ASCENT SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ascent Solar (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (collectively, the “Company") is focusing on integrating its PV products into high value markets such as aerospace, satellites, near earth orbiting vehicles, and fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”). The value proposition of Ascent’s proprietary solar technology not only aligns with the needs of customers in these industries, but also overcomes many of the obstacles other solar technologies face in these unique markets. Ascent has the capability to design and develop finished products for end users in these areas as well as collaborate with strategic partners to design and develop custom integrated solutions for products like fixed-wing UAVs. Ascent sees significant overlap of the needs of end users across some of these industries and can achieve economies of scale in sourcing, development, and production in commercializing products for these customers.
On January 28, 2022 as of 5:00 pm Eastern Time, the Company effected a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at a ratio of one-for-five thousand (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Company’s common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis at 9:30 am Eastern Time on January 31, 2022. Stockholders also received one whole share of Common Stock in lieu of a fractional share and no fractional shares were issued. All shares and per share amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Following the Reverse Stock Split, the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock were decreased from approximately 23.7 billion pre-split shares to 4.8 million post-split shares. In connection with the Reverse Stock Split effectiveness, the number of authorized shares of the Company's Common Stock were decreased from 30 billion to 500 million shares.
NOTE 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying, unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been derived from the accounting records of the Company as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying, unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes typically found in U.S. GAAP audited annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2021 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022.
NOTE 3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company’s significant accounting policies were described in Note 3 to the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. There have been no significant changes to our accounting policies as of March 31, 2022.
Revenue Recognition:
Product revenue. The Company recognizes revenue for the sale of PV modules and other equipment sales at a point in time following the transfer of control of such products to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery
6
depending on the terms of the underlying contracts. For module and other equipment sales contracts that contain multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation identified in the contract based on relative standalone selling prices, or estimates of such prices, and recognizes the related revenue as control of each individual product is transferred to the customer.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized product revenue of $54,210 and $165,158, respectively.
Milestone and engineering revenue. Each milestone and engineering arrangement is a separate performance obligation. The transaction price is estimated using the most likely amount method and revenue is recognized as the performance obligation is satisfied through achieving manufacturing, cost, or engineering targets. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized Milestone and engineering revenue of $512,000 from TubeSolar AG (“TubeSolar”), a significant existing stakeholder in the Company and a related party. The Company did not have Milestone and engineering revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Government contracts revenue. Revenue from government research and development contracts is generated under terms that are cost plus fee or firm fixed price. The Company generally recognizes this revenue over time using cost-based input methods, which recognizes revenue and gross profit as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs of the contract. In applying cost-based input methods of revenue recognition, the Company uses the actual costs incurred relative to the total estimated costs to determine our progress towards contract completion and to calculate the corresponding amount of revenue to recognize.
Cost based input methods of revenue recognition are considered a faithful depiction of the Company’s efforts to satisfy long-term government research and development contracts and therefore reflect the performance obligations under such contracts. Costs incurred that do not contribute to satisfying the Company’s performance obligations are excluded from the input methods of revenue recognition as the amounts are not reflective of transferring control under the contract. Costs incurred towards contract completion may include direct costs plus allowable indirect costs and an allocable portion of the fixed fee. If actual and estimated costs to complete a contract indicate a loss, provision is made currently for the loss anticipated on the contract.
No government contract revenue was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had an accounts receivable, net balance of $561,254 and $49,250, respectively. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $26,000 and $26,000, respectively.
Deferred revenue was as follows:
Balance as of January 1, 2022 |
$ |
22,500 |
|
Additions |
|
198,500 |
|
Recognized as revenue |
|
(22,500 |
) |
Balance as of March 31, 2022 |
$ |
198,500 |
|
Earnings per Share: Earnings per share (“EPS”) are the amount of earnings attributable to each share of common stock. Basic EPS has been computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Income available to common stockholders has been computed by deducting dividends accumulated for the period on cumulative preferred stock (whether or not earned) from net income. Diluted earnings per share has been computed by dividing net income adjusted on an if-converted basis for the period by the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common share outstanding (which consist of options and convertible securities using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable, to the extent they are dilutive). Approximately 2.4 million shares of dilutive shares were excluded from the three months period ended March 31, 2022 EPS calculation as their impact is antidilutive. There were approximately 32.5 million shares of dilutive shares for the three months period ended March 31, 2021.
7
Recently Adopted or to be Adopted Accounting Policies
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entity s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity s Own Equity. ASU 2020-06 will simplify the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. Limiting the accounting models results in fewer embedded conversion features being separately recognized from the host contract as compared with current U.S. GAAP. Convertible instruments that continue to be subject to separation models are (1) those with embedded conversion features that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, that meet the definition of a derivative, and that do not qualify for a scope exception from derivative accounting and (2) convertible debt instruments issued with substantial premiums for which the premiums are recorded as paid-in capital. ASU 2020-06 also amends the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions. ASU 2020-06 will be effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management has not yet evaluated the impact that the adoption of ASU 2020-06 will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statement presentation or disclosures.
Other new pronouncements issued but not effective as of March 31, 2022 are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 4. LIQUIDITY, CONTINUED OPERATIONS, AND GOING CONCERN
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company entered into multiple financing agreements to fund operations. Further discussion of these transactions can be found in Notes 8, 9, 10, and 11 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The Company has continued limited PV production at its manufacturing facility. The Company does not expect that sales revenue and cash flows will be sufficient to support operations and cash requirements until it has fully implemented its product strategy. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 the Company used $2,792,080 in cash for operations.
Additional projected product revenues are not anticipated to result in a positive cash flow position for the next twelve months overall and, as of March 31, 2022, the Company has working capital of $1,439,461. As such, cash liquidity is not sufficient for the next twelve months and will require additional financing.
The Company continues to accelerate sales and marketing efforts related to its consumer and military solar products and specialty PV application strategies through expansion of its sales and distribution channels. The Company continues activities related to securing additional financing through strategic or financial investors, but there is no assurance the Company will be able to raise additional capital on acceptable terms or at all. If the Company's revenues do not increase rapidly, and/or additional financing is not obtained, the Company will be required to significantly curtail operations to reduce costs and/or sell assets. Such actions would likely have an adverse impact on the Company's future operations.
As a result of the Company’s recurring losses from operations and the need for additional financing to fund its operating and capital requirements, there is uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to maintain liquidity sufficient to operate its business effectively, which raises doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Management cannot provide any assurances that the Company will be successful in accomplishing any of its plans. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE 5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On September 15, 2021, the Company entered into a Long-Term Supply and Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”) with TubeSolar AG (“TubeSolar”). Under the terms of the JDA, the Company will produce, and TubeSolar will purchase, thin-film photovoltaic (“PV”) foils (“PV Foils”) for use in TubeSolar’s solar modules for agricultural photovoltaic (“APV”) applications that require solar foils for its production. Additionally, the Company will receive up (i) to $4 million of non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) fees, and (ii) up to $13.5 million of payments upon achievement of certain agreed production and cost
8
structure milestones. The JDA has no fixed term, and may only be terminated by either party for breach. $500,000 of NRE revenue was recognized under the JDA during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
The Company and TubeSolar have also jointly established Ascent Solar Technologies Germany GmbH (“Ascent Germany”), in which TubeSolar holds of 30% of the entity. The purpose of Ascent Germany is to establish and operate a PV manufacturing facility in Germany that will produce and deliver PV Foils exclusively to TubeSolar. Until Ascent Germany’s facility is fully operational, PV Foils will be manufactured in the Company’s existing facility in Thornton, Colorado. The parties expect to jointly develop next generation tooling for use in manufacturing PV Foils at the JV facility. The Company accounts for this investment as an equity method investment as it does not have control of this entity, but does have significant influence over the activities that most significantly impacts the entity’s operations and financial performance. The Company contributed $83,559 to Ascent Germany during the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company currently cannot quantify its maximum exposure in this entity.
NOTE 6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The following table summarizes property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
|
|
As of
March 31, |
|
|
As of
December 31, |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
Furniture, fixtures, computer hardware and
computer software |
|
$ |
494,897 |
|
|
$ |
473,448 |
|
Manufacturing machinery and equipment |
|
|
21,867,097 |
|
|
|
21,863,624 |
|
Manufacturing machinery and equipment,
in progress |
|
|
121,392 |
|
|
|
88,863 |
|
Depreciable property, plant and equipment |
|
|
22,483,386 |
|
|
|
22,425,935 |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
(22,158,146 |
) |
|
|
(22,146,273 |
) |
Net property, plant and equipment |
|
$ |
325,240 |
|
|
$ |
279,662 |
|
Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was $11,873 and $2,724, respectively. Depreciation expense is recorded under “Depreciation and amortization expense” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
NOTE 7. OPERATING LEASE
The Company leases approximately 100,000 rentable square feet for its manufacturing and operations. The lease is classified as an operating lease and accounted for accordingly. The Lease term is for 88 months commencing on September 21, 2020 at a rent of $50,000 per month including taxes, insurance and common area maintenance until December 31, 2020. Beginning January 1, 2021, the rent adjusted to $80,000 per month on a triple net basis and shall increase at an annual rate of 3% per annum until December 31, 2027.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, assets and liabilities related to the Company’s lease were as follows:
|
|
As of
March 31, |
|
|
As of
December 31, |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net |
|
$ |
4,816,017 |
|
|
$ |
4,984,688 |
|
Current portion of operating lease liability |
|
|
665,585 |
|
|
|
646,742 |
|
Non-current portion of operating lease liability |
|
|
4,356,168 |
|
|
|
4,532,490 |
|
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company recorded operating lease costs included in rent expense of $258,392 and $258,393, respectively.
9
Future maturities of the operating lease liability are as follows:
Remainder of 2022 |
|
$ |
741,600 |
|
2023 |
|
|
1,018,464 |
|
2024 |
|
|
1,049,018 |
|
2025 |
|
|
1,080,488 |
|
2026 |
|
|
1,112,903 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
1,146,290 |
|
Total lease payments |
|
|
6,148,763 |
|
Less amounts representing interest |
|
|
(1,127,010 |
) |
Present value of lease liability |
|
$ |
5,021,753 |
|
The remaining lease term and discount rate of the operating lease is 69.5 months and 7.0%, respectively.
NOTE 8. INVENTORIES
Inventories, net of reserves, consisted of the following at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
|
|
As of
March 31, |
|
|
As of
December 31, |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
Raw materials |
|
$ |
592,300 |
|
|
$ |
575,154 |
|
Work in process |
|
|
41,619 |
|
|
|
15,803 |
|
Finished goods |
|
|
3,700 |
|
|
|
1,215 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
637,620 |
|
|
$ |
592,172 |
|
NOTE 9. NOTES PAYABLE
On June 30, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with a vendor (“Vendor”) to convert the balance of their account into a note payable in the amount of $250,000. The note bears interest of 5% per annum and matured on February 28, 2018. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had not made any payments on this note, the accrued interest was $59,418, and the note is due upon demand. To the best of our knowledge, Vendor has not made any attempts to recover any amount owing to them since 2019.
NOTE 10. CONVERTIBLE NOTES
The following table provides a summary of the activity of the Company's unsecured, convertible, promissory notes:
|
Principal
Balance
1/1/2022 |
|
New
Notes |
|
Notes assigned or exchanged |
|
Notes
converted |
|
Principal
Balance
3/31/2022 |
|
Less:
Discount
Balance |
|
Net
Principal
Balance
3/31/2022 |
|
BD1 Notes
(related party) |
$ |
9,900,000 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
(2,000,000 |
) |
$ |
(7,900,000 |
) |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
Nanyang Note |
|
500,000 |
|
|
— |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
(600,000 |
) |
|
900,000 |
|
|
(190,442 |
) |
|
709,558 |
|
Fleur Note |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
(700,000 |
) |
|
300,000 |
|
|
(63,505 |
) |
|
236,495 |
|
|
$ |
10,400,000 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
(9,200,000 |
) |
$ |
1,200,000 |
|
$ |
(253,947 |
) |
$ |
946,053 |
|
BD1 Convertible Note
On January 3, 2022, BD 1 Investment Holding, LLC (“BD1”) sold and assigned $1,000,000 of its convertible notes (“BD1 Convertible Notes”) to Fleur Capital Pte Ltd (“Fleur”). On January 21, 2022, BD1 sold and assigned $1,000,000 of its convertible notes to Nanyang Investment Management Pte Ltd (“Nanyang”). The aggregate remaining principal balance held by BD1 after these assignments was $7,900,000. On February 1, 2022, BD1 converted its $7,900,000 aggregate outstanding
10
principal amount into 15,800,000 shares of common stock. The remaining discount of approximately $1,721,000 was charged to interest expense upon conversion.
Nanyang Convertible Note
On January 21, 2022, as discussed above, BD1 assigned $1,000,000 of the BD1 Convertible Notes to Nanyang. This note does not bear any interest and will mature on December 18, 2025. Nanyang has the right, at any time until the note is fully paid, to convert any outstanding and unpaid principal into share of common stock at a fixed conversion price equal to $0.50 per share. Shares of common stock may not be issued pursuant to this note if, after giving effect to the conversion or issuance, Nanyang, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.
On February 2, 2022, Nanyang converted $600,000 of their convertible notes into 1,200,000 shares of common stock. The associated discount on the converted portion of the notes of approximately $133,000 was charged to interest expense. The discount on the remaining principal will be charged to interest expense, ratably, over the life of the note.
Fleur Convertible Note
On January 21, 2022, as discussed above, BD1 assigned $1,000,000 of the BD1 Convertible Notes to Fleur. This note does not bear any interest and will mature on December 18, 2025. Fleur has the right, at any time until the note is fully paid, to convert any outstanding and unpaid principal into share of common stock at a fixed conversion price equal to $0.50 per share. Shares of common stock may not be issued pursuant to this note if, after giving effect to the conversion or issuance, Fleur, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.
On February 2, 2022, Fleur converted $700,000 of their convertible notes into 1,400,000 shares of common stock. The associated discount on the converted portion of the notes of approximately $155,000 was charged to interest expense. The discount on the remaining principal will be charged to interest expense, ratably, over the life of the note.
NOTE 11. SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
As of January 1, 2022, there were 48,100 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to cumulative dividends at a rate of 8% per annum when and if declared by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion. The dividends may be paid in cash or in the form of common stock (valued at 10% below market price, but not to exceed the lowest closing price during the applicable measurement period), at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The dividend rate on the Series A Preferred Stock is indexed to the Company's stock price and subject to adjustment. In addition, the Series A Preferred Stock contains a make-whole provision whereby, conversion or redemption of the preferred stock within 4 years of issuance will require dividends for the full four year period to be paid by the Company in cash or common stock (valued at 10% below market price, but not to exceed the lowest closing price during the applicable measurement period). This make-whole provision expired in June 2017.
The Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of common stock at the option of the Company if the closing price of the common stock exceeds $1,160,000, as adjusted, for twenty consecutive trading days, or by the holder at any time. The Company has the right to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $8.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, plus the make-whole amount (if applicable). At March 31, 2022, the preferred shares were not eligible for conversion to common shares at the option of the Company. The holder of the preferred shares may convert to common shares at any time. After making adjustment for the Company’s prior reverse stock splits, all 48,100 outstanding Series A preferred shares are convertible into less than one common share. Upon any conversion (whether at the option of the Company or the holder), the holder is entitled to receive any accrued but unpaid dividends.
Except as otherwise required by law (or with respect to approval of certain actions), the Series A Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, after payment or provision for payment of debts and other liabilities of the Company, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, pari passu with any distribution to the holders of common stock of the Company, an amount equal to $8.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.
As of March 31, 2022, there were 48,100 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding and accrued and unpaid dividends of $428,758.
11
NOTE 12. SERIES 1A PREFERRED STOCK
Series 1A Preferred Stock – Tranche 1 Closing
As of January 1, 2022, there were 3,700 shares of Series 1A Preferred Stock outstanding; 1,300 shares owned by Crowdex Investment, LLC (“Crowdex”) and 2,400 shares owned by TubeSolar. Each share of Series 1A Preferred Stock has an original issue price of $1,000 per share. Shares of the Series 1A Preferred Stock are convertible into common stock at a fixed conversion price equal to $0.50 per common share, subject to standard ratable anti-dilution adjustments.
Outstanding shares of Series 1A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of common stock as a single class (on an as-converted to common stock basis) on any matter presented to the stockholders of the Company for their action or consideration at any meeting of stock holders (or written consent of stockholders in lieu of meeting).
Holders of the Series 1A Preferred Stock are not entitled to any fixed rate of dividends. If the Company pays a dividend or otherwise makes a distribution payable on shares of common stock, holders of the Series 1A Preferred Stock will receive such dividend or distribution on an as-converted to common stock basis. There are no specified redemption rights for the Series 1A Preferred Stock. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of Series 1A Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid out of our assets, prior to the holders of our common stock, an amount equal to $1,000 per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends (if any) thereon.
On February 1, 2022 Crowdex and TubesSolar converted their remaining shares 1,300 and 2,400, respectively, of Series 1A Preferred Stock into 2,600,000 and 4,800,000, respectively shares of common stock.
NOTE 13. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Common Stock
At March 31, 2022, the Company had 500 million shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value, authorized for issuance. Each share of common stock has the right to one vote. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had 30,586,804 shares of common stock outstanding. The Company has not declared or paid any dividends related to the common stock through March 31, 2022.
Preferred Stock
At March 31, 2022, the Company had 25 million shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, authorized for issuance. Preferred stock may be issued in classes or series. Designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions are determined by the Company’s Board of Directors.
12
The following table summarizes the designations, shares authorized, and shares outstanding for the Company's Preferred Stock:
Preferred Stock Series Designation |
|
Shares
Authorized |
|
|
Shares
Outstanding |
|
Series A |
|
|
750,000 |
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
Series 1A |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series B-1 |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series B-2 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series C |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series D |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series D-1 |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series E |
|
|
2,800 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series F |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series G |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series H |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series I |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series J |
|
|
1,350 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series J-1 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series K |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Series A Preferred Stock
Refer to Note 11 for Series A Preferred Stock activity.
Series 1A Preferred Stock
Refer to Note 12 for Series 1A Preferred Stock activity.
Series B-1, B-2, C, D, D-1, E, F, G, H, I, J, J-1, and K Preferred Stock
There were no transactions involving the Series B-1, B-2, C, D, D-1, E, F, G, H, I, J, J-1, or K during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
NOTE 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
There were no events subsequent to March 31, 2022 to report as of this filing on May 12, 2022.
13
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements and the notes to those financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and our audited financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on March 14, 2022. This discussion and analysis contains statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or our future financial performance. As a result of many factors, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should carefully read the “Risk Factors” section of this Quarterly Report and of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 to gain an understanding of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Please also see the section entitles “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
We target high-value specialty solar markets. These include aerospace, defense, emergency management and consumer/OEM applications. This strategy enables us to fully leverage what we believe are the unique advantages of our technology, including flexibility, durability and attractive power to weight and power to area performance. It further enables us to offer unique, differentiated solutions in large markets with less competition, and more attractive pricing.
Specifically, we focus on commercializing our proprietary solar technology in three highest-value PV verticals:
I. Aerospace: Space, Near-space and Fixed Wing UAV
II. Public Sector: Defense and Emergency Management
III. Commercial Off-grid and Portable Power
We believe the value proposition of Ascent’s proprietary solar technology not only aligns with the needs of customers in these verticals, but also overcomes many of the obstacles other solar technologies face in these unique markets. Ascent has the capability to design and develop finished products for end users in these areas as well as collaborate with strategic partners to design and develop custom integrated solutions for products like airships and fixed-wing UAVs. Ascent sees significant overlap in the needs of end users across some of these verticals and believes it can achieve economies of scale in sourcing, development, and production in commercializing products for these customers.
The integration of Ascent's solar modules into space, near space, and aeronautic vehicles with ultra-lightweight and flexible solar modules is an important market opportunity for the Company. Customers in this market have historically required a high level of durability, high voltage and conversion efficiency from solar module suppliers, and we believe our products are well suited to compete in this premium market.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we generated $566,210 of total revenue. As of March 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $432,080,037.
In January 2017, Ascent was awarded a contract to supply high-voltage SuperLight thin-film CIGS PV blankets. These 50W, fully laminated, flexible blankets were manufactured using a new process that was optimized for high performance in near-space conditions at elevated temperatures, and are custom designed for easy modular integration into series and parallel configurations to achieve the desired voltage and current required for such application.
In November 2017, Ascent introduced the next generation of our USB-based portable power systems with the XD™ series. The first product introduced was the XD-12 which, like previous products, is a folding, lightweight, easily stowable, PV system with USB power regulation. Unique to this generation of PV portable power is more PV power (12 Watts) and a 2.0 Amp smart USB output to enable the XD-12 to charge most smartphones, tablets, and USB-enabled devices as fast as a wall outlet. The enhanced smart USB circuit works with the device to be charged so that the device can determine the maximum power it is able to receive from the XD-12 and ensures the best possible charging performance directly from the sun.
Also in 2017, Ascent manufactured a new micro-module for a space customer, approximately 12.8mm x 50mm (0.5in x 2.0in) in size that is ideal for both laboratory-scale environmental testing, and for subsequent integration into flight experiments.
14
In February 2018, the Company introduced the second product in our XD series. Delivering up to 48 Watts of solar power, we believe the durable and compact Ascent XD-48 Solar Charger is the ideal solution for charging many portable electronics and off-grid power systems. The XD-48’s versatility allows it to charge both military and consumer electronics directly from the sun wherever needed. Like the XD-12, the XD-48 has a compact and portable design, and its rugged, weather-resistant construction withstands shocks, drops, damage and even minor punctures to power through the harshest conditions.
In March 2018, we collaborated with a European based customer for their lighter-than-air, helium-filled airship project, which was based on our newly developed ultra-light modules with substrate material that was half of the thickness of our standard modules. In 2019, we completed a repeat order from the same customer who had since established its airship development operation in the US. In 2020, we received a third and enlarged order from the same customer and completed the order in the second quarter of 2021. Most recently, in the 4th quarter of 2021 we received a fourth order with a targeted ship date in the 2nd quarter of 2022.
On September 15, 2021, the Company entered into a Long-Term Supply and Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”) with TubeSolar, a significant existing stakeholder in the Company. See “Principal Stockholders,” and “Certain Transactions.” Under the terms of the JDA, the Company will produce, and TubeSolar will purchase, thin-film PV foils (“PV Foils”) for use in TubeSolar’s solar modules for agricultural photovoltaic (“APV”) applications that require solar foils for its production. Under the JDA, the Company will receive up (i) to $4 million of non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) fees, (ii) up to $13.5 million of payments upon achievement of certain agreed production and cost structure milestones, and (iii) product revenues from sales of PV Foils to TubeSolar. The JDA has no fixed term, and may only be terminated by either party for breach.
The Company and TubeSolar have also jointly established a subsidiary company in Germany, in which TubeSolar holds a minority stake of 30% (the “JV”). The purpose of the JV is to establish and operate a PV manufacturing facility in Germany that will produce and deliver PV Foils exclusively to TubeSolar. Until the JV facility is fully operational, PV Foils will be manufactured in the Company’s existing facility in Thornton, Colorado. The parties expect to jointly develop next generation tooling for use in manufacturing PV Foils at the JV facility. The Company purchased 17,500 shares of the JV for 1 Euro per share, on November 10, 2021.
We continue to design and manufacture PV integrated portable power applications for commercial and military users, including the US Marine Corps, US AF Special Operations Command, US Special Operations Command, US Army Special Operations Command, US Army Futures Command, and others. Due to the high durability enabled by the monolithic integration employed by our technology, the capability to customize modules into different form factors and what we believe is the industry leading light weight and flexibility provided by our modules, we believe that the potential applications for our products are extensive, including anywhere that may need power generation such as in disaster recovery and emergency preparedness, commercial and personal adventure expeditions to remote areas, humanitarian efforts in areas with poor power infrastructure, photography and filming involved in wildlife observation, to name a few.
Commercialization and Manufacturing Strategy
We manufacture our products by affixing a thin CIGS layer to a flexible, plastic substrate using a large format, roll-to-roll process that permits us to fabricate our flexible PV modules in an integrated sequential operation. We use proprietary monolithic integration techniques which enable us to form complete PV modules with little to no back-end assembly cost of inter- cell connections. Traditional PV manufacturers assemble PV modules by bonding or soldering discrete PV cells together. This manufacturing step typically increases manufacturing costs and at times proves detrimental to the overall yield and reliability of the finished product. By reducing or eliminating this added step using our proprietary monolithic integration techniques, we believe we can achieve cost savings in, and increase the reliability of, our PV modules. All tooling necessary for us to meet our near-term production requirements is installed in our Thornton, Colorado plant.
We plan to continue the development of our current PV technology to increase module efficiency, improve our manufacturing tooling and process capabilities and reduce manufacturing costs. We also plan to continue to take advantage of research and development contracts to fund a portion of this development.
15
Significant Trends, Uncertainties and Challenges
We believe the significant trends, uncertainties and challenges that directly or indirectly affect our financial performance and results of operations include:
|
• |
Our ability to generate customer acceptance of and demand for our products; |
|
• |
Successful ramping up of commercial production on the equipment installed; |
|
• |
The substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern due to our history of operating losses; |
|
• |
Successful and timely certification for use in our target markets; |
|
• |
Successful operating of production tools to achieve the efficiencies, throughput and yield necessary to reach our cost targets; |
|
• |
Salability of the products we design at a price sufficient to generate profits; |
|
• |
Our ability to raise sufficient capital to enable us to reach a level of sales sufficient to achieve profitability on terms favorable to us; |
|
• |
Effective management of the planned ramp up of our domestic and international operations; |
|
• |
Our ability to successfully develop and maintain strategic relationships with key partners, including OEMs, system integrators, distributors, retailers and e-commerce companies, who deal directly with end users in our target markets; |
|
• |
Our ability to maintain the listing of our common stock on the OTC Market; |
|
• |
Our ability to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting; |
|
• |
Our ability to achieve projected operational performance and cost metrics; |
|
• |
Our ability to enter into commercially viable licensing, joint venture, or other commercial arrangements; |
|
• |
Availability of raw materials; |
|
• |
Potential loss of intellectual property; and |
|
• |
COVID-19 and the uncertainty around the continued duration and effect of the worldwide pandemic. |
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been derived from the accounting records of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. and Ascent Solar (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (collectively, the “Company") as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Ascent Solar (Asia) Pte. Ltd. is wholly owned by Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
16
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Critical accounting policies used in reporting our financial results are reviewed by management on a regular basis. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Processes used to develop these estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ as outcomes from assumptions may change.
The Company’s significant accounting policies were described in Note 3 to the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. There have been no significant changes to our accounting policies as of March 31, 2022.
Results of Operations
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
$ Change |
|
|
% Change |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Products |
|
$ |
54,210 |
|
|
$ |
165,158 |
|
|
$ |
(110,948 |
) |
|
|
-67 |
% |
Milestone and engineering |
|
|
512,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
512,000 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Total Revenues |
|
|
566,210 |
|
|
|
165,158 |
|
|
|
401,052 |
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Revenue |
|
|
532,890 |
|
|
|
72,782 |
|
|
|
460,108 |
|
|
|
632 |
% |
Research, development and
manufacturing operations |
|
|
1,406,322 |
|
|
|
728,036 |
|
|
|
678,286 |
|
|
|
93 |
% |
SG&A |
|
|
821,266 |
|
|
|
561,709 |
|
|
|
259,557 |
|
|
|
46 |
% |
Depreciation |
|
|
16,665 |
|
|
|
12,872 |
|
|
|
3,793 |
|
|
|
29 |
% |
Total Costs and Expenses |
|
|
2,777,143 |
|
|
|
1,375,399 |
|
|
|
1,401,744 |
|
|
|
102 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss From Operations |
|
|
(2,210,933 |
) |
|
|
(1,210,241 |
) |
|
|
(1,000,692 |
) |
|
|
83 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income/(Expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income/(Expense), net |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
800 |
|
|
|
(800 |
) |
|
|
-100 |
% |
Interest Expense |
|
|
(2,086,314 |
) |
|
|
(562,079 |
) |
|
|
(1,524,235 |
) |
|
|
271 |
% |
Change in fair value of derivatives and
gain/(loss) on extinguishment of liabilities |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,617,904 |
|
|
|
(3,617,904 |
) |
|
|
-100 |
% |
Income/(Loss) on Equity Method Investments |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
100 |
% |
Total Other Income/(Expense) |
|
|
(2,086,316 |
) |
|
|
3,056,625 |
|
|
|
(5,142,941 |
) |
|
|
-168 |
% |
Net (Loss)/Income |
|
$ |
(4,297,249 |
) |
|
$ |
1,846,384 |
|
|
$ |
(6,143,633 |
) |
|
|
-333 |
% |
Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased by $401,052, or 33%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021, due primarily to the NRE fees received from TubeSolar in the current period. This was partially offset by lower product revenue in the current period.
Cost of revenues. Cost of revenues is primarily comprised of repair and maintenance, direct labor, and overhead expenses. Our Cost of revenues increased by $460,108, or 632%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021. This is due primarily to the increase in repair and maintenance, personnel, and other operating costs as a result of an increase in operations during the three months ended March 31, 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021. Management believes our factory is significantly under-utilized, and a substantial increase in revenue would result in marginal increases to Direct Labor and Overhead included in the Cost of revenues. As such management’s continued focus going forward is to improve gross margin through increased sales and improved utilization of our factory.
17
Research, development and manufacturing operations. Research, development and manufacturing operations costs include costs incurred for product development, pre-production and production activities in our manufacturing facility. Research, development and manufacturing operations costs also include costs related to technology development. Research, development and manufacturing operations costs increased by $678,286, or 93%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021. This is due primarily to an increase in repair and maintenance, personnel and other operating costs as a result of increased level of operations in the current period as compared to the Company’s restart status in the same period in 2021.
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $259,557, or 46%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021. The increase in costs is due primarily to increased personnel and personnel related costs in the current period as compared to the Company’s restart status in the same period in 2021.
Other Income/Expense. Other income decreased $5,142,941, or 168%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021. The decrease is due primarily to a gain from the change in fair value of derivative liabilities recognized in the prior period compared to the current period where the Company accelerated the amortization of approximately $2 million in convertible debt discount and recognized it as interest expense as the convertible debt holders converted their debt.
Net (Loss)/Income. Our Net Loss increased by $6,143,633, or 333%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 primarily due to the items mentioned above.