videocon agreed to terminate the Business Relationship. In order to terminate the Business Relationship, the Parties entered into several agreements whereby: (i) the License was terminated, (ii) both of the Loans were canceled and (iii) the Shares and GDRs were exchanged for each other (collectively, the Termination Transactions). The result of these Termination Transactions was to undo the initial transactions between the Parties that set forth the Business Relationship. Aside from this business relationship there is no other material relationship between the Parties. In accounting for the unwinding of this business relationship, the Company offset the two loans and then recorded its repurchased shares of common stock at the then current fair value of the GDRs and then retired and cancelled those shares.
Funding
During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the entire principal amount of the Convertible Debentures due September 12, 2016, issued in September 2012, of $750,000 was converted into 8,152,170 shares of common stock. For further details of this transaction see Note 6, Convertible Debentures herein.
In January 2013, we received aggregate gross proceeds of $1,765,000 from the issuance of Convertible Debentures due January 25, 2015, in a private placement. During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, $325,000 of the principal amount of these debentures were converted into 2,166,775 shares of our common stock. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, $1,240,000 of the principal amount of these debentures were converted into 8,267,080 of shares of our common stock, and the remaining $200,000 of convertible debt was repaid in cash. For further details of this transaction see Note 6 Convertible Debentures herein.
F-9
Table of Contents
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On April 23, 2013, we entered into a common stock purchase agreement (the Stock Purchase Agreement) with Aspire Capital Fund LLC (Aspire Capital), which provides that Aspire Capital is committed to purchase up to an aggregate of $10 million of shares of our common stock over the two-year term of the agreement. In consideration for entering into the Stock Purchase Agreement, concurrently with the execution of the agreement, we issued to Aspire Capital 3,500,000 shares of our common stock with a fair value of $700,000 as a commitment fee. Upon execution of the Stock Purchase Agreement, Aspire Capital purchased 2,500,000 shares for $500,000. In order to sell any additional shares under the Stock Purchase Agreement, we were required to have a registration statement covering the shares issued to Aspire Capital declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Such registration statement was declared effective by the SEC in June 2013. During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2013 we sold an additional 2,880,000 shares of our common stock to Aspire Capital for approximately $592,000. The number of shares covered by, and the timing of, each purchase notice are determined by us, at our sole discretion. The Company cannot execute any sales under the Stock Purchase Agreement when the closing price of our common stock is less than $0.15 per share. Aspire Capital has no right to require any sales from us, but is obligated to make purchases as directed in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement. The Stock Purchase Agreement may be terminated by us at any time, at our discretion, without any cost or penalty. We incurred expenses of approximately $42,000 in connection with the execution of the Stock Purchase Agreement in addition to the 3,500,000 shares of our common stock we issued as a commitment fee.
In November 2013, the Company completed a private placement with a single institutional investor, pursuant to which the Company issued a $3,500,000 principal amount 6% convertible debenture due November 11, 2016. On September 9, 2014, the Company and the holder of the Convertible Debenture agreed to a transaction resulting in the conversion of the principal and accrued interest of the Convertible Debenture into 18,498,943 shares of the Companys common stock, and the concurrent conversion of 15,978,943 of such shares of common stock into 3,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. For further details of this transaction see Note 6 Convertible Debentures herein.
In July 2014, the Company completed the sale of 16,000,000 shares of its common stock at the offering price of $0.25 per share. The net proceeds from this sale totaled approximately $3,673,000. See Note 6, Sale of Common Stock for additional information regarding this transaction.
During the year ended October 31, 2014, cash used in operating activities was approximately $2,379,000. Cash used in investing activities was approximately $2,507,000, which principally resulted from the purchase of certificates of deposit totaling $5,200,000 which was partially offset by the proceeds on maturity of certificates of deposit totaling $2,700,000. Our cash provided by financing activities was approximately $7,349,000, which resulted from the net proceeds from the sale of 16,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock for approximately $3,673,000, the sale of convertible debentures in a private placement for $3,500,000, the proceeds from exercise of warrants to purchase common stock of approximately $300,000, and the proceeds from exercise of stock options of approximately $76,000 offset by the payment to redeem convertible debentures of $200,000. As a result, our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at October 31, 2014 increased approximately $4,963,000 to approximately $5,861,000 from approximately $898,000 at the end of fiscal year 2013.
Based on currently available information as of January 29, 2015, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and expected cash flows from patent licensing and enforcement, and other potential sources of cash flows will be sufficient to enable us to continue our business activities for at least 12 months. However, our projections of future cash needs and cash flows may differ from actual results. If current cash on hand, cash equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable and cash that may be generated from our business operations are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell equity securities or obtain loans from various financial institutions where possible. The sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt could result in dilution to our stockholders. We can give no assurance that we will generate sufficient cash flows in the future (through licensing and enforcement of patents, or otherwise) to satisfy our liquidity requirements or sustain future operations, or that other sources of funding, such as sales of equity or debt, would be available, if needed, on favorable terms or at all. If we cannot obtain such funding if needed or if we cannot sufficiently reduce operating expenses, we would need to curtail or cease some or all of our operations.
F-10
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT AUO LAWSUIT AND SETTLEMENT
On December 29, 2014, the Company and AUO entered into a Settlement Agreement (the Settlement Agreement) and a Patent Assignment Agreement (the Patent Assignment Agreement and together with the Settlement Agreement, the Agreements) pursuant to which the Company received an aggregate of $9,000,000 from AUO. The Agreements were entered into to resolve a lawsuit filed by the Company against AUO, relating to the Companys patented ePaper® Electrophoretic Display, and Nano Field Emission Display (nFED) technologies.
Background
In May 2011, the Company entered into an Exclusive License Agreement (the EPD License Agreement) and a License Agreement (the Nano Display License Agreement) with AUO (together the AUO License Agreements). Under the EPD License Agreement, the Company provided AUO with an exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to its ePaper® Electrophoretic Display (EPD) patents and technology, in connection with AUO jointly developing EPD products with the Company. Under the Nano Display License Agreement, the Company provided AUO with a non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to its Nano Field Emission Display patents and technology, in connection with AUO jointly developing nFED products with the Company.
On January 28, 2013, the Company terminated the AUO License Agreements due to numerous alleged material and continual breaches of the agreements by AUO. On January 28, 2013, the Company also filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against AUO and E Ink Corporation in connection with the AUO License Agreements, alleging breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraudulent inducement, unjust enrichment, unfair business practices, and other charges (the AUO/E Ink Lawsuit). In June 2013, the Company and AUO agreed to arbitrate the charges (the case against E Ink Corporation had been dismissed without prejudice) (the AUO/E Ink Arbitration).
The Agreements
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, AUO paid the Company $2,000,000 in U.S. currency, net of any Taiwanese withholding taxes. The Settlement Agreement further provides that:
· the Company will dismiss the AUO/E Ink Lawsuit and AUO/E Ink Arbitration, with prejudice;
· the AUO License Agreements are terminated;
· AUO gives up all rights to the nFED Technology;
· for a period of two years, the Company agrees not to initiate (whether on its own or through a third party) any patent infringement lawsuits against AUO or its affiliates alleging infringement by AUOs or AUOs affiliates products or services, for patents owned or controlled by the Company as of the date of the Settlement Agreement. Any potential damages for patent infringement will toll uninterrupted during this two year period. The prohibition does not apply to patents acquired by the Company after the date of the Settlement Agreement; and
F-11
· each of AUO and the Company mutually released each other from all claims that either may have against the other in connection with the AUO License Agreements, including any claims relating to the ePaper® Electrophoretic Display and nFED patents and technologies.
Pursuant to the Patent Assignment Agreement, AUO paid the Company $7,000,000 in U.S. currency, net of any Taiwanese withholding taxes in exchange for the Companys ePaper® Electrophoretic Display patent portfolio for which AUO was previously the exclusive licensee, consisting of:
· 10 active U.S. patents and 1 U.S. pending patent application; and
· 103 expired and/or abandoned U.S. and foreign patents and/or patent applications.
In connection with the lawsuit and settlement, the Company incurred a total of approximately $3,604,000 of contingent legal fees and litigation costs, of which $3,500,000 was paid subsequent to October 31, 2014.
The following pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2014, recognizes the effects of the AUO Settlement as if it occurred on October 31, 2014. Accordingly, net cash balances increased by $5,500,000 liabilities were decreased by $202,000 and the accumulated deficit was reduced by $5,702,000.
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, | |
| ||
ASSETS |
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 8,861,246 |
Short-term investments in certificates of deposit |
| 2,500,000 |
Accounts receivable |
| 400,000 |
Prepaid expense and other current assets |
| 60,577 |
Total current assets |
| 11,821,823 |
Patent, net of accumulated depreciation of $314,453 |
| 2,721,658 |
Property and equipment, net |
| 11,875 |
Total assets | $ | 14,555,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 1,047,466 |
Royalties and contingent legal fees |
| 560,076 |
Total current liabilities |
| 1,607,542 |
Patent acquisition obligation |
| 3,236,281 |
Total liabilities |
| 4,843,823 |
Shareholders equity: |
|
|
Preferred stock, par value $100 per share |
| - |
Series A preferred stock, par value $100 per share |
| 350,000 |
Common stock, par value $.01 per share |
| 2,196,922 |
Additional paid-in capital |
| 146,232,373 |
Accumulated deficit |
| (139,067,762) |
Total shareholders equity |
| 9,711,533 |
Total liabilities and shareholders equity | $ | 14,555,356 |
|
|
|
F-12
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ITUS Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable, and (iv) the collectability of amounts is reasonably assured.
Patent Monetization and Patent Assertion
In general, revenue arrangements provide for the payment of contractually determined fees in consideration for the grant of certain intellectual property rights for patented technologies owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries. These rights typically include some combination of the following: (i) the grant of a non-exclusive, retroactive and future license to manufacture and/or sell products covered by patented technologies owned or controlled by our operating subsidiaries, (ii) a covenant-not-to-sue, (iii) the release of the licensee from certain claims, and (iv) the dismissal of any pending litigation. The intellectual property rights granted are perpetual in nature, extending until the expiration of the related patents. Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, our operating subsidiaries have no further obligation with respect to the grant of the non-exclusive retroactive and future licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other deliverables, including no express or implied obligation on our operating subsidiaries part to maintain or upgrade the technology, or provide future support or services. Generally, the agreements provide for the grant of the licenses, covenants-not-to-sue, releases, and other significant deliverables upon execution of the agreement and do not require future performance by ITUS. As such, the earnings process is complete and revenue is recognized upon the execution of the agreement, when collectability is reasonably assured, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
F-13
We assessed the revenue guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-25 Multiple-Element Arrangements (ASC 605-25) to determine whether multiple deliverables in our arrangements with AUO represent separate units of accounting. Under the AUO License Agreements, we received initial development and license fees of $3 million, of aggregate development and license fees of up to $10 million. The additional $7 million in development and license fees were to be payable upon completion of certain conditions for the respective technologies. We determined that the transfer of the licensed patents and technology and the effort involved in completion of the conditions for the respective technologies represent a single unit of accounting for each technology. Accordingly, using a proportional performance method, during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 we began recognizing the $3 million initial development and license fees over the estimated periods that we expected to complete the conditions for the respective technologies. Each of the license agreements also provided for the basis for royalty payments on future production, if any, by AUO to the Company, which we have determined represent separate units of accounting. We did not recognize any portion of the $7 million of additional development and license fees or any royalty income under the AUO License Agreements. Development and license fee payments received from AUO which are in excess of the amounts recognized as revenue (approximately $1,187,000 as of October 31, 2013) are recorded as non-refundable deferred revenue on the October 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet.
As a result of the AUO/E Ink Lawsuit described above we did not record any display technology development and license fee revenue during the period from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 through the second quarter of this fiscal year due to uncertainty as to our remaining performance obligations, if any. Based on our assessment performed for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we determined that we have no further performance obligations under the AUO License Agreements and accordingly we recognized display technology development and license fee revenue of approximately $1,187,000, representing the balance of the initial $3 million payment received from AUO.
On December 29, 2014, we settled our lawsuit against AUO and received gross proceeds of $9 million (Note 2).
Inventor Royalties and Contingent Legal Fees
Inventor royalties and contingent legal fees are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized.
Fair Value Measurements
ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In accordance with ASC 820, we have categorized our financial assets and liabilities, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as set forth below. If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
F-14
Level 1 - Financial instruments whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market which we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Financial instruments whose values are based on quoted market prices in markets where trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets.
Level 3 Financial instruments whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect managements own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the instrument.
The following table presents the hierarchy for our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2014:
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Total | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Money market funds Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 155,964 |
| $ | - |
| $ | - |
| $ | 155,964 |
Certificates of deposit - Short term investments | $ | - |
|
| 2,500,000 |
|
| - |
|
| 2,500,000 |
Total financial assets | $ | 155,964 |
| $ | 2,500,000 |
| $ | - |
| $ | 2,655,964 |
The following table presents the hierarchy for our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2013:
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Total | ||||
Money market funds Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 303,670 |
| $ | - |
| $ | - |
| $ | 303,670 |
Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts |
| 4,197,341 |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| 4,197,341 |
Total financial assets | $ | 4,501,011 |
| $ | - | $ | - |
| $ | 4,501,011 |
The following table presents the hierarchy for our financial liabilities measured at fair value on the transaction date and then amortized, as of October 31, 2014:
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
| Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patent acquisition obligation | - |
| - |
| 3,236,281 |
| 3,236,281 |
F-15
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Total | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Derivative liability | $ | - |
| $ | - |
| $ | 540,000 |
| $ | 540,000 |
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the fair value of the Companys Level 3 financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
|
For the two years ended October 31, 2014 | |
Derivative liability: |
|
|
Balance October 31, 2012 | $ | - |
Fair value of bifurcated conversion feature issued |
| 1,180,000 |
Change in value of bifurcated conversion feature |
| (475,189) |
Reduction of bifurcated conversion feature upon conversion of debentures |
| (164,811) |
Balance October 31, 2013 |
| 540,000 |
|
|
|
Fair value of bifurcated conversion feature issued |
| 1,570,000 |
Change in value of bifurcated conversion feature |
| 592,945 |
Reduction of bifurcated conversion feature upon conversion of debentures |
| (2,702,945) |
Balance October 31, 2014 | $ | - |
|
|
|
Patent acquisition obligation: |
|
|
Balance October 31, 2013 | $ | - |
Initial fair value, discounted to present value |
| 2,850,511 |
Amortized interest on patent obligation |
| 385,770 |
Balance October 31, 2014 | $ | 3,236,281 |
The bifurcated conversion feature is accounted for as a derivative liability and is measured at fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation model and is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
The significant assumptions and valuation methods that the Company used to determine fair value and the change in fair value of the Companys derivative financial instrument are discussed in Note 6, Convertible Debentures. The development and determination of the unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements and fair value calculations are the responsibility of the Companys Principal Financial Officer with support from the Companys consultants.
In accordance with the provisions of ASC 815, the Company presents the bifurcated conversion feature liability at fair value in its consolidated balance sheet, with the corresponding changes in fair value, if any, recorded in the Companys consolidated statements of operations for the applicable reporting periods. As disclosed in Note 6, the Company computed the fair value of the derivative liability at the date of issuance and the reporting date of October 31, 2013 using the Monte Carlo simulation model.
F-16
The Company developed the assumptions that were used as follows: The stock price on the valuation date of the Companys common stock was derived from the trading history of the Companys common stock. The stock premium for liquidity was computed as the premium required to adjust for the effect of the additional time that it would be expected to take for the market to absorb the converted shares and warrant exercises, given the Companys current trading volume. The term represents the remaining contractual term of the derivative; the volatility rate was developed based on analysis of the Companys historical volatility; the risk free interest rate was obtained from publicly available US Treasury yield curve rates; the dividend yield is zero because the Company has not paid dividends and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
Our non-financial assets that are measured on a non-recurring basis include our property and equipment which are measured using fair value techniques whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a condition of impairment exists. The estimated fair value of accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates their individual carrying amounts due to the short term nature of these measurements. It is impractical to determine the fair value of the loan receivable and loan payable to the related party given the nature of these loans. The convertible debentures have been reported net of the discount for the beneficial conversion features and related warrants. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at carrying value which approximates fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consists of highly liquid, short term investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Short-term Investments
At October 31, 2014, we had certificates of deposit with maturities greater than 90 days when acquired of $2,500,000 that were classified as short-term investments and reported at fair value. At October 31, 2013, we did not have any short-term investments.
Patents
Our only identifiable intangible assets are patents and patent rights. We capitalize patent and patent rights acquisition costs and amortize the cost over the estimated economic useful life. Patent acquisition costs capitalized during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, was approximately $3,036,000 and $-0-, respectively. We recorded patent amortization expense of approximately $314,000 and $-0- during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
We classify our investment securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.
We monitor the value of our investments for indicators of impairment, including changes in market conditions and the operating results of the underlying investment that may result in the inability to recover the carrying value of the investment.
F-17
Convertible Instruments
The Company accounts for hybrid contracts that feature conversion options in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging Activities, (ASC 815) requires companies to bifurcate conversion options from their host instruments and account for them as free standing derivative financial instruments according to certain criteria. The criteria includes circumstances in which (a) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (b) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur and (c) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument.
Conversion options that contain variable settlement features such as provisions to adjust the conversion price upon subsequent issuances of equity or equity linked securities at exercise prices more favorable than that featured in the hybrid contract generally result in their bifurcation from the host instrument.
The Company accounts for convertible instruments, when the Company has determined that the embedded conversion options should not be bifurcated from their host instruments, in accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and Other Options (ASC 470-20). Under ASC 470-20 the Company records, when necessary, discounts to convertible notes for the intrinsic value of conversion options embedded in debt instruments based upon the differences between the fair value of the underlying common stock at the commitment date of the note transaction and the effective conversion price embedded in the note. The Company accounts for convertible instruments (when the Company has determined that the embedded conversion options should be bifurcated from their host instruments) in accordance with ASC 815. Under ASC 815, a portion of the proceeds received upon the issuance of the hybrid contract are allocated to the fair value of the derivative. The derivative is subsequently marked to market at each reporting date based on current fair value, with the changes in fair value reported in results of operations.
The conversion features of the convertible debentures issued in January 2013 and November 2013 qualified as an embedded derivative instruments and were bifurcated from the host convertible debentures. Accordingly, these instruments have been classified as a derivative liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Derivative liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and are then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings during the reporting period.
F-18
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company classifies as equity any contracts that (i) require physical settlement or net-share settlement or (ii) provides a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in the Companys own shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement) providing that such contracts are indexed to the Company's own stock as defined in ASC 815-40 "Contracts in Entity's Own Equity". The Company classifies as assets or liabilities any contracts that (i) require net-cash settlement (including a requirement to net cash settle the contract if an event occurs and if that event is outside the Companys control) or (ii) gives the counterparty a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company assesses classification of common stock purchase warrants and other free standing derivatives at each reporting date to determine whether a change in classification between assets and liabilities or equity is required.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Stock-Based Compensation
We maintain stock equity incentive plans under which we may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, performance and performance-based awards, or stock units to employees, non-employee directors and consultants.
Stock Option Compensation Expense
We account for stock options granted to employees and directors using the accounting guidance in ASC 718 Stock Compensation (ASC 718). In accordance with ASC 718, we estimate the fair value of service based options and performance based options on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes pricing model. For options vesting if the trading price of the Companys common stock exceeds two separate price targets, we use a Monte Carlo Simulation in estimating the fair value at grant date. We recognize compensation expense for stock option awards over the requisite or implied service period of the grant. With respect to performance based awards, compensation expense is recognized when the performance target is deemed probable. We recorded stock-based compensation expense, related to stock options granted to employees and directors, of approximately $2,128,000 and $2,693,000, during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Included in stock-based compensation cost for employees and directors during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1,426,000 and $2,314,000, respectively, related to the amortization of compensation cost for stock options granted in prior periods but not yet vested. As of October 31, 2014, there was unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted to employees and directors, related to service based options of approximately $2,482,000 which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years and related to performance based options of approximately $647,000, which will be recognized when achievement is considered probable.
F-19
Under ASC 718, the amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, if deemed necessary, we reduce the fair value of the stock option awards for expected forfeitures, which are forfeitures of the unvested portion of surrendered options. Based on our historical experience and future expectations, we have not reduced the amount of stock-based compensation expenses for anticipated forfeitures.
We will reconsider use of the Black-Scholes pricing model if additional information becomes available in the future that indicates another model would be more appropriate. If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of ASC 718 in future periods, the compensation expense that we record under ASC 718 may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period.
Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock
In accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, basic net loss per common share (Basic EPS) is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per common share (Diluted EPS) is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents and convertible securities then outstanding. Diluted EPS for all years presented is the same as Basic EPS, as the inclusion of the effect of common share equivalents then outstanding would be anti-dilutive. For this reason, excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, were options to purchase 75,063,770 and 63,122,845 shares, respectively, warrants to purchase 26,123,281 shares and 9,878,759 shares, respectively, preferred stock convertible into18,498,943 shares and -0- shares and debentures convertible into -0- shares and 9,604,820 shares, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, determining stock-based compensation, asset impairment evaluations, tax assets and liabilities, license fee revenue, the allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation lives and other contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-21
ITUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This amendment updates addressing revenue from contracts with customers, which clarifies existing accounting literature relating to how and when a company recognizes revenue. Under the standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The amendments for this standard update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and are to be applied retrospectively or the cumulative effect as of the date of adoption, with early application not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-12 (ASU 2014-12), Compensation Stock Compensation. This amendment requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period shall be treated as a performance condition. Adoption of this standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-12 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15 (ASU 2014-15), this amendment requires management to assess an entitys ability to continue as a going concern every reporting period including interim periods, and to provide related footnote disclosure in certain circumstances. Adoption of this standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and are to be applied retrospectively or the cumulative effect as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-15 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Concentration of Credit Risks
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents are primarily highly rated money market funds. Short-term investments are certificates of deposit within federally insured limits. Management reviews our accounts receivable and other receivables for potential doubtful accounts and maintains an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. Our policy is to write-off uncollectable amounts at the time it is determined that collection will not occur.
Four licensees individually accounted for 22%, 16%, 14% and 10%, respectively, of revenues from patent assertion activities. One licensee accounted for 90% of revenue during fiscal year 2013. Fifteen licensees accounted for 100% of accounts receivable at October 31, 2014 and one licensee accounted for 100% of accounts receivable at October 31, 2013.
4. INVESTMENTS
Short-term Investments
At October 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, we had of certificates of deposit totaling $2,500,000 and $-0-, respectively.
F-22
Our investment in Videocon is classified as an "available-for-sale security" and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from operations and reported as component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders equity. The original cost basis of $16,200,000 was determined using the specific identification method. The fair value of the Videocon GDRs is based on the price on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, which price is based on the underlying price of Videocons equity shares which are traded on stock exchanges in India with prices quoted in rupees.
ASC 320 Investments-Debt and Equity Securities (ASC 320) and SEC guidance on other than temporary impairments of certain investments in equity securities requires an evaluation to determine if the decline in fair value of an investment is either temporary or other than temporary. Unless evidence exists to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying cost of the investment, an other than temporary impairment should be recorded. At each reporting period we assess our investment in Videocon to determine if a decline that is other than temporary has occurred. In evaluating our investment in Videocon at October 31, 2013, we determined that based on both the duration and the continuing magnitude of the market price decline compared to the carrying cost basis of approximately $5,382,000, and the uncertainty of its recovery, a write-down of the investment of approximately $1,185,000 should be recorded as of October 31, 2013, and a new cost basis of approximately $4,197,000 should be established. On August 29, 2014, we exchanged the Videocon GDRs for 20,000,000 shares of our common stock, see Note 1 Business and Funding Description of Business Unwinding of Business Relationship and Interest with Videocon. The investment was written down by approximately $63,000 to its fair value of approximately $4,135,000 prior to the disposition on August 29, 2014. As of October 31, 2014, we have recorded other than temporary impairments in our investment in Videocon GDRs of approximately $12,065,000.
The fair value of the Videocon GDRs on the date of disposition, reversal of unrealized loss and the other than temporary impairment for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
|
Investment in Videocon | |
Fair Value as of October 31, 2012 | $ | 4,728,367 |
Reversal of unrealized loss as of October 31,2012 |
| 653,684 |
Other than temporary impairment |
| (1,184,710) |
Fair Value as of October 31, 2013 |
| 4,197,341 |
Other than temporary impairment |
| (62,825) |
Fair value of Videocon GDRs on date of disposition |
| (4,134,516) |
Fair Value as of October 31, 2014 | $ | -0- |
Investment in ZQX Advisors, LLC
In August 2009, we entered into an Engagement Agreement with ZQX Advisors, LLC (ZQX) to assist us in seeking business opportunities and licenses for our electrophoretic display technology. Concurrently with entering into the Engagement Agreement, we acquired a 19.5% ownership interest in ZQX. On January 21, 2013, we terminated the Engagement Agreement with ZQX, but currently retain our 19.5% interest in ZQX. We have classified our interest in ZQX of approximately $48,000 as a reduction of additional paid-in capital within shareholders deficiency since this investment in ZQX consists entirely of our equity securities. During the year ended October 31, 2013, we received approximately $24,000 representing our share of the proceeds from the sale of our common stock by ZQX.
F-23
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of:
|
October 31, | ||||
|
2014 |
|
2013 | ||
Accounts payable | $ | 540,179 |
| $ | 527,208 |
Payroll and related expenses |
| 372,753 |
|
| 345,484 |
Accrued litigation expense, consulting and other professional fees |
| 320,493 |
|
| 248,730 |
Accrued other |
| 16,001 |
|
| 155,048 |
| $ | 1,249,426 |
| $ | 1,276,470 |
6. CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
Convertible Debenture due September 2016
In September 2012, the Company received aggregate gross proceeds of $750,000 from the issuance of 8% convertible debentures due September 12, 2016 in a private placement, of which $300,000 was sold to the Companys current Chairman and then Chief Executive Officer and one other director of the Company. The debentures paid interest quarterly and were convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.092 per share on or before September 12, 2016. The Company recorded a discount to the carrying amount of the debentures of approximately $717,000 related to the debentures beneficial conversion feature. The Company was permitted to prepay the debentures at any time without penalty upon 30 days prior notice. The Company also had the option to pay interest on the debentures in common stock. During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the entire $750,000 principal amount of these debentures were converted into 8,152,170 shares of common stock and an additional 100,725 shares were issued in payment of approximately $9,300 of accrued interest through the conversion date. The conversion of the debentures resulted in a charge to interest expense of approximately $717,000 during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
Convertible Debenture due January 2015
In January 2013, the Company received aggregate gross proceeds of $1,765,000 from the issuance of 8% convertible debentures due January 25, 2015 (Convertible Debenture due January 2015), of which $250,000 was received from our current President, Chief Executive Officer and director, and two other directors of the Company. The debentures paid interest quarterly and were convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.15 per share on or before January 25, 2015. The embedded conversion feature had certain weighted average anti-dilution protection provisions which would be triggered if the Company issues its common stock, or certain common stock equivalents, (as defined) at a price below $0.15 per share. The Company had the option to pay any interest on the debentures in common stock based on the average of the closing prices of our common stock for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the interest payment date. The Company also had the option to pay any interest on the debentures with additional debentures. The Company had the right to prepay the debentures at any time without penalty upon 30 days prior notice but only if the sales price of the common stock is at least $.30 for 20 trading days in any 30-day trading period ending no more than 15 days before the Companys prepayment notice. In conjunction with the issuance of the debentures, the Company issued warrants (the Convertible Debenture Warrant) to purchase 5,882,745 shares of its common stock. Each warrant grants the holder the right to purchase one share of the Companys common stock at the purchase price of $0.30 per share on or before January 25, 2016. The Convertible Debenture Warrant may be exercised on a cashless basis only if there is not an effective registration statement covering such shares.
F-24
The Company determined, based upon authoritative guidance, that the conversion feature embedded within the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 should be valued separately and bifurcated from the host instrument and accounted for as a free-standing derivative liability and that the Convertible Debenture Warrant should also be valued and accounted for separately as an equity instrument.
The Company determined the fair value of each of the three elements included within the Convertible Debenture due January 2015. The debenture portion (without the conversion feature) bearing interest at 8% was determined to be a debt instrument with a fair value of $1,490,000. The embedded conversion feature was determined to be a derivative liability with a fair value of $1,180,000. The Convertible Debenture Warrant was determined to be an equity instrument with a fair value of $370,000. The Company determined the fair value of each of these instruments based upon the assumptions and methodologies as discussed below.
Since the Convertible Debenture Warrant was determined to be an equity instrument, the Company first computed the relative fair value of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 (including the value of its conversion feature) with a fair value of $2,670,000 and the Convertible Debenture Warrant with a fair value of $370,000. Accordingly, the relative fair value of the Convertible Debenture Warrant and the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 (including the value of its conversion feature) was determined to be $214,819 and $1,550,181, respectively. Then, from the relative fair value of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015, the Company deducted in full the fair value of the embedded conversion feature of $1,180,000. The discount of $1,394,819 applied to the face value of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 consists of the sum of the relative fair value of the Convertible Debenture Warrant of $214,819 and the full value of the bifurcated conversion option derivative liability of $1,180,000. The Convertible Debenture due January 2015 was recorded at a net value of $370,181, representing its face value of $1,765,000, less aggregate discounts for the derivative liability and warrant of $1,394,819, as summarized in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Face value of Convertible Debenture due January 2015 |
|
|
| $ | 1,765,000 |
Fair value of embedded conversion feature | $ | 1,180,000 |
|
|
|
Relative fair value of Convertible Debenture Warrant |
| 214,819 |
|
|
|
Discount | $ | 1,394,819 |
|
| (1,394,819) |
Proceeds attributable to the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 |
|
|
| $ | 370,181 |
F-25
Accordingly, the Company accounted for the full amount of the discount as an offset to the Convertible Debenture due January 2015, amortizable under the effective interest method over the term of the debenture.
The Company calculated the fair value of the embedded conversion feature of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 using a Monte Carlo simulation, with the observable assumptions as provided in the table below. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entitys embedded conversion feature are expected stock prices, levels of trading and liquidity of the Company stock, probability of default of the host instrument, and loss severity in the event of such default. Significant increases in the expected stock prices and expected liquidity would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement. Significant increases in either the probability or severity of default of the host instrument would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
| As of January 25, 2013 | |
|
| |
Stock price on valuation date | $ | 0.21 |
Conversion price | $ | 0.15 |
Stock premium for liquidity |
| 57% |
Term (years) |
| 2.00 |
Expected volatility |
| 110% |
Weighted average risk-free interest rate |
| 0.3% |
Trials |
| 100,000 |
Aggregate fair value | $ | 1,180,000 |
|
|
|
The Company calculated the fair value of the Convertible Debenture Warrant issued on January 25, 2013 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
| As of January 25, 2013 | |
|
| |
Stock price on valuation date | $ | 0.21 |
Exercise price | $ | 0.30 |
Stock premium for liquidity |
| 38% |
Term (years) |
| 3.00 |
Warrant exercise trigger price |
| 41% |
Expected volatility |
| 95% |
Weighted average risk-free interest rate |
| 0.4% |
Number of warrants |
| 5,882,745 |
Aggregate fair value | $ | 370 ,000 |
|
|
|
F-26
The Company determined the fair value of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 by preparing an analysis of discounted cash flows, using a discount rate of 18.6%, which the Company deemed appropriate given the Companys current risk scenarios.
In connection with the Convertible Debenture due January 2015, the Company provided compensation to the placement agent consisting of a cash fee of $41,400 and a warrant for the purchase of 276,014 shares of the Companys common stock (Placement Agent Warrant). The terms of the Placement Agent Warrant are identical to the terms of the Convertible Debenture Warrant, and using Black-Scholes, upon issuance, was determined to have a fair value of $17,360. Assumptions for the valuation of the Placement Agent Warrant were identical to those provided above for the Convertible Debenture Warrant. In addition, issuance costs included legal fees of approximately $25,000.
The sum of the issuance costs was $83,760, and this cost was allocated as provided below:
Attributable to: |
| Accounting Treatment |
|
Amount | |
The embedded conversion feature (derivative) |
| Expensed as incurred |
| $ | 55,999 |
The 8% Convertible Debenture Warrant |
| Charged to additional paid-in capital |
|
| 10,194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 8% Convertible Debenture |
| Recorded as deferred issuance costs and amortized under the interest method over the term of the 8% Convertible Debenture |
|
| 17,567 |
Total |
|
|
| $ | 83,760 |
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015, on April 24, 2013, the Company prepared and filed a registration statement registering for resale the shares of its common stock which may be issued upon the conversion of the debenture consistent with the terms and conditions of the registration rights agreement the Company entered into with the holders of the registrable shares listed above. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on June 19, 2013.
The Company has agreed to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement through the earlier of three years from the date of the issuance of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 or until Rule 144 of the Securities Act is available to the holders to allow them to sell all of their registrable securities thereunder.
The derivative liability related to the embedded conversion feature was revalued at each reporting period as well as on the date of all conversions, as discussed, below.
As of October 31, 2013, the Company determined the fair value of the derivative liability to be $540,000, and accordingly, during the year ended October 31, 2013, the Company recorded a gain on the change in the fair value of the derivative liability of approximately $475,000. As of October 31, 2014, the Company determined the fair value of the derivative liability to be $-0-, as the full value of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 was converted and/or repaid in full during the year ended October 31, 2014 and accordingly, during the year ended October 31, 2014, the Company recorded a loss on the change in the fair value of the derivative of approximately $1,131,000.
F-27
As of October 31, 2013, the Company calculated the fair value of the embedded conversion feature of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 using a Monte Carlo simulation, with the observable assumptions as provided in the table below. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entitys embedded conversion feature are expected stock prices, levels of trading and liquidity of the Company stock, probability of default of the host instrument, and loss severity in the event of such default. Significant increases in the expected stock prices and expected liquidity would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement. Significant increases in either the probability or severity of default of the host instrument would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
|
As of October 31, 2013 | |
|
| |
Stock price on valuation date | $ | 0.195 |
Conversion price |
| 0.15 |
Stock premium for liquidity |
| 42% |
Term (years) |
| 1.25 |
Expected volatility |
| 115% |
Weighted average risk-free interest rate |
| 0.3% |
Trials |
| 100,000 |
Aggregate fair value | $ | 540,000 |
|
|
|
The fair value of the derivative liability associated with the conversions and repayments of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 was approximately $1,671,000 immediately prior to the conversions and repayments.
As of April 30, 2014, the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 was extinguished in full. However, the Company needed to determine the fair value of the derivative liability for the embedded conversion feature immediately prior to the conversion, in order to determine the change in the fair value of the derivative for the period. The Company determined to measure the derivative immediately prior to the conversion at its intrinsic value, since this method most fairly measured the value of the derivative liability. The intrinsic value computation is provided below.
F-28
| As of April 30, 2014 | |
|
| |
Stock price used for valuation | $ | 0.34 |
|
| 6,667 shares issued per $1,000 face value |
Aggregate intrinsic value of the $1,150,000 of principal outstanding on April 30, 2014, immediately prior to conversion and repayment | $ | 1,456,797 |
|
|
|
The amortization of debt discount related to the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 was approximately $233,000 and $273,000, for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
During the year ended October 31, 2013, holders of $325,000 and $5,878 of principal and interest, respectively, of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015, converted their holdings into an aggregate of 2,166,775 and 20,125 shares of Common Stock. During the year ended October 31, 2014, holders of $1,240,000 and $9,000 of principal and interest, respectively, of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015, converted their holdings into an aggregate of 8,267,080 and 29,633 shares of common stock and holders of $200,000 of principal of the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 consented to prepayment (without conversion) of obligations to them under the instruments prepayment provisions. During the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, in connection with these conversions and prepayments, the Company recorded losses on extinguishment of debt in the amounts of $482,915 and $343,517, respectively. These losses represent the excess of the fair value of Common Stock on the date of conversion over the net book value of the debt on the date of conversion. Since the conversion feature on the Convertible Debenture due January 2015 was determined to be a derivative liability, the net book value includes both the value of the debt, net of discount, and the portion of the derivative liability related to its conversion feature.
The loss on extinguishment of debt was calculated as follows:
|
Year Ended October 31, 2014 |
|
Year Ended October 31, 2013 | ||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
| |
Face value of debt converted | $ | 1,440,000 |
| $ | 325,000 |
Less: discount | (658,232) |
|
| (229,964) | |
Plus: fair value of derivative liability | 1,670,704 |
|
| 164,811 | |
Net book value of debt converted | $ | 2,452,472 |
| $ | 259,847 |
Fair value of common stock issued | 2,935,387 |
|
| 603,364 | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | $ | (482,915) |
| $ | (343,517) |
F-29
In November 2013, the Company received aggregate gross proceeds of $3,500,000 from the issuance of 6% convertible debentures due November 11, 2016 (Convertible Debenture due November 2016). The debentures paid interest annually and were convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.1892 per share on or before November 11, 2016. The embedded conversion feature had certain weighted average anti-dilution protection provisions which would be triggered if the Company issues its common stock, or certain common stock equivalents, (as defined) at a price below $0.142 per share. The Company had the option to pay any interest on the debentures in common stock based on 90% of the volume weighted average closing sales price of our common stock for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the interest payment date. In conjunction with the issuance of the debentures, the Company issued warrants (the Convertible Debenture Warrant) to purchase 9,249,472 shares of its common stock. Each warrant granted the holder the right to purchase one share of the Companys common stock at an initial fixed purchase price of $0.3784 per share (see discussion below of amendment to warrant exercise price) on or before November 11, 2016. The Convertible Debenture Warrant may be exercised on a cashless basis only if there is not an effective registration statement covering such shares.
The Company determined, based upon authoritative guidance, that the conversion feature embedded within the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 should be valued separately and bifurcated from the host instrument and accounted for as a free-standing derivative liability and that the Convertible Debenture Warrant should also be valued and accounted for separately as an equity instrument.
The Company determined the fair value of each of the three elements included within the Convertible Debenture due November 2016. The debenture portion (without the conversion feature) bearing interest at 6% was determined to be a debt instrument with a fair value of $2,710,000. The embedded conversion feature was determined to be a derivative liability with a fair value of $1,570,000. The Convertible Debenture Warrant was determined to be an equity instrument with a fair value of $740,000. The Company determined the fair value of each of these instruments based upon the assumptions and methodologies as discussed below.
Since the Convertible Debenture Warrant was determined to be an equity instrument, the Company first computed the relative fair value of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 (including the value of its conversion feature) with a fair value of $4,280,000 and the Convertible Debenture Warrant with a fair value of $740,000. Accordingly, the relative fair value of the Convertible Debenture Warrant and the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 (including the value of its conversion feature) was determined to be $515,936 and $2,984,064, respectively. Then, from the relative fair value of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016, the Company deducted in full the fair value of the embedded conversion feature of $1,570,000. The discount of $2,085,936 applied to the face value of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 consists of the sum of the relative fair value of the Convertible Debenture Warrant of $515,936 and the full value of the bifurcated conversion option derivative liability of $1,570,000. The Convertible Debenture due November 2016 was recorded at a net value of $1,414,064, representing its face value of $3,500,000, less aggregate discounts for the derivative liability and warrant of $2,085,936, as summarized in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Face value of Convertible Debenture due November 2016 |
|
|
| $ | 3,500,000 |
Fair value of embedded conversion feature | $ | 1,570,000 |
|
|
|
Relative fair value of Convertible Debenture Warrant |
| 515,936 |
|
|
|
Discount | $ | 2,085,936 |
|
| (2,085,936) |
Proceeds attributable to the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 |
|
| $ | 1,414,064 | |
F-30
Accordingly, the Company accounted for the full amount of the discount as an offset to the Convertible Debenture due November 2016, amortizable under the effective interest method over the term of the debenture.
The Company calculated the fair value of the embedded conversion feature of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 using a Monte Carlo simulation, with the observable assumptions as provided in the table below. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entitys embedded conversion feature are expected stock prices, levels of trading and liquidity of the Company stock, probability of default of the host instrument, and loss severity in the event of such default. Significant increases in the expected stock prices and expected liquidity would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement. Significant increases in either the probability or severity of default of the host instrument would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
| As of November 11, 2013 | |
|
| |
Stock price on valuation date | $ | 0.20 |
Conversion price | $ | 0.189 |
Discount for lack of marketability |
| 35.5% |
Term (years) |
| 3.00 |
Expected volatility |
| 102.8% |
Weighted average risk-free interest rate |
| 0.62% |
Trials |
| 100,000 |
Aggregate fair value | $ | 1,570,000 |
The Company calculated the fair value of the Convertible Debenture Warrant issued on November 11, 2013 using a Black Scholes Model, with the observable assumptions as provided in the table below. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entitys warrant value are expected stock prices, levels of trading and liquidity of the Company stock, probability of default of the host instrument, and loss severity in the event of such default. Significant increases in the expected stock prices and expected liquidity would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement. Significant increases in either the probability or severity of default of the host instrument would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement:
F-31
| As of November 11, 2013 | |
|
| |
Stock price on valuation date | $ | 0.20 |
Exercise price | $ | 0.378 |
Discount for lack of marketability |
| 22% |
Term (years) |
| 3.00 |
|
|
|
Expected volatility |
| 102.8% |
Weighted average risk-free interest rate |
| 0.6% |
Number of warrants |
| 9,249,472 |
Aggregate fair value | $ | 740,000 |
The Company determined the fair value of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 by preparing an analysis of discounted cash flows, using a discount rate of 16.0%, which the Company deemed appropriate given the Companys current risk scenarios.
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016, the Company incurred legal costs which were allocated as provided below:
Attributable to: |
| Accounting Treatment |
|
Amount | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The embedded conversion feature (derivative) |
| Expensed as incurred |
| $ | 8,593 |
The 8% Convertible Debenture Warrant |
| Charged to additional paid-in capital |
|
| 2,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 8% Convertible Debenture |
| Recorded as deferred issuance costs and amortized under the interest method over the term of the 8% Convertible Debenture |
|
| 7,739 |
Total |
|
|
| $ | 19,156 |
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016, on February 7, 2014, the Company prepared and filed a registration statement registering for resale the shares of its common stock which may be issued upon the conversion of the debenture and exercise of the warrant consistent with the terms and conditions of the debenture agreement the Company entered into with the holders of the registrable shares listed above.
The Company has agreed to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement through the earlier of three years from the date of the issuance of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 or until Rule 144 of the Securities Act is available to the holders to allow them to sell all of their registrable securities thereunder.
F-32
On September 9, 2014, holders of $3,500,000 and approximately $173,000 of principal and interest, respectively, of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016, converted their holdings into an aggregate of 18,498,943 shares of common stock the (Conversion Common Stock). In addition, the Company exchanged and reissued the warrant for the purchase of 9,249,472 shares of common stock, and upon the reissuance, lowered the exercise price to $0.31 per share. There was no change to the term of the warrant.
Immediately after the conversion, the holders exchanged 15,978,943 shares of the Conversion Common Stock into 3,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Shortly thereafter, the Company retired and cancelled the 15,978,943 shares of common stock received in the exchange.
In connection with this conversion, the Company recorded a loss on conversion/exchange of approximately $2,216,000, as summarized below. This loss represents the excess of the fair value of the common stock issued, net of the shares of common stock exchanged for the issuance of 3,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, plus the fair value of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, on the date of the conversion, over the net book value of the debt on the date of conversion. Since the conversion feature on the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 was determined to be a derivative liability, the net book value includes the value of the debt, net of debt discount and deferred issuance costs, plus accrued interest and the derivative liability related to the conversion feature (after being marked to market) on the conversion date, and the change in the fair value of the warrant on the date of the conversion. Because the conversion rate of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of $ 0.1892 per share was less than the Company's closing stock price on the date of this transaction, the Company determined that the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock contained a beneficial conversion feature. The beneficial conversion feature was recorded in additional paid- in-capital as a result of the Company's accumulated deficit.
The loss on extinguishment of debt was determined as follows:
|
|
|
Securities extinguished: |
|
|
Face value of convertible debenture converted | $ | 3,500,000 |
Less: debt discount |
| (1,684,801) |
Less: deferred issuance costs |
| (7,739) |
Plus: accrued interest |
| 173,833 |
Plus: fair value of derivative liability |
| 1,032,241 |
Plus: fair value of warrant exchanged in connection with the conversion |
| 805,000 |
Net book value of converted debenture, accrued interest, derivative liability and warrant exchanged |
| 3,818,534 |
|
|
|
Securities issued in conversion/exchange: |
|
|
Fair value of 2,520,000 shares of common stock issued, net (18,498,943 shares of Conversion Common Stock issued, less 15,978,943 shares exchanged for 3,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock) | 617,400 | |
Fair value of 3,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (based on a stated value per share of $1,000 and a conversion rate of $0.1892) |
| 4,532,241 |
Fair value of warrant issued September 9, 2014 |
| 885,000 |
Subtotal of securities issued in conversion/exchange |
| 6,034,641 |
(Loss) on conversion/exchange | $ | (2,216,107) |
F-33
| On September 9, 2014 | |
|
| |
Stock price used for valuation | $ | 0.245 |
|
| 5,285 shares issued per $1,000 of face value |
Aggregate gross intrinsic value of the $3,500,000 of principal outstanding on September 8, 2014, immediately prior to conversion |
| 4,532,241 |
Less the face value of the convertible debenture |
| (3,500,000) |
Intrinsic value of the derivative conversion feature | $ | 1,032,241 |
|
|
|
The derivative liability related to the embedded conversion feature was revalued at each reporting period as well as on the date of all conversions. The value of the derivative liability associated with the conversion of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 during the year ended October 31, 2014 was approximately $1,032,000. As of October 31, 2014, the Company determined the fair value of the derivative liability to be $-0-, as the full value of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 was converted in full during the year ended October 31, 2014. During the year ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded losses on the change in fair value of the derivative liability of approximately $538,000 and $0, respectively.
The Company calculated the fair value of the embedded conversion feature of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 using a Monte Carlo simulation. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entitys embedded conversion feature are expected stock prices, levels of trading and liquidity of the Company stock, probability of default of the host instrument, and loss severity in the event of such default. Significant increases in the expected stock prices and expected liquidity would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement. Significant increases in either the probability or severity of default of the host instrument would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The amortization of debt discount related to the Convertible Debenture due November 2016 for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $401,000 and $0, respectively.
F-34
Common Stock
In November 2012, our shareholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock from 240,000,000 to 300,000,000, and in October 2013, our shareholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock from 300,000,000 to 600,000,000.
Common Stock Issuances
We account for stock awards granted to consultants based on their grant date fair value. During the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, we issued 310,000 shares and 1,345,000 shares, respectively, of common stock to consultants for services rendered, including pursuant to the 2010 Share Plan. We recorded consulting expense for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 of approximately $85,000 and $305,000, respectively, for shares of common stock issued to consultants.
Stock Option Plans
As of October 31, 2014, we have two stock option plans: the 2003 Share Plan and the 2010 Share Plan which were adopted by our Board of Directors on April 21, 2003 and July 14, 2010, respectively.
The 2003 Share Plan provides for the grant of nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, performance awards and stock units to key employees and consultants. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2003 Share Plan is 70,000,000 shares. The 2003 Share Plan was administered by the Stock Option Committee through June 2004, from June 2004 through July 2010, by the Board of Directors, from July 2010 through August 2012, by the Stock Option Committee, from August 2012 through November 2012, by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and since November 2012, by the Board of Directors, which determines the option price, term and provisions of each option. The exercise price with respect to all of the options granted under the 2003 Share Plan since its inception was equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date. In accordance with the provisions of the 2003 Share Plan, the plan terminated with respect to the grant of future options on April 21, 2013.
F-35
|
|
|
Current Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |||
| Shares |
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding at October 31, 2012 | 16,350,045 |
| $ | 0.72 |
|
|
|
Exercised | (130,000) |
| $ | 0.18 |
|
|
|
Forfeited | (581,200) |
| $ | 0.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding and Exercisable at October 31, 2013 | 15,638,845 |
| $ | 0.72 |
|
|
|
Exercised | (435,000) |
| $ | 0.145 |
|
|
|
Forfeited | (2,854,075) |
| $ | 0.79 |
|
|
|
Options Outstanding and Exercisable at October 31, 2014 | 12,349,770 |
| $ | 0.72 |
| $ | 72,000 |
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable under the 2003 Share Plan as of October 31, 2014:
|
|
|
| Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | |
Range of Exercise Prices |
| Number Outstanding |
|
| ||
|
|
| ||||
$0.07 - $0.37 |
| 1,275,000 |
| 3.00 |
| $0.15 |
$0.43 - $0.70 |
| 4,624,770 |
| 1.20 |
| $0.62 |
$0.74 - $0.92 |
| 5,450,000 |
| 2.10 |
| $0.86 |
$1.04 - $1.46 |
| 1,000,000 |
| 2.80 |
| $1.17 |
The 2010 Share Plan provides for the grant of nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, performance awards and stock units to key employees and consultants. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2010 Share Plan was initially 15,000,000 shares. On July 6, 2011, the 2010 Share Plan was amended by our Board of Directors to increase the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be granted to 27,000,000 shares, on August 29, 2012, the maximum number of shares was further increased to 30,000,000 shares. On November 8, 2013, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to provide that effective November 8, 2013, the maximum aggregate number of shares available for issuance will be 20,000,000 shares and that on the first business day in 2014 and on the first business day of each calendar year thereafter the maximum aggregate number of shares available for issuance shall be replenished such that 20,000,000 shares will be available for issuance. Accordingly, during the nine months ended July 31, 2014, the number of shares in the 2010 Share Plan was increased by 25,634,980 shares to 55,634,980 shares. In addition, on November 8, 2013, the 2010 Share Plan was amended to provide that on January 2nd of each year commencing on January 2, 2014, each non-employee director of the Company at that time shall automatically be granted a 10 year stock option to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock (400,000 for the Chairman) that will vest in four equal quarterly installments. The 2010 Share Plan was administered by the Stock Option Committee through August 2012, from August 2012 through November 2012, by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and since November 2012, by the Board of Directors, which determines the option price, term and provisions of each option. The exercise price with respect to all of the options granted under the 2010 Share Plan was equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date. As of October 31, 2014, the 2010 Share Plan had 11,400,000 shares available for future grants.
F-36
Information regarding the 2010 Share Plan as of October 31, 2014 is as follows:
|
|
|
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share |
|
|
| |
| Shares |
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding at October 31, 2012 | 2,820,000 |
| $ | 0.25 |
|
|
|
Granted | 180,000 |
| $ | 0.20 |
|
|
|
Exercised | (16,000) |
| $ | 0.16 |
|
| |
Options Outstanding at October 31, 2013 | 2,984,000 |
| $ | 0.245 |
|
|
|
Granted | 15,310,000 |
| $ | 0.23 |
|
|
|
Exercised | (80,000) |
| $ | 0.16 |
|
|
|
Options Outstanding at October 31, 2014 | 18,214,000 |
| $ | 0.23 |
| $ | 25,910 |
Options Exercisable at October 31, 2014 | 6,543,445 |
| $ | 0.23 |
| $ | 23,410 |
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding under the 2010 Share Plan as of October 31, 2014:
| Options Outstanding |
| Options Exercisable | ||||
|
| Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) |
| |
|
| Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||
Range of Exercise Prices | Number Outstanding |
| Number Exercisable | ||||
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$0.12 - $0.37 | 18,214,000 | 8.55 | $0.23 |
| 6,543,445 | 7.04 | $0.23 |
`
In addition to options granted under the 2003 Share Plan and the 2010 Share Plan, in September 2012, the Board of Directors approved the grant of stock options to purchase 41,500,000 shares and, during the year ended October 31, 2013, the Board of Directors approved the grant of stock options to purchase 3,000,000 shares.
Of the stock options granted in September 2012, nonqualified options to purchase 40,000,000 shares were issued to our new executive team, consisting of 16,000,000 stock options issued to our new President and Chief Executive Officer, 8,000,000 stock options issued to our new Senior Vice President of Engineering and 16,000,000 stock options issued to a new strategic advisor to the Company who is also a Director. These stock options have an exercise price of $0.2175 (the average of the high and the low sales price of the common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the approval of such options by the Board of Directors) and have a term of ten years. Half of these stock options vest in 36 equal monthly installments commencing on October 31, 2012, provided that if the grantees are terminated by the Company without cause, an additional 12 months of vesting will be accelerated and such accelerated options will become immediately exercisable. The balance of the stock options will vest in three equal installments upon achievement of a cash milestone, which was satisfied in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, and two stock price targets, which were not achieved in fiscal 2013. In November 2013, in light of the cost and expense of revaluing the unvested portion of the performance-based stock options on a quarterly basis for financial reporting purposes, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the performance-based stock options awarded on September 19, 2012 to the President and Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President of Engineering and the strategic advisor. The amendment modifies the option awards vesting conditions to provide that the unvested portion of the stock options vest in 23 consecutive monthly installments commencing November 30, 2013. The fair value of these options was recalculated to reflect the change to service based options as of November 8, 2013 and the unrecognized compensation amount was adjusted to reflect the increase in fair value. As of October 31, 2014, the outstanding options to purchase 40,000,000 shares had an intrinsic value of $-0-. As of October 31, 2014, 27,512,077 of these stock options were exercisable with an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $-0-. These stock options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan.
F-37
The remaining nonqualified stock options granted in September 2012 to purchase 1,500,000 shares consisted of grants of 750,000 stock options to our Chairman in compensation for his service as interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as compensation for his prior service as a director, and 750,000 stock options to a director in compensation for his service in recruiting the Companys new management team. These stock options have an exercise price of $0.2225 (the average of the high and low sales price on September 21, 2012) and an intrinsic value as of October 31, 2014 of approximately $-0-. The options vest in 3 equal annual installments of 250,000 commencing on September 21, 2012 and have a term of ten years. As of October 31, 2014, 1,500,000 options were exercisable with an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $-0-. These stock options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan.
During the year ended October 31, 2013, nonqualified stock options to purchase 3,000,000 shares were granted to our outside directors for service rendered to our Company. Of these options,
(a) In November 2012, nonqualified stock options to purchase 1,000,000 shares were issued to one of our directors as additional compensation for service in recruiting the Companys new management team. These options have an exercise price of $0.211 (the average of the high and low sales price on date of grant) and vest 333,334 shares upon grant and 333,333 shares in two annual installments commencing November 30, 2013.
(b) In February 2013, nonqualified stock options to purchase 1,000,000 shares were issued to the Chairman of the Board. These stock options have an exercise price of $0.235 (the average of the high and low sales price on date of grant) and vest 333,334 shares upon grant and 333,333 shares in two annual installments commencing February 15, 2014.
(c) In March 2013, nonqualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares were granted to the Companys three outside directors. Each of these stock options has an exercise price of $0.195 (the average of the high and low sales price on date of grant) and vest in four equal quarterly installments commencing March 31, 2013.
As of October 31, 2014, the options to purchase 3,000,000 shares had an intrinsic value of approximately $5,000 and the portion exercisable of 2,333,334 shares had an intrinsic value of approximately $5,000. These options otherwise have the same terms and conditions as options granted under the Companys 2010 Share Incentive Plan.
F-38
The following table summarizes information about the above stock options outstanding that were not granted under the 2003 Share Plan or the 2010 Share Plan as of October 31, 2014:
|
Options Outstanding |
| Options Exercisable | |||||||||
|
|
|
| Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|
|
|
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||
Range of Exercise Prices |
| Number Outstanding |
|
|
| Number Exercisable |
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$0.195-$0.235 |
| 44,500,000 |
| 7.91 |
| $0.22 |
| 31,345,411 |
| 7.91 |
| $0.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock
In May 1986, our shareholders authorized 500,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $100 per share. The shares of preferred stock may be issued in series at the direction of the Board of Directors, and the relative rights, preferences and limitations of such shares will all be determined by the Board of Directors. As of October 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no preferred stock issued and outstanding.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
On September 9, 2014, the Company designated 3,500 shares of the preferred stock as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share, in accordance with the Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 9, 2014 (the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock). On September 9, 2014, 3,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were issued in connection with the conversion of the Convertible Debenture due November 2016, as discussed further, in Note 6, Convertible Debentures herein.
Ranking
The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Companys common stock, to all series of any other classes of equity which may be issued and to any indebtedness, unless the Company has obtained the prior written consent of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock holder.
Optional Conversion
Holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may at any time convert their shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into such number of shares of the Companys common stock in such an amount equal to (a) the stated value (initially $1,000) of the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock being converted (the Stated Value), divided by the conversion price (initially $0.1892) ( the Series A Conversion Price), multiplied by (b) the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock being converted. In the event the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is converted in part, the Company shall deliver a new certificate of like tenor in the amount equal to the remaining balance of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock after giving effect to such partial conversion.
F-39
The holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock if after giving effect to such conversion, the holder, together with any affiliate thereof, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion.
The embedded conversion option has certain anti-dilution protection provisions which would be triggered if the Company issues its common stock, or certain common stock equivalents, (as defined) at a price below $0.142 per share.
Mandatory Conversion
At any time after November 11, 2016, if and only if the average of the high and low trading prices of the Companys common stock for any 10 out of 20 consecutive trading days (the Measurement Period,) exceeds the then Series A Conversion Price, as adjusted, the Company may convert any then outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of common stock (a Mandatory Conversion), provided, however, that any such Mandatory Conversion shall not require a holder to convert a number of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into an amount of Common Stock that would exceed 50% of the daily average trading volume of the common stock during the Measurement Period. Following November 11, 2016 and subject to the price and volume limitations set forth above, the Company may require such number of successive Mandatory Conversions as are necessary to convert all then outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
Redemption
At any time on or after November 11, 2016 (the Redemption Date), and upon at least 60 days prior written notice to the Company (a Redemption Notice), any holder of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shall have a one-time right to require the Company to redeem all or some of its shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (a Redemption), for cash generated from a subsequent sale of the Companys equity securities. The redemption price shall be equal to the Stated Value for each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the Redemption Purchase Price). Upon receipt of a Redemption Notice, the Company shall complete a sale or sales of its equity securities for the purpose of accumulating net proceeds sufficient to pay the Redemption Purchase Price (it being understood by the holder of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that the Company may only redeem shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with the proceeds from the sale of the Companys equity securities).
Board and Observer Rights
Each holder of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the right, upon 10 days' prior written notice, to designate one representative, reasonably acceptable to the Company, who shall be entitled to attend and observe meetings of the Companys Board of Directors in a non-voting observer capacity (the Observer).
Accounting for the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company determined that the economic characteristics and risks of the conversion feature and the preferred stock instrument were clearly and closely related as equity instruments and accordingly, the conversion feature would not require separate accounting. In addition, the redemption feature is contingent upon Series A Convertible Preferred Stock not being converted into common stock and upon the holders delivering a redemption notice to the Company. Further, the redemption purchase price may only be paid from the proceeds of a subsequent sale of equity securities. Accordingly, the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was accounted for as an equity instrument. Further, because the conversion rate of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of $ 0.1892 per share was less than the Company's closing stock price on the date of this transaction, the Company determined that the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock contained a beneficial conversion feature. The beneficial conversion feature was recorded in additional paid- in-capital as a result of the Company's accumulated deficit.
F-40
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Patent Acquisition Obligations
As of October 31, 2014, we have incurred obligations due no later than November 2017 related to the acquisition of patents, which have a discounted present value of approximately $3,236,000, and which amount will be reduced by royalties paid during the period. The payment due in November 2017 is payable at the option of the Company in cash or common stock.
Leases
We lease approximately 3,000 square feet of office space in Los Angeles, California pursuant to a lease that expires March 30, 2016. We also lease approximately 3,000 square feet of office space in Melville, New York pursuant to a lease that expires January 31, 2015. As of October 31, 2014 our non-cancelable operating lease commitments for the years ending October 31, 2015 and 2016 were approximately $135,000 and $44,000, respectively. Rent expense for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, was approximately $109,000 and $360,000, respectively.
Litigation Matters
On December 29, 2014, we settled our lawsuit against AUO which had been filed on January 28, 2013. For a more detailed description of the settlement with AUO see Note 2, Subsequent Event AUO Lawsuit and Settlement.
Other than suits we bring to enforce our patent rights, which are an integral part of our business plan, we are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings other than that which arise in the ordinary course of business. We believe that any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
F-41
|
Year Ended October 31, | ||||
|
2014 |
|
2013 | ||
Federal: |
|
|
|
|
|
Current | $ | - |
| $ | - |
Deferred |
| (1,606,000) |
|
| (2,489,000) |
State: |
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
| - |
|
| - |
Deferred |
| (1,000) |
|
| 3,000 |
Adjustment to valuation allowance related to net deferred tax assets |
| 1,607,000 |
|
| 2,486,000 |
| $ | - |
| $ | - |
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax asset, net, at October 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows:
|
2014 |
|
2013 | ||
Long-term deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
Federal and state NOL and tax credit carryforwards | $ | 26,669,000 |
| $ | 25,689,000 |
Deferred Compensation |
| 4,517,000 |
|
| 3,484,000 |
Deferred Revenue |
| - |
|
| 404,000 |
Other |
| 298,000 |
|
| 300,000 |
Subtotal |
| 31,484,000 |
|
| 29,877,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: valuation allowance |
| (31,484,000) |
|
| (29,877,000) |
Deferred tax asset, net | $ | - |
| $ | - |
As of October 31, 2014, we had tax net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards of approximately $77,159,000 and $1,110,000, respectively, available, within statutory limits (expiring at various dates between 2015 and 2034), to offset any future regular Federal corporate taxable income and taxes payable. If the tax benefits relating to deductions of option holders income are ultimately realized, those benefits will be credited directly to additional paid-in capital. Certain changes in stock ownership can result in a limitation on the amount of net operating loss and tax credit carryovers that can be utilized each year. As of October 31, 2014, management has not determined the extent of any such limitations, if any.
We had tax net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards of approximately $76,999,000 and $11,000, respectively, as of October 31, 2014, available, within statutory limits (expiring at various dates between 2015 and 2034), to offset future New York State corporate taxable income and taxes payable, if any, under certain computations of such taxes.
We have provided a valuation allowance against our deferred tax asset due to our current and historical pre-tax losses and the uncertainty regarding their realizability. The primary differences from the Federal statutory rate of 34% and the effective rate of 0% is attributable to certain permanent differences and a change in the valuation allowance. The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the Federal statutory tax rate to income tax expense (benefit):
F-42
|
Year Ended October 31, | ||||||||
|
2014 |
|
2013 | ||||||
Income tax benefit at U.S. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal statutory income Tax rate | $ | (3,266,00) |
| (34.00%) |
| $ | (3,427,000) |
| (34.00%) |
State income taxes |
| (6,000) |
| (.06%) |
|
| (6,000) |
| (.06%) |
Permanent differences |
| 1,529,000 |
| 15.92% |
|
| 294,000 |
| 2.92% |
Expiring net operating losses, credits and other |
| 115,000 |
| 1.19% |
|
| 250,000 |
| 2.48% |
Foreign rate difference on impairment |
| 21,000 |
| .22% |
|
| 403,000 |
| 4.00% |
Change in valuation allowance |
| 1,607,000 |
| 16.73% |
|
| 2,486,000 |
| 24.66% |
Income tax provision | $ | - |
| 0% |
| $ | - |
| 0% |
During the two fiscal years ended October 31, 2014, we incurred no Federal and no State income taxes. We have no unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 and we account for interest and penalties related to income tax matters in marketing, general and administrative expenses. Tax years to which our net operating losses relate remain open to examination by Federal authorities and other jurisdictions to the extent which the net operating losses have yet to be utilized.
F-43