UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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þANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
o TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
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NIGHTHAWK SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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NEVADA | 0-30786 | 87-0627349 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | Commission | (IRS Employer |
10715 GULFDALE, STE 200
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78216
(210) 341-4811
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: COMMON STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE
Check whether the issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
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Non-accelerated filer |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Registrant's revenues for its most recent fiscal year were $3,284,174.
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates based on the closing price on June 30, 2008 was $6,645,920. As of April 14, 2009 there were 140,128,013 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, of the registrant issued and outstanding.
NIGHTHAWK SYSTEMS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
GENERAL
Nighthawk Systems, Inc. (“Nighthawk” or the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is a provider of wireless and IP-based control solutions for the utility and hospitality industries. Since 2002, Nighthawk’s Power Controls Division has used wireless technology to control both residential utility meters and remote, mission-critical devices. The Set Top Box Division, acquired in October 2007, enables hotels to provide in-room high definition television (“HDTV”) broadcasts, integrated with video-on-demand, and customized guest services information.
Nighthawk sells products to enterprise customers that leverage wireless networks to enable centralized, on-demand control of remote equipment. Nighthawk products are used throughout the United States in mission-critical applications, such as connecting/disconnecting service to electric utility customers, rebooting network devices and activating emergency notification equipment. We extend our customers’ reach, allowing them to avoid costly, unscheduled and often dangerous site visits as well as expensive network installations.
Nighthawk’s Power Controls Division gives leading electric utilities the ability to control electrical service at the meter and to individual appliances such as air conditioners, hot water heaters and pool pumps. Our power control products automate the manual process of pushing a power button, flipping a switch or plugging in/unplugging an electrical cord. A wireless signal is sent to the Nighthawk unit, which turns on or off the item or starts or stops the process, much like a household garage door opener is used. Our products eliminate costly house calls for service activation and deactivation, and enable load control, demand response and prepaid service programs. A large telecommunication company utilizes Nighthawk devices to exercise backup generators at each of its cell tower sites in the state of New Jersey. Other customers use our products to reboot mission-critical network devices such as routers and cameras, and to control emergency highway alerts and signage. Nighthawk units utilize existing public and private wireless networks that cover well over 90% of the United States. The command codes can be easily generated from any telephone (landline or cellular), or via the Internet, so Nighthawk units can be placed and accessed from almost anywhere. After deploying with Nighthawk, our customers typically experience a full return on investment in one year or less, given the reduction of costly service calls to non-paying customers and the acceleration of response times in the field. In its strongest market validation to date, Nighthawk signed a reseller agreement in October 2008 with Itron, Inc. (ITRI), the largest U.S. manufacturer of electric meters. Under the agreement, Itron will market Nighthawk controls to its existing and new meter customers.
Nighthawk’s Set Top Box Division designs, manufactures and markets its proprietary MediaPro IP set top boxes for the hotel industry, delivering high definition television (“HDTV”), video-on-demand, games and other services to guest rooms. Sold on a standalone basis or in conjunction with various service integrators, the MediaPro delivers revenue-generating services to hotels. The television remote control communicates directly with the Nighthawk set top box in the hotel room. The company has deployed more than 14,000 units worldwide at hotels around the world, including the Wynn Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula and Fairmont. Once just for luxury hotels, HDTV is quickly becoming mainstream. Many mid-range hotel chains are now planning digital conversions and upgrades to HDTV in 2009. In the 200,000 U.S. hotel rooms that already contain HDTV sets, less than 12% have the set top box technology required to display HDTV programming. Nighthawk is uniquely positioned to capture new customers as the hotel industry embraces HDTV.
Nighthawk currently has customers in over 40 states, as well as several foreign countries. Customers include, but are not limited to, more than fifty electric utilities, as well as state departments of transportation, state and municipal agencies, fire departments, wireless communications companies, digital display companies and traffic control equipment providers.
BACKGROUND
Nighthawk was formed from the 2002 merger of Peregrine Control Technologies, Inc. (“PCT”, a private Colorado company) and LSI Communications (a Nevada public shell). PCT, a paging repair company, recognized an opportunity in 1999 to supplement declining demand for its services by manufacturing control products that utilized paging technology to wirelessly control electrical appliances. Since that time, Nighthawk has evolved from a custom job shop to a Company capable of developing, manufacturing and selling wireless telemetry solutions on a large scale basis to growing markets. On October 11, 2007, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain
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liabilities of the Set-Top Box (“STB”) business of Eagle Broadband, Inc. (“Eagle Broadband”) for $4,750,000 in cash. The assets acquired included all accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets and intangibles. This acquisition was funded by a $6.0 million sale of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to Dutchess Private Equities Fund Ltd. (“Dutchess”).
NIGHTHAWK TECHNOLOGY
POWER CONTROL PRODUCTS
Nighthawk designed and developed the PT1000, its own proprietary single board computer that is shipped preprogrammed and fully capable of interpreting wireless instructions and turning multiple devices on and off. To our knowledge, the PT1000 is the only single board device that is capable of doing so. Nighthawk has taken separate functions historically carried out by a combination of multiple circuit boards requiring customized programming and packaged it together on a single circuit board that is preprogrammed and ready for use by the customer on its arrival.
The PT1000 is connected to existing power at the customer location. This power can be traditional electric power or solar or battery power. The PT1000 utilizes this power to drive a microprocessor which interprets instructions sent wirelessly by the customer. Based on these instructions, the PT1000 can drive up to eight independent relays, allowing the customer to turn on or off eight items.
All other Nighthawk power control products described below are variations of the PT1000. Based on customer feedback and experience gained in selling the PT1000, Nighthawk has taken the PT1000 and modified its physical characteristics and capabilities to fit into custom enclosures that are best suited for specific, widespread applications within certain markets and industries. The broad capabilities of the PT1000 are often not needed by customers, who may want to disconnect a single device for a preset time period, and therefore have no need for the ability to manipulate up to eight relays for variable time periods. Custom enclosures enable customers to receive a true “plug and play” Nighthawk product that is ready to use out of the box for their particular application.
FIRMWARE
A key feature of the PT1000 is its operating firmware, written and owned by Nighthawk, which resides in an on-board microprocessor and is utilized to operate the PT1000. This firmware allows all necessary functions to take place on a single circuit board, reducing the size of the overall product and eliminating any programming or engineering by the customer. This on-board firmware provides the customer with an intelligent product that is capable of receiving a single wireless message consisting of only a few characters and carrying out multiple tasks. For instance, installed in a fire station, a single message sent by the 911 operator to a PT1000 could simultaneously: 1) turn on lights in the firehouse for 20 minutes; 2) sound an audible alarm for 1 minute; 3) permanently turn off an electric stove; 4) change a traffic signal to red outside of the firehouse for two minutes; 5) open a voice channel for communications with the 911 operator; 6) open the bay doors and subsequently shut them; 7) lock the doors to the firehouse; and 8) enable a security system after five minutes. Because Nighthawk products can utilize alphanumeric messages for activation, a message could also be sent to a printer giving details of the emergency, which is known as the “rip and run” feature.
Nighthawk’s firmware also allows customers to group their assets in up to 99 different groups, meaning that a single message can be used to activate multiple devices in custom groups. This feature provides for the most efficient and effective way for multiple devices at the same time, and makes Nighthawk products, particularly the emergency alerting products, the most effective mass notification tools in the market today.
Nighthawk’s PT1000 firmware is modified to operate all of its application-specific, plug and play products described below.
WIRELESS ACCESS
The Nighthawk single board computer, found in all of its products, is designed to interface with various wireless networks, whether public or private. Nighthawk currently supports applications on traditional paging networks, CDMA cellular networks, and ReFLEX narrowband PCS networks. Nighthawk is developing new wireless interfaces that will allow Nighthawk products to be deployed on spread-spectrum networks such as commercial grade WiFi/WiMAX networks and mesh networks that support new protocols such as Zigbee. These interfaces will open up a greater marketplace for Nighthawk to penetrate. It is Nighthawk’s desire to produce a
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product that is agnostic to wireless protocols to support as many applications as possible, regardless of the type of network utilized or maintained by the customer.
However, Nighthawk should not be defined by the wireless method used to touch its products remotely but by the applications performed by remotely switching power. The simplicity of a being able to remotely cycle power at a moment’s notice presents Nighthawk with many high density device opportunities. Most customers care about the ability to turn something on or off at a moment’s notice – they care much less about how it is done, as long as it is affordable. Some companies desire telemetry solutions, but are paralyzed by the fear of choosing a wireless technology that may become outdated with the next advance in wireless technology. Nighthawk is nimble enough to create custom wireless interfaces that can meet the specific application needs of its customers. This positions Nighthawk not only as a manufacturer but a solutions partner, leading to the opportunity to sell multiple products to the same customer over long periods of time.
MARKETS AND PRODUCTS
We believe the success that Nighthawk has enjoyed over the past few years in gaining traction in its core markets has the Company well positioned to take advantage of surging demand for Machine to Machine (“M2M”) related products. There are more than 50 billion machines inhabiting the planet today (Source: Wofgang Grulke, Chairman of Future World), and technology experts such as Forrester Research have predicted that “There will be more invisibly connected machines and physical objects than visible humans from 2005 onward.” Historically, M2M communication technology has been referred to by many names, such as telemetry, pervasive internet, remote monitoring and telemanagement. Simply put, M2M technologies enable communication, wired and wireless, between two electric devices. The outlook for the M2M marketplace varies by source, but overall the outlook remains extremely. Some examples include the following:
“Machine-to-machine communications could grow by 49% per year until 2010, with revenues surpassing $270 billion and more than 100 billion objects communicating wirelessly.” (Source: IDATE)
“The M2M market is expected to grow to $270 billion by 2010 as industries look to harness today’s massive computing power and apply it to everyday electronic devices.” (Source: Ray Jones, head of IBM’s Sensors and Actuators division)
While the number of potential uses of Nighthawk products across many markets is virtually unlimited, Nighthawk has a primary focus on the electric utilities market. The Company also sells products to wireless service providers and to various agencies for sign control and emergency notification. Each customer has unique needs, but the applications in these markets are all characterized not only by the need to save the time and/or money associated with a problem that they know will occur, but also the inability to predict exactly when that problem will occur. Within each of these markets, Nighthawk has identified recurring, common problems that its technology can eliminate or resolve. In an effort to provide the least expensive, easiest to use products for these applications, Nighthawk has simplified the capabilities of its PT1000 control board described above, and created a plug and play product in a standard enclosure that is ready to use upon delivery to the customer. The units arrive fully programmed specifically for the application that they are being purchased for.
The most basic M2M application today is the need to be able to control power to devices in order to turn them on, off, or cycle power to them. This basic functionality is at the core of every Nighthawk device and application.
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
As energy prices continue to soar, utility providers are increasingly searching for technologies and products that will facilitate the optimal distribution of power and effectively lower costs associated with doing business. Slowly but surely, state and federal agencies are pushing the burden of energy conservation and near real-time reconnection of previously delinquent energy accounts onto the utility provider and their customers as well. Within the utility industry, Nighthawk’s whole house disconnect product (CEO700) and load-control units (PT1LC) have been extremely well-received in recent years and are gaining increased traction.
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CEO700
Ideal for troubled accounts, seasonal use buildings, student apartment complexes, and remote safety disconnect, the CEO700 is a completely integrated wireless remote power connect/disconnect package that does not interfere with automated meter reading (“AMR”) programs.
The CEO700 provides a significant Return on Investment (“ROI”) case for utility customers due to its ability to greatly reduce costs and security concerns associated with manually deploying field technicians in order to disconnect and reconnect service to a particular customer.
In many cases, a utility provider will make up to three visits to a delinquent paying customer. The utility provider will typically send field personnel once, to warn the customer of upcoming disconnection, a second time to disconnect power, and a third to reconnect power once payment is made. Hard costs associated with this process range from $20 to $250 per visit depending on a number of factors such as customer location and number of utility personnel deployed to execute a particular task. In many cases, more than one service technician must be deployed at one time due to concerns for the employee’s well-being. Nighthawk products are ideal for this application due to their ability to allow for the remote connect/disconnect of energy for delinquent accounts as well as for seasonal residences which may require multiple visits each year and customers in remote rural locations.
ROI for this application is quite easy to calculate by simply multiplying the total number of off-cycle trips taken each year to execute related tasks by the average cost of each visit.
PT1LC
Load control programs are commonly put in place at electric utilities to avoid power shortages within their grids during peak demand periods and the need to purchase expensive energy on the spot market. Designed for utility load control programs, the PT1LC remote control switch uses wireless signals from commercial and private networks for wide area control of residential and commercial loads. Northern utilities typically install load control devices on electric hot water heaters, while Southern utilities typically place them on air conditioners.
Nighthawk solutions enable utility providers to save energy, shift power, and manage power more efficiently by remotely controlling the “on” and “off” functions of thousands of electric devices. For example, a utility provider can utilize the “group call” function of Nighthawk’s one-way communication system to transmit a digital message that would disconnect 10,000 air conditioning units for 10 minutes in order to save energy, reconnect energy to the initial 10,000 units, and then disconnect power to another 10,000 air conditioning units in another area of the organization’s power grid. The Nighthawk solution is also capable of activating or de-activating all or some of the units in a particular power grid and is able to dictate how long particular units will be shutdown manually or remotely, all with a click of a mouse.
Nighthawk currently serves more than 50 electric utility customers in 23 states, and continues to view the utility market as a large near-term source of revenues. As Utilities continue to expand automation and decrease manpower, Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and Remote Disconnect are becoming important parts of a utility company’s strategy. While AMR systems have been offered for over 20 years, it is only in the few years that they have become commonplace. The same is being seen now for remote disconnect.
The North American Electrical Utilities currently consists of 3,300 utilities serving approximately 120 million end customers. Of the 3,300 Utilities only the top 500 serve more then 20,000 customers with the remaining 2,800 representing small population centers, typically in rural areas. Nighthawk currently focuses on solutions for the high cost accounts that require excessive utility resources to manage. While the need to manage these accounts has always been an issue, two key factors have significantly raised its visibility. Those factors are deregulation, which will make it increasingly difficult for utilities to absorb these costs, and the availability of a viable cost effective solution.
Deregulation has forced new awareness of costs that may have been previously ignored. In a regulated market it was much easier of a utility to summarize all of their costs, including those associated with problem accounts, and present this to the local board of public utilities to justify a service rate that would still return them a profit. In essence, these bad accounts were subsidized by the good accounts in the utilities service area. Deregulation and subsequent competition have forced a change in the way this is managed.
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Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) has also brought with it a renewed interest in the metering aspect of the business. Utilities are looking for ways to gather better information about customer demand other then the monthly consumption total. AMR will allow the users to gather information from meters at any point in time, to offer variable billing schemes to promote usage in non-peak hours and for immediate outage notification.
The pace of technology deployment continues to escalate as utilities are now looking even beyond AMR to Advanced Meter Intelligence (AMI). AMI will offer tools to the utility to not only read the meter but to offer Time of Use rates that will vary during the day as demand nears the capacity a utility has to deliver power and more importantly the ability to control loads. AMI will incorporate two-way communications with sizable bandwidth, meters with a disconnect switch incorporated under the glass, and Zigbee local RF communication. While this will likely impact our opportunities for disconnect at large investor-owned utilities, it will open up a much larger opportunity for both utility and customer-controlled load management products. The electric utility will most likely evolve into a communications portal, capable of communicating with other energy consuming devices on the customer’s premise and reporting usage and billing information to the utility on a more frequent basis.
The opportunities for Nighthawk in the Utility market will vary. We believe we will continue to see the increasing demand for the CEO wholehouse disconnect products as part of or in some cases as the primary strategy for cost reduction. We will also, however, see a dramatically expanded market potential for load shed devices as AMI takes hold. Nighthawk holds a potentially valuable position in this arena because of the abilities of the PT1000, which can be utilized to control multiple appliances from a single device, and with a single message.
WIRELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS
The proliferation of wireless, IP-based communication networks (WiFi and WiMax) has created a growing need for the ability to control remotely located digital equipment, primarily routers. The devices are plagued by software and hardware ‘lockups’ due to poor power availability, static, viruses, etc. Routers, as well as other digital equipment such as cameras or servers, are often placed at retail sites such as strip malls where the power glitches are frequent, or outside on poles where they are subject to weather changes and static electricity that can affect their performance. The very nature of IP-based equipment makes it susceptible to ‘trash’ from the Internet which may hinder its performance. Industry experts have stated that over 80% of computer-related issues can be solved through a simple equipment reboot.
Nighthawk solutions are valued in this market because they provide an “out-of-band” control solution. While numerous IP-based control solutions exist, the ability to reach those control solutions is sometimes negated by the fact that the IP network itself is unavailable. The Nighthawk solutions are also valued in this market because on-call technicians can access the units from almost anywhere via a telephone (landline or cellular), and do not have to have Internet access in order to command the unit to reboot.
The products that have been developed and deployed for this market segment include:
NH100
The NH100 allows a user to remotely control power to any device that can be plugged into a standard household outlet. It can be accessed from a telephone, and come programmed with a power cycling function that allows the user to call it once, and have the unit power down and subsequently power up a device. As such, the unit is often used to reboot routers. The preset timing for the power cycle is one minute, but the interval can be increased or decreased through commands sent over the telephone. The NH100’s smaller size and its ability to incorporate an external antenna make it perfect for inclusion with telecom equipment in an enclosure on a pole or tower. To our knowledge, the NH100 is the only commercially available wireless rebooting unit available today.
NH8
Designed with the ISP, Data Center, or computer user in mind, the NH8 also allows the user to reboot locked up equipment remotely. However, with 8 individual time-delay programmable 15-amp outlets, customers using the NH8 are capable of full power-off reboots of eight different devices. The NH8 comes standard in a 19” rack mount, 2U form factor.
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TRANSPORTATION/EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION
Because Nighthawk products allow the easy and immediate activation of single or multiple devices, they are often used to activate sirens and alarms. Their ability to receive and display or print messages also has them well positioned for use in a wide variety of traffic control and emergency notification applications. The extremely low power drain of the Company’s PT1000 makes it a perfect solution for remote signage and alarm applications, where the amount of power available is limited, often coming from solar panels or batteries.
Nighthawk solutions enable the remote activation of intermittent warning signs such as “ICY ROAD” and “LOW VISIBILITY AHEAD” and also allow the customer to remotely manage weigh station accessibility and activate processes such as bridge de-icing systems. The PT1000 is commonly used as an affordable method of activating flashing beacon signs used in conjunction with weather warnings, construction and highway advisory radio systems. The Company plans to grow this segment of its business over the next few years as demand for product continues to grow.
Because the Company’s products enable on-demand activation of alarms and signs, as well as the ability to push a message through to a printer or digital display, the company views the civil defense industry as potential key area for future growth and has solutions in the development and completed stages that will interface with existing emergency notification systems in order to optimally notify all necessary parties of a potential natural disaster/emergency.
The majority of first responders across the United States are fire/EMS departments. According to the National Directory of Fire Chiefs there are 28,921 fire departments with a total number of firefighters at 939,473. There are an additional 451,424 emergency personnel. The majority of these departments are small and 71% are strictly volunteer. Many of these fire stations need upgrades to the existing systems to address the ever-growing need for reliability, quick response and accuracy. These upgrades include:
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Firehouse Automation & Alerting
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Volunteer Alerting
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Public Emergency Notification
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EMS Automation & Alerting
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Weather/Threatening Incident Alerting
Emergency notification is most commonly associated with the efforts undertaken by all levels of government, such as state and federal departments of transportation, and first responders to improve communication networks after September 11, 2001. However, there are emergencies that occur daily that require timely and accurate dissemination of information and alerts like fire station alarms, weather sirens and amber alerts. Nighthawk products currently address the growing needs of public and private sectors to deploy communication solutions that will provide timely, accurate and responder-specific warnings, messages or instructions in times of crisis in order to save lives, maximize public safety and expedite emergency response.
Emergency notification is a rapidly developing marketplace where officials at all levels of government and industry are responding to the demand for improved emergency notification networks. They are concerned about the timeliness and accuracy of emergency messaging and are looking for solutions that are responsive to these needs. Although this market has grown much more slowly than the need suggests, state and local governmental agencies have now begun to spend money for system upgrades and new systems.
We believe a reason Nighthawk has become a preferred solution is that our emergency notification products work seamlessly with most CAD systems, particularly with Motorola, due to the ability of CAD systems delivering TAP (Telecator Alpha Protocol) messaging for alpha/numeric paging. TAP is one of the earliest protocols for alpha/numeric paging to hit the commercial subscriber paging industry dating back to the early 1980’s. TAP is accepted universally on an international basis. Some of the applications for which first responders integrate the Nighthawk products into their CAD systems include early warning systems for civil defense, tsunami sirens, lighting detection systems, and tornado sirens. In addition, we have other products deployed for this market segment to include:
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FAS8
The FAS8, which is a modified PT1000 placed in a custom enclosure for easy placement in a firehouse, is currently the flagship product for firehouse automation. It is capable of activating up to 8 electric devices within a firehouse or any other facility simultaneously or individually. If additional devices require management, the user simply deploys another Nighthawk unit. In firehouse environments, where hearing and understanding human verbal commands is extremely difficult with the presence of excessive noise, Nighthawk products are able to activate and de-activate a number of critical devices such as public address systems, wake-up alarms, bay door control systems, emergency lighting systems and electric stoves. The FAS8 enables the simultaneous transmission of a digital message to a serial printer within a firehouse directly from the 911 system operator. By transmitting valuable information related to the type of emergency at hand, location of the emergency, and driving directions to a serial printer, the Nighthawk solution essentially creates a “rip and run” environment where emergency personnel simply need to wake-up, get dressed, and collect a document from the printer while exiting the station for an emergency.
EA1
Designed with rural and smaller urban volunteer fire districts in mind, the EA1 is the perfect solution for alerting fire fighters at the station or volunteers in their homes. The EA1 will activate a built-in audible alarm and any 15 amp electrical device such as a lamp that is plugged into the faceplate outlet. At the same time, it can print out instructions to the firefighter. Other options include a strobe light and digital message delivery to an LED sign or a printer. The Company has recently begun receiving inquiries into using the EA1 for in-factory emergency notification.
EAU
The Emergency Alert Unit (“EAU”) serves multiple purposes within the broader emergency notification market. It serves primarily as a more effective method of alerting large groups of people in public locations or security offices of public facilities. In this application, the EAU is generally desk or wall mounted and is installed in high-traffic locations or security offices. When paged from dispatch, the device will emit an unmistakable audible alarm and activate a scrolling message on the LED sign. The EAU is the Company’s newest product for emergency notification of the general public and customers indicate it will be used for a variety of emergency situations such as extreme weather, chemical spills, and terrorist threats.
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCT ENHANCEMENTS
As a result of increased exposure of our products across all of our markets, Nighthawk often receives requests for products to solve new problems in various markets. To date, Nighthawk has been careful to consider only requests that utilize its core technology and that may lead to additional sales opportunities across a large market. For example, Nighthawk has developed the Hydro 1, a remote control product for commercial irrigation managers and water utilities. The development the Hydro 1 was paid for entirely by a grant from the State of New Mexico’s Water Innovation Fund.
Nighthawk continues to take steps to ensure that it meets the needs of its target markets and customers. In order to be responsive to customer requests and to take advantage of commercial opportunities, the Company hired a Director of Engineering and Product Development in October 2006. This individual brings to Nighthawk more than 20 years of expertise in networks, protocols, embedded devices and advanced wireless technologies. He has integrated wireless devices with enterprise systems in the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. As revenues continue to grow and the customer base expands, Nighthawk will hire, or engage on a contract basis, additional engineering resources to provide ongoing product development, and pre- and post-sales support. During 2007 and 2008, the Company expensed approximately $53,950 and $188,816, respectively, on research and development efforts.
One area of current focus is the consumer market for remote power control and emergency notification products for both personal and residential uses that are just now beginning to emerge. Historically, most consumers have thought of remote control in a recreational sense, such as turning on or off a television or stereo. However, Nighthawk products take remote power control to new levels as they provide ways to save money and lower the risk of liability by replacing processes that require human intervention with processes that can be controlled remotely. Opportunities exist for companies that provide intelligent wireless solutions both with respect to remote power
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control, but also emergency notification into the home. Through strategic relationships, Nighthawk intends to enter this marketplace with consumer-centric products.
During 2007, the Company began implementing a plan to consolidate its capabilities used in the PT1000, NH100 and CEO700 onto a single circuit board. Historically, Nighthawk has used separate printed circuit boards for each of these products, its most commonly sold products. During early 2009, the Company expects to begin utilizing a single printed circuit board design that is not only capable of meeting the needs of the applications that typically require Nighthawk products, but that will have enhanced capabilities as well. Utilizing one common board will allow Nighthawk to order a larger quantity of the boards from manufacturers at a lower per-board price, in spite of having increase functionality on the board. This board will also be capable of hosting several different wireless radios that utilize both one-way (Pocsag and Flex paging) and two-way (ReFlex, Cellular and Zigbee) protocols.
PATENTS PENDING
During 2006 and 2007, the Company decided to abandon efforts to obtain two patents on power control products that had been underway for over 5 years. Rather than continuing to pursue and incur costs related to those efforts, management has decided to pursue the development of next-generation products that it feels will be more proprietary in nature and more easily patented.
COMPETITION
Competition is found in each of the vertical markets where Nighthawk has a presence although in most instances, the competitor’s devices operate on completely separate communications platforms. It is interesting to note that most of these competitors provide solutions for a single industry rather than applying their knowledge and technology to other applications. Competition is more defined in the utility industry as there are multiple companies offering similar or more technologically-advanced products.
Competition in the emergency notification industry continues to evolve as the Department of Homeland Security and its regional, state and local offices struggle to determine how to improve their capabilities and identify budgets to support needed upgrades. While this is being resolved, Nighthawk’s Advisors are working to position the Company so that its products will be among those utilized by agencies at all levels of government rather than other competitors’ products.
From a rebooting perspective, the industry terminology for remote reboot applications is telemanagement applications. The telemanagement market place is a billion dollar industry. The industry standard for remote reboot applications is IP-based solutions. IP based rebooting solutions are very robust in terms of multilayer applications for monitoring and needs. IP-based solutions also provide two-way communication via IP/WAN/LAN connectivity. IP solutions can be deployed on many different network configurations such as LAN, WAN, WiFi, and other wireless networks. IP-based solutions can monitor power and network connectivity for routers, servers, and other equipment that may need a power cycle to reboot/reset/remotely control the equipment for simple power on/off applications. The biggest advantage of an IP-based solution is the ability to do a soft reboot for computer servers that may need to shut down mission critical applications before a hard power cycle where the server is turned off before being powered back up. Another major advantage with an IP-based solution is the ability for two-way communication for data acquisition. Two-way will allow the products to be automated through network application software (off-the-shelf or customized) so functions/data acquisition can be performed by criteria programmed into the application-based software to meet the IP requirements/needs.
There also are several disadvantages to an IP-based solution that have many IT departments looking for new “out-of-band” solutions. The main problem with an IP-based solution is that the solution rides their existing network infrastructure. This presents some challenges when the device is behind a router that is down. In this example, the IT department will need to perform a manual reboot which could mean that a field technician will need to simply walk across a room or campus to perform a manual reboot or it could mean that an IT department will need to “roll” a truck to fix the problem. Based on input from customers, this cost is estimated anywhere from $50 to $500 to perform the simple function of powering down/powering up a router or server. The other challenge for IT departments is that they have to be on-line to touch the IP devices. Technicians do not always have access to the internet to access their devices when they are in need of a power cycle.
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Nighthawk devices can remedy both of these situations because they ride on a wireless network providing an “out-of-band” solution with access 24/7 whether or not the device sits behind a router that may be down. Technicians can also access Nighthawk devices via traditional land line telephone services and cellular phones services. The benefits to the IT professional that an “out-of-band” solution provides include lowering costs to maintain products in the field due to lower labor and vehicle costs because the service call is handled remotely. In addition, it provides quicker response time to bring a network back up resulting in less down time to LAN/WAN/WiFi networks. For Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) this is an invaluable solution because it means less down time for their subscribers.
Here is the landscape of what Nighthawk faces in the realm of competition:
Utility Competition
Comverge and Cannon Technologies advertise that they provide complete, end-to-end solutions for utility load management. Their services are expensive and must be engineered into the utility’s network. Both of these organizations have worked hard to position themselves as part of major AMI or load management schemes. Comverge operates several systems where they have deployed equipment at their own cost and collect revenue by offering Peak Shaving during times of high demand. In addition, Comverge has positioned themselves with several major OEMs such as Cellnet to offer a load shed option along with standard AMR to meet the newly formed demands of AMI.
BLP is a provider of paging-based control boards and represents the closest direct competitor to Nighthawk. BLP offers both Flex and POCSAG paging technologies combined with a network software solution. Excluding Centerpoint, BLP has in excess of 5,000 units operating in the field. Currently however, BLP‘s efforts have been redirected and their focus is not on the utility market.
Carina Technology offers several solutions for two-way remote disconnect focusing on CDMA technology. The two-way features of their products have gained them good attention from major IOU’s however it also comes with a relatively high cost. They also promote outage management and Pre payment features although we are not aware of any utilities deploying these products to date.
SmartSynch and EKA Systems each provide communications modules to meter manufacturers that may be used for communicating with meters and enabling control features within the meters.
Emergency Notification Competition
Motorola has historically been active in all phases of technology related to public safety. They are a major producer of two-way radios, computer-aided dispatch systems (CAD), and historic two-tone alerting systems. Motorola has developed a variety of cutting edge products for dispatch centers, CAD systems, radio based alerting and fire equipment communications. For Nighthawk’s purposes, Motorola can be described as the best type of competition. Their products are very expensive and generally do more than what most fire departments need or can afford. Their focus on two-way radios and CAD systems is actually complementary to the Nighthawk suite of products.
The Emergency Broadcast System, which utilizes sirens to direct people to turn into specific radio and TV stations for information are effective for those that hear them. The great limitation for cities that have siren systems is that the activation of them means only one thing to the population and that generally is tornado warning. The siren simply cannot communicate any other message. In limited cases, communities surrounding nuclear plants would understand that the siren carries a very different message. New siren systems are being deployed that have very loud voice commands detailing the nature of the emergency. This is effective as long as you can hear the message clearly. Siren systems are not an effective or efficient method of alerting rural citizens or those in less densely populated areas. Today few siren systems exist that are outside tornado or tsunami prone areas.
Reverse 911 systems are effective as long as a person answers the phone and understands the message. The major limits to this method are that only people near relevant phones get the message. Also a complete community wide notification takes significant time. Other message based notification systems only alert those that are on a specific list.
10
Firehouse Automation
WestNet Systems, a California-based company has recently entered the firehouse notification market with a central microprocessor-based alerting center accompanied by a suite of peripheral firehouse products. These include lights, wake up alarms, digital displays and wiring kits. WestNet has concentrated primarily on what happens within the house and is not focused on the communications medium. They have a very impressive appearance and have invested heavily in marketing. Sales appear to be doing very well and the company appears to be benefiting significantly from strong marketing initiatives. However, the product is expensive and by our estimation Nighthawk will compete well and be able to gather a significant market share.
Telemanagement/Remote Reboot Competition
DataProbe manufactures a product called iBoot. The iBoot solution includes several models for Single Point (iBoot) and Multi-point (iBootBar) applications. The iBoot solution supports both AC/DC power requirements. However, customers have switched to Nighthawk to gain an out-of-band solution. In addition, they were unhappy with the iBoot because often times it reboots itself with no commands from a technician.
Western Telematic is another major competitor in this field. They are one of the largest manufactures in the industry for rebooting solutions. Western Telematic manufactures single and multipoint solutions that support AC/DC power requirements.
Nighthawk is confident that current devices it has or will develop will provide the much sought after “out-of-band” solution.
SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
During 2007 and 2008, Nighthawk decided to focus the majority of its sales and marketing efforts in the electric utility industry, primarily on sales of its CEO700 product. This is because sales of the Company’s CEO700’s are typically higher-volume sales as opposed to sales of other Nighthawk products, and management determined that sales and marketing dollars spent in this area were more likely to produce better returns for each dollar spent.
Following is an outline of the current and future sales and marketing strategies:
Sales Strategy -- External
In efforts to contain personnel costs, Nighthawk has an extended outside sales force through resellers and agents that have been engaged to represent all Nighthawk products. These categories of representatives are defined as such:
Electric Utility Resellers and Distributors – Nighthawk’s Vice President, Utility Division, hired in October 2006, spent significant time over the past two years establishing a network of regional resellers and distributors that have had longstanding relationships with electric utility companies. These resellers and distributors are typically paid a commission on each sale brought to Nighthawk, although some are provided product at a wholesale price and are allowed to mark up the selling price to the end customer.
In October 2008, Nighthawk signed a reseller agreement with Itron, Inc., the largest U.S. manufacturer of electric meters. Under the agreement, Itron will market Nighthawk’s CEO700 and CEO800 products to electric utilities through its own sales team, as well as through its network of manufacturer’s representatives and distributors.
Paging Resellers – Companies such as paging carriers that are willing to identify opportunities within their customer base and potential new customers. With minimal support from Nighthawk, these companies are capable of closing the sale of our products. Once the order is received, the reseller orders the products from Nighthawk and bills the customer directly. In addition, if customer service is needed, the customer will contact the reseller initially. Currently, Nighthawk is actively engaged with American Messaging, one of the largest paging carriers in the United States. Nighthawk also has agreements with over 10 regional and local paging companies.
Agents – Companies such as electrical equipment distributors that are willing to identify opportunities within their customer base. Most often times, a Nighthawk sales representative becomes very involved in the sales process for the initial and subsequent orders. These customers are billed directly by Nighthawk and will call directly to Nighthawk for customer service support. Currently Nighthawk has formal agreements with 5 of the largest electrical wholesale distributors in the United States.
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Sales Strategy -- Internal
Inside sales representatives are responsible for:
·
Cold call follow-up (lists and timing based on marketing activities)
·
Mining the existing Nighthawk database
·
Web inquiries
·
Referrals
·
Call-ins
·
Making Webinar presentations
Currently, the inside sales representatives are responsible for understanding and presenting the Nighthawk products in all three vertical markets on which Nighthawk focuses: utilities, emergency notification/public safety, and IT/telecommunications. Pricing tiers have been tested to determine the most viable threshold to garner higher quantity sales while producing healthy profit margins.
Dependent upon the size of the opportunity, the sales person either closes the sale over the phone or engages a senior Nighthawk representative to continue the conversation. If the potential customer is interested in a pilot program, the inside sales representative has the ability to secure a minimal order for the program within any industry to which Nighthawk markets its products. It has been found that to substantially increase the orders from a specific customer following a successful pilot program, a face-to-face meeting is required. This meeting is currently conducted by Nighthawk senior executives and/or the direct sales representative in the utility market which has proven to be very successful.
Understanding that Nighthawk has customers that will only order a limited number of devices, usually for rebooting, because they only have a need for a few devices, these efforts will continue to be a focus for the inside sales representatives. Although these opportunities are limited, they are provided the same customer service and follow up communication so as to gain referrals, if possible.
In addition to the inside sales effort, Nighthawk utilizes the expertise of its Vice President, Utility Products Division to focus on the growth of the utility business. He is very knowledgeable in the utility industry bringing with him strong contacts, relationships, and information concerning opportunities in the marketplace. He will be responsible for designing and managing a reseller network with the United States for the Company’s utility products.
As sales continue to grow, additional sales representatives, both inside and industry-specific direct, will be added to the Nighthawk staff. In addition, a sales coordinator will become paramount in Nighthawk’s sales efforts by managing the sales order process, production updates and customer follow-up, so that the salespeople can focus on generating revenue.
CUSTOMER CARE
At the heart of the Nighthawk sales strategy, both currently and in the future, is customer care. This is a very high priority and includes a follow-up process on closed orders for which the sales representative:
·
confirms ship dates with production;
·
informs the customer of ship date via e-mail and/or telephone;
·
contacts the customer to confirm receipt of the product and answer any questions within 3 days of the expected delivery date;
·
contacts the customer to see if they have installed the product and poll their satisfaction two weeks following delivery of the product;
·
contacts the customer to see how the products are working and determine incremental needs within sixty days following delivery of the product; and
·
continue to touch base with the customer at least every 90 days to continue building a relationship with them.
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CURRENT MARKETING STRATEGY
Nighthawk utilizes a customer relationship management (“CRM”) tool to gather and cultivate better information for the company to ultimately enhance sales efforts and achieve sales goals. By collecting data on potential customers in as much detail as possible, the process of marketing to these prospects becomes more efficient and cost-effective. In addition, tracking potential sales opportunities becomes more succinct allowing for senior management to determine the most effective team sales effort to meet and exceed the company goals. Salesforce.com, an internet-based CRM tool, is currently utilized to allow Nighthawk personnel in the San Antonio, Dallas, Tyler and New Jersey offices the ability to share information in one centralized database.
The current marketing programs being executed with a strategic follow-up plan is measured for success utilizing the CRM tool. Marketing activities include:
TRADE SHOWS
·
Display at industry-specific trade shows for the utility and public safety sectors – at least 6 national and 6 regional shows
·
Provide on-going support for Resellers/Agents at trade shows providing customized materials and attendance by Nighthawk representatives to promote our products
·
Follow-up on leads gathered at trade shows is conducted through written communications sent via mail or e-mail. All mailings/e-mailings are timed to allow our inside sales representatives the opportunity to follow up with a phone call in a reasonable amount of time.
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
New marketing communication vehicles have been developed to re-brand and strengthen the Nighthawk image thus building a stronger, more recognizable brand. Critical elements of this function are:
Website -- The appearance, quality and operability of the web site is of paramount importance. Currently in progress is development of a search engine optimization plan that will be implemented beginning in the second quarter of 2008. This critical element is key to the growth of the rebooting market for which most of Nighthawk customers seek out its solution over the internet as they are IT decision makers. Visitors of the Nighthawk website, www.nighthawksystems.com, can request additional information concerning featured products. All web inquiries feed directly into the Nighthawk CRM tool allowing for immediate follow-up for which we have about an 80% close rate for these leads.
Print Advertising – Half-page ads that are relevant to the targeted audience are placed in industry-specific publications based on editorial content. Additional distribution of the publications in which Nighthawk advertises occurs at trade shows at which we exhibit. The purpose for advertising is to drive traffic to the newly-designed website and continue to strengthen brand presence in key industries. In addition, the print publications gather leads from its readers that are provided to Nighthawk for follow-up.
Direct Mail/E-mail – Event-specific and industry-specific direct mail campaigns are utilized to introduce Nighthawk products, follow up on leads, re-engage old customers, and build brand awareness. Pertinent lists are identified and pulled based on availability on the Internet or through purchase of existing organization lists. The inside sales representatives then follow up in a reasonable time frame to discuss the mailing and inquire about product interest.
Internet Product Features – Product placement on industry-specific websites will be utilized to gather new leads. In addition to the search engine optimization efforts, the hosts of these websites execute their own campaigns for which Nighthawk will benefit. The placements feature product photos, deployment examples and product information.
Webinars - for both training sales representatives and assisting in selling Nighthawk products. A large number of customers or sales agents can be reached through Webinars making our flow of information more efficient while cutting travel expenses.
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SET-TOP BOX (“STB”) PRODUCTS
MARKETS AND PRODUCTS
Nighthawk designs, manufactures and markets the MediaPro IP5000HD and the MediaPro IP3000HD set-top boxes. The STB’s deliver full video and computing functionality in a compact footprint in a very quiet, fanless package that enables a wide range of on demand, IP-based applications including high speed Internet access, streaming IP video, digital audo/music, video on demand, 3D gaming, video conferencing and more. Either standalone or in conjunction with various third-party middleware software, the STB products deliver a full range of high quality, standard and high definition entertainment and information services that can generate revenues to hotel and casino owners, as well as to telecom service providers, hospitals, apartment/condominium owners, schools and other similar entities. The STB’s also enable telecommunication service providers to deliver IP-based broadband and television services to their customers. Currently, the Company’s primary market is the hospitality industry, which is in the midst of upgrading in-room video and television services technology.
The IP5000HD was the Company’s original high definition STB and is an MPEG-2 high definition hospitality box with a hard drive and IPTV PVR (Personal Video Recorder) capabilities. To the Company’s knowledge, it was the first high definition IP set top box on the market to ship and be deployed in volume when it was installed at a major Las Vegas hotel in mid-2005. The IP5000HD was designed to be a high-end, premium unit that would command a premium price, because it includes a complete Intel-based PC (running either Windows XP or Linux), as well as set-top box functionality capable of delivering a full range of video, Internet and other interactive services which hotels are increasingly demanding to satisfy the needs of their guests. The IP5000 includes Intel-based PC infrastructure, so it is a more expensive unit to manufacture than the newer System-On-a-Chip STB’s, such as the IP3000HD model described below, which combine both graphics processing and computing processing into a single chip architecture. While the IP5000HD is currently being sold in hospitality markets, it’s also in the early stages of exploiting a secondary market opportunity as an IPTV PVR STB. This secondary market for the IP5000HD is expected to continue until its PVR capability is superseded by a modified version of the IP3000 in which we expect add a hard drive to go after the IPTV PVR market more cost effectively.
The IP3000HD, Nighthawk’s newest STB, is a leading-edge MPEG-2 / MPEG-4 high definition box which debuted at the June 2007 HiTec Hospitality Technology Show. It offers an Opera browser and Java Script capabilities allowing servers to dynamically download applications to run remotely on the box.
Since its acquisition of the STB business on October 11, 2007, Nighthawk has been selling the IP3000HD to one of the largest providers of hospitality broadband services whose installations total over 500,000 rooms in over 3,000 hotels worldwide under the terms of an agreement that provides per unit pricing for in excess of 25,000 units. Several other integrators that supply in-room entertainment systems to the hospitality industry are potential Nighthawk STB customers. The IP3000HD and the IP5000HD give Nighthawk enough flexibility to cover the wide variety of needs of the lower to upper tier hotel and casino properties throughout the world in an economic fashion.
Validating the superior quality of our technology, in late 2008 Nighthawk’s IP3000 was selected as the set top box of choice by a major sports programming network for displaying 1080p programming within their new broadcast facility. Nighthawk has also sold units that have been used for distance learning by a major U.S. university.
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCT ENHANCEMENTS
Based on discussions with the various integrators of IP and television services to the hospitality industry, Nighthawk is constantly reviewing requests for the addition of new features and capabilities to its existing line of STB’s. In late 2007, Nighthawk began working with Verimatrix, Inc. to become one of the first set-top box providers in the hospitality industry to offer digital watermarking, and process through with video streams would be encoded with a watermark that would be visible if the content were recorded and removed from the hotel premise in an unauthorized fashion. Such watermarking would allow for stolen video to be traced to its point of origin, and would serve as a deterrent for unauthorized use of video content provided in hotels and casinos.
Nighthawk’s next generation of set top boxes will incorporate technology enabling the use of IP-based video services over existing COAX infrastructure, expanding our addressable market to existing hotels of all sizes rather than limiting the market to newly constructed hotels. Nighthawk also looks to draw on its experience in wireless controls to offer in-room control capabilities, as the Company looks to leverage its position as an in-room
14
gateway device. Hotel guests and staff will be able to control thermostats, lock/unlock doors, turn on/off lights, set alarm clocks, and perform many other functions that improve the guest experience and cut costs for the hotel. By placing these capabilities within the set top box, Nighthawk can provide easy-to-use controls on the TV, eliminating the need for the hotel to buy hardware and install network infrastructure to provide in-room controls. Nighthawk is also in early stage discussions with TV manufacturers who are looking to incorporate Nighthawk’s set top box technology within the television, eliminating the need for set top box hardware. Nighthawk has recently assembled its own software developer’s kit which it will begin selling to TV manufacturers and others who want to license or otherwise use Nighthawk technology within their televisions and systems.
The Company expensed $33,573 and $178,000, respectively, in research and development costs related to the STB business in 2007 and 2008.
PATENTS
Nighthawk received two patents with the acquisition of the STB business. The first is for an improved patch antenna for a set-top box. Using a patch antenna as the set-top box’s antenna advantageously solves the problem of interference that could result from the metal enclosure if other types of antennas were used. Using a patch antenna and locating the patch antenna behind the bezel hides the antenna from the user’s reach, and thereby advantageously avoids the user from having to carefully place or adjust the antenna.
The second patent is an electronic system that includes control logic that causes input and output ports to be disabled during the interruption windows of the initialization process, and subsequently to be selectively disabled or enabled after completion of the initialization process. This is done to prevent interruption of the initialization process by the user. The input and output ports are disabled or enabled, after completion of the initialization process, to control access to content sorted on, or made available by, the electronic system. This process prevents the Company’s software from being used on non-Nighthawk set-top boxes.
COMPETITION
Amino Technologies, based in England, designs and supplies set-top boxes for a wide variety of applications, including for use within the hospitality industry. Amino has a larger current market share than Nighthawk, primarily based upon the use of its standard definition set-top boxes.
Advanced Digital Broadcast (“ADB”) is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. ADB on its website claims to have more than 700 employees and to have sold more than 10 million digital set-top boxes worldwide since 1995.
Enseo, Inc., a maker of digital media equipment, began marketing set top boxes to the hospitality industry in 2008.
SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
Nighthawk currently utilizes the services of an outside consultant as well as in-house sale engineer to sell its STB’s. Products are built and shipped directly to customers from a third party-owned manufacturing facility in Asia.
CURRENT MARKETING STRATEGY
Nighthawk’s current strategy is to build on its recent success with both the IP3000HD and the IP5000HD boxes to attract new hotel services integrators as customers. The two engineers hired as part of the acquisition of the STB business each have excellent reputations with several integrators within the industry. As discussed above, to the Company’s knowledge, it was the first Company to ship and deploy a high definition IP set top box in volume when it was installed at a major Las Vegas hotel in mid-2005. It has also gained traction in the market with the current customer that is purchasing the IP3000HD. Nighthawk’s staff has developed a positive reputation for providing proactive customer support in the installation and integration of its STB’s, and is currently in negotiation with several potential customers that would like for the Company to design a set-top box to fit their particular needs.
15
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS HAVE ISSUED A GOING CONCERN OPINION AND IF WE CANNOT OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FINANCING, WE MAY HAVE TO CURTAIL OPERATIONS.
Our auditors, GHP Horwath, P.C., included an explanatory paragraph in their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on our December 31, 2008 consolidated financial statements indicating that conditions exist that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We will require additional funds in the future, and any independent auditors report on our future financial statements may include a similar explanatory paragraph if we are unable to raise sufficient funds or generate sufficient cash from operations to cover the cost of our operations. The existence of the explanatory paragraph may adversely affect our relationship with prospective customers, suppliers and potential investors, and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
OUR CONTINUED EXISTENCE IS DEPENDENT UPON OUR ABILITY TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL, WHICH MAY NOT BE READILY AVAILABLE.
From inception, we have generated funds to cover operating cash flow deficits primarily through the sale of equity securities or the issuance of debt that is convertible into securities. We may not be able to continue to sell additional securities. We expect to raise funds in the future through sales of our debt or equity securities until a time, if ever, that we are able to operate profitably. We may not be able to obtain funds in this manner or on terms that are beneficial to us. If we are unable to obtain needed funding, it can be expected to have a material adverse effect on our operations and our ability to achieve profitability.
WE DEPEND ON CERTAIN CUSTOMERS AND IF WE LOSE ONE OF OUR SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, OUR REVENUES MAY SUBSTANTIALLY DECREASE AND OUR BUSINESS MAY FAIL.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, one customer that purchases STB’s from us accounted for 55% of our total revenues for the year. Additionally, a second customer that resells our products to electric utilities accounted for 11% of our revenues in 2008. If either of these two customers stops generating orders for us altogether and we are unable to obtain comparable orders from other customers, our revenues would decrease and it could have a material adverse effect on our business.
WE DEPEND ON KEY PERSONNEL AND OUR BUSINESS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF THEY WERE TO DEPART.
Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our key management and technical personnel. Our business requires highly skilled hardware and software engineering personnel. H. Douglas Saathoff currently serves as both our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, and has experience in raising capital for small cap companies and providing financial oversight that is vital to our ongoing success. We do not currently have employment agreements with Mr. Saathoff or any of our engineering staff that prohibit them from competing with us upon termination of their employment. In addition, it may be difficult to replace Mr. Saathoff or engineering staff if one or more of these individuals left the Company. Our business may not be successful if, for any reason, any of these skilled employees ceased to be employees of the Company.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company's executive, sales and marketing offices are located in 1,144 square feet of leased office space at 10715 Gulfdale, Suite 200, San Antonio, Texas under a month-to-month lease in the amount of approximately $1,400 per month. The Company's power control products are assembled and tuned in approximately 6,000 square feet of office and production space leased on a month-to-month basis in Tyler, Texas for which the Company pays $1,500 per month. The engineering staff for the set-top box operations is located in 2,500 square feet of leased space for which the Company pays $1,800 per month under a one-year agreement expiring in May 2009. The Company also maintains 230 square feet of space on a month-to-month basis for an engineer in Dallas, Texas for which it pays $350 per month.
16
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On October 15, 2008, EON Corp. IP Holdings, LLC (“EON”) filed suit against the Company and other defendants in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division (Case 6:08-cv-00385-LED) alleging patent infringement of its U.S. patents under the Patent Laws of the United States. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the Defendants are each infringing, directly and indirectly by way of inducement and/or contributory infringement, literally and/or under the doctrine of equivalents, EON’s patents entitled “Interactive Nationwide Data Service Communication System for Stationary and Mobile Battery Operated Subscriber Units. Further, EON seeks (i) a permanent injunction enjoining the Defendants from infringing on the patent; (ii) an award of damages against the Defendants for their alleged past infringement and any continuing or future infringement up through the date that Defendants are enjoined; (iii) a judgment and order requiring the Defendants to pay the costs of the action as well as attorneys’ fees; and (iv) interest on damages. The patents in question relate to certain two-way communication devices, which the Company has never sold but has considered selling in the future. Although the Company disputes the claims, it also believes that no liability exists for potential damages because it has not sold any two-way communication devices. Further, the Company has been in discussions with EON and expects to reach an amicable settlement on the matter in the near future.
ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a shareholder vote during the year ended December 31, 2008.
17
PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a)
Market for Common Equity
Our common stock trades on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board ("OTCBB") under the symbol "NIHK". Knight Equity Markets, L.P., Olympus Securities, LLC, and UBS Securities LLC are among the most active market makers for the stock.
The following is a table of the high and low bid prices of our stock as of March 31, 2009 and for each of the four quarters of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:
QUARTER ENDED |
| HIGH |
| LOW |
| QUARTER ENDED |
| HIGH |
| LOW |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
| $0.03 |
| $0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
| 0.04 |
| 0.01 |
| December 31, 2007 |
| 0.12 |
| 0.07 |
September 30, 2008 |
| 0.06 |
| 0.03 |
| September 30, 2007 |
| 0.12 |
| 0.09 |
June 30, 2008 |
| 0.07 |
| 0.05 |
| June 30, 2007 |
| 0.20 |
| 0.09 |
March 31, 2008 |
| 0.08 |
| 0.05 |
| March 31, 2007 |
| 0.12 |
| 0.06 |
These quotations reflect interdealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
(b)
Security Holders
The number of record holders of our common stock at December 31, 2008 was 165 according to our transfer agent. This figure excludes an indeterminate number of shareholders whose shares are held in "street" or "nominee" name.
(c)
Dividends
There have been no cash dividends declared or paid on the Company’s common stock since the inception of the Company, and no cash dividends are contemplated in the foreseeable future. The Company may consider a potential dividend in the future in either common stock or the stock of future operating subsidiaries. The Company’s Series B Preferred Stock provides for an annual dividend equal to 12% of the per share price of each share of Series B Preferred stock, payable quarterly. The dividend is payable in cash or common stock, at the sole option of the holder of the shares. At December 31, 2008, the Company had accumulated $193,808 in dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock.
(d)
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On October 9, 2007, the Company issued 600,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to Dutchess Private Equities Ltd. in return for net cash proceeds of $5,432,000. The Series B Convertible Preferred is perpetual and non-redeemable, and carries a cumulative annual dividend of 12%, payable quarterly. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of Company common stock equal to the greater of (i) $13.00 worth of common stock based on the lowest closing bid price of the Company’s common stock during the twenty trading day period immediately preceding the date of the conversion, or (ii) one hundred shares of common stock.
The securities described immediately above were issued to investors in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as set forth in Section 4(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 504, 505 or 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder relative to sales by an issuer not involving any public offering, to the extent an exemption from such registration was required. The purchaser of the securities described immediately above this paragraph represented to us in connection with their purchase that they were accredited investors and were acquiring the shares for investment purposes only and not for distribution, that they could bear the risks of the investment and could hold the securities for an indefinite period of time.
18
The purchasers received written disclosures that the securities had not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and that any resale must be made pursuant to a registration statement or an available exemption from such registration. Each participant in the offering or offerings described above was given access to full and complete information regarding us, together with the opportunity to meet with our officers and directors for purposes of asking questions and receiving answers in order to facilitate such participant's independent evaluation of the risks associated with the purchase of our securities.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
A smaller reporting company is not required to provide the information in this Item.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (including the exhibit) that are not purely historical facts, including statements regarding Nighthawk Systems, Inc.'s beliefs, expectations, intentions or strategies for the future, may be "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, introduction of products in a timely fashion, market acceptance of new products, cost increases, fluctuations in and obsolescence of inventory, price and product competition, availability of labor and materials, development of new third-party products and techniques that render Nighthawk Systems, Inc.’s products obsolete, delays in obtaining regulatory approvals, potential product recalls and litigation. Risk factors, cautionary statements and other conditions which could cause Nighthawk Systems, Inc.'s actual results to differ from management's current expectations are contained in Nighthawk Systems, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Nighthawk Systems, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this filing.
The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.
OVERVIEW
The Company's financial results include the accounts of Nighthawk Systems, Inc. and its wholly-owned, non-operating subsidiary, Peregrine Control Technologies, Inc. ("PCT"). On October 11, 2007, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of the Set Top Box business of Eagle Broadband, Inc. for $4,750,000 in cash. The assets acquired included all accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and intangibles. This acquisition was funded by a $6.0 million sale of Series B convertible preferred stock and warrants to Dutchess. This acquisition was made primarily to enhance the future cash flows of the Company in an effort to reduce or eliminate monthly operating cash flow deficits.
Nighthawk is a provider of intelligent devices and systems that allow for the centralized, on-demand management of assets and processes. Nighthawk products are used throughout the United States in a variety of mission critical applications, including remotely turning on and off and rebooting devices, activating alarms, and emergency notification, including the display of custom messages. Nighthawk’s IPTV set top boxes are utilized by the hospitality industry to provide in-room standard and high definition television and video on demand.
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COMPARISON OF 2008 AND 2007
REVENUE
The components of revenue and their associated percentages of total revenues for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
| Years Ended December 31 | ||||||||
| 2008 |
| 2007 | ||||||
Set top box | $ | 1,933,696 |
| 59% |
| $ | 510,275 |
| 31% |
Utility products |
| 649,126 |
| 20% |
|
| 737,736 |
| 44% |
General power control products |
| 623,235 |
| 19% |
|
| 356,925 |
| 22% |
Airtime and access services |
| 78,117 |
| 2% |
|
| 50,162 |
| 3% |
| $ | 3,284,174 |
| 100% |
| $ | 1,655,098 |
| 100% |
Revenues for 2008 were $3,284,174 as compared to $1,655,098 for the prior year, an increase of 98% between periods. The majority of this increase, $1,423,421, was generated by sales of set top boxes. When the Company purchased the Set Top Box business from Eagle Broadband on October 11, 2007, it inherited a backlog of orders from a single hospitality services integrator, which were delivered during the fourth quarter of 2007. During 2008, the Company continued to develop the relationship with this customer, delivering approximately $1.8 million in sales of units to them over the course of the year. During the second half of 2008, the Company began efforts to market its set top box capabilities to additional hospitality services integrators, which has led not only to initial sales to several integrators, but also to companies outside of the hospitality industry, including a major sports programming company and a state university.
As of the date of this report, the Company has experienced a sharp decline in set top box sales in 2009. The current economic downturn has reduced spending by existing hotels and slowed construction of new hotels, negatively impacting sales of set top boxes during the first quarter of 2009. While the Company believes that it has strengthened its business by adding new customers, it is unsure as to when and if set top box sales will return to the levels experienced in 2008.
Sales of the Company's Utility products decreased 12% from $737,736 in 2007 to $649,126 in 2008. These sales consisted almost entirely of the Company’s collar-based CEO700 whole house disconnect units, which utilize one-way paging technology for activation. Throughout 2008, the Company was developing its new CEO800 series of disconnect units, which utilize multiple two-way wireless protocols. Two-way communications with the collar-based device had frequently been requested by the Company’s customers, who were seeking additional capabilities such as current limiting and the ability to received confirmation from the units that the desired action had been carried out. Several customers of the Company decided to forego orders of the Company’s CEO700 in anticipation of ordering CEO800’s instead. In an effort to speed up the development of the new CEO800 units, the Company ceased using a third party developer during the latter stages of 2008 and hired a new engineer to assume responsibility for the development effort. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately $200,000 in orders for the CEO800 product on hand. The Company expects the initial deliveries of this product to take place during the second quarter of 2009.
Sales of the Company’s general power control products increased 75% from 2007 to 2008, from $356,925 to $623,235. The primary reason for the increase was the sale and delivery of 600 power control units ordered by a provider of photo traffic and electronic toll enforcement services. The Company does not have a primary focus on selling power control products outside of the utility industry, but continues to develop certain relationships which it feels may lead to relatively larger orders for products.
Airtime revenues, generated on a recurring basis by reselling wireless access to units purchased by customers, increased 56%, from $50,162 in 2007 to $78,117 in 2008. The increase in airtime revenues is a direct result of more of the Company’s units being purchased and placed into operation by customers.
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COST OF REVENUE
Cost of revenue includes parts and pre-manufactured components as well as allocated overhead for production personnel and facilities costs for products produced in-house, and parts and a per-unit finished product cost for products made by contract manufacturers. A portion of depreciation expense associated with software and patents acquired with the set top box operation is also included in cost of revenue. Due to the increased level of business discussed above, cost of revenue increased by $1.1 million or 88% from $1.3 million in 2007 to $2.4 million for 2008. However, cost of revenue decreased as a percentage of revenues from 77% in 2007 to 73% in 2008. As a result the gross margin increased between the periods from 23% to 27%. The net result was a 135%, or $511,000 increase in gross margin dollars produced between 2007 and 2008. Based upon the shift to a new contract manufacturer, the Company realized significantly greater gross margins on its set-top boxes during the last half of 2008, similar to those produced on the Company’s utility and power control products. The Company continues its development of new printed circuit boards for its utility and power control products for use in the first half of 2009. These new boards will be incorporated into several of the Company’s core products, including the CEO700. While these boards will enhance the capabilities of the Company’s products, the Company also expects to be able to build such boards on a lower per unit cost basis.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2008 decreased by $343,996, or 14%, to $2,131,199 from $2,475,195 for 2007. Professional and consulting fees decreased approximately $667,000 between years and this decrease more than offset increased research and development costs of approximately $280,000 and increased rent, travel and advertising costs of approximately $88,000. The Company invested approximately $178,000 in the further development of its IP300HD set-top box operating software, and also invested an incremental $135,000 in the design and development of a printed circuit board that can be used within most of the Company’s power control products. The set-top box software development is expected to result in an operating platform that will support the sale of additional units to the Company’s existing customer, and additional customers in the future. Company management also believes that the development of the new printed circuit board will lead to both new sales opportunities and a lower cost of production of the Company’s utility and power control products in the future. The Company does not expect major fluctuations in personnel and administrative expenses in the near term as it believes it has the ability to produce sufficient growth to achieve positive cash flows without adding a significant number of employees.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $266,751 between the two periods presented. The increase was due to the amortization of intangible assets acquired in the purchase of the set top box business in October 2007.
IMPAIRMENT EXPENSE
The Company recorded impairment expense of approximately $1.6 million in 2008 based on its year end analysis of the carrying value of the goodwill associated with its set top box operations. The primary reason for the impairment is the current economic downtown, which has caused the Company to lower its projected cash flows from set top box sales for 2009. If the economy continues to slow set top box sales beyond 2008, the Company could recognize and additional impairment during 2009. In 2007, the Company recorded impairment expense of approximately $20,000 to write off certain patent costs.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense decreased $190,806, or 18%, between the periods presented. The Company paid off more debentures during 2007 than it did in 2008, resulting in more interest expense due to the accelerated recognition of unamortized loan discounts and early redemption penalties associated with the debentures.
NET LOSS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
The net loss applicable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $4,835,125 compared to $5,943,736 for the year ended December 31, 2007. A large portion of this loss is the result of the recognition of non-cash expenses such as interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment expense and accumulated dividends on preferred stock. The loss before interest, depreciation and amortization, impairment
21
charges and dividends (commonly referred to as “EBITDA”) was $1.24 million for 2008 as compared to $2.1 million for 2007.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s financial statements for 2008 have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Report of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Company's financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes a "going concern" explanatory paragraph which means that the auditors stated that conditions exist that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Since 2004, the Company has relied on funding from Dutchess Private Equities, II, L.P. (“Dutchess”) to cover its operating cash flows and deficits. The Company remains in discussions with Dutchess about the Company’s operating cash requirements but presently has no formal agreement with Dutchess to provide additional funding to the Company.
The acquisition of the Set Top Box business in October 2007 was made in hopes of reducing or eliminating the Company’s monthly operating cash flow deficits. During 2008, set top box operations generated positive cash flows and assisted in reducing the amount of cash used by the Company in operating activities from $2.1 million in 2007 to approximately $925,000 in 2008. However, set top box sales have been negatively affected by the current economic downturn so far in 2009, so no assurance may be given that set top box operations will continue to benefit the Company during 2009. As of the date of this report, Dutchess has continued to fund the operations of the Company in 2009, and has invested a total of $320,000 in the Company during 2009. The Company, with the assistance of Dutchess, is currently exploring additional investment sources to raise funds which would allow it to further develop its product offerings, quickly react to market demands and invest in the internal infrastructure necessary to support its business plan over the next 12 months. While we believe that we will be successful in securing those funds, we can make no assurances that we will be able to do so or that the funds raised will be sufficient to meet all the objectives we have identified.
In addition, economic conditions in the United States could substantially affect our sales and profitability. Economic activity in the United States and throughout much of the world has undergone a sudden, sharp economic downturn following the recent housing downturn and subprime lending collapse in both the United States and Europe. Global credit and capital markets have experienced unprecedented volatility and disruption. Business credit and liquidity have tightened in much of the world. Some of our suppliers and customers may face credit issues and could experience cash flow problems and other financial hardships. These could affect timeliness of payments to us. Consumer confidence and spending are down significantly.
Changes in governmental banking, monetary and fiscal policies to restore liquidity and increase credit availability may not be effective in alleviating the global economic declines. It is difficult to determine the breadth and duration of the economic and financial market problems and the many ways in which they may affect our suppliers, customers and our business in general. Nonetheless, continuation or further worsening of these difficult financial and macroeconomic conditions could have a significant adverse effect on our sales, receipts, profitability and results of operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, net cash used in operating activities was approximately $925,000. Major cash outlays during the period were approximately $1.02 million for payroll/employee benefits, $367,400 for research and development and approximately $74,300 for debt payments. In addition to utilizing the cash on hand as of December 31, 2007, the Company borrowed approximately $675,000 in convertible debt or notes payable from Dutchess during the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Although our financial statements necessarily make use of certain accounting estimates by management, except as described below, we believe no matters that are the subject of such estimates are so highly uncertain or susceptible to change as to present a significant risk of a material impact on our financial condition or operating performance. Moreover, except as described below, the Company does not employ any critical accounting policies that are selected from among available alternatives or require the exercise of significant management judgment to apply.
22
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue from product and equipment sales is recognized upon shipment, and when all significant obligations of the Company have been satisfied.
Infrequently, the Company receives requests from customers to hold product being purchased from the Company for the customer’s convenience. The Company recognizes revenue for such bill and hold arrangements in accordance with the requirements of SAB No. 104 which requires, among other things, the existence of a valid business purpose for the arrangement, the transfer of ownership of the purchased product, the readiness of the product for shipment, the use of customary payment terms, no continuing performance obligation by the Company and segregation of the product from the Company’s inventories.
The Company is often prepaid for airtime services and is also occasionally paid in advance of product delivery. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue until the airtime services are provided or until the products have been shipped. Airtime services revenue was not significant in 2008 or 2007.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 - revised 2004 ("SFAS 123R") "Share-Based Payment". Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. The Company elected the modified-prospective method, under which prior periods are not revised for comparative purposes. The valuation provisions of SFAS 123R apply to new grants and to grants that were outstanding as of the effective date and are subsequently modified.
We account for stock options granted to non-employees on a fair-value basis in accordance with SFAS 123R and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services.
IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL, INTANGIBLES AND OTHER LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Long-lived tangible and intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives, such as property and equipment and acquired patents, a non-compete agreement, and customer relationships, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. As a result of the STB acquisition we consummated in 2007, we had approximately $848,000 in identifiable intangible assets at December 31, 2008. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for such long-lived assets is based on the fair value of the assets.
Goodwill is not amortized and is subject to write downs charged to results of operations only when its carrying amount is determined to be more than its estimated fair value based upon impairment tests that are required to be made annually or more frequently under certain circumstances. The fair value of our reporting unit used in determination of the goodwill impairment is evaluated based on historical performance and/or expected future cash flows. During 2008, we recorded impairment expense of $1,591,703 associated with the goodwill resulting from our 2007 acquisition. As of December 31, 2008, we have approximately $1.8 million in remaining goodwill.
ACCOUNTING FOR OBLIGATIONS AND INSTRUMENTS POTENTIALLY SETTLED IN OUR CAPITAL STOCK
We account for obligations and instruments potentially to be settled in our capital stock in accordance with EITF No. 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed To, and Potentially Settled In a Company's Own Stock. This issue addresses the initial balance sheet classification and measurement of contracts that are indexed to, and potentially settled in, our own stock, primarily as these relate to warrants issued to Laurus.
Under EITF No. 00-19 contracts are initially classified as equity or as either assets or liabilities, depending on the situation. All contracts are initially measured at fair value and subsequently accounted for based on the then- current classification. For contracts initially classified as equity, we do not recognize subsequent changes in fair value as long as the contracts continue to be classified as equity. For contracts classified as assets or liabilities, we report changes in fair value in earnings and disclose these changes in the financial statements as long as the contracts
23
remain classified as assets or liabilities. If contracts classified as assets or liabilities are ultimately settled in shares, any previously reported gains or losses on those contracts continue to be included in earnings. The classification of a contract is reassessed at each balance sheet date.
RECENTLY ISSUED AND ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued EITF Issue No. 07-5 (“EITF 07-5”), Determining whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) is indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock. EITF No. 07-5 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is not permitted. Paragraph 11(a) of SFAS No. 133 specifies that a contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative but is both (a) indexed to the Company’s own stock and (b) classified in stockholders’ equity in the statement of financial position would not be considered a derivative financial instrument. EITF 07-5 provides a new two-step model to be applied in determining whether a financial instrument or an embedded feature is indexed to an issuer’s own stock and thus able to qualify for the SFAS No. 133 paragraph 11(a) scope exception. The Company is evaluating the potential impact, if any, that the adoption of EITF 07-5 may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP SFAS 142-3”). FSP SFAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Previously, under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, an entity was precluded from using its own assumptions about renewal or extension of an arrangement where there was likely to be substantial cost or material modifications. FSP SFAS 142-3 removes the requirement of SFAS No. 142 for an entity to consider whether an intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost or material modification to the existing terms and conditions and requires an entity to consider its own experience in renewing similar arrangements. FSP SFAS 142-3 also increases the disclosure requirements for a recognized intangible asset to enable a user of financial statements to assess the extent to which the expected future cash flows associated with the asset are affected by the entity’s intent or ability to renew or extend the arrangement. FSP SFAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited. The guidance for determining the useful life of a recognized intangible asset is applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date. The initial application of FSP SFAS No. 142-3 is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements. The disclosure requirements must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of, and subsequent to, the effective date.
In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“FSP APB 14-1”). FSP ABP 14-1 requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion to separately account for the liability (debt) and (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 on a retroactive basis and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FSP APB 14-1 on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). This statement does not require any new fair value measurements but provides guidance on how to measure fair value and clarifies the definition of fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The statement also requires new disclosures about the extent to which fair value measurements in financial statements are based on quoted market prices, market-corroborated inputs, or unobservable inputs that are based on management’s judgments and estimates. The statement was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (the “FSP”). The FSP amended SFAS 157 to delay its effective date for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (that is, at least annually). For items within its scope, the FSP defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, and it is being applied prospectively by us for any fair value measurements that arise.
24
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This statement permits entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. We adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008. This statement did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141 (R)”) which becomes effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 141 (R) requires all business combinations completed after the effective date to be accounted for by applying the acquisition method (previously referred to as the purchase method). Companies applying this method will have to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date and purchase price and recognize at their acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interests in the acquiree. In the case of a bargain purchase the acquirer is required to reevaluate the measurements of the recognized assets and liabilities at the acquisition date and recognize a gain on that date if an excess remains. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements unless the Company enters into future business acquisitions.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB 51 (“SFAS 160”) which becomes effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. This statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The statement requires ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. The statement also requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statement of income, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest. In addition this statement establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation and requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7A.
QUANITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
A smaller reporting company is not required to provide the information in this Item.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are included, following Item 14, in sequentially numbered pages numbered F-1 through F-16. The page numbers for the financial statement categories are as follows:
|
| PAGE |
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
| F-1 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 |
| F-2 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 |
| F-3 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 |
| F-4 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 |
| F-5 |
|
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
| F-6 |
25
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A(T)
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, because of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2008.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f). Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO Framework").
Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2008. Our principal Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded we have a material weakness in our ability to produce financial statements free from material misstatements. Management reported a material weakness resulting from the combination of the following significant deficiencies:
–
a lack of segregation of duties in accounting and financial reporting activities; and
–
a lack of a sufficient number of qualified accounting personnel; and
–
a lack of documentation and review of financial information by accounting personnel with direct oversight responsibility.
Our Chief Executive Officer has also served as our Chief Financial Officer since September 2005. We believe that the lack of a full-time Chief Financial Officer has resulted in a significant deficiency in internal controls over financial reporting due to the lack of qualified accounting personnel with sufficient time to regularly and adequately review complex, nonrecurring transactions, such as those involving the issuance of debt and equity securities. In addition, the Company employs only one individual that is responsible for the processing of all recurring transactions. While management is actively involved in the daily activities of the Company, including the review of transactions, it is difficult to adequately segregate accounting duties within the Company in a manner to prevent a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting.
In order to remediate the material weaknesses described above, management is considering the possibility of a) hiring a full-time Chief Financial Officer, b) hiring additional accounting personnel, and c) utilizing outside consultants to review particular transactions as well as to design and implement additional procedures to mitigate risks associated with a lack of segregation of duties within the accounting department. However, we may not be able to fully remediate the material weaknesses described above until our cash flows improve sufficiently to allow us to hire additional personnel or utilize outside consultants. Management will continue to actively monitor and assess the costs and benefits of these remedial efforts.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report on internal control in this annual report.
26
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Company has not filed audited financial statements related to the purchase of the Set-Top Box business from Eagle as required by Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act because it has been unable to obtain assistance or information from Eagle that would be required for such disclosure. The Company does not expect such disclosure will be provided as Eagle has not had an audit performed on their fiscal 2007 operations, which includes Set-Top Box results. Additionally, on November 14, 2007, Eagle and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and these proceedings were converted to Chapter 7 proceedings in February 2009.
27
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following persons are executive officers and directors of the Company:
H. Douglas Saathoff, 47 - Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
H. Douglas "Doug" Saathoff, CPA, joined the Company as its full-time Chief Financial Officer on January 1, 2003 after serving in that capacity on a part-time consulting basis beginning in October 2002. On March 26, 2003, he was promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining the Company, he served as Chief Financial Officer for ATSI Communications, Inc.(AMEX: AI), from June 1994 through July 2002 and as a Board Member of ATSI's publicly traded subsidiary, GlobalSCAPE, Inc. (GSCP.OB) from April 1997 through June 2002. During his tenure at ATSI, he was directly responsible for establishing and monitoring all accounting, financial, internal reporting and external reporting functions, and had primary responsibility for fundraising efforts. ATSI raised over $60 million in debt and equity financing from both individuals and institutions during Doug's tenure, and moved from the Canadian OTC market to the U.S. OTC market and eventually to a listing on the American Stock Exchange in February 2000. ATSI grew from San Antonio-based start-up with 11 employees to an international operation with in excess of 500 employees and operations in the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador with annual revenues in excess of $60 million. He was instrumental in the acquisition of subsidiaries and customer bases, as well as the divestiture of GlobalSCAPE in June 2002. Prior to joining ATSI, Doug served as the Accounting Manager, Controller and Financial Reporting Manager for U.S. Long Distance Corp. from 1990 to 1993. While at USLD he was responsible for supervising all daily accounting functions, developing internal and external financial reporting of budgeted and actual information, and for preparing financial statements for shareholders, lending institutions and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Doug also served as Senior Staff Accountant for Arthur Andersen & Co. where he planned, supervised and implemented audits for clients in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, oil & gas and financial services. Doug graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Michael Mayer, 47 - Vice President, Utility Products Division
Michael Mayer joined the Company in November 2006. Mr. Mayer comes to Nighthawk after spending over seven years at BLP Components, where he was responsible for the development of the utility business in North and South America, including working with utilities on remote disconnect and load management projects. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and an MBA in Finance from Seton Hall University. At Nighthawk, he is responsible for expanding the Company’s position in the utility market.
Raymond G. Romero, 55 - Board Member
Raymond G. Romero was appointed to the Board in January 2007 to serve until the next annual meeting. He is currently the President of HERO Assemblers, LP, a Tier 1 supplier of wheel and tire assemblies to Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas in its San Antonio, Texas automotive assembly plant. Mr. Romero served as counsel to Nighthawk Systems from 2003-2005. He gained extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions and in regulatory matters while serving as Vice President and General Counsel to Ameritech International and then ATSI Communications, Inc. between 1991 and 2003. Mr. Romero was also a partner in a telecommunications consulting firm based in Chicago, Competitive Strategies Group, that specialized in providing regulatory and economic advisory services to the telecommunications industry from 1997-1999. He received his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University Law School in Chicago in 1979.
As the Company does not trade on a national exchange, it is not required to have a separately designated audit committee or financial expert. As of the date of this report, Mr. Romero is the Company’s sole board member and performs the oversight functions of an audit committee. As such, the Company does not have a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with section 3(a) 58) (A) of the Exchange Act, or a committee performing similar functions. Mr. Romero is an independent director, and would qualify as a financial expert.
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COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, H. Douglas Saathoff, has not yet filed a Form 4 for the award of options in March 2007 to purchase 2,500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.07 per share, which was the market price of the common stock on the date of grant.
The Company’s director, Raymond G. Romero, has not yet filed a Form 4 for the award of options in March 2007 to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.07 per share, which was the market price of the common stock on the date of grant.
The Company is currently coordinating the filings of these forms which should have been filed during the year ended December 31, 2007.
CODE OF ETHICS
Nighthawk Systems, Inc. has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the executive officers of the Company, including its Chief Executive Officer, President and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer. A copy of the Company's code of ethics is available on the Company's corporate website at www.nighthawksystems.com, or will be provided free of charge to any person upon request. Requests may be made by phone at (210) 341-4811.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and |
| Year |
| Salary ($) |
| Bonus ($) |
| Stock |
| Option |
| Nonequity Plan |
| Non-qualified |
| All other |
| Total |
| ||||||||
H. Douglas Saathoff |
| 2008 |
| $ | 140,625 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 140,625 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
| 2007 |
| $ | 131,640 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 166,667 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 298,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Giang Dao |
| 2008 |
| $ | 146,584 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 146,584 |
|
Software Engineer |
| 2007 |
| $ | 23,987(a) |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 23,987 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Mayer, |
| 2008 |
| $ | 125,000 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 125,000 |
|
VP Utility Products |
| 2007 |
| $ | 120,000 |
| $ | 20,000 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 140,000 |
|
———————
(a)
Mr. Dao became an employee upon the acquisition of Set-Top Box in October 2007.
29
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END
Name |
| Number of |
| Number of |
| Equity |
|
| Option |
| Option |
| Number of |
| Market |
| Equity |
| Equity |
H. Douglas Saathoff, |
| 500,000 |
| — |
| — |
| $ | 0.22 |
| 1/1/2013 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
Chief Executive Officer |
| 2,500,000 |
| — |
| — |
| $ | 0.07 |
| 3/9/2017 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Mayer, V.P Utility Products |
| 500,000 |
| 250,000 |
| — |
| $ | 0.04 |
| 10/25/2016 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Name |
| Fees earned or paid in cash |
| Stock awards |
| Option awards |
| Non-equity incentive plan compensation |
| Non-qualified deferred compensation earnings |
| All other compensation |
| Total | |||||||||||||||
| ($) |
| ($) |
| ($) |
| ($) |
| ($) |
|
| ($) |
| ($) | |||||||||||||||
Raymond G. Romero |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — | ||||||||
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
None
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
Title of Class |
|
| Name of Beneficial Owner |
| Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
| Percent of Class |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock | (a) |
| H. Douglas Saathoff |
| 3,448,324 |
| 2.5% |
Common stock | (b) |
| Raymond G. Romero |
| 525,000 |
| 0.4% |
Common stock | (c) |
| Michael Mayer |
| 522,000 |
| 0.4% |
Common stock |
|
| Directors and officers as a group |
| 4,495,324 |
| 3.3% |
NOTES:
(a)
Includes 500,000 options exercisable within 60 days at $0.22 per share and 2,500,000 options exercisable within 60 days at $0.07 per share.
(b)
Includes 500,000 options exercisable within 60 days at $0.07 per share and 25,000 options exercisable within 60 days at $0.22 per share.
(c)
Consists of 500,000 options exercisable within 60 days at $0.04 per share.
30
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
There were no reportable relationships or transactions.
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
As of December 31, 2008, Raymond G. Romero was the Company’s sole board member. We are currently traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board or OTCBB. The OTCBB does not require that a majority of the board be independent. However, management considers Mr. Romero to be independent as he is not employed by the Company, nor is he a director or employee of a company that provides material services to the Company or receives material goods or services from the Company.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
(1)
Audit Fees:
Fees rendered by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, GHP Horwath, P.C. for audit and review services for each of the years 2008 and 2007 were approximately $60,000 and $68,500, respectively.
(2)
Audit-Related Fees:
None
(3)
Tax Fees:
GHP Horwath, P.C. billed the Company $0 and $3,500 for tax fees during 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(4)
All Other Fees:
GHP Horwath, P.C. did not bill the Company any other fees during 2008 or 2007.
(5)
Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
(i)
The Company’s sole member of the board of directors, acting in lieu of an audit committee, approves the scope of services and fees of the independent registered public accounting firm on an annual basis, prior to the beginning of the services.
(ii)
The Company’s sole member of the board of directors, acting in lieu of an audit committee, reviewed and approved 100% of the fees for the services above.
31
PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS
Item 15(a)
EXHIBIT NO |
| DESCRIPTION |
24 |
| Power of Attorney is included on the signature page in this Annual Report on this Form 10-K. |
| Rule 13a-14(a)/15d - 14(a) Certification of H. Douglas Saathoff, Chief Executive Officer of Nighthawk Systems, Inc., filed herewith. | |
| Certificate pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith. |
(b)
None
32
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors
Nighthawk Systems, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nighthawk Systems, Inc. and subsidiary ("the Company") as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nighthawk Systems, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company reported a net loss applicable to common stockholders of approximately $4.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2008, and has a working capital deficiency of approximately $3.3 million at December 31, 2008. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans with regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ GHP HORWATH, P.C.
Denver, Colorado
April 14, 2009
F-1
NIGHTHAWK SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
|
| December 31, |
|
| December 31, |
| ||
|
| 2008 |
|
| 2007 |
| ||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash |
| $ | 36,199 |
|
| $ | 428,484 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
| 251,392 |
|
|
| 313,644 |
|
Inventories |
|
| 179,258 |
|
|
| 359,636 |
|
Other current assets |
|
| 87,747 |
|
|
| 93,683 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
| 554,596 |
|
|
| 1,195,447 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net |
|
| 318,070 |
|
|
| 269,619 |
|
Debt issuance costs |
|
| 316,567 |
|
|
| 310,428 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
| 848,031 |
|
|
| 1,218,677 |
|
Goodwill |
|
| 1,837,138 |
|
|
| 3,397,537 |
|
Other assets |
|
| 4,320 |
|
|
| –– |
|
|
|
| 3,324,126 |
|
|
| 5,196,261 |
|
|
| $ | 3,878,722 |
|
| $ | 6,391,708 |
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
| $ | 553,202 |
|
| $ | 327,668 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
| 652,323 |
|
|
| 299,374 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
| 186,763 |
|
|
| 203,448 |
|
Deposits and other |
|
| 13,107 |
|
|
| 218,148 |
|
Line of credit and notes payable: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Line of credit |
|
| 6,221 |
|
|
| 18,892 |
|
Convertible notes, net of discount of $645,509 (December 31, 2008) |
|
|
|
| ||||
and $883,117 (December 31, 2007) |
|
| 1,716,553 |
|
|
| 1,135,061 |
|
Other notes |
|
| 767,295 |
|
|
| 558,320 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
| 3,895,464 |
|
|
| 2,760,911 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term note payable |
|
| 26,240 |
|
|
| –– |
|
Total liabilities |
|
| 3,921,704 |
|
|
| 2,760,911 |
|
Commitments and contingency |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders' equity (deficit) : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A Preferred stock; $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding |
|
| –– |
|
|
| –– |
|
Series B Preferred stock ; $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares authorized; 672,000 shares issued and outstanding at |
|
|
|
|
| |||
December 31, 2008 and 618,000 shares issued and outstanding at |
|
|
|
| ||||
December 31, 2007; liquidation preference of $6,000,000 |
|
| 6,152,000 |
|
|
| 5,417,699 |
|
Common stock; $0.001 par value; 200,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares authorized; 138,513,727 issued and outstanding at |
|
|
|
|
| |||
December 31, 2008 and 134,433,060 issued and outstanding at |
|
|
|
|
| |||
December 31, 2007 |
|
| 138,514 |
|
|
| 134,433 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
| 12,780,376 |
|
|
| 13,091,713 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
| (19,113,872 | ) |
|
| (15,013,048 | ) |
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) |
|
| (42,982 | ) |
|
| 3,630,797 |
|
|
| $ | 3,878,722 |
|
| $ | 6,391,708 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-2
NIGHTHAWK SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
|
| 2008 |
|
| 2007 |
| ||
Revenue |
| $ | 3,284,174 |
|
| $ | 1,655,098 |
|
Cost of revenue |
|
| 2,395,024 |
|
|
| 1,276,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
| 889,150 |
|
|
| 378,285 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
| 2,131,199 |
|
|
| 2,455,645 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
| 381,428 |
|
|
| 114,677 |
|
Impairment expense |
|
| 1,591,703 |
|
|
| 19,550 |
|
|
|
| 4,104,330 |
|
|
| 2,589,872 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
| (3,215,180 | ) |
|
| (2,211,587 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
| 885,644 |
|
|
| 1,076,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
| (4,100,824 | ) |
|
| (3,288,037 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock |
|
| (734,301 | ) |
|
| (165,699 | ) |
Beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock |
|
| –– |
|
|
| (2,490,000 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders |
| $ | (4,835,125 | ) |
| $ | (5,943,736 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per basic and diluted common share |
| $ | (0.03 | ) |
| $ | (0.05 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
basic and diluted |
|
| 136,362,108 |
|
|
| 116,318,716 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
NIGHTHAWK SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
|
| Series B Preferred Stock |
|
| Common Stock |
|
| Additional |
|
| Accumulated |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||
|
| Shares |
|
| Amount |
|
| Shares |
|
| Amount |
|
| Capital |
|
| Deficit |
|
| Total |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Balances, January 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 85,681,150 |
|
| $ | 85,681 |
|
| $ | 9,719,022 |
|
| $ | (11,725,011 | ) |
| $ | (1,920,308 | ) | ||
Common stock issued upon conversion of notes payable |
|
|
| 35,919,991 |
|
|
| 35,920 |
|
|
| 1,314,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1,350,620 |
| |||||||
Common stock issued for cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,661,526 |
|
|
| 3,662 |
|
|
| 247,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 251,262 |
| ||
Series B preferred stock and warrants issued for cash, net of offering costs of $58,000 |
|
| 600,000 |
|
| $ | 5,252,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 690,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 5,942,000 |
|
Common stock issued in satisfaction of convertible debt and accrued interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6,420,393 |
|
|
| 6,420 |
|
|
| 399,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 405,788 |
|
Beneficial conversion feature on convertible debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 214,286 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 214,286 |
| |||
Warrants issued in connection with notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 100,000 |
| |||
Stock-based compensation, vesting of options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 284,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 284,686 |
| |||
Common stock issued upon exercise of options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 250,000 |
|
|
| 250 |
|
|
| 20,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 20,500 |
| |||
Common stock issued for consulting services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,500,000 |
|
|
| 2,500 |
|
|
| 267,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 270,000 |
| |||
Beneficial conversion feature on Series B preferred stock |
|
| (2,490,000 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,490,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| –– |
| ||||
Accretion of beneficial conversion feature on Series B preferred stock |
|
| 2,490,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (2,490,000 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| –– |
| ||||
Dividend on Series B preferred stock |
|
| 18,000 |
|
|
| 165,699 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (165,699 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| –– |
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (3,288,037 | ) |
|
| (3,288,037 | ) |
Balances, December 31, 2007 |
|
| 618,000 |
|
|
| 5,417,699 |
|
|
| 134,433,060 |
|
|
| 134,433 |
|
|
| 13,091,713 |
|
|
| (15,013,048 | ) |
|
| 3,630,797 |
|
Common stock issued upon conversion of notes payable |
|
|
| 4,080,667 |
|
|
| 4,081 |
|
|
| 142,033 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 146,114 |
| |||||||
Beneficial conversion feature on convertible debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 177,857 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 177,857 |
| |||
Warrants issued in connection with notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 82,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 82,500 |
| |||
Stock-based compensation, vesting of options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 20,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 20,574 |
| |||
Dividend on Series B preferred stock |
|
| 54,000 |
|
|
| 734,301 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (734,301 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (4,100,824 | ) |
|
| (4,100,824 | ) |
Balances, December 31, 2008 |
|
| 672,000 |
|
| $ | 6,152,000 |
|
|
| 138,513,727 |
|
| $ | 138,514 |
|
| $ | 12,780,376 |
|
| $ | (19,113,872 | ) |
| $ | (42,982 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
NIGHTHAWK SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
|
| 2008 |
|
| 2007 |
| ||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net loss |
| $ | (4,100,824 | ) |
| $ | (3,288,037 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bad debt expense |
|
| 286 |
|
|
| 12,443 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
| 433,494 |
|
|
| 114,677 |
|
Impairment charge |
|
| 1,591,703 |
|
|
| 19,550 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
| 20,574 |
|
|
| 284,686 |
|
Consulting services expense |
|
| –– |
|
|
| 270,000 |
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts on debt |
|
| 491,105 |
|
|
| 618,227 |
|
Change in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable |
|
| 61,967 |
|
|
| (136,983 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in inventories |
|
| 149,074 |
|
|
| (147,871 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current assets |
|
| 5,937 |
|
|
| (41,926 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable |
|
| 225,530 |
|
|
| (230,888 | ) |
Increase in accrued expenses |
|
| 404,405 |
|
|
| 282,118 |
|
Increase (decrease) in deposits and other |
|
| (208,640 | ) |
|
| 187,308 |
|
Total adjustments |
|
| 3,175,435 |
|
|
| 1,231,341 |
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
| (925,389 | ) |
|
| (2,056,696 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of furniture, fixtures and equipment |
|
| (66,356 | ) |
|
| (9,403 | ) |
Cash paid for business acquisition |
|
| –– |
|
|
| (4,750,000 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
| (66,356 | ) |
|
| (4,759,403 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from notes payable |
|
| 260,000 |
|
|
| 1,325,000 |
|
Net proceeds from notes payable, convertible debt |
|
| 415,000 |
|
|
| –– |
|
Payments on line of credit and notes payable |
|
| (75,540 | ) |
|
| (515,089 | ) |
Debt issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
| (50,000 | ) |
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
| 271,762 |
|
Net proceeds from issuance of Series B preferred stock and warrants |
|
| –– |
|
|
| 5,942,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
| 599,460 |
|
|
| 6,973,673 |
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash |
|
| (392,285 | ) |
|
| 157,574 |
|
Cash, beginning |
|
| 428,484 |
|
|
| 270,910 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, ending |
| $ | 36,199 |
|
| $ | 428,484 |
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
| $ | 7,170 |
|
| $ | 18,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares issued as payment on notes payable, including commissions |
| $ | –– |
|
| $ | 405,788 |
|
Common shares and warrants issued as incentives for notes payable |
| $ | –– |
|
| $ | 100,000 |
|
Conversion of notes payable to common stock |
| $ | 146,114 |
|
| $ | 1,350,620 |
|
Conversion of accrued expenses to common stock |
| $ | –– |
|
| $ | 160,000 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
NIGHTHAWK SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
1.
BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT'S PLANS
BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Nighthawk Systems, Inc. (“Nighthawk” or "the Company") is a provider of wireless and IP-based control solutions for the utility and hospitality industries. Since 2002, Nighthawk’s Power Controls Division has used wireless technology to control both residential utility meters and remote, mission-critical devices. The Set Top Box Division, acquired in October 2007, enables hotels to provide in-room high definition television (“HDTV”) broadcasts, integrated with video-on-demand, and customized guest services information.
The financial statements of the Company also include its non-operating subsidiary, Peregrine Control Technologies, Inc. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT’S PLANS
The Company incurred a net loss applicable to common stockholders of approximately $4.8 million during 2008, and had a working capital deficiency of approximately $3.3 million as of December 31, 2008. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern depends on the success of management’s plans to overcome these conditions and ultimately achieve positive cash flows from operations and profitability.
Since 2004, the Company has relied on an investment agreement with Dutchess Private Equities, II, L.P. (“Dutchess”) to obtain funds to cover its operating cash flows and deficits. This arrangement expired in December 2007. The Company remains in discussions with Dutchess about the Company’s operating cash requirements, but presently has no formal agreement with Dutchess to receive additional funding.
In October 2007, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of the business known as Set-Top Box from Eagle Broadband, Inc. (“Eagle”, a publicly-traded company) for cash of $4,750,000 (Note 3). This acquisition was funded by a $6.0 million sale of Series B convertible preferred stock and warrants to Dutchess. This acquisition was made primarily to reduce or eliminate the Company’s monthly operating cash flow deficits. During 2008, this operation generated greater cash flows than historical cash flows and reduced monthly operating cash flow deficits. Management believes that this operation will continue to generate greater cash flows and reduce monthly operating cash flow deficits in 2009, though there can be no assurances that it will be sufficient to cover the Company’s overall operating cash flow requirements or eliminate the requirement for additional funding from third parties.
In order to further mitigate the going concern issues, the Company, with the assistance of Dutchess, is currently exploring additional investment sources to raise funds which would allow it to further develop its product offerings, quickly react to market demands and invest in the internal infrastructure necessary to support its business plan over the next 12 months. However, additional financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. As a consequence, if the Company is unable to obtain any additional financing in the near term, the Company may be required to curtail operations in order to offset the lack of available funding, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unsuccessful in implementing these plans, or otherwise be unable to continue as a going concern.
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the Company 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
F-6
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company has recorded transactions that include the issuance of options and warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The accounting for such securities is based upon fair values of our equity securities and other valuation criteria that were determined by the Company. Management believes these estimates of fair value are reasonable. Other significant estimates made by the Company include those related to fair values of acquired goodwill and intangible assets, as well as property and equipment (including assumptions and estimates used in evaluating these assets for impairment), and the establishment of an allowance for estimates of uncollectible accounts receivable. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CONCENTRATIONS
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. Trade receivables arising from sales to customers are not collateralized and, as a result, management continually monitors the financial condition of its relationships with its customers to reduce the risk of loss. The maximum loss that might be sustained if customer receivables are not collected is limited to the carrying amount of the accounts receivable, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Approximately $223,000 (88%) and $271,200 (86%) of accounts receivable at December 31, 2008 and 2007, was from three and two customers, respectively.
Trade accounts receivable are carried, net of an appropriate allowance, at their estimated net realizable value. Since customer credit is generally extended on a short-term basis, trade receivables do not bear interest. Trade accounts receivable are periodically evaluated for collectibility, and an allowance for doubtful accounts (less than $1,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007) is provided based primarily on customers’ past credit history and current financial condition and on current general economic conditions. Accounts for which no payment has been received within 30 days are considered delinquent and customer collection efforts are initiated. Accounts for which no payments have been received for three months are written off.
During 2008, two customers accounted for approximately 55% and 11% of total revenue, respectively. During 2007, two customers accounted for approximately 30% and 13% of total revenue, respectively.
During 2008, the Company's three largest suppliers accounted for approximately 31%, 23% and 14%, respectively, of the Company's purchases of pre-manufactured component materials. During 2007, the Company's s four largest suppliers accounted for approximately 26%, 21%, 15%, and 13% of the Company's purchases of pre-manufactured component materials. As the pre-manufactured components are a crucial integral component of the Company's product, the loss of one or more of the Company's major suppliers could have an adverse effect on the Company's ability to maintain production of its products on a cost effective basis in the future.
INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of parts and pre-manufactured component materials ($86,908 and $314,036 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively) and finished goods ($92,350 and $45,600 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively). Inventories are valued at the lower of cost using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market. The elements of cost in inventories include materials, labor and overhead.
FURNITURE, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (Note 4) are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of five to seven years.
Amortizable intangibles (Note 5) are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated lives of seven years for patents, five years for the non-compete agreement and three years for the customer relationships.
Management reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets, including property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, to determine whether there are any indications of impairment. Impairment of long-lived assets is assessed by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to expected future cash flows to be generated by the asset. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. The Company tests the long-lived assets acquired with the purchase of the Set Top Box operations for impairment together as a group annually in the fourth quarter each year, or more frequently if other indications of impairment arise. These assets include software, patents, a non-compete agreement, customer relationships and goodwill (Notes 3 and 5). Based on management’s
F-7
analysis, an impairment charge of $1,591,703 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 to write down the value of goodwill (Note 5). In 2007, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $19,550 to write off certain patent costs. The impairment was based on management’s decision to abandon efforts to obtain two patents on power control products.
DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS
Debt issuance costs are amortized over the terms of the respective loans (4 to 5 years) using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method.
ADVERTISING
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For 2008 and 2007, advertising costs were approximately $57,300 and $28,200, respectively.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Research and development expense for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, was approximately $34,000 and $178,000, respectively. Research and development costs as well as salaries related to research and development are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company applies Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, Share Based Payment, (“SFAS No. 123R”) and accounts for stock options granted to non-employees on a fair-value basis in accordance with SFAS No. 123R and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant date fair value of an award.
There were no options granted in 2008. The estimated fair value of options granted in 2007 was calculated using the following assumptions:
Expected volatility |
| 166% |
|
Expected term (in years) |
| 5-6.5 years |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
| 4.46-4.55% |
|
Dividend yield |
| 0% |
|
The expected volatility was based on the historical price volatility of the Company’s common stock. The dividend yield represents the Company’s anticipated cash dividend on common stock over the expected life of the stock options. The Treasury bill rate for the expected life of the stock options was utilized to determine the risk-free interest rate. The expected life of stock options represents the period of time the stock options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company does not have sufficient historical option exercises to warrant a trend analysis. Therefore, the expected term used by management was calculated in accordance with the Staff Accounting Bulletin 107 Share-Based Payment (“SAB 107”) for “plain-vanilla” options.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
In connection with the issuances of equity instruments or debt, the Company may issue options or warrants to purchase common stock. In certain circumstances, these options or warrants may be classified as liabilities, rather than as equity. In addition, the equity instrument or debt may contain embedded derivative instruments, such as conversion options or listing requirements, which in certain circumstances may be required to be bifurcated from the associated host instrument and accounted for separately as a derivative liability instruments. The Company accounts for derivative instruments under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
F-8
ACCOUNTING FOR OBLIGATIONS AND INSTRUMENTS POTENTIALLY SETTLED IN THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK
The Company accounts for obligations and instruments potentially settled in the Company’s stock in accordance with EITF Issue No. 00-19, Accounting For Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in a Company’s Own Stock. This issue addresses the initial balance sheet classification and measurement of contracts that are indexed to, and potentially settled in, the Company’s stock. Under EITF 00-19, contracts are initially classified as equity or as either assets or liabilities, depending on the situation. All contracts are initially measured at fair value and subsequently accounted for based on the then current classification. Contracts initially classified as equity do not recognize subsequent changes in fair value as long as the contracts continue to be classified as equity. For contracts classified as assets or liabilities, the Company reports changes in fair value in earnings and discloses these changes in the financial statements as long as the contracts remain classified as assets or liabilities. If contracts classified as assets or liabilities are ultimately settled in shares, any previously reported gains or losses on those contracts continue to be included in earnings. The classification of a contract is reassessed at each balance sheet date.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to their short duration. Notes payable to unrelated parties with floating or fixed interest rates approximate their fair values based on current market rate information.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue from product and equipment sales is recognized upon shipment, and when all significant obligations of the Company have been satisfied.
Infrequently, the Company receives requests from customers to hold product being purchased from the Company for the customer’s convenience. The Company recognizes revenue for such bill and hold arrangements in accordance with the requirements of SAB No. 104 which requires, among other things, the existence of a valid business purpose for the arrangement, the transfer of ownership of the purchased product, the readiness of the product for shipment, the use of customary payment terms, no continuing performance obligation by the Company and segregation of the product from the Company’s inventories.
The Company is often prepaid for airtime services and is also occasionally paid in advance of product delivery. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue until the airtime services are provided or until the products have been shipped. Airtime services revenue was not significant in 2008 or 2007.
SALES TAXES
The Company’s policy is to present taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions on a net basis.
LEGAL DEFENSE COSTS
The Company does not accrue for estimated future legal and related defense costs, if any, to be incurred in connection with outstanding or threatened litigation and other disputed matters, but rather, records both as period costs when the services are rendered.
SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS
The Company records shipping and handling fees billed to customers as revenue, and shipping and handling costs incurred with the delivery of its products as cost of sales.
INCOME TAXES
In 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (“FIN 48”). Based on management’s evaluation, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits, and there was no effect on the Company’s opening deficit, current operations or cash flows, or its net operating loss carryforwards and related deferred tax asset valuation allowance as a result of implementing FIN 48. The Company is no longer subject to tax examinations
F-9
for years before 2005. The Company will recognize any tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
NET LOSS PER SHARE
For 2008 and 2007, the effect of the inclusion of dilutive shares (17,896,835 in 2008 and 18,514,638 in 2007) would have resulted in an anti-dilutive decrease in loss per share. Accordingly, the weighted average shares outstanding have not been adjusted for potentially dilutive shares, and no diluted loss per share is presented.
RECENTLY ISSUED AND ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued EITF Issue No. 07-5 (“EITF 07-5”), Determining whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) is indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock. EITF No. 07-5 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is not permitted. Paragraph 11(a) of SFAS No. 133 specifies that a contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative but is both (a) indexed to the Company’s own stock and (b) classified in stockholders’ equity in the statement of financial position would not be considered a derivative financial instrument. EITF 07-5 provides a new two-step model to be applied in determining whether a financial instrument or an embedded feature is indexed to an issuer’s own stock and thus able to qualify for the SFAS No. 133 paragraph 11(a) scope exception. The Company is evaluating the potential impact, if any, that the adoption of EITF 07-5 may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP SFAS 142-3”). FSP SFAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Previously, under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, an entity was precluded from using its own assumptions about renewal or extension of an arrangement where there was likely to be substantial cost or material modifications. FSP SFAS 142-3 removes the requirement of SFAS No. 142 for an entity to consider whether an intangible asset can be renewed without substantial cost or material modification to the existing terms and conditions and requires an entity to consider its own experience in renewing similar arrangements. FSP SFAS 142-3 also increases the disclosure requirements for a recognized intangible asset to enable a user of financial statements to assess the extent to which the expected future cash flows associated with the asset are affected by the entity’s intent or ability to renew or extend the arrangement. FSP SFAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited. The guidance for determining the useful life of a recognized intangible asset is applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date. The initial application of FSP SFAS No. 142-3 is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements. The disclosure requirements must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of, and subsequent to, the effective date.
In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“FSP APB 14-1”). FSP ABP 14-1 requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion to separately account for the liability (debt) and (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 on a retroactive basis and will be adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FSP APB 14-1 on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). This statement does not require any new fair value measurements but provides guidance on how to measure fair value and clarifies the definition of fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The statement also requires new disclosures about the extent to which fair value measurements in financial statements are based on quoted market prices, market-corroborated inputs, or unobservable inputs that are based on management’s judgments and estimates. The statement was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (the “FSP”). The FSP amended SFAS 157 to delay its effective date for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (that is, at least annually). For items within its scope, the FSP defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The
F-10
Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, and it is being applied prospectively by us for any fair value measurements that arise.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This statement permits entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. We adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008. This statement did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141 (R)”) which becomes effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 141 (R) requires all business combinations completed after the effective date to be accounted for by applying the acquisition method (previously referred to as the purchase method). Companies applying this method will have to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date and purchase price and recognize at their acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interests in the acquiree. In the case of a bargain purchase the acquirer is required to reevaluate the measurements of the recognized assets and liabilities at the acquisition date and recognize a gain on that date if an excess remains. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements unless the Company enters into future business acquisitions.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB 51 (“SFAS 160”) which becomes effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. This statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The statement requires ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. The statement also requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statement of income, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest. In addition this statement establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation and requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain minor reclassifications in the 2007 consolidated financial statement amounts have been made to conform to the 2008 presentation.
3.
ACQUISITION OF SET-TOP BOX BUSINESS
On October 11, 2007, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of the business known as Set-Top Box of Eagle for $4,750,000 in cash. Dutchess is a creditor of Eagle and presented this acquisition opportunity to the Company. The assets acquired included all accounts receivable, inventory, furniture and fixtures and equipment (Note 4) and intangibles (Note 5).
The Set-Top Box business designs, manufactures and markets its proprietary MediaPro IP set-top boxes. Either stand-alone or in conjunction with various third-party middleware software, the MediaPro set-top boxes deliver a full range of high quality, standard and high definition entertainment and information services, including Internet protocol television (“IPTV”) and video-on-demand services, that can generate revenues for telecom service providers and the hospitality industry.
F-11
A final allocation of the purchase price has been made by the Company among the specific assets and liabilities acquired, as well as among intangible assets identified as acquired by the Company. The values allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired were as follows:
Accounts receivable |
| $ | 21,525 |
Equipment |
|
| 37,785 |
Inventory |
|
| 99,252 |
Patents |
|
| 128,490 |
Software |
|
| 226,450 |
Non-compete agreement |
|
| 314,930 |
Customer relationships |
|
| 867,920 |
Goodwill |
|
| 3,397,537 |
Accounts payable |
|
| (343,889) |
|
|
|
|
Total purchase price |
| $ | 4,750,000 |
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents results of operations as if the acquisition of the Set Top Box Business had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented below. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been reported by the Company had the acquisition been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented, and should not be taken as representative of the Company’s future consolidated results of operations or financial condition. Unaudited pro forma results were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2007:
Revenues |
| $ | 2,095,000 |
Operating loss |
|
| (2,988,000) |
Net loss |
|
| (4,065,000) |
Net loss applicable to common stockholders |
|
| (7,275,000) |
Net loss per basic and diluted common share |
| $ | (0.07) |
4.
FURNITURE, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
Furniture, fixtures and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2008 and 2007:
| 2008 |
| 2007 | ||
Equipment | $ | 155,233 |
| $ | 93,584 |
Furniture and fixtures |
| 6,295 |
|
| 5,646 |
Software |
| 281,698 |
|
| 232,698 |
|
| 443,226 |
|
| 331,928 |
Less accumulated depreciation |
| (125,156) |
|
| (62,309) |
| $ | 318,070 |
| $ | 269,619 |
F-12
5.
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
At December 31, 2008 and 2007, all goodwill and intangible assets relate to the 2007 acquisition of the Set-Top Box business. The Set Top Box reporting unit was tested for impairment in the fourth quarter of 2008, after the completion of the annual forecasting process. Due to slower than expected integration of sales and distribution channels, sales, operating profits and cash flows were lower than expected during 2008. Based on that trend, the earnings forecast for the next three years was revised. In December 2008, a goodwill impairment loss of $1,591,703 was recognized in the Set Top Box reporting unit. The fair value of that reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows. The amount of the impairment was measured using a discounted cash flow model considering future revenues, operating costs, a risk adjusted discount rate and other factors. Remaining goodwill of $1,837,138 is deductible for income tax purposes. Identified intangible assets are as follows as of December 31, 2008 and 2007:
| 2008 |
| 2007 | ||
Patents | $ | 128,940 |
| $ | 128,490 |
Non-compete agreement |
| 314,930 |
|
| 314,930 |
Customer relationships |
| 867,920 |
|
| 867,920 |
|
| 1,311,340 |
|
| 1,311,340 |
Less accumulated amortization |
| (463,309) |
|
| (92,663) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 848,031 |
| $ | 1,218,677 |
Estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next three years is as follows:
2009 | $ 403,000 |
2010 | $ 330,676 |
2011 | $ 114,355 |
6.
LEASES
The Company leases office and warehouse space in San Antonio, Dallas, Tyler, and Friendswood, Texas. Rent expense incurred for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, was approximately $56,500 and $40,700, respectively. With the exception of the Friendswood lease, which is a one-year lease expiring in May 2009, all of the leases are on a month-to-month basis, and aggregate rent is $4,400 per month. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company closed down its office in Denver, Colorado. Monthly rent expense related to this office was approximately $1,650 per month through November 2008.
7.
INCOME TAXES
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount for financial reporting purposes, as measured by the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are carried on the balance sheet with the presumption that they will be realizable in future periods when pre-tax income is generated. A valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2008, the Company has approximately $15.7 million of net operating loss carryforwards, which expire from 2014 through 2028. The net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to certain restrictions in the future, particularly in the event of a change in ownership under Internal Revenue Code Section 382.
Significant deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future impact of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company's deferred tax assets have been completely reduced effectively by a valuation allowance because management does not believe realization of the deferred tax assets is sufficiently assured at the balance sheet date.
F-13
The deferred tax assets and associated valuation allowance at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
|
| 2008 |
|
| 2007 |
Deferred tax assets (liabilities), non-current: |
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carry forwards | $ | 6,078,000 |
| $ | 5,295,000 |
Stock-based compensation |
| 7,000 |
|
| 122,000 |
Intangible assets |
| 10,000 |
|
| 6,000 |
Goodwill |
| 608,000 |
|
| — |
Valuation allowance |
| (6,703,000) |
|
| (5,423,000) |
Net deferred tax assets | $ | — |
| $ | — |
Income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 consists of the following:
|
| 2008 |
|
| 2007 |
Deferred tax benefit: |
|
|
|
|
|
Federal | $ | (1,093,000 |
| $ | (1,163,000) |
State |
| (187,000 |
|
| (150,000) |
|
| (1,280,000 |
|
| (1,313,000) |
Increase in valuation allowance |
| 1,280.000 |
|
| 1,313,000 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
The reconciliation between the expected net income tax benefit computed at the Federal statutory income tax rate of 34% and the effective tax income rate for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, is as follows:
|
| 2008 |
|
| 2007 |
Computed "expected" tax benefit at the federal statutory rate |
| 34% |
|
| 34% |
State income taxes, net of credits and federal income tax benefit |
| 4% |
|
| 4% |
Increase in valuation allowance |
| (38)% |
|
| (38)% |
|
| — |
|
| — |
8.
LINE OF CREDIT AND NOTES PAYABLE
The Company has $6,221 outstanding at December 31, 2008 ($18,892 at December 31, 2007) under a $20,000 unsecured line of credit with a bank. Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at 8% at December 31, 2008 (10.25% at December 31, 2007). Interest is due monthly. The line of credit is guaranteed by ex-officers of the Company.
F-14
At December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, notes payable consist of the following:
|
| 2008 |
| 2007 |
| ||
Unsecured note with a financial institution; 17.49% interest at December 31, 2007; paid in 2008 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 4,635 |
|
Note payable to a financial institution; 12.75% interest rate; unsecured; due on demand |
|
| 8,235 |
|
| 8,685 |
|
Note payable to a financial institution; 6.1% interest rate; collateralized by vehicle; interest and principal due monthly through August 2013 |
|
| 32,515 |
|
| — |
|
Convertible notes payable to an unrelated minority stockholder; 8% interest rate; converted into 1,500,000 shares of common stock in 2008 |
|
| — |
|
| 75,000 |
|
Notes payable to Dutchess; collateralized by accounts receivable; 36% interest rate; all notes past due, in default and due on demand |
|
| 675,000 |
|
| 470,000 |
|
Factoring arrangement, 80% advance rate on certain receivables, purchased with full recourse, rate of 2% charged on gross invoice amount, with an additional .06% charged for each day thereafter until paid in full, expires October 31, 2009 |
|
| 77,785 |
|
| — |
|
|
|
| 793,535 |
|
| 558,320 |
|
Less current portion |
|
| 767,295 |
|
| 558,320 |
|
Long-term portion |
| $ | 26,240 |
| $ | –– |
|
Convertible notes payable to Dutchess; 10% interest rate; maturities between December 2009 and June 2012; net of discount of $645,509 at December 31 2008 ($883,117 at December 31, 2007); $71,114 converted into 2,580,667 shares of common stock in 2008 ($1,648,993 converted into 40,724,940 shares in 2007) |
| $ | 1,216,553 |
| $ | 635,061 |
|
Convertible, 5% note payable to Dutchess; due December 2010 |
|
| 500,000 |
|
| 500,000 |
|
|
| $ | 1,716,553 |
| $ | 1,135,061 |
|
Future maturities of the line of credit and notes payable are as follows as of December 31, 2008:
2009 | $ | 2,490,069 |
2010 |
| 6,586 |
2011 |
| 6,999 |
2012 |
| 7,438 |
2013 |
| 5,217 |
| $ | 2,516,309 |
During 2008, the Company borrowed a total of $415,000 (net of offering costs and discounts) from Dutchess in exchange for two 10% convertible debentures, in the amounts of $150,000 and $265,000, respectively. The debentures are convertible at the lower of 70% of the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of conversion or at $0.09 and $0.03 per share, respectively. The debentures contained a beneficial conversion feature valued at approximately $178,000. Along with the debentures, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 2,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.001 per share and expiring in 2015. The warrants were valued at approximately $82,500. The discount on these notes as a result of the beneficial conversion feature and warrants is being amortized over the 60-month term of the notes.
During 2007, the Company borrowed a total of $500,000 (net of offering costs and discounts, discussed below) from Dutchess in exchange for one convertible debenture, convertible at anytime at the option of Dutchess, bearing interest at 10%, which matures in June 2012. Along with the debenture, the Company issued warrants (valued at $100,000) to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.001 per share which expire in 2014.
F-15
At December 31, 2008, eleven debentures are outstanding. Six of the debentures are convertible at the lower of 75% of the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of the conversion or at exercise prices ranging from $0.05 to $0.08, and the other five are convertible at the lower of 70% of the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of conversion at prices ranging from $0.02 to $0.09 per share.
Upon issuance of each debenture, the Company made an assessment in order to determine if the conversion option embedded in the debenture required bifurcation. Based on this assessment, on each occasion it was determined that the conversion feature did not require bifurcation and therefore the Company recorded a beneficial conversion feature pursuant to EITF 98-5 and EITF 00-27, which is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the debenture.
All of the convertible notes payable to Dutchess at December 31, 2008, contain a clause calling for an early redemption penalty of 20%. In addition, although Dutchess has not provided any indication it will do so, each of the convertible debenture agreements contain a provision under which Dutchess may request the Company to make amortizing payments on a monthly basis in an amount to be determined by the Company and Dutchess. As such, the total amount of debentures outstanding is classified as a current liability. The total amount of discount amortized to interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, was $415,463 and $491,364, respectively.
Total interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2008 related to the Dutchess debentures, including amortization of the discount, was $648,454 which represented an effective interest rate of 31%. Total interest expense in 2007 related to the Dutchess debentures, which included amortization of beneficial conversion feature and $24,856 of early redemption penalties, was $1,001,453, which represented an effective interest rate of 39%.
Subsequent to December 31, 2008, the Company borrowed a total of $320,000 (net of offering costs and discounts) from Dutchess in exchange for convertible debentures in the amount of $320,000. The debentures are convertible at the lower of 70% of the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of conversion or at $0.03 per share. Along with the debentures, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.001 per share and expiring in 2016. The debentures contain a beneficial conversion feature which will be amortized over the 60-month term of the note.
9.
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
On October 9, 2007, the Company issued to Dutchess 600,000 shares of perpetual, non-redeemable Series B convertible preferred stock (the “Series B Preferred”), along with warrants to purchase up to 10 million shares of common stock in return for net cash proceeds of $5,942,000 (net of $58,000 of issuance costs). These proceeds were used for the acquisition of the Set-Top Box operations of Eagle, to pay Dutchess $250,000 for interest owed on outstanding notes and for working capital requirements of the Company subsequent to the acquisition.
The Series B Preferred provides for a cumulative annual dividend of 12%, payable quarterly. Each share of Series B Preferred is convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the greater of (i) $13.00 worth of common stock based on the lowest closing bid price of the Company’s common stock during the twenty trading day period immediately preceding the date of the conversion, or (ii) 100 shares of common stock. The number of common shares into which the Series B Preferred may be converted by Dutchess is limited to 4.99% of the total shares issued and outstanding on the conversion date. The Series B Preferred has a call right in which the Company has the right, solely at its option, to request the Series B Preferred holder to sell a specified number of its shares back to the Company at $13.00 per share. The Series B Preferred holder may, at its sole discretion, determine whether to accept or decline the call notice, as defined. The Series B Preferred also has registration rights which may require the Company to file a registration statement covering the registration of all or any part of the common shares underlying the Series B Preferred. No penalties are associated with the timing of such a registration statement filing.
Management evaluated whether the embedded conversion feature in the Series B Preferred required bifurcation and determined, in accordance with paragraph 12 of SFAS No. 133, that the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded conversion feature in the Series B Preferred were clearly and closely related to the underlying common stock. In conducting this evaluation, the Company recognized that the Series B Preferred had the following equity like characteristics: the Series B Preferred is perpetual and not redeemable; the Series B Preferred does not have a stated maturity or redemption date; and the right of the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock to receive payments,
F-16
including the liquidation preference, is not secured by any collateral. Consequently, when all of the economic characteristics and risks of the Series B Preferred are considered as a whole, the Company concluded that the Series B Preferred is more akin to equity than debt and, as a result, the Company concluded that bifurcation was not required under SFAS No. 133.
Pursuant to the guidance in EITF Issue No. 98-5, Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios, and EITF Issue No. 00-27, Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments, the Company allocated the proceeds from the Series B Preferred financing between the Series B Preferred and the warrants based upon their estimated fair values as of the closing date resulting in $5,310,000 being allocated to the Series B Preferred and $690,000 being allocated to the warrants. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature embedded in the Series B Preferred was then calculated. The beneficial conversion feature value of $2,490,000 was recognized as an additional discount on the Series B Preferred, which amount was immediately accreted and treated as a deemed dividend to the holder of the Series B preferred, as all of the Series B Preferred was eligible for conversion upon issuance.
COMMON STOCK
During 2008, the Company issued Dutchess 2,580,667 shares of common stock in order to reduce the amount of convertible debentures owed to them by $71,114. In addition, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of common stock to an unrelated minority stockholder upon the conversion of $75,000 in convertible debt.
During 2007, the Company issued Dutchess 3,661,529 shares of common stock in exchange for cash of $251,262 and 5,985,508 shares of common stock in order to reduce the amount of convertible debt and accrued interest owed to them by $398,373. The Company also issued 434,885 shares of common stock as commissions on these transactions, as well as for shares issued to Dutchess in 2006.
The Company issued 2,500,000 shares of common stock to consultants during 2007 in exchange for services valued at $270,000. Company employees exercised options during 2007 to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock in exchange for $20,500 in cash proceeds.
WARRANTS
In connection with the Series B Preferred offering, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 10 million shares of common stock. The warrants are exercisable immediately at $0.05 per share for a term of seven years. The relative fair value of the warrants was estimated to be $690,000 based on a Black Scholes pricing model utilizing a volatility of 164%, a contractual term of seven years, a risk free interest rate of 4.99%, and a dividend yield of 0. During the term of the warrants, the Company agreed to use its best efforts to file a registration statement covering the resale of the common shares underlying the warrants. The Company also issued warrants with a contractual term of seven years to Dutchess for the purchase of up to 1 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $0.001 per share along with a $500,000 debenture. Due to the nominal exercise price of the warrants issued with the debenture, the Company has accounted for the warrants as if they were shares of stock. As such, the value of $100,000 assigned to the warrants is based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date the debenture was issued. The cost of the warrants is recorded as debt issue costs, and the amounts are amortized to interest expense over the life of the five-year debenture.
During 2008, the Company issued warrants with a contractual term of seven years to Dutchess for the purchase of up to 2.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $0.0001 per share along with two convertible debentures totaling $415,000. Due to the nominal exercise price of the warrants issued with the debenture, the Company has accounted for the warrants as if they were shares of stock. As such, the value of $82,500 assigned to the warrants is based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date the debenture was issued. The cost of the warrants is recorded as debt issue costs, and the amounts are amortized to interest expense over the life of the five-year debenture.
F-17
Common stock warrant transactions during 2008 and 2007 are summarized below:
|
|
| Weighted Average | |
| Warrants |
| Exercise Price | |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2007 | 6,356,666 |
| $ | 0.001 |
Granted | 11,000,000 |
|
| 0.05 |
Exercised | — |
|
| — |
Expired | — |
|
| — |
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 | 17,356,666 |
|
| 0.03 |
Granted | 2,250,000 |
|
| 0.001 |
Exercised | — |
|
| — |
Expired | — |
|
| — |
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 | 19,606,666 |
| $ | 0.03 |
The weighted average grant date fair value of the warrants issued in 2008 and 2007 was approximately $0.04 and $0.08 per warrant, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of the warrants outstanding at December 31, 2008 of approximately $199,000 represents the total intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on December 31, 2008 of $0.04 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money warrants) that would have been received by the warrant holders, had all the warrant holders been able to and in fact, had exercised their options on December 31, 2008. The weighted average remaining contractual term of the warrants outstanding at December 31, 2008 is 5.4 years.
OPTIONS
Most of the employee options vest over three years, which is considered to be the requisite service period. Stock options issued in exchange for consultant services vest over the period defined in the contract. During the year ended December 31, 2007, two employees, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, were granted a total of 3,500,000 options, all of which vested during 2007. The Company’s board member was also awarded 500,000 options, half of which vested in 2007 and half of which vested in 2008.
The amount of stock-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered option.
The Company currently expects, based on an analysis of historical forfeitures as of December 31, 2008, that approximately 95% of options will actually vest, and therefore has applied a forfeiture rate of 5% per year to all unvested options as of December 31, 2008. This analysis is re-evaluated periodically, and the forfeiture rate is adjusted as necessary. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest.
A summary of stock option activity of options to employees and directors for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 is presented below:
|
| Shares Under |
| Weighted |
| Weighted Average |
|
| Aggregate |
| ||
Outstanding at January 1, 2007 |
| 8,035,000 |
| $ | 0.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
| 4,450,000 |
|
| 0.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
| (250,000 | ) |
| 0.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
| (500,000 | ) |
| 0.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
| 11,735,000 |
|
| 0.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
| — |
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
| — |
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
| (650,000 | ) |
| 0.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
| 11,085,000 |
| $ | 0.08 |
|
| 4.9 |
| $ | — |
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2008 |
| 10,835,000 |
| $ | 0.08 |
|
| 4.5 |
| $ | — |
|
F-18
The weighted average grant date fair value of options awarded in 2007 was and $0.067 per option. As of December 31, 2008, there were 250,000 non-vested options outstanding that had a weighted average exercise price of $0.04 and a weighted average grant date fair value of $0.027 per share. A total of approximately $5,000 in unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested options is expected to be recognized in full by September 30, 2009. The total fair value of options vested during 2008 and 2007 was approximately $20,600 and $284,700, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on December 31, 2008 of $0.04 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders, had all option holders been able to and in fact, had exercised their options on December 31, 2008.
10.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On October 15, 2008, EON Corp. IP Holdings, LLC (“EON”) filed suit against the Company and other defendants in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division alleging patent infringement of its U.S. patents under the Patent Laws of the United States. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the Defendants are each infringing, directly and indirectly by way of inducement and/or contributory infringement, literally and/or under the doctrine of equivalents, EON’s patents entitled “Interactive Nationwide Data Service Communication System for Stationary and Mobile Battery Operated Subscriber Units. Further, EON seeks (i) a permanent injunction enjoining the Defendants from infringing on the patent; (ii) an award of damages against the Defendants for their alleged past infringement and any continuing or future infringement up through the date that Defendants are enjoined; (iii) a judgment and order requiring the Defendants to pay the costs of the action as well as attorneys’ fees; and (iv) interest on damages. The patents in question relate to certain two-way communication devices. The Company disputes the claims, and intends to vigorously defend itself against this litigation. At this time, the Company is not able to determine the likely outcome of the legal matter described above, nor can it estimate its potential financial exposure. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and if an unfavorable resolution of this matter occurs, the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
F-19
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: April 15, 2009
|
| NIGHTHAWK SYSTEMS, INC. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| By: | /s/ H. DOUGLAS SAATHOFF |
|
|
| H. Douglas Saathoff, |
|
|
| Chief Executive Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints H. Douglas Saathoff his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature |
| Title |
| Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ RAYMOND G. ROMERO |
| Director |
| April 15, 2009 |
Raymond G. Romero |
|
|
|
|
33