UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from _____to_____
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-21846
AETHLON MEDICAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NEVADA | 13-3632859 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
9635 GRANITE RIDGE DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(858) 459-7800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
8910 UNIVERSITY CENTER LANE, SUITE 660, SAN DIEGO, CA 92122
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (ss.232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES x NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO x
As of November 7, 2014, the registrant had outstanding 295,160,194 shares of common stock, $.001 par value.
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 3 |
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 3 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (UNAUDITED) AND MARCH 31, 2014 | 3 | |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013 (UNAUDITED) | 4 | |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013 (UNAUDITED) | 5 | |
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) | 7 | |
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS | 28 |
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | 33 |
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | 34 |
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | 34 |
ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | 34 |
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS | 34 |
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS | 34 |
ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES | 35 |
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES | 35 |
ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION | 35 |
ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS | 36 |
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AETHLON MEDICAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2014 | March 31, 2014 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 526,187 | $ | 1,250,279 | ||||
Accounts receivable | 258,672 | 95,177 | ||||||
Deferred financing costs | 66,189 | 83,191 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 41,141 | 50,699 | ||||||
Total current assets | 892,189 | 1,479,346 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 70,185 | 84,279 | ||||||
Patents and patents pending, net | 107,907 | 112,489 | ||||||
Deposits | 18,988 | 18,988 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,089,269 | $ | 1,695,102 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 609,153 | $ | 517,651 | ||||
Due to related parties | 888,778 | 839,070 | ||||||
Notes payable | 190,000 | 390,000 | ||||||
Convertible notes payable, current portion | 483,421 | 1,367,655 | ||||||
Derivative liabilities | – | 10,679,067 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 1,216,604 | 1,855,374 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 3,387,956 | 15,648,817 | ||||||
Noncurrent liabilities | ||||||||
Convertible notes payable, noncurrent portion | 990,520 | 776,451 | ||||||
Total noncurrent liabilities | 990,520 | 776,451 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 4,378,476 | 16,425,268 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13) | ||||||||
Stockholders' Deficit | ||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2014 and March 31, 2014; 262,713,781 and 224,973,980 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively | 262,712 | 224,984 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 75,654,853 | 59,659,137 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (79,335,907 | ) | (74,832,557 | ) | ||||
Total Aethlon Medical, Inc. stockholders’ deficit before noncontrolling interests | (3,418,342 | ) | (14,948,436 | ) | ||||
Noncontrolling interests | 129,135 | 218,270 | ||||||
Total deficit | (3,289,207 | ) | (14,730,166 | ) | ||||
Total liabilities and deficit | $ | 1,089,269 | $ | 1,695,102 |
See accompanying notes.
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AETHLON MEDICAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three and Six Month Periods Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | Six Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Six Months Ended September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||
REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||
Government contract revenue | $ | 479,075 | $ | 644,887 | $ | 530,371 | $ | 840,483 | ||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||
Professional fees | 308,821 | 327,511 | 710,434 | 651,581 | ||||||||||||
Payroll and related expenses | 544,354 | 404,849 | 1,165,040 | 863,480 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 227,092 | 142,323 | 428,097 | 339,014 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,080,267 | 874,683 | 2,303,571 | 1,854,075 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING LOSS | (601,192 | ) | (229,796 | ) | (1,773,200 | ) | (1,013,592 | ) | ||||||||
OTHER EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||
Loss on debt conversion | 65,493 | 17,467 | 2,531,123 | 40,256 | ||||||||||||
(Gain)/loss on change in fair value of derivative liability | – | 2,992,002 | – | 2,382,877 | ||||||||||||
Interest and other debt expenses | 78,145 | 110,405 | 144,799 | 216,443 | ||||||||||||
Loss on extension of warrants | 143,363 | – | 143,363 | – | ||||||||||||
Total other expense | 287,001 | 3,119,874 | 2,819,285 | 2,639,576 | ||||||||||||
NET LOSS BEFORE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | (888,193 | ) | (3,349,670 | ) | (4,592,485 | ) | (3,653,168 | ) | ||||||||
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | (40,784 | ) | – | (89,135 | ) | – | ||||||||||
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | $ | (847,409 | ) | $ | (3,349,670 | ) | $ | (4,503,350 | ) | $ | (3,653,168 | ) | ||||
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | ||||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING – BASIC AND DILUTED | 259,369,911 | 187,643,582 | 243,494,916 | 182,004,220 |
See accompanying notes.
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AETHLON MEDICAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Six Months Ended September 30, 2013 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (4,592,485 | ) | $ | (3,653,168 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 18,676 | 4,727 | ||||||
Stock based compensation | 260,680 | 190,601 | ||||||
Fair market value of common stock, warrants and options issued for services | 162,358 | 264,343 | ||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities | – | 2,382,877 | ||||||
Loss on extension of warrants | 143,363 | – | ||||||
Loss on debt conversion | 2,531,123 | 40,256 | ||||||
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs | 21,502 | 4,578 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (162,495 | ) | (11,404 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 9,558 | (25,202 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable and other current liabilities | 163,646 | (33,170 | ) | |||||
Due to related parties | 49,708 | 91,042 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (1,394,366 | ) | (744,520 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of notes payable | – | 400,000 | ||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock | 670,274 | 228,000 | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 670,274 | 628,000 | ||||||
Net decrease in cash | (724,092 | ) | (116,520 | ) | ||||
Cash at beginning of period | 1,250,279 | 125,274 | ||||||
Cash at end of period | $ | 526,187 | $ | 8,754 |
See accompanying notes.
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AETHLON MEDICAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended September 30, 2014 | Six Months Ended September 30, 2013 | |||||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
Debt and accrued interest converted to common stock | $ | 1,007,631 | $ | 420,460 | ||||
Reclassification of warrant derivative liability into equity | $ | 10,679,067 | $ | 106,501 | ||||
Reclassification of accounts payable to convertible notes payable | $ | – | $ | 47,000 | ||||
Deferred financing costs recorded in connection with debt amendment | $ | 5,000 | $ | – | ||||
Reclassification of accrued interest to convertible notes payable | $ | 25,766 | $ | 20,027 |
See accompanying notes.
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AETHLON MEDICAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2014
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
ORGANIZATION
Aethlon Medical, Inc. and subsidiary ("Aethlon", the "Company", "we" or "us") is a medical device company focused on creating innovative devices that address unmet medical needs in cancer, infectious disease and other life-threatening conditions. At the core of our developments is the Aethlon ADAPT™ (Adaptive Dialysis-Like Affinity Platform Technology) system, a medical device platform that converges single or multiple affinity drug agents with advanced plasma membrane technology to create therapeutic filtration devices that selectively remove harmful particles from the entire circulatory system without loss of essential blood components. On June 25, 2013, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) that allows us to initiate human feasibility studies of the Aethlon Hemopurifier® in the United States. Under the feasibility study protocol, we will enroll ten end-stage renal disease patients who are infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) to demonstrate the safety of Hemopurifier therapy. Successful completion of this study will allow us the opportunity to initiate pivotal studies that are required for market clearance to treat HCV and other disease conditions in the United States.
Successful outcomes of human trials will also be required by the regulatory agencies of certain foreign countries where we intend to sell this device. Some of our patents may expire before FDA approval or approval in a foreign country, if any, is obtained. However, we believe that certain patent applications and/or other patents issued more recently will help protect the proprietary nature of the Hemopurifier(R) treatment technology.
In October 2013, our subsidiary, Exosome Sciences, Inc. (“ESI”), commenced operations with a focus on advancing exosome-based strategies to diagnose and monitor the progression of cancer, infectious disease and other life-threatening conditions.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB marketplace administered by the OTC Markets Group under the symbol "AEMD."
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and applicable sections of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to make the financial statements not misleading have been included. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 was derived from our audited financial statements. Operating results for the six months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending March 31, 2015. For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014, which includes audited financial statements and footnotes as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the years then ended.
NOTE 2. LIQUIDITY
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates, among other things, the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. We have incurred continuing losses from operations and at September 30, 2014 are in default on certain debt agreements, have negative working capital of approximately $2,496,000, and have an accumulated deficit of approximately $79,336,000. These factors, among other matters, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. A significant amount of additional capital will be necessary to advance the development of our products to the point at which they may become commercially viable. We intend to fund operations, working capital and other cash requirements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 through debt and/or equity financing arrangements as well as through revenues and related cash receipts under our government contracts (see Note 12).
During the six months ended September 30, 2014, we converted a past due convertible note in the amount of $660,000 and related accrued interest into equity and also restructured and extended a formerly past due convertible note in the amount of $225,000. We also eliminated the antidilution price protection on all the remaining outstanding notes and warrants which held such price protection. The combination of all of those actions allowed us to reclassify our derivative liability in the amount of $10,679,067 into equity.
We are currently addressing our liquidity issue by seeking additional investment capital through private placements of common stock and debt and by applying for additional grants issued by government agencies in the United States. We believe that our cash on hand and funds expected to be received from additional private investments will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for fiscal 2015. However, no assurance can be given that we will receive any funds in the form of revenues or in connection with capital raising activities in addition to the funds we have already received.
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The successful outcome of future contract-based and fundraising activities cannot be determined at this time and there is no assurance that, even if achieved, we will have sufficient funds to execute our intended business plan or generate positive operating results.
The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to this uncertainty and as to the recoverability and classification of asset carrying amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities that might result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE 3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The summary of our significant accounting policies presented below is designed to assist the reader in understanding our condensed consolidated financial statements. Such financial statements and related notes are the representations of our management, who are responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to GAAP in all material respects, and have been consistently applied in preparing the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aethlon Medical, Inc. and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiary, ESI. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company classifies the noncontrolling interests in ESI as part of consolidated net loss in the six months ended September 30, 2014 and includes the accumulated amount of noncontrolling interests as part of stockholders’ equity. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, ESI raised capital in the amount of $1,500,000 in exchange for the issuance of 300,000 shares of ESI common stock to ESI’s investors, representing 20% of ESI’s issued and outstanding capital stock. As a result, Aethlon Medical, Inc.’s ownership of ESI was reduced to 80%. If a further change in Aethlon Medical Inc.’s ownership of ESI results in loss of control and deconsolidation, any retained ownership interest will be remeasured with the gain or loss reported in our statement of operations.
The losses at ESI during the six months ended September 30, 2014 reduced the noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheet by $89,135 from $218,270 at March 31, 2014 to $129,135 at September 30, 2014.
USE OF ESTIMATES
We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates made by management include, among others, realization of long-lived assets, estimating fair value associated with debt and equity transactions and valuation of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Accounting standards define "cash and cash equivalents" as any short-term, highly liquid investment that is both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. For the purpose of financial statement presentation, we consider all highly liquid investment instruments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased, or any investment redeemable without penalty or loss of interest to be cash equivalents. As of September 30, 2014 and March 31, 2014, we had no assets that were classified as cash equivalents.
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISKS
Cash is maintained at two financial institutions in checking accounts and related cash management accounts. Accounts at these institutions are secured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to $250,000. Our September 30, 2014 cash balances were approximately $276,000 over such insured amount. We do not believe that the Company is exposed to any significant risk with respect to its cash.
All of our accounts receivable at September 30, 2014 and March 31, 2014 and all of our revenue in the six month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were directly from the U.S. Department of Defense or from a subcontract under Battelle (defined herein), which is a prime contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense, and as such no allowance for uncollectable accounts receivable is deemed necessary at September 30, 2014 or March 31, 2014.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amount of our cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate their estimated fair values due to the short-term maturities of those financial instruments. The carrying amount of the notes payable approximates their fair value due to the short maturity of the notes and since the interest rate approximates current market interest rates for similar instruments.
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Management has concluded that it is not practical to determine the estimated fair value of amounts due to related parties because the transactions cannot be assumed to have been consummated at arm's length, the terms are not deemed to be market terms, there are no quoted values available for these instruments, and an independent valuation would not be practicable due to the lack of data regarding similar instruments, if any, and the associated potential costs.
See Note 9 with respect to derivative liabilities.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from two to five years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred while improvements are capitalized. Upon the sale or retirement of property and equipment, the accounts are relieved of the cost and the related accumulated depreciation with any gain or loss included in the consolidated statements of operations.
INCOME TAXES
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the difference between the consolidated financial statements and their respective tax basis. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts reported for income tax purposes, and (b) tax credit carryforwards. We record a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when, based on our best estimate of taxable income (if any) in the foreseeable future, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets may not be realized.
IMPAIRMENT OR DISPOSAL OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the cost basis of a long-lived asset is greater than the projected future undiscounted net cash flows from such asset, an impairment loss is recognized. We believe no impairment charges were necessary during the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period of computation. Diluted loss per share is computed similar to basic loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potential common shares had been issued, if such additional common shares were dilutive. Since we had net losses for all periods presented, basic and diluted loss per share are the same, and additional potential common shares have been excluded as their effect would be antidilutive.
As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, a total of 139,672,815 and 137,935,529 potential common shares, consisting of shares underlying outstanding stock options, warrants and convertible notes payable were excluded as their inclusion would be antidilutive.
SEGMENTS
Historically, we operated in one segment that was based on our development of therapeutic devices. However in the December 2013 quarter, we initiated the operations of ESI to develop diagnostic tests. As a result, we now operate in two segments, Aethlon for therapeutic applications and ESI for diagnostic applications (See Note 14).
DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS
Costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt using the effective interest method. We recorded amortization expense related to our deferred offering costs of $21,502 and $863 during the six month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
DARPA Contract -- With respect to revenue recognition, we entered into a government contract with DARPA and have recognized revenue under such contract. We adopted the Milestone method of revenue recognition for the DARPA contract under ASC 605-28 “Revenue Recognition – Milestone Method” and we believe we meet the requirements under ASC 605-28 for reporting contract revenue under the Milestone Method.
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In order to account for this contract, we identify the deliverables included within the contract and evaluate which deliverables represent separate units of accounting based on if certain criteria are met, including whether the delivered element has standalone value to the collaborator. The consideration received is allocated among the separate units of accounting, and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are applied to each of the separate units.
A milestone is an event having all of the following characteristics:
(1) There is substantive uncertainty at the date the arrangement is entered into that the event will be achieved. A vendor’s assessment that it expects to achieve a milestone does not necessarily mean that there is not substantive uncertainty associated with achieving the milestone.
(2) The event can only be achieved based in whole or in part on either: (a) the vendor’s performance; or (b) a specific outcome resulting from the vendor’s performance.
(3) If achieved, the event would result in additional payments being due to the vendor.
A milestone does not include events for which the occurrence is either: (a) contingent solely upon the passage of time; or (b) the result of a counterparty’s performance.
The policy for recognizing deliverable consideration contingent upon achievement of a milestone must be applied consistently to similar deliverables.
The assessment of whether a milestone is substantive is performed at the inception of the arrangement. The consideration earned from the achievement of a milestone must meet all of the following for the milestone to be considered substantive:
(1) The consideration is commensurate with either: (a) the vendor’s performance to achieve the milestone; or (b) the enhancement of the value of the delivered item or items as a result of a specific outcome resulting from the vendor’s performance to achieve the milestone;
(2) The consideration relates solely to past performance; and
(3) The consideration is reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms (including other potential milestone consideration) within the arrangement.
A milestone is not considered substantive if any portion of the associated milestone consideration relates to the remaining deliverables in the unit of accounting (i.e., it does not relate solely to past performance). To recognize the milestone consideration in its entirety as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved, the milestone must be substantive in its entirety. Milestone consideration cannot be bifurcated into substantive and non-substantive components. In addition, if a portion of the consideration earned from achieving a milestone may be refunded or adjusted based on future performance, the related milestone is not considered substantive.
See Note 12 for the additional disclosure information required under ASC 605-28.
Battelle Subcontract -- We entered into a subcontract agreement with Battelle Memorial Institute (“Battelle”) in March 2013. Battelle was chosen by DARPA to be the prime contractor on the systems integration portion of the original DARPA contract and we are one of several subcontractors on that systems integration project. The Battelle subcontract is cost-reimbursable under a time and materials basis. We began generating revenues under the subcontract during the six months ended September 30, 2013.
Our revenue under this contract is a function of cost reimbursement plus an overhead mark-up for hours devoted to the project by specific employees (with specific hourly rates for those employees). Battelle engages us as needed. Each payment requires approval by the program manager at Battelle.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Employee stock options and rights to purchase shares under stock participation plans are accounted for under the fair value method. Accordingly, share-based compensation is measured when all granting activities have been completed, generally the grant date, based on the fair value of the award. The exercise price of options is generally equal to the market price of the Company's common stock (defined as the closing price as quoted on the OTCBB on the date of grant). Compensation cost recognized by the Company includes (a) compensation cost for all equity incentive awards granted prior to April 1, 2006, but not yet vested, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of the then current accounting standards, and (b) compensation cost for all equity incentive awards granted subsequent to April 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of subsequent accounting standards. We use a Binomial Lattice option pricing model for estimating fair value of options granted (see Note 10).
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The following table summarizes share-based compensation expenses relating to shares and options granted and the effect on loss per common share during the six month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Six Months Ended September 30, 2014 |
Six Months Ended September 30, 2013 |
|||||||
Vesting of Stock Options | $ | 260,680 | $ | 124,243 | ||||
Incremental fair value of option Modifications | – | 1,914 | ||||||
Vesting Expense Associated with CEO Restricted Stock Grant | – | 64,444 | ||||||
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense | $ | 260,680 | $ | 190,601 | ||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted | 243,494,916 | 182,004,220 | ||||||
Basic and diluted loss per common share | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) |
We account for transactions involving services provided by third parties where we issue equity instruments as part of the total consideration using the fair value of the consideration received (i.e. the value of the goods or services) or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. In transactions, when the value of the goods and/or services are not readily determinable and (1) the fair value of the equity instruments is more reliably measurable and (2) the counterparty receives equity instruments in full or partial settlement of the transactions, we use the following methodology:
a) For transactions where goods have already been delivered or services rendered, the equity instruments are issued on or about the date the performance is complete (and valued on the date of issuance).
b) For transactions where the instruments are issued on a fully vested, non-forfeitable basis, the equity instruments are valued on or about the date of the contract.
c) For any transactions not meeting the criteria in (a) or (b) above, we re-measure the consideration at each reporting date based on its then current stock value.
We review share-based compensation on a quarterly basis for changes to the estimate of expected award forfeitures based on actual forfeiture experience. The effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate for all expense amortization after March 31, 2006 is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed. The effect of forfeiture adjustments for the six months ended September 30, 2014 was insignificant.
PATENTS
Patents include both foreign and domestic patents. There were several patents pending at September 30, 2014. We capitalize the cost of patents and patents pending, some of which were acquired, and amortize such costs over the shorter of the remaining legal life or their estimated economic life, upon issuance of the patent. The unamortized costs of patents and patents pending are subject to our review for impairment under our long-lived asset policy above.
STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
We grant warrants in connection with the issuance of convertible notes payable and the issuance of common stock for cash. When such warrants are classified as equity and issued in connection with debt, we measure the relative estimated fair value of such warrants and record it as a discount from the face amount of the convertible notes payable. Such discounts are amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes using the effective interest method. Warrants issued in connection with common stock for cash, if classified as equity, are considered issued in connection with equity transactions and the warrant fair value is recorded to additional paid-in-capital. Lastly, warrants not meeting equity classification are recorded as derivative instruments.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We evaluate free-standing derivative instruments (or embedded derivatives) to properly classify such instruments within equity or as liabilities in our financial statements. Our policy is to settle instruments indexed to our common shares on a first-in-first-out basis.
The classification of a derivative instrument is reassessed at each reporting date. If the classification changes as a result of events during a reporting period, the instrument is reclassified as of the date of the event that caused the reclassification. There is no limit on the number of times a contract may be reclassified.
Instruments classified as derivative liabilities are remeasured each reporting period (or upon reclassification) and the change in fair value is recorded on our consolidated statement of operations in other (income) expense.
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BENEFICIAL CONVERSION FEATURE OF CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
The convertible feature of certain notes payable provides for a rate of conversion that is below market value. Such feature is normally characterized as a "Beneficial Conversion Feature" ("BCF"). We measure the estimated fair value of the BCF in circumstances in which the conversion feature is not required to be separated from the host instrument and accounted for separately, and record that value in the consolidated financial statements as a discount from the face amount of the notes. Such discounts are amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes.
REGISTRATION PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
We account for contingent obligations to make future payments or otherwise transfer consideration under a registration payment arrangement separately from any related financing transaction agreements, and any such contingent obligations are recognized only when it is determined that it is probable we will become obligated for future payments and the amount, or range of amounts, of such future payments can be reasonably estimated.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
We incurred research and development expenses during the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, which are included in various operating expense line items in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Our research and development expenses in those periods were as follows:
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Three months ended | $ | 250,388 | $ | 293,580 | ||||
Six months ended | $ | 637,723 | $ | 626,638 |
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
SIGNIFICANT RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Management is evaluating significant recent accounting pronouncements that are not yet effective for the Company, including the new accounting standard on revenue recognition, ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606), and has not yet concluded whether any such pronouncements will have a significant effect on the Company’s future consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 4. NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable consist of the following:
September 30, 2014 | March 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Principal Balance | Accrued Interest | Principal Balance | Accrued Interest | |||||||||||||
12% Notes payable, past due | $ | 185,000 | $ | 367,687 | $ | 185,000 | $ | 353,813 | ||||||||
10% Note payable, past due | 5,000 | 6,625 | 5,000 | 6,375 | ||||||||||||
Directors’ Note(s) | – | – | 200,000 | 14,516 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 190,000 | $ | 374,312 | $ | 390,000 | $ | 374,704 |
During the six months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded interest expense of $19,959 related to the contractual interest rates of our notes payable.
12% NOTES
From August 1999 through May 2005, we entered into various borrowing arrangements for the issuance of notes payable from private placement offerings (the "12% Notes"). On April 21, 2010, a holder of $100,000 of the 12% Notes converted the principal balance and $71,758 of accrued interest into 687,033 shares of common stock at an agreed conversion price of $0.25 per share. At September 30, 2014, the 12% Notes in the principal amount of $185,000 were past due, in default, and bearing interest at the default rate of 15%.
10% NOTES
At September 30, 2014, one 10% Note in the amount of $5,000 is past due and in default, remains outstanding and bears interest at the default rate of 15%.
Management's plans to satisfy the remaining outstanding balance on these 12% and 10% Notes include converting the notes to common stock at market value or repayment when funds are available.
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DIRECTORS’ NOTES
In July 2013, we borrowed $400,000 from two of our directors under two 90 day notes for $200,000 each bearing 10% interest (the “Notes”). At the discretion of the holders, if not paid off by October 9, 2013, the noteholders were entitled to (i) convert the principal and accrued interest under the Notes into shares of common stock at $0.088 per share (the “Conversion Price”) and (ii) receive warrants to purchase common stock equal to 50% of the principal converted under the Notes, with an exercise price of $0.132 per share. Additionally, there was a provision for a penalty interest rate of 12%.
That potential conversion price and warrant exercise price were based on the same pricing mechanism that we have used in prior equity unit financings since March 2012 (see Note 6) which are based on 80% of the then current market price of our common stock and with the warrant exercise price based on 120% of the same then current market price. We initially reserved 6,931,818 shares of common stock to support the conversion of the Notes and accrued interest in full as well as the exercise of the warrants in full (should such conversion and/or issuance occur).
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, the principal of $200,000 and accrued interest of $9,367 were paid on one of the Notes, which extinguished all potential common stock and warrant issuance provisions related to that Note.
During the six months ended September 30, 2014, the holder of the second Note converted the principal of $200,000 and accrued interest of $20,349 into 2,503,966 shares of our common stock per the conversion formula of the Note (see Note 6).
5. CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
Convertible Notes Payable consisted of the following at September 30, 2014:
Principal | Unamortized Discount | Net Amount | Accrued Interest | |||||||||||||
Convertible Notes Payable – Current Portion: | ||||||||||||||||
October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes | $ | 50,000 | $ | – | $ | 50,000 | $ | 28,598 | ||||||||
April 2010 10% Convertible Note | 75,000 | – | 75,000 | 35,188 | ||||||||||||
July and August 2011 10% Convertible Notes, past due | 283,421 | – | 283,421 | 96,728 | ||||||||||||
Law Firm Note | 75,000 | – | 75,000 | 9,479 | ||||||||||||
Total – Convertible Notes Payable – Current Portion | 483,422 | – | 483,422 | 169,993 | ||||||||||||
Convertible Notes Payable – Non-Current Portion: | ||||||||||||||||
Amended and Restated Series A 12% Convertible Notes | 225,000 | – | 225,000 | 9,000 | ||||||||||||
September 2010 12% Convertible Notes | 317,072 | – | 317,072 | 9,513 | ||||||||||||
April 2011 12% Convertible Notes | 448,448 | – | 448,448 | 13,454 | ||||||||||||
Total – Convertible Notes Payable – Non-Current Portion | 990,520 | – | 990,520 | 31,967 | ||||||||||||
Total Convertible Notes Payable | $ | 1,473,941 | $ | – | $ | 1,473,941 | $ | 201,960 |
There were no discounts remaining on any of our Convertible Notes Payable as of September 30, 2014.
During the six months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded interest expense of $97,362 related to the contractual interest rates of our convertible notes and interest expense of $21,502 related to the amortization of deferred financing costs related to the convertible notes for a total interest related to convertible notes of $118,864.
Convertible Notes Payable consisted of the following at March 31, 2014:
Principal | Unamortized Discount | Net Amount | Accrued Interest | |||||||||||||
Convertible Notes Payable – Current Portion: | ||||||||||||||||
Amended and Restated Series A 12% Convertible Notes, past due | $ | 885,000 | $ | – | $ | 885,000 | $ | 575,250 | ||||||||
2008 10% Convertible Notes, past due | 25,000 | – | 25,000 | 19,167 | ||||||||||||
October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes | 50,000 | – | 50,000 | 26,097 | ||||||||||||
April 2010 10% Convertible Note | 75,000 | – | 75,000 | 31,438 | ||||||||||||
July and August 2011 10% Convertible Notes, past due | 257,655 | – | 257,655 | 90,256 | ||||||||||||
Law Firm Note | 75,000 | – | 75,000 | 7,604 | ||||||||||||
Total – Convertible Notes Payable – Current Portion | 1,367,655 | – | 1,367,655 | 749,812 | ||||||||||||
Convertible Notes Payable – Non-Current Portion: | ||||||||||||||||
September 2010 12% Convertible Notes | 317,072 | – | 317,072 | 35,034 | ||||||||||||
April 2011 12% Convertible Notes | 448,448 | – | 448,448 | 12,117 | ||||||||||||
September 2011 12% Convertible Notes | 10,931 | – | 10,931 | – | ||||||||||||
Total – Convertible Notes Payable – Non-Current Portion | 776,451 | – | 776,451 | 47,151 | ||||||||||||
Total Convertible Notes Payable | $ | 2,144,106 | $ | – | $ | 2,144,106 | $ | 796,963 |
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There were no discounts remaining on any of our Convertible Notes Payable as of March 31, 2014.
AMENDED AND RESTATED SERIES A 12% CONVERTIBLE NOTES
In June 2010, we entered into Amended and Restated Series A 12% Convertible Promissory Notes (the "Amended and Restated Notes") with the holders of certain promissory notes previously issued by us, extending the due date to December 31, 2010 on the aggregate principal balance of $900,000. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, the holders of $15,000 of the Notes converted their principal and related accrued interest into common stock. The balance remaining at March 31, 2014 was $885,000 and past due.
Weiner Note Conversion
On June 24, 2014, we entered into an agreement with the Ellen R. Weiner Family Revocable Trust (the “Trust”), a holder of a Series A 12% Convertible Note (the “Note”), which previously was classified as being in default. As per the agreement, the Trust converted past due principal of $660,000 and accrued interest balance of $343,200 into restricted common stock.
Additionally, the Trust agreed to waive anti-dilution price protection underlying warrants previously issued to the Trust. On June 26, 2014, three other parties who held similar warrants also agreed to waive their anti-dilution price protection.
Under its agreement, the Trust converted the entire $1,003,200 past due principal and interest balance on the Note, which previously was in default, into an aggregate of 23,318,254 restricted shares of our common stock and five-year warrants to acquire up to 6,809,524 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $.042 per share (which exercise price was the result of certain contractual price adjustments previously made during 2011) and up to 397,222 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $.108 per share (collectively, the “Conversion Securities”). Based on the fair value of the warrants and shares issued to the Trust for the accrued interest, we recorded a loss on settlement of notes of $1,791,421.
In exchange for the Trust’s conversion in full of the Note and accrued interest and for the waivers of anti-dilution price protection in the previously issued warrants, in addition to the Conversion Securities, we issued to the Trust 75,000 restricted shares of common stock as a service fee, changed the exercise price of all of the previously issued warrants to $.042 per share and extended the expiration date of all of the previously issued warrants to July 1, 2018. We valued the 75,000 share service fee at $12,000 based on our closing price on the date of the agreement and recorded that value as interest expense during the June 2014 period.
Bird Estate Extension
On July 8, 2014, we executed a written restructuring agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Estate of Allan Bird (the “Estate”), a holder of a Series A 12% Convertible Note (the “Note”), which previously was classified as being in default. Since the negotiations for the Agreement were completed in the month of June, we recorded the impact of the Agreement as of June 30, 2014. In the Agreement, the Estate agreed to extend the expiration date of the Note to April 1, 2016, to convert approximately $116,970 of accrued interest to equity, and to waive anti-dilution price protection underlying the Note and warrants previously issued to the Estate.
Under the Agreement, the Estate converted the entire $116,970 past due interest balance on the Note, which previously was in default, into an aggregate of 2,591,846 restricted shares of our common stock. The Estate received five-year warrants to acquire up to 2,321,429 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $.042 per share (which exercise price was the result of certain contractual price adjustments previously made during 2011). Based on our common stock prices during a period of negotiation with the Estate including during calendar year 2013, the Estate also received five-year warrants to acquire up to 135,417 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $.108 (collectively known as the “Conversion Securities”). Based on the fair value of the warrants and shares issued to the Estate for the accrued interest, we recorded a loss on settlement of notes of $663,209.
In exchange for the Estate’s extension of the Note, conversion of accrued interest and for the waivers of anti-dilution price protection in the previously issued warrants, in addition to the Conversion Securities, we also issued to the Estate 25,000 restricted shares of common stock as an extension fee and extended the expiration date of all of the previously issued warrants to July 1, 2018. We valued the 25,000 share extension fee at $4,500 based on our closing price and recorded that value as a deferred financing cost, which we will amortize over the extended two year life of the note.
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2008 10% CONVERTIBLE NOTES
On September 17, 2014, we issued to the holder of the remaining 2008 10% Convertible Note units consisting of an aggregate of 478,188 shares of restricted common stock and unit warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 239,094 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.096 per share (see Note 6). The units were issued to the Note holder upon the conversion of an aggregate of $45,906 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under the Note, which represented the entire amount outstanding under the Note and the Note was retired. We recorded a loss on debt conversion of $65,493 on this transaction.
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2009 10% CONVERTIBLE NOTES
In October and November 2009, we raised $430,000 from the sale to accredited investors of 10% convertible notes ("October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes"). The October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes matured at various dates between April 2011 and May 2011 and are convertible into our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $0.25 per share. The investors also received matching three year warrants to purchase unregistered shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.25 per share. We measured the fair value of the warrants and the beneficial conversion feature of the Notes and recorded a 100% discount against the principal of the notes. Such discount was fully amortized at March 31, 2014.
In July 2012, we issued 461,409 shares of common stock and 230,705 warrants to purchase common stock to the holder of a $25,000 note in this grouping in exchange for the conversion of such note and related accrued interest of $8,000 (for a total of $33,000). The warrants expired in 2012 and are exercisable at $0.107 per share (see Note 6). We recorded a loss on conversion of $45,796.
The following table shows the conversions into principal of the October and November 2009 10% Convertible Notes by fiscal year:
Activity in October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes | ||||
Initial principal balance | $ | 450,250 | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 | (70,000 | ) | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 | (175,000 | ) | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 | (130,250 | ) | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 | (25,000 | ) | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 | – | |||
Conversions during the six months ended September 30, 2014 | – | |||
Balance as of September 30, 2014 | $ | 50,000 |
On March 31, 2012, we agreed to extend the expiration date and to change the exercise price of certain warrants of one of the note holders by two years in exchange for the extension of $50,000 of the October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes and the $75,000 April 2010 10% Convertible Note (see below) by that same two year period. We recorded a charge of $77,265 relating to this modification.
In September 2013, we agreed to extend the expiration date of certain warrants of one of the note holders by two years in exchange for the extension of $50,000 of the October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes and the $75,000 April 2010 10% Convertible Note (see below) by that same two year period. Management assessed the change in the value of the notes and related warrants before and after that extension and determined that the change in value related to the change in terms was not significant.
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we issued to the holder of the remaining October & November 2009 10% Convertible Note and the April 2010 10% Convertible Note units consisting of an aggregate of 1,835,798 shares of common stock and unit warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 1,837,798 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.103 per share. The units were issued to the note holder upon the conversion of an aggregate of $189,087 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under two promissory notes (the remaining October & November 2009 10% Convertible Note and the April 2010 10% Convertible Note). The amounts converted represented the entire principal and interest outstanding under the notes and the notes held by that holder were retired (see Note 15).
APRIL 2010 10% CONVERTIBLE NOTE
In April 2010, we raised $75,000 from the sale to an accredited investor of a 10% convertible note. The convertible note was originally scheduled to mature in October 2011 and is convertible into our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $0.25 per share prior to maturity. The investor also received three year warrants to purchase 300,000 unregistered shares of our common stock at a price of $0.25 per share.
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We measured the fair value of the warrants and the beneficial conversion feature of the notes and recorded a 100% discount against the principal of the notes. We amortized this discount using the effective interest method over the term of the note. As of September 30, 2014, there have not been any conversions of the April 2010 10% Convertible Note.
On March 31, 2012, we agreed to extend the expiration date and to change the exercise price of certain warrants of the note holder by two years in exchange for his extension of $50,000 of the October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes and the $75,000 April 2010 10% Convertible Note by that same two year period.
In September 2013, we agreed to extend the expiration date of certain warrants of one of the note holders by two years in exchange for the extension of $50,000 of the October & November 2009 10% Convertible Notes and the $75,000 April 2010 10% Convertible Note (see below) by that same two year period. Management assessed the change in the value of the notes and related warrants before and after that extension and determined that the change in value related to the change in terms was not significant.
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we issued to the holder of the remaining October & November 2009 10% Convertible Note and the April 2010 10% Convertible Note units consisting of an aggregate of 1,835,798 shares of common stock and unit warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 1,837,798 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.103 per share. The units were issued to the note holder upon the conversion of an aggregate of $189,087 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under two promissory notes (the remaining October & November 2009 10% Convertible Note and the April 2010 10% Convertible Note). The amounts converted represented the entire principal and interest outstanding under the notes and the notes held by that holder were retired (see Note 15).
SEPTEMBER 2010 10% CONVERTIBLE NOTES
On September 3, 2010, we entered into a Subscription Agreement with three accredited investors (the “Purchasers”) providing for the issuance and sale of convertible promissory notes and corresponding warrants in the aggregate principal amount of $1,430,000. The initial closing under the Subscription Agreement resulted in the issuance and sale of (i) convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $743,600, (ii) five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,718,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.31125 per share, and (iii) five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,718,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.43575 per share. The convertible promissory notes bear interest compounded monthly at the annual rate of ten percent (10%) and mature on April 1, 2016 (see below). The aggregate gross cash proceeds were $650,000, the balance of the principal amount representing a due diligence fee and an original issuance discount. The convertible promissory notes are convertible at the option of the holders into shares of our common stock at a price per share equal to eighty percent (80%) of the average of the three lowest closing bid prices of the common stock as reported by Bloomberg L.P. for the principal market on which the common stock trades or is quoted for the ten (10) trading days preceding the proposed conversion date. Subject to adjustment as described in the notes, the conversion price may not be more than $0.30 nor less than $0.20. There are no registration requirements with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the notes or the warrants.
On March 31, 2014, we entered into separate Amendments to Convertible Notes and Warrants (collectively, the “Amendments”) with three accredited investors (collectively, the “Investors”) who own certain convertible promissory notes (collectively, the “Notes”) and warrants (collectively, the “Warrants”) previously issued by us on various dates between December 5, 2007 and September 23, 2011, including the September 2010 Convertible Notes.
Prior to the Amendments, the Notes were past maturity and were in default, resulting in the accrual of interest at the applicable default interest rate. The Amendments extended the maturity date of each of the Notes to April 1, 2016, which permits us to classify them as long-term liabilities. As a result of the Amendments, the Notes are no longer in default and the non-default interest rate for all of the Notes was set at 12% per annum, which represents a reduction from the default interest rates of fifteen percent at which interest had been accruing. By entering into the Amendments, we also agreed to increase the currently outstanding principal amount of the Notes by 12% from a total of $693,260 to a total of $776,451.
During the period from October 2011 to February 2014, the Investors had converted, at conversion prices between $.0546 and $.07 per share, portions of principal and interest outstanding under the Notes and certain other convertible promissory notes previously issued to them by us. Certain antidilution provisions applicable to such notes should have resulted in such conversions being effected at a conversion price of $.042 per share. Accordingly, pursuant to the Amendments, we issued to the investors an aggregate of 4,507,105 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, which represents the additional shares of Common Stock that would have been issued to the Investors had such conversions been effected at $.042 per share.
The Amendments also set the conversion price of the Notes, as well as the exercise price at which shares of our common stock can be purchased under the Warrants, at $.042 per share. By virtue of the Amendments, the expiration dates of the Warrants also were extended from dates between September 3, 2015 and September 23, 2016 to January 1, 2017.
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The following table shows the activity in the September 2010 10% Convertible Notes by fiscal year:
Activity in the September 2010 10% Convertible Notes | ||||
Initial principal balance | $ | 743,600 | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 | (405,500 | ) | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 | (30,000 | ) | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 | (25,000 | ) | ||
Increase in principal balance due to 12% extension fee | 33,972 | |||
Conversions during the six months ended September 30, 2014 | – | |||
Balance as of September 30, 2014 | $ | 317,072 |
APRIL 2011 10% CONVERTIBLE NOTES
In April 2011, we entered into a Subscription Agreement with two accredited investors (the “Purchasers”) providing for the issuance and sale of convertible promissory notes and corresponding warrants in the aggregate principal amount of $385,000. The closing under the Subscription Agreement resulted in the issuance and sale by us of (i) convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $385,000, (ii) five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,004,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.125 per share, and (iii) five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,004,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.175 per share. The convertible promissory notes bear interest compounded monthly at the annual rate of 10% and mature on April 1, 2016 (see below). The aggregate gross cash proceeds to us were $350,000, the balance of the principal amount representing a due diligence fee and an original issuance discount. The convertible promissory notes are convertible at the option of the holders into shares of our common stock at a price per share equal to eighty percent (80%) of the average of the three lowest closing bid prices of the common stock as reported by Bloomberg L.P. for the principal market on which the common stock trades or is quoted for the ten (10) trading days preceding the proposed conversion date. Subject to adjustment as described in the notes, the conversion price may not be more than $0.20 nor less than $0.10. There are no registration requirements with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the notes or the warrants.
In addition, we issued (i) five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 812,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.125 per share, and (ii) five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 812,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.175 per share to the Purchasers. These warrants were issued as an antidilution adjustment under certain common stock purchase warrants held by the Purchasers that were acquired from us in September 2010.
On March 31, 2014, we entered into separate Amendments to Convertible Notes and Warrants (collectively, the “Amendments”) with three accredited investors (collectively, the “Investors”) who own certain convertible promissory notes (collectively, the “Notes”) and warrants (collectively, the “Warrants”) previously issued by us on various dates between December 5, 2007 and September 23, 2011, including the April 2011 Convertible Notes.
Prior to the Amendments, the Notes were past maturity and were in default, resulting in the accrual of interest at the applicable default interest rate. The Amendments extended the maturity date of each of the Notes to April 1, 2016, which permits us to classify them as long-term liabilities. As a result of the Amendments, the Notes are no longer in default and the non-default interest rate for all of the Notes was set at 12% per annum, which represents a reduction from the default interest rates of 15% at which interest had been accruing. By entering into the Amendments, we also agreed to increase the currently outstanding principal amount of the Notes by 12% from a total of $693,260 to a total of $776,451.
During the period from October 2011 to February 2014, the Investors had converted, at conversion prices between $.0546 and $.07 per share, portions of principal and interest outstanding under the Notes and certain other convertible promissory notes previously issued to them by us. Certain antidilution provisions applicable to such notes should have resulted in such conversions being effected at a conversion price of $.042 per share. Accordingly, pursuant to the Amendments, we issued to the investors an aggregate of 4,507,105 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, which represents the additional shares of Common Stock that would have been issued to the Investors had such conversions been effected at $.042 per share.
The Amendments also set the conversion price of the Notes, as well as the exercise price at which shares of our common stock can be purchased under the Warrants, at $.042 per share. By virtue of the Amendments, the expiration dates of the Warrants also were extended from dates between September 3, 2015 and September 23, 2016 to January 1, 2017.
As of September 30, 2014, there have not been any conversions of the April 2011 10% Convertible Notes and the 12% extension fee noted above increased the principal balance by $48,048 to a principal balance of $448,448.
JULY & AUGUST 2011 10% CONVERTIBLE NOTES
During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we raised $357,656 in five separate 10% convertible notes. Those notes had a fixed conversion price of $0.09 per share and carried an interest rate of 10%. The convertible notes matured in July and August 2012. We also issued those investors five year warrants to purchase 3,973,957 shares of common stock at $0.125 per share.
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We measured the fair value of the warrants and the beneficial conversion feature of the notes and recorded a $257,926 discount against the principal of the notes. We amortized this discount using the effective interest method over the term of the note.
Effective March 31, 2014, the holders of three of the five notes totaling $100,000 converted all of their principal and accrued interest into 1,438,700 shares of our common stock at the contractual conversion price of $0.09 per share.
In September 2014, we entered into a forbearance agreement with the holder of the remaining two notes in which we agreed to repay his notes by October 31, 2014 and in which we also agreed to extend his warrants by two years. We recorded a charge of $143,363 in the September 2014 period related to this warrant extension due to the change in the fair value of the warrants.
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we paid off in full the remaining outstanding principal balance and interest balances on the two remaining notes with cash payments of $382,748 (see Note 15).
SEPTEMBER 2011 CONVERTIBLE NOTES
In September 2011, we issued $253,760 of convertible notes, convertible at $0.07 per share. Such notes originally matured in September 2012.
On March 31, 2014, we entered into separate Amendments to Convertible Notes and Warrants (collectively, the “Amendments”) with three accredited investors (collectively, the “Investors”) who own certain convertible promissory notes (collectively, the “Notes”) and warrants (collectively, the “Warrants”) previously issued by us on various dates between December 5, 2007 and September 23, 2011, including the September 2011 Convertible Notes.
Prior to the Amendments, the Notes were past maturity and were in default, resulting in the accrual of interest at the applicable default interest rate. The Amendments extended the maturity date of each of the Notes to April 1, 2016, which permits us to classify them as long-term liabilities. As a result of the Amendments, the Notes are no longer in default and the non-default interest rate for all of the Notes was set at 12% per annum, which represents a reduction from the default interest rates of 15% at which interest had been accruing. By entering into the Amendments, we also agreed to increase the currently outstanding principal amount of the Notes by 12%, which in the case of the September 2011 Notes, they increased from $9,760 to $10,931
During the period from October 2011 to February 2014, the Investors had converted, at conversion prices between $.0546 and $.07 per share, portions of principal and interest outstanding under the Notes and certain other convertible promissory notes previously issued to them by us. Certain antidilution provisions applicable to such notes should have resulted in such conversions being effected at a conversion price of $.042 per share. Accordingly, pursuant to the Amendments, we issued to the investors an aggregate of 4,507,105 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, which represents the additional shares of Common Stock that would have been issued to the Investors had such conversions been effected at $.042 per share.
The Amendments also set the conversion price of the Notes, as well as the exercise price at which shares of our common stock can be purchased under the Warrants, at $.042 per share. By virtue of the Amendments, the expiration dates of the Warrants also were extended to January 1, 2017.
The following table shows the conversions into principal of the September 2011 Convertible Notes by fiscal year:
Activity in the September 2011 Convertible Notes | ||||
Initial principal balance | $ | 253,760 | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 | (15,000 | ) | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 | (60,000 | ) | ||
Conversions during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 | (169,000 | ) | ||
Increase in principal balance due to extension fee | 1,171 | |||
Conversions during the six months ended September 30, 2014 | (10,931 | ) | ||
Balance as of September 30, 2014 | $ | – |
As noted in the above table, the remaining balance of the September 2011 Convertible Notes converted into equity during the six months ended September 30, 2014.
LAW FIRM NOTE
On March 22, 2012, we entered into a Promissory Note with our corporate law firm for the amount of $75,000, which represented the majority of the amount we owed to that firm at that time. The Promissory Note originally had a maturity date of December 31, 2012 and bears interest at 5% per annum. The note is convertible at the option of the holder into shares of our common stock at a 10% discount to the market price of the common stock on the date prior to conversion with a floor price on such conversions of $0.08 per share. The holder subsequently agreed to extend the Maturity Date of the Note first to October 1, 2013, then to September 30, 2013, and now the expiration date of this note is again extended to October 1, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, there have not been any conversions of the Law Firm Note.
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we paid off in full the outstanding principal balance and interest balance on the note with a cash payment of $50,000 and an issuance of 170,020 common shares (see Note 15).
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6. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
COMMON STOCK AND WARRANTS
The following are Aethlon Medical, Inc.’s Equity Transactions in the Six Months Ended September 30, 2014.
In the three months ended June 30, 2014, we completed unit subscription agreements with seven accredited investors pursuant to which we issued 2,192,444 shares of our common stock and 1,096,222 warrants to purchase our common stock for net cash proceeds of $320,800. Such warrants have exercise prices ranging from $0.193 to $0.236 per share.
As discussed above in Note 5, during the three months ended June 30, 2014, we issued 15,714,286 shares of restricted common stock to the holder of one of the Series A 12% Convertible Notes in exchange for the conversion in full of the $660,000 principal balance of that note, 7,603,968 shares of restricted common stock in exchange for conversion of $343,200 of accrued interest and 75,000 shares of restricted common stock as a restructuring fee. During that period, we also issued the other holder of the Series A 12% Convertible Notes 2,591,846 shares of restricted common stock in exchange for conversion of $116,970 of accrued interest and 25,000 shares of restricted common stock as a restructuring fee.
During the three months ended June 30, 2014, we issued 219,127 shares of common stock pursuant to our S-8 registration statement covering our Amended 2010 Stock Plan at an average price of $0.17 per share in payment for legal services, internal controls consulting services and regulatory consulting services collectively valued at $38,268 based on the value of the services provided.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued 359,956 shares of common stock pursuant to our S-8 registration statement covering our Amended 2010 Stock Plan at an average price of $0.14 per share in payment for legal and scientific consulting services valued at $49,090 based on the value of the services provided.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued 390,301 shares of restricted common stock at an average price of $0.19 per share in payment for investor relations consulting services valued at $75,000 based on the value of the services provided.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued 1,937,505 shares of restricted common stock to the holders of three convertible notes in exchange for the partial or full conversion of principal and interest in the aggregate amount of $81,375 at a conversion price of $0.042 per share.
On July 24, 2014, we issued an aggregate of 2,503,966 shares of restricted common stock and a seven-year warrant to issue up to 1,251,983 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.132 per share to Dr. Chetan Shah, a director. The common stock and warrant were issued to Dr. Shah upon the conversion of an aggregate of $220,349 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under a 10% Convertible Note previously issued to Dr. Shah by us on July 9, 2013.
On September 17, 2014, we issued to the holder of the remaining 2008 10% Convertible Note units consisting of an aggregate of 478,188 shares of restricted common stock and unit warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 239,094 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.096 per share (see Note 5). The units were issued to the note holder upon the conversion of an aggregate of $45,906 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under the promissory note, which represented the entire amount outstanding under the note. We recorded a loss on debt conversion of $65,493 on this transaction.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued to four investors 2,673,231 shares of restricted common stock through the cash exercise of eight warrants for $259,474 of cash at an average exercise price of approximately $0.10 per share. As an inducement to those investors, we issued them replacement warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 2,673,231 shares of common stock on the same terms as the warrants they exercised.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued and sold to three accredited investors units consisting of (a) one hundred thousand (100,000) restricted shares of our common stock, par value $.001 per share, at prices per share ranging from $0.091 to $0.094 and (b) a five-year warrant to purchase fifty thousand (50,000) shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.136 to $0.143 per share. In total, the investors purchased for cash an aggregate of $90,000 of units. The investors acquired an aggregate of 974,982 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 487,491 shares of Common Stock.
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
DUE TO RELATED PARTIES
Certain of our officers and other related parties have advanced us funds, agreed to defer compensation and/or paid expenses on our behalf to cover working capital deficiencies. These unsecured and non-interest-bearing liabilities have been included as due to related parties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Other related party transactions are disclosed elsewhere in these notes to consolidated financial statements.
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8. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other current liabilities were comprised of the following items:
September 30, | March 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2014 | |||||||
Accrued interest | $ | 570,741 | $ | 1,165,335 | ||||
Accrued legal fees | 179,465 | 179,465 | ||||||
Accrued liquidated damages | 362,800 | 362,800 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities | 103,598 | 147,774 | ||||||
Total other current liabilities | $ | 1,216,604 | $ | 1,855,374 |
As of the date of this report, various promissory and convertible notes payable in the aggregate principal amount of $473,422 (as identified in Notes 4 and 5 above) have reached maturity and are past due. We are continually reviewing other financing arrangements to retire all past due notes. At September 30, 2014, we had accrued interest in the amount of $471,041 associated with these defaulted notes in accrued liabilities payable (see Notes 4 and 5).
9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We follow FASB ASC 820, "FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURES" (“ASC 820”) in connection with assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis subsequent to initial recognition. The guidance applies to our derivative liabilities. We had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for any period reported.
ASC 820 requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: We measure the fair value of applicable financial and non-financial assets based on the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The hierarchy noted above requires us to minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to use observable market data, if available, when determining fair value.
The fair value of our recorded derivative liabilities is determined based on unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data, which is a Level 3 classification. We record derivative liabilities on our balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in our consolidated statements of operations.
At September 30, 2014, we no longer had any derivative liabilities as all of the holders of the financial instruments that had price antidilution protection waived such price antidilution protection.
Our fair value measurements at the March 31, 2014 reporting date are classified based on the valuation technique level noted in the table below:
Description | March 31, 2014 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
Derivative Liabilities | $ | 10,679,067 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 10,679,067 | ||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 10,679,067 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 10,679,067 |
The following outlines the significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value information presented, in connection with our warrant and embedded conversion option derivative instruments utilizing the Binomial Lattice option pricing model:
The following outlines the significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value information presented, in connection with our warrant and embedded conversion option derivative instruments utilizing the Binomial Lattice option pricing model:
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Six Months Ended September 30, 2013 | ||
Risk free interest rate | 0.02% - 0.62% | |
Average expected life | 0.25 – 3 years | |
Expected volatility | 78.9% - 104.5% | |
Expected dividends | None |
The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our Level 3 financial instruments for the six months ended September 30, 2014:
April 1, 2014 | Recorded New Derivative Liabilities | Change in estimated fair value recognized in results of operations | Reclassification of Derivative Liability to Paid in capital | September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | $ | 10,679,067 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | (10,679,067 | ) | $ | – |
The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our Level 3 financial instruments for the six months ended September 30, 2013:
Change in | Reclassification | |||||||||||||||||||
estimated fair | of Derivative | |||||||||||||||||||
Recorded | value recognized | Liability to | ||||||||||||||||||
April 1, | New Derivative | in results | Paid in | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2013 | Liabilities | of operations | capital | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | $ | 3,588,239 | $ | – | $ | 2,382,877 | $ | (106,501 | ) | $ | 5,864,615 |
10. STOCK COMPENSATION
The following table breaks out the components of our share-based compensation expenses relating to shares and options granted and the effect on basic and diluted loss per common share during the three and six months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Vesting of stock options | 89,793 | 73,856 | 260,680 | 124,243 | ||||||||||||
Incremental fair value of option modifications | – | 957 | – | 1,914 | ||||||||||||
Vesting expense associated with CEO restricted stock grant | – | – | – | 64,444 | ||||||||||||
Total share-based compensation expense | $ | 89,793 | $ | 74,813 | $ | 260,680 | $ | 190,601 | ||||||||
Total share-based compensation expense included in net loss | $ | 89,793 | $ | 73,856 | $ | 260,680 | $ | 190,601 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted | 259,369,911 | 187,643,582 | 243,494,916 | 182,004,220 | ||||||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per common share | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) |
All of the stock-based compensation expense recorded during the six months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, which totaled $260,680 and $190,601, respectively, is included in payroll and related expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during the six months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 had no impact on basic and diluted loss per common share.
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We review share-based compensation on a quarterly basis for changes to the estimate of expected award forfeitures based on actual forfeiture experience. The cumulative effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate for all expense amortization is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed. The effect of forfeiture adjustments for the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2014 was insignificant.
On June 6, 2014, our Board of Directors approved the following grants of options to certain officers and directors of the Company:
o | To Mr. James A. Joyce, an option to acquire an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.19 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of this stock option at the date of grant was $246,000. The option vested as to 500,000 shares on the grant date for a vesting expense of $82,000 and will vest as to an additional 500,000 shares on each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date. Unless earlier exercised or terminated, the option will expire June 6, 2024. |
o | To Mr. Rodney S. Kenley, an option to acquire an aggregate of 250,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.19 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of this stock option at the date of grant was $41,000. The option vested as to 83,333 shares on the grant date for a vesting expense of $13,667 and will vest as to an additional 83,333 shares on the first anniversary of the grant date and 83,334 shares on the second anniversary of the grant date. Unless earlier exercised or terminated, the option will expire June 6, 2024. |
o | To Mr. James B. Frakes, an option to acquire an aggregate of 250,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.19 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of this stock option at the date of grant was $41,000. The option vested as to 83,333 shares on the grant date for a vesting expense of $13,667 and will vest as to an additional 83,333 shares on the first anniversary of the grant date and 83,334 shares on the second anniversary of the grant date. Unless earlier exercised or terminated, the option will expire June 6, 2024. |
o | To Dr. Richard H. Tullis, an option to acquire an aggregate of 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.19 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of this stock option at the date of grant was $8,200. The option vested as to 16,667 shares on the grant date for a vesting expense of $2,733 and will vest as to an additional 16,667 shares on the first anniversary of the grant date and 16,666 shares on the second anniversary of the grant date. Unless earlier exercised or terminated, the option will expire June 6, 2024. |
In addition to the above grants to our officers, on June 6, 2014, our Board of Directors also approved the grant of options to five employees to acquire an aggregate of 370,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.19 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The aggregate fair value of those stock options at the date of grant was $60,680. Those options vested as to 123,333 shares on the grant date for a vesting expense of $20,227 and will vest as to an additional 123,333 shares on the first anniversary of the grant date and 123,334 shares on the second anniversary of the grant date. Unless earlier exercised or terminated, the option will expire June 6, 2024.
In addition to the share-based compensation expense for the specific stock option grants noted above, our total share-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended September 30, 2014 includes ongoing vesting expense associated with stock grants from prior periods.
Changes to 2012 Board Compensation Program
In July 2012, the Board approved a Board Compensation Program (the “2012 Program”), which modified and superseded the 2005 Directors Compensation Program that had been in effect previously. On June 6, 2014, the Board approved certain changes to the 2012 Program. Under the modified 2012 Program, in which only non-employee Directors may participate, a new eligible Director will receive an initial grant of $50,000 worth of options to acquire shares of common stock, with such grant being valued at the exercise price based on the average of the closing bid prices of our common stock for the five trading days preceding the first day of the fiscal year. These options will have a term of ten years and will vest 1/3 upon grant and 1/3 upon each of the first two anniversaries of the date of grant.
At the beginning of each fiscal year, each existing Director eligible to participate in the 2012 Program also will receive a grant of $35,000 worth of options valued at the exercise price based on the average of the closing bid prices of the Common Stock for the five trading days preceding the first day of the fiscal year. Such options will vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant. In lieu of per meeting fees, under the 2012 Program eligible Directors will receive an annual Board retainer fee of $30,000. The modified 2012 Program also provides for the following annual retainer fees: Audit Committee Chair - $5,000, Compensation Committee chair - $5,000, Audit Committee member - $4,000, Compensation Committee member - $4,000 and Lead independent director - $15,000.
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As a result of the modified 2012 Program on June 6, 2014, we issued 184,211 stock options to each of our three outside directors. Those grants vest over the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 and have an exercise price of $0.19 per share.
All of the foregoing actions - the changes in base salaries, the option grants and the changes to the Directors Compensation Program discussed herein - were approved and recommended by the Company’s Compensation Committee prior to approval by the Board.
The following outlines the significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value information presented, with respect to stock option grants utilizing the Binomial Lattice option pricing models at, and during the six months ended September 30, 2014:
Risk free interest rate | 2.6% | |
Average expected life | 10 years | |
Expected volatility | 90.23% | |
Expected dividends | None |
The expected volatility was based on the historic volatility. The expected life of options granted was based on the "simplified method" as described in the SEC's guidance due to changes in the vesting terms and contractual life of current option grants compared to our historical grants.
In May 2013, we granted to a scientific advisory board member and a scientific consultant a three year option to purchase 125,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.11 per share.
In July 2013, our compensation committee and Board of Directors approved the issuance of four stock option grants to four of our executives. The options carried an exercise price of $0.10 per share, have a ten year life and vest over the following schedule: 25% on July 1, 2014, 25% on July 1, 2015, 25% on July 1, 2016 and 25% on July 1, 2017. The numbers of shares underlying each of the stock option grants were as follows: 2,000,000 shares to our chief executive officer and 500,000 shares each to our president, chief science officer and chief financial officer (see Note 10).
The following outlines the significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value information, which is based on historical data, with respect to stock option grants utilizing the Binomial Lattice option pricing models at, and during the six months ended September 30, 2013:
Risk free interest rate | 0.38% - 2.50% | |
Average expected life | 3 years - 10 years | |
Expected volatility | 94.6% - 102.7% | |
Expected dividends | None |
The expected volatility was based on the historic volatility. The expected life of options granted was based on the "simplified method" as described in the SEC's guidance due to changes in the vesting terms and contractual life of current option grants compared to our historical grants.
Options outstanding that have vested and are expected to vest as of September 30, 2014 are as follows:
Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years | ||||||||||
Vested | 24,294,227 | $ | 0.26 | 3.96 | ||||||||
Expected to vest | 4,711,811 | $ | 0.14 | 9.15 | ||||||||
Total | 29,006,038 |
A summary of stock option activity during the six months ended September 30, 2014 is presented below:
Number of Options | Range of Exercise Price | Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||||||||||
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2014 | 26,133,407 | $0.076 - $0.41 | $ | 0.25 | ||||||||
Exercised | – | – | – | |||||||||
Granted | 2,972,631 | 0.19 | $ | 0.19 | ||||||||
Cancelled/Expired | (100,000 | ) | 0.19 | 0.19 | ||||||||
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014 | 29,006,038 | $0.076 - $0.41 | $ | 0.24 | ||||||||
Stock options exercisable at September 30, 2014 | 24,294,227 | $0.076 - $0.41 | $ | 0.26 |
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At September 30, 2014, there was approximately $497,783 of unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based payments, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.19 years.
On September 30, 2014, our stock options had a negative intrinsic value since the closing price of our common stock on that date of $0.12 per share was below the weighted average exercise price of our stock options.
11. WARRANTS
A summary of warrant activity during the six months ended September 30, 2014 is presented below:
Amount | Range of Exercise Price | Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||||||||
Warrants outstanding at March 31, 2014 | 70,709,475 | $0.042 - $0.25 | $ | 0.13 | ||||||
Exercised | (2,166,104 | ) | $0.086 – $0.12 | $ | 0.10 | |||||
Issued | 15,375,614 | $0.042 - $0.24 | $ | 0.07 | ||||||
Cancelled/Expired | (1,136,364 | ) | $0.13 | $ | 0.13 | |||||
Warrants outstanding at September 30, 2014 | 82,782,621 | $0.042 - $0.25 | $ | 0.10 | ||||||
Warrants exercisable at September 30, 2014 | 82,782,621 | $0.042 - $0.25 | $ | 0.10 |
The following outlines the significant weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value information presented, with respect to warrants utilizing the Binomial Lattice option pricing models at, and during, the six months ended September 30, 2014:
Risk free interest rate | 0.79% - 2.29% | |
Average expected life | 5 years – 7 years | |
Expected volatility | 90.1% - 95.8% | |
Expected dividends | None |
12. DARPA CONTRACT AND RELATED REVENUE RECOGNITION
As discussed in Note 1, we entered into a contract with the DARPA on September 30, 2011. Under the DARPA award, we have been engaged to develop a therapeutic device to reduce the incidence of sepsis, a fatal bloodstream infection that often results in the death of combat-injured soldiers. The award from DARPA was a fixed-price contract with potential total payments to us of $6,794,389 over the course of five years. Fixed price contracts require the achievement of multiple, incremental milestones to receive the full award during each year of the contract. Under the terms of the contract, we will perform certain incremental work towards the achievement of specific milestones against which we will invoice the government for fixed payment amounts.
Originally, only the base year (year one contract) was effective for the parties, however, DARPA subsequently exercised the option on the second, third and fourth years of the contract. DARPA has the option to enter into the contract for year five. The milestones are comprised of planning, engineering and clinical targets, the achievement of which in some cases will require the participation and contribution of third party participants under the contract. There can be no assurance that we alone, or with third party participants, will meet such milestones to the satisfaction of the government and in compliance with the terms of the contract or that we will be paid the full amount of the contract revenues during any year of the contract term. We commenced work under the contract in October 2011.
Due to budget restrictions within the Department of Defense, on February 10, 2014, DARPA reduced the scope of our contract in years three through five of the contract. The reduction in scope focused our research on exosomes, viruses and blood processing instrumentation. This scope reduction will reduce the possible payments under the contract by $858,491 over years three through five. We recently completed a re-budgeting of the expected costs on the remaining years of the DARPA contract based on the reduced milestones and have concluded that the reductions in our costs due to the scaled back level of work will almost entirely offset the anticipated revenue levels based on current assumptions.
During the six months ended September 30, 2014, we invoiced DARPA for three milestones totaling $444,723. The details of those milestones were as follows:
Milestone 2.4.2.2 – Determine capacity requirements of affinity resin to multiple simultaneous targets. The milestone payment was $197,362. Management considers this milestone to be substantive as it was not dependent on the passage of time nor was it based solely on another party's efforts. We demonstrated that we were able to determine the capacity requirements of affinity resin to multiple simultaneous targets. The report was accepted by the contracting officer's representative and the invoice was submitted thereafter.
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Milestone 2.4.2.4 – Finish construction and delivery of 25 experimental cartridges for testing by the system integrator. The milestone payment was $50,000. Management considers this milestone to be substantive as it was not dependent on the passage of time nor was it based solely on another party's efforts. We demonstrated that we delivered the 25 cartridges to the systems integrator as part of our submission for approval. The report was accepted by the contracting officer's representative and the invoice was submitted thereafter.
Milestone M9 – Target capture > 90% in 24 hours for at least 3 targets ex vivo in blood or blood components using the optimized cartridge. The milestone payment was $197,361. Management considers this milestone to be substantive as it was not dependent on the passage of time nor was it based solely on another party's efforts. We demonstrated that we were able to capture approximately 90% in 24 hours for at least 3f targets ex vivo in blood or blood components using the optimized cartridge. The report was accepted by the contracting officer's representative and the invoice was submitted thereafter.
In the six months ended September 30, 2013, we invoiced DARPA for four milestones totaling $808,739. The details of those milestones were as follows:
Milestone 2.3.2.2 – Formulate initial design work based on work from the previous phase. Begin to build and test selected instrument design and tubing sets. The milestone payment was $195,581. Management considers this milestone to be substantive as it was not dependent on the passage of time nor was it based solely on another party's efforts. We demonstrated that we were able to formulate the initial design work and to build and test selected instrument design and tubing sets as part of our submission for approval. The report was accepted by the contracting officer's representative and the invoice was submitted thereafter.
Milestone 2.3.2.2 – Write and test software and conduct ergonomic research. Begin discussions with the systems integrator. The milestone payment was $195,581. Management considers this milestone to be substantive as it was not dependent on the passage of time nor was it based solely on another party's efforts. We obtained wrote and tested software and conducted ergonomic research and began discussions with the systems integrator. The report was accepted by the contracting officer's representative and the invoice was submitted thereafter.
Milestone 2.3.3.2 – Cartridge construction with optimized affinity matrix design for each potential target. Complete the capture agent screening. The milestone payment was $208,781. Management considers this milestone to be substantive as it was not dependent on the passage of time nor was it based solely on another party's efforts. We completed the cartridge construction with optimized affinity matrix design for each potential target and completed the capture agent screening. The report was accepted by the contracting officer's representative and the invoice was submitted thereafter.
Milestone M5 – Target capture > 90% in 24 hours for at least three targets in blood or blood components. The milestone payment was $208,781. Management considers this milestone to be substantive as it was not dependent on the passage of time nor was it based solely on another party's efforts. We demonstrated that we were able to capture approximately 90% in 24 hours for at least three of the agreed targets in blood or blood components. The report was accepted by the contracting officer's representative and the invoice was submitted thereafter.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASE COMMITMENTS
We rented approximately 2,300 square feet of executive office space at 8910 University Center Lane, Suite 660, San Diego, CA 92122 at the rate of $6,475 per month on a four year lease that expired in September 2014. We continued leasing that space for the month of October and, effective November 1, 2014, moved into a new facility of approximately 2,576 square feet located at 9635 Granite Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92123 under a 39 month lease with an initial rental rate of $6,054 per month. We believe this new leased facility will be satisfactory for our office needs over the term of the lease.
We also rent approximately 1,700 square feet of laboratory space at 11585 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 109, San Diego, California 92121 at the rate of $3,917 per month on a one year lease that previously was scheduled to expire in October 2014 and was recently extended to in October 2015. We believe this new leased facility will be satisfactory for our laboratory needs over the term of the lease
Our Exosome Sciences, Inc. subsidiary rents approximately 2,055 square feet of office and laboratory space at 11 Deer Park Drive, South Brunswick, NJ at the rate of $3,596 per month on a one year lease that previously was scheduled to expire in October 2014 and was recently extended to in October 2015. We believe this new leased facility will be satisfactory for ESI’s operational needs over the term of the lease.
Rent expense approximated $84,000 and $68,000 for the six month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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LEGAL MATTERS
From time to time, claims are made against us in the ordinary course of business, which could result in litigation. Claims and associated litigation are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable outcomes could occur, such as monetary damages, fines, penalties or injunctions prohibiting us from selling one or more products or engaging in other activities.
The occurrence of an unfavorable outcome in any specific period could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for that period or future periods. Other than as mentioned here, we are not presently a party to any pending or threatened legal proceedings.
14. SEGMENTS
We operate our businesses principally through two reportable segments: Aethlon, which represents our therapeutic business activities, and ESI, which represents our diagnostic business activities. Our reportable segments have been determined based on the nature of the potential products being developed. ESI did not have any operations in the six months ended September 30, 2013.
Aethlon’s revenue is generated primarily from government contracts to date and ESI does not yet have any revenues. We have not included any allocation of corporate overhead to the ESI segment.
The following tables set forth certain information regarding our segments and other operations that conforms to the consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations presented in this Report:
Six Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||
Aethlon | $ | 530,371 | $ | 840,483 | ||||
ESI | – | – | ||||||
Total Revenues | $ | 530,371 | $ | 840,483 | ||||
Operating Losses: | ||||||||
Aethlon | $ | (1,294,453 | ) | $ | (1,013,592 | ) | ||
ESI | (445,674 | ) | – | |||||
Total Operating Loss | $ | (1,773,200 | ) | $ | (1,013,592 | ) | ||
Net Losses: | ||||||||
Aethlon | $ | (4,202,873 | ) | $ | (3,653,168 | ) | ||
ESI | (356,539 | ) | – | |||||
Net Loss Before Non-Controlling Interests | $ | (4,592,485 | ) | $ | (3,653,168 | ) | ||
Cash: | ||||||||
Aethlon | $ | 47,865 | $ | 8,754 | ||||
ESI | 478,322 | – | ||||||
Total Cash | $ | 526,187 | $ | 8,754 | ||||
Total Assets: | ||||||||
Aethlon | $ | 443,027 | $ | 411,190 | ||||
ESI | 646,242 | – | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,089,269 | $ | 411,190 | ||||
Capital Expenditures: | ||||||||
Aethlon | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
ESI | – | – | ||||||
Capital Expenditures | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
Depreciation and Amortization: | ||||||||
Aethlon | $ | 8,885 | $ | 4,727 | ||||
ESI | 9,791 | – | ||||||
Total Depreciation and Amortization | $ | 18,676 | $ | 4,727 | ||||
Interest Expense: | ||||||||
Aethlon | $ | 156,799 | $ | 216,502 | ||||
ESI | – | – | ||||||
Total Interest Expense | $ | 156,799 | $ | 216,502 |
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15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has evaluated events subsequent to September 30, 2014 through the date that the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for transactions and other events which may require adjustment of and/or disclosure in such financial statements.
Government Contracts
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we collected $247,361 under our DARPA contract, and under the Battelle subcontract we billed $9,595 and we collected $11,311.
Debt Reduction
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we paid off the remaining principal and interest balances on the two remaining July & August 2011 10% Convertible Notes, which had been classified as being in default, with cash payments totaling $382,748 (see Note 5).
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we paid off in full the outstanding principal balance and interest balance on the Law Firm Note with a cash payment of $50,000 and an issuance of 170,020 common shares (see Note 5).
Common Stock Issuances
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we issued 317,119 shares of common stock pursuant to our S-8 registration statement covering our Amended 2010 Stock Plan at an average price of $0.124 per share in payment for legal and scientific consulting services valued at $39,170 based on the value of the services provided.
Equity Unit Investments
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we issued and sold to eight accredited investors units (the “Units”) consisting of (a) one hundred thousand (100,000) restricted shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), at prices per share ranging from $0.105 to $0.114 and (b) a five-year warrant to purchase fifty thousand (50,000) shares of Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.154 to $0.167 per share (the “Unit Warrants”). In total, the investors purchased for cash an aggregate of $501,700 of Units. The investors acquired an aggregate of 4,506,250 shares of Common Stock and Unit Warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 2,253,125 shares of Common Stock.
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we issued to an accredited investor Units consisting of an aggregate of 1,835,798 shares of Common Stock and Unit Warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 1,837,798 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.103 per share. The Units were issued to the investor upon the conversion of an aggregate of $189,087 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under two promissory notes (the remaining October & November 2009 10% Convertible Note and the April 2010 10% Convertible Note – see Note 5) previously issued to the investor by the Registrant. The amounts converted represented the entire principal and interest outstanding under the notes and the notes held by that holder were retired.
Warrant Exercises and Issuance of New Warrants Upon Exercise
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we issued an aggregate of 5,671,119 shares of Common Stock and seven-year warrants (the “Exchange Warrants”) to issue up to an aggregate of 5,671,119 shares of Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.093 to $0.116 per share to eight accredited investors. One of the investors is Dr. Chetan Shah, a director of the Registrant. The Common Stock and Exchange Warrants were issued to the investors upon the cash exercise of previously issued warrants held by them. The investors paid an aggregate of $579,251 upon exercise of the previously outstanding warrants at exercise prices ranging from $0.093 to $0.115 per share. The foregoing transaction was privately negotiated with the group of participating warrant holders.
Note Conversions
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we issued an aggregate of 3,522,976 shares of Common Stock to two accredited investors upon the conversion of an aggregate of $147,965 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under promissory notes previously issued to the investors by the Registrant. The conversion price per share was $0.042
Warrant Exercises
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we issued an aggregate of 16,423,131 shares of Common Stock to three accredited investors upon the exercise of warrants previously issued with an exercise price of $0.042 per share. The warrants were exercised on a cashless or “net” basis. Accordingly, we did not receive any proceeds from such exercises. The cashless exercise of such warrants resulted in the cancellation of previously issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20,050,643 shares of Common Stock.
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Issuance of Convertible Notes
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we entered into a Subscription Agreement with two accredited investors providing for the issuance and sale of (i) convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $527,780 and (ii) five year warrants to purchase up to 2,356,160 shares of Common Stock at a fixed exercise price of $0.168 per share. The convertible promissory notes bear interest at the annual rate of 10% and mature on April 1, 2016. The aggregate gross cash proceeds to us were $415,000 after subtracting legal fees of $35,000; the balance of the principal amount of the notes represents a $27,780 due diligence fee and an original issuance discount. The convertible promissory notes are convertible at the option of the holders into shares of our common stock at a fixed price of $0.112 per share, for up to an aggregate of 4,712,321 shares of Common Stock. There are no registration requirements with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the notes or the warrants.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This item contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this Form 10-Q are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("the Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Aethlon Medical, Inc. ("we", "us" or "the Company") to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. Such potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, completion of our capital-raising activities, FDA approval of our products, other regulations, patent protection of our proprietary technology, product liability exposure, uncertainty of market acceptance, competition, technological change, and other risk factors detailed herein and in other of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Form 10-Q, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those projected in such forward-looking statements.
Overview
Aethlon Medical, Inc. ("Aethlon", the "Company", "we" or "us") is a medical device company focused on creating innovative devices that address unmet medical needs in cancer, infectious disease and other life-threatening conditions. At the core of our developments is the Aethlon ADAPT™ (Adaptive Dialysis-Like Affinity Platform Technology) system, a medical device platform that converges single or multiple affinity drug agents with advanced plasma membrane technology to create therapeutic filtration devices that selectively remove harmful particles from the entire circulatory system without loss of essential blood components.
In June 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approved our Investigational Device Exemption ("IDE") application to initiate a ten patient human clinical trial in one location in the United States. Successful outcomes of that human trial as well as at least one follow-on human trial will be required by the FDA in order to commercialize our products in the US. The regulatory agencies of certain foreign countries where we intend to sell this device will also require one or more human clinical trials.
Some of our patents may expire before we receive FDA approval to market our products in the United States or we receive approval to market our products in a foreign country. However, we believe that certain patent applications and/or other patents issued more recently will help protect the proprietary nature of the Hemopurifier(R) treatment technology.
In October 2013, our majority owned subsidiary, Exosome Sciences, Inc. (ESI), commenced operations with a focus on advancing exosome-based strategies to diagnose and monitor the progression of cancer, infectious disease and other life-threatening conditions.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB marketplace administered by the OTC Markets Group under the symbol "AEMD."
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act and must file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The reports, information statements and other information we file with the Commission can be inspected and copied at the Commission Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. The Commission also maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, like us, which file electronically with the Commission. Our headquarters are located at 9635 Granite Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. Our phone number at that address is (858) 459-7800. Our Web site is http://www.aethlonmedical.com.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
Revenues
We recorded government contract revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. This revenue arose from work performed under our government contract with DARPA and our subcontract with Battelle as follows:
Three Months Ended 9/30/14 | Three Months Ended 9/30/13 | Change in Dollars | ||||||||||
DARPA Contract | $ | 444,723 | $ | 613,143 | $ | (168,420 | ) | |||||
Battelle Subcontract | 34,352 | 31,744 | 2,608 | |||||||||
Total Government Contract Revenue | $ | 479,075 | $ | 644,887 | $ | (165,812 | ) |
DARPA Contract
We entered into a contract with the DARPA on September 30, 2011. Under the DARPA award, we have been engaged to develop a therapeutic device to reduce the incidence of sepsis, a fatal bloodstream infection that often results in the death of combat-injured soldiers. The award from DARPA was a fixed-price contract with potential total payments to us of $6,794,389 over the course of five years. Fixed price contracts require the achievement of multiple, incremental milestones to receive the full award during each year of the contract. Under the terms of the contract, we will perform certain incremental work towards the achievement of specific milestones against which we will invoice the government for fixed payment amounts.
Originally, only the base year (year one contract) was effective for the parties, however, DARPA subsequently exercised the option on the second, third and fourth years of the contract. DARPA has the option to enter into the contract for year five. The milestones are comprised of planning, engineering and clinical targets, the achievement of which in some cases will require the participation and contribution of third party participants under the contract. There can be no assurance that we alone, or with third party participants, will meet such milestones to the satisfaction of the government and in compliance with the terms of the contract or that we will be paid the full amount of the contract revenues during any year of the contract term. We commenced work under the contract in October 2011.
Due to budget restrictions within the Department of Defense, on February 10, 2014, DARPA reduced the scope of our contract in years three through five of the contract. The reduction in scope focused our research on exosomes, viruses and blood processing instrumentation. This scope reduction will reduce the possible payments under the contract by $858,491 over years three through five. We recently completed a re-budgeting of the expected costs on the remaining years of the DARPA contract based on the reduced milestones and have concluded that the reductions in our costs due to the scaled back level of work will almost entirely offset the anticipated revenue levels based on current assumptions.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014 we invoiced DARPA for three milestones totaling $444,723 while in the three months ended September 30, 2013, we invoiced DARPA for three milestones totaling $613,143.
Operating Expenses
Consolidated operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 were $1,080,267 in comparison with $874,683 for the comparable quarter a year ago. This increase of $205,584, or 23.5%, was due to increases in payroll and related expenses of $139,505 and increases in general and administrative expenses of $84,769, which were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $18,690.
The $139,505 increase in payroll and related expenses was primarily due to the ESI payroll of $137,257. Other factors were an increase in stock-based compensation of $14,980 and a decrease in cash-based compensation at Aethlon of $12,732.
The $84,769 increase in general and administrative expenses was due to general and administrative expenses at ESI of $45,986. We also had an increase of $56,617 in our non-DARPA-related general and administrative expenses. Those increases were partially offset by a decrease in our DARPA-related general and administrative expenses of $17,834.
The $18,690 decrease in our professional fees was due to a decrease in our DARPA-related professional fees of $48,188, which was partially offset by increases of $20,675 in ESI professional fees and of $8,823 of our non-DARPA-related professional fees.
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Other Expense
Other expense consists primarily of losses on extinguishment of debt, the change in the fair value of our derivative liability, other expense and interest expense. Other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was other expense of $287,001 in comparison with other expense of $3,119,874 for the comparable quarter a year ago.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Other
We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $65,493 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 that related to the conversion to equity of $45,906 in principal and accrued interest related to a note payable. The three months ended September 30, 2013 contained $17,467 in losses on debt conversion.
The three months ended September 30, 2014 also included a charge of $143,363 for the change in fair value related to the extension of the warrants of a note holder in exchange for a postponement in the agreed payment date of his notes.
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liability
We did not record a change in the fair value of derivative liabilities in the three months ended September 30, 2014. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the change in the estimated fair value of derivative liability was a loss of $2,992,002.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $78,145 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $110,405 in the corresponding prior period, a decrease of $32,260. The various components of our interest expense are shown in the following table:
Quarter Ended | Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
9/30/14 | 9/30/13 | Change | ||||||||||
Interest Expense | $ | 66,585 | $ | 108,723 | $ | (42,138 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs | 11,560 | – | 11,560 | |||||||||
Amortization of Note Discounts | – | 1,682 | (1,682 | ) | ||||||||
Total Interest Expense | $ | 78,145 | $ | 110,405 | $ | (32,260 | ) |
As noted in the above table, the most significant factor in the $32,260 decrease in interest expense was the $42,138 decrease in the interest expense that was primarily due to lower levels of notes outstanding in the 2014 period. Other smaller factors in the change in our total interest were an increase in the amortization of deferred financing costs of $11,560 and a $1,682 reduction in the amortization of note discounts.
Net Loss
As a result of the increased expenses noted above, our net loss before noncontrolling interests was approximately $888,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 compared to the net loss before noncontrolling interests of approximately $3,350,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2013.
Basic and diluted loss attributable to common stockholders were ($0.00) for the three month period ended September 30, 2014 compared to ($0.02) for the three month period ended September 30, 2013.
SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
Revenues
We recorded government contract revenue in the six months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. This revenue arose from work performed under our government contract with DARPA and our subcontract with Battelle as follows:
Six Months Ended 9/30/14 | Six Months Ended 9/30/13 | Change in Dollars | ||||||||||
DARPA Contract | $ | 444,723 | $ | 808,739 | $ | (364,016 | ) | |||||
Battelle Subcontract | 85,648 | 31,744 | 53,904 | |||||||||
Total Government Contract Revenue | $ | 530,371 | $ | 840,483 | $ | (310,112 | ) |
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DARPA Contract
We entered into a contract with the DARPA on September 30, 2011. Under the DARPA award, we have been engaged to develop a therapeutic device to reduce the incidence of sepsis, a fatal bloodstream infection that often results in the death of combat-injured soldiers. The award from DARPA was a fixed-price contract with potential total payments to us of $6,794,389 over the course of five years. Fixed price contracts require the achievement of multiple, incremental milestones to receive the full award during each year of the contract. Under the terms of the contract, we will perform certain incremental work towards the achievement of specific milestones against which we will invoice the government for fixed payment amounts.
Originally, only the base year (year one contract) was effective for the parties, however, DARPA subsequently exercised the option on the second, third and fourth years of the contract. DARPA has the option to enter into the contract for year five. The milestones are comprised of planning, engineering and clinical targets, the achievement of which in some cases will require the participation and contribution of third party participants under the contract. There can be no assurance that we alone, or with third party participants, will meet such milestones to the satisfaction of the government and in compliance with the terms of the contract or that we will be paid the full amount of the contract revenues during any year of the contract term. We commenced work under the contract in October 2011.
Due to budget restrictions within the Department of Defense, on February 10, 2014, DARPA reduced the scope of our contract in years three through five of the contract. The reduction in scope focused our research on exosomes, viruses and blood processing instrumentation. This scope reduction will reduce the possible payments under the contract by $858,491 over years three through five. We recently completed a re-budgeting of the expected costs on the remaining years of the DARPA contract based on the reduced milestones and have concluded that the reductions in our costs due to the scaled back level of work will almost entirely offset the anticipated revenue levels based on current assumptions.
During the six months ended September 30, 2014 we invoiced DARPA for three milestones totaling $444,723 while in the six months ended September 30, 2013, we invoiced DARPA for four milestones totaling $808,739.
Operating Expenses
Consolidated operating expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2014 were $2,303,571 in comparison with $1,854,075 for the comparable period a year ago. This increase of $449,496, or 24.2%, was due to increases in payroll and related expenses of $301,560, increases in professional fees of $58,853 and increases in general and administrative expenses of $89,083.
The $301,560 increase in payroll and related expenses was primarily due to the ESI payroll of $260,968. Other factors were an increase in stock-based compensation of $70,079 due to vesting of stock option grants while cash-based compensation at Aethlon decreased by $29,487 from the 2013 period.
The $58,853 increase in our professional fees was partially due to ESI professional fees of $87,719 and an increase of $69,269 for non-DARPA-related professional fees at Aethlon. Those increases at Aethlon were primarily due to a $71,432 increase in legal fees, largely due to increased patent-related activity. Those increases were offset by a decrease in DARPA-related professional fees of $98,135.
The $89,083 increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to general and administrative expenses at ESI of $96,987.
Other Expense
Other expense consists primarily of losses on extinguishment of debt, the change in the fair value of our derivative liability, other expense and interest expense. Other (income) expense for the six months ended September 30, 2014 was other expense of $2,819,285 in comparison with other expense of $2,639,576 for the comparable period a year ago.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Other
We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $2,531,123 for the six months ended September 30, 2014. That loss arose from the payments of accrued interest on our 12% Series A convertible notes that were in the form of units (common stock plus warrants) combined with a loss that related to the conversion to equity of $45,906 in principal and accrued interest related to a note payable. The three months ended September 30, 2013 contained $40,256 in losses on debt conversion.
The three months ended September 30, 2014 also included a charge of $143,363 for the change in fair value related to the extension of the warrants of a note holder in exchange for a postponement in the agreed payment date of his notes.
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liability
We did not record a change in the fair value of derivative liabilities in the six months ended September 30, 2014 and all derivative liabilities were extinguished as of June 30, 2014. For the six months ended September 30, 2013, the change in the estimated fair value of derivative liability was a loss of $2,382,877.
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Interest Expense
Interest expense was $144,799 for the six months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $216,443 in the corresponding prior period, a decrease of $71,644. The various components of our interest expense are shown in the following table:
Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
9/30/14 | 9/30/13 | Change | ||||||||||
Interest Expense | $ | 123,297 | $ | 211,865 | $ | (88,568 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs | 21,502 | 863 | 20,639 | |||||||||
Amortization of Note Discounts | – | 3,715 | (3,715 | ) | ||||||||
Total Interest Expense | $ | 144,799 | $ | 216,443 | $ | (71,644 | ) |
As noted in the above table, the most significant factor in the $71,644 decrease in interest expense was the $88,568 decrease in the interest expense that was primarily due to lower levels of notes outstanding in the 2014 period. Other smaller factors in the change in our total interest were an increase in the amortization of deferred financing costs of $20,639, which was partially offset by a reduction in the amortization of note discounts.
Net Loss
As a result of the increased expenses noted above, our net loss before noncontrolling interests for the six months ended September 30, 2014 was approximately $4,592,000 compared to approximately $3,653,000 for the six month period ended September 30 2013.
Basic and diluted loss attributable to common stockholders were ($0.02) for the six month period ended September 30, 2014 compared to ($0.02) for the period ended September 30, 2013.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At September 30, 2014, we had a cash balance of $526,187 and a working capital deficit of $2,495,767. This compares to a cash balance of $1,250,279 and a working capital deficit of $14,169,471 at March 31, 2014. Between October 1, 2014 and November 7, 2014, we raised aggregate proceeds of $1,080,951 through private equity transactions and raised $415,000 through the issuance of convertible notes. Over that same period, we collected $247,361 under our DARPA contract and under the Battelle subcontract we billed $9,595 and collected $11,311. Our cash at September 30, 2014 plus additional funds raised to date subsequent to September 30, 2014 are not sufficient to meet our funding requirements during the next twelve months. Significant additional financing must be obtained in order to provide a sufficient source of operating capital and to allow the Company to continue to operate as a going concern. In addition, we will need to raise capital to complete the recently approved human clinical trial in the U.S.
We do not expect revenue from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our funding requirements in the near term, and accordingly, our ability to continue operations and meet our cash obligations as they become due and payable is expected to depend for at least the next several years on our ability to sell securities, borrow funds or a combination thereof. Future capital requirements will depend upon many factors, including progress with pre-clinical testing and clinical trials, the number and breadth of our clinical programs, the time and costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining and enforcing patent claims and other proprietary rights, the time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory approvals, competing technological and market developments, as well as our ability to establish collaborative arrangements, effective commercialization, marketing activities and other arrangements. We expect to continue to incur increasing negative cash flows and net losses for the foreseeable future.
Should the U.S. Government elect not to exercise the options for year five of our DARPA contract, the effects may be material to us. The loss of revenues from the DARPA contract would have a material impact on our revenues, operating cash flows and liquidity.
Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
(In thousands) For the six months ended | ||||||||
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | |||||||
Cash (used in) provided by: | ||||||||
Operating activities | $ | (1,394 | ) | $ | (745 | ) | ||
Investing activities | – | – | ||||||
Financing activities | 670 | 628 | ||||||
Net (decrease) in cash | $ | (724 | ) | $ | (117 | ) |
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NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES. We used cash in our operating activities due to our losses from operations. Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $1,394,000 in the six months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $745,000 in the six months ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $649,000. The $649,000 increase was primarily due to our increased operating loss.
NET CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES. We did not have any investing activities during either period.
NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES. Net cash generated from financing activities increased from approximately $628,000 in the six months ended September 30, 2013 to $670,000 in the six months ended September 30, 2014. The only financing activity in the 2014 periods was the issuance of common stock, while in the 2013 period, financing activities included $400,000 in proceeds from the issuance of notes payable.
An increase in working capital during the six months ended September 30, 2014 in the amount of approximately $11,684,000 changed our negative working capital position to approximately ($2,496,000) at September 30, 2014 from a negative working capital of approximately ($14,169,000) at March 31, 2014. The most significant factors in the increase in working capital noted above were a decrease in derivative liability of approximately $10,679,000 and a reduction in the current portion of our convertible notes payable and notes payable of approximately $1,096,000.
At the date of this filing, we plan to invest significantly into purchases of our raw materials and into our contract manufacturing arrangement subject to successfully raising additional capital.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company to make a number of 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. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates and assumptions based upon historical experience and various other factors and circumstances. We believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances; however, actual results may differ from these estimates under different future conditions.
We believe that the estimates and assumptions that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, in that they require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, form the basis for the accounting policies deemed to be most critical to us. These critical accounting policies relate to revenue recognition, measurement of stock purchase warrants issued with notes payable, beneficial conversion feature of convertible notes payable, impairment of intangible assets and long lived assets, stock compensation, and the classification of warrant obligations, and evaluation of contingencies. We believe estimates and assumptions related to these critical accounting policies are appropriate under the circumstances; however, should future events or occurrences result in unanticipated consequences, there could be a material impact on our future financial condition or results of operations.
There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We have no obligations required to be disclosed herein as off-balance sheet arrangements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
As a Smaller Reporting Company as defined by rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this item.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of a date as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report.
Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and are not effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From time to time, claims are made against us in the ordinary course of business, which could result in litigation. Claims and associated litigation are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable outcomes could occur, such as monetary damages, fines, penalties or injunctions prohibiting us from selling one or more products or engaging in other activities.
The occurrence of an unfavorable outcome in any specific period could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for that period or future periods. Other than as set forth here, we are not presently a party to any pending or threatened legal proceedings.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
As a Smaller Reporting Company as defined by rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this item.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued the following securities which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We did not employ any form of general solicitation or advertising in connection with the offer and sale of the securities described below. In addition, we believe the purchasers of the securities are "ACCREDITED INVESTORS" for the purpose of Rule 501 of the Securities Act. For these reasons, among others, the offer and sale of the following securities were made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act:
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued 390,301 shares of restricted common stock at an average price of $0.24 per share in payment for investor relations consulting services valued at $75,000 based on the value of the services provided.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued 1,937,505 shares of restricted common stock to the holders of three convertible notes in exchange for the partial or full conversion of principal and interest in the aggregate amount of $81,375 at a conversion price of $0.042 per share.
On July 24, 2014, we issued an aggregate of 2,503,966 shares of restricted common stock and a seven-year warrant to issue up to 1,251,983 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.132 per share to Dr. Chetan Shah, a director. The common stock and warrant were issued to Dr. Shah upon the conversion of an aggregate of $220,349 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under a 10% Convertible Note previously issued to Dr. Shah by us on July 9, 2013.
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On September 17, 2014, we issued to the holder of the remaining 2008 10% Convertible Note units consisting of an aggregate of 478,188 shares of restricted common stock and unit warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 239,094 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.096 per share (see Note 5). The units were issued to the note holder upon the conversion of an aggregate of $45,906 of unpaid principal and accrued interest due under the promissory note, which represented the entire amount outstanding under the note. We recorded a loss on debt conversion of $65,493 on this transaction.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued to four investors 2,673,231 shares of restricted common stock through the cash exercise of eight warrants for $259,474 of cash at an average exercise price of approximately $0.10 per share. As an inducement to those investors, we issued them replacement warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 2,673,231 shares of common stock on the same terms as the warrants they exercised.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we issued and sold to three accredited investors units consisting of (a) one hundred thousand (100,000) restricted shares of our common stock, par value $.001 per share, at prices per share ranging from $0.091 to $0.094 and (b) a five-year warrant to purchase fifty thousand (50,000) shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.136 to $0.143 per share. In total, the investors purchased for cash an aggregate of $591,700 of units. The investors acquired an aggregate of 974,982 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 487,491 shares of common stock.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
As of the date of this report, various promissory and convertible notes payable in the aggregate principal amount of $473,422 have reached maturity and are past due. We are continually reviewing other financing arrangements to retire all past due notes. At September 30, 2014, we had accrued interest in the amount of $471,041 associated with these notes payable.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
We have no disclosure applicable to this item.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we entered into a Subscription Agreement with two accredited investors providing for the issuance and sale of (i) convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $527,780 and (ii) five-year warrants to purchase up to 2,356,160 shares of Common Stock at a fixed exercise price of $0.168 per share. The convertible promissory notes bear interest at the annual rate of 10% and mature on April 1, 2016. The aggregate gross cash proceeds to us were $415,000 after subtracting legal fees of $35,000; the balance of the principal amount of the notes represents a $27,780 due diligence fee and an original issuance discount. The convertible promissory notes are convertible at the option of the holders into shares of our common stock at a fixed price of $0.112 per share, for up to an aggregate of 4,712,321 shares of Common Stock.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
(a) Exhibits. The following documents are filed as part of this report:
3.1 | Articles of Incorporation of Aethlon Medical, Inc., as amended (1) |
3.2 | Bylaws of Aethlon Medical, Inc., as amended (2) |
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated July 8, 2014 (3) |
4.2 | Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated July 24, 2014 (4) |
4.3 | Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued August and September 2014 * |
4.4 | Form of Class A Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated November 6, 2014 * |
10.1 | Form of Restructuring Agreement dated July 8, 2014 (3) |
10.2 | Form of Subscription Agreement dated November 6, 2014 * |
10.3 | Form of Convertible Promissory Note dated November 6, 2014 * |
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act rules 13a- 14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act rules 13a- 14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
32.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
32.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
101 | Interactive Data Files |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |
101.SCH | XBRL Schema Document | |
101.CAL | XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB | XBRL Label Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE | XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document |
* Filed herewith.
(1) | Incorporated by reference to the filing of such exhibit with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012. |
(2) | Incorporated by reference to the filing of such exhibit with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012. |
(3) | Incorporated by reference to the filing of such exhibit with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 10, 2014. |
(4) | Incorporated by reference to the filing of such exhibit with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 28, 2014. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
AETHLON MEDICAL, INC. | |||
Date: November 10, 2014 | By: | /s/ JAMES B. FRAKES | |
JAMES B. FRAKES | |||
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | |||
CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER | |||
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