UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

(Mark one)

☒  Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

 

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 number 001-33834

 

 

 

RUBICON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   36-4419301

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

     

900 East Green Street

Bensenville, Illinois

  60106
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (847) 295-7000

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    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 ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company ☒
  Emerging growth company ☐

 

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  ☒

 

As of November 6, 2017 the Registrant had 2,732,682 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RUBICON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     

Page

Part I Financial Information
  Item 1. Financial Statements
   

Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

1
    Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 30, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016 1
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 2
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (unaudited) – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 3
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) – Nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 4
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 5
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 15
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 25
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures 26
     
Part II Other Information 26
  Item 6. Exhibits 26
Signatures 27
Exhibit Index 28

 

 

 

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

  ITEM 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

 

Consolidated balance sheets

 

    September 30,
2017 		    December 31,
2016 		 
    (unaudited)        
   

(in thousands, other than

share data)  

 
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 18,021     $ 17,672  
Restricted cash     173       163  
Accounts receivable, net     679       2,585  
Inventories     4,092       8,000  
Other inventory supplies     1,052       1,486  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     448       1,082  
Assets held for sale     15,711       14,761  
Total current assets     40,176       45,749  
Property and equipment, net     1,307       7,110  
Other assets     —       154  
Total assets   $ 41,483     $ 53,013  
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                
Accounts payable   $ 711     $ 948  
Accrued payroll     201       182  
Accrued and other current liabilities     488       602  
Corporate income and franchise taxes     505       568  
Accrued real estate taxes     214       241  
Advance payments     73       23  
Total current liabilities     2,192       2,564  
Commitments and contingencies                
Stockholders’ equity                
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 undesignated shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding     —       —  
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 8,200,000 shares authorized and 2,901,800 and 2,860,367 shares issued; 2,724,316 and 2,682,883 shares outstanding     29       29  
Additional paid-in capital     375,515       374,903  
Treasury stock, at cost, 177,484 shares     (12,148 )     (12,148 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (10 )     (30 )
Accumulated deficit     (324,095 )     (312,305 )
Total stockholders’ equity     39,291       50,449  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 41,483     $ 53,013  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

  1  

 

 

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

 

Consolidated statements of operations

 

    Three months ended
September 30, 		    Nine months ended
September 30, 		 
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
    (unaudited)  
    (in thousands, other than share data)  
Revenue   $ 1,345     $ 7,086     $ 3,667     $ 14,908  
Cost of goods sold     1,537       18,732       8,276       36,024  
Gross loss     (192 )     (11,646 )     (4,609 )     (21,116 )
Operating expenses:                                
General and administrative     812       1,709       3,921       6,171  
Sales and marketing     141       395       579       1,147  
Research and development     50       803       887       2,034  
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets     (46 )     —       1,135       126  
Long-lived asset impairment charges     —       10,216       675       10,481  
Loss from operations     (1,149 )     (24,769 )     (11,806 )     (41,075 )
Other income (expense):                                
Interest income     39       9       73       52  
Interest expense     —       (28 )     —       (98 )
Realized (loss) gain on foreign currency translation     8       (229 )     27       237  
Total other income (expense)     47       (248 )     100       191  
Loss before income taxes     (1,102 )     (25,017 )     (11,706 )     (40,884 )
Income tax (expense) benefit     (7 )     216       (85 )     541  
Net loss   $ (1,109 )   $ (24,801 )   $ (11,791 )   $ (40,343 )
Net loss per common share                                
Basic   $ (0.41 )   $ (9.40 )   $ (4.37 )   $ (15.30 )
Diluted   $ (0.41 )   $ (9.40 )   $ (4.37 )   $ (15.30 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per common share     2,716,994       2,637,452       2,696,008       2,637,452  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

  2  

 

 

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

 

Consolidated statements of comprehensive loss

 

   

Three months ended

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
    (unaudited)  
    (in thousands)  
Net loss   $ (1,109 )   $ (24,801 )   $ (11,791 )   $ (40,343 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):                                
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax     —       —       12       5  
Unrealized gain (loss) on currency translation     —       (2 )     8       2  
Other comprehensive income (loss)     —       (2 )     20       7  
Comprehensive loss   $ (1,109 )   $ (24,803 )   $ (11,771 )   $ (40,336 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

  3  

 

 

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows

 

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 
    2017     2016  
    (unaudited)  
    (in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities            
Net loss   $ (11,791 )   $ (40,343 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities                
Depreciation and amortization     1,023       4,919  
Net loss on disposal of assets     1,135       126  
Long-lived asset impairment charges     675       10,481  
Stock-based compensation     786       1,081  
Deferred taxes     —       (554 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     1,907       (240 )
Inventories     3,907       11,031  
Other inventory supplies     314       638  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     789       1,638  
Accounts payable     (241 )     (1,045 )
Accrued payroll     16       1,265  
Corporate income and franchise taxes     (63 )     (42 )
Advanced payments     50       457  
Accrued and other current liabilities     (140 )     (891 )
Net cash used in operating activities     (1,633 )     (11,479 )
Cash flows from investing activities                
Purchases of property and equipment     —       (595 )
Proceeds from disposal of assets     2,144       190  
Purchases of investments     (24 )     (24 )
Proceeds from sale of investments     37       8,924  
Net cash provided by investing activities     2,157       8,495  
Cash flows from financing activities                
Net change in short-term borrowings     —       (1,500 )
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards     (173 )     (1 )
Restricted cash     (11 )     (6 )
Net cash used in financing activities     (184 )     (1,507 )
Net effect of currency translation     9       (355 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     349       (4,846 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     17,672       21,216  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 18,021     $ 16,370  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

  4  

 

 

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

September 30, 2017

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Interim financial data

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with Rubicon Technology, Inc.’s (the “Company”) annual report filed on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of adjustments of a normal and recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations have been included. Consolidated operating results for the three and nine months periods ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Rubicon Technology Worldwide LLC, Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD, and Rubicon Technology Hong Kong Limited. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Foreign currency translation and transactions

 

Rubicon Technology Worldwide LLC and Rubicon Technology Hong Kong Limited’s assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates and capital accounts at historical exchange rates. The results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the respective period. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates for Rubicon Technology Worldwide LLC and Rubicon Technology Hong Kong Limited are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity.

 

The Company has determined that the functional currency of Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD is the U.S. dollar. Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD’s assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the remeasurement method. Non-monetary assets are translated at historical exchange rates and monetary assets are translated at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments for Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD are included in determining net income (loss) for the period. The results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the period. The Company records these gains and losses in other income (expense).

 

Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are generated from the effects of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Company, which is the U.S. dollar. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are generally required to be recognized in the determination of net income (loss) for the period. The Company records these gains and losses in other income (expense).

 

Going Concern

 

The Company evaluates whether it is probable that known conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, would raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If such conditions or events are identified, the Company prepares mitigation plans to alleviate the doubt or a statement of the substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s negative financial trends of recurring operating losses and negative cash flow from operating activities are considered conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company has plans in place that are considered as probable to effectively mitigate the adverse conditions. Activities around the Company’s restructuring and mitigation plans are more fully disclosed below under assets held for sale and long-lived assets.

 

Investments

 

When the Company invests available cash, it primarily invests it in investment grade commercial paper, corporate notes, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposit, common stock and government securities. Investments classified as available-for-sale securities are carried at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Investments in trading securities are reported at fair value, with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other income (expense), in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Investments in which the Company has the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate in order to support its current operations, are classified as short-term.

 

  5  

 

 

The Company reviews its available-for-sale securities investments at the end of each quarter for other-than-temporary declines in fair value based on the specific identification method. The Company considers various factors in determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, including the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in underlying credit ratings, forecasted recovery, its ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value and the probability that the scheduled cash payments will continue to be made. When the Company concludes that an other-than-temporary impairment has resulted, the difference between the fair value and carrying value is written off and recorded as a charge on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Accounts receivable

 

The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable is due from manufacturers serving the optical systems and specialty electronics devices industries. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Accounts receivable are due based on contract terms and at stated amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time past due, the customer’s current ability to pay and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they are deemed uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are recorded as a reduction to bad debt expense. The following table shows the activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts:

 

    September 30,
2017 		    December 31,
2016 		 
    (in thousands)  
Beginning balance   $ 31     $ 389  
Net allowance adjustments     (20 )     (235 )
Accounts charged off, less recoveries     (4 )     (123 )
Ending balance   $ 7     $ 31  

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Raw materials cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method, and work-in-process and finished goods costs are determined on a standard cost basis, which includes materials, labor and overhead. The Company reduces the carrying value of its inventories for differences between the cost and the estimated net realizable value, taking into account usage, expected demand, technological obsolescence and other information.

 

The Company establishes inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based on customer specifications. The Company evaluates the ability to realize the value of its inventory based on a combination of factors, including forecasted sales, estimated current and future market value and changes in customers’ product specifications. The Company’s method of estimating excess and obsolete inventory has remained consistent for all periods presented.

 

At times in 2016, the Company accepted sales orders for core and wafer products at prices lower than cost. Based on these sales prices, the Company recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a lower of cost or market adjustment which reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold by $1.1 million. The Company did not record any additional lower of cost or market adjustments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

The Company evaluates the amount of raw material needed for future production based on expected crystal growth production needed to meet anticipated sales. Based on this review, the Company determined at June 30, 2017 to lower its expected requirements for raw material inventory supply from five to three years and that it had excess material needed for future production. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, an excess and obsolete adjustment was recorded which reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold by $2.4 million. The Company did not record any additional excess and obsolete adjustments for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

    September 30,
2017 		    December 31,
2016 		 
    (in thousands)  
Raw materials   $ 476     $ 3,112  
Work-in-process     2,993       4,251  
Finished goods     623       637  
    $ 4,092     $ 8,000  

 

  6  

 

 

Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

 

    September 30,
2017 		    December 31,
2016 		 
    (in thousands)  
Machinery, equipment and tooling   $ 6,352     $ 17,769  
Leasehold improvements     4,624       4,624  
Furniture and fixtures     8       699  
Information systems     841       991  
Construction in progress     247       263  
Total cost     12,072       24,346  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization     (10,765 )     (17,236 )
Property and equipment, net   $ 1,307     $ 7,110  

 

Assets held for sale and long-lived assets

 

When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, the Company performs an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value. The Company makes estimates of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of assets is determined using appraisal techniques, which assume the highest and best use of the asset by market participants, considering the use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible, and financially feasible at the measurement date. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income.

 

In the third quarter of 2016, the Company announced its decision to limit its focus to the optical and industrial sapphire markets and to exit the LED market. This resulted in the closing of the Company’s Malaysia facility. The Company evaluated its Malaysia asset portfolio based on assuming an orderly liquidation plan. Based on this review, the Company recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 an asset impairment charge on its Malaysia machinery, equipment and facilities. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company also developed a plan to scale down the remaining operations and sell additional assets that would not be needed. In this regard, the Company identified excess U.S. machinery, equipment and facilities. Based on these reviews, the Company recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 an asset impairment charge on its Malaysia and U.S. machinery, equipment and facilities of $26.6 million.

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company held auctions and individual assets sales of certain equipment located in Batavia, Illinois, and Malaysia, resulting in the sale of a portion of the excess U.S. and some of the Malaysia equipment classified as (a) assets held for sale or (b) machinery and equipment which had a net book value of $3.1 million. Unsold equipment, including excess crystal growth furnaces, was classified as current assets held for sale at September 30, 2017.

 

The Company is seeking to sell a manufacturing and office facility in Batavia, Illinois, a parcel of land the Company owns in Batavia, Illinois, and a facility in Penang, Malaysia. Although the Company cannot assure the timing of any sales, as it is the Company’s intention to complete these sales within the next twelve-month period, these properties were classified as current assets held for sale at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

At September 30, 2017, the Company reviewed the current fair market value of its assets. With the scaling down of the Company’s U.S. operations, the Company identified at September 30, 2017, additional assets that will not be needed. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company reduced the net book value of certain machinery and equipment and recorded an asset impairment charge of $675,000. The Company will continue to assess its long-lived assets and adjust the carrying amount of these assets to reflect any changes in the asset usage, marketplace and other factors used in determining the current fair market value.

 

The Company cannot guarantee that it will be able to successfully complete the sale of any assets.

 

  7  

 

 

The table below summarizes the non-financial assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and loss recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 on those assets:

  

    Carrying value at September 30,
2017 		    Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1) 		    Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2 ) 		    Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3 ) 		    Loss for
nine months ended September 30,
2017 		 
    (in thousands)  
                               
Long-lived assets held and used   $ 1,307     $           —     $ 1,307     $          —     $ 675  
Long-lived assets held for sale     15,711       —       15,711       —       —  
Total nonrecurring for value measurements   $ 17,018     $ —     $ 17,018     $ —     $ 675  

 

The table below summarizes the non-financial assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and loss recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 on those assets:

  

    Carrying value at December 31,
2016 		    Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1) 		    Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2) 		    Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3 ) 		    Loss for twelve months
ended December 31,
2016 		 
    (in thousands)  
                               
Long-lived assets held and used   $ 7,110     $           —     $ 7,110     $           —     $ 12,264  
Long-lived assets held for sale     14,761       —       14,761       —       14,290  
Total nonrecurring for value measurements   $ 21,871     $ —     $ 21,871     $ —     $ 26,554  

 

Revenue recognition

 

Revenue recognized includes product sales and billings for costs and fees for government contracts.

  

Product Sales

 

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when earned. Revenue is recognized when, and if, evidence of an arrangement is obtained and the other criteria to support revenue recognition are met, including:

 

● Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. The Company requires evidence of a purchase order with the customer indicating the terms and specifications of the product to be delivered, typically in the form of a signed quotation or purchase order from the customer.

 

  8  

 

 

● Title has passed and the product has been delivered. Title passage and product delivery generally occur when the product is delivered to a common carrier.
   
● The price is fixed or determinable. All terms are fixed in the signed quotation or purchase order received from the customer. Purchase orders do not contain rights of cancellation, return, exchange or refund.
   
● Collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The Company’s standard arrangement with customers includes payment terms. Customers are subject to the credit review process that evaluates each customer’s financial position and ability to pay. Collectability is determined by considering the length of time the customer has been in business and its history of collections. If it is determined that collection is not probable, no product is shipped and no revenue is recognized unless payment is received in advance.

 

Government Contracts

 

The Company recognizes research and development revenue in the period during which the related costs are incurred over the contractually defined period. In July 2012, the Company signed a contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory to produce large-area sapphire windows on a cost plus fixed fee basis. The Company records research and development revenue on a gross basis as costs are incurred, plus a portion of the fixed fee. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, $273,000 and $301,000 of revenue was recorded, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, $80,000 and $289,000 of revenue was recorded, respectively. The total value of the contract is $4.7 million, of which $4.6 million has been recorded through September 30, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded estimated costs expected to be incurred in excess of this contract value of $217,000. No additional adjustments for the excess contract costs were recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

The Company does not provide maintenance or other services and it does not have sales that involve multiple elements or deliverables.

 

Segment information

 

The Company evaluates operations as one reportable segment, as it only reports profit and loss information on an aggregate basis to its chief operating decision maker.

 

Net income per common share

 

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of diluted common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted shares outstanding are calculated by adding to the weighted-average shares any outstanding stock options and warrants based on the treasury stock method.

 

Diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 because the effects of potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive.

 

As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, diluted shares outstanding were the same as basic shares outstanding as the exercise price of outstanding stock options exceeded the weighted-average trading share price.

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise from transactions and other events from non-owner sources. Comprehensive loss includes net earnings (loss) and other non-owner changes in equity that bypass the statement of operations and are reported in a separate component of equity. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, other comprehensive loss includes the unrealized loss on investments and foreign currency translation adjustments.

  

The following table summarizes the components of accumulated comprehensive loss:

 

    September 30,
2017 		    December 31,
2016 		 
    (in thousands)  
Unrealized loss on investments   $ -     $ (12 )
Unrealized loss on currency translation     (10 )     (18 )
Ending balance   $ (10 )   $ (30 )

 

  9  

 

 

New accounting pronouncements adopted

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”), Compensation—Stock Compensation ( Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting which modifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 at January 1, 2017, and the impact of adopting ASU 2016-09 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was that the Company was required to bring the deferred tax assets related to off balance net operating losses onto the balance sheet. This increased the Company’s deferred tax assets by $10.3 million with a corresponding entry to retained earnings. Since the Company continues to be in a full valuation allowance, there was an entry made to the valuation allowance to offset the increase to the deferred tax assets with a corresponding entry to retained earnings.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”), Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The standard requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. These changes become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2016-01 on its financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (Topic 842) which modifies the lease recognition requirements and requires entities to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 requires entities to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2016-02 on its financial statements.

 

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 (“ASU 2016-10”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.  This update clarifies how an entity identifies performance obligations related to customer contracts as well as helps to improve the operability and understanding of the licensing implementation guidance. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09, (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),  which supersedes most of the current revenue recognition requirements. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 (early adoption is not permitted). The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, (“ASU 2016-12”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. This update clarifies the objectives of collectability, sales and other taxes, noncash consideration, contract modifications at transition, completed contracts at transition and technical correction. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU 2014-09. While the Company is currently assessing the impact of the new standards, the Company’s revenue is primarily generated from the sale of finished products to customers. Sales predominantly contain a single delivery element and revenue is recognized at a single point in time when ownership, risks, and rewards transfer. These are largely unaffected by the new standard. The Company does not expect this new guidance to have a material impact on the amount of overall sales recognized; however, the timing of sales on certain projects may be affected. The Company has not yet quantified this potential impact.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 (“ASU 2016-15”), Statement of Cash Flows (Topic230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which adds or clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of performing its initial assessment of the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and has not decided on its adoption methodology. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2016-15 on its financial statements.

 

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In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 (“ASU 2017-01”), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . This update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposal) of assets or businesses. The update provides new guidance to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities (collectively referred to as a “set”) is not a business. The guidance requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2017-01 on its financial statements.

 

3. SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company had four customers individually that accounted for approximately 17%, 12%, 11% and 11% of revenue. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had one customer individually that accounted for approximately 76% of revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company had four customers individually that accounted for approximately 17%, 13%, 11% and 10% of revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had two customers individually that accounted for approximately 55% and 10% of revenue. No other customers individually accounted for more than 10% of revenue for these reported periods in 2017 and 2016.

 

Customers individually representing more than 10% of trade receivables accounted for approximately 64% and 75% of accounts receivable as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company grants credit to customers based on an evaluation of their financial condition. Losses from credit sales are provided for in the financial statements.

 

4. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Common Stock

 

On April 19, 2017, the Company received a staff determination letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of NASDAQ informing the Company that it has failed to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Listing Rule 5550(a) (2), and that the Company’s common stock would be delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market at the opening of business on April 28, 2017 unless the Company timely requested an appeal of this determination. On April 26, 2017, the Company submitted an appeal requesting a hearing before a NASDAQ listing qualifications panel. With completion of the reverse stock split (described below) our shares began trading above the required $1.00 per share closing bid price. On May 19, 2017, the Company received notification from NASDAQ that the bid price deficiency had been cured and the Company is considered in compliance with all applicable listing standards.

 

At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on May 3, 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved, (i) an amendment to the Company’s Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended, the “Certificate of Incorporation”) to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock in a range of 1-for-10 to 1-for-20, such ratio to be determined in the sole discretion of the Board; and (ii) an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the Company’s authorized number of shares of common stock to three times the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately following the reverse stock split, rounded up to the nearest 100,000 shares. On May 3, 2017, following the annual meeting, the Board determined to effect the reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-10, and the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a Certificate of Amendment to (a) implement the reverse stock split and (b) to reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock from 40,000,000 to 8,200,000, consequently reducing the number of total authorized shares from 45,000,000 to 13,200,000. The amendment, reverse stock split and reduction in authorized shares were effective on May 5, 2017.

 

As a result of the reverse stock split, every 10 shares of issued and outstanding common stock were automatically combined into one issued and outstanding share of common stock. Following the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, the Company has a total of 13,200,000 authorized shares, comprised of (i) 8,200,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock.

 

Stockholders received cash in lieu of any fractional shares resulting from the reverse stock split in a proportionate amount equal to $0.78 per pre-split share based on the average closing price of the Common Stock for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the effective date of the reverse stock split.

 

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had reserved 159,102 shares of common stock for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding common stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. Also 278,956 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for future grants of stock options and restricted stock units (or other similar equity instruments) under the Rubicon Technology, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) as of September 30, 2017.

 

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5. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS

 

In August 2007, the Company adopted the Rubicon Technology Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated effective in March 2011 (the “2007 Plan”), and which allowed for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance awards and bonus shares. The maximum number of shares that could be awarded under the 2007 Plan was 440,769 shares. Options granted under the 2007 Plan entitle the holder to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the specified option exercise price, which could not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. On June 24, 2016, the plan terminated with the adoption of the Rubicon Technology, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, (the “2016 Plan”). Any existing awards under the 2007 Plan remain outstanding in accordance with their current terms under the 2007 Plan.

 

In June 2016, the Company’s stockholders approved adoption of the 2016 Plan effective as of March 17, 2016, which allows for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance awards and bonus shares. The Compensation Committee of the Board administers the 2016 Plan. The committee determines the type of award to be granted, the fair market value, the number of shares covered by the award, and the time when the award vests and may be exercised.

 

Pursuant to the 2016 Plan, 222,980 shares of the Company’s common stock plus any shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2007 Plan that subsequently expire unexercised, are forfeited without the delivery of shares or are settled in cash, will be available for issuance under the 2016 Plan. The 2016 Plan will automatically terminate on March 17, 2026, unless the Company terminates it sooner.

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value stock options issued. The Company uses a three-year historical stock price average to determine its volatility assumptions. The assumed risk-free rates were based on U.S. Treasury rates in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected option lives. The expected term is based upon the vesting term of the Company’s options, a review of a peer group of companies, and expected exercise behavior. The forfeiture rate is based on past history of forfeited options. The expense is allocated using the straight-line method. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded $20,000 and $258,000, respectively, of stock option compensation expense. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded $147,000 and $460,000, respectively, of stock option compensation expense. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had $225,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards granted under the Company’s stock-based plans that it expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.40 years.

 

The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation model valuation technique to determine the fair value of 59,098 RSUs granted in March 2017 to a key executive pursuant to an employment agreement because the awards vest based upon achievement of market price targets of the Company’s common stock. The RSUs vest in the amounts set forth below on the first date the 15-trading day average closing price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds the corresponding target price for the common stock before March 15, 2021.

 

Number of restricted stock units   Target price  
15,000   $ 6.50  
15,000   $ 8.00  
15,000   $ 9.50  
14,098   $ 11.00  

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the first three tranches of the grant vested.

 

When the negotiation of the terms of the employment agreement began, the closing price of the common stock was approximately $5.50 per share. On the date of grant, the closing price of the Company’s common stock was $6.30 per share.

 

The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award and calculates the fair value of each RSU. The Company used the following assumptions in determining the fair value of the RSUs:

 

Daily expected stock price volatility     4.4237 %
Daily expected mean return on equity     (0.2226 %)
Daily expected dividend yield     0.0 %
Average daily risk free interest rate     0.0063 %

 

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The daily expected stock price volatility is based on a four-year historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The daily-expected dividend yield is based on annual expected dividend payments. The average daily risk-free interest rate is based on the three-year treasury yield as of the grant date. Each of the tranches is calculated to have its own fair value and requisite service period. The fair value of each tranche is amortized over the requisite or derived service period, which is up to four years. These RSUs had a grant date fair value of $322,623.

 

The following table summarizes the activity of the stock incentive and equity plans as of September 30, 2017 and changes during the nine months then ended:

 

    Shares
available
for grant 		    Number of
options
outstanding 		    Weighted-
average option
exercise
price 		    Number of
restricted
stock and
board
shares
issued 		    Number of
restricted
stock units
outstanding 		 
At January 1, 2017     243,218       253,541     $ 37.30       76,483       12,584  
Granted     (70,098 )     —       —       11,000       59,098  
Exercised/issued     —       —       —       —       (49,156 )
Cancelled/forfeited     105,836       (116,965 )     53.91       —       —  
At September 30, 2017     278,956       136,576     $ 19.23       87,483       22,526  

  

The Company’s aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock options and the fair value of the Company’s common stock. Based on the fair market value of the common stock at September 30, 2017 and 2016, there was no intrinsic value for the options outstanding.

 

A summary of the Company’s non-vested options during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is presented below:

 

    Options    

Weighted-

average

exercise

price

 
Non-vested at January 1, 2017     148,983     $ 10.20  
Granted     —       —  
Vested     (42,757 )     12.79  
Forfeited     (47,825 )     9.83  
Non-vested at September 30, 2017     58,401     $ 8.59  

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded $94,000 and $418,000, respectively, of restricted stock unit (“RSU”) expense. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded $48,600 and $187,000, respectively, of restricted stock unit (“RSU”) expense. As of September 30, 2017, there was $61,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested RSUs. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.39 years.

 

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock units is as follows:

 

   

RSUs

outstanding

   

Weighted average
price at

time of
grant

   

Aggregate intrinsic

value

 
Non-vested restricted stock units as of January 1, 2017     12,584     $ 16.00          
Granted     59,098       6.30          
Vested     (49,156 )     8.49          
Cancelled     —       —          
Non-vested at September 30, 2017     22,526     $ 6.94     $ 186,065  

 

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For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded $49,000 and $110,000, respectively, of stock compensation expense related to restricted stock. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded $153,000 and $434,000, respectively, of stock compensation expense related to restricted stock.

An analysis of restricted stock issued is as follows:

 

Non-vested restricted stock as of January 1, 2017     16,470  
Granted     11,000  
Vested     (22,566 )
Non-vested restricted stock as of September 30, 2017     4,904  

 

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Litigation

 

From time to time, the Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company currently does not have any material pending litigation.

 

7. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and Malaysia. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance. Such evaluations involve the application of significant judgment and multiple factors, both positive and negative, are considered. For the period ended September 30, 2017, a valuation allowance has been included in the 2017 forecasted effective tax rate. The Company is in a cumulative loss position for the past three years, which is considered significant negative evidence that is difficult to overcome on a “more likely than not” standard through objectively verifiable data. Under the accounting standards objective verifiable evidence is given greater weight than subjective evidence such as the Company’s projections for future growth. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all available evidence. At September 30, 2017, the Company continues to be in a three-year cumulative loss position, therefore, until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, the Company expects to maintain a full valuation allowance on its U.S. and Malaysia net deferred tax assets. Any U.S. and Malaysia tax benefits or tax expense recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations will be offset with a corresponding valuation allowance until such time that the Company changes its determination related to the realization of deferred tax assets. In the event that the Company changes its determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, the Company will adjust its valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

 

The tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 is based on an estimated combined statutory effective tax rate. The Company recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 a tax expense of $7,000 and $85,000 respectively for an effective tax rate of 0.6%.and 0.7%, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the U.S. federal 35% statutory rate and state 6.2% (net of federal benefit) statutory rate was primarily related to U.S. and Malaysia valuation allowances, Malaysia foreign tax rate differential, and Malaysia withholding taxes. 

 

8. CREDIT FACILITY

 

In January 2013, the Company entered into a three-year term agreement with a bank to provide the Company with a senior secured credit facility of up to $25.0 million. The agreement provided for the Company to borrow up to 80% of eligible accounts receivable and up to 35% of domestically held raw material and finished goods inventory. Advances against inventory were limited to 40% of the aggregate outstanding on the revolving line of credit and $10.0 million in aggregate. The Company had the option to borrow at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% or the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 0.50%. If the Company maintained liquidity of $20.0 million or greater with the lending institution, then the borrowing interest rate options were LIBOR plus 2.25% or the Wall Street Journal prime rate. There was an unused revolving line facility fee of 0.375% per annum. In August 2015, the Company entered into an amended agreement with the bank to extend the senior secured facility through January 2018. Under the amended agreement, advances against inventory were limited to the lesser of 45% of the aggregate outstanding principal on the revolving line of credit and $10.0 million and the rate on facility fee on the unused portion of the revolving line was adjusted to 0.50% per annum.

 

In September 2016, the Company voluntarily terminated the loan agreement. Pursuant to the pay-off letter for termination of the loan agreement, upon payment of the pay-off amount, all obligations under the loan agreement were paid and discharged in full, all unfunded commitments by the bank to make credit extensions to the Company under the loan agreement were terminated, all security interests granted to or held by the bank under the loan agreement were released, and all guaranties supporting the loan agreement were released. The Company did not incur any early termination penalties in connection with the termination.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred no interest expense. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded interest expense of $27,500 and $98,200, respectively, which includes $24,200 and $87,000, respectively, of interest expense charged on the unused portion of the facility.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including statements regarding our estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections or strategies for the future, results of operations, financial position, net sales, projected costs, prospects and plans and objectives of management for future operations may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “prospects,” “goals,” “potential,” “likely,” and the like, and/or future-tense or conditional constructions such as “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” etc. (or the negative thereof). Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future sales, market size and trends or operating results also constitute forward-looking statements.

 

Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. Before investing in our common stock, investors should be aware that the occurrence of the risks, uncertainties and events described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown business, economic and other risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this Quarterly Report, other than as may be required by applicable law or regulation. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected.

 

You should read this Quarterly Report, the documents that we reference in this Quarterly Report and have filed with the SEC as exhibits and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2016 with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Rubicon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Rubicon Technology, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We are a vertically integrated, advanced materials provider specializing in monocrystalline sapphire for applications in optical and industrial systems. We use our proprietary crystal growth technology to produce high-quality sapphire products to meet our customers exacting specifications. Historically, we have also provided sapphire products to the LED and mobile device markets, which are the largest markets for sapphire. However, given competitive pressures in those markets, in September 2016 we announced our decision to limit our focus in the near-term on the optical and industrial sapphire markets and exit the LED market. We believe that we continue to have a reputation as one of the highest quality sapphire producers in the market. We provide optical and industrial sapphire products in various shapes and sizes, including round and rectangular windows and blanks, domes, tubes and rods.

 

With the decision to exit the LED market, we stopped production activities in Penang, Malaysia in November 2016 and subsequently closed this plant in December 2016. Our wafer patterning equipment in Malaysia was sold in the fourth quarter of 2016. We held an auction in March 2017 in an effort to sell the polishing and fabrication equipment with mixed results. Since the March 2017 auction, we have continued to seek buyers for the remaining unsold equipment and have sold some additional equipment since the auction. Additionally, we are seeking to sell our Malaysia real estate. The timing of the sale of the equipment and real estate is difficult to predict.

 

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Following the decision to focus on smaller optical and industrial sapphire markets in the fourth quarter 2016, we evaluated our U.S. asset portfolio and determined that we now have excess crystal growth and fabrication capacity in the U.S. Consequently, we have consolidated operations into our leased spaces in Bensenville, Illinois and Franklin Park, Illinois and vacated our largest owned manufacturing and office facility in Batavia, Illinois. In March 2017, we held an auction to sell excess equipment from our Batavia facility. Other than crystal growth furnaces, most of the equipment was sold. The plant itself is a special purpose facility with extensive enhancements to power and water-cooling systems required for crystal growth production. We are also actively seeking to sell this property and our initial focus is to find a buyer that is interested in both the building and improved infrastructure. Timing on the sale of this real estate, the crystal growth furnaces and remaining equipment in Malaysia is difficult to predict.

 

With the focus on smaller optical and industrial markets, the closing of our plant in Malaysia, and the consolidation of our operations in the U.S., our LED revenue has ceased. We anticipate that our sales will be almost exclusively from optical and industrial sapphire components. The following table summarizes optical revenue for each of the last three years:

 

Year ended December 31,   Optical revenue (in thousands)     % of total
revenue 		 
2016   $ 4,568       23 %
2015   $ 5,086       21 %
2014   $ 7,057       15 %

 

We operate in an extremely volatile market, so our ability to expand our optical and industrial business and acceptance of new product offerings is difficult to predict.

 

In addition, our current optical and industrial sapphire business serves smaller markets than our historical undertakings, so we are actively evaluating the acquisition of profitable companies both in and outside of the sapphire market to utilize our substantial net operating loss carry-forwards.

 

We recognize research and development revenue in the period during which the related costs and fees are incurred.

 

Historically, a significant portion of our revenue has been derived from sales to relatively few customers. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, we had four customers individually that accounted for approximately 17%, 12%, 11% and 11% of revenue and for the three months ended September 30, 2016, we had one customer individually that accounted for approximately 76% of revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we had four customers individually that accounted for approximately 17%, 13%, 11% and 10% of revenue and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we had two customers individually that accounted for approximately 55% and 10% of revenue. No other customer individually accounted for 10% or more of our revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. We expect our sales to continue to be concentrated among a small number of customers. However, we also expect that our significant customers may change from time to time.

 

We recognize revenue based upon shipping terms with our customers and from our government contract as costs and fees are incurred. Delays in product orders or changes to the timing of shipments could cause our quarterly revenue to vary significantly. We sell our products on a global basis and historically derived a significant portion of our revenue from customers outside of the U.S. In past periods, the majority of our sales were to the European and Asian markets. We expect a major source of our future revenue to be from the North American market. All of our revenue and corresponding accounts receivable are denominated in U.S. dollars.

 

We currently outsource some of our production processes. If these outsourcing processes were to be disrupted or terminated, we may have difficulty in finding, or may be unable to find, alternative sources for these items. As a result, we may be unable to meet the demand for our products, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

We manage direct sales primarily from our Bensenville, Illinois offices. Substantially all of our revenue is generated by our direct sales force and we expect this to continue in the future.

 

We manufacture and ship our products from our facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area. We have approximately 62,000 square feet of leased manufacturing and office space in, Franklin Park and Bensenville, Illinois, We also have a 134,400 square foot facility in Batavia, Illinois and a 65,000 square foot facility in Penang, Malaysia. The Malaysia and Batavia facilities are currently held for sale. Additional land in Batavia, Illinois, is also held for sale.

 

Our cost of goods sold consists primarily of manufacturing materials, labor, manufacturing-related overhead such as utilities, depreciation and rent, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory reserves, idle plant charges, outsourcing costs, freight and warranties. We purchase materials and supplies to support such current and future demand. We are subject to variations in the cost of consumables from period to period because we do not have long-term fixed-price agreements with our suppliers.

 

Our operating expenses are comprised of sales and marketing, research and development (“R&D”), and general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses. G&A expenses consist primarily of compensation and associated costs for employees in finance, human resources, information technology and administrative activities, charges for accounting, legal, and insurance fees, and stock-based compensation. The majority of our stock-based compensation relates to administrative personnel and is accounted for as a G&A expense.

 

Other income (expense) consists of interest income, interest expense and realized gains and losses on investments and currency translation.

  

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We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method whereby the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book value and the tax basis of assets and liabilities are recognized as deferred tax assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recognized. Our analysis of ownership changes that limit the utilization of our net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards as of December 31, 2016, shows no impact on such utilization. We are in a cumulative loss position for the past three years which is considered significant negative evidence that is difficult to overcome on a “more likely than not” standard through objectively verifiable data. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. and Malaysia deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all the available evidence. Until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, we expect to maintain a full valuation allowance on our U.S. and Malaysia net deferred tax assets. Any U.S. and Malaysia tax benefits or tax expense recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Operations will be offset with a corresponding valuation allowance until such time that we change our determination related to the realization of deferred tax assets. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

 

We continue to review a variety of alternatives with a goal of providing greater value to our stockholders. These alternatives could result in, among other things, further modifying or eliminating certain of our operations, selling material assets or business segments, seeking additional financing, a sale of the business, a merger, consolidation or other business combination, partnering or other collaboration agreements, potential acquisitions or recapitalizations, or we may continue to operate with our current business plan and strategy. We cannot provide assurance that this process will result in the consummation of any transaction, or that the consummation of any transaction will provide greater value to our stockholders.

 

RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:

 

   

Three months ended
September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
    (in millions)  
Revenue   $ 1.3     $ 7.1  
Cost of goods sold     1.5       18.8  
Gross loss     (0.2 )     (11.7 )
Operating expenses:                
General and administrative     0.8       1.7  
Sales and marketing     0.2       0.4  
Research and development     0.1       0.8  
Loss on disposal of assets     (0.1 )     —  
Long-lived asset impairment charges     —       10.2  
Total operating expenses     1.0       13.1  
Loss from operations     (1.2 )     (24.8 )
Other income (expense)     0.1       (0.2 )
Loss before income taxes     (1.1 )     (25.0 )
Income tax benefit     —       0.2  
Net loss   $ (1.1 )   $ (24.8 )

 

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The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:

 

   

Three months ended
September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
    (percentage of total)  
Revenue     100 %     100 %
Cost of goods sold     116       265  
Gross loss     (16 )     (165 )
Operating expenses:                
General and administrative     62       24  
Sales and marketing     15       6  
Research and development     8       11  
Loss on disposal of assets     (8 )     —  
Long-lived asset impairment charges     —       144  
Total operating expenses     77       184  
Loss from operations     (93 )     (349 )
Other income (expense)     8       (3 )
Loss before income taxes     (85 )     (352 )
Income tax benefit (expense)     —       3  
Net loss     (85 )%     (349 )%

 

Revenue. Revenue was $1.3 million and $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $5.8 million. As we have ceased all LED manufacturing activities and exited the LED market, our revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from the sale of our LED products was zero, a decrease of $5.9 million. The revenue from our optical and industrial sapphire business has decreased by $21,000. We experienced an increase of $193,000 in the R&D revenue attributable to the product finishing component of the government contract.

 

We operate in an extremely volatile market, so the amount of price or volume change and acceptance of new product offerings is difficult to predict.

 

Gross loss. Gross loss was $192,000 and $11.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $11.5 million. Out of this amount $11.5 million decrease in gross loss, $3.6 million was attributable to our exit from the LED market and the elimination of operations related to manufacturing of LED products, as well as a decrease in production costs due to improved production efficiency. In addition, $6.3 million of the decrease in gross loss was due to a write-down relating to having an excess of two-inch core and raw material inventory, $534,000 was due to a write-down relating to having excess consumables inventory and $1.0 million was attributable to severance expenses for the reduction in staffing in the U.S. and Malaysia all of which occurred in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

General and administrative expenses . G&A expenses were $812,000 and $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $897,000. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in employee compensation costs of $258,000 on a lower headcount, partially offset by an increase in executive restricted stock unit grant expense of $68,000. We also experienced a decrease in legal and investor meeting expenses, as costs in the three months ended September 30, 2016 included $150,000 related to our proxy solicitation and annual meeting process for a contested director election. In addition, we experienced a decrease in the administrative office maintenance and connectivity costs of $236,000 due to downsized operations, a decrease in the Board of Directors’ compensation costs of $139,000, a decrease in insurance costs of $87,000 on renegotiated contracts, a decrease in financing and banking fees of $82,000, as we have paid off the short-term loan, and a decrease of $36,000 in franchise tax on a lower asset basis. This was partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense of $22,000, as costs in 2016 included a significant decrease in bad debt expense due to collection of an old outstanding balance.

 

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were $141,000 and $395,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $254,000. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in employee compensation costs of $203,000 on lower headcount, a decrease in travel and other costs related to sales and marketing of $31,000, and a decrease in marketing services and samples costs of $20,000.

 

Research and development expenses. R&D expenses were $50,000 and $803,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $753,000. The decrease in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in employee compensation costs of $380,000 on a lower headcount, a decrease in project expenses and equipment costs of $353,000 and a decrease in employee travel costs of $20,000.

 

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Long-lived asset impairment charge. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, an impairment charge of $10.2 million was recorded pursuant to our decision to exit the LED market, closing of our Malaysia facility and identification of excess U.S. and Malaysia machinery, equipment and facilities assets.

 

Other income (expense). Other income was $47,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and other expense was $248,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in realized loss on foreign currency translation of $237,000. In addition, we have experienced an increase in interest income of $30,000. Also, as we have paid off a short-term loan, interest expense was zero for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $28,000.

 

Income tax benefit. In accordance with ASC740 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC740”), we evaluate our deferred income tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. ASC740 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. We are in a cumulative loss position for the past three years, which is considered significant negative evidence by the accounting standards that is difficult to overcome on a “more likely than not” standard through objectively verifiable data. The accounting standards attribute greater weight to objective negative evidence than to subjective positive evidence, such as our projections for future growth. Based on this evaluation, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all the available evidence. At September 30, 2017, we continue to be in a three-year cumulative loss position, therefore, until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, we expect to maintain a valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets related to future U.S. and Malaysia tax benefits and will no longer accrue tax benefits or tax expense on our Consolidated Statement of Operations. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2017 is based on an estimated combined statutory effective tax rate. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the difference between our effective tax rate of 0.6% and the U.S. federal 35% statutory rate and state 6.2% (net of federal benefit) statutory rate was primarily related to U.S. and Malaysia valuation allowances, Malaysia foreign tax rate differential and Malaysia withholding taxes.

 

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RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:

 

   

Nine months ended
September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
    (in millions)  
Revenue   $ 3.7     $ 14.9  
Cost of goods sold     8.3       36.0  
Gross loss     (4.6 )     (21.1 )
Operating expenses:                
General and administrative     3.9       6.2  
Sales and marketing     0.6       1.2  
Research and development     0.9       2.0  
Loss on disposal of assets     1.1       0.1  
Long-lived asset impairment charges     0.7       10.5  
Total operating expenses     7.2       20.0  
Loss from operations     (11.8 )     (41.1 )
Other income (expense)     0.1       0.2  
Loss before income taxes     (11.7 )     (40.9 )
Income tax benefit (expense)     (0.1 )     0.6  
Net loss   $ (11.8 )   $ (40.3 )

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:

 

   

Nine months ended
September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
    (percentage of total)  
Revenue     100 %     100 %
Cost of goods sold     224       242  
Gross loss     (124 )     (142 )
Operating expenses:                
General and administrative     106       42  
Sales and marketing     16       8  
Research and development     24       13  
Loss on disposal of assets     30       1  
Long-lived asset impairment charges     19       70  
Total operating expenses     195       134  
Loss from operations     (319 )     (276 )
Other income (expense)     3       2  
Loss before income taxes     (316 )     (274 )
Income tax benefit     (3 )     4  
Net loss     (319 )%     (270 )%

 

Revenue. Revenue was $3.7 million and $14.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $11.2 million. As we have ceased all LED manufacturing activities and exited the LED market, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, revenue from the sales of our LED products was zero a decrease of $11.1 million. Revenue from our optical and industrial sapphire business has decreased by $120,000. Revenues from sales of optical blank products increased by $210,000 due to an increased demand from customers specializing in finishing and reselling optical products, as well as laboratories worldwide conducting research and development activities. We experienced lower revenue from sales of optical polished sapphire products of $277,000 due to a decreased demand from customers specializing in distributions and original equipment manufacturing. Revenue from sales of large diameter optical and industrial products decreased by $53,000.

 

We operate in an extremely volatile market, so the amount of price or volume change and acceptance of new product offerings is difficult to predict.

 

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Gross loss. Gross loss was $4.6 million and $21.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease in gross loss of $16.5 million. Out of this $16.5 million decrease in gross loss, $11.2 million was attributable to our exit from the LED market and the elimination of operations related to manufacturing of LED products, as well as a decrease in production costs due to improved production efficiency. In addition, $6.3 million of the decrease in gross loss was due to a write-down relating to having an excess of two-inch core and raw material inventory, $534,000 was due to a write-down relating to having excess consumables inventory and $1.0 million was attributable to severance expenses for the reduction in staffing in the U.S. and Malaysia all of which occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This was partially offset by the costs incurred in connection with our restructuring and moving of manufacturing equipment from our Batavia facility to our leased Franklin Park and Bensenville facilities of $255,000, and an excess raw material write-down expense of $2.3 million recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

General and administrative expenses. G&A expenses were $3.9 million and $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $2.3 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in legal and investor meeting expenses, as costs in 2016 included $1.3 million related to our proxy solicitation and annual meeting process for a contested director election. We also experienced a decrease in employee compensation costs of $809,000 on lower headcount, partially offset by an increase in executive severance expense of $458,000 and executive restricted stock unit grant expense of $302,000. In addition, we experienced a decrease in the administrative office maintenance and connectivity costs of $369,000 due to downsized operations, a decrease in the board of directors’ compensation costs of $347,000, a decrease in insurance costs of $209,000 on renegotiated contracts, a decrease in financing and banking fees of $98,000, as we have paid off the short-term loan, a decrease of $73,000 in franchise tax on a lower asset basis and a decrease in recruiting and immigration assistance costs of $73,000. This was partially offset by an increase in a bad debt expense of $225,000, as costs in 2016 included a significant decrease in bad debt expense due to collection of an old outstanding balance.

 

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were $580,000 and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $568,000. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in employee compensation costs of $395,000 on lower headcount, a decrease in travel and other costs related to sales and marketing of $105,000, and a decrease in marketing services and samples costs of $70,000.

 

Research and development expenses. R&D expenses were $887,000 and $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $1.1 million. The decrease in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in employee compensation costs of $487,000 on a lower headcount, a decrease in project expenses and equipment costs of $584,000 and a decrease in employee travel costs of $77,000.

 

Long-lived asset impairment charges. With the scaling down of our U.S. operations, we identified additional assets that would not be needed for ongoing operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we reduced the net book value of certain machinery and equipment and recorded an asset impairment charge of $675,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an impairment charge of $10.5 million was recorded pursuant to our decision to exit the LED market, closing of our Malaysia facility and identification of excess U.S. and Malaysia machinery, equipment and facilities assets.

 

Other income (expense). Other income was $100,000 and $191,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease in other income of $91,000. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in realized gain on foreign currency translation of $210,000. This was partially offset by an increase in interest income of $21,000. In addition, as we have paid off a short-term loan, interest expense was zero for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $98,000.

 

Income tax benefit. In accordance with ASC740 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC740”), we evaluate our deferred income tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. ASC740 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. We are in a cumulative loss position for the past three years, which is considered significant negative evidence by the accounting standards that is difficult to overcome on a “more likely than not” standard through objectively verifiable data. The accounting standards attribute greater weight to objective negative evidence than to subjective positive evidence, such as our projections for future growth. Based on this evaluation, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all the available evidence. At September 30, 2017, we continue to be in a three-year cumulative loss position, therefore, until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, we expect to maintain a valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets related to future U.S. and Malaysia tax benefits and will no longer accrue tax benefits or tax expense on our Consolidated Statement of Operations. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is based on an estimated combined statutory effective tax rate. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the difference between our effective tax rate of 0.7% and the U.S. federal 35% statutory rate and state 6.2% (net of federal benefit) statutory rate was primarily related to U.S. and Malaysia valuation allowances, Malaysia foreign tax rate differential and Malaysia withholding taxes.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

We have historically funded our operations using a combination of issuances of common stock and cash generated from our operations.

 

As of September 30, 2017, we had cash and short-term investments totaling $18.0 million, including cash of $7.0 million held in deposits at major banks and $11.0 million invested in money market funds.

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

The following table represents the major components of our cash flows from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

 

   

Nine months ended
September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
    (in millions)  
Net loss   $ (11.8 )   $ (40.3 )
Non-cash items:                
Depreciation and amortization     1.0       4.9  
Stock based compensation and other, net     0.8       1.1  
Net loss on disposal of assets     1.1       —  
Long-lived asset impairment charges     0.7       10.5  
Deferred taxes     —       (0.6 )
Total non-cash items:     3.6       15.9  
Working capital:                
Accounts receivable     1.9       (0.2 )
Inventories     3.1       5.0  
Inventory reserves     0.8       6.0  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     1.1       2.3  
Accounts payable     (0.2 )     (1.0 )
Other accruals     (0.1 )     0.8  
Total working capital items:     6.6       12.9  
Net cash used in operating activities   $ (1.6 )   $ (11.5 )

 

Cash used in operating activities was $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. During such period, we generated a net loss of $11.8 million, non-cash expenses of $3.6 million, and an increase in cash from net working capital of $6.6 million. The net working capital cash increase was driven by a decrease in inventory of $3.9 million primarily related to a decrease in raw materials of $3.0 million due to sales and a write-down of excess raw materials and decrease in work-in-process and finished goods inventories of $900,000 due to downsized operations. Additionally, we experienced a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.9 million on decreased revenue and improved collections and a decrease in prepaid and other assets of $1.1 million due to excess asset disposals and write-downs and on amounts collected on asset sales. This decrease was partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and other accruals of $383,000 on timing of payments and due to downsized operations.

 

Cash used in operating activities was $11.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. During such period, we generated a net loss of $40.3 million, non-cash expenses of $15.9 million, and an increase in cash from net working capital of $12.9 million. The net working capital increase was driven by a decrease in inventory of $11.0 million primarily related to write downs of excess core and raw materials inventories and complete draw down of consignment inventory by our major customer, and a decrease in other prepaid expenses of $2.3 million primarily related to a decrease in prepaid furnace and machinery components. This increase was partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $240,000 on timing of customer payments and a decrease in accounts payable and other accruals of $212,000 on timing of payments.

 

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Cash flows from investing activities

 

The following table represents the major components of our cash flows from investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

 

   

Nine months ended
September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
    (in millions)  
             
Purchases of property and equipment   $ —     $ (0.6 )
Purchases of investments     —       —  
Proceeds from disposal of assets     2.1       0.2  
Proceeds from sale of investments     —       8.9  
Net cash provided by investing activities   $ 2.1     $ 8.5  

 

Net cash provided by investing activities was $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to sales of equipment and other assets at our Penang Malaysia and Batavia, IL locations, as the result of our decision to close the Malaysia facility and consolidate our operations in the U.S.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities was $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we used approximately $595,000 on the purchase of equipment for our new coating process and used proceeds from the sale of investments of $8.9 million to fund operations and capital spending.

 

We anticipate our capital expenditures will be kept to a minimum.

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $184,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, which represents cash used to settle net equity awards of $173,000, and a change in restricted cash of $11,000. Net cash used in financing activities was $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which is primarily due to cash used to pay off borrowings under our credit facility.

 

Future liquidity requirements

 

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, anticipated cash flows from operating activities and proceeds from sales of fixed assets will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months. However, if our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flow or our use of cash in the next twelve months were to significantly adversely change, we may not have enough funds available to continue operating at our current level in future periods. Our cash needs include cash required to fund our operations. If the assumptions underlying our business plan regarding future revenues and expenses change, or if unexpected opportunities or needs arise, we may seek to raise additional cash by selling equity or convertible debt securities. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted, and these newly-issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

We consider to be critical those accounting policies that require our most subjective or complex judgments, which often result from a need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain, and that are among the most important of our accounting policies in the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. We believe the following to be our critical accounting policies, including the more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our financial statements.

 

Inventory valuation

 

We value our inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market is determined based on net realizable value. Raw materials cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method, and work-in-process and finished goods costs are determined on a standard cost basis which includes materials, labor and overhead. We establish inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based on customer required specifications. We evaluate the ability to realize the value of our inventory based on a combination of factors, including forecasted sales, estimated current and future market value and changes in customers’ product specifications. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we accepted sales orders for core and wafer products at prices lower than our cost. Based on these sales prices, we recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 an adjustment which increased costs of goods sold and reduced inventory by $1.1 million. We did not record any additional lower of cost or market adjustments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. We evaluate the amount of raw material needed for future production based on expected crystal growth production needed to meet anticipated sales. Based on this review, we determined at June 30, 2017 to lower our expected requirements for raw material inventory supply from five to three years and that we had excess material needed for future production. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, an excess and obsolete adjustment was recorded which reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold by $2.4 million. We did not record any additional excess and obsolete adjustments for the three months ended September 30, 2017. However, if our recognition of excess or obsolete inventory is, or if our estimates of our inventory’s potential utility become, less favorable than currently expected, additional inventory reserves may be required.

 

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We determine our normal operating capacity and record as an expense costs attributable to lower utilization of equipment and staff. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we determined that we were not operating at capacity and recorded costs associated with lower utilization of equipment and staff of $260,000 and $2.0 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we determined that we were not operating at capacity and recorded costs associated with lower utilization of equipment and staff of $1.9 million and $6.5 million, respectively. For the remainder of 2017, it is likely that we will incur additional costs due to lower utilization of equipment and other legacy contracts.

 

Assets held for sale and long-lived assets

 

When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, we perform an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value. We make estimates of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of assets is determined using appraisal techniques which assume the highest and best use of the asset by market participants, considering the use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible, and financially feasible at the measurement date. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses reducing net income.

 

In the third quarter of 2016, we announced our decision to limit our focus to the optical and industrial sapphire markets and to exit the LED market. This resulted in the closing of our Malaysia facility. We evaluated our Malaysia asset portfolio based on assuming an orderly liquidation plan. Based on this review, we recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 an asset impairment charge on our Malaysia machinery and equipment. In the fourth quarter of 2016, we also developed a plan to scale down our U.S. operations and sell additional assets that would not be needed. In this regard, we identified excess machinery, equipment and facilities located in the U.S. Based on this review, we recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 an asset impairment charge on our U.S. machinery and equipment.

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, auctions and individual asset sales were completed resulting in the sale of a portion of the excess U.S. and some of the Malaysian equipment that were classified as (a) assets held for sale or (b) machinery and equipment which had a net book value of $3.1 million. Unsold equipment including excess crystal growth furnaces was classified as current assets held for sale at September 30, 2017.

 

We are actively seeking the sale of our manufacturing and office facility in Batavia, Illinois, a parcel of land we own in Batavia, Illinois, and a facility in Penang, Malaysia. Since it is our intention to complete these sales within the next twelve-month period, these properties were classified as current assets held for sale at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

We reviewed the current fair market value of our assets to determine if additional adjustments were needed. With the scaling down of our U.S. operations, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we identified additional assets that would not be needed. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we reduced the net book value of certain machinery and equipment and recorded an asset impairment charge of $675,000. We will continue to assess our long-lived assets to ensure the carrying amount of these assets is still appropriate given any changes in the asset usage, marketplace and other factors used in determining the current fair market value.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

We grant stock-based compensation in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and restricted stock. We expense stock-based compensation based upon the fair market value on the date of grant. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model will be affected by assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates, forfeitures and expected dividends.

 

The expected term represents the weighted-average period that our stock options are expected to be outstanding and is based upon five years historical data. We estimate the volatility of our common stock based on a five year historical stock price. We base the risk-free interest rate that we use in the option pricing model on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, use an expected dividend yield of zero in the option pricing model. We are required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The current forfeiture rate of 23.1% was based on our past history of forfeitures.

 

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We used a Monte Carlo simulation model valuation technique to determine the fair value of 59,098 RSUs granted in March 2017 to a key executive pursuant to an employment agreement, because the awards vest based upon achievement of market price targets of our common stock. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award and calculates the fair value of each RSU. We used the following assumptions in determining the fair value of the RSUs:

 

Daily expected stock price volatility     4.4237 %
Daily expected mean return on equity     (0.2226 %)
Daily expected dividend yield     0.0 %
Average daily risk free interest rate     0.0063 %

 

The daily expected stock price volatility is based on a four-year historical volatility of our common stock. The daily expected dividend yield is based on annual expected dividend payments. The average daily risk-free interest rate is based on the three-year treasury yield as of the grant date. Each of the tranches is calculated to have its own fair value and requisite service period. The fair value of each tranche is amortized over the requisite or derived service period, which is up to four years. These RSUs had a grant date fair value of $322,623.

 

We allocate stock based compensation costs using a straight-line method, which amortizes the fair value of each award on a straight-line basis over the service period. Based on the variables affecting the valuation of our common stock and the method used for allocating compensation costs, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 we recognized $163,000 and $786,000, respectively of stock compensation expense.

 

All option grants are granted at an exercise price per share equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the day before the date of grant. Therefore, there is no intrinsic value because the exercise price per share of each option was equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant.

 

Based on the fair market value of the common stock at September 30, 2017, there is no aggregate intrinsic value of all stock options exercisable or outstanding.

 

Income tax valuation allowance

 

Evaluating the need for and amount of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets often requires significant judgment and extensive analysis of all the positive and negative evidence available to determine whether all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. A valuation allowance must be established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not (a probability level of more than 50%) that they will not be realized. In general, “realization” refers to the incremental benefit achieved through the reduction in future taxes payable or an increase in future taxes refundable from the deferred tax assets, assuming that the underlying deductible differences and carryforwards are the last items to enter into the determination of future taxable income. In determining our valuation allowance, we consider the source of taxable income including taxable income in prior carryback years, future reversals of existing temporary differences, the required use of tax planning strategies, and future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. We are in a cumulative loss position for the past three years which is considered significant negative evidence that is difficult to overcome on a “more likely than not” standard through objectively verifiable data. Under the accounting standards verifiable evidence will have greater weight than subjective evidence such as our projections for future growth. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, as of September 30, 2017, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. and Malaysia deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all the available evidence. Any U.S. and Malaysia tax benefits or tax expense recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Operations will be offset with a corresponding valuation allowance until such time that we change our determination related to the realization of deferred tax assets. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting standards.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

ITEM  3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

As of September 30, 2017, there were no material changes in the information regarding market risk contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Management’s evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Based on evaluations at September 30, 2017, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer (together, our “certifying officers”), with the participation of the management team, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that material information relating to the Company is accumulated and communicated to management, including our certifying officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

Our certifying officers have concluded that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II

 

ITEM  6. EXHIBITS

 

The exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as a part of this report are listed in the Index to Exhibits which appears following the signature page to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Rubicon Technology, Inc.
     
Date: November 13, 2017 By:

/s/ Timothy E. Brog

    Timothy E. Brog
    President and Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: November 13, 2017 By:

/s/ Mardel A. Graffy

    Mardel A. Graffy
    Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The Exhibits listed below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Exhibit
No. 		  Description   Incorporation by Reference
         
3.1   Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rubicon Technology, Inc.   Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed on November 1, 2007 (File No. 333-145880)
         
3.2   Amendment No. 1 to Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rubicon Technology, Inc.   Filed as Appendix A to the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on April 29, 2011 (File No. 1-33834)
         
3.3   Certificate of Amendment to Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rubicon Technology, Inc.   Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 4, 2017 (File No. 1-33834)
         
3.4   Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rubicon Technology, Inc.   Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 10, 2016 (File No. 1-33834)
         
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    
         
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    
         
32.1*   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    
         
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document    
         
101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document    
         
101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document    
         
101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document    
         
101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document    
         
101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document    

 

*   Filed electronically with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

 

 

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