UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2018

 

OR

 

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission File No. 001-36268

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New Jersey   22-2983783

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

201 Grove Road

Thorofare, NJ 08086

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(856) 848-8698

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec.232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

  Large accelerated filer [  ] Accelerated filer [  ]
  Non-accelerated filer [  ] Smaller reporting company [X]
      Emerging growth company [X]

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [  ] No [X]

 

As of August 13, 2018, there were 94,106,292 shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock.

 

 

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements 1
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 25
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 37
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 37
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 39
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 40
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 44
   
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 44
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 44
     
Item 5. Other Information 45
     
Item 6. Exhibits 45
     
Signatures 46

 

 
 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

 

   As of 
   June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   (unaudited)   (audited) 
ASSETS          
Current Assets          
Cash  $275,963   $438,432 
Marketable Securities   7,977,575    5,011,607 
Trade Receivables, net   412,623    964,671 
Deposits and other receivables   30,288    16,590 
Deposits and other receivables - Related Party   30,243    - 
Inventories, net   1,014,549    947,612 
Prepaid expenses   693,632    145,488 
Prepaid expenses - Related Party   136,751    251,499 
Total Current Assets   10,571,624    7,775,899 
           
Non-Current Assets          
Prepaid expenses - Related Party   208,398    120,118 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net   245,462    235,113 
Intangible Assets, net   1,045,113    1,130,667 
Restricted Cash   500,000    - 
Other Assets   76,093    76,093 
           
Total Non-Current Assets   2,075,066    1,561,991 
           
Total Assets  $12,646,690   $9,337,890 
           
LIABILITIES          
Current Liabilities          
Trade and Other Payables  $1,835,180   $1,745,216 
Trade and Other Payables - Related Party   16,701    39,821 
Total Current Liabilities   1,851,881    1,785,037 
           
Total Liabilities   1,851,881    1,785,037 
           
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Convertible Preferred Stock, No par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 0 and 1,755 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017   -    1,755,000 
Common Stock, No par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 94,106,292 and 44,220,552 issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017   119,580,543    110,647,169 
Deferred Compensation   -    (3,469)
Comprehensive Loss   (12,443)   - 
Accumulated Deficit   (108,773,291)   (104,845,847)
           
Total Shareholders’ Equity   10,794,809    7,552,853 
           
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  $12,646,690   $9,337,890 

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Revenues:                    
Product Revenue  $526,601   $1,096,925   $829,076   $1,740,111 
Product Revenue - Related party   -    (24,064)   -    - 
Total Revenues   526,601    1,072,861    829,076    1,740,111 
Cost of Sales:                    
Product Cost of Sales   (302,826)   (290,591)   (600,326)   (549,312)
                     
Gross Income   223,775    782,270    228,750    1,190,799 
                     
Administrative Expenses   1,565,602    829,929    2,481,134    1,620,457 
Sales and Marketing Expenses   442,387    354,889    910,849    911,545 
Sales and Marketing Expenses - Related Party   27,082    61,502    58,771    93,781 
Research and Development Expenses   253,371    290,841    644,752    639,283 
Research and Development Expenses – Related Party   5,753    22,994    54,342    22,994 
Amortization of Non-Current Assets   42,777    42,777    85,554    85,554 
                     
Loss from Operations   (2,113,197)   (820,662)   (4,006,652)   (2,182,815)
                     
Other (Income)/Expenses                    
Foreign Currency Transaction (Gain)/Loss   3,029    978    5,905    (9,367)
Interest and Dividend Income   (48,773)   (3,632)   (85,113)   (6,169)
Total Other Income   (45,744)   (2,654)   (79,208)   (15,536
                     
Loss Before Income Taxes   (2,067,453)   (818,008)   (3,927,444)   (2,167,279)
                     
Income Tax Benefit   -    -    -    - 
                     
Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders   (2,067,453)   (818,008)   (3,927,444)   (2,167,279)
                     
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)                    
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Marketable Securities   4,401    852    (12,443)   1,009 
Total Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)   4,401    852    (12,443)   1,009 
                     
Comprehensive Loss  $(2,063,052)  $(817,156)  $(3,939,887)  $(2,166,270)
                     
Basic and Diluted loss per common share  $(0.02)  $(0.09)  $(0.05)  $(0.27)
                     
Weighted average basic and diluted common shares outstanding   93,254,241    8,882,326    82,348,494    7,943,168 

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity

For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

 

   Preferred       Common               Accumulated     
   Shares       Shares               Other     
   Issued and   Preferred   Issued and   Common   Deferred   Accumulated   Comprehensive   Total 
   Outstanding   Stock   Outstanding   Stock   Compensation   Deficit   Loss   Equity 
                                 
Balance at December 31, 2017 (audited)   1,755   $1,755,000    44,220,552   $110,647,169   $(3,469)  $(104,845,847)  $-   $7,552,853 
                                         
Net loss   -    -    -    -    -    (3,927,444)   -    (3,927,444)
Exercise of warrants for common stock   -    -    38,160,738    7,155,200    -    -    -    7,155,200 
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock   (1,755)   (1,755,000)   11,700,002    1,755,000    -    -    -    - 
Amortization of deferred compensation   -    -    -    -    3,469    -    -    3,469 
Issuance of restricted stock to key employees   -    -    25,000    5,175    -    -    -    5,175 
Issuance of non-qualified stock options to key employees   -    -    -    5,454    -    -    -    5,454 
Issuance of restricted stock for services for non-employees   -    -    -    12,545    -    -    -    12,545 
Net unrealized loss on marketable securities   -    -    -    -    -    -    (12,443)   (12,443)
                                         
Balance at June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   -   $-    94,106,292   $119,580,543   $-   $(108,773,291)  $(12,443)  $10,794,809 

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(unaudited)

 

   For the Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2018   2017 
Cash flows from operating activities          
Net loss  $(3,927,444)  $(2,167,279)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Accrued income on marketable securities   (16,332)   (1,001)
Depreciation and amortization   112,903    121,381 
Reserve and write-off for obsolete inventory   32,283    21,542 
Reserve for doubtful accounts   97,000    46,239 
Amortization of deferred compensation   3,469    15,864 
Share based compensation to employees – options   5,454    10,184 
Share based compensation to employees - restricted stock   5,175    - 
Share based compensation to non-employees – options   -    2,183 
Share based compensation to non-employees - restricted stock   12,545    - 
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
(Increase)/decrease in trade receivables   455,048    (372,502)
Decrease in trade receivables - related party   -    31,892 
(Increase)/decrease in deposits and other receivables   (13,698)   10,692 
Increase in deposit and other receivables - related party   (30,243)   - 
Increase in inventories   (99,220)   (213,860)
(Increase)/decrease in prepaid expenses   (548,144)   20,752 
Decrease in prepaid expenses - related party   26,468    46,890 
Increase in other assets   -    (4,330)
Increase in trade and other payables   89,964    38,278 
Decrease in trade and other payables - related party   (23,120)   (200,156)
Net cash used in operating activities   (3,817,892)   (2,593,231)
           
Cash flows from investing activities          
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (37,698)   (37,191)
Purchases of marketable securities   (5,268,754)   (2,705,168)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities   2,306,675    1,745,554 
Net cash used in investing activities   (2,999,777)   (996,805)
           
Cash flows from financing activities          
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock   -    3,413,311 
Net proceeds from exercise of warrants for common stock   7,155,200    301,200 
Net cash provided by financing activities   7,155,200    3,714,511 
           
Net increase in cash and restricted cash   337,531    124,475 
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period   438,432    72,700 
Cash and restricted cash at end of period  $775,963   $197,175 
           
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities          
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable securities  $(12,443)  $1,009 
Issuance of a restricted common stock grant for services  $-   $5,455 
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock to common shares  $1,755,000   $- 

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1 – Organization and Description of Business

 

Akers Biosciences, Inc. (“Akers”), is a New Jersey corporation. These condensed consolidated financial statements include two wholly owned subsidiaries, Akers Acquisition Sub, Inc. and Bout Time Marketing Corporation, (together, the “Company”). All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Company’s primary focus is the development and sale of disposable diagnostic testing devices that can be performed in minutes, to facilitate time sensitive therapeutic decisions. The Company’s main products are a disposable breathalyzer test that measures the blood alcohol content of the user, a rapid test detecting the antibody causing an allergic reaction to Heparin and a disposable breathalyzer test that measures Free Radical activity in the human body.

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies

 

  (a) Basis of Presentation

 

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in U.S. Dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP).

 

Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed. As such, the information included in these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 included in the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K/
A, Amendment No. 1, as filed on July 13, 2018. In the opinion of the management, these condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2018 and its results of operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

 

The Company is an emerging growth company as the term is used in The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act enacted on April 5, 2012 and has elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements.

 

  (b) Use of Estimates and Judgments

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. Information about significant areas of estimation, uncertainty and critical judgments in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements is included in the following notes for revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory write-downs, impairment of intangible assets and valuation of share-based payments.

 

5
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

  (c) Functional and Presentation Currency

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. Dollars, which is the Company’s functional currency. All financial information presented in U.S. Dollars has been rounded to the nearest dollar. Foreign Currency Transaction Gains or Losses, resulting from loans and cash balances denominated in Foreign Currencies, are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

  (d) Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) 220 in reporting comprehensive income (loss). Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting methodology that includes disclosure of certain financial information that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income.

 

  (e) Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances. The Company considers all highly liquid investments, which include short-term bank deposits (up to 3 months from date of deposit) that are not restricted as to withdrawal date or use, to be cash equivalents. Bank overdrafts are shown as part of trade and other payables in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

  (f) Restricted Cash

 

At June 30, 2018, restricted cash included in non-current assets on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet was $500,000 representing cash in trust for the purpose of funding legal fees for certain threatened litigation.

 

  (g) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, receivables and trade and other payables. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and trade and other payables approximate their fair value because of their short maturities.

 

The framework for measuring fair value provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC 820 are described as follows:

 

  Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.
  Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology include:

 

  quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
  quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
  inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
  inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means
     
  If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

  Level 3 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

 

6
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

The asset or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

U.S. Agency Securities and Corporate and Municipal Securities: Valued using pricing models maximizing the use of observable inputs for similar securities. This includes basing value on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

 

  

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities

(Level 1)

  

Quoted Prices for Similar Assets or Liabilities

in Active Markets

(Level 2)

  

Significant

Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

 
Marketable securities at June 30, 2018  $-   $7,977,575   $- 
                
Marketable securities at December 31, 2017  $           -   $5,011,607   $                          - 

 

Marketable securities include U.S. agency securities, corporate securities, and municipal securities, which are classified as available for sale. The securities are valued at fair market value. Maturities of the securities are less than one year. Unrealized gains and losses relating to the available for sale investment securities were recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity as comprehensive income. These amounts were a decrease of $4,401 and an increase of $12,443 in unrealized losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. These amounts were an increase of $852 and $1,009 in unrealized gains for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were $2,004,580 and $2,306,675. Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities in the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 were $650,336 and $1,745,554. Gross gains and losses, resulting from these sales, amounted to a loss of $4,401 and a gain of $605 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 and a loss of $4,401 and $1,656 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

  (h) Trade Receivables, Trade Receivables – Related Party and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The carrying amounts of current trade receivables is stated at cost, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and approximate their fair value given their short-term nature.

 

7
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

The normal credit terms extended to customers ranges between 30 and 90 days. Credit terms longer than these may be extended after considering the credit worthiness of the customers and the business requirements. The Company reviews all receivables that exceed terms and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on management’s assessment of the collectability of trade and other receivables. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the amount of allowance. The Company considers the historical level of credit losses, makes judgments about the credit worthiness of each customer based on ongoing credit evaluations and monitors current economic trends that might impact the level of credit losses in the future.

 

As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, allowances for doubtful accounts for trade receivables were $693,196 and $596,196. Bad debt expenses for trade receivables were $125,500 and $5,380 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $125,500 and $47,741 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

  (i) Concentrations

 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash on deposit with financial institutions and accounts receivable. At times, the Company’s cash in banks is in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any loss as a result of these cash deposits. These cash balances are maintained with four banks.

 

Major Customers

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2018, three customers generated 33%, 27% and 12%, or 72% in the aggregate, of the Company’s revenue. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, two customers generated 49% and 17%, or 66% in the aggregate, of the Company’s revenue. As of June 30, 2018, the amount due from these customers was $291,220. This concentration makes the Company vulnerable to a near-term severe impact should these relationships be terminated.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2017, two customers generated 47% and 27%, or 74% in the aggregate, of the Company’s revenue. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, three customers generated 31%, 29% and 13%, or 73% in the aggregate, of the Company’s revenue.

 

Three customers accounted for 41%, 13%, and 13% or 67%, in the aggregate, of gross trade receivables, before accounting for allowance for doubtful accounts, as of June 30, 2018. To limit such risks, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $457,881, $146,195 and $142,293 in trade receivables, respectively, from these customers.

 

Major Suppliers

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2018, two suppliers accounted for 13% and 11%, or 24% in the aggregate, of the Company’s purchases. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, no supplier accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s purchases.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2017, two suppliers accounted for 15% and 13%, or 28% in the aggregate, of the Company’s purchases. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, one supplier accounted for 14% of the Company’s purchases.

 

Two vendors accounted for 29% and 12%, or 41%, in the aggregate, of trade payables as of June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $298,634 and $121,327 in trade payables, respectively, from these vendors.

 

8
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

  (j) Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs include expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.

 

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are recognized within “other income” in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

Depreciation is recognized in profit and loss on the accelerated basis over the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and equipment. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives.

 

Depreciation expense totaled $13,675 and $17,885 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $27,350 and $35,827 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

  (k) Intangible Assets

 

The Company’s long-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate there may be an impairment. These assets were initially recorded at their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition and assets not acquired in acquisitions were recorded at historical cost. However, if their estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, other intangible assets with indefinite life are reduced to their estimated fair value through an impairment charge to our condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

Intangible assets as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were $1,045,113 and $1,130,667, respectively. Intangible assets at June 30, 2018 consisted of patents, trademarks and customer lists of $3,897,635 net of accumulated amortization and impairment of $2,852,522.

 

Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, other than goodwill, from the date that they are available for use. Amortization expense was $42,777 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 and $85,553 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

The following is an annual schedule of approximate future amortization of the Company’s intangible assets:

 

Period  Amount 
2018 (six months)  $85,554 
2019   171,108 
2020   149,298 
2021   147,315 
2022   147,315 
2023   147,315 

 

9
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

  (l) Revenue Recognition

 

In accordance with FASB ASC 605, the Company recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of a customer or distributor arrangement exists, (ii) a retailer, distributor or wholesaler receives the goods and acceptance occurs, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the collectability of the revenue is reasonably assured. Subject to these criteria, the Company recognizes revenue from product sales when title passes to the customer based on shipping terms. The Company typically does not accept returns nor offer charge backs or rebates except for certain distributors. Revenue recorded is net of any discount, rebate or sales return. The accrual for estimated sales returns was $- as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. In cases where the right of return is granted, and the Company does not have historical experience to reasonably estimate the sales returns, the revenue is recognized when the return privilege has substantially expired.

 

The Company may provide for rebates to the distributors under limited circumstances. The Company established an accrual of $54,228 and $126,471 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Accounts receivable will be reduced when the rebates are applied by the customer. The Company recognized $6,350 and $67,855 during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, for rebates and $43,894 and $170,678 during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included as a reduction of product revenue in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

License fee revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the license agreement.

 

When the Company enters into arrangements that contain more than one deliverable, the Company allocates revenue to the separate elements under the arrangement based on their relative selling prices in accordance with FASB ASC 605-25.

 

  (m) Income Taxes

 

The Company utilizes an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. The provision for income taxes is based upon income or loss after adjustment for those permanent items that are not considered in the determination of taxable income. Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects of differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.

 

The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management makes judgments as to the interpretation of the tax laws that might be challenged upon an audit and cause changes to previous estimates of tax liability. In management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made. If actual taxable income by tax jurisdiction varies from estimates, additional allowances or reversals of reserves may be necessary.

 

Tax benefits are recognized only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon settlement. A liability for “unrecognized tax benefits” is recorded for any tax benefits claimed in the Company’s tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards. As of June 30, 2018 and 2017, no liability for unrecognized tax benefits was required to be reported.

 

10
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

There was no income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. There is no income tax benefit for the losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 since management has determined that the realization of the net deferred assets is not assured and has created a valuation allowance for the entire amount of such tax benefits.

 

The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with tax audits is to record such items as a component of general and administrative expense. There were no amounts accrued for penalties and interest for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company does not expect its uncertain tax position to change during the next twelve months. Management is currently unaware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviations from its position.

 

The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state tax returns in New Jersey and California as its “major” tax jurisdictions, and such returns for the years 2014 through 2017 remain subject to examination.

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. As December 31, 2017, the Company had made a reasonable estimate of the effects of the Tax Act. This estimate incorporates assumptions made based upon the Company’s current interpretation of the Tax Act and may change as the Company may receive additional clarification and implementation guidance and as the interpretation of the Tax Act evolves. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year form the enactment date. SAB 118 was codified by the FASB as part of ASU No. 2018-05, Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. As of June 30, 2018, we have not made any additional measurement period adjustments. Such adjustments may be necessary in future periods due to, among other things, the significant complexity of the Act and anticipated additional regulatory guidance that may be issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), changes in analysis, interpretations and assumptions the Company has made and actions the Company may take as a result of the Act. We are continuing to gather information to assess the application of the Act and expect to finalize the accounting for the effects of the Tax Act no later than the fourth quarter of 2018. Future adjustments made to the provisional effects will be reported as a component of income tax expense in the reporting period in which any such adjustments are determined. Based on the new tax law that lowers corporate tax rates, on December 31, 2017, the Company revalued its deferred tax assets.

 

11
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

  (n) Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

 

The Company charges actual shipping plus a handling fee to customers, which amounted to $18,739 and $12,016 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $32,380 and $30,436 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These fees are classified as part of product revenue in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. Shipping and other related delivery costs, including those for incoming raw materials consumed are classified as part of the cost of sales, which amounted to $37,993 and $31,393 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $64,937 and $47,569 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

  (o) Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share of Common Stock

 

Basic earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares plus dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period. Potential common shares that would have the effect of increasing diluted earnings per share are considered anti-dilutive, i.e. the exercise prices of the outstanding stock options were greater than the market price of the common stock.

 

The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was based on the loss attributable to common shareholders of $2,067,453 and $818,008, respectively, and $3,927,444 and $2,167,279 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was 93,254,241 and 8,882,326, respectively, and 82,348,494 and 7,943,168 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

 

The following securities are excluded from the calculation of weighted average dilutive common shares because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

 

   For the Three and Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017 
Incentive and Award Stock Options   202,000    259,000 
Unvested Restricted Shares of Common Stock   -    9,166 
Warrants   11,329,833    1,490,570 
Total potentially dilutive shares   11,531,833    1,758,736 

 

12
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

  (p) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

 

As the Company is an emerging growth company, it has elected to adopt recently issued accounting pronouncements based on effective dates applicable to other than public business entities.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash. The amendments in this Update require that a statement of cash flows explains the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this Update do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this as of January 1, 2018.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Adopted

 

In May 2014 and April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which deferred the effective date of Update 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and for entities other than public business entities, and to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period for public business entities. Early application is permitted as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the amendments, but it does not anticipate a material impact of its financial statements. The Company expects to use the modified retrospective adoption method and will adopt this Update as of January 1, 2019.

 

13
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The guidance is effective for public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. For all other entities, ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than an entity’s adoption date of Topic 606. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, Codification Improvements, to makes changes to a variety of topics to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification. Certain items of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 will be effective for the Company in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2018-09 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 3 – Key Recent Events and Management Plans

 

On April 25, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company terminated Dr. Raymond F. Akers from his position as Executive Chairman of the Board and from each of his officer positions as Chief Scientific Director and Secretary of the Company. Dr. Raymond F. Akers continued as a member of the Board of Directors until his resignation on May 27, 2018.

 

On April 25, 2018, the Board appointed Richard Carlyle Tarbox III, a current director of the Company as the interim Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, to hold that position until his successor is appointed, and to the position of Secretary of the Company.

 

By way of a letter dated May 22, 2018, the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ advised the Company that it did not comply with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) for continued listing because NASDAQ has not received the Company’s Quarterly Report. NASDAQ has informed the Company that the Company is required to submit a plan to regain compliance with NASDAQ’s filing requirements for continued listing within 60 calendar days of the date of the Notice. NASDAQ has informed the Company that it is in Compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) on July 12, 2018.

 

On June 11, 2018, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department NASDAQ notifying the Company that it has determined that the Company violated the shareholder approval requirements of Listing Rule 5635(c). Listing Rule 5635(c) requires shareholder approval prior to the issuance of securities when a stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially amended, pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees or consultants.

 

Prior to the Company’s public offering and listing on NASDAQ, the Company’s 2013 Incentive Stock and Award Plan (the “2013 Plan”) was approved by its Board of Directors. NASDAQ has concluded that the 2013 Plan was materially amended on two occasions after the Company’s public offering and listing on NASDAQ. The first amendment, as approved by the Board on January 9, 2015, increased the number of shares available under the 2013 Plan from 400,000 to 800,000 shares and the second amendment, as approved by the Board on October 5, 2016, increased the number of shares under the 2013 Plan from 800,000 to 830,000 shares (the “2013 Plan Amendments”).

 

14
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 3 – Key Recent Events and Management Plans, continued

 

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company promptly notified NASDAQ, as required by Listing Rule 5625, when it became aware of its potential non-compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c). On May 4, 2018, the Staff requested additional information from the Company with respect to such non-compliance and on May 31, 2018, the Company responded. On June 25, 2018, the Company submitted a plan to NASDAQ to remediate this matter (the “5635 Compliance Plan”). The 5635 Compliance Plan included that a proposal for shareholders of the Company to ratify the 2013 Plan Amendments be included in the proxy statement for the Company’s 2018 annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company and that the Company shall suspend the trading of each share granted, and each share granted upon the exercise of any option granted, in excess of 400,000 shares under the 2013 Plan (the number of shares properly approved pursuant to the 2013 Plan prior to the 2013 Plan Amendments until shareholder ratification). The 5635 Compliance Plan also proposes to prevent the exercise of any option granted under the 2013 Plan until shareholder ratification.

 

On July 12, 2018, NASDAQ approved of the 5635 Compliance Plan and granted the Company until December 10, 2018, to regain compliance with Listing Rule 5635.

 

On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class action lawsuits against the Company. See Note 10 - Contingencies for details.

 

Historically, the Company has relied upon public offerings and private placements of Common Stock to raise operating capital. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company raised $9,478,897, net of expenses, in public and private offerings and an additional $981,948, net of expenses, from the exercise of warrants. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company raised an additional $7,155,200 from the exercise of warrants (Note 7). As of August 2, 2018, the Company had cash and marketable securities of approximately $7.5 million and working capital of approximately $8.4 million. The Company is not yet able to determine the impact of the key events during June and July of 2018 may have on the Company’s ability to raise capital, nor the impact that these matters might have on its business operations.

 

The Company believes that its current working capital position will be sufficient to meet its obligations as they fall due within one year after these financial statements are issued.

 

Note 4 - Inventories

 

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventories is based on the weighted-average principle, and includes expenditures incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, costs include an appropriate share of production overhead based on normal operating capacity. 

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

   June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
         
Raw Materials  $544,637   $458,441 
Sub-Assemblies   937,222    886,274 
Finished Goods   745,298    815,505 
Reserve for Obsolescence   (1,212,608)   (1,212,608)
   $1,014,549   $947,612 

 

Obsolete inventory charged to cost of goods during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 totaled $7,823 and $21,542, respectively, and $32,283 and $21,542 during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

15
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 5 - Trade and Other Payables

 

Trade and other payables consist of the following:

 

   June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
         
Trade Payables  $1,024,413   $948,951 
Accrued Expenses   751,017    736,515 
Deferred Compensation   59,750    59,750 
   $1,835,180   $1,745,216 

 

Trade and other payables – related party are as follows:

 

   June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Trade Payables  $16,701   $39,821 
   $16,701   $39,821 

 

Note 6 - Share-based Payments

 

On January 23, 2014, upon effectiveness of the registration statement filed with the SEC, the Company adopted the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which will provide for the issuance of up to 400,000 shares. The purpose of the Plan is to provide additional incentive to those officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company’s business.

 

On January 9, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved, upon recommendation from the Compensation Committee of the Board, by unanimous written consent the Amended and Restated 2013 Incentive Stock and Award Plan (the “Amended Plan”), which increases the number of authorized shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan to 800,000 shares (Note 3)

 

On September 30, 2016, the Board of Directors increased the number of authorized shares of Common Stock subject to the Amended Plan to 830,000 shares. As of June 30, 2018, grants of restricted stock and options to purchase 202,000 shares of Common Stock have been issued, pursuant to the Amended Plan, and are unvested or unexercised and 60,292 shares of Common Stock remain available for grants under the Amended Plan.

 

16
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6 - Share-based Payments, continued

 

On August 7, 2017, the Shareholders approved and the Company adopted the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which will provide for the issuance of up to 1,350,000 shares. The purpose of the Plan is to provide additional incentive to those officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company’s business. As of June 30, 2018, grants totaling 320,107 shares of restricted Common Stock have been issued pursuant to the Plan and 1,029,893 shares of Common Stock remain available for grants under the Plan.

 

The Plan is administered by the Board or a Board-appointed committee. Eligible recipients of option awards are employees, officers, consultants or directors (including non-employee directors) of the Company or of any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company. The Board has the authority to grant to any eligible recipient any options, restricted stock or other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Company’s Common Stock.

 

The Company did not issue any options or warrants under the above plan during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Stock Options

 

The following table summarizes the option activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

               Weighted     
           Weighted   Average     
       Weighted   Average   Remaining     
   Number   Average   Grant   Contractual   Aggregate 
   of   Exercise   Date   Term   Intrinsic 
   Shares   Price   Fair Value   (years)   Value 
Balance at December 31, 2017   255,000   $4.25   $2.56    2.02   $    - 
Granted   -    -    -    -    - 
Exercised   -    -    -    -    - 
Forfeited   (53,000)   -    2.69    1.30    - 
Canceled/Expired   -    -    -    -    - 
Balance at June 30, 2018   202,000   $4.27   $2.53    1.59   $- 
Exercisable as of June 30, 2018   197,334   $4.30   $2.53    1.55   $- 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the closing stock price of $0.387 for the Company’s common shares on June 30, 2018.

 

The numbers of non-vested employee stock options as of June 30, 2018 remained the same as that as of the year ended December 31, 2017 with 4,666 units and a weighted-average grant date fair value of $2.36.

 

Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested employee stock options totaled $1,477 as of June 30, 2018. The cost is to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.13 years.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred stock option expenses totaling $2,742 and $7,275, respectively, and $5,454 and $12,367 during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

17
 

 

AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6 - Share-based Payments, continued

 

Stock Warrants

 

The table below summarizes the warrant activity for the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

       Weighted   Average     
       Average   Remaining   Aggregate 
   Number of   Exercise   Contractual   Intrinsic 
   Warrants   Price   Term (years)   Value 
Balance at December 31, 2017   49,490,571   $0.22    4.95   $    - 
Granted   -    -    -      
Exercised   (38,160,738)   0.19    -      
Forfeited   -    -    -      
Canceled/Expired   -    -    -      
Balance at June 30, 2018   11,329,833   $0.35    4.40   $- 
Exercisable as of June 30, 2018   11,329,833   $0.35    4.40   $- 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the closing stock price of $0.387 for the Company’s common shares on June 30, 2018. All warrants were vested on date of grant.

 

Note 7 – Equity

 

The holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. Holders of Series B convertible preferred shares have no voting rights at meetings of the Company.

 

A restricted stock award is an award of common shares that are subject to certain restrictions during a specified period. Restricted stock awards are independent of option grants and are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the shares before the restricted shares vest. Shares on non-vested restricted stock have the same voting rights as Common Stock, are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon and are considered to be currently issued and outstanding. The Company expenses the cost of the restricted stock awards, which is determined to be the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant, straight-line over the period during which the restrictions lapse. For these purposes, the fair market value of the restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the grant date.

 

On April 11, 2017, the Company issued 10,000 restricted shares to a consultant for services to be rendered during the year ending December 31, 2017. These shares vested on the date of the grant. The fair value of these shares was $18,000 and was based on the share price on the date of the grant. During the year ended December 31, 2017, $5,455 was recognized as stock-based compensation expense. The remaining $12,545 fair value of restricted shares issued was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as sales and marketing expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

On January 16, 2018, the Board of Directors issued 25,000 restricted shares of Common Stock to a key employee of the Company as part of the Plan. The fair value of the shares was $5,175 and was based on the closing share price of $0.2070 per share. The share grants vested immediately. The Company recorded the expense as sales and marketing expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, 1,755 shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock, no par value, were converted into 11,700,002 shares of Common Stock.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, warrant holders from the December 21, 2017 public offering exercised 38,160,738 warrants with an exercise price of $0.1875 per common share, raising net proceeds of $7,155,200.

 

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AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 8 - Related Party Transactions

 

On June 19, 2012, the Company entered into a 3-year exclusive License & Supply Agreement with ChubeWorkx Guernsey Limited (as successor to SONO International Limited) (“ChubeWorkx”) for the purchase and distribution of Akers’ proprietary breathalyzers outside North America. ChubeWorkx paid a licensing fee of $1,000,000 which was recognized over the term of the agreement through September 30, 2015.

 

On June 13, 2013, the Company announced an expansion of the License and Supply Agreement with ChubeWorkx to include worldwide marketing and distribution of the “Be CHUBE” program using the Company’s breathalyzer.

 

On August 17, 2016, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with ChubeWorkx Guernsey Limited (“ChubeWorkx”), a major shareholder, which settled all pending claims between the Company and ChubeWorkx. Specifically, the Company and ChubeWorkx agreed to voluntarily dismiss (i) the action in the United States Federal Court, District of New Jersey brought by the Company against ChubeWorkx for outstanding amounts due to the Company under a promissory note and (ii) the action in The High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division Commercial Court, Royal Courts of Justice, United Kingdom brought by ChubeWorkx against the Company arising from an exclusive licensing agreement between ChubeWorkx and the Company (“Licensing Agreement”).

 

Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the Company would receive the full outstanding principal amount in the year ended December 31, 2016 in the form of $750,000 of BreathScan® Alcohol Detector inventory and the balance of $549,609 as prepaid royalty. Akers’ established an allowance for this doubtful note in the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. As a result of the Settlement Agreement, the Company reversed the allowance for doubtful note in the amount of $1,299,609 which was included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

In addition to addressing the promissory note described above, the Settlement Agreement also allows the Company to market and sell all of the Company’s breath technology tests worldwide, unencumbered by any past/future claims by ChubeWorkx under the Licensing Agreement (entered into with ChubeWorkx in 2012 and subsequently amended in 2013). Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, ChubeWorkx no longer holds any rights pertaining to Akers’ BreathScan® technology, which serves as the basis for several commercialized products including BreathScan® Alcohol Detector and BreathScan OxiChek™; and a number of products in development.

 

In return for the Company regaining the full rights to sell breath technology products, under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, ChubeWorkx is entitled to receive a royalty of 5% of the Company’s gross revenues (the “ChubeWorkx Royalty”) until ChubeWorkx has earned an aggregate $5,000,000, after which point ChubeWorkx will no longer be entitled to receive any royalties from the Company and the Company shall have no further obligation to ChubeWorkx. The Settlement Agreement further allows the Company to retain 50% of the ChubeWorkx Royalty until the full $549,609 cash component of the monies owed by ChubeWorkx to the Company as described above has been satisfied. The Company recorded royalty expenses of $27,082 and $61,502 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $58,771 and $93,781 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which are included in sales and marketing expenses – related party on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

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AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 8 - Related Party Transactions, continued

 

Other terms of the Settlement include: 1) the pledge as security of all earned but unpaid royalties by the Company to ChubeWorkx all Company assets, worthy to satisfy its obligations, including all inventory and receivables, with the exception of (i) distribution contracts of the Company or any of its affiliates, (ii) customer lists, (iii) manufacturing processes (including all intellectual property required to use those processes and exploit products made thereby), and (iv) all equipment required to perform said manufacturing processes and other equipment; 2) the pledge as security of the settlement sum which remains unpaid by the Company to ChubeWorkx all Company (i) distribution contracts of the Company or any of its affiliates, (ii) customer lists, (iii) manufacturing processes (including all intellectual property required to use those processes and exploit products made thereby), and (iv) all equipment required to perform said manufacturing processes and other equipment; and 3) the grant of voting proxy by ChubeWorkx to the Company which allows the Company to vote ChubeWorkx’s shares for corporate formalities under certain conditions.

 

The pledged assets are only at risk in the event that the Company cannot satisfy any outstanding royalty payment obligations subject to various cure periods and/or through a restructuring and/or liquidation under the United States Bankruptcy laws of the Company in favor of payment of said obligation.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized sales of $20,265 and $-, respectively, for the BreathScan Breath Alcohol products acquired from the Settlement and $20,265 and $- during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2018, the Company owed ChubeWorkx Guernsey Limited, previously a major shareholder, royalties of $13,541 which is included in trade and other payables – related party on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company began purchasing manufacturing molds, plastic components and the assembled BreathScan Lync™ device through Hainan and its related party during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company purchased a total of $522 and $- during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $4,636 and $16,774 during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2018, the Company owed Hainan and its related party $3,160 which is included in trade and other payables – related party on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

As of June 30, 2018, the Company owed Hainan $670. Senior management at Hainan are actively involved in Shenzhen Savy-Akers Biosciences (“Shenzhen”) which is therefore being included as a related party. The Company owed Shenzhen $2,490 as of June 30, 2018.

 

On January 31, 2018, the Company engaged Medical Horizons, Inc. (“Medical Horizons”), a company owned and operated by the spouse of a member of the Company’s leadership team, to provide engineering and design services. The Company recorded $5,753 and $54,342 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, related to the engagement of Medical Horizons which is included in research and development – related party on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

Product revenue – related party for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 were $- and credit of $24,064, respectively, and $- for each of the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The credit of $24,064 was the result of an adjustment to sales to Hainan and its related party.

 

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AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9 – Commitments

 

The Company leases its facility in West Deptford, New Jersey under an operating lease (“Thorofare Lease”) with annual rentals of $132,000 plus common area maintenance (CAM) charges. The lease, which took effect on January 1, 2008, reduced the CAM charges allowing the Company to reach their own agreements with utilities and other maintenance providers. On January 7, 2013, the Company extended its lease agreement for a term of 7 years, expiring December 31, 2019. Rent expense for the Thorofare Lease, including related CAM charges for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 totaled $40,928 and $40,440, respectively, and $83,144 and $80,927 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

The Company entered into a 24-month lease for a satellite office located in Ramsey, New Jersey (“Ramsey Lease”) with annual rents of $25,980 plus common area maintenance (CAM) charges. The lease took effect on June 1, 2017 and runs through May 31, 2019. Rent expenses for the Ramsey Lease, including related CAM charges totaled $6,495 and $2,165 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $12,990 and $2,165 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company posted a security deposit of $4,330 which is included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

The Company entered into a 29-month lease for warehouse space located in Pitman, New Jersey (“Pitman Lease”) with annual rents of $39,650. The lease took effect on August 1, 2017 and runs through December 31, 2019. Rent expenses for the Pitman Lease totaled $9,913 and $- for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $19,825 and $- for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. A security deposit of $4,950 is included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

The Company entered into a 60-month operating lease for equipment with annual rentals of $6,156 on September 29, 2014. The lease commenced on October 21, 2014 upon the delivery of the equipment.

 

The Company entered into a 36-month contract with Oracle Corporation for the NetSuite accounting platform in March 2018 at an annual cost of $64,938. Implementation of the platform began in April with a go-live target of January 1, 2019.

 

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AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9 – Commitments, continued

 

The schedule of lease commitments is as follows:

 

    Thorofare     Ramsey     Pitman     Equipment     Oracle        
    Lease     Lease     Lease     Lease     NetSuite     Total  
Next 12 Months   $ 132,000     $ 23,815     $ 39,650     $ 6,156     $ 64,938     $ 266,559  
Next 13-24 Months     66,000       -       19,824       2,052       64,938       152,814  
Next 25-36 Months     -       -       -       -       43,292       43,292  

 

Note 10 – Contingencies

 

On October 17, 2016 the Company was served with a notice that Pulse Health LLC (“Pulse”) filed a lawsuit against the Company on September 30, 2016 in United States Federal District Court, District of Oregon, alleging a breach of contract under the settlement agreement entered into by the Company and Pulse on April 8, 2011 which settled all claims and disputes between the Company and Pulse arising from a previously executed Technology Development Agreement entered into by the Company and Pulse and damages resulting from said alleged breach. Additionally, Pulse alleges false advertising and unlawful trade practices in connection with the Company’s sales activities related to the Company’s OxiChek™ products.

 

The Company filed a series of motions with the Court seeking (1) to dismiss the Pulse complaint for lack of jurisdiction or, in the alternative, transfer the matter to the District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage and (2) to dismiss the unfair competition claims for failure to state a claim on which relief could be granted. Oral arguments on these motions were heard by the Court on March 10, 2017.

 

The Court decided by order dated April 14, 2017 in favor of the Company and has dismissed with prejudice the claims brought by Pulse for unfair competition (both federal and state counts). The court decided against the Company in its motions for transfer of venue and for lack of jurisdiction. As such, the case shall proceed in the District Court of Oregon.

 

The Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on January 24, 2018. On June 21, 2018, the Court ruled in favor of the Company on some issues and determined that other issues warranted a trial. As part of its ruling on the Motion for Summary Judgment, the Court held “While it seems likely that Plaintiff did suffer some amount of damages, Plaintiff has so far failed to provide a sufficient evidentiary foundation from which the trier of fact could reasonably calculate the value of its injury.”  The Court stated that it was “reasonably certain that Plaintiff suffered some damage” and found that Pulse Health “may be entitled to nominal damages.”  The Court further determined that equitable relief, such as an injunction, “may be warranted.” Following such rulings, the Company discovered certain deficiencies in its discovery responses and is taking the appropriate steps to supplement the record and correct these deficiencies. In addition, the Court has ordered a settlement conference in front of a U.S. magistrate to be held on August 31, 2018. Trial has been set for November 13, 2018 in Portland, Oregon.

 

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AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 10 – Contingencies, continued

 

On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class action lawsuits against the Company.

 

Faulkner v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10521 (D.N.J.)

 

On June 13, 2018, Plaintiff Tim Faulkner filed a class action complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences, Inc. (“Akers”), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch (“Individual Defendants”) (together with Akers, “Defendants”) on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true extent of those weaknesses. On July 10, 2018, Plaintiff and Defendants entered into a stipulation that Defendants are not required to respond to the complaint until the court appoints a lead plaintiff and lead counsel for the class, and then after the lead plaintiff chooses whether to file an amended complaint or whether to designate the complaint as the operative complaint.

 

Gleason v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10805 (D.N.J.)

 

On June 20, 2018, Plaintiff David Gleason filed a class action complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences, Inc. (“Akers”), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch (“Individual Defendants”) (together with Akers, “Defendants”) on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true extent of those weaknesses. No Defendant has been served yet, and no response is due at this time.

 

Other class action lawsuits have been threatened against the Company and may be filed shortly. Although there are currently two separate actions pending, we anticipate that the two actions will be consolidated into one action.

 

The Company maintains D&O liability insurance coverage, insuring both the Company and the Directors and Officers for covered defense and indemnification, and has noticed these matters thereunder.

 

Additionally, a former executive has threatened to sue the Company, Board members, and executives under CEPA over the termination of his employment. That statute prohibits any retaliatory action against an employee who discloses, or threatens to disclose to a supervisor or to a public entity any activity, policy or practice of the employer that is a violation of a law, or a rule or regulation. Remedies may include a counter claim for back pay, reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys’ fees if appropriate. The Company will vigorously defend any litigation brought by this former executive.

 

The Company intends to establish a rigorous defense of all claims. The Company is unable to assess the potential outcome, so no accrual for losses was made as of June 30, 2018. All legal fees were expensed as and when incurred.

 

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AKERS BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 11 – Revenue Information

 

Revenue by product lines was as follows:

 

   Three months ended   Six months ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
Product Line  2018   2017   2018   2017 
                 
MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor (“MPC”)  $106,680   $69,848   $125,630   $155,507 
Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay (“PIFA”)   356,082    426,747    616,066    987,668 
Rapid Enzymatic Assay (“REA”)   45,100    -    55,000    - 
Other   18,739    576,266    32,380    596,936 
Total Revenue  $526,601   $1,072,861   $829,076   $1,740,111 

 

The total revenue by geographic area determined based on the location of the customers was as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
Geographic Region  2018   2017   2018   2017 
United States  $462,383   $512,257   $757,116   $1,129,482 
People’s Republic of China   -    478,205    -    502,268 
Rest of World   64,218    82,399    71,960    108,361 
Total Revenue  $526,601   $1,072,861   $829,076   $1,740,111 

 

The Company had long-lived assets totaling $66,847 and $59,830 located in the People’s Republic of China and $1,223,728 and $1,305,950 located in the United States as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

Note 12 - Subsequent Events

 

On July 26, 2018, the Company implemented a reduction in workforce plan which resulted in the elimination of six staff positions in four operating departments.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q and other reports filed by Akers Biosciences, Inc. (“Akers”, “Akers Bio”, “we” or the “Company”) from time to time with the SEC (collectively, the “Filings”) contain or may contain forward-looking statements and information that are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, the Company’s management as well as estimates and assumptions made by Company’s management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. When used in the Filings, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or the Company’s management identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including the risks relating to the Company’s business, industry, and the Company’s operations and results of operations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned.

 

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

 

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Our financial statements would be affected to the extent there are material differences between these estimates and actual results. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

Akers Bio develops, manufactures, and supplies rapid, point-of-care screening and testing products designed to bring health-related information directly to the patient or clinician in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Akers believes it has advanced the science of diagnostics through the development of several proprietary platform technologies that provide product development flexibility.

 

All of Akers’ rapid, single-use tests are performed in vitro (outside the body) and are designed to enhance patient well-being and reduce the cost of healthcare. The Company’s current product offerings and pipeline products focus on delivering diagnostic assistance in a wide variety of healthcare fields/specialties, including diagnostic rapid manual point-of-care tests for the detection of allergic reactions to Heparin, metabolism/nutrition and for on- and off-the-job alcohol safety initiatives.

 

Akers believes that low-cost, single-use testing not only saves time and money, but allows for more frequent, near-patient testing which may save lives. We believe that our FDA-cleared rapid diagnostic tests help facilitate targeted diagnoses and real-time treatment. We also believe that our rapid diagnostic tests surpass most other current diagnostic products with their flexibility, speed, ease-of-use, readability, low cost and accuracy. In minutes, detection of disease states and medical conditions can be performed on single-patient specimens without sacrificing accuracy.

 

We believe the use of rapid tests, which can be performed at the point-of-care when and where the patient is being consulted, can result in immediate diagnostic decisions and subsequent treatment regimens and is an important development in the practice of medicine. Point-of-care testing addresses today’s challenges in the healthcare industry, such as:

 

25
 

 

  cost pressures/efficiency of healthcare delivery;
     
  need for affordable mass screening tests for key infectious diseases and metabolic markers; and

 

  need for easy to use, accurate at-home tests for individuals to monitor their personal health and wellness

 

The Company has also developed tests for non-medical use within the health and wellness industry. These tests monitor general markers of health and wellness as they relate to diet, nutrition and exercise programs.

 

Key Events, Management’s Plans and Basis of Presentation

 

On April 25, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company terminated Dr. Raymond F. Akers from his position as Executive Chairman of the Board and from each of his officer positions as Chief Scientific Director and Secretary of the Company. Dr. Raymond F. Akers continued as a member of the Board of Directors until his resignation on May 27, 2018.

 

On April 25, 2018, the Board appointed Richard Carlyle Tarbox III, a current director of the Company as the interim Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, to hold that position until his successor is appointed, and to the position of Secretary of the Company.

 

By way of a letter dated May 22, 2018, the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ advised the Company that it did not comply with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) for continued listing because NASDAQ has not received the Company’s Quarterly Report. NASDAQ has informed the Company that the Company is required to submit a plan to regain compliance with NASDAQ’s filing requirements for continued listing within 60 calendar days of the date of the Notice. NASDAQ has informed the Company that it is in Compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) on July 12, 2018.

 

On June 11, 2018, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department NASDAQ notifying the Company that it has determined that the Company violated the shareholder approval requirements of Listing Rule 5635(c). Listing Rule 5635(c) requires shareholder approval prior to the issuance of securities when a stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially amended, pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees or consultants.

 

Prior to the Company’s public offering and listing on NASDAQ, the Company’s 2013 Plan was approved by its Board. NASDAQ has concluded that the 2013 Plan was materially amended on two occasions after the Company’s public offering and listing on NASDAQ. The first amendment, as approved by the Board on January 9, 2015, increased the number of shares available under the 2013 Plan from 400,000 to 800,000 shares and the second amendment, as approved by the Board on October 5, 2016, increased the number of shares under the 2013 Plan from 800,000 to 830,000 shares.

 

During the first quarter of 2018 the Company promptly notified NASDAQ, as required by Listing Rule 5625, when it became aware of its potential non-compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c). On May 4, 2018, the Staff requested additional information from the Company with respect to such non-compliance and on May 31, 2018, the Company responded. On June 25, 2018, the Company submitted the 5635 Compliance Plan to NASDAQ to remediate this matter. The 5635 Compliance Plan included that a proposal for shareholders of the Company to ratify the 2013 Plan Amendments be included in the proxy statement for the Company’s 2018 annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company and that the Company shall suspend the trading of each share granted, and each share granted upon the exercise of any option granted, in excess of 400,000 shares under the 2013 Plan (the number of shares properly approved pursuant to the 2013 Plan prior to the 2013 Plan Amendments until shareholder ratification). The 5635 Compliance Plan also proposes to prevent the exercise of any option granted under the 2013 Plan until shareholder ratification.

 

On July 12, 2018, NASDAQ approved of the 5635 Compliance Plan and granted the Company until December 10, 2018, to regain compliance with Listing Rule 5635.

 

On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class action lawsuits against the Company.

 

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Faulkner v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10521 (D.N.J.)

 

On June 13, 2018, Plaintiff Tim Faulkner filed a class action complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences, Inc. (“Akers”), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch (“Individual Defendants”) (together with Akers, “Defendants”) on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true extent of those weaknesses. On July 10, 2018, Plaintiff and Defendants entered into a stipulation that Defendants are not required to respond to the complaint until the court appoints a lead plaintiff and lead counsel for the class, and then after the lead plaintiff chooses whether to file an amended complaint or whether designate the complaint as the operative complaint.

 

Gleason v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10805 (D.N.J.)

 

On June 20, 2018, Plaintiff David Gleason filed a class action complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences, Inc. (“Akers”), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch (“Individual Defendants”) (together with Akers, “Defendants”) on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true extent of those weaknesses. No Defendant has been served yet, and so no response is due at this time.

 

Other class action lawsuits have been threatened against the Company and may be filed shortly. Although there are currently two separate actions pending, we anticipate that the two actions will be consolidated into one action.

 

The Company maintains D&O liability insurance coverage, insuring both the Company and the Directors and Officers for covered defense and indemnification, and has noticed these matters thereunder.

 

As of June 30, 2018, the Company has in large part relied on equity financing to fund its operations, raising $30,717,381, net of expenses, in various public and private offering on the NASDAQ Capital Market and through the exercise of warrants associated with the offerings. The Company has experienced recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations. Management’s strategic plans include the following:

 

  continuing to advance the development and commercialization of the Company’s products, especially those that utilize MPC Biosensor, PIFA and seraSTAT technologies;
     
  continuing to strengthen and forge domestic and international relationships with well-established sales organizations with strong distribution channels in specific target markets for both our currently marketed and emerging products;
     
  establishing clinical protocols that support regulatory submissions and publication of data within peer-reviewed journals; and
     
  continuing to monitor and implement cost control initiatives to conserve cash.

 

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Despite our plans, the Company expects to continue to incur losses from operations for the near-term for the following reasons:

 

  some of Akers’ distribution partnerships (Diagnostica Stago) have been recently established or are in the process of being initiated and, therefore, consistent and historical ordering patterns have not been instituted;
     
  the Company continues to incur expenses related to the commercialization and marketing activities for its existing product platforms and product development (research, clinical trials, regulatory tasks) costs;
     
  and to expand the use of its clinical laboratory products, the Company may need to invest in additional marketing support programs to increase brand awareness.

 

At June 30, 2018, Akers had cash (including restricted cash of $500,000) of $775,963, working capital of $8,719,743, shareholders’ equity of $10,794,809 and an accumulated deficit of $108,773,291. The Company believes that its current working capital position will be sufficient to meet its estimated cash needs for at least the next 12 months. The Company closely monitors its cash balances, cash needs and expense levels. The Company is not yet able to determine the impact of the key events during June and July of 2018, as discussed above, on the Company’s ability to raise capital, nor the impact that these matters might have on its business operations.

 

Summary of Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

 

Revenue

 

Akers’ revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $526,601, a 51% decrease from the same period in 2017. The table below summarizes our revenue by product line for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

   For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
  Percent 
Product Lines  2018   2017   Change 
             
Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay (“PIFA”)  $356,082   $426,747    (17)%
MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor (“MPC”)   106,680    69,848    53%
Rapid Enzymatic Assay (“REA”)   45,100    -    0%
Other   18,739    576,266    (97)%
Total Revenue  $526,601   $1,072,861    (51)%

 

Revenue from the Company’s PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products decreased 17% to $356,082 (2017: $426,747) during the three months ended June 30, 2018, over the same period of 2017. The Company is taking steps to improve its market presence including the use of specialized Independent Sales Representatives (“ISRs”) and through a program to educate the marketplace through the preparation and publication of additional clinical studies and physician seminars on the risks associated with heparin induced thrombocytopenia.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2018, we experienced lower yields in the process of extracting antigen from the platelets used to produce our PIFA Heparin product. At these yield levels, our production of this product was under target levels, resulting in backorders. Our engineers and representatives from our supplier have been working together to adjust our processes in order to restore the yield to appropriate levels, the results of which are not yet determined.

 

Furthermore, we are evaluating and testing a resolution that may involve one or more alternative antigen suppliers and processes that may provide a path to restoring yield levels for this product. For each of these potential solutions, we will be conducting production validation and stability testing.

 

The Company’s dedicated technical sales account executives are supporting over 300 sales representatives of Akers’ U.S. distribution partners, Cardinal Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Diagnostica Stago, and the Company’s ISRs. Domestic sales for the three months ended June 30, 2018, of our distributors, Cardinal Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Diagnostica Stago, accounted for $327,556 of the total PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay sales as compared to $328,076 for the same period of 2017.

 

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The Company’s MPC product sales increased by 53% to $106,680 (2017: $68,848) during the three months ended June 30, 2018. Sales of the Company’s Metron and BreathScan Alcohol products accounted for the revenue.

 

The Company’s REA products generated $45,100 (2017: $-) during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Other revenue decreased to $18,739 (2017: $576,266) during the three months ended June 30, 2018. The category is made up of the sales of miscellaneous raw material components, sub-assembled products and fees billed for shipping and handling charges. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company received an initial order for manufacturing components from NovoTek totaling $500,000. NovoTek plans to utilize these components along with additional materials to be purchased in a future period to assemble PIFA Heparin/PF4 products in either the Peoples Republic of China or Poland.

 

Gross Margin

 

The Company’s gross margin declined to 42% (2017: 73%) for the three months ended June 30, 2018, principally on account of the decline in revenue against a base of certain fixed costs within product cost of sales. These fixed costs within product cost of sales consisted principally of direct personnel costs, manufacturing and warehousing space and depreciation of equipment. Within these fixed costs, direct personnel costs increased during the period to $110,629 (2017: $59,612).

 

Furthermore, during the three months ended June 30, 2018, we incurred additional product cost of sales of approximately $8,000 in our evaluation, testing and production efforts for the extraction of antigen from platelets used to produce our PIFA Heparin product.

 

As a result, cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased to $302,826 (2017: $290,591). Direct cost of sales increased to 31% of product revenue while other cost of sales increased to 26% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to 13% and 14% respectively for the same period in 2017 as described above.

 

Direct cost of sales for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 were $164,712 (2017: $143,545). Other cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $138,114 (2017: $147,046).

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018, totaled $1,565,602, which was an 89% increase as compared to $829,929 for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

 

The table below summarizes our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

   For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
   Percent Change 
Description  2018   2017     
Personnel Costs  $192,792   $223,944    (14)%
Professional Service Costs   927,812    354,570    162%
Stock Market & Investor Relations Costs   145,771    117,253    24%
Other General and Administrative Costs   299,227    134,162    123%
Total General and Administrative Expense  $1,565,602   $829,929    89%

 

Personnel expenses decreased by 14% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. A reduction in salaries, wages and bonuses to $162,756 (2017: $177,657) and employee benefit expenses of $4,994 (2017: $17,326) accounted for the savings.

 

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Professional service costs increased 162% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. A significant increase in legal fees ($605,175 (2017: $171,511)) and accounting and audit expenses ($236,042 (2017: $104,000)) resulted in the change. The increase in the legal and accounting fees were principally in connection with our Board’s recent investigation and the resulting restatement of our previously issued financials, as well in connection with litigation matters.

 

Stock exchange fees totaling $45,819 (2017: $12,247) were the major contributors to the 24% increase in stock market and investor relations costs for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Other general and administrative expenses increased by 123%. This increase is the result of increases in bad debts expense $125,500 (2017: $5,380) and rent and operating expenses of $79,361 (2017: $42,525) for the rental of the Ramsey, New Jersey satellite office.

 

Sales and Marketing Expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $469,469 which was a 13% increase compared to $416,391 for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

 

The table below summarizes our sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

   For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
     
Description  2018   2017   Percent Change 
Personnel Costs  $266,889   $181,653    47%
Professional Service Costs   69,065    72,079    (4)%
Royalties and Outside Commission Costs   69,983    103,702    (33)%
Other Sales and Marketing Costs   63,532    58,957    8%
Total Sales and Marketing Expenses  $469,469   $416,391    13%

 

The US market has been divided into two regional zones, each with a business director that is responsible for recruiting and supporting ISRs and independent manufacturing representatives (“IMRs”) to target large integrated delivery networks and individual facilities. This strategy requires more experienced and technically knowledgeable sales personnel to interact with surgeons, executive management, laboratory and medical directors. The Company has increased its sales and marketing staff from 4 members on June 30, 2017 to 5 as of June 30, 2018.

 

Personnel costs increased in the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. A increase in compensation, bonuses, commissions and severance payments to $219,754 (2017: $153,273) primarily due to changes in the bonus and compensation plan and adjustments to staffing.

 

The legal settlement with ChubeWorkx Guernsey, Ltd (“ChubeWorkx”), signed on August 11, 2016, requires the Company to pay a 5% royalty on adjusted gross sales to ChubeWorkx on a quarterly basis. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, this royalty totaled $27,082 (2017: $61,502).

 

The Company recognized reductions in computer expenses ($11,709 (2017: $21,099)) plus smaller reductions in several other operating categories which were offset by an increase in travel expenses ($33,210 (2017: $21,065)) that resulted in an 8% increase in other sales and marketing costs.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $259,123, which was a 17% decrease as compared to $313,835 for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

 

The table below summarizes our research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

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   For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
     
Description  2018   2017   Percent Change 
Personnel Costs  $176,202   $227,887    (23)%
Clinical Trial Costs   575    150    283%
Professional Service Costs   48,620    18,588    162%
Other Research and Development Costs   33,727    67,210    (50)%
Total Research and Development Expenses  $259,124   $313,835    (17)%

 

Personnel costs decreased 23% during the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. On April 25, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company terminated Dr. Raymond F. Akers from his position as Executive Chairman of the Board and from each of his officer positions as Chief Scientific Director and Secretary of the Company resulting in the decline in personnel costs.

 

Professional services consisted of fees paid to engineering consultants to address production mold designs, specialized tooling and manufacturing process development, regulatory consultants to assist with governmental filings and facility certifications and the medical director. Engineering service costs increased to $25,304 (2017: $5,630) and other general and regulatory consulting fees totaled $23,316 (2017: $12,848) in the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Decreases in laboratory supplies ($10,665 (2017: $34,124)) and the consumption of raw materials ($1,888 (2017: $11,851)) resulted in a decrease of 50% for other research and development costs during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

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Other Income and Expense

 

Other income, net of expense for the three months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $45,744, which was a 1,624% increase as compared to $2,654 for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

 

The table below summarizes our other income and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

   For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
     
Description  2018   2017   Percent Change 
Currency Translation Loss  $(3,029)  $(978)   210%
Realized Gains on Investments   (4,400)   605    (827)%
Interest and Dividends   53,173    3,027    1,657%
Total Other Income, Net of Expenses  $45,744   $2,654    1,624%

 

Losses associated with foreign currency transactions totaled $3,029 during the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to a loss of $978 the same period of 2017, primarily a result of the increased strength of the British Pound as compared to the US Dollar.

 

Realized gains, interest and dividend income increased to $48,773 (2017: $3,632). The Company’s available capital for investment activities increased significantly due to the capital raise in December 2017 and the subsequent exercises of warrants during the three months ended June 30, 2018 resulting in the increase in investment income.

 

Summary of Statements of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

 

Revenue

 

Akers’ revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $829,076, a 52% decrease from the same period in 2017. The table below summarizes our revenue by product line for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

  For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
    
Product Lines  2018   2017   Percent Change 
             
Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay (“PIFA”)  $616,066   $987,668    (38)%
MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor (“MPC”)   125,630    155,507    (19)%
Rapid Enzymatic Assay (“REA”)   55,000    -    - 
Other   32,380    596,936    (95)%
Total Revenue  $829,076   $1,740,111    (52)%

 

Revenue from the Company’s PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products decreased 38% to $616,066 (2017: $987,668) during the six months ended June 30, 2018, over the same period of 2017. The Company is taking steps to improve its market presence including the use of specialized Independent Sales Representatives (“ISRs”) and through a program to educate the marketplace through the preparation and publication of additional clinical studies and physician seminars on the risks associated with heparin induced thrombocytopenia.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we experienced lower yields in the process of extracting antigen from the supplier provided platelets used to produce our PIFA Heparin product. At these yield levels, our production of this product was under target levels, resulting in backorders. Our engineers and representatives from our supplier have been working together to adjust our processes in order to restore the yield to appropriate levels, the results of which are not yet determined.

 

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Furthermore, we are evaluating and testing a resolution that may involve one or more alternative antigen suppliers and processes that may provide a path to restoring yield levels for this product. For each of these potential solutions, we will be conducting production validation and stability testing.

 

The Company’s dedicated technical sales account executives are supporting over 300 sales representatives of Akers’ U.S. distribution partners, Cardinal Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Diagnostica Stago and the Company’s ISRs. Domestic sales for the six months ended June 30, 2018, of our distributors, Cardinal Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Diagnostica Stago accounted for $537,027 of the total PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay sales as compared to $765,653 for the same period of 2017.

 

The Company’s MPC product sales decreased by 19% to $125,630 (2017: $155,508) during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Sales of the Company’s Metron and BreathScan Alcohol products accounted for the revenue.

 

The Company’s REA products generated $55,000 (2017: $-) during the six months ended June 30, 2018. The Company’s re-introduced Tri-Cholesterol product is produced with this technology.

 

Other revenue decreased to $32,380 (2017: $596,935) during the six months ended June 30, 2018. The category is made up of the sales of miscellaneous raw material components, sub-assembled products and fees billed for shipping and handling charges. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company received an initial order for manufacturing components from NovoTek totaling $500,000. NovoTek plans to utilize these components along with additional materials to be purchased in a future period to assemble PIFA Heparin/PF4 products in either the Peoples Republic of China or Poland.

 

Gross Margin

 

The Company’s gross margin declined to 28% (2017: 68%) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 principally on account of the decline in revenue against a base of certain fixed costs within product cost of sales. These fixed costs within product cost of sales consisted principally of direct personnel costs, manufacturing and warehousing space, depreciation of equipment. Within these fixed costs, direct personnel costs increased during the period to $207,453 (2017: $124,965).

 

Furthermore, during the six months ended June 30, 2018, we incurred additional product cost of sales of approximately $19,200 in our evaluation, testing and production efforts for the extraction of antigen from platelets used to produce our PIFA Heparin product.

 

As a result, cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased to $600,326 (2017: $549,312). Direct cost of sales increased to 36% of product revenue while other cost of sales increased to 36% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to 15% and 17% respectively for the same period in 2017 as described above.

 

Direct cost of sales for the six -month period ended June 30, 2018 were $297,365 (2017: $249,673). Other cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $302,961 (2017: $299,639).

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018, totaled $2,481,135, which was a 53% increase as compared to $1,620,457 for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

The table below summarizes our general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

   

For the Six Months

Ended June 30,

       
Description   2018     2017     Percent Change  
Personnel Costs   $ 499,727     $ 558,471       (11 )%
Professional Service Costs     1,231,750       546,322       125 %
Stock Market & Investor Relations Costs     259,937       199,639       30 %
Other General and Administrative Costs     489,721       316,025       55 %
Total General and Administrative Expense   $ 2,481,135     $ 1,620,457       53 %

 

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Personnel expenses decreased by 11% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. A reduction in salaries, wages and bonuses to $406,697 (2017: $455,113) and employee benefit expenses of $20,739 (2017: $31,612) accounted for the savings.

 

Professional service costs increased by 125% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. A significant increase in legal fees ($883,451 (2017: $310,198)) and accounting and audit services ($236,042 (2017: $104,000)) were offset partially by a decrease in engineering fees $14,658 (2017: $56,794). The increase in the legal and accounting fees were principally in connection with our Board’s recent investigation and the resulting restatement of our previously issued financials, as well in connection with litigation matters.

 

Stock exchange fees totaled $116,001 (2017: $106,687) and transfer agent fees of $34,308 (2017: $21,124) were the major contributors to the 30% increase in stock market and investor relations costs for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Other general and administrative expenses increased by 55%. This increase is the result of increases in bad debts expenses of $125,500 (2017: $47,741), rent and operating expenses of $154,270 (2017: $87,778) for the addition of the Ramsey, New Jersey satellite office and insurance expenses of $95,752 (2017: $76,580).

 

Sales and Marketing Expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $969,620 which was a 4% decrease compared to $1,005,326 for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

The table below summarizes our sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

  

For the Six Months

Ended June 30,

     
Description  2018   2017   Percent Change 
Personnel Costs  $588,598   $517,485    14%
Professional Service Costs   140,623    137,126    3%
Royalties and Outside Commission Costs   97,838    148,836    (34)%
Other Sales and Marketing Costs   142,561    201,879    (29)%
Total Sales and Marketing Expenses  $969,620   $1,005,326    (4)%

 

Personnel costs increased in the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. This was due to an increase in compensation, bonuses and commissions and severance payments to $476,106 (2017: $446,542) and employee benefit expenses of $27,327 (2017: $13,075) primarily due to changes in the bonus and compensation plan and adjustments to staffing.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the ChubeWorkx royalty totaled $58,771 (2017: $93,781) and commissions to IMRs were $39,067 (2017: $55,055) which contributed to the decline in royalty and outside commission costs during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

The Company recognized significant reductions in advertising expenses ($12,167 (2017: $54,700)) and trade show expenses ($885 (2017: $30,742)) plus smaller reductions in several other operating categories was offset by an increase in travel expenses ($60,921 (2017: $50,923)) that resulted in a 29% reduction in other sales and marketing costs.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $699,094, which was a 6% increase as compared to $662,277 for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

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The table below summarizes our research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

   For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
     
Description  2018   2017   Percent Change 
Personnel Costs  $475,415   $512,837    (7)%
Clinical Trial Costs   1,480    300    393%
Professional Service Costs   137,896    47,711    189%
Other Research and Development Costs   84,303    101,429    (17)%
Total Research and Development Expenses  $699,094   $662,277    6%

 

Personnel costs decreased 7% during the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017. On April 25, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company terminated Dr. Raymond F. Akers from his position as Executive Chairman of the Board and from each of his officer positions as Chief Scientific Director and Secretary of the Company resulting in the decline in personnel costs.

 

Professional services consisted of fees paid to engineering consultants to address production mold designs, specialized tooling and manufacturing process development, regulatory consultants to assist with governmental filings and facility certifications and the medical director. Engineering service costs increased to $97,800 (2017: $23,335), fees for the other general and regulatory consulting fees totaled $40,096 (2017: $21,503) in the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Decreases in laboratory supplies ($26,306 (2017: $42,183)) and travel expenses ($5,067 (2017: $19,593)) resulted in a decrease of 17% for other research and development costs during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

Other income, net of expense for the six months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $79,209, which was a 410% increase as compared to $15,536 for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

The table below summarizes our other income and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage of change year-over-year:

 

   For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
     
Description  2018   2017   Percent Change 
Currency Translation Gain/(Loss)  $(5,904)  $9,367    (163)%
Realized Gains on Investments   (4,401)   1,656    (366)%
Interest and Dividends   89,514    4,513    1,883%
Total Other Income, Net of Expenses  $79,209   $15,536    410%

 

Losses associated with foreign currency transactions totaled $5,904 during the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to a gain of $9,367 the same period of 2017, primarily a result of the increased strength of the British Pound as compared to the US Dollar.

 

Realized gains, interest and dividend income increased to $85,113 (2017: $6,169). The Company’s available capital for investment activities increased significantly due to the capital raise in December 2017 and the subsequent exercises of warrants during the three months ended June 30, 2018 resulting in the increase in investment income.

 

Income Taxes

 

As of June 30, 2018, the Company does not believe any uncertain tax positions exist that would result in the Company having a liability to the taxing authorities. The Company’s policy is to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if and when required, as part of interest expense and general and administrative expense, respectively in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company generated a net loss attributable to shareholders of $3,927,444 and $2,167,279, respectively. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company has an accumulated deficit of $108,773,291 and $104,845,847 and had cash (excluding restricted cash) and marketable securities totaling $8,253,538 and $5,450,039, respectively.

 

Our primary focus is to expand the global distribution of our PIFA Heparin PF/4 rapid assays. The Company continues commercialization of its BreathScan OxiChek, BreathScan Lync Readers, METRON, BreathScan Alcohol detection devices and the Tri-Cholesterol assay and development activities for PIFA PLUSS Chlamydia rapid assay and BreathScan KetoChek products.

 

We expect to continue to incur losses from operations for the near-term and these losses could be significant as we incur product development, clinical and regulatory activities, contract consulting and other product development and commercialization related expenses. We expect that our current working capital position will be sufficient to meet our estimated cash needs for at least the next twelve months. We are closely monitoring our cash balances, cash needs and expense levels. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result in the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

We expect that our primary expenditures will be to continue development of BreathScan KetoChek via the enrollment of patients in clinical trials.to support performance claims and generate studies in peer-reviewed journals to support product marketing. We will also continue to support commercialization and marketing activities of in-line products PIFA Heparin/PF4 rapid assays, PIFA PLUSS® PF4, breath alcohol detectors, METRON BreathScan OxiChek and BreathScan Lync Readers globally. Based upon our experience, clinical trial and related regulatory expenses can be significant costs. Steps to achieve commercialization of emerging products will be an ongoing and evolving process with expected improvements and possible subsequent generations being evaluated for commercialized and emerging tests. Should we be unable to achieve FDA clearance for products that require such regulatory “approval”, develop performance characteristics for rapid tests that satisfy market needs, or generate sufficient revenue from commercialized products, we would need to rely on other business or product opportunities to generate revenue and costs that we have incurred for the patents may be deemed impaired.

 

Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $37,698 (2017: $37,191). Capital expenditures, primarily for production, laboratory and facility improvement costs for the year ending December 31, 2018 are expected to be approximately $60,000. As per the Company’s lease agreement, the owner of the facility will be handling most of the facility upgrades, and we anticipate financing any production and laboratory capital expenditures through working capital.

 

The Company may enter into generally short-term consulting and development agreements primarily for testing services and in connection with clinical trials conducted as part of the Company’s development process which may include activities related to the development of technical files for FDA 510(k) clearance submissions. Such commitments at any point in time may be significant but the agreements typically contain cancellation provisions.

 

We lease our manufacturing facility which also contains our administrative offices. Our current lease was executed January 1, 2013 and is effective through December 31, 2019. The Company has leased this property from the current owner since 1997. The Company executed a lease for a satellite office in Ramsey, New Jersey on June 23, 2017 which expires May 31, 2019. The satellite office supports members of executive management and the sales and marketing team with convenient access to resources in the greater New York City area.

 

Due to recent market events that have adversely affected all industries and the economy as a whole, management has placed increased emphasis on monitoring the risks associated with the environment, particularly the recoverability of current assets, the fair value of assets, and the Company’s liquidity. At this point in time, there has not been a material impact on the Company’s assets and liquidity. Management will continue to monitor the risks associated with the environment and their impact on the Company’s results.

 

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Our net cash consumed by operating activities totaled $3,817,892 during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Cash was consumed by the loss of $3,927,444 plus non-cash adjustments of $112,903 for depreciation and amortization of non-current assets, $3,469 for the amortization of deferred compensation, $32,283 for the reserve and write-off for obsolete inventory, $97,000 for the reserve and write-off of doubtful accounts, $10,629 for share based compensation to employees and $12,545 for share based compensation to non-employees less $16,332 for accrued interest and dividends on marketable securities. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, decreases in trade receivables of $455,048, prepaid expenses – related party of $26,468 and an increase in trade and other payables of $89,964 provided cash, primarily related to routine changes in operating activities. A net increase in deposits and other receivables of $13,698, deposits and other receivables – related party of $30,243, inventory of $99,220, prepaid expenses of $548,144, and a decrease in trade and other payables – related party of $23,120 consumed cash from operating activities.

 

Our net cash consumed by operating activities totaled $2,593,231 during the six months ended June 30, 2017. Cash was consumed by the loss of $2,167,279 plus non-cash adjustments of $121,381 for depreciation and amortization of non-current assets, $21,542 for the write-off and reserve for obsolete inventory, $46,239 for the reserve and write-off of doubtful accounts, $15,864 for the fair value of restricted common stock issued for services and $12,367 for share-based compensation less $1,001 for accrued interest and dividends on marketable securities. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, decreases in deposits and other receivables of $10,692, trade receivables – related parties of $31,892, prepaid expenses of $20,752, prepaid expenses – related party of $46,890, and an increase in trade and other payables of $38,278 provided cash, primarily related to routine changes in operating activities. A net increase in trade receivables of $372,502, inventories of $213,860 and other assets of $4,330 and decreases trade and other payables – related party of $200,156 consumed cash from operating activities.

 

Investing and Financing Activities

 

The Company’s net cash provided by investing and financing activities totaled $4,155,423 (2017: $2,717,706) during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Cash of $5,306,452 (2017: $2,742,359) was consumed by capital expenditures and the purchase of marketable securities. Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities contributed cash of $2,306,675 (2017: $1,745,554) and net proceeds from the public and private placements of common and Series B preferred stock and the exercise of warrants for Common Stock contributed $7,155,200 (2017: $3,714,511) for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

See accounting policies in Note 2 of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no significant known off balance sheet arrangements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We do not hold any derivative instruments and do not engage in any hedging activities.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a- 15(b) under the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) and Principal Financial Officer (“PFO”), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

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Subsequent to the filing of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company determined that there were material errors within its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 and in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Specifically, the Company determined that certain revenue transactions did not qualify for revenue recognition under generally accepted accounting principles, that certain obligations were not recorded as expenses on a timely basis and that the Company did not properly value its inventory. The Company concluded that the impact of applying corrections for these errors was materially different from its previously reported results under its historical practice.

 

As of June 30, 2018 and based upon that evaluation, and in light of the restatement discussion above, the Company’s PEO and PFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s PEO and PFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management is actively engaged in the planning for and implementation of remediation efforts to address the material weakness identified above. The remediation plan includes (i) the hiring of an additional experienced financial executive which was consummated on July 9, 2018, (ii) the development and implementation of enhanced controls designed to evaluate the appropriateness of revenue recognition policies and procedures, (iii) the implementation of review and monitoring of transactions to ensure compliance with the new policies and procedures, and (iv) the training of personnel responsible for revenue and inventory.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

The Company has implemented additional controls around sales transactions to (i) further validate shipping terms including, the date for which risk of ownership transfers to the purchaser and (ii) that shipped product met purchasers’ specifications. In connection with the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, the Company engaged a third party consultant to assist in the review of financial statements and to address complex accounting matters. There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we are a party to litigation and subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Future litigation may be necessary to defend ourselves and our customers by determining the scope, enforceability and validity of third party proprietary rights or to establish our proprietary rights.

 

On October 17, 2016 the Company was served with a notice that Pulse Health LLC (“Pulse”) filed a lawsuit against the Company on September 30, 2016 in United States Federal District Court, District of Oregon, alleging a breach of contract under the settlement agreement entered into by the Company and Pulse on April 8, 2011 which settled all claims and disputes between the Company and Pulse arising from a previously executed Technology Development Agreement entered into by the Company and Pulse and damages resulting from said alleged breach. Additionally, Pulse alleges false advertising and unlawful trade practices in connection with the Company’s sales activities related to the Company’s OxiChek™ products.

 

The Company filed a series of motions with the Court seeking (1) to dismiss the Pulse complaint for lack of jurisdiction or, in the alternative, transfer the matter to the District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage and (2) to dismiss the unfair competition claims for failure to state a claim on which relief could be granted. Oral arguments on these motions were heard by the Court on March 10, 2017.

 

The Court decided by order dated April 14, 2017 in favor of the Company and has dismissed with prejudice the claims brought by Pulse for unfair competition (both federal and state counts). The court decided against the Company in its motions for transfer of venue and for lack of jurisdiction. As such, the case shall proceed in the District Court of Oregon.

 

The Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on January 24, 2018.  On June 21, 2018, the Court ruled in favor of the Company on some issues and determined that other issues warranted a trial. As part of its ruling on the Motion for Summary Judgment, the Court held “While it seems likely that Plaintiff did suffer some amount of damages, Plaintiff has so far failed to provide a sufficient evidentiary foundation from which the trier of fact could reasonably calculate the value of its injury.”  The Court stated that it was “reasonably certain that Plaintiff suffered some damage” and found that Pulse Health “may be entitled to nominal damages.”  The Court further determined that equitable relief, such as an injunction, “may be warranted.” Following such rulings, the Company discovered certain deficiencies in its discovery responses and is taking the appropriate steps to supplement the record and correct these deficiencies. In addition, the Court has ordered a settlement conference in front of a U.S. magistrate to be held on August 31, 2018. Trial has been set for November 13, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. 

 

On or about June 15, 2018, certain parties brought certain class action lawsuits against the Company.

 

Faulkner v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10521 (D.N.J.)

 

On June 13, 2018, Plaintiff Tim Faulkner filed a class action complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences, Inc. (“Akers”), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch (“Individual Defendants”) (together with Akers, “Defendants”) on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true extent of those weaknesses. On July 10, 2018, Plaintiff and Defendants entered into a stipulation that Defendants are not required to respond to the complaint until the court appoints a lead plaintiff and lead counsel for the class, and then after the lead plaintiff chooses whether to file an amended complaint or whether to designate the complaint as the operative complaint.

 

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Gleason v. Akers Biosciences, Inc., No. 2:18-cv-10805 (D.N.J.)

 

On June 20, 2018, Plaintiff David Gleason filed a class action complaint alleging securities violations against Akers Biosciences, Inc. (“Akers”), John J. Gormally, and Gary M. Rauch (“Individual Defendants”) (together with Akers, “Defendants”) on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased publicly traded Akers securities from May 15, 2017 through June 5, 2018. The complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 against all Defendants, and violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the Individual Defendants. In particular, the complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose in its first, second, and third quarter 2017 10-Qs and its 2017 10-K that: (1) Akers was improperly recognizing revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; and, (2) Akers had downplayed weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting and failed to disclose the true extent of those weaknesses. No Defendant has been served yet, and no response is due at this time.

 

Other class action lawsuits have been threatened against the Company and may be filed shortly. Although there are currently two separate actions pending, we anticipate that the two actions will be consolidated into one action.

 

The Company maintains D&O liability insurance coverage, insuring both the Company and the Directors and Officers for covered defense and indemnification, and has noticed these matters thereunder.

 

Additionally, a former executive has threatened to sue the Company, Board members, and executives under CEPA over the termination of his employment. That statute prohibits any retaliatory action against an employee who discloses, or threatens to disclose to a supervisor or to a public entity any activity, policy or practice of the employer that is a violation of a law, or a rule or regulation. Remedies may include a counter claim for back pay, reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys’ fees if appropriate. The Company will vigorously defend any litigation brought by this former executive.

 

The Company intends to establish a rigorous defense of all claims. The Company is unable to assess the potential outcome, so no accrual for losses was made as of June 30, 2018. All legal fees were expensed as and when incurred.

 

With the exception of the foregoing, we are not currently involved in any litigation that we believe could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public Board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of our Company, threatened against or affecting our Company or our Common Stock, in which an adverse decision could have a material adverse effect.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, filed with the SEC on July 13, 2018, please see additional risk factors provided below.

 

The market price of our common stock is likely to be volatile and could subject us to litigation.

 

The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors that are beyond our control, including, but not limited to:

 

  variations in our revenue and operating expenses;
     
  actual or anticipated changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in stock market analyst recommendations regarding our ordinary shares, other comparable companies or our industry generally;
     
  market conditions in our industry and the economy as a whole;

 

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  developments in the financial markets and worldwide or regional economies;
     
  announcements of innovations or new products or services by us or our competitors;
     
  announcements by the government relating to regulations that govern our industry;
     
 

sales of our common stock or other securities by us or in the open market;

 

 

recruitment or departure of key personnel;

 

 

any actions taken against the Company by former executives;

 

 

Potential delisting from the NASDAQ Stock Market;

 

 

any class action lawsuits brought against the Company; and

 

  changes in the market valuations of other comparable companies

 

In addition, if the market for biotech stocks or the stock market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, financial condition or operating results. The trading price of our shares might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry, even if these events do not directly affect us. Each of these factors, among others, could harm the value of your investment in our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Specifically, on or about June 15, 2018, certain parties have brought certain class action lawsuits against the Company, and a former executive has threatened to sue the Company, Board members, and executives under the New Jersey CEPA, N.J. Stat. Ann. § 34-19.1 over the termination of his employment. Both, the class action lawsuits brought against the Company and CEPA action threatened by a former executive could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could harm the value of your investment in our common stock and materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

A robust public market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained, which could affect your ability to sell our common stock or depress the market price of our common stock.

 

Our common stock is listed on NASDAQ, but we cannot assure you that our common stock will continue to trade on this market or another national securities exchange. In addition, we are unable to predict whether an active trading market for our common stock will develop or will be sustained.

 

By way of a letter dated May 22, 2018, the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ advised the Company that it did not comply with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) for continued listing because NASDAQ has not received the Company’s Quarterly Report. NASDAQ has informed the Company that the Company is required to submit a plan to regain compliance with NASDAQ’s filing requirements for continued listing within 60 calendar days of the date of the Notice. NASDAQ has informed the Company that it is in Compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) on July 12, 2018.

 

On June 11, 2018, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department NASDAQ notifying the Company that it has determined that the Company violated the shareholder approval requirements of Listing Rule 5635(c). Listing Rule 5635(c) requires shareholder approval prior to the issuance of securities when a stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially amended, pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees or consultants.

 

Prior to the Company’s public offering and listing on NASDAQ, the Company’s 2013 Plan was approved by its Board NASDAQ has concluded that the 2013 Plan was materially amended on two occasions after the Company’s public offering and listing on NASDAQ. The first amendment, as approved by the Board on January 9, 2015, increased the number of shares available under the 2013 Plan from 400,000 to 800,000 shares and the second amendment, as approved by the Board on October 5, 2016, increased the number of shares under the 2013 Plan from 800,000 to 830,000 shares. The Company has until December 10, 2018, to regain compliance with Listing Rule 5635.

 

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During the first quarter of 2018 the Company promptly notified NASDAQ, as required by Listing Rule 5625, when it became aware of its potential non-compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c). On May 4, 2018, the Staff requested additional information from the Company with respect to such non-compliance and on May 31, 2018, the Company responded. On June 25, 2018, the Company submitted the 5635 Compliance Plan to NASDAQ to remediate this matter. The 5635 Compliance Plan included that a proposal for shareholders of the Company to ratify the 2013 Plan Amendments be included in the proxy statement for the Company’s 2018 annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company and that the Company shall suspend the trading of each share granted, and each share granted upon the exercise of any option granted, in excess of 400,000 shares under the 2013 Plan (the number of shares properly approved pursuant to the 2013 Plan prior to the 2013 Plan Amendments). The 5635 Compliance Plan also proposes to prevent the exercise of any option granted under the 2013 Plan.

 

If NASDAQ (i) does not believe that the filing of this Quarterly Report and the Amended Quarterly and Annual Reports as discussed above have cured the potential default as to the Company meeting the requirements to continue its listing in good standing under NASDAQ, or (ii) does not find that the 5635 Compliance Plan acceptable to cure the Company’s violation of Listing Rule 5635(c), then we cannot assure you that our common stock will continue to trade on this market or another national securities exchange.

 

The restatement of our previously issued financial statements contained in our Forms 10-Q for the periods ended June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 and the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 may lead to additional risks and uncertainties, including regulatory, stockholder or other actions, loss of investor confidence and negative impacts on our stock price.

 

Our Audit Committee, after consultation with management and discussing with outside counsel, external auditors and third-party consultants, concluded that our previously issued consolidated financial statements for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2017 should be restated. The Company determined that certain revenue transactions did not qualify for revenue recognition under generally accepted accounting principles, that certain obligations were not recorded as expenses on a timely basis and that the Company did not properly value its inventory. The Company concluded that the impact of applying corrections for these errors was materially different from its previously reported results under its historical practice. As a result, the Company restated its consolidated financial statements for the periods impacted, as more fully described within each of the respective amended reports, as filed on July 13, 2018. Financial information included in our previously filed Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and all earnings press releases and similar communications issued by us, for such periods, should not be relied upon and are superseded in their entirety by the above described amended Quarterly and Annual reports.

 

Accordingly, this Form 10-Q reflects: (1) changes to our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity as of December 31, 2017; (2) expanded risk factor disclosures within Part II, Item 1A, and (3) additional disclosures and conclusions regarding Controls and Procedures in Part II, Item 4.

 

As a result of the 2017 restatements and associated non-reliance on previously issued financial information, we have become subject to a number of additional costs and risks, including unanticipated costs for accounting and legal fees in connection with or related to the restatement and the remediation of our ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. Likewise, the attention of our management team has been diverted by these efforts. In addition, we could also be subject to additional shareholder, governmental, regulatory or other actions or demands in connection with the restatement or other matters. Any such proceedings will, regardless of the outcome, consume a significant amount of management’s time and attention and may result in additional legal, accounting, insurance and other costs. If we do not prevail in any such proceedings, we could be required to pay damages or settlement costs. In addition, the restatement and related matters could impair our reputation or could cause our customers, shareholders, or other counterparties to lose confidence in us. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.

 

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In connection with the restatement of our financial statements for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2017, our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, as described in Item 9A, “Control and Procedures” of this Form 10-K. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies in internal controls over financial reporting that results in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Further, management determined that control deficiencies existed with respect to certain aspects of our historical financial reporting and, accordingly, management has concluded that management’s reports related to the effectiveness of internal and disclosure controls may not have been correct.

 

A deterioration of global economic conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.

 

Disruptions in the global credit and financial markets and in economic conditions generally may include diminished liquidity and credit availability, a decline in consumer confidence, a decline in economic growth, an increased unemployment rate and uncertainty about economic stability. Such disruptions may affect businesses such as ours in a number of ways, making it difficult to accurately forecast and plan our future business activities. Any adverse global economic conditions and tightening of credit in financial markets may lead consumers to postpone spending, which may cause our customers to cancel, decrease or delay their existing and future orders with us. In addition, financial difficulties experienced by our suppliers, manufacturers, distributors or customers could result in product delays, increased accounts receivable defaults and inventory challenges. We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity of disruptions in the credit and financial markets and adverse global economic conditions.

 

Our ability to grow and compete in the future will be adversely affected if adequate capital is not available to us or not available on terms favorable to us.

 

Historically, our cash generated from operations has not been sufficient to meet our expenses. We have financed our operations principally through the raising of equity capital, debt and through trade credit with our vendors. Our ability to continue our operations and to pay our obligations when they become due is contingent upon obtaining additional financing. If we are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of additional capital, we may be required to reduce the scope of our planned market development activities, and/or consider reductions in personnel costs or other operating costs. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

 Obligations associated with being a public company require significant company resources and management attention, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,” and the other rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. These reporting and other obligations place significant demands on our management, administrative, operational and accounting resources, make certain activities more time-consuming and cause us to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. In order to comply with these obligations, we may need to upgrade our systems or create new systems, implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures, expand or outsource our internal audit function, and hire additional accounting and finance staff. Because our resources are limited compared to many public companies, these requirement may impose a disproportionate financial burden on us. Furthermore, our limited management resources may exacerbate the difficulties in complying with these reporting and other requirements and prevent us from focusing on executing our business strategy. In addition, if we are unable to comply with the financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies, the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected.