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APOGEE TECHNOLOGY INC - FORM 10-K - August 13, 2010
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
For the transition period from _____________to_________________.
APOGEE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission File No: 000-30656
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (781) 551-9450
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common stock, $.01 par value per share
Indicate by check mark whether the issuer is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act: Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (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 website, if any, every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the proceeding twelve months (or such shorter periods that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 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. (Check one)
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
State issuer’s revenue for the most recent year: $0
State the aggregate market value of the voting held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the stock was sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such stock, as of the specified date within the past 60 days. The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $4,903,877, based on the closing price of the stock on the Pink Sheets LLC on July 26, 2010.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Also, Apogee’s management may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing to investors, analysts, the media and others. Forward-looking statements express our expectations or predictions of future events or results. They are not guarantees and are subject to many risks and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events or results to be significantly different from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements might include one or more of the following:
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts or events. They use words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “opportunity”, “plan”, “potential”, “believe” or words of similar meaning. They may also use words such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, or “may”.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, we do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such statements. We intend that the forward-looking statements will be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E, as amended, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform such statements to actual results except as required by law. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. You should carefully consider all available information about Apogee before you make an investment decision. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties identified in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PART I
Corporate Overview
Apogee Technology, Inc., (“Apogee”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is developing PyraDerm™, a proprietary intradermal drug delivery system for vaccines and other pharmaceuticals that we intend to market to pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Until Mach 31, 2009, we were also engaged in the development of IntellaPAL™, a proprietary sensor-based health monitoring systems for the elderly care and other markets that we intended to manufacture and market to individuals and health organizations.
Our Life Science Group is developing PyraDerm, an advanced intradermal drug delivery system, to meet the needs of patients, health insurers, companies developing pharmaceuticals, as well as, governments and international health organizations. PyraDerm is designed to be a low-cost, effective, painless delivery system that can be self administered and easily stored while potentially providing pharmaceutical companies an extended patent position for their current drug formulations. We had previously demonstrated that PyraDerm system containing adjuvanted vaccine formulations is capable of improving the efficiency of immunization and providing a significant dose sparing effect in a relevant animal model. Technologies that reduce the required vaccine dose would allow faster and more efficient production of vaccines, which is especially important in case of vaccine shortages during epidemic emergencies, such as pandemic influenza. The results of these studies were published in 2009 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA serving as an important validation of our approach to intradermal vaccination. In 2009 we had to scale down research and development efforts due to financial constraints focusing on the proof-of-concept thermal stability studies of PyraDerm system and relevant formulations and certain efforts on the development of the production process. In these studies Apogee has been able to demonstrate the advantages of some of its systems compared to commonly used solution formulations. We believe that these findings on improved thermal stability are important for future development of PyraDerm as better shelf-life and lower dependence on temperature controlled distribution chains can be one of the critical advantages of our technology. The Company also continued to pursue patent applications related to its technology. Upon completion of our studies, if successful, we intend to pursue licensing and partnership agreements for multiple product applications with pharmaceutical, and medical device companies, and government and world health organizations interested in drug delivery systems and technologies.
In 2009, we closed down the operations of the Health Monitoring Product Group. Costs associated with this cessation of operations and terminations of related employees were not material.
Subject to additional funding, Apogee’s sole focus will remain on developing and growing the Life Science Group.
History
Apogee was organized as a Delaware corporation in 1987, and initially operated through its wholly owned subsidiary, Apogee Acoustics Incorporated, or Acoustics. Acoustics engineered, manufactured, and marketed high quality, high-end patented ribbon loudspeaker systems for use in home audio and video entertainment systems. This technology was considered so innovative that a pair of Apogee loudspeakers is on display at the Smithsonian Museum.
We discontinued our loudspeaker business in 1994 and utilized our audio experience on the development of the worlds’ first all-digital, high efficiency audio amplifier integrated circuits, or ICs, which we trademarked as Direct Digital Amplification or DDX®. We transitioned our business to take advantage of the patent we received in 1991 for related technology and to pursue the market opportunity created by the industry adoption of digital audio transmission, recording and playback. In 1999, we released our first DDX IC and subsequently released over twenty additional DDX ICs. In addition to our IC product sales, we also licensed DDX technology to several IC companies, including STMicroelectronics NV, or ST, one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies.
In May 2004, in order to expand our technology base and to further diversify our product and market opportunities, we acquired a portfolio of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems “(MEMS”) and nanotechnology intellectual property, trade secrets and know-how developed by Standard MEMS, Inc. MEMS are devices produced using high volume IC manufacturing techniques that include both electrical circuits and microscopic mechanical systems. During this time, we also hired employees from the former Standard MEMS, Inc. and established a MEMS Division that we subsequently consolidated into our Norwood headquarters. Since this acquisition, we have been using this acquired know-how plus additional technologies to develop MEMS and nanotechnology-based drug delivery and sensor products.
On October 5, 2005, we sold our audio IC business, including the DDX technology and the associated royalties from our license agreement with ST, to SigmaTel, Inc., or SigmaTel, for approximately $9.4 million plus a one-year earn-out that subsequently amounted to $383,000. After the sale, we reorganized our remaining MEMS division into two major business groups, the Medical Products Group and the Sensor Products Group. We also closed our sales offices in China, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong and terminated our agreements with our independent sales representatives and distributors. The Sensor Products Group was subsequently closed September 2008.
In 2008, all our revenue was derived from royalties received as a result of an agreement between Apogee and Freescale (formerly SigmaTel, Inc.) whereby Freescale agreed to pay Apogee a percentage of the royalties it received from ST in exchange for supporting their royalty negotiations with ST, as well as revenue from the sale of the remaining DDX inventory. Upon acceptance by Freescale of lower royalty payments, the arrangement agreed to between Freescale and Apogee in April 2008 was cancelled. No further revenue is expected under this arrangement. We expect future revenue, if any, will initially be the result of licensing and development-related revenues resulting from the grant of rights to our intellectual property. In order to support our operations, we intend to secure additional funding in 2010.
Since October 1, 2008, we have operated as a technology research and development-stage company, and have invested our resources substantially in the development of our Life Science Group.
Apogee maintains an Internet site at http://www.apogeebio.com. The information contained on our Internet site is not incorporated by reference in this report and should not be considered part of this report. Apogee’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, are available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Life Science Business Overview
Background
The drug delivery market is driven by the needs of patients, health insurers, companies developing pharmaceuticals, as well as governments and international health organizations. Patients desire drug delivery systems that are effective, inexpensive, easy to use, can be self applied, are painless, and do not require any special storage or handling. We believe that health insurers desire similar standards in drug delivery systems as well as reduction of treatment cost. If such goals are realized, the ancillary benefits could be higher efficacy, as a result of improved patient compliance, and wider self-administration, avoiding the cost and inconvenience of doctor or hospital visits. We believe pharmaceutical companies desire delivery systems that improve efficacy, are safe, reduce side effects and the associated liabilities, and have the potential to extend the patent life of drugs to protect market position. Similarly, we believe that both government and international health organizations desire low cost drug delivery systems that can be applied without the involvement of health care professionals and can be easily stored and distributed efficiently.
We believe that existing drug delivery technologies of parenteral (i.e. intra muscular, subcutaneous and intra venous injection), oral, nasal, and transdermal administration do not meet all of the needs or stated goals for existing and emerging therapies. For example, protein drugs do not lend themselves to oral delivery because of poor bioavailability. Consequently, these drugs are delivered parenterally by health care professionals resulting in increased costs and reduced patient compliance. Traditional transdermal patches cannot be used to deliver large molecule drugs because they will not penetrate the skin under normal conditions. In order to overcome this problem, drug delivery companies are developing active transdermal systems that use electrical forces (iontophoresis), chemical enhancers and microporation methods, which include: RF energy, lasers, thermal energy and microneedles.
PyraDerm Solution
Our PyraDerm delivery system consists of an array of microneedles incorporating a solid-state formulation that can be utilized to deliver drugs and vaccines into the skin. We apply micro-fabrication techniques to create our microneedle arrays using biocompatible materials. We have developed unique methodologies to incorporate solid state formulations into our microneedles. Our formulation is designed to work with various types of drugs and vaccines, improve drug or vaccine shelf-life, and to have a desired release profile, for example, to dissolve rapidly or in a prolonged manner, to meet specific drug delivery requirements.
We believe PyraDerm offers several advantages over competitive transdermal delivery technologies and non-transdermal systems for vaccines, small-dose high-potency protein drugs and other active ingredients. We also believe that our technology has the potential to enhance the delivery rate of certain small-molecule drugs compared to existing passive transdermal systems or patches. When compared with other active transdermal systems that utilize electrical/thermal/RF/laser energy or particle ablation, we believe our system will be lower in cost, safely disposable and will have the potential for self-administration. We believe our system has the potential to reduce or eliminate pain, safer to dispose and decrease the reliance on controlled temperature chain supply. In addition, our system may provide improved efficacy for vaccines. Compared to oral administration, our approach avoids the digestion system, thereby potentially reducing side effects, and improving the bioavailability for specific drugs.
We are developing novel solid microneedle systems containing formulations capable of releasing biologically active compounds in a controlled manner when applied to the skin. We currently have rights to patents and have filed patent applications concerning polymer formulations for use in targeted applications and related manufacturing processes. We believe that our microneedle technology can offer significant benefits. A summary of our system’s performance in previously conducted in vivo and in vitro studies along with important potential advantages is presented below.
We also believe that the design of our microneedles can provide additional simplifications and benefits to address the needs of patients, pharmaceutical companies, health insurers, government, and world health organizations.
Market Opportunities
We believe that the advantages of PyraDerm’s design, targeted intradermal delivery, self-administration and controlled release, may have particular benefits for the delivery of vaccines, small dose high potency protein based therapeutics and non-pharmaceutical ingredients as summarized below.
Vaccines: Today most vaccines are delivered by painful intramuscular injection, even though below the top layer of the skin are cells whose function is to facilitate the body’s protective immune response mechanism. PyraDerm is designed to deliver vaccines to the skin layer rich in such cells thereby potentially increasing efficacy over intramuscular injection. This targeted approach may have the potential to reduce the vaccine dose required for an effective immunization. In addition, new vaccines that currently do not meet efficacy requirements using an intramuscular injection may be viable using PyraDerm thus expanding market opportunities. Because our delivery system is designed for a possibility of self-administration, vaccines can be deployed rapidly to a large population in the event of a flu outbreak or a bioterrorism attack. We believe that the anticipated stability of our solid-state formulation will have benefits for the viability and utility of such vaccines.
The vaccine market is well established and is projected, by a leading research firm, to grow to $18.2 billion. We believe that emerging vaccines, such as for pandemic flu, cancer and bioterrorism, will be driving most of the vaccine market growth over the next 10 years. Over 80 million doses of flu vaccine are administered in the United States on an annual basis.
Protein/Polypeptide Drugs: Protein and polypeptide therapeutics are among the most effective treatments available today for certain diseases. These large molecule pharmaceuticals can be a challenge to deliver orally because they are usually inactivated during digestion and therefore are typically administered parenterally. The need for professional administration of these therapies is one of the challenges limiting their acceptance and market growth. For the protein drugs that only require a small dosage, PyraDerm may offer the following potential advantages:
There currently are more than 40 marketed peptide/protein based drugs for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, hepatitis and cancer. The total market for these therapies is expected to grow to $90 billion in the foreseeable future.
Government Regulation
Drug delivery products require FDA approval for many of the applications discussed above before they can be sold in the United States. If these products are marketed abroad, they will also be subject to export requirements as well as to regulation by foreign governments. The FDA administers the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the FFDCA, and has adopted regulations to administer the FFDCA. These regulations include policies that: i) govern the introduction of new medical devices, drugs, and excipients; ii) require observing certain standards and practices in the manufacture and labeling of medical devices; and iii) require medical device and drug companies to maintain certain records and report related deaths, serious injuries and certain malfunctions to the FDA. The FDA approval process can last several years before a product can be marketed and sold. Because of these regulations we have retained experienced FDA consultants to support our research and development efforts.
Our Business Strategy
Upon completion of in vitro and in vivo evaluation of PyraDerm, if successful, we intend to pursue licensing/development and partnership agreements with pharmaceutical companies, government and world health organizations. We do not intend to enter clinical trials with PyraDerm due to the significant cost and time associated with the FDA approval process. Under a licensing/development agreement with a pharmaceutical company, we would provide rights to our intellectual property for specific applications in exchange for license fees, milestone payments and/or royalties tied to product sales. Under a partnership agreement, we would jointly invest in the product development and share on some basis the resulting revenues. We may also sell the rights to our technologies for specific applications.
Competition
As presented above, we believe that we are positioned to compete effectively in the drug delivery marketplace. However, our major competitors are substantially larger and have financial resources significantly greater than our own. Companies developing similar drug delivery technologies include 3M Company, Zosano Pharma, Becton Dickinson and Company and Corium International Incorporated.
Business Operations
Research and Development
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we spent approximately $703,000 primarily to support our Life Science Group and to a lesser extent our former Health Monitoring Group. As of March 31, 2009 we closed down the operations of our Health Monitoring Product Group. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we spent approximately $1.6 million on research and development, or R&D, activities to support our Life Science Group and to a limited extent our Health Monitoring Product Group. At March 31, 2009, we recorded a patent impairment charge of approximately $17,000. These patent applications were related to our Health Monitoring Group which was closed down as of March 31, 2009. At December 31, 2008 we recorded a patent impairment charge of approximately $188,000 to reflect a decline in valuation of certain patent applications due to a technology decision we made subsequent to year end. If we are able to secure additional financing to support our operations and repay our existing indebtness, we anticipate that we will continue to commit resources to research and development activities as our financial position allows, and as a result, R&D costs are expected to increase substantially in the future.
Intellectual Property
Our policy is to protect the technology important to the success of our business by filing and pursuing U.S. patent applications and, where appropriate, corresponding foreign patent applications. We continued with an exclusive license agreement with the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, which grants us exclusive rights to a patent application and know-how related to the design and manufacturing of microneedle-based drug delivery systems. Previously, we have filed patent applications related to our microneedle technology to protect rights for microneedle formulations with improved coating efficiency, methods and systems for precise dose control.
Marketing and Sales
If our products reach commercialization phase, we intend to add business development management to market our technology.
Manufacturing and Quality
We are developing manufacturing methods to produce and to apply drugs in a controlled manner to our micro-needle designs. We believe these methods are scalable and compatible with the pharmaceutical industry. We have also worked with FDA consultants to help us develop our technologies to meet regulatory requirements.
Environmental Laws and Regulations
We operate a formulation and analytical laboratory at our headquarters in Norwood, MA. This laboratory supports our Life Science Group and, as a result, we use materials, from time to time, that are potentially biologically hazardous. These materials are segregated and handled in accordance with specific procedures that minimize the potential exposure for our employees. Such materials are disposed of in accordance with specific accepted safety procedures. The costs of compliance with these procedures are not significant.
Scientific Advisory Board
Our Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of scientists who provide specific expertise on a consulting basis, except for Dr. Andrianov who is an employee of Apogee. The Scientific Advisory Board assists us on issues related to fundamental technologies, product development, potential applications and clinical testing. Its members, and their affiliations and area of expertise, include:
* Although the contract agreements with these members have expired, certain members continue to confer with the Company on technical and scientific issues.
Employees
As of December 31, 2009, Apogee had 6 full-time and 2 part-time employees, including 4 in research and development and 4 in general and administration. This compares to 4 full-time and 9 part-time employees, including 9 in research and development and 4 in general and administration as of December 31, 2008. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement, nor have we experienced work stoppages. It is our belief that relations with our employees are good.
Executive Officers of the Company
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of Apogee Technology as of December 31, 2009. All officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Herbert M. Stein has served as Apogee’s Chief Executive Officer since January 2001. Mr. Stein has been a Director of the Company since 1996 and has been Chairman of the Board since January 2000. Mr. Stein was Chief Executive Officer of Organogenesis, Inc from 1987 through 1999 and was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Organogenesis from 1991 through 1999.
Mr. Paul J. Murphy joined Apogee in June 2005 in the role of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, including the responsibilities of the Company’s Principal Accounting Officer. Prior to joining Apogee, from June 2004 to June 2005, Mr. Murphy was an independent contractor with JH Cohn, LLP, an accounting firm, working on engagements with public companies to design, assess and test controls for compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. From March 2002 until June 2004, Mr. Murphy worked as a self-employed consultant for companies on short-term projects of the type ordinarily undertaken by a Chief Financial Officer. From February 1999 through January 2002, Mr. Murphy was the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Artel Video Systems, Inc., a video networking technology-company. Previous to 1999, Mr. Murphy worked as a Chief Financial Officer with four companies, three of which were publicly traded issuers.
WE REQUIRE ADDITONAL CAPITAL TO CONTINUE OPERATIONS AND HAVE A HISTORY OF LOSSES AND EXPECT FUTURE LOSSES.
As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately $4,700 cash, a stockholders’ deficiency of approximately $6.0 million, an accumulated deficit of approximately $25.1 million and a working capital deficit of approximately $6.1 million. We had a net loss of approximately $2.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, compared to a net loss of $4.0 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
We have substantial debt and interest obligations and expect to incur additional debt to the extent available, to maintain our operations. As of July 28, 2010 and subsequent to the conversion of $585,000 of promissory notes into 585,000 shares of Apogee Common Stock at $1.00 per share, we had approximately $2.9 million in promissory notes and loans outstanding to a significant shareholder, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, individual investors and others.. These promissory notes are payable upon demand, not subject to any premium or penalty for prepayment, bear simple interest of 8% or for JAZFund LLC 12% per annum until maturity. An additional 4% interest compounded monthly is charged on all post-maturity notes. We are currently in default on substantially all of the promissory notes.
We have large unpaid balances with professional. We are currently in arrears with loan and interest payments and a majority of our vendors.
As of March 31, 2009 and October 13, 2009, respectively, Apogee’s Directors and Officers Liability Insurance and other business insurance were cancelled due to non-payment and the Company maybe required to pay uninsured losses and/or cease operations due to these potential uninsured losses.
On October 28, 2009, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which states the staff’s intent to recommend that the Commission institute a public administrative proceeding against the Company, alleging that it violated Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 due to failure to timely file periodic reports in 2009.
In connection with the contemplated proceedings, the Staff may seek a suspension or revocation of each class of the Company’s registered securities. Also, the Staff may consider whether contempt proceedings in a federal district court are appropriate. The Company submitted a response to this letter on November 16, 2009. Should suspension or revocation of registration of our stock occur, the Company’s ability to raise additional funding may be severely impacted. On December 18, 2009 we filed our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our 2009 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009 in January 2010.
As noted above, the Company, on December 18, 2009, filed its delinquent financial report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. This report contained a by its Independent Accountants due to significant uncertainty as to the Company’s ability to be a going concern. On April 16, 2010 the SEC issued an Order for an Administrative Hearing based on a claim that the filing as well as Form 10-Q’s for the first three quarters of 2009, which had been filed on January 15, 2010, were materially deficient due to the Disclaimer of Opinion and thus the filings remained delinquent. The Disclaimer of Opinion was removed on a subsequent filing. The Company was also delinquent on its Form 10-K for the Year ended December 31, 2009. An Order of Suspension of trading in the Company’s securities was enacted at that time. The Company also did not file its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
The SEC and the Company subsequently entered into a Settlement agreement without the above mentioned Hearing, under which the Company would file all its delinquent filings with out a material deficiency by a mutually agreed date. Failure to do so would activate an Order to revoke the ability for the Company’s securities to trade on an exchange.
Even if we are able to secure additional financing to support our operations and repay our existing indebtness, our ability to generate future revenue and achieve profitability depends on a number of factors, many of which are described throughout this risk factor section, including our ability to develop and generate revenues from the sales of our medical device products, which are at a very early stage of development. We cannot assure when, if ever, we will generate meaningful revenues from the sales of these products under development. If we are unable to generate revenue or obtain financing, our share price will likely decline and we may be forced to liquidate.
IF OUR ATTEMPTS TO SECURE ADDITIONAL FINANCING ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL, WE WILL BE REQUIRED TO CEASE OR CURTAIL OUR OPERATIONS, OR OBTAIN FUNDS ON UNFAVORABLE TERMS. THESE FACTORS CREATE A SUBSTANTIAL DOUBT ABOUT OUR ABILITY TO CONTINUE AS A GOING CONCERN.
Our available resources are already not sufficient, without additional sources of financing, to continue our business, and we expect to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future. Consequently, in order to maintain our operations, which we have already curtailed substantially, we will need to access additional equity or debt. Securing financing is proving even more difficult than anticipated in light of the current global economic crisis and the turmoil impacting global financial markets. These factors create a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. In light of our negative stockholders’ equity, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the necessary additional capital on a timely basis or on acceptable terms, if at all, to continue our operations and, to the extent available, to fund the development of our business. In any of such events, the continuation of our operations would be materially and adversely affected and we may have to cease conducting business.
As noted above, Apogee is in the process of attempting to secure sufficient financing to continue operations. In the interim, short-term debt financing provided by Apogee’s significant shareholders, including our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mr. David Spiegel, as well as Mr. Robert Schacter, et al and others, is being utilized to preserve our intellectual property, maintain our technical capabilities and know-how, and support our technology development in accordance with our licensing agreement. Additionally, cost cutting measures, including salary reduction for non-PyraDerm employees, discontinuation of sensor development, deferral of capital expenditures, non-payment of professional and other services providers and reduced general spending have been instituted until such time as financing is secured, if ever. If we are unable to obtain financing, we may be required to further curtail our operations or cease conducting business. Given our current level of debt, we do not expect that our stockholders would receive any proceeds if we declare bankruptcy or seek to liquidate the Company. In 2009, Apogee closed down operations of the Health Monitoring Product Group. Costs associated with this cessation of operations as well as the termination of employees associated with this Group were not material.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH LAWS AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO OPERATE OUR BUSINESS.
Some of our activities are regulated by federal and state statutes and government agencies. The expected manufacturing, processing, formulation, packaging, labeling, distribution and advertising of our products, and disposal of waste products arising from these activities, maybe subject to regulation by one or more federal agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, the Drug Enforcement Agency, which we refer to as the, DEA, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, as well as by foreign governments and their in country agencies where we distribute some of our products.
Noncompliance with applicable FDA policies or requirements could subject us to enforcement actions, such as suspensions of manufacturing or distribution, seizure of products, product recalls, fines, criminal penalties, injunctions, failure to approve pending drug product applications or withdrawal of product marketing approvals, if previously received. Similar civil or criminal penalties could be imposed by other government agencies, such as the DEA, the EPA or various agencies of states and localities. These enforcement actions, if they were to occur, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The FDA has the authority and discretion to withdraw approvals and review the regulatory status of marketed products at any time. For example, the FDA may require an approved marketing application for any drug product marketed if new information reveals questions about a drug’s safety or efficacy. All drugs must be manufactured in conformity with current Good Manufacturing Practices and drug products subject to an approved application must be manufactured, processed, packaged, held and labeled in accordance with information contained in the approved application.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO LICENSE OUR TECHNOLOGY OR OBTAIN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, IN WHICH CASE WE WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY LIMITED IN OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUE FROM OUR DRUG DELIVERY TECHNOLOGIES
In order to potentially commercialize our drug delivery technologies, we intend to pursue licensing, development and partnership agreements with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, as the cost to develop and obtain regulatory approval for drug delivery products is high and there may be a need to get access or license additional technology components, such as vaccine antigens, adjuvants, or drugs. If we are unable to complete agreements with potential partners or we are unable to raise sufficient funds to commercialize our products, ourselves we may not be able to receive a return on our investment in our drug delivery technologies.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO LICENSE THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF OTHER ENTITIES
In order to enhance the impact of our products in the market place, it will be necessary to incorporate the Intellectual property of other firms. We may not be able to obtain this technology on reasonable economic terms and thus our product offerings would be adversely affected.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO HIRE OR RETAIN KEY PERSONNEL, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPERATE OUR BUSINESS SUCCESSFULLY.
We may not be successful in recruiting and retaining executive officers and other key management and technical personnel. Because competition for highly skilled technical personnel is so intense, companies in Apogee’s industry are subject from time to time to complaints brought by competitors alleging interference with contractual relations or wrongful hiring of employees. Such lawsuits may be costly, may divert management attention and resources from the operation of our business, and may therefore adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the loss of the management and technical expertise of our senior management could seriously harm us. Our employees may also be recruited away from us by our competitors. We do not have in place employment contracts for members of our senior management, including the Chief Financial Officer and our Vice President of Research and Development.
WE DO NOT HAVE MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES, AND AS A RESULT, WE WILL RELY ON OUTSIDE MANUFACTURERS TO PRODUCE OUR PRODUCTS.
We have no manufacturing capabilities to produce our potential products. Accordingly, we utilize outside manufacturers, assembly and in some cases test companies to produce and qualify our potential products. There are significant risks associated with our reliance on these manufacturers that can adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. These risks include:
OUR MARKETS ARE SUBJECT TO RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE; THEREFORE, OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTS IN A TIMELY FASHION.
The life cycle of the technology and any future products developed by us may be limited by the emergence of new products and technologies, changes in customer preferences and other factors. Our future performance will depend on our ability to consistently:
We may not succeed in developing and marketing new products that respond to technological and competitive developments and changing customer needs, and such products may not gain market acceptance or be incorporated into the technology or products of third parties. Any significant delay or failure to develop new enhanced technologies, including new product offerings, and any failure of the marketplace to accept any new technology and product offerings would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN FDA OR FOREIGN REGULATORY APPROVAL FOR OUR PRODUCTS IN A TIMELY MANNER, OR AT ALL, WHICH COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR ABILITY TO SELL AND MARKET OUR MEDICAL DEVICE PRODUCTS.
Drug delivery systems that we may develop in the future cannot be sold in the United States until the FDA approves such products for medical use. Similar foreign regulatory approvals will be needed in order to sell any drug delivery system outside of the U.S. We may not or any of our potential partners may not be able to obtain FDA or foreign regulatory approval for products incorporating our technologies, in a timely manner, or at all. Delays in obtaining FDA or foreign approvals could result in substantial additional costs to us, and, therefore, could adversely affect our ability to compete with other drug delivery companies. If we do not obtain such approvals at all, our revenues may be insufficient to support continuing operations.
OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUE WILL BE HARMED IF WE ARE UNABLE TO MARKET OUR PRODUCTS.
We face challenges in persuading manufacturers and customers to adopt our products based upon new technologies. In order to adopt our products, customers and their development staff must understand and accept our new technology. In addition, our products may be more expensive or difficult to use for some applications than products based on traditional technologies. For these reasons, prospective customers may be reluctant to adopt our products.
COMPETITION IN THE MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY COULD PREVENT US FROM ACHIEVING PROFITABILITY.
The medical device industry is highly competitive, and we expect the intensity of the competition to increase. Our competitors have greater financial, technical, research, marketing, sales, distribution, service and other resources than we do. Moreover, our competitors may offer broader product lines and have greater name recognition than we do, and may offer discounts as a competitive tactic, forcing intense pricing pressure on our potential products. In addition, several development-stage companies are currently creating or developing technologies and products that compete with or are being designed to compete with our technologies and products. Our competitors may develop or market technologies or products that are more effective or more commercially attractive than our current products candidates or future products, or that may render our technologies or products less competitive or obsolete. Accordingly, if competitors introduce superior technologies or products and we cannot make enhancements to our technologies and products necessary for them to remain competitive, our competitive position, and in turn, our business, revenues and financial condition, will be seriously harmed.
OUR COMPLIANCE WITH THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT AND SEC RULES CONCERNING INTERNAL CONTROLS MAY BE TIME-CONSUMING, DIFFICULT AND COSTLY FOR US.
We expect that it will be time-consuming and costly for us to maintain the internal controls and reporting procedures required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We may need to hire additional financial reporting, internal controls and other finance staff in order to develop and implement appropriate internal controls and reporting procedures. If we are unable to comply with the internal controls requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may not be able to obtain the independent accountant certifications that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires publicly-traded companies to obtain if applicable.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROTECT OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION.
Our business depends, in part, on our ability to protect our intellectual property. We rely primarily on patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws to protect our proprietary technologies. We cannot be sure that such measures will provide meaningful protection for our proprietary technologies and processes. We cannot be sure that any existing or future patents will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or that any rights granted thereunder would provide us meaningful protection. The failure of any patents to provide protection to our technology would make it easier for our competitors to offer similar products.
We also generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and strategic partners, and generally control access to and distribution of our documentation and other proprietary information. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technology without authorization, develop similar technology independently or design around our patents. In addition, effective copyright, trademark and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain foreign countries in which we operate.
WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS DISPUTES, WHICH THAT COULD DIVERT MANAGEMENT’S ATTENTION AND COULD BE COSTLY.
The medical device industry is characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights. From time to time, we may receive notices of claims of infringement, misappropriation or misuse of other parties’ proprietary rights. We cannot be sure that we will prevail in these actions, or that other actions alleging infringement by us of third-party patents, misappropriation or misuse by us of third-party trade secrets or the invalidity of one or more patents held by us will not be asserted or prosecuted against us, or that any assertions of infringement, misappropriation or misuse or prosecutions seeking to establish the invalidity of our patents will not seriously harm our business. For example, in a patent or trade secret action, an injunction could be issued against us requiring that we withdraw particular future products from the market or necessitating that specific products offered for sale or under development be redesigned.
Irrespective of the validity or successful assertion of various claims of infringement, misappropriation or misuse of other parties’ proprietary rights, we would likely incur significant costs and diversion of our management and personnel resources with respect to the defense of such claims, which could seriously harm our business. If any claims or actions are asserted against us, we may seek to obtain a license under a third party’s intellectual property rights. We cannot be sure that under such circumstances a license would be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Moreover, we often incorporate the intellectual property of our strategic customers into our designs, and we have certain obligations with respect to the non-use and non- disclosure of such intellectual property. We cannot be sure that the steps taken by us to prevent our or our customers’ misappropriation or infringement of the intellectual property will be successful.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK
AS WE ARE NO LONGER TRADED ON AN EXCHANGE, BLUE-SKY LAWS MAY LIMIT RESALES AND TRADING OF OUR COMMON STOCK, WHICH COULD REDUCE LIQUITIY AND YOUR ABILITY TO SELL OUR COMMON STOCK.
Under the National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, the resale of our common stock may be exempt from state registration requirements as a result of the exemption provided for ordinary brokerage transactions where the parties have not been solicited by the broker-dealer or in some circumstances because we will file periodic and annual reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. However, states are permitted to require notice filings and collect fees with regard to these transactions and a state may suspend the offer and sale of common stock within such state if any such required filing is not made or fee is not paid. As of the date of this Annual Report, we are not current with our filings therefore we are not entitled to exemptions for Blue Sky laws. As of the date of the Annual Report, we have sought no exemptions.
WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO HAVING OUR COMMON STOCK SUSPENSED AND THE REGISTRATION OF OUR COMMON STOCK REVOCKED.
On October 28, 2009, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which states the staff’s intent to recommend that the Commission institute a public administrative proceeding against the Company, alleging that it violated Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In connection with the contemplated proceedings, the staff may seek a suspension or revocation of each class of the Company’s registered securities. Also, the staff may consider whether contempt proceedings in a federal district court are appropriate. The Company submitted a response to this letter on November 16, 2009. Should suspension or revocation of registration of our stock occur, the Company’s ability to raise additional funding may be severely impacted.
On December 18, 2009 we filed our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our 2009 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009 in January 2010.-
As noted above, the Company, on December 18, 2009, filed its delinquent financial report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. This report contained a Disclaimer of Opinion by its Independent Accountants due to significant uncertainty as to the Company’s ability to be a going concern. The Disclaimer of Opinion was removed on a subsequent filing. On April 16, 2010 the SEC issued an Order for an Administrative Hearing based on a claim that the filing as well as Form 10-Q’s for the first three quarters of 2009, which had been filed on January 15, 2010, were materially deficient due to the Disclaimer of Opinion and thus the filings remained delinquent. The Company was also delinquent on its Form 10-K for the Year ended December 31, 2009. An Order of Suspension of trading in the Company’s securities was enacted at that time.
The SEC and the Company subsequently entered into a Settlement agreement without the above mentioned Hearing, under which the Company would file all its delinquent filings without a material deficiency by a mutually agreed date. Failure to do so would activate an Order to revoke the ability for the Company’s securities to trade on an exchange.
WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO “PENNY STOCK” RULES AND THESE REGULATIONS MAY LIMIT THE LIQUIDITY OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
Our common stock was listed on the AMEX until December 2007. On January 23, 2008, we announced that our shares were being quoted on the Over–the-Counter Bulletin Board® or OTCBB, under the symbol “ATCS.OB”. Since May 2009, our stock was listed on the Pink Sheets, LLC under the symbol “ATCS.PK. As a result of an “Order of Suspension of Trading” from the SEC, our common stock was suspended from trading from April 16, 2010 through April 29, 2010. Currently, Apogee has extremely limited trading in the over the counter market and is deemed a "Grey Market" security.
The SEC has promulgated rules governing over-the-counter trading in penny stocks, defined generally as securities trading below $5 per share that are not quoted on a securities exchange or which do not meet other substantive criteria. Under these rules, our common stock is currently classified as a penny stock. As a penny stock, our common stock is currently subject to rules promulgated by the SEC that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that might sell such securities to persons other than established customers and institutional accredited investors. For transactions covered by the rule, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale. Further, if the price of the stock is below $5 per share and the issuer does not have $2.0 million or more net tangible assets or is not listed on a registered national securities exchange, sales of such stock in the secondary trading market are subject to certain additional rules promulgated by the SEC. These rules generally require, among other things, that brokers engaged in secondary trading of penny stocks provide customers with written disclosure documents, monthly statements of the market value of penny stocks, disclosure of the bid and asked prices, and disclosure of the compensation to the broker-dealer and the salesperson working for the broker-dealer in connection with the transaction. If a trading market for our common stock develops, these rules and regulations may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock, thereby effectively limiting the liquidity of our common stock. These rules may also adversely affect the ability of persons that acquire our common stock to resell their securities in any trading market that may exist at the time of such intended sale.
ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK COULD MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK AND ANY EXPANSION OR SALES OPPORTUNITIES.
We may be required to issue a series of preferred stock for continued funding of operations. The issuance of any preferred stock could materially adversely affect the rights of the holders of shares of our common stock and, therefore, could reduce the value of the common stock. In addition, specific rights granted to holders of preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell our assets to, a third party. The ability of the Board of Directors to issue preferred stock could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, discouraging, preventing, or rendering more costly an acquisition of us or a change in control of us, hereby preserving our control by the current stockholders.
FACTORS UNRELATED TO OUR BUSINESS COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
The stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many technology companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. We expect that the market price of our common stock will fluctuate. These fluctuations may be exaggerated if the trading volume of our common stock is low. In addition, due to the technology-intensive nature of our business, the market price for our common stock may rise and fall in response to various factors, including:
In addition, market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions, interest rate changes or international currency fluctuations, may negatively impact the market price of our Common stock.
NEITHER OUR DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES NOR OUR INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING CAN PREVENT ALL ERRORS OR FRAUD.
Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting could prevent all errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system will be attained. Furthermore, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all misstatements due to error or fraud, if any, may occur and not be detected on a timely basis. These inherent limitations include the possibility that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of errors or mistakes. Our controls and procedures can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls.
The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Furthermore, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
While we seek to design our controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our periodic filings is timely disclosed, these inherent limitations expose us to breakdowns in such controls and procedures.
Apogee rents approximately 5,000 square feet of office space at 129 Morgan Drive, Norwood, Massachusetts from an entity controlled by a major stockholder. See Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements – Related Party Transactions. The lease for this office space expired on December 31, 2005. Currently, Apogee is renting this facility on a month-to-month basis and believes that this rent is at or below market rate. Rent has been accrued and remains unpaid since September 2008.
From time to time, we may be a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. If and when these proceedings arise, we are committed to vigorously defending ourselves in any such legal actions.
An investigation by the Security and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which the Company first became aware of in May 2005, was ongoing in 2008. The subject matter of this investigation is the Company's prior revenue recognition practices that were addressed in the Company's restatement of its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as amended, Apogee’s Audit Committee, with the assistance of independent counsel, conducted an investigation into Apogee’s historical accounting practices that resulted in the implementation of remedial actions. See our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004, as amended, for detail regarding the restatement.
In July 2008, Apogee, it’s Chief Executive Officer and other employees received notifications from the Staff of the SEC relating to the Staff's 2005 investigation. These notifications, known as “Wells Notices,” stated that the Staff is considering recommending that the Commission bring enforcement actions against the Company and certain employees, based on alleged violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws, including Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act, and Rules 12b-20, 13a-1 and 13a-13 thereunder. The Wells Notice sent to the Company indicated that in any action actually brought against the Company, the Staff would seek an injunction against future violations of the federal securities laws as relief.
On May 19, 2009, the SEC settled the enforcement action with the Company, one employee, and one former employee (“Others”). Each of the Defendants has agreed to settle this matter, without admitting or denying the allegations of the SEC’s complaint. Apogee and Others agreed to the entry of a final judgment permanently enjoining them from violating or aiding and abetting violations of Sections of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Sections of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and various Rules thereunder. Others also agreed to financial and other sanctions.
In addition, we incurred legal fees associated with the indemnification costs in connection with the civil action styled Joseph Shamy vs. Herbert M. Stein Case No.: 50 2005 CA 007719 XXXXMB. In this action instituted in the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida (the "Court), Joseph Shamy sued Herbert M. Stein, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Apogee in connection with Shamy’s purchase of Apogee shares in 2003 and 2004. In February 2009, in connection with a settlement, the Court entered a Final Judgment against Mr. Stein. In early January 2010, a filing was made with the Court to memorialize the Total and Complete Satisfaction of Judgment, which states that all sums due under the civil action were fully paid and that the Final Judgment was satisfied and canceled. Further, the Clerk of the Court was directed to note satisfaction of the Final Judgment and cancellation of all judgments of record in this action. Apogee was not a party to the aforementioned settlement or the satisfaction of the Final Judgment. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10K.
Due to its financial condition, the Company had been unable to fund payments to its independent auditors as well as its financial printer. Accordingly, it did not timely file its 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009, and September 30, 2009. Additionally, we did not file timely Current Reports on a Form 8-K and reports under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Subsequently, during the fourth quarter of 2009, we paid the outstanding balance to our auditors and filed our Annual Report on 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 on December 18, 2009.
On October 28, 2009, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the Staff of the SEC, which stated the Staff’s intent to recommend that the SEC institute a public administrative proceeding against the Company, alleging that it violated Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended for failing to file its 2008 Form 10-K and other periodic reports.
In connection with the contemplated proceedings, the Staff may seek a suspension or revocation of each class of the Company’s registered securities. Also, the Staff may consider whether contempt proceedings in a federal district court are appropriate. The Company submitted a response to this letter on November 16, 2009. Should suspension or revocation of registration of our stock occur, the Company’s ability to raise additional funding may be severely impacted. On December 18, 2009 we filed our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our 2009 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009 in January 2010.
As noted above, the Company, on December 18, 2009, filed its delinquent financial report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. This report contained a Disclaimer of Opinion by its Independent Accountants due to significant uncertainty as to the Company’s ability to be a going concern. On April 16, 2010 the SEC issued an Order for an Administrative Hearing based on a claim that the filing as well as Form 10-Q’s for the first three quarters of 2009, which had been filed on January 15, 2010, were materially deficient due to the Disclaimer of Opinion and thus the filings remained delinquent. The Disclaimer of Opinion was removed on a subsequent filing. The Company was also delinquent on its Form 10-K for the Year ended December 31, 2009. An Order of Suspension of trading in the Company’s securities was enacted at that time. The Company also did not file its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
The SEC and the Company subsequently entered into a Settlement agreement without the above mentioned Hearing, under which the Company would file all its delinquent filings with out a material deficiency by a mutually agreed date. Failure to do so would activate an Order to revoke the ability for the Company’s securities to trade on an exchange.
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the year ended December 31, 2009.
PART II
Market Information
After exhausting the appeals process with the American Stock Exchange, or AMEX, and pursuant to the final hearing with the Listings Qualifications Panel of the American Stock Exchange, we were notified on January 30, 2008 that the Listings Qualification Panel upheld their decision to cease the continued listing of our stock. We immediately began the transitioning process to the OTC Bulletin Board® and/or the Pink Sheets© LLC until April 2010. .
For a short period of time following the delisting, we were traded solely on the Pink Sheets, however, on January 23, 2008, we announced that our shares were being quoted on the Over–the-Counter Bulletin Board® or OTCBB, under the symbol “ATCS.OB”. Our stock was listed on the Pink Sheets, LLC under the symbol “ATCS.PK from May 2009 until April 2010. As a result of an “Order of Suspension of Trading” from the SEC, our common stock was suspended from trading from April 16, 2010 through April 29, 2010. Currently, Apogee has extremely limited trading in the over the counter market and is deemed a "Grey Market" security. See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for the Common stock as reported by the Pink Sheets from January 2, 2008 to December 31, 2009.
On December 31, 2009 the last sales price of our common stock was $1.05 per share.
Penny Stock Regulations
Our stock is presently regulated as a penny stock and broker-dealers will be subject to such regulations that impose additional requirements on us and on broker-dealers that want to publish quotations or make a market in our common stock.
Holders
As of July 20, 2010, there were approximately 59 registered holders of record of Apogee’s common stock. This number does not include “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
None
Default Upon Securities
As of December 31, 2009, $2,649,900 was in default and accruing post-maturity interest. The promissory notes listed below now bear interest at 12% with the exception of one promissory note which now bears interest at 16%, the interest after maturity, are payable on demand, and are compounded monthly as a result of non-payment at maturity date.
* JAZFund LLC – accruing post maturity interest at 16%.
Dividends
During the last five years, we did not declare any dividends on our common stock. It is the present intention of our board of directors to not pay any dividends and retain any earnings to provide funds for the operation and expansion of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial conditions, contractual and legal restrictions and other factors the board of directors deems relevant.
The following selected financial data should be read together with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the financial statements, including the related notes, found elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The tables that follow present selected historical financial data for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the period from October 1, 2008, the date Apogee re-entered development stage, through December 31, 2009.
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF APOGEE’S FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K. THIS DISCUSSION CONTAINS, IN ADDITION TO HISTORICAL STATEMENTS, FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNDERTAINTIES. OUR ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE RESULTS DISCUSSED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE FACTORS DISCUSSED ABOVE IN THE SECTION ENTITLED “RISK FACTORS” AS WELL AS OTHER FACTORS IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K.
OVERVIEW
We are developing proprietary intradermal drug delivery systems for vaccines and other pharmaceuticals that we intend to market to pharmaceutical and medical device companies, government and world health organizations. Our Life Science Group is developing PyraDerm™, an advanced intradermal drug delivery system to meet the needs of patients, health insurers and companies developing pharmaceuticals, as well as, governments and international health organizations. We believe that PyraDerm has advantages over competitive approaches for the delivery of vaccines, high potency therapeutic protein drugs and other pharmaceuticals. We have evaluated the feasibility of PyraDerm by performing in vitro tests with model drugs and conducted successful in vivo testing of PyraDerm in the intradermal immunization experiments. We are working to establish pharmaceutical industry compliant manufacturing methods and to define regulatory strategies to support its commercialization. Upon completion of in vitro and in vivo evaluation of PyraDerm, if successful, we intend to pursue licensing/development or partnership agreements with pharmaceutical companies interested in our technologies.
Our sole focus remains on securing additional financing to support for the development of our Life Science Group, to support our operations and repay our existing indebtness.
At December 31, 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $25.1 million, as compared to a deficit of $22.9 million as of December 31, 2008. Our historical net losses and accumulated deficit (since 1995) result primarily from the costs associated with our efforts to design, develop and market our DDX technology as well as costs associated with our efforts to develop PyraDerm™.
Through December 31, 2009, we have received approximately $3.1 million in loans. Since December 31, 2009, we have received approximately $691,000 in funding, which has been inadequate to meet the current needs of the Company resulting in non-payment of loan principal and interest and vendors. See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Apogee prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based upon the information currently available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Any future changes to these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the reported amounts of revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities in our financial statements. The significant accounting policies which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
Development Stage Company
Apogee is considered to be in the development stage as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) ASC915 “Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises”. Since October 1, 2008, we have devoted substantially all of our efforts to business planning, raising capital and research and development.
Revenue Recognition
Consulting and licensing revenue is recognized as services are performed.
Revenue will be recognized when the following revenue recognition criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) the product has been shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss; (3) the selling price is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. We had no product sales since the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. Royalty revenue from our prior (DDX) products closed as of January 1, 2006.
Royalty revenue is recorded when earned in accordance with the underlying agreements.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
Property, plant and equipment, patents and trademarks are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Useful lives are based on management’s estimates over the period that such assets will generate revenue. In accordance with ASC Topic 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment," long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed to determine whether any events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The conditions considered include whether or not the asset is in service, has become obsolete, or whether external market circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We recognize a loss for the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset and the carrying amount. The fair value of the asset is measured using either available market prices or estimated discounted cash flows. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying capital investments or certain assets could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of such assets, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. At March 31, 2009, we recorded a patent impairment charge of approximately $17,000 to reflect the write-off of patent costs associated with the discontinuation of our Health Monitoring Group. Additionally, we amortize the balance of our patent applications over five years, which resulted in a $34,600 charge for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation for employees in accordance with ASC Topic 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation” using the modified prospective method. Under the fair value recognition provision of ASC Topic 718, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as an expense as it is earned over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. The fair value of the options on their grant date is measured using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which we believe yields a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the grants made. The valuation provisions of ASC Topic 718 apply to grants issued since January 1, 2005 (the effective date) and to grants that were outstanding as of that date that are subsequently modified. Estimated compensation expense for grants that were outstanding as of the effective date will be recognized over the remaining vesting period.
Non-employee stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 505, "Equity-based payments to Non-Employees." In accordance with this topic, cost recognized for non-employee share-based payment transactions is determined by the fair value of whichever is more reliably measurable: (a) the goods or services received; or (b) the equity instruments issued.
Legal Fees
We record legal costs (such as fees and expenses of outside legal counsel and other service providers) when incurred or when it is probable that a liability has been incurred on or before the balance sheet date and the amount can be reasonably estimated if invoices have not been received. Significantly lower legal fees were incurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, compared to 2008 as a result of a decrease in legal fees in connection with the SEC investigation as well as decreased legal fees associated with the indemnification of our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Shamy matter.
Contingencies
Apogee is involved in and/or indemnifies others in various legal proceedings. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements nor do we have any special purpose entities.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008
Revenue
We have historically derived our revenue from three sources:
We anticipate that future revenue streams, if any, will come from our Life Science Group, generally in the form of strategic alliances or arrangements with development or marketing partners, as well as, from licensing and development-related revenues resulting from the grant of rights to our intellectual property. We envision the future of our medical devices as (i) licensing or selling our technologies to pharmaceutical or medical device companies; (ii) establishing partnerships with pharmaceutical and medical device companies to commercialize our products; and (iii) developing, producing and marketing our own products. In order to develop and market any products, we will need to secure additional funding.
No revenue was recognized for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. We recognized revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 of approximately $85,000. On January 15, 2008, we sold the remaining DDX inventory held in our Norwood office to one of our customers, and on January 24, 2008, the remaining DDX inventory housed in Hong Kong was sold to one of our former DDX distributors. Total proceeds received from the disposition of the DDX inventory were $17,000.
In April 2008, SigmaTel, Inc. agreed to pay Apogee a percentage of the royalties it received from STMicroelectronics NV (“ST”) in exchange for supporting their royalty negotiations with ST. As a result of this agreement, Apogee received approximately $63,500 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. No revenue was recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.
We anticipate that we will not generate any material future revenue until such time, if ever, that we are able to generate revenue from our PyraDerm™ technology.
Cost of Revenue
Since substantially all of the revenue recorded was from products related to our former audio IC business, it had previously been fully reserved at 100%. All of the non-product-related revenue recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 was for royalties received as a result of the above-referenced arrangement with SigmaTel. Therefore, we did not record any cost of revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development Costs
Our research and development, or R&D, expenses consist primarily of salaries, development material costs, and external consulting and service costs related to the development and design of new products. Research and development expenses were approximately $703,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $1.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease of approximately $855,000 or 55% was the result of a reduction in expenses for our Life Science Group as well as the discontinuation of activities related to both our sensor products and our Health Monitoring Group.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the cost of utilization of third-party consultants decreased by approximately $163,500, or 90%, to approximately $17,800, compared to approximately $181,300 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease was the result of our discontinuing activities on both sensor products and our Health Monitoring Group as well as decreased utilization of third-party consultants related to our Life Science Group.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, human resource costs decreased by approximately $372,500, or 40%, to approximately $560,700, compared to approximately $933,200 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. Effective as of June 9, 2008, human resource expense was reduced by 20% for most R&D employees as a result of transitioning from full time to part time in order to reduce expenses. In addition to the transition to part-time status of some of our employees, we discontinued operations of our Health Monitoring Group effective as of March 31, 2009, thereby reducing our overall headcount by three employees. Expenses related to the Health Monitoring Group are insignificant.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a patent impairment charge of approximately $17,000 to reflect the write-off of patent costs associated with the discontinuation of our Health Monitoring Group. At December 31, 2008, we recorded a patent impairment charge of approximately $188,000 to reflect a decline in valuation of certain patent applications due to a technology decision we made subsequent to year end.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, depreciation and amortization expense decrease by approximately $72,600, or 54%, to approximately $61,700, compared to approximately $134,300 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease was partially offset by the amortization of approximately $35,000 of patent related expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008 we amortized approximately $37,000 of patent application related expenses. We had been capitalizing license fees paid to third parties for costs associated with the exclusive rights to their patents. We were amortizing these fees over a period of four years. During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, we elected to terminate our 2006 license agreement with the University of Akron Research Foundation, as we had developed technology in-house and licensed a more compatible technology. As a result, we expensed the remaining $22,000 of unamortized license fees under this license agreement. In addition, during the quarter ended June 30, 2008, we expensed an additional $30,000, which represented the minimum royalty due under this terminated license agreement.
While we continue to conduct in-house experimentation and testing, purchases of supplies and consumables for the medical laboratory were reduced by approximately $41,600, or 93%, to approximately $3,100 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $44,700 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, travel and entertainment expenses decreased by approximately $25,800, or 99%, to approximately $300 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $26,100 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.
In 2009 we reduced R&D spending to the minimal level required for preservation of our intellectual property, maintenance of our technical capabilities and know-how, and support of our technology development in accordance with our licensing agreement. If we are able to secure additional financing, we anticipate that we will continue to commit resources to research and development activities as our financial position allows, and as a result, R&D costs are expected to increase substantially in the future.
Selling, General and Administrative Costs
General and Administrative costs consist primarily of executive and administrative salaries, professional fees and other associated corporate expenses. Selling, General and Administrative, or SG&A, expenses were approximately $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $2.4 million for the twelve months ended December, 31, 2008. The decrease of approximately $1.3 million, or 54%, was primarily attributed to a reduction in professional fees, human resources costs, and an overall reduction in operating expenses. Legal fees were reduced with the settlement of the SEC investigation. During 2009 we continued to incur legal expenses in connection with the indemnification of our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors as described below.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 human resource costs decreased by approximately $94,000 or 13%, to approximately $606,000, compared to approximately $700,000 for the twelve months ended December 31 2008. This decrease was the result of a 20% reduction in SG&A employee salaries effective as of June 9, 2008, partially offset by an increase in stock-based compensation expenses. In addition, Mr. Herbert M. Stein has not drawn cash compensation from Apogee since June 30, 2009 nor has the Board of Directors received cash compensation since early 2008. We have accrued Mr. Stein’s salary and related taxes, as well as the Board of Directors’ compensation, totaling approximately $135,000 and $72,000, respectively, through December 31, 2009. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, stock compensation expense increased by approximately $12,000, to approximately $44,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared, compared to approximately $32,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.
Professional expenses decreased by approximately $1.039 million, or 76%, to approximately $325,800 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $1.365 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, legal expenses decreased by $947,000, or 79%, to approximately $246,000, compared to approximately $1.193 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. Legal fees decreased primarily as a result of the settlement of the SEC investigation as well as a decrease in legal fees associated with the continued indemnification of our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors in connection with the Shamy matter detailed below. Audit fees decreased approximately $58,000, or 71% to approximately $24,000 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $82,000 for the period ended December 31, 2008. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in the Company’s activity.
An investigation by the SEC settled on May 19, 2009, which the Company first became aware of in May 2005, was ongoing through early 2009. The subject matter of this investigation was the Company's prior revenue recognition practices that were addressed in the Company's restatement of its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as amended, Apogee’s Audit Committee, with the assistance of independent counsel, conducted an investigation into Apogee’s historical accounting practices that resulted in the implementation of remedial actions. See our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004, as amended, for detail regarding the restatement. In July 2008, Apogee, it’s Chief Executive Officer and other employees received notifications from the Staff of the SEC relating to the Staff's 2005 investigation. These notifications, known as “Wells Notices,” stated that the Staff considered recommending that the Commission bring enforcement actions against the Company and certain employees, based on alleged violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws, including Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act, and Rules 12b-20, 13a-1 and 13a-13 thereunder. The Wells Notice sent to the Company indicated that in any action actually brought against the Company, the Staff would seek an injunction against future violations of the federal securities laws as relief.
On May 19, 2009, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“commission”) settled this enforcement action. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F1 of this Annual Report on Form 10K. In light of the settlement we do not anticipate any additional significant legal fees associated with this matter.
We have agreed to indemnify certain employees, directors and a former employee in connection with the SEC investigation. As of December 31, 2009, we have incurred approximately $554,000 to date in legal expenses to indemnify these individuals in association with this matter. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we incurred expenses associated with this indemnification of approximately $1,600, compared to approximately $542,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.
In addition, we incurred legal fees associated with the indemnification costs in connection with the civil action styled Joseph Shamy vs. Herbert M. Stein Case No.: 50 2005 CA 007719 XXXXMB. In this action instituted in the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida (the "Court), Joseph Shamy sued Herbert M. Stein, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Apogee in connection with Shamy’s purchase of Apogee shares in 2003 and 2004. In February 2009, in connection with a settlement, the Court entered a Final Judgment against Mr. Stein. In early January 2010, a filing was made with the Court to memorialize the Total and Complete Satisfaction of Judgment, which states that all sums due under the civil action were fully paid and that the Final Judgment was satisfied and canceled. Further, the Clerk of the Court was directed to note satisfaction of the Final Judgment and cancellation of all judgments of record in this action. Apogee was not a party to the aforementioned settlement or the satisfaction of the Final Judgment. Through December 31, 2009, we have incurred approximately $911,000 toward this indemnification. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we have incurred approximately $122,000, toward this indemnification, compared to approximately $230,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F1 of this Annual Report on Form 10K.
On October 28, 2009, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the staff of the Commission related to Apogee’s failure to timely file its reports under the Exchange Act in 2009 – See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F1 of this Annual Report on Form 10K.
We were not receiving reimbursement under our Director and Officer insurance policy for either the indemnification of Mr. Stein or the ongoing investigation by the SEC. As of March 31, 2009, Apogee’s Directors and Officers Liability Insurance was cancelled due to non-payment.
Investor relations expense decreased by approximately $32,800, or 69%, to approximately $15,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $47,800 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. As part of our cost reduction, we have been forced to limit our investor relations activities. If additional funding is secured, we will be in a position to resume focusing on increasing awareness of our scientific and corporate developments.
Travel and Entertainment costs decreased by approximately $37,500, or 97%, to approximately $1,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $38,500 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. Corporate insurance decreased by approximately $44,400, or 60%, to approximately $29,300 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $73,700 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease was the result of the Directors and Officers Liability Insurance being cancelled effective as of March 31, 2009 and Commercial and Product Liability Insurance being cancelled effective as of October 13, 2009 due to non-payment. In addition, we had reductions to various other overhead expenses, including: communication, marketing and maintenance. Operating expenses are expected to increase when our financial position allows.
Interest Income (Expense)
Interest income includes income from Apogee’s cash and from investments and expenses related to its financing activities. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we did not generate interest income. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, we generated interest income of approximately $847.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, we recorded miscellaneous income of approximately $8,000.
Interest expense resulting from the issuance of promissory notes and related warrants to Mr. Herbert M. Stein, Mr. David Spiegel, Mr. Robert Schacter et al and others was approximately $385,600 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $174,900 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. See below for a detail of these expenses.
Net Loss
Apogee’s net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was approximately $2.2 million, or $0.18 per basic and diluted common share, compared to a net loss of approximately $4.0 million, or $0.33 per basic and diluted common share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease in our net loss was the result of a decrease in legal fees and a reduction in human resource expenses as well as an overall decrease in operating expenditures due to our current cash restraints.
Income Taxes
Apogee incurred no State income taxes for the 12 months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. There was no Federal income tax expense for either 2009 or 2008. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had available a Federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $21 million and $19 million, respectively and a State net operating loss carryforward of approximately $14 million and $12 million, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards will expire at various times between 2010 and 2029.
Significant changes in ownership, future changes in laws and regulations and the alternative minimum tax may significantly restrict the use of these carryforwards.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The tables below summarize our outstanding unsecured interest-bearing promissory notes and common stock purchases (including amounts subsequent to December 31, 2009) totaling approximately $3.8 million:
* Funds received were for purchase of Apogee Technology, Inc. common stock at a price of $1.00 per share.
** It has not yet been determined whether these funds are to be considered a loan or equity.
On June 4, 2010 $545,000 in Promissory Notes outstanding at December 31, 2009 in the name of Robert Schacter (TYJO Corp. Money Purchase Pension Plan), and $20,000 each issued in the names of Mr. Robert Schacter, as Custodian for Tyler Schacter UTMA/CA and Mr. Robert Schacter, as Custodian for Joseph Schacter UTMA/CA were converted into 585,000 shares of Apogee Common Stock at $1.00 per share. See Notes 18 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F1 of this Annual Report on Form 10K.
* Funds received were for purchase of Apogee Technology, Inc. common stock at a price of $1.00 per share.
As of December 31, 2009, we had cash of approximately $4,700 and a working capital deficit of approximately $6.0 million. This compares to an overdraft of approximately $49,000 as of December 31, 2008 and a working capital deficit of approximately $4.2 million. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we received proceeds from loans and unsecured interest-bearing promissory notes totaling approximately $1.2 million, compared to approximately $1.5 million for the same period in 2008, detailed as follows:
These promissory notes are payable upon demand and were not subject to any premium or penalty for prepayment. The loan interest rate is 8% per annum, except for 12% loan interest rate for JAZFund, payable monthly in arrears on the outstanding balance. An additional 4% interest is charged on any notes exceeding maturity. In addition, post maturity notes are compounded monthly.
On April 9, 2008, Apogee sold 164,000 shares of our common stock to accredited investors at a price of $1.00 per share. The aggregate net proceeds to Apogee, after fees and expenses, were $152,519, which we will use for general working capital and corporate purposes. The shares of Apogee’s common stock were issued and sold in a private placement in reliance on an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of Securities Act of 133, as amended, and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. The shares of the common stock issued in this private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be subsequently offered or sold by the investors in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.
Net cash used in operating activities for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009 decreased to approximately $1.1 million compared to approximately $1.9 million in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008. As of March 31, 2008, we sold the remaining DDX inventory for a total of $17,000 and offset the remaining reserves for slow moving, excess and obsolete inventory. As of December 31, 2009, our accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued payroll were approximately $3.1 million, of which a majority is composed of professional fees. We are currently in arrears with loan and interest payments and a majority of our vendors. Mr. Herbert M Stein has not drawn cash compensation from Apogee since June 30, 2009, nor has the Board of Directors received cash compensation since early 2008. We have accrued Mr. Stein’s salary and the Board of Directors’ compensation.
Net cash used in investing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was approximately $21,600, compared to approximately $113,100 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. We continued to support the existing patent applications related to our Life Science Group.
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. This compares $1.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009, we received the proceeds from unsecured interest bearing promissory notes totaling approximately $1.2 million as described above. These loans are payable upon demand and are not subject to any premium or penalty for prepayment. The loan interest rate is 8% per annum, except for 12% per annum for JAZFund LLC, payable monthly in arrears on the outstanding balance. An additional 4% interest will be charged on any notes exceeding maturity. In addition, post maturity notes are compounded monthly. See Notes 6 and 18 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F1 of this Annual Report on Form 10K. We are currently in default on substantially all of the promissory notes. We must raise additional capital to continue operations.
Apogee is in the process of attempting to secure sufficient financing, to pay its indebtedness and to continue operations. We have been working to obtain financing from outside investors for more than 24 months, but have not yet been successful. As of June 30, 2010, subsequent to the conversion of $585,000 in promissory notes by Mr. Robert Schacter et al, approximately $2.5 million in promissory notes are in default. In the interim, short-term debt financing provided primarily by two of Apogee’s significant shareholders, including our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mr. David Spiegel, as well as Mr. Robert Schacter, et al and others, is being utilized to keep product development moving forward. Due to the early stages of development of our products technology, we cannot estimate at this time the amounts of cash and length of time that will be required to bring our products under development to market. It is expected that such costs will be funded not only by external financing, but also through partnership activities. Additionally, cost cutting measures, including salary reduction for non-PyraDerm employees, discontinuation of sensor development, deferral of capital expenditures, and reduced general spending have been instituted until such time as financing is secured. We do not expect any significant changes in the number of employees until funding has been secured, if ever.. If we are unable to generate or obtain financing, we will be required to further curtail our operations, including a reduction in the number of employees, or cease conducting business.
Apogee’s financial instruments include: cash, loans and accounts payable. At December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the carrying value of our cash, loans and accounts payable approximate fair values given the short maturity of these instruments.
We believe that our financial instruments do not carry a material foreign currency exchange rate risk since any international sales will be paid in U.S. dollars and material purchases from foreign suppliers are typically also denominated in U.S. dollars.
It is our policy not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
The consolidated financial statements and the related report and notes, which are attached hereto, beginning at on page F-1, are incorporated herein by reference.
There was no change in accountants or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2009, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit the company to provide only a management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of June 30, 2010, subsequent to the conversion of $585,000 in promissory notes by Mr. Robert Schacter et al, approximately $2.5 million in promissory notes are in default.
PART III
Directors and Executive Officers
The Board of Directors
The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and Restated By-Laws provide for the Company’s business to be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Under the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and Restated Bylaws, the number of directors is fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The number of Directors is currently fixed at a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of nine (9). There are currently five members on the Board of Directors.
Set forth below are the names of the directors as of the date of this report, their ages, their offices in the Company, if any, their principal occupations or employment for the past five years, the length of their tenure as directors and the names of other public companies in which such persons hold directorships.
Mr. Herbert M. Stein, a Class III director, has served as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2001. Mr. Stein has been a director of the Company since 1996 and has been Chairman of the Board since January 2000. Mr. Stein was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Organogenesis Inc. from 1991 through 1999 and was Chief Executive Officer of Organogenesis from 1987 through 1999.
Mr. Craig A. Dubitsky, a Class I director, has served as a director since June 30, 2004. Mr. Dubitsky is the Founder and Managing Partner of 20-10 LLC, and early stage venture capital and strategic advisory firm focused on the consumer sector. From December 2005 through August 2009, Mr. Dubitsky was Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The Kind Group, a consumer packaged goods incubator and holding company, where he led the creation, design and distribution efforts for Kind's first brand, eos (tm). Mr. Dubitsky served as Senior Vice President of Venture Development for Simon Property Group, the largest retail REIT in the U.S. from October 2000 through March of 2002. Mr. Dubitsky served on the Board of Directors of Method Products, a consumer packaged goods company, from 2001-2005. In addition, Mr. Dubitsky was Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bigmove, Inc./Masterkey, which was acquired by Public Storage in 2000. He also served as Vice President and LME Specialist at Citigroup from 1994 through 1999. Mr. Dubitsky currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Art Directors Club, the oldest global marketing, communications, and design organization, and serves on the Advisory Board of Tonic, a new media concern, and Help Remedies, a transformational over-the-counted drug company.
Mr. Arthur S. Reynolds, a Class II director, has served as a director since November 2003. Mr. Reynolds is the Founder of Rexon Limited of London and New York where, since 1999, he has served as Managing Director. Mr. Reynolds was Founder, Co-owner and Managing Partner of London-based Value Management & Research (UK) Limited from 1997 to 1999. In addition, Mr. Reynolds has held executive positions at Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited, Banque de la Societe Financiere Europeene, J.P. Morgan & Company and Mobil Corporation.
Ms. Sheryl B. Stein, a Class II director, has served as a director of the Company since August 2000. Since January 1993, Ms. Stein has been employed at Bedford Group, Inc. where she currently serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Alan W. Tuck, a Class I director, has served as a director of the Company since 1998. He was Chief Strategic Officer of Organogenesis Inc. from September 1997 to July 2000, and, at various times from August 1996 to June 1998, was Strategic Advisor to Dyax Corp., Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer of Biocode, Inc., and Chief Strategic Officer of ImmuLogic Pharmaceutical Corporation. Mr. Tuck was President and Chief Executive Officer of T Cell Sciences, Inc. from February 1992 to May 1996. He is currently a director of GTC Biotherapeutics, Inc. and a Partner at the Bridgespan Group, a non-profit consulting company.
Executive Officers
The names of, and certain information regarding, executive officers of the Company who are not also directors, are set forth below. The executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Paul J. Murphy joined the Company in June 2005 in the role of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, including the responsibilities of the Company’s Principal Accounting Officer. Prior to joining the Company, from June 2004 to June 2005, Mr. Murphy was an independent contractor with JH Cohn, LLP, an accounting firm, working on engagements with public companies to design, assess and test controls for compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. From March 2002 until June 2004, Mr. Murphy worked as a self-employed consultant for companies on short-term projects of the type ordinarily undertaken by a Chief Financial Officer. From February 1999 through January 2002, Mr. Murphy was the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Artel Video Systems, Inc., a video-networking technology company. From 1979 through 1999, Mr. Murphy worked as a Chief Financial Officer with four companies, three of which were publicly traded issuers.
Family Relationships
Herbert M. Stein is the father of Sheryl B. Stein. There are no other family relationships among our directors, executive officers or persons nominated or chosen to become directors or executive officers.
General Information Concerning the Board of Directors and its Committees
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, there were two (2) meetings of the Board of Directors. In addition, from time to time, the members of the Board of Directors acted by unanimous written consent pursuant to Delaware law. The Board of Directors has four standing committees: the audit committee, the compensation committee, the nominating and corporate governance committee, and the executive committee. Each of the directors attended both meetings of the Board and/or Board Committees (of which he or she was a member) held during the last fiscal year with the exception of Mr. Arthur Reynolds who attended one meeting.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors has established a separately designated, standing Audit Committee that performs the role described in section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Audit Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Arthur S. Reynolds, Chairman, and Alan W. Tuck, each of whom is independent in accordance with the applicable rules promulgated by the SEC and The American Stock Exchange Listing Standards. The Audit Committee selects and retains the independent auditors to audit the Company’s financial statements, approves the terms of the engagement of the independent auditors and reviews and approves all fees charged for audits and for any non-audit projects. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities also include: overseeing the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence, the performance of the Company’s independent auditors and other such matters as may be assigned by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, a copy of which is posted on the Company’s website at: http://www.apogeebio.com.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Reynolds meets the definition of an Audit Committee Financial Expert as such term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the Audit Committee held two (2) meetings.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Alan W. Tuck, Chairman, and Arthur S. Reynolds, each of whom qualifies as an independent director under the rules of The American Stock Exchange. The Compensation Committee reviews and determines salaries, equity grants and incentive compensation of the chief executive officer and other executive officers and is responsible for performing the other related responsibilities set forth in its Duties and Responsibilities. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, no meetings were held by the Compensation Committee.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Craig Dubitsky, Chairman, Arthur S. Reynolds, and Alan W. Tuck each of whom is independent in accordance with the applicable American Stock Exchange Listing Standards. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee selects and recommends individuals to be presented to the shareholders of the Company for election or re-election to the Board or Directors, oversees the evaluation of the Board of Directors and Company management, monitors corporate governance principles, practices and guidelines for the Board of Directors and the Company and is responsible for performing other responsibilities as set forth in its written charter, a copy of which is posted on the Company’s website at: http://www.apogeebio.com. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, no meetings were held by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
In evaluating director nominees, the nominating and corporate governance committee considers the following factors:
The Board of Directors currently does not have a written policy regarding attendance by directors at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders; however, the Board has passed a resolution stating a policy that they are strongly encouraged to attend, and the Company schedules a meeting of the Board of Directors on the same date as the annual stockholders meeting. Arthur S. Reynolds and Sheryl B. Stein, directors of the Company, attended the annual stockholders meeting in 2008. We did not have an annual meeting in 2009.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Tuck, Reynolds and Dubitsky are independent in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and The American Stock Exchange. Mr. Stein is not considered independent because he is currently serving as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Stein is not considered independent because she is the daughter of Mr. Stein, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Code of Ethics
Our Board of Directors has adopted a code of ethics, which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. Our code of ethics is specifically intended to comply with Item 406 of Regulation S-K. This code of ethics, which is included as part of the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics, is posted on the Company’s website at: http://www.apogeebio.com.
Corporate Governance
Stockholder Communications with the Board
Any stockholder may contact the Chairman of the Board or other members of the Board of Directors by sending an email to the following address: bod@apogeebio.com. Alternatively, a stockholder can contact the Chairman of the Board or the other members of the Board of Directors by writing to: Board of Directors, c/o Compliance Officer, Apogee Technology, Inc., 129 Morgan Drive, Norwood, Massachusetts 02062. All communications received either electronically or in writing will be distributed to the Chairman of the Board or the other appropriate member or members of the Board depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication received.
Director Nominations and Qualifications
The Company’s By-Laws contain provisions that address the process by which a stockholder may nominate an individual to stand for election to the Company’s Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. No recommendations were received from stockholders requesting that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider a candidate for inclusion as a nominee to be presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The nominating and corporate governance committee will consider qualified candidates for director suggested by a stockholder. Stockholders can suggest qualified candidates for director by writing to our corporate secretary at 129 Morgan Drive, Norwood, Massachusetts 02062.
Submissions received that meet the criteria set forth below will be forwarded to the chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee for further review and consideration. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice pertaining to an annual meeting shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the sixtieth (60th) day nor earlier than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than sixty (60) days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the sixtieth (60th) day prior to such annual meeting or the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. A stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or any successor provision), and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in the By-laws. Nominations not received, in the appropriate manner or during the time frame discussed above will not be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Even if a nomination is received in the correct manner and during that time frame, the proxies that the Company solicits for the meeting may still exercise discretionary voting authority on the nomination under circumstances consistent with the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Compensation Committee Interlocking, Insider, and Relation Party Relationships
No members of the Apogee Compensation Committee are also employees or former employees of the Company. Nor have any members of the Apogee Compensation Committee had any transactions described under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” (Reg. S-K Item 404) or nor have they had any are interlocking relationships with compensation committees of other companies’ Boards of Directors.
Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) requires the Company’s directors and officers, and persons who own more than 10% of the Company’s Common Stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of beneficial ownership and reports of changes in beneficial ownership of the Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on its review of copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the total compensation paid or accrued during the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 to (1) our Chief Executive Officer and President and (2) Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance.
Employment Agreements
In March 2004, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Herbert M. Stein pursuant to which Mr. Stein serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors, subject to the rights of the shareholders of the Company to elect the Company’s directors. The employment agreement is for an initial term ended on January 1, 2007 and is automatically extended for additional two-year periods unless terminated by either party no later than 120 days prior to the end of the initial term or any successive term. Mr. Stein is entitled to an annual base salary, effective January 1, 2004, of $295,000, which may be increased at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors, and annual bonuses as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Upon a change of control of the Company, as defined in the agreement, all stock options held by Mr. Stein shall become fully vested. The Company may terminate the employment agreement with or without cause, as defined in the agreement. In the event of Mr. Stein’s death or disability, the agreement provides that he (or his estate) shall be entitled to accrued salary through the date of termination, any bonus the Board of Directors has determined appropriate, and any proceeds or other benefits from insurance policies or other benefit plans to which he (or his estate) would be entitled. In the event that Mr. Stein’s employment is terminated for cause, he shall only be entitled to accrued salary through the date of termination. In the event that Mr. Stein’s employment is terminated without cause, he shall be entitled to accrued salary through the date of termination, continued base salary payments for the greater of 24 months or the remainder of the term of the agreement, continued medical plan benefits for 24 months following the date of termination, and an amount equal to the highest bonus he has previously received under the agreement, prorated to the date of termination. In the event that Mr. Stein voluntarily terminates his employment, he shall be entitled to accrued salary through the date of termination and an amount equal to the highest bonus he has previously received under the agreement, prorated to the date of termination. As part of the salary reduction implemented in 2009 Mr. Stein’s salary was reduced by 20%. In addition, Mr. Stein has not drawn cash compensation from Apogee since June 30, 2009. We have accrued Mr. Stein’s salary and related taxes totaling approximately $135,000 as of December 31, 2009.
Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End
The following table shows grants of stock options and grants of unvested incentive plan awards as of December 31, 2009, to each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table.
Termination or Change in Control Arrangements
Other than Mr. Stein’s employment agreement, which may provides for payments in connection with his termination, as discussed above, there are no arrangements with any executive officer that would provide for payments in connection with their termination or a change in control of the Company.
Director Compensation
Directors who are also employees of the Company do not receive compensation for serving as directors. Directors who are not employees of the Company are paid a retainer and are reimbursed for ordinary and necessary travel expenses incurred in connection with attendance at each board meeting. The annual retainer in fiscal 2009 was $5,000. In fiscal 2009, each non-employee director earned $1,250 per quarter. In addition members of both the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee received an annual retainer of $2,000 payable quarterly. During fiscal 2009, the Audit Committee chairperson earned an annual retainer $13,000 and the Compensation Committee chairperson received an annual retainer of $4,000, payable quarterly. Except for $10,000 paid to Mr. Reynolds for the first two quarters of 2008, director fees remain outstanding and payable.
In addition to the cash compensation discussed above, directors are eligible to participate in the Company’s 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). Options granted under the Plan to non-employee directors’ vest over a five year period beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 no options were granted to members of the Board of Directors. Options to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company’s Common stock, at an exercise price of $1.00 per share, vesting over five years, were granted under the Plan during the year ended December 31, 2008 to each of Craig A. Dubitsky, Arthur S. Reynolds, Sheryl B. Stein and Alan W. Tuck. See Apogee Technology’s 2007 Proxy Statement dated August 1, 2007, for a description of our 1997 and 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plans.
Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The table below provides certain aggregate information with respect to the Company’s former 1997 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan and the 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan in effect as of December 31, 2009.
(1) This primarily consists of grants made under the 1997 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan initially approved by the Company’s stockholders in 1997 and 222,000 shares underling options granted pursuant to the 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan. The 1997 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan expired by its terms on May 14, 2007. On August 28, 2008, the stockholders approved the 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan. The 2007 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan authorized 750,000 shares eligible for issuance, however the Plan has an “evergreen” feature that replenishes and restores the Plan to a maximum of 750,000 shares eligible for issuance per year provided, however in no event shall the number of shares eligible for issuance under the Plan be greater than 7% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis on the close of business on the on the day prior to the increase.
The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2009 concerning the beneficial ownership of Common stock by each Stockholder known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of its outstanding shares of Common stock, each current member of the Board of Directors, each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table, and all current directors and executive officers as a group.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities.
* Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock.
** Addresses are given for beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding stock only.
In April 1997, the Company moved its principal executive offices to a facility owned by Mr. David Spiegel, a major shareholder of the Company. On October 1, 2001 the Company signed a 24-month lease for this facility, expiring September 30, 2003. Subsequently, the Company signed two lease extensions. The most recent lease extension expired on December 31, 2005.
The Company is currently renting this facility on a month-to-month basis. The Company rents the facility for $4,400 per month effective October 1, 2001. Rent paid during 2008 was $35,200. The remaining $17,600 is unpaid and included in accrued liabilities as well as the $52,800 rent for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 for a total due as of December 31, 2009 of $70,400. The Company believes that amounts paid pursuant to this lease are at or below market value.
Policy for Approval of Related Transactions
Pursuant to the written charter of our Audit Committee, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving, prior to our entry into any such transaction, all transactions in which we are a participant and in which any of the following persons has or will have a direct or indirect material interest:
For purposes of these procedures, “immediate family members” means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household with the executive officer, director or 5% beneficial owner.
In reviewing and approving such transactions, the Audit Committee shall obtain, or shall direct our management to obtain on its behalf, all information that the committee believes to be relevant and important to a review of the transaction prior to its approval. Following receipt of the necessary information, a discussion shall be held of the relevant factors if deemed to be necessary by the committee prior to approval. If a discussion is not deemed to be necessary, approval may be given by written consent of the committee. This approval authority may also be delegated to the chairman of the Audit Committee in some circumstances. No related person transaction shall be entered into prior to the completion of these procedures.
The Audit Committee or its chairman, as the case may be, shall approve only those related person transactions that are determined to be in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of us and our stockholders, taking into account all available facts and circumstances as the committee or the chairman determines in good faith to be necessary. These facts and circumstances will typically include, but not be limited to, the benefits of the transaction to us; the impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family member of a director or an entity in which a director is a partner, shareholder or executive officer; the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; the terms of the transaction; and the terms of comparable transactions that would be available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally. No member of the Audit Committee shall participate in any review, consideration or approval of any related person transaction with respect to which the member or any of his or her immediate family members is the related person.
The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by Miller Wachman LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and fees billed for other services rendered by Miller Wachman LLP during those periods.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-audit Services of Independent Auditors
Consistent with SEC policies regarding auditor independence, the Audit Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of the independent auditor. In recognition of this responsibility, the Audit Committee has established a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditor.
Prior to engagement of the independent auditor for the next year’s audit, management will submit an aggregate of services expected to be rendered during that year for each of four categories of services to the Audit Committee for approval.
1. Audit services include audit work performed in the preparation of financial statements, as well as work that generally only the independent auditor can reasonably be expected to provide, including comfort letters, statutory audits, and attest services and consultation regarding financial accounting and/or reporting standards.
2. Audit-Related services are for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor, including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit plan audits, and special procedures required to meet certain regulatory requirements.
3. Tax services include all services performed by the independent auditor’s tax personnel except those services specifically related to the audit of the financial statements, and includes fees in the areas of tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice.
4. Other Fees are those associated with services not captured in the other categories. The Company generally does not request such services from the independent auditor.
Prior to engagement, the Audit Committee pre-approves these services by category of service. The fees are budgeted and the Audit Committee requires the independent auditor and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year by category of service. During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the independent auditor for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval. In those instances, the Audit Committee requires specific pre-approval before engaging the independent auditor.
The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
PART IV
The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions of the document, which portions have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Where a document is incorporated by reference from a previous filing, the exhibit number of the document in that previous filing is indicated in parentheses after the description of such document.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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