| For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 | Commission File Number 1-9399 |
| DELAWARE | 11-2103466 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
| incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
| 240 CROSSWAYS PARK DRIVE | |
| WOODBURY, NEW YORK | 11797-2033 |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
| Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | Name of Exchange |
| Title of Class | on Which Registered |
| Common Stock, $0.0001 Par Value | The NASDAQ Stock Market |
| [ ] Large accelerated filer | [X] Accelerated filer | [ ] Non-accelerated filer | [ ] Smaller reporting company |
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Forward-Looking Statements
Information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “likely,” “will” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1A. – Risk Factors” below. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
General
As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Research Frontiers” means Research Frontiers Incorporated unless otherwise indicated. We develop and license our patented suspended particle device (“SPD-Smart”) light-control technology to other companies that manufacture and market either the SPD-Smart chemical emulsion, light-control film made from the chemical emulsion, lamination services, electronics to power end-products incorporating the film, or the end-products themselves such as “smart” windows, skylights and sunroofs. Research Frontiers currently has 39 companies that, in the aggregate, are licensed to primarily serve four major SPD-Smart application areas (aerospace, architectural, automotive and marine products) in every country of the world.
Research Frontiers was incorporated in New York in 1965 to continue early work that Dr. Edwin Land, founder of Polaroid Corporation, and others had done in the area of light-control beginning in the 1930s. Research Frontiers was reincorporated in Delaware in 1989. Since 1965, Research Frontiers has actively worked to develop and license its own SPD technology, which it protects using patents, trade secrets and know-how. Although patent and trade secret protection is not a guarantee of commercial success, Research Frontiers currently has approximately 300 patents that have issued worldwide. In addition, the Company has current patent applications in the US and other countries that if granted, would add approximately 250 additional patents to its portfolio. The Company has and continues to devote significant resources to develop, license and protect its intellectual property position.
SPD-Smart products use microscopic light-absorbing nanoparticles that are typically suspended in a film. These particles align when an electrical voltage is applied, thus permitting light to pass through the film. Adjustment of the voltage to the SPD film gives users the ability to quickly, precisely and consistently regulate the amount of light, glare and heat passing through the window, skylight, sunroof, window shade or other SPD-Smart end-product. This SPD film can be incorporated between two layers of glass or plastic, or combinations of both, to produce a laminate that has enhanced energy efficiency, light-control and security performance properties.
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Research Frontiers believes that the SPD industry is in the initial phase of growth. SPD light-control technology may have wide commercial applicability in many types of products and industries where variable light-control is desired. SPD-Smart glass or plastic window products include the following:
Some of the early sales and uses of SPD technology have been low volume commercial installations and some have involved concept and test installations by licensees and their customers (see “Trends and Recent Developments” below). Some of our licensees consider the stage of development, product introduction strategies and timetables, and other plans to be proprietary or secret, and as such this information cannot be disclosed by Research Frontiers until such licensees, or their customers, make their own public announcements of planned or actual product launches.
Higher volume sales is now expected, initiated by the recent launch by Daimler AG of the Magic Sky Control™ all glass roof option (using SPD technology) on their Mercedes-Benz SLK and SL vehicles. Research Frontiers believes that within the different industry applications listed above, automotive sunroofs and all glass roofs such as the recently launched Magic Sky Control roof on the Mercedes-Benz SLK, sunvisors and side and rear windows for vehicles, aircraft window shades and certain architectural applications will be the earliest adopters of the Company’s technology the largest and most predictable near and intermediate term market for its technology will be the automotive glass market.
In addition to the product applications listed above, SPD-SmartGlass technology may also offer potential benefits in the development of new flat panel displays, eyewear, and self-dimming automotive rear-view mirrors. However, such products need additional product design, engineering or testing before an evaluation of the commercial potential of such SPD-SmartGlass products can be determined.
Recent progress with regard to market development and commercialization activity has been the result of focused and active efforts by Research Frontiers and its key production and end-product licensees who have invested in product development and improvements, production facilities, increased production capacity, durability, performance testing, quality control and assurance, and marketing programs. Licensees supplying film to end-product licensees have announced increases, or plans to do so, in their production capacity. Research Frontiers believes that with the normal progression of product and manufacturing improvements, and as licensees become more experienced at the lamination, fabrication and installation of SPD-Smart products for various applications, the adoption rates for SPD-Smart products will grow and accelerate, which we expect will increase the stream of royalty income for the Company.
As part of their marketing and branding programs, many of our licensees have developed their own trademarks for SPD-Smart emulsion, film, and end-products and these are listed in their respective press releases, product brochures, advertising and other promotional materials. Research Frontiers uses the following trademarks: SPD-Smart™, SPD-SmartGlass™, VaryFast™, SPD-CleanTech™, SPD Clean Technology™, SmartGlass™, The View of the Future - Everywhere you Look™, Powered by SPD™, Powered by SPD-CleanTech™, Powered by SPD Clean Technology™, SG Enabled™, SPD Green and Clean™, SPD On-Board™, Speed Matters™, and Visit SmartGlass.com - to change your view of the world™.
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In each of the last three fiscal years the Company has devoted substantially all of its time to the development of one class of products, namely SPD-Smart light-control technology, and therefore revenue analysis by class is not provided herein. Information about our operation and those of our licensees is included below and in our financial statements and notes thereto.
The Company does not believe that future sales will be seasonal in any material respect. The Company does not directly manufacture or market products on its own but rather depends on activities of its licensees. Due to the nature of the Company’s business operations and the fact that the Company is not presently a manufacturer, there is no backlog of orders for the Company’s products.
The Company believes that compliance with federal, state and local provisions which have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, will not have a material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of the Company. The Company has no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities planned for the remainder of its current fiscal year or its next succeeding fiscal year.
Employees
On March 13, 2012 the Company had thirteen full-time employees, five of whom are technical personnel, and the rest of whom perform legal, finance, marketing, investor relations, and administrative functions. Of these employees, three have obtained doctorates in chemistry, one has a masters degree in chemistry, one has extensive industrial experience in electronics and electrical engineering, and one has majored in physics. Four employees also have additional postgraduate degrees in business administration, including one doctorate in organization and management. Also the Company’s suppliers and licensees have people on their teams with advanced degrees in a number of areas relevant to the commercial development of products using the Company’s technology. The success of the Company is dependent upon, among other things, the services of its senior management, the loss of which could have a material adverse effect upon the prospects of the Company.
Industry Trends
While economic activity around the world is still recovering from a severe downturn, there also are favorable converging global trends in the major near-term markets for SPD-Smart products. These trends are gaining momentum and strength. In both public and private sectors across the world, there are substantial efforts targeted toward the promotion and use of energy efficient materials, including those used in automobiles, windows and other architectural glazings, aircraft and boats. For example, as part of its sustainable design strategies, the architectural community is actively increasing the use of daylight harvesting and building automation systems to more effectively capture and control natural light as part of energy reduction strategies to offset electricity used by artificial lighting. In addition to design, aesthetic and other benefits, this expanded use of glass also supports a growing body of research which finds that the presence of and control over incoming natural light improves the well-being and productivity of individuals. Products using SPD-Smart light-control technology – sunroofs, windows, skylights, partitions and others – can play an important role in supporting these converging global trends.
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In the automotive industry, global trends include the introduction of larger sunroofs and panoramic roof panels in transportation vehicles, and a higher percentage of these vehicles having a sunroof or using more glass in the roof. In 2011, Daimler AG introduced its new Mercedes-Benz SLK and SL roadsters which offers as an option the Magic Sky Control glass roof using the Company’s SPD-SmartGlass technology. In March 2012, Daimler introduced its third vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz Viano PEARL, using SPD-SmartGlass technology at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show. The special limited edition of the Mercedes-Benz Viano Pearl features as standard equipment SPD-SmartGlass technology in the luxury van’s four rear side windows, allowing rear passengers enhanced privacy as well as instant heat, light and glare control.
Automobile manufacturers are beginning to introduce “cielo” glass systems where the windshield of the vehicle joins with the glass in the roof of the vehicle to form one continuous piece of curved glass. The SPD-Smart component of these cielo systems can start with the blue band on the top of the windshield (the rest of the windshield would not use any kind of dark tint because regulations require that the main part of the windshield not have less than 70% light transmission at all times) and extend back to encompass the entire glass roof. Some automakers have incorporated SPD-SmartGlass in concept vehicles, with some of these concept vehicles being exhibited at major auto shows, and a growing number of automakers are developing SPD-SmartGlass products for production vehicles as well. SPD-SmartGlass has also been shown in armored automotive glass applications, and a new market is also beginning to develop for personalized custom conversions of automobiles for owners who wish to express themselves through the design of the cars they own and/or drive.
For architectural applications, various market forces and the distinctive features of SPD-SmartGlass are having an upward influence on interest for SPD-Smart products. Many architects are specifying more glass in their designs to satisfy building occupants’ desire for greater connectedness with the outside environment. Also significant is the heightened attention to energy efficiency in both commercial and residential buildings. Various studies indicate that buildings in the United States and Europe now account for an estimated 39-40% of total energy use and upwards of 70% or more of electricity consumption. Many architects and building owners are striving for sustainable, "green" buildings that are highly energy-efficient, reduce environmental impact, and improve occupant health and well-being. In addition, the design community is increasingly interested in advanced daylighting systems in buildings that lower electrical lighting usage and reduce heating and cooling loads. Because of this, the ability to control light, glare and heat in these building applications is very important and advanced solutions often are needed to optimize operating efficiencies. SPD-Smart architectural products instantly and precisely provide shading, glare control and heat management solutions for offices and homes, especially when these products are available for new construction, replacement and retrofit projects. These products include insulated glass units, single-panel retrofits, unusually shaped glazings, and products with advanced fabrications such as those with ballistic- and blast-resistant capabilities.
In the aerospace industry there is also a trend towards larger windows. In the “transport category” (primarily large commercial passenger aircraft) segment, the world's two largest aircraft manufacturers are both promoting the size of the windows in new aircraft platforms either already being delivered (e.g. Boeing 787) or in pre-production (e.g. Airbus A350). In the “general aviation” category (primarily private or chartered smaller aircraft) this trend is true as well, for example Gulfstream is promoting the size of the windows in the upcoming G650 platform. Several OEMs either already offer, or have announced their interest to include, electronic smart window shades in their aircraft – including Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Hawker Beechcraft, HondaJet and Nextant. Qantas Airlines currently has SPD-Smart window shades installed in the first class lavatories in all of their Airbus A380 aircraft.
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Electronic aircraft window shades may use SPD technology, or may use other smart window technologies such as liquid crystal or electrochromic technology. For use in aircraft, SPD-Smart window shades are made of shatterproof plastic instead of glass to save weight for a given window thickness and to avoid breakage risks. The Company believes its SPD technology offers important performance advantages over other technologies including faster, more uniform response time, greater light-blockage, maximum heat-rejection when the aircraft is parked on the ramp, and weight-savings. To date, SPD technology is also the only commercially available light-control smart window technology known to have passed the stringent safety and durability tests required by the aviation industry and to have received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration. Today SPD-Smart window shades are flying in 26 models of various aircraft including those used in commercial aviation, general aviation and military aviation. Two leading companies manufacturing electromechanical pleated window shades have announced new products that incorporate SPD dimmable windows into their designs.
In the marine application, where light-control needs are especially important, many yacht manufacturers currently employ less than ideal glazing solutions as they try to satisfy various shading and solar control objectives. For example, some report having to use as many as five different types of glass in a typical yacht to satisfy diverse glazing needs. SPD-Smart marine products can reduce the number of different types of glass used in these yachts because of its increased functionality, superior performance and versatility. SPD-Smart marine products provide an innovation that allows these operators to manage incoming light, glare and heat while achieving privacy or maintaining one’s view as desired. In October 2011, Cheoy Lee Shipyards unveiled the Alpha, its most advanced production yacht, which is fully-equipped with the latest yacht design features including SPD-SmartGlass supplied by Research Frontiers licensee Diamond Sea Glaze. The Alpha has approximately 150 square feet of SPD-SmartGlass at various places throughout the vessel and it is the first large-scale production yacht to make such extensive use of SPD-SmartGlass.
Products using SPD-Smart technology continue to be exhibited at trade shows, conferences, and industry events, with such products not only being exhibited by our licensees but also by their customers and by OEMs. While there can be no assurance that these trends will continue, to the extent that they do continue, each is expected to have a beneficial effect on future fee income for the Company.
In January 2011, Freedonia Group (a leading market research firm) issued a global flat glass study that projects 6.0 percent annual growth for this market through 2014 (valued at $89 billion in 2014). This study indicated that Flat Glass demand over this time period will be influenced by favorable expectations in building construction and motor vehicles. The Advanced Flat Glass market, a specialty segment of the Flat Glass market, is expected to grow at a faster rate.
SPD-Smart glass products compete in the solar control segment of the Advanced Flat Glass market. In December 2010, Freedonia Group issued a US Advanced Flat Glass study that projects 9.1 percent annual growth for this market through 2014 (valued at $7.0 billion in 2014). This study further projects that solar control glass, a segment of the advanced flat glass market, is expected to grow at an annual growth rate in excess of twelve percent from 2009 to 2014 (valued at $2.1 billion in 2014).
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Historical Background and Recent Developments
SPD-Smart Film Production
An important material used in SPD-Smart end-products is SPD light-control film that varies the tint of glass or plastic. In early 2007, our licensee Hitachi Chemical began producing their initial SPD-Smart light-control film on their first factory line. During the second half of 2009, Hitachi Chemical announced that they had begun mass production on their new, larger capacity production line and expanded their annual production capacity to 400,000 square meters (over 4.3 million square feet). Unlike prior production lines, Hitachi Chemical’s new production line is dedicated exclusively to the production of SPD-Smart film. In July 2009, Hitachi Chemical launched its website dedicated to its SPD-Smart light control film and during 2009, Hitachi Chemical outlined in its press releases and public presentations that it plans to "accelerate the use of SPD film, which holds significant potential for growth" and noted that "SPD film is positioned as one of the key emerging products promoted by Hitachi Chemical to become a future leading product for the company." Customers for Hitachi Chemical's SPD-Smart film are end-product licensees of Research Frontiers. These licensees receive the film, laminate it into glass or plastic, and then fabricate end-products sold into various industries. Most of end-product licensees pay Research Frontiers a royalty on the sale of these end-products that typically range from 10-15%.
In 2010, Hitachi Chemical expanded its SPD film product portfolio by initiating commercial production of a “lighter” version of its film. Both the SPD “dark” and “light” films provide very high ranges of visible light transmission. SPD “dark” film has a range of approximately 0.5% to 55.0%, and SPD “light” film has a range of approximately 2% to 65%. This leads to contrast ratios (the ratio of clear to dark light transmission) of up to 110:1. The commercialization of both “dark” and “light” versions of SPD-film provides greater design and performance options for various end-product applications. In addition, in February 2012 the Company filed a patent application relating to the production of SPD-films with even higher light and dark transmission states than currently available commercially.
In addition to Hitachi Chemical, two licensed companies are currently making or developing SPD-Smart light-control film under license from Research Frontiers using SPD-Smart emulsion produced by our licensee DIC Corporation (formerly known as Dainippon Ink and Chemicals). These two companies are licensed to sell SPD-Smart light-control film to other licensees of Research Frontiers. One company in Italy, Isoclima S.p.A., is also licensed by Research Frontiers to make and sell architectural and automotive end-products worldwide. In February 2010, Research Frontiers also licensed Australia’s ID Research Pty Ltd. (the parent company of IGlass Pty Limited) to make and sell SPD-Smart film worldwide, and to make and sell SPD-Smart architectural smart window products in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
SPD-Smart Automotive Products
Research Frontiers and its licensees are currently working with multiple automotive manufacturers to introduce SPD-Smart windows, sunroofs and roof systems on both concept and production vehicles. Research Frontiers’ end-product licensees in this sector include: American Glass Products, Asahi Glass, BOS Automotive, Custom Glass, Daimler AG, DuPont, GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, Isoclima, Pilkington Glass, Pittsburgh Glass Works (formerly the automotive glass division of PPG Industries) and Vision Systems. The Company’s automotive glass licensees account for the majority of all glass produced for the automotive market throughout the world.
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In September 2008, the automotive glass business of PPG Industries (now known as Pittsburgh Glass Works, LLC), was licensed to make SPD-Smart automotive glass products, including windows, sunroofs and roof glass systems. Pittsburg Glass Works (PGW) is North America’s largest automotive glass producer. PGW cited the importance of this work with SPD-Smart automotive products in their October 2009 press release highlighting milestones achieved during their first year as an independent company after being previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of PPG Industries.
In September 2009, Pilkington Group Limited, a subsidiary of Nippon Sheet Glass (the world’s largest supplier of glass used in buildings and cars), expanded its license for SPD-Smart architectural products to include automotive end-products. In March 2011, Pilkington Automotive introduced its brand SPD-SmartGlass automotive glazing products known as Sundym Select™. Pilkington describes Sundym Select as providing “the highest level of solar protection available in any, mass produced, vehicle glazing to date.” Pilkington and its parent company Nippon Sheet Glass (also a licensee of Research Frontiers) are now supplying Sundym Select for the Mercedes-Benz SLK Magic Sky Control roof.
In February 2011, Research Frontiers announced that Daimler AG will use SPD-SmartGlass technology in its Magic Sky Control panoramic glass roof as an option on its new Mercedes-Benz 2012 SLK. In December 2011, the Company further announced that Daimler AG will also offer its Magic Sky Control panoramic glass roof as an option on its new Mercedes-Benz 2013 SL (expected to be available during 2012). These SPD products allow drivers and passengers to change the tint of the car roof from dark to clear quickly with a touch of a button. The SLK and SL will be the first large-scale series production vehicles to offer SPD-SmartGlass. The Research Frontiers licensees involved with the production of the Magic Sky Control roof for the SLK and SL include Hitachi Chemical, which manufactures the SPD-Smart light-control film in Japan and has recently announced its capacity to manufacture 4.3 million square feet of SPD film per year. Automotive glass companies Nippon Sheet Glass in Japan and Pilkington in the UK and Germany then process and laminate Hitachi’s SPD film into the glass for the Magic Sky Control roof.
In March 2012, Daimler introduced its third vehicle using Research Frontiers’ SPD-SmartGlass technology at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show. The special limited edition of the Viano Pearl features as standard equipment SPD-SmartGlass technology in the luxury van’s four side windows in the rear of the vehicle, allowing passengers enhanced privacy as well as instant heat, light and glare control. This is the first vehicle produced by an automotive OEM that offers automotive side windows made using SPD light-control technology. The Viano Pearl is expected to be available beginning in July 2012. This SPD-SmartGlass used in the Viano Pearl will be manufactured by Research Frontiers’ licensee Isoclima S.p.A.
In January 2010, Vision Systems acquired a license from the Company to manufacture and sell SPD-Smart products for markets including recreational vehicles, buses, trucks, mobile cranes and construction vehicles in all countries of Europe. During 2010, Vision Systems featured its “Nuance” brand of SPD-Smart automotive dimmable windows at InnoTrans 2010 (Berlin, Germany) and at the 63rd IAA Commercial Vehicle conference (Hanover, Germany). During April 2011, Vision Systems exhibited its SPD-Smart aerospace products at the 2011 Aircraft Interiors Expo (Hamburg, Germany) and at the 2011 Bombardier Operators Conference and Tradeshow (Toronto, Canada). In May 2011, Vision Systems SPD-Smart products were exhibited in an OEM’s mock-up at the 11th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) (Geneva, Switzerland). In June 2011, Vision Systems SPD-Smart aircraft window shades were featured in the business class section of the Bombardier CSeries aircraft mockup at the 49th International Paris Air Show (Le Bourget Airport in France). Also in that month, Vision Systems exhibited its SPD-Smart transportation products at AGIR 2011 (La Rochelle, France), an automotive trade exhibition dedicated to the management and operation of public transport including buses, coaches, tramways and fleet vehicles. Vision Systems’ aerospace and ground transportation products were exhibited in October 2011 at the NBAA 2011 – the National Business Aviation Association’s 64th Annual Meeting and Convention (Las Vegas, Nevada) – where HondaJet also exhibited this licensees’ SPD-Smart products in its mock-up. During that month, SAFRA SAS exhibited bus roof glass produced with Vision Systems’ SPD-Smart Nuance product for the transportation industry at the 23rd National Meeting of Public Transport (Strasbourg, France), and another automotive exhibited a skydome for a motorhome made with Vision Systems’ SPD-SmartGlass at the 46th Salon de Vehicules de Loisirs (Paris, France). Later October, Vision Systems exhibited its SPD-Smart ground transportation products at Busworld Kortrijk 2011 (Kortrijk Xpo, Belgium). In November 2011, Bombardier Aerospace featured Vision Systems’ SPD-Smart aircraft windows in CSeries aircraft cabin mock-up at the 2011 Dubai Airshow (Dubai, United Arab Emirates).
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Vision Systems announced in January 2012 that Notin, manufacturer of motorhomes and campers, has selected Visions Systems’ Nuance brand of SPD-SmartGlass for the skylight of Notin's Angara luxury motorhome. The SPD-Smart skylight is standard equipment on the Angara. Production and shipments of the Angara are scheduled to commence in 2012. In February 2012, Vision Systems’ SPD-Smart aerospace products were exhibited at the 2012 Singapore Airshow (Changi International Airport, Singapore).
While the highest volume market for which SPD-Smart technology is being developed is new car production by the world’s automakers, the aftermarket upgrade market also presents near-term opportunities in the automotive market. Research Frontiers licensee American Glass Products (AGP) is offering its Vario Plus Sky SPD-SmartGlass to the automotive aftermarket.
Within the automotive market, a potentially additional sector is the armored glass market. Armored glass (sometimes referred to as “transparent armor” and “bullet-resistant glass”) encompasses the military, non-military government, and civilian markets. In addition, SPD-Smart technology in this market not only provides the benefits of light-control and UV blockage, it also adds enhanced security by introducing darker tints and privacy. A number of the Company’s licensees including American Glass Products, GKN, Isoclima and Pittsburgh Glass Works are recognized industry leaders in the armored glass market.
In February 2008, GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems acquired a license from us covering SPD-Smart armored glass for vehicles (as discussed below, this license was also expanded in late 2010 to also include aircraft products). GKN is a world leader in armored transportation vehicles for both military and civilian vehicles. Since then, GKN has exhibited their armored SPD-Smart automotive glass at various military and industry trade shows. In September 2009, GKN announced that it had been awarded a $425,000 contract by the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) of the United States Department of Defense to develop instantly dimmable SPD-Smart bullet resistant windows. GKN reported that it has successfully moved to the next phase of this government project. In October 2011, GKN exhibited its SPD-Smart armored automotive window at AUSA 2011 in Washington, D.C. and is pursuing commercial opportunities for its SPD-based products.
In September 2010, licensee Isoclima exhibited various products from its CromaLite brand of SPD-SmartGlass at Glasstec 2010, a major industry event. At the Frankfurt International Auto Show (Frankfurt, Germany), auto manufacturer Mercedes-Benz exhibited its Viano Vision Pearl luxury concept van using SPD-SmartGlass™ technology. The Viano Vision Pearl luxury van on display featured SPD-SmartGlass technology in the three glass roof panels, the rear window, and four side windows. All of these glazings were supplied by Research Frontiers’ licensee Isoclima S.p.A. In November 2011, Isoclima exhibited its CromaLite brand of SPD-SmartGlass at the 2011 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) (Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre, The Netherlands).
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SPD-Smart Architectural Products
Research Frontiers and its licensees are currently working with multiple architectural customers to introduce SPD-Smart products including windows, skylights, partitions and doors. The architectural markets for these products are highly fragmented and in general have a high sensitivity to price. In the near term, the Company expects SPD-SmartGlass products primarily will be commercialized in specialty applications and/or sectors that value its performance attributes. Research Frontiers’ end-product licensees in this sector include: American Glass Products (AGP), Asahi Glass, Cricursa Cristales Curvados, ID Research Pty Ltd (“iGlass”), Innovative Glass, LTI SmartGlass, Prelco, Isoclima, Traco (a business unit of Alcoa) and SmartGlass International Ltd.
SPD-Smart windows, skylights, doors and partitions offer various benefits in architectural applications. During 2009, independent tests were conducted by DSET Laboratories, a division of Atlas Material Testing Technology, in accordance with ASTM and ASHRAE testing and calculation protocols. These test results demonstrate that SPD-Smart windows have excellent solar heat rejection and control capabilities.
In January 2011, SmartGlass International announced that a new study published by the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge concluded that SPD-Smart light-control windows are exceptionally energy efficient, reducing solar heat gain by as much as 90%. The Cambridge study indicated that the real-world testing "confirms theoretical predictions that SPD glass holds great energy saving potential and is a technology that can really help to reduce energy wastage of glass facades." In addition to SPD-Smart technology, the Cambridge study discussed alternative dynamic glazing technologies that could be used in windows (e.g. electrochromics) and reported that SPD-Smart technology did not have the disadvantages that limited the potential of these alternative technologies. For example, the study cited that an electrochromic window that is 2.4 square meters can take up to 30 minutes to change from clear to dark.
Research Frontiers licensee SmartGlass International has announced completion of several high visibility SPD-SmartGlass installations. During February 2012, the company announced installation of SPD-SmartGlass at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world’s largest and most respected centers for scientific research. SmartGlass International installed SPD-SmartGlass in CERN’s Globe of Science and Innovation Housing which will house a permanent exhibition and is intended to serve as a venue for a wide range of activities, conferences and other events, In February 2011, SmartGlass International announced it supplied retrofit SPD-SmartGlass to five London television studios of the Associated Press. The SPD-SmartGlass used in these projects harvested daylight when it's needed, improved occupant comfort by providing controllable solar shading during peak light conditions, and preserved views. Just prior to this installation, it was announced that SmartGlass International installed retrofit SPD-SmartGlass panels at the set of "Daybreak," the breakfast anchor program from ITV, one of the UK's largest commercial television networks. SmartGlass International also has established a division known as SmartGlass Medical which is a dedicated manufacturer of electronically switchable glass for the medical sector. In February 2011, SmartGlass International exhibited SPD-SmartGlass at Patient Safety 2011 in London, England. Patient Safety 2011 is the United Kingdom’s premier forum for issues related of the country’s National Health Service hospitals.
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In November 2011, Research Frontiers licensee Innovative Glass Corporation was awarded two 2010 Crystal Achievement Awards for their smart window product line using our SPD-Smart light-control technology. In October 2010, their SPD-SmartGlass product was awarded WFX’s (Worship Facilities Conference & Expo) New Product award for Best Building System Material Product/Window. Innovative Glass also has announced or is working on a number of SPD-SmartGlass architectural projects including:
In November 2011, licensee LTI Smart Glass exhibited SPD-SmartGlass at the Build Boston 2011 architectural trade event in Boston, MA. Known as a pioneer in the processing and laminating of electrified films, the LTI Smart Glass product line includes high-performance SPD-Smart ballistic- and blast-rated glazings, in addition to conventional SPD-Smart windows, doors, skylights and partitions.
In February 2010, ID Research Pty Ltd (IDR) (the parent company of iGlass Pty Limited) acquired a license from Research Frontiers granting it the right to manufacture and sell SPD-Smart architectural end-products in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The license also grants ID Research Pty Ltd the worldwide right to manufacture and sell SPD emulsion and film to end-product licensees of Research Frontiers. The license follows a $1.5 million grant to ID Research Pty Ltd from the Government of Victoria's Science Agenda (VSA) Investment Fund for "Electro Responsive Material Coatings for Switchable Automotive Tinted Glass." The proceeds of this investment are to upgrade and modify the company’s factory to produce SPD light-control film.
SPD-Smart Aircraft Products
Research Frontiers’ worldwide presence in the aviation industry includes four end-product licensees: GKN Aerospace, InspecTech Aero Service, SmartGlass International (in partnership with Schott AG) and Vision Systems. Research Frontiers, its licensees, and strategic partners of its licensees are currently working with “transport category” (primarily large commercial aircraft) and “general aviation category” (primarily private and chartered smaller aircraft) aerospace customers to introduce SPD-Smart aircraft products including windows and partitions. The SPD aviation infrastructure is actively working in both new aircraft production and aftermarket installation programs.
Aviation Licensee InspecTech Aero Service Inc.
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Research Frontiers' licensee InspecTech Aero Service Inc. markets its iShade brand of SPD-Smart windows to both the OEM new production segment and aftermarket segment of the aviation industry. Building on previously announced milestones including the selection by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation of InspecTech smart window shades for aftermarket installation on King Air aircraft, and receiving a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for all models of King Air aircraft by the FAA, InspecTech and its strategic partners are working with a growing number of aircraft manufacturers and their customers and are selling SPD-Smart dimmable windows for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. InspecTech’s SPD-Smart products have been installed on 26 models of helicopters and commercial, corporate, and military aircraft.
InspecTech’s SPD-Smart aircraft windows are the industry’s only dynamic switchable window shades that are now available for any aircraft as an aftermarket installation worldwide, and for new production aircraft. In the transport category of the industry, InspecTech’s SPD-Smart products have been installed in selected areas on all Airbus A380 aircraft delivered by Airbus to Qantas Airlines to date, making SPD-Smart window shades the first and only instantly dimmable window shade flying on commercial airlines.
In April 2011, InspecTech announced a new model of its SPD-Smart iShade dimmable window, branded iShade iQ. This model, in addition to the light, glare and heat control made possible by its use of SPD-Smart technology, also reduces noise levels in the cabin.
Also in April 2011, InspecTech exhibited its iShade iQ brand of SPD-Smart window at the 2011 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. It was announced that one of InspecTech’s strategic partners, a premier aircraft pleated shade manufacturers, also promoted SPD-Smart aircraft products at this expo. Lou Martin & Associates showcased their E3 brand of SPD-Smart dimmable window developed with licensee InspecTech. This aircraft cabin window shading system integrates Lou Martin’s electromechanical pleated shade with InspecTech’s SPD-Smart iShade dimmable window.
In October 2011, InspecTech’s SPD-Smart dimmable windows had a substantial presence at NBAA 2011 – the National Business Aviation Association’s 64th Annual Meeting and Convention. The NBAA is the year’s most significant event for the business aviation industry. This event brings together business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, corporate aviation department personnel and others involved in nearly all aspects of business aviation. InspecTech exhibited its SPD-Smart iShade aerospace window shades. Lou Martin & Associates and MSA Aircraft Products, two strategic partners of InspecTech, exhibited InspecTech’s iShade in combination with a pleated shade at their respective booths. In addition, an aircraft manufacturer unveiled an aircraft installed with InspecTech iShades.
In November 2011, InspecTech exhibited at the NBAA trade show in Las Vegas. Strategic Partners MSA Aircraft Products, and Lou Martin & Associates, also exhibited their products that include InspecTech’s iShade dimmable windows.
At the end of 2011, InspecTech’s sales of its iShade brand of SPD-Smart dimmable windows had extended to installation on 26 different aircraft models, and its mature SPD-Smart dimmable windows had been on in-service aircraft for ten years.
Aviation Licensee Vision Systems
In December 2010, licensee Vision Systems exhibited its Nuance brand of SPD-Smart aircraft cabin windows at MEBA 2010 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Vision Systems featured an integrated display of three SPD-Smart Nuance aircraft cabin windows, and demonstrated the advanced shading and solar control capabilities available to pilots, crew and passengers when Nuance windows are used with Vision Systems’ onboard control system.
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In April 2011, Vision Systems exhibited its SPD-Smart Nuance and Noctis products at the 2011 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. Vision Systems’ SPD-Smart Nuance aerospace windows offer instant and precise solar protection solutions that enhance flying comfort and support fuel efficiency. Nuance aircraft and helicopter window shades are impact-resistant, completely silent, available in flat and curved surfaces, and can be controlled by the cabin management system or by passengers. The SPD-Smart Noctis shading system provides control of incoming light at every level, offering on-demand blackout solar protection and complete privacy as needed. Also in April 2011, Vision Systems exhibited its Nuance and Noctis Products at the 2011 Bombardier Operators Conference and Tradeshow in Toronto, Canada.
In May 2011, Vision Systems exhibited at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, a premier event and the annual meeting place for the European business aviation community.
On June 20, 2011, it was announced that at the 2011 Paris Air Show, SPD-Smart windows supplied by Vision Systems were presented by an OEM in their full cabin mockup. Later in the month, with authorization from their customer Bombardier Aerospace, Vision Systems revealed additional details. At the Paris Air Show, Bombardier showcased Vision Systems’ Noctis brand of SPD-Smart aircraft window shades in the business class section of the Bombardier C Series aircraft mockup.
In October 2011, Vision Systems featured its SPD-Smart Nuance and Noctis aircraft and helicopter window shades at the NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention. In addition to Vision Systems exhibiting SPD-Smart products, an unnamed OEM also exhibited Vision Systems’ SPD-Smart aerospace window shades in its mock-up.
Aviation Licensee GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems
In January 2011, Research Frontiers and GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems publicly announced the expansion of the scope of the former license agreement to include the sale of SPD-Smart windows, window shades, interior partitions, cabin dividers and other products for aircraft. The earlier license agreement with GKN focused on SPD-Smart products for armored transportation applications. GKN Aerospace is the world-leading supplier of cockpit transparencies and passenger cabin windows.
In October 2011, GKN exhibited at NBAA 2011 and showed its SPD-Smart aircraft window to select visitors to its booth.
Aviation Licensee SmartGlass International Ltd.
In 2010, Research Frontiers and SmartGlass International Ltd. announced an agreement to expand the scope of SmartGlass International’s license. Under this agreement, SmartGlass International is authorized to manufacture and offer SPD-Smart products, including aerospace windows, worldwide. Prior to this agreement, SmartGlass International was licensed to offer SPD-Smart architectural products worldwide outside of North America.
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In April 2011, SmartGlass International’s SPD-Smart aircraft products were exhibited at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, at the booth of SmartGlass International’s strategic sales and marketing partner SCHOTT AG. SmartGlass International and the SCHOTT Group have an agreement granting SCHOTT the right to sell SmartGlass International’s SPD-Smart products. In business for more than 125 years, SCHOTT is a world leader in the specialty glass industry and brings its extensive infrastructure of sales, distribution and service – including over 50 sales offices spanning 125 countries – to SmartGlass International and its award-winning SPD-Smart product line.
SPD-Smart Marine Products
Research Frontiers and its licensees are currently working with marine customers to introduce SPD-Smart products including windows, doors and partitions. In December 2010, Diamond Sea Glaze Manufacturing Ltd. acquired a license from Research Frontiers granting it the right to manufacture and sell SPD-Smart marine end-products worldwide. When our patented SPD-Smart light-control technology is used in yacht windows and other products, users can quickly and precisely control and “tune” the amount of light, glare and heat coming through their windows, while preserving their view. Diamond Sea-Glaze Manufacturing commenced marketing activities for products using SPD technology during the second quarter of 2011. In October 2011, Cheoy Lee Shipyards unveiled the Alpha, its most advanced production yacht, which is fully-equipped with the latest yacht design features including SPD-SmartGlass supplied by Research Frontiers licensee Diamond Sea Glaze. The Alpha has approximately 150 square feet of SPD-SmartGlass at various places throughout the vessel and it is the first large-scale production yacht to make such extensive use of SPD-SmartGlass.
Marketing Activities and Licensee Support
In addition to supporting the efforts of its licensees, the Company also recognizes the need to develop the SPD industry as a whole. As such, the Company continues to plan and execute complementary programs that build awareness and interest in smart glass generally and demand for SPD-Smart technology specifically. These programs include presentations at various general industry conferences, participation in panel presentations and discussions hosted by academia, development of trade association educational materials, and presentations to architects, designers, and other influential specifiers. For example, during 2011, the Company gave presentations at CEDIA Expo 2011 (Indianapolis, IN), Facility Fusion 2011 (Boston, MA), Buildings New York 2011 (New York, NY), The Society of Vacuum Coaters’ Technical Conference (Chicago, IL) and at the National Building Museum (Washington D.C.). For the second consecutive year, Research Frontiers exhibited SPD-SmartGlass in at NanoDays 2011 held at the Museum of Science in Boston, MA in March. In May 2011, the Company exhibited SPD-SmartGlass at Glass Expo Northeast (Hauppauge, NY). During 2011, the Company gave a number of presentations to architects as an approved provider of the America Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Continuing Education System. The Company expects to participate in additional conferences and events in 2012.
During 2011, Dr. George Elvin, Director of Green Technology Forum, featured SPD-Smart light-control technology in a series of international talks and courses on emerging green technologies. Dr. Elvin is a well-known advisor, speaker and author on emerging technologies and has an extensive academic background.
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The Company’s market development department has a number of other initiatives in place. To help guide and prioritize its technical and marketing investments, the Company periodically retains outside strategic marketing and other consultants to help generate increased short- and medium-term market penetrations for each of the major markets for the Company’s light-control technology, and to provide support and guidance to the Company’s licensees worldwide.
The Company has emerged as a leading resource for market research information on the subject of smart glass. Research Frontiers lectures and presents at industry conferences in areas of energy efficiency, daylight harvesting and sustainability. The Company has published independent test data about SPD-SmartGlass, shared the results of its research studies and test data with industry and the media, posted various reference materials to the Company’s website for global dissemination, and published presentations, data and bylined articles.
Research Frontiers maintains an active role with various standards-setting organizations. These organizations include ASTM International and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), both of which have had or continue to have active committees developing standards for smart glass.
In addition to Research Frontiers providing overarching support of licensees’ sales efforts by developing the SPD industry as a whole, leveraging its prominence as a leading resource on the topic of smart glass, and maintaining an active role with standards organizations, Research Frontiers also supports licensees’ marketing and sales efforts directly. Activities include advising and assisting with branding strategies and advertising campaigns, website development and other marketing materials, joint presentations to prospective customers, and additional support. As a focal point of interest in smart glass, resulting in many consumer and business inquiries, Research Frontiers has an active referral program to generate customer leads for its licensees.
As part of this mission to develop the industry and to support our licensees’ acquiring specific SPD projects, in March of 2009 Research Frontiers announced the completion of the SPD-SmartGlass Design Center. Research Frontiers and its licensees have begun to host a series of events at this new facility. This Center is also configured as an interactive and energy-efficient "smart" executive office and conference room, is located at the Company's corporate headquarters in Woodbury, New York. The SPD-SmartGlass Design Center features leading-edge SPD-Smart windows of different sizes (some floor-to-ceiling) and framing materials. It has a multi-functional electronic controller system for manual, remote, automatic smart glass switching, and windows that can be controlled remotely over the internet or using a smart phone. An interactive exhibit was also competed in 2009 and expanded in 2010 adjacent to the SPD-SmartGlass Design Center to provide guests with a history of smart glass and to showcase state-of-the-art examples of SPD-Smart products. This interactive area also contains other types of smart glass, such as those using liquid crystal and electrochromic technologies, allowing users to operate and experience first-hand the differences in performance characteristics of different types of smart glass.
Research Frontiers’ Design Center is the only known public forum where customers can compare performance between SPD-Smart technology and products using other light-control technologies. Research Frontiers believes that the growth of the smart glass industry will be accelerated as more information is made available through direct comparisons. Research Frontiers believes that SPD products will be strongly preferred over competing technologies once a direct comparison is available to potential buyers. Research Frontiers continues to encourage its competitors to participate in public forums where consumers of electronically tintable products can see the relative performance of products that are available.
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Licensees of Research Frontiers
Currently, the Company’s 39 licensees are categorized into four main areas: materials for making films (emulsions), film, lamination of film to glass or plastic, and end-products. Emulsion makers produce and combine the necessary materials (i.e. SPD particles and various liquids and special polymers) from which SPD-Smart films are made. The film makers coat a thin layer of emulsion between two sheets of plastic film, each of which has a transparent conductive coating. This emulsion is then partly solidified to form an SPD film that allows users to control the amount of light, glare and heat passing through this film. The end-product licensees then integrate this film into a variety of SPD-Smart products, or make electronic systems to control such SPD-Smart products. Some of these end-product licensees do their own lamination of the SPD light-control film to glass or plastic, and some outsource this lamination to other companies. The names of this growing list of licensees, and the year that their license agreements were entered into, are contained in the Exhibit section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Licensees of Research Frontiers who incorporate SPD technology into end-products will pay Research Frontiers a royalty of 5-15% of net sales of licensed products under license agreements currently in effect, and may also be required to pay Research Frontiers fees and minimum annual royalties. Licensees who sell components (such as SPD emulsion or film) or lamination services to other licensees of Research Frontiers do not pay a royalty on such sale or service, and Research Frontiers will collect a royalty from the licensee incorporating these components into their own SPD-Smart end-products. Research Frontiers’ license agreements typically allow the licensee to terminate the license after some period of time, and give Research Frontiers only limited rights to terminate before the license expires. The licenses granted by the Company are non-exclusive and generally last as long as Research Frontiers’ patents remain in effect. Due to their bankruptcy filings or other termination of their general business activities or for other reasons, the Company does not believe that Polaroid Corporation, Kerros Limited, ThermoView Industries, BRG Group, SPD Technologies, SPD Systems, and Film Technologies International are pursuing business activities with respect to SPD technology. Also the Company and licensee N.V. Bekaert, S.A mutually agreed to terminate their license agreement during 2008 for reasons unrelated to SPD technology. Some of the Company’s other licensees are currently inactive with respect to SPD technology, but may hereafter become active again. To date, the Company has not generated sufficient revenue from its licensees to profitably fund its operations. All of the Company’s license agreements are included as exhibits to the Company’s periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Although the Company believes based upon the status of current negotiations that additional license agreements with third parties will be entered into, there can be no assurance that any such additional license agreements will be consummated, or of the extent to which any current or future licensee of the Company will produce or sell commercial products using the Company’s technology or generate meaningful revenue from sales of such licensed products.
The Company plans to continue to exploit its SPD-Smart light-control technology by entering into additional license and other agreements with end-product manufacturers such as manufacturers of flat glass, flat panel displays and automotive products, and with other interested companies who may wish to acquire rights to manufacture and sell the Company’s proprietary emulsions and films.
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The Company’s plans also call for further development of its technology and the provision of additional technological and marketing assistance to its licensees to develop commercially viable SPD-Smart products, and expand the markets for such products. The Company cannot predict when or if new license agreements will be entered into or the extent to which commercial products will result from its existing or future licensees because of general economic conditions and the risks inherent in the developmental process and because commercialization is dependent upon the efforts of its licensees as well as on the continuing research and development efforts of the Company.
Competitive Technologies
The Company believes that its SPD light-control technology has certain performance advantages over other “smart glass” technologies which electrically vary the amount of light passing through windows and other smart products.
The Company believes that pricing and product performance are the two main factors critical to the adoption of smart glass products. Because the non-SPD smart glass technologies listed below do not have published, consistent pricing or cost data that can be relied upon, the Company cannot accurately report its price position relative to these other technologies. In terms of product performance, the Company believes that SPD-SmartGlass technology offers numerous advantages over other smart glass technologies as discussed below.
Variable light transmission technologies can be classified into two basic types: “active” technologies that can be controlled electrically by the user either automatically or manually, and “passive” technologies that can only react to ambient environmental conditions such as changes in lighting or temperature. One type of passive variable light transmission technology is photochromic technology; such devices change their level of transparency in reaction to external ultra-violet radiation. As compared to photochromic technology, the Company’s SPD technology permits the user to adjust the amount of light passing through the viewing area of the device, rather than the viewing area of the photochromic device merely reacting to external radiation without control by the user. In addition, the reaction time necessary to change from light to dark with SPD-Smart technology can be almost instantaneous, as compared to the much slower reaction time for photochromic devices. Also, unlike SPD technology, photochromic technology does not function well at the high and low ends of the temperature range in which smart windows and other devices are normally expected to operate, nor does photochromic technology perform well in vehicles or other enclosed settings where existing glass is blocking incoming ultra-violet light which is required for photochromic devices to operate.
Similarly, thermochromic smart windows are passive systems which change their light transmission properties as sunlight heats or cools the glass. Because the light transmission properties of thermochromic systems are not controlled by the user, their ability to adapt to the specific needs of occupants is very limited. For example, thermochromic glazings will remain tinted on hot days even when occupants desire more daylight to enter the building or when they want to preserve their views. SPD-Smart windows, which require very low amounts of power to operate, allow for much greater control of incoming light, glare and heat and can be adjusted to any level of light transmission from dark to clear at any time. In addition, SPD-Smart windows can block up to 99.5% of incoming light, a level many times darker than thermochromic systems. The added advantage offers much higher levels of privacy and control over incoming solar energy. Companies involved in thermochromic technology include Pleotint, Suntek and Ravenbrick.
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Active, user-controllable technologies, sometimes referred to as “smart” technologies, are generally more useful than passive technologies because they allow the user to actually control the state of the window. This control is achieved with a manual adjustment, or automatically when coupled with a timer or sensing device such as a photocell, motion detector, thermostat or other intelligent building system. There are three main types of active devices which are compared below:
Electrochromic Technology: Electrochromic windows and rear-view mirrors use a direct current voltage to alter the molecular structure of electrochromic materials (which can be in the form of either a liquid, gel or solid film) causing the material to darken. When compared to electrochromic devices, SPD technology is expected to have numerous potential performance and manufacturing advantages, including some or all of the following:
Many companies with substantially greater resources than Research Frontiers such as 3M, Gentex Corp., Pilkington, PPG Industries, Saint-Gobain Glass and other large corporations have pursued or are pursuing projects in the electrochromic area. While some of these companies have reportedly discontinued or substantially curtailed their work on electrochromics due to technical problems and issues relating to the expense of these technologies, at least four companies (Gentex, PPG Industries, Sage Electrochromics, Soladigm) are currently working to commercialize electrochromic window products. In 2010, Saint-Gobain acquired a 50% equity stake in Sage Electrochromics and merged all of its manufacturing and R&D efforts into Sage Electrochromics.
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Liquid Crystal Technology: To date, the main types of liquid crystal smart windows have been produced by Taliq Corp. (a subsidiary of Raychem Corp. which has since discontinued its liquid crystal operations and licensed its technology to others). Asahi Glass Co., Nippon Sheet Glass, Saint-Gobain Glass, Polytronix, Inc., DMDisplays, iGlass Projects Pty Limited, and 3M (which has also reportedly discontinued its liquid crystal film making operations). The first three companies listed above are also licensees of Research Frontiers Inc. for SPD-Smart technology. Liquid crystal windows only change from a cloudy, opaque milky-white to a clear state, are hazy when viewed at an angle and have no useful intermediate states. As compared to liquid crystal windows, SPD smart windows are expected to have some or all of the following advantages:
In the flat panel display market, further development (such as the achievement of faster switching speeds sufficient for full-motion video applications) is required if the Company expects to compete against display technologies that are currently being used commercially such as liquid crystal displays (“LCDs”) and organic light-emitting diodes (“OLEDs”). Some of the advantages that SPD displays might have include the ability to make displays without using sheet polarizers or alignment layers, and lower light loss and a corresponding reduction in backlighting requirements. However, such products need additional product design, engineering or testing before an evaluation of the commercial potential of such SPD-SmartGlass products can be determined and when, or if, its licensees may begin to penetrate the flat panel display market.
LCDs and other types of displays, liquid crystal windows, as well as electrochromic self-dimmable rear-view mirrors, are already on the market, whereas products incorporating SPD technology (as well as electrochromic windows) have only begun to appear in the marketplace. Therefore, the long-term durability and performance of SPD-Smart displays have not yet been fully ascertained. The companies manufacturing LCD and other display devices, liquid crystal windows, and electrochromic self-dimmable rear-view mirrors and windows, have substantially greater financial resources and manufacturing experience than the Company. There is no assurance that comparable systems having the same advantages of the Company’s SPD technology could not be developed by competitors at a lower cost or that other products could not be developed which would render the Company’s products difficult to market or otherwise render our products obsolete.
Research and Development
As a result of the Company’s research and development efforts, the Company believes that its SPD technology is now, or with additional development will become, usable in a number of commercial products. Such products may include one or more of the following fields: “smart” windows, doors, skylights and partitions; variable light transmission eyewear such as sunglasses and goggles; self-dimmable automotive sunroofs, sunvisors and mirrors; and instruments and other information displays that use digits, letters, graphic images, or other symbols to supply information, including scientific instruments, aviation instruments, automobile dashboard displays and, if certain improvements can be made in various features of the Company’s SPD technology that increases switching speed to the levels needed for video applications, portable computer displays and flat panel television displays.
Even though the Company’s SPD technology has much faster switching speeds than electrochromic technology, current switching speeds are not fast enough for such video applications. The Company believes that most of its research and development efforts have applicability to products that may incorporate the Company’s technology. At its current state of development, the Company’s technology has been judged sufficiently advanced by various of its licensees and their customers for them to proceed with the development, introduction and sale of SPD-Smart products. However, the Company is continuously investing in research and development because it believes that further improvements will result in accelerated and increased market penetration. The Company intends to continue its research and development efforts for the foreseeable future to improve its SPD light-control technology and thereby assist our licensees in the product development, sales and marketing of various existing and new SPD-Smart products.
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During the past few years, and during the past year in particular, the Company and/or its licensees have made significant advances relating to materials to enable (1) improved stability of SPD emulsions, (2) a wider range of light transmission, (3) improved film adhesion and cohesion and (4) increased durability of SPD films/laminates.
The Company has devoted most of the resources it has heretofore expended to research and development activities with the goal of producing commercially viable SPD products and has developed working prototypes of SPD-Smart products for several different applications, with primary emphasis on smart windows for various industries. In addition to working with the Company’s licensees, Research Frontiers has also expanded its efforts to also work directly with some of our licensees’ major customers.
Research Frontiers’ main goals in its research and development include:
Excluding non-cash expenses of approximately $108,000, $170,000, and $26,000, associated with the grant of stock options to the Company’s technical personnel, Research Frontiers incurred approximately $1,282,000, $1,235,000, and $1,524,000, during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, for research and development. Research Frontiers plans to engage in substantial continuing research and development activities to invest in future improvements in SPD light-control technology and to expand for its licensees the capabilities of SPD-Smart technology and the markets for SPD-Smart products.
Patents and Proprietary Information
Research Frontiers continues to make substantial investments to develop, license and protect its intellectual property position. The Company has 38 United States and 250 foreign patents in force. The Company’s United States patents expire at various dates from 2012 through 2025, while its foreign patents expire at various dates from 2012 through 2026. The Company has current US and foreign patent applications that, if granted, would add approximately 250 additional patents to its portfolio. The Company believes that its SPD light-control technology is adequately protected by its patent position and by its proprietary technological know-how. However, the validity of the Company’s patents has never been contested in any litigation. The Company also possesses know-how and relies on trade secrets and nondisclosure agreements to protect its technology. The Company generally requires any employee, consultant, or licensee having access to its confidential information to execute an agreement whereby such person agrees to keep such information confidential.
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Research Frontiers’ licensees have directed the Company not to reveal aspects of their activities or those of their customers, which limits the Company’s ability to disclose certain information.
Rights Plan
In February 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Stockholders’ Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of one right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of Company common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2003. Subject to certain exceptions listed in the Rights Plan, if a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of, or commences a tender or exchange offer for, 15% or more of the Company’s common stock, unless redeemed by the Company’s Board of Directors, each Right entitles the holder (other than the acquiring person) to purchase from the Company $120 worth of common stock for $60. If the Company is merged into, or 50% or more of its assets or earning power is sold to, the acquiring company, the Rights will also enable the holder (other than the acquiring person) to purchase $120 worth of common stock of the acquiring company for $60. The Rights will expire at the close of business on February 18, 2013, unless the Rights Plan is extended by the Company’s Board of Directors or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed by the Company at a price of $.0001 per Right. The Rights are not exercisable during the time when they are redeemable by the Company. The above description highlights some of the features of the Company’s Rights Plan and is not a complete description of the Rights Plan. A more detailed description and copy of the Rights Plan has been filed with the SEC and is available from the Company upon request.
Available Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 240 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797, our telephone number is (516) 364-1902, and our Internet website address is www.SmartGlass.com. We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements on Schedule 14A, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, you should carefully consider the following factors in evaluating us and our business. This Annual Report contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results could differ materially. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report, including the documents incorporated by reference.
There are risks associated with investing in companies such as ours who are primarily engaged in research and development. In addition to risks which could apply to any company or business, you should also consider the business we are in and the following:
Source and Need for Capital.
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $3.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. As we take steps in the commercialization and marketing of our technology, or respond to potential opportunities and/or adverse events, our working capital needs may change. We anticipate that if our cash and cash equivalents are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we will require additional funding to sustain our ongoing operations and to continue our SPD technology research and development activities.
We have funded most of our activities through sales of our common stock to investors, and upon the exercise of options and warrants. Eventual success of the Company and generation of positive cash flow will be dependent upon the extent of commercialization of products using the Company's technology by the Company's licensees and payments of continuing royalties on account thereof. We can give no assurances that we will generate sufficient revenues in the future (through sales of our common stock, exercise of options and warrants, royalty fees, or otherwise) to satisfy our liquidity requirements or sustain future operations, or that additional funding, if required, will be available when needed or, if available, on favorable terms.
History of Operating Losses.
We have experienced net losses from operations, and we may continue to incur net losses from operations in the future. We have incurred substantial costs and expenses in researching and developing our SPD technology. As of December 31, 2011, we had a cumulative net loss of $84,408,286 since our inception. Our net loss was $4,134,068 in 2011, $3,874,865 in 2010 and $4,002,761 in 2009 (which includes non-cash accounting charge in 2011, 2010 and 2009 of $702,837, $772,604, and $445,913, respectively, resulting from the expensing of grants of restricted stock and stock options).
We have never declared a cash dividend and do not intend to declare a cash dividend in the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. Payment of dividends on our common stock is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other relevant factors. We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
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We do not directly manufacture or market products using SPD technology and depend upon activities by our licensees and their customers.
We depend upon the activities of our licensees in order to be profitable. We do not directly manufacture or market products using SPD technology. Although a variety of products have been sold by our licensees, and because it is up to our licensees to decide when and if they will introduce products using SPD technology, we cannot predict when and if our licensees will generate substantial sales of such products. Our SPD technology is currently licensed to 39 companies. Other companies are also evaluating SPD technology for use in various products. In the past, some companies have evaluated our technology without proceeding further. While we expect that our licensees would be primarily responsible for manufacturing and marketing SPD-Smart products and components, we are also engaging in market development activities to support our licensees and build the smart glass industry. We cannot control whether or not our licensees will develop SPD products. Some of our licensees appear to be more active than others, some appear to be better capitalized than others, and some licensees appear to be inactive. There is no guarantee when or if our licensees will successfully produce any commercial product using SPD technology in sufficient quantities to make the Company profitable.
SPD-Smart products have only recently been introduced.
Products using SPD technology have only recently begun to be introduced into the marketplace. Developing products using new technologies can be risky because problems, expenses and delays frequently occur, and costs may or may not come down quickly enough for such products using new technologies to rapidly penetrate mass market applications.
SPD-Smart products face intense competition, which could affect our ability to increase our revenues.
The market for SPD-Smart products is intensely competitive and we expect competition to increase in the future. We compete based on the functionality and the quality of our product. Many of our current and potential competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we have. In addition, many of our competitors have well-established relationships with our current and potential customers and have extensive knowledge of our industry. If our competitors develop new technologies or new products, improve the functionality or quality of their current products, or reduce their prices, and if we are unable to respond to such competitive developments quickly either because our research and development efforts do not keep pace with our competitors or because of our lack of financial resources, we may be unable to compete effectively.
Declining production of automobiles, airplanes, boats and real estate could harm our business.
Our licensees’ commercialization efforts of SPD-Smart products could be negatively impacted if the global production of automobiles, airplanes, boats and real estate construction declines significantly. If such commercialization is reduced, our revenues, results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted.
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Single source of SPD film.
Our end-product licensees require a source of SPD film to manufacture finished products. Currently, Hitachi Chemical is the sole source of commercial quantities of SPD-film. There are several other companies that are licensed to manufacture SPD-film, but they have not begun commercial production of this film. Our end-product licensees’ ability to sell SPD products could be negatively impacted if there was a prolonged disruption in SPD-film availability. Such a disruption could also negatively impact our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.
We are dependent on key personnel.
Our continued success will depend, to a significant extent, on the services of our directors, executive management team, key personnel and certain key scientists. If one or more of these individuals were to leave the Company, there is no guarantee that we could replace them with qualified individuals in a timely or economically satisfactory manner or at all. The loss or unavailability of any or all of these individuals could harm our ability to execute our business plan, maintain important business relationships and complete certain product development initiatives, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial conditions.
Dependence on SPD-Smart technology.
Because SPD technology is the only technology we work with, our success depends upon the viability of SPD technology which has yet to be fully proven. We have not fully ascertained the performance and long-term reliability of our technology, and therefore there is no guarantee that our technology will successfully be incorporated into all of the products which we are targeting for use of SPD technology. We expect that different product applications for SPD technology will have different performance and reliability specifications. We expect that our licensees will primarily be responsible for reliability testing, but that we may also continue to do reliability testing so that we can more effectively focus our research and development efforts towards constantly improving the performance characteristics and reliability of products using SPD technology.
Our patents and other protective measures may not adequately protect our proprietary intellectual property, and we may be infringing on the rights of others.
Our intellectual property, particularly our proprietary rights in our SPD technology, is critical to our success. We have received various patents, and filed other patent applications, for various applications and aspects of our SPD technology. In addition, we generally enter into confidentiality and invention agreements with our employees and consultants. Such patents and agreements and various other measures we take to protect our intellectual property from use by others may not be effective for various reasons generally applicable to patents and their granting and enforcement. In addition, the costs associated with enforcing patents, confidentiality and invention agreements or other intellectual property rights may be expensive. Our inability to protect our proprietary intellectual property rights or gain a competitive advantage from such rights could harm our ability to generate revenues and, as a result, our business and operations.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company currently occupies approximately 9,500 square feet of space at an annual rental which in 2011 was approximately $173,000 for its executive office, research facility and SPD-Smart Glass Design Center at 240 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797 under a lease expiring January 31, 2014. The Company believes that its space, including its laboratory facilities, is adequate for its present needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no legal proceedings pending by or against the Company required to be reported under this Item 3.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
N/A
25
PART II
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S
COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF
EQUITY
SECURITIES
ITEM
5.
(a) Market Information
| (1) | The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “REFR”. As of March 13, 2012, there were 18,907,555 shares of common stock outstanding. | ||
| (2) | The following table sets forth the range of the high and low selling prices (as provided by the National Association of Securities Dealers) of the Company’s common stock for each quarterly period within the past two fiscal years: | ||
| Quarter Ended | Low | High | ||
| March 31, 2010 | 2.61 | 3.76 | ||
| June 30, 2010 | 2.79 | 4.70 | ||
| September 30, 2010 | 3.63 | 4.91 | ||
| December 31, 2010 | 3.95 | 5.29 | ||
| March 31, 2011 | 6.70 | 6.88 | ||
| June 30, 2011 | 4.53 | 4.87 | ||
| September 30, 2011 | 3.50 | 3.78 | ||
| December 31, 2011 | 3.25 | 3.51 |
These quotations may reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
(b) Approximate Number of Security Holders
As of March 9, 2012, there were approximately 436 holders of record of the Company’s common stock and the closing price of our common stock was $3.56 per share. The Company estimates that there are approximately 6,654 beneficial holders of the Company’s common stock.
(c) Dividends
The Company has not declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock for the two most recent fiscal years and does not expect to declare or pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. There are no restrictions on the payment of dividends.
(d) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
26
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected data regarding the Company’s operating results and financial position. The data for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||||
| Statement of Operations Data: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fee income | $ | 845,982 | $ | 767,522 | $ | 709,811 | $ | 1,679,919 | $ | 402,359 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses (1) | 3,618,635 | 3,253,250 | 3,183,492 | 2,959,576 | 5,774,027 | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development (1) | 1,390,689 | 1,404,654 | 1,549,707 | 1,469,760 | 2,529,576 | ||||||||||||||
| 5,009,324 | 4,657,904 | 4,733,199 | 4,429,336 | 8,303,603 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating loss | (4,163,342 | ) | (3,890,382 | ) | (4,023,388 | ) | (2,749,417 | ) | (7,901,244 | ) | |||||||||
| Net investment income | 29,274 | 15,517 | 20,627 | 154,574 | 336,026 | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (4,134,068 | ) | $ | (3,874,865 | ) | $ | (4,002,761 | ) | $ | (2,594,843 | ) | $ | (7,565,218 | ) | ||||
| Basic and diluted net loss | |||||||||||||||||||
| per common share | $ | (.22 | ) | $ | (.22 | ) | $ | (.25 | ) | $ | (.17 | ) | $ | (.50 | ) | ||||
| Dividends per share | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of | |||||||||||||||||||
| common shares outstanding | 18,538,041 | 17,321,360 | 16,065,248 | 15,441,789 | 15,441,789 | ||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Data: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | $ | 4,312,104 | $ | 7,455,820 | $ | 4,307,485 | $ | 4,937,531 | $ | 7,469,456 | |||||||||
| Total assets | 4,417,137 | 7,784,691 | 4,473,860 | 5,283,880 | 7,659,405 | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, including | |||||||||||||||||||
| accrued interest | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 4,107,198 | 7,472,452 | 4,165,337 | 4,872,185 | 7,330,808 | ||||||||||||||
| (1) | Reflects non-cash charges of $594,492, $602,218, $419,879, $126,408 and $2,790,656 to operating expenses, and non-cash charges of $108,345, $170,386, $26,034, $0, and $1,236,199 to research and development expenses relating to the issuance of stock and stock options in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively which increased the Company’s net loss for 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 by $702,837, $772,604, $445,913, $126,408 and $4,026,855, respectively. |
27
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
ITEM 7.
Forward-Looking Statements
Information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “likely,” “will” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1A. – Risk Factors” above. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In reviewing Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, you should refer to our consolidated financial statements and the notes related thereto.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following accounting policies are important to understanding our financial condition and results of operations and should be read as an integral part of the discussion and analysis of the results of our operations and financial position. For additional accounting policies, see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
The Company has entered into a number of license agreements covering potential products using the Company’s SPD technology. The Company receives fees and minimum annual royalties under certain license agreements and records fee income on a ratable basis each quarter. In instances when sales of licensed products by its licensees exceed minimum annual royalties, the Company recognizes fee income as the amounts have been earned. Certain of the fees are accrued by, or paid to, the Company in advance of the period in which they are earned resulting in deferred revenue.
The Company expenses costs relating to the development or acquisition of patents due to the uncertainty of the recoverability of these items. All of our research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. Our research and development expenses consist of costs incurred for internal and external research and development. These costs include direct and indirect overhead expenses.
The Company has historically used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the estimated fair value of each option grant. The Black-Scholes model includes assumptions regarding dividend yields, expected volatility, expected lives, and risk-free interest rates. These assumptions reflect our best estimates, but these items involve uncertainties based on market conditions generally outside of our control. As a result, if other assumptions had been used in the current period, stock-based compensation expense could have been materially impacted. Furthermore, if management uses different assumptions in future periods, stock-based compensation expense could be materially impacted in future years.
28
On occasion, the Company may issue to consultants either options or warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company at specified share prices. These options or warrants may vest based upon specific services being performed or performance criteria being met. In accounting for equity instruments that are issued to other than employees for acquiring, or in conjunction with selling, goods or services, the Company would be required to record consulting expenses based upon the fair value of such options or warrants on the earlier of the service period or the period that such options or warrants vest as determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. An example of a critical estimate is the full valuation allowance for deferred taxes that was recorded based on the uncertainty that such tax benefits will be realized in future periods.
Results of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year ended December 31, 2010
The Company’s fee income from licensing activities for 2011 was $845,982, as compared to $767,522 for 2010. A majority of the increase in fee income during 2011 as compared to 2010 was a result of higher product sales in the automotive market from one of our licensees. This licensee's sales levels exceeded its minimum annual royalty levels under its license agreement, thereby resulting in the amount of royalty fee income in excess of the minimum annual royalty being recognized as additional fee income.
Certain license fees, which are paid to the Company in advance of the accounting period in which they are earned can result in the recognition of deferred revenue for the current accounting period, which will be recognized as fee income in future periods. Also, licensees may offset some or all of their royalty payments on sales of licensed products for a given period by applying these advance payments towards such earned royalty payments. Because the Company’s license agreements typically provide for the payment of royalties by a licensee on product sales within 45 days after the end of the quarter in which a sale of a licensed product occurs (with some of the Company’s more recent license agreements providing for payments on a monthly basis), and because of the time period which typically will elapse between a customer order and the sale of the licensed product and installation in a home, office building, automobile, aircraft, boat or any other product, there could be a delay between when economic activity between a licensee and its customer occurs and when the Company gets paid its royalty resulting from such activity.
Operating expenses increased by $365,385 for 2011 to $3,618,635 from $3,253,250 for 2010. This increase was principally the result of increased payroll and related costs ($235,000), as well as higher directors fees and expenses ($70,000), and higher insurance costs ($48,000). Differences in the amount of directors fees recorded as expense by the Company are the result of the addition of two new directors in 2011. Included in operating expenses are $594,000 and $602,000 of non-cash stock and stock option compensation expense for 2011 and 2010, respectively.
29
Research and development expenditures decreased by $13,965 to $1,390,689 for 2011 from $1,404,654 for 2010. This decrease was principally the result of lower payroll and non cash stock option compensation charges ($40,000) as well as lower allocated rent ($10,000) partially offset by higher insurance costs ($41,000). Included in research and development expenses are $108,000 and $170,000 of non-cash stock option compensation charges for 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Investment income for 2011 was $29,274 as compared to $15,517 for 2010. The difference was due to higher cash balances available for investment which was invested in certificates of deposit bearing somewhat higher interest rates.
As a consequence of the factors discussed above, the Company's net loss was $4,134,068 ($0.22 per share) for 2011 as compared to $3,874,865 ($0.22 per share) for 2010.
Year ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the year ended December 31, 2009
The Company’s fee income from licensing activities for 2010 was $767,522, as compared to $709,811 for 2009. This difference in fee income was primarily due to the amount of royalties and other fee income paid by new and existing licensees. Fee income also includes earned royalties resulting from sales by certain licensees in the architectural and aircraft markets. Furthermore, the expiration of an agreement with a licensee in May 2009, regarding payments for guaranteed access to certain improvements in the Company’s technology reduced fee income by approximately $202,000. Without the expiration of this agreement, fee income for 2010 would have been higher. In addition to product sales in the architectural and aircraft markets included in fee income as described above, one licensee reported product sales in the automotive market, although the fee income generated from such sales did not exceed the minimum annual royalties recorded so no additional fee income was recorded with respect to such automotive sales.
Certain license fees, which are paid to the Company in advance of the accounting period in which they are earned resulting in the recognition of deferred revenue for the current accounting period, will be recognized as fee income in future periods. Also, licensees may offset some or all of their royalty payments on sales of licensed products for a given period by applying these advance payments towards such earned royalty payments. Because the Company’s license agreements typically provide for the payment of royalties by a licensee on product sales within 45 days after the end of the quarter in which a sale of a licensed product occurs (with some of the Company’s more recent license agreements providing for payments on a monthly basis), and because of the time period which typically will elapse between a customer order and the sale of the licensed product and installation in a home, office building, automobile, aircraft, boat, or any other product, there could be a delay between when economic activity between a licensee and its customer occurs and when the Company is paid its royalty resulting from such activity.
Operating expenses increased by $69,758 for 2010 to $3,253,250 from $3,183,492 for 2009. This increase was principally the result of higher payroll and stock compensation charges ($193,000), as well as higher market costs ($36,000) and patent costs ($19,000), partially offset by lower allocated insurance costs ($57,000), lower director fees ($56,000) and lower professional fees ($54,000) relating to a non-recurring project. Included in operating expenses are $602,000 and $420,000 of non cash stock option compensation charges for 2010 and 2009, respectively.
30
Research and development expenditures decreased by $145,053 to $1,404,654 for 2010 from $1,549,707 for 2009. This decrease was principally the result of lower materials costs ($54,000) as well as lower allocated insurance costs ($54,000) and lower payroll expenses partially offset by increased non-cash compensation charges from the issuance of stock options, the net effect being a reduction in compensation expense of $31,000. Included in research and development expenses are $170,000 and $26,000 of non cash stock option compensation charges for 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The Company’s net investment income for 2010 was $15,517, as compared to net investment income of $20,627 for 2009. The difference was primarily due to lower interest rates.
As a consequence of the factors discussed above, the Company's net loss was $3,874,865 ($0.22 per common share) for 2010 as compared to $4,002,761 ($0.25 per common share) for 2009.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has primarily utilized its cash and the proceeds from its investments to fund its research and development, for marketing initiatives, and for other working capital purposes. The Company’s working capital and capital requirements depend upon numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the results of research and development activities, competitive and technological developments, the timing and costs of patent filings, and the development of new licensees and changes in the Company’s relationship with existing licensees. The degree of dependence of the Company’s working capital requirements on each of the foregoing factors cannot be quantified; increased research and development activities and related costs would increase such requirements; the addition of new licensees may provide additional working capital or working capital requirements, and changes in relationships with existing licensees would have a favorable or negative impact depending upon the nature of such changes.
During 2011, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance decreased by $4,554,180 principally as a result of cash used for operations of $3,352,584, as well as net cash invested in certificates of deposit of $1,255,056. At December 31, 2011, the Company had working capital of $4,002,165 and total shareholders’ equity of $4,107,198.
During 2010, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance increased by $3,197,010 principally as a result of cash proceeds from the sale of common stock of $6,409,376, partially offset by cash used for operations of $3,202,053.
During 2009, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance increased by $1,393,022 principally as a result of cash proceeds from the sale of U.S. Treasury Securities of $2,299,496 as well as proceeds from the sale of common stock of $2,850,000 partially offset by cash used for operations of $3,732,527.
The Company expects to use its cash to fund its research and development of SPD light valves, its expanded marketing initiatives, and for other working capital purposes. The Company’s working capital and capital requirements depend upon numerous factors, including the results of research and development activities, competitive and technological developments, the timing and cost of patent filings, the development of new licensees and changes in the Company’s relationships with its existing licensees. The degree of dependence of the Company’s working capital requirements on each of the foregoing factors cannot be quantified; increased research and development activities and related costs would increase such requirements; the addition of new licensees may provide additional working capital or working capital requirements, and changes in relationships with existing licensees would have a favorable or negative impact depending upon the nature of such changes. Based upon existing levels of cash expenditures, existing cash reserves and budgeted revenues, the Company believes that it would not require additional funding until the second quarter of 2013. There can be no assurance that expenditures will not exceed the anticipated amounts or that additional financing, if required, will be available when needed or, if available, that its terms will be favorable or acceptable to the Company. Eventual success of the Company and generation of positive cash flow will be dependent upon the extent of commercialization of products using the Company’s technology by the Company’s licensees and payments of continuing royalties on account thereof. To date the Company has not generated sufficient revenue from its licensees to fund its operations.
31
Inflation
The Company does not believe that inflation has a significant impact on its business.
Contractual Obligations
The Company occupies premises under an operating lease agreement which expires on January 31, 2014 and requires minimum annual rent which rises over the term of the lease to approximately $177,000, plus tenant’s share of applicable taxes. These lease obligations are summarized over time as of December 31, 2011:
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||
| <1 year | 1-3 years | 4-5 years | >5 years | Total | ||||||||
| Operating lease obligations | $173,000 | $208,000 | $ | -- | $ | -- | $381,000 | |||||
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no variable interest entities or other off-balance sheet obligation arrangements.
Related Party Transactions
None.
Forward Looking Statements
The information set forth in this Report and in all publicly disseminated information about the Company, including the narrative contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” above, includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created by that section. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as they speak only as of the date hereof and are not guaranteed.
32
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
At times, the Company invests available cash and cash equivalents in money market funds or in short-term U.S. treasury securities with maturities that are generally one year or less. Although the rate of interest paid on such investments in money market funds may fluctuate over time, each of the Company’s investments in U.S. treasury securities is made at a fixed interest rate over the duration of the investment. Accordingly, the Company does not believe it is materially exposed to changes in interest rates as it generally holds these treasury securities until maturity.
The Company does not currently have any sales, purchases, assets or liabilities determined in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and as such, is not subject to foreign currency exchange risk.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements listed in Item 15(a)(1) and (2) are included in this Report beginning on page F-1.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND
DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company’s Chairman and its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the Company's Chairman and its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiary) required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings. Our officers have concluded that as of December 31, 2011 our disclosure controls and procedures are designed, and are effective, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by our company in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the commission’s rules and forms, and are also effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarterly period ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
33
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we 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, or the COSO Framework. Based on our evaluation under the COSO Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 has been independently audited by BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report that is included herein.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
34
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Shareholders and Board
of Directors
Research Frontiers Incorporated
Woodbury, New York
We have audited Research Frontiers Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Research Frontiers Incorporated’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Research Frontiers Incorporated maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Research Frontiers Incorporated as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 and our report dated March 13, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ BDO USA,
LLP
Melville, New York
March 13, 2012
35
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has adopted a code of ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President and other employees of the Company with important roles in the financial reporting process. This Code of Ethics was adopted by the entire Board of Directors of the Company, including all of its Audit Committee members, in March 2004 in accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. The code of ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.SmartGlass.com and was also filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this code of ethics by posting such information on the website specified above.
The other information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 27, 2012, in connection with the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 14, 2012.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 27, 2012, in connection with the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 14, 2012. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or in any of the Company’s past or future filings with the SEC that might incorporate by reference the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the report of the compensation committee and the stock price performance graph contained in such definitive Proxy Statement shall not be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other such filings.
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
ITEM 12.
The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 27, 2012, in connection with the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 14, 2012.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 27, 2012, in connection with the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 14, 2012.
36
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 27, 2012, in connection with the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 14, 2012.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) and (2) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
The following consolidated financial statements of Research Frontiers Incorporated are filed under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data” of this Report.
| Page | ||
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-1 | |
| Consolidated Financial Statements: | ||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets, | ||
| December 31, 2011 and 2010 | F-2 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations, | ||
| Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 | F-3 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, | ||
| Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 | F-4 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, | ||
| Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 | F-5 | |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-6 | |
| Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | F-19 | |
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or the required information is disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report.
37
| (a)(3) Exhibits | |
| 3.1 |
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 3.2 |
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company. Previously filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 4.1 |
Form of Common Stock Certificate. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-18 (Reg. No. 33-5573NY), declared effective by the Commission on July 8, 1986, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 4.2 |
Rights Agreement dated as of February 18, 2003 between Research Frontiers Incorporated and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent, which includes as Exhibit A thereto the Form of Rights Certificate. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated February 24, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.1A* |
Amended and Restated Employment Contract effective January 1, 1989 between the Company and Robert L. Saxe. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.1B* |
Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 2009 between the Company and Joseph M. Harary. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.2* |
Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan. Previously filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 33-86910) filed with the Commission on November 30, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.3* |
1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated April 30, 1998 filed with the Commission on April 29, 1998, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.31* |
2008 Equity Incentive Plan. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated April 30, 2008 filed with the Commission on April 29, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.4* |
Form of Stock Option Agreement between the Company and recipients of stock options issued pursuant to the Company’s Stock Option Plans. Previously filed as part of Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 33-53030) filed with the Commission on October 6, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference. |
38
| 10.5 | Lease Agreement dated November 7, 1986, between the Company and Industrial & Research Associates Co. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986 and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.5.1 | First Amendment to Lease dated November 26, 1991 between the Company and Industrial and Research Associates Co. Previously filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 33-43768) declared effective by the Commission on December 17, 1991, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.5.2 | Second Amendment to Lease dated March 11, 1994 between the Company and Industrial and Research Associates Co. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.5.3 | Third Amendment to Lease dated July 14, 1998 between the Company and Industrial and Research Associates Co. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.5.4 | Fourth Amendment to Lease dated January 13, 2004 between the Company and Industrial and Research Associates Co. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.6 | License Agreement effective as of August 2, 1995 between the Company and General Electric Company. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 2, 1995 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant’s request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.7 | License Agreement effective as of April 29, 1996 between the Company and Glaverbel, S.A. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1996 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.8 | License Agreement effective as of January 18, 1997 between the Company and Material Sciences Corporation. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 1997 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.9 | License Agreement effective as of March 31, 1997 between the Company and Hankuk Glass Industries, Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1997 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
39
| 10.10 | License Agreement effective as of August 8, 1997 between the Company and Orcolite, a Unit of Monsanto Company. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1997 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.11 | License Agreement effective as of June 25, 1999 between the Company and Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Incorporated. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.12 | License Agreement effective as of August 9, 1999 between the Company and Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.13 | License Agreement effective as of December 3, 1999 between the Company and Global Mirror GmbH & Co. KG. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.14 | License Agreement effective as of December 13, 1999 between the Company and Global Mirror GmbH & Co. KG. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.15 | License Agreement effective as of March 21, 2000 between the Company and ThermoView Industries, Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| 10.16 | License Agreement effective as of May 23, 2000 between the Company and Polaroid Corporation. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2000 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. |
40
| 10.17 | License Agreement effective as of February 16, 2001 between the Company and AP Technoglass Co. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.18 | License Agreement effective as of March 21, 2001 between the Company and InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.19 | License Agreement effective as of March 28, 2001 between the Company and Film Technologies International, Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.20 | License Agreement effective as of November 29, 2001 between the Company and Avery Dennison Corporation. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.21 | License Agreement effective as of February 4, 2002 between the Company and BOS GmbH & Co. KG. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.22 | License Agreement effective as of March 11, 2002 between the Company and Isoclima S.p.A. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.23 | License Agreement effective as of July 2, 2002 between the Company and Isoclima S.p.A. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
41
| 10.24 | License Agreement effective as of August 19, 2002 between the Company and Razor’s Edge Technologies, Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.25 | License Agreement effective as of October 7, 2002 between the Company and American Glass Products (Glass Technology Investment Ltd.). Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.26 | License Agreement effective as of October 7, 2002 between the Company and SPD Systems, Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.27 | License Agreement effective as of October 24, 2002 between the Company and Cricursa Cristales Curvados S.A. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.28 | License Agreement effective as of December 9, 2002 between the Company and BRG Group, Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.29 | License Agreement effective as of December 13, 2002 between the Company and Laminated Technologies Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.30 | License Agreement effective as of April 17, 2003 between the Company and Custom Glass Corporation. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
42
10.31
License
Agreement effective as of May 2, 2003 between the Company and Air Products
and Chemicals, Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 with
portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential
treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.32
License
Agreement effective as of May 30, 2003 between the Company and Kerros
Limited. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 with portions
omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.33
License
Agreement effective as of June 6, 2003 between the Company and Traco, Inc.
Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 with portions omitted
pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.34
License
Agreement effective as of June 16, 2003 between the Company and
Saint-Gobain Glass France S.A. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2003 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for
confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.35
License Agreement effective as
of August 1, 2003 between the Company and Vision (Environmental
Innovation) Limited. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003
with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for
confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.36
License
Agreement effective as of November 13, 2003 between the Company and
Innovative Glass Corporation. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2003 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for
confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.37
License
Agreement effective as of December 11, 2003 between the Company and
Leminur Limited. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 with
portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential
treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.38
License Agreement effective as of March 25, 2004 between the
Company and Pilkington plc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2004 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for
confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by
reference.
43
10.39
License
Agreement effective as of April 5, 2004 between the Company and SmartGlass
Ireland Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 with portions
omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.40
License
Agreement effective as of April 8, 2004 between the Company and Prelco
Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 with portions omitted
pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.41
License
Agreement effective as of April 13, 2004 between the Company and E. I.
Dupont De Nemours and Company. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2004 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for
confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.42
License
Agreement effective as of September 3, 2004 between the Company and Nippon
Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for
confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.43
License Agreement effective as
of October 25, 2005 between the Company and SPD Control Systems
Corporation. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated October 31, 2005 with portions omitted pursuant
to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated
herein by reference.
10.44
License
Agreement effective as of March 30, 2006 between the Company and Dainippon
Ink and Chemicals. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 4, 2006 with portions omitted pursuant to
the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.45
License
Agreement effective as of May 11, 2006 between the Company and Asahi Glass
Company. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated May 15, 2006 with portions omitted pursuant to the
Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by
reference.
44
10.46
License
Agreement effective as of May 19, 2007 between the Company and SmartGlass
International Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated March 19, 2007 with portions omitted pursuant to
the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.47
License
Agreement effective as of October 16, 2007 between Research Frontiers
Incorporated and Glass Wholesalers, Ltd. d/b/a Craftsman Fabricated Glass,
Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated October 18, 2007, and incorporated herein by
reference.
10.48
License
Agreement effective as of December 14, 2007 between Research Frontiers
Incorporated and AGC Flat Glass Europe SA. Previously filed as an Exhibit
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2007 with
portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential
treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.49
License
Agreement effective as of February 21, 2008 between Research Frontiers
Incorporated and GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems Inc. Previously filed
as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 5,
2008 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for
confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.50
License Agreement effective as
of September 29, 2008 between Research Frontiers Incorporated and PPG
Industries, Inc. (now known as Pittsburgh Glass Works, LLC). Previously
filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
October 6, 2008 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request
for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.51
License
Agreement effective as of September 10, 2009 between Research Frontiers
Incorporated and Pilkington Group Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 15, 2009 with
portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential
treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.52
License
Agreement effective as of January 25, 2010 between Research Frontiers
Incorporated and Vision Systems. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 25, 2010 with portions
omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
incorporated herein by reference.
10.53
License Agreement effective as of February 8, 2010 between Research
Frontiers Incorporated and ID Research Pty Ltd. (iGlass). Previously filed
as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February
16, 2010 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for
confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
incorporated herein by reference.
45
| 10.54 | License Agreement effective as of December 13, 2010 between Research Frontiers Incorporated and Diamond Sea-Glaze Manufacturing Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 14, 2010 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 10.55 | License Agreement effective as of December 22, 2010 between Daimler AG, Research Frontiers Incorporated and SPD Control Systems Corp. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 9, 2011 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 14 | Code of Ethics of Research Frontiers Incorporated. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference. | |
| 21 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant - SPD Enterprises, Inc. | |
| 23 | Consent of BDO USA, LLP - Filed herewith. | |
| 31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Joseph M. Harary - Filed herewith. | |
| 31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Seth L. Van Voorhees - Filed herewith. | |
| 32.1 | Section 1350 Certification of Joseph M. Harary - Filed herewith. | |
| 32.2 | Section 1350 Certification of Seth L. Van Voorhees - Filed herewith. | |
| EX-101.INS | XBRL INSTANCE DOCUMENT | |
| EX-101.SCH | XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA | |
| EX-101.PRE | XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE | |
| EX-101.LAB | XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE | |
| EX-101.CAL | XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION CALCULATION LINKBASE | |
| EX-101.DEF | XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE | |
| * | Executive Compensation Plan or Arrangement. |
46
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| RESEARCH FRONTIERS INCORPORATED | |
| (Registrant) | |
| /s/ Joseph M. Harary | |
| Joseph M. Harary, President and CEO | |
| (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| /s/ Seth L. Van Voorhees | |
| Seth L. Van Voorhees, Vice President, CFO and Treasurer | |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Dated: March 13, 2012
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 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 | Position | Date | |||||||
| /s/ John H. Derby | Director | March 13, 2012 | |||||||
| John H. Derby | |||||||||
| /s/ Gregory G. Grimes | Director | March 13, 2012 | |||||||
| Gregory G. Grimes | |||||||||
| /s/ M. Philip Guthrie | Director | March 13, 2012 | |||||||
| M. Philip Guthrie | |||||||||
| /s/ Joseph M. Harary | Director, President, CEO | March 13, 2012 | |||||||
| Joseph M. Harary | |||||||||
| /s/ Seth L. Van Voorhees | Vice President, CFO, Treasurer | March 13, 2012 | |||||||
| Seth L. Van Voorhees | |||||||||
| /s/ Richard Hermon-Taylor | Director | March 13, 2012 | |||||||
| Richard Hermon-Taylor | |||||||||
| /s/ Victor F. Keen | Director | March 13, 2012 | |||||||
| Victor F. Keen | |||||||||
| /s/ Robert L. Saxe | Director, Chairman | March 13, 2012 | |||||||
| Robert L. Saxe | |||||||||
47
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Shareholders and Board
of Directors
Research Frontiers Incorporated
Woodbury, New
York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Research Frontiers Incorporated as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the schedule as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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 and schedule are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and schedule, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. 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 Research Frontiers Incorporated at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Research Frontiers Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 13, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
| /s/ BDO USA, LLP | |
| Melville, New York | |
| March 13, 2012 | |
F-1
RESEARCH FRONTIERS
INCORPORATED
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011 and 2010
| Assets | 2011 | 2010 | |||||
| Current assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,403,364 | $ | 6,957,544 | |||
| Short-term Investments | 1,255,056 | --- | |||||
| Royalty receivables, net of reserves of $92,723 in 2011 | |||||||
| and $162,723 in 2010 | 334,050 | 380,177 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 169,634 | 118,099 | |||||
| Note receivable, SPD Control Systems | 150,000 | --- | |||||
| Total current assets | 4,312,104 | 7,455,820 | |||||
| Fixed assets, net | 82,428 | 109,768 | |||||
| Note receivable, SPD Control Systems | --- | 150,000 | |||||
| Deposits and other assets | 22,605 | 69,103 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 4,417,137 | $ | 7,784,691 | |||
| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 96,146 | $ | 51,938 | |||
| Accrued expenses and other | 188,793 | 235,301 | |||||
| Deferred revenue | 25,000 | 25,000 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 309,939 | 312,239 | |||||
| Commitments (note 9) | |||||||
| Shareholders’ equity: | |||||||
| Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 100,000,000 | |||||||
| shares, issued and outstanding 18,544,355 and 18,281,973 shares for | |||||||
| 2011 and 2010 | 1,854 | 1,828 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 88,513,630 | 87,744,842 | |||||
| Accumulated deficit | (84,408,286 | ) | (80,274,218 | ) | |||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 4,107,198 | 7,472,452 | |||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 4,417,137 | $ | 7,784,691 | |||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
RESEARCH FRONTIERS
INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December
31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
| 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
| Fee income | $ | 845,982 | $ | 767,522 | $ | 709,811 | |||||
| Operating expenses | 3,618,635 | 3,253,250 | 3,183,492 | ||||||||
| Research and development | 1,390,689 | 1,404,654 | 1,549,707 | ||||||||
| 5,009,324 | 4,657,904 | 4,733,199 | |||||||||
| Operating loss | (4,163,342 | ) | (3,890,382 | ) | (4,023,388 | ) | |||||
| Net investment income | 29,274 | 15,517 | 20,627 | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (4,134,068 | ) | $ | (3,874,865 | ) | $ | (4,002,761 | ) | ||
| Basic and diluted net loss | |||||||||||
| per common share | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.25 | ) | ||
| Weighted average number of | |||||||||||
| common shares outstanding | 18,538,041 | 17,321,360 | 16,065,248 | ||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
RESEARCH FRONTIERS
INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Years ended
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
| Common Stock | Additional | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2008 | 15,442,834 | $ | 1,544 | $ | 77,267,233 | $ | (72,396,592 | ) | $ | 4,872,185 | ||||||
| Issuance of common stock | 780,831 | 78 | 2,849,922 | -- | 2,850,000 | |||||||||||
| Issuance of stock for | ||||||||||||||||
| services performed | 299,950 | 30 | 445,883 | -- | 445,913 | |||||||||||
| Unvested restricted stock | ||||||||||||||||
| terminated employee | (888 | ) | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||
| Net loss | -- | -- | -- | (4,002,761 | ) | (4,002,761 | ) | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2009 | 16,522,727 | 1,652 | 80,563,038 | (76,399,353 | ) | 4,165,337 | ||||||||||
| Issuances of common stock | 1,718,746 | 172 | 6,409,204 | -- | 6,409,376 | |||||||||||
| Issuance of stock for | ||||||||||||||||
| services performed | 40,500 | 4 | 772,600 | -- | 772,604 | |||||||||||
| Net loss | -- | -- | -- | (3,874,865 | ) | (3,874,865 | ) | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2010 | 18,281,973 | 1,828 | 87,744,842 | (80,274,218 | ) | 7,472,452 | ||||||||||
| Issuances of common stock | 60,382 | 6 | 65,971 | -- | 65,977 | |||||||||||
| Issuance of restricted stock | ||||||||||||||||
| for services performed | 202,000 | 20 | 702,817 | -- | 702,837 | |||||||||||
| Net loss | -- | -- | -- | (4,134,068 | ) | (4,134,068 | ) | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2011 | 18,544,355 | $ | 1,854 | $ | 88,513,630 | $ | (84,408,286 | ) | $ | 4,107,198 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
RESEARCH FRONTIERS
INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December
31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
| 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (4,134,068 | ) | $ | (3,874,865 | ) | $ | (4,002,761 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash | |||||||||||
| used in operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 39,857 | 44,315 | 40,077 | ||||||||
| Stock based compensation | 702,837 | 772,604 | 445,913 | ||||||||
| Recovery of uncollectible royalty receivables | (70,000 | ) | (23,845 | ) | (17,106 | ) | |||||
| Change in assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Royalty receivables | 116,127 | (129,841 | ) | (80,598 | ) | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (5,037 | ) | 20,861 | (28,724 | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (2,300 | ) | 3,716 | (128,172 | ) | ||||||
| Deferred revenue | -- | -- | 25,000 | ||||||||
| Deposits and other assets | -- | (14,998 | ) | 13,844 | |||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (3,352,584 | ) | (3,202,053 | ) | (3,732,527 | ) | |||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Purchases of fixed assets | (12,517 | ) | (10,313 | ) | (23,947 | ) | |||||
| Purchase of investments | (2,255,056 | ) | -- | -- | |||||||
| Proceeds from sale of investment | 1,000,000 | -- | 2,299,496 | ||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (1,267,573 | ) | (10,313 | ) | 2,275,549 | ||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Net proceeds from issuances of common stock | |||||||||||
| and exercise of options and warrants | 65,977 | 6,409,376 | 2,850,000 | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 65,977 | 6,409,376 | 2,850,000 | ||||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (4,554,180 | ) | 3,197,010 | 1,393,022 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 6,957,544 | 3,760,534 | 2,367,512 | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 2,403,364 | $ | 6,957,544 | $ | 3,760,534 | |||||
| Non Cash Financing and Investing Activities | |||||||||||
| Cashless Exercise of Stock Options: | $ | 276,750 | $ | -- | $ | -- | |||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
RESEARCH FRONTIERS
INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31,
2011, 2010 and 2009
(1) Business
Research Frontiers Incorporated (“Research Frontiers” or the “Company”) operates in a single business segment which is engaged in the development and marketing of technology and devices to control the flow of light. Such devices, often referred to as "light valves" or suspended particle devices (SPDs), use colloidal particles that are either incorporated within a liquid suspension or a film, which is usually enclosed between two sheets of glass or plastic having transparent, electrically conductive coatings on the facing surfaces thereof. At least one of the two sheets is transparent. SPD technology, made possible by a flexible light-control film invented by Research Frontiers, allows the user to instantly and precisely control the shading of glass/plastic manually or automatically. SPD technology has numerous product applications, including: SPD-Smart™ windows, sunshades, skylights and interior partitions for homes and buildings; automotive windows, sunroofs, sun-visors, sunshades, rear-view mirrors, instrument panels and navigation systems; aircraft windows; eyewear products; and flat panel displays for electronic products. SPD-Smart light control film is now being developed for, or used in, architectural, automotive, marine, aerospace and appliance applications.
The Company has historically utilized its cash and the proceeds from the sale of its investments to fund its research and development of SPD light valves, for marketing initiatives, and for other working capital purposes. The Company’s working capital and capital requirements depend upon numerous factors, including the results of research and development activities, competitive and technological developments, the timing and cost of patent filings, and the development of new licensees and changes in the Company’s relationships with its existing licensees. The degree of dependence of the Company’s working capital requirements on each of the foregoing factors cannot be quantified; increased research and development activities and related costs would increase such requirements; the addition of new licensees may provide additional working capital or working capital requirements, and changes in relationships with existing licensees would have a favorable or negative impact depending upon the nature of such changes. There can be no assurance that expenditures will not exceed the anticipated amounts or that additional financing, if required, will be available when needed or, if available, that its terms will be favorable or acceptable to the Company. Eventual success of the Company and generation of positive cash flow will be dependent upon the commercialization of products using the Company’s technology by the Company’s licensees and payments of continuing royalties on account thereof. To date, the Company has not generated sufficient revenue from its licensees to fund its operations.
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers securities purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of short-term investments in money market accounts at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Cash and cash equivalents are maintained at financial institutions and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits. We have never experienced any losses related to these balances. All of our non-interest bearing cash balances were fully insured at December 31, 2011 and 2010 due to a temporary federal program in effect from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012. Under the program, there is no limit to the amount of insurance for eligible non-interest bearing accounts. Beginning 2013, insurance coverage will revert to $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution, and our non-interest bearing cash balances may again exceed federally insured limits. Interest-bearing amounts on deposit in excess of federally insured limits at December 31, 2011 approximated $3 million.
F-6
(b) Short-term Investments
The Company classifies investments in marketable securities as trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the time of purchase and periodically re-evaluates such classifications. Trading securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at cost and are adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts over the life of the related security. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. In determining realized gains and losses, the cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on the investments are accrued at the balance sheet date. At December 31, 2011 all investments were classified as held to maturity and consisted of the following:
| Certificates of Deposit | Maturity | Value of Held to Maturity | ||||||||
| Investment | Date | Investments (based on cost) | ||||||||
| $ | 1,000,000 | 6-28-12 | $ | 1,005,056 | ||||||
| $ | 250,000 | 9-29-12 | $ | 250,000 | ||||||
| $ | 1,255,056 | |||||||||
(c) Royalties Receivable
Royalties receivable are recorded at the amounts specified within the license agreements when the collectability of the receivable is reasonably assured. The receivables do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing royalties receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write off experience. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts periodically. Past due accounts are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
(d) Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
(e) Revenue Recognition/Fee Income
The Company has entered into a number of license agreements covering its light control technology. The Company receives minimum annual royalties under certain license agreements and records fee income on a ratable basis each quarter. In instances when sales of licensed products by its licensees exceed minimum annual royalties, the Company recognizes fee income as the amounts have been earned. Certain of the fees are accrued by, or paid to, the Company in advance of the period in which they are earned resulting in deferred revenue. Such excess amounts are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized into income in future periods as earned.
F-7
Fee income represents amounts earned by the Company under various license and other agreements (note 8) relating to technology developed by the Company. During 2011 five licensees accounted for 32%, 15%, 12%, 11% and 6%, respectively of fee income recognized for the year. During 2010 five licensees accounted for 13%, 11%, 10%, 10% and 10%, respectively of fee income recognized for the year. During 2009, three licensees accounted for 29%, 21% and 18%, respectively of fee income recognized during the year.
(f) Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes any dilution. It is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The Company’s dilutive loss per share equals basic loss per share for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011 because all common stock equivalents (i.e., options and warrants) were antidilutive in those periods. The number of options and warrants that were not included because their effect is antidilutive was 1,973,906, 2,443,108, and 2,511,341, for 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.
(g) Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.
(h) Patent Costs
The Company expenses costs relating to the development or acquisition of patents due to the uncertainty of the recoverability of these items.
(i) Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during this period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(j) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
F-8
In accordance with ASC Topic 740 (FIN 48), we recognize tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits are tax benefits claimed in tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards. We classify accrued interest and penalties related to any unrecognized tax benefits in our income tax provision. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we do not have accrued interest and penalties related to any unrecognized tax benefits. We do not believe we have any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
The tax years subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions include the years 2007 and forward by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and certain states. The Company is not currently being audited by any tax jurisdiction.
(k) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The carrying amounts of all financial instruments classified as a current asset or current liability are deemed to approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
(l) Equity-Based Compensation
We recognize all stock-based compensation as an expense in the financial statements and such costs are measured at the fair value of the award at the date of grant. In addition to reflecting compensation expense for new share-based payment awards, expense is also recognized to reflect the remaining vesting period of awards that had been granted in prior periods. Tax benefits related to stock option exercises are reflected as financing cash inflows instead of operating cash inflows.
The exercise price for stock options granted are generally set at the average for the high and low trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the trading date immediately prior to the date of grant, and the related number of shares granted are fixed at the date of grant.
In order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Inherent in this model are assumptions related to expected stock-price volatility, option term, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. While the risk-free interest rate and dividend yield are less subjective assumptions that are based on factual data derived from public sources, the expected stock-price volatility and option term assumptions require a greater level of judgment.
In connection with the stock options and restricted stock grants, the Company charged $719,811, $696,888 and $421,430 to operations during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In lieu of higher cash compensation, the Company granted 175,000 and 9,000 warrants to consultants during 2009. These warrants vest ratably over 59 and 24 months respectively. These warrants are valued at fair value at the time that the related services are provided using the Black Scholes method and marked to market quarterly using the Black Scholed method. The Company incurred a (benefit) charge to operations of ($16,974), $75,716 and $24,483 for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively in connection with these warrants.
F-9
(m) Restricted Stock
Compensation cost for restricted stock is measured using the quoted market price of the Company's common stock at the date the common stock is granted, The compensation cost is recognized over the period between the issue date and the date any restrictions lapse. Restricted stock is included in total common shares outstanding upon the lapse of any restrictions.
(n) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company bases its evaluation on such impairment indicators as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, the Company determines whether an impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flows analysis at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. If impairment has occurred, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. Fair value is the amount at which the asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction between a willing buyer and seller other than in a forced or liquidation sale and can be measured as the asset’s quoted market price in an active market or, where an active market for the asset does not exist, the Company’s best estimate of fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis. Assets to be disposed of by sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell.
F-10
(o) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Standards
In May 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. (GAAP and IFRSs.” ASU 2011-04 amends Topic 820 to provide common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards. Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurement, as well as providing guidance on how fair value should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP. ASU No. 2011-04 is to be applied prospectively, and early adoption is not permitted. For public entities, the amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” ASU 2011-11 provides for additional disclosures of both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This scope would include derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods, and disclosures required by these amendments should be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.
(p) Fair Value Measurements
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC Topic 820”) establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC Topic 820 applies under other previously issued accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements but does not require any new fair value measurements.
ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).
We value financial instruments using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
Financial assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2011 and 2010, include cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2.4 million and $7.0 million, respectively, as well as short term investments of $1.3 million in 2011. These assets are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices for identical securities (Level 1 inputs).
F-11
(3) Note Receivable from SPD Control Systems
On May 9, 2007, the Company began participating in the funding of the ongoing development of automotive controllers by SPD Control Systems Corp., a licensee of the Company (“SPD Control Systems”). This development work is to produce the electronic controllers to operate SPD-Smart automotive windows and glass roof systems for one or more of the top five automotive makers in the world. The Company’s funding of this project is reflected in the form of a senior secured convertible promissory note (the “Note”) of SPD Control Systems held by Research Frontiers’ wholly-owned subsidiary, SPD Enterprises Inc. (“SPD Enterprises”). The Note bears interest at 10% per annum, is secured by all of the assets (including intellectual property) of SPD Control Systems, and is convertible at the option of SPD Enterprises into common stock of SPD Control Systems at an initial conversion price of $0.50 per share. This conversion price is adjustable downward to result in the issuance to SPD Enterprises of additional shares of SPD Control Systems common stock under certain conditions. The Note provides for funding of up to $150,000 by SPD Enterprises based upon the achievement of certain development milestones by SPD Control Systems. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the principal amount outstanding under this Note was $150,000. Interest receivable under this Note was $61,450 and $46,498 at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and is included with other current assets (2011) and other assets (2010) in the accompanying balance sheet. As part of a broader agreement between SPD Control Systems and the Company, effective May 9, 2010, the maturity date of this Note was extended to May 9, 2012 and the applicable conversion price for the Note was specified as $0.25 per share of SPD Control Systems stock through May 9, 2012 and $0.10 per share thereafter.
(4) Fixed Assets
Fixed assets and their estimated useful lives as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, are as follows:
| 2011 | 2010 | Estimated useful life | ||||||
| Equipment and furniture | $ | 1,290,083 | $ | 1,279,459 | 5 years | |||
| Leasehold Improvements | 437,427 | 435,534 | Life of lease or estimated life of asset if shorter | |||||
| 1,727,510 | 1,714,993 | |||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation | ||||||||
| and amortization | 1,645,082 | 1,605,225 | ||||||
| $ | 82,428 | $ | 109,768 | |||||
(5) Accrued Expenses and Other
Accrued expenses consist of the following at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| 2011 | 2010 | |||||
| Payroll, bonuses and related benefits | $ | 134,384 | $ | 134,941 | ||
| Professional services | 35,040 | 43,685 | ||||
| Deferred rent | 19,006 | 24,945 | ||||
| Marketing consultants | -- | 23,017 | ||||
| Other | 363 | 8,713 | ||||
| $ | 188,793 | $ | 235,301 | |||
F-12
(6) Income Taxes
There was no income tax expense in 2011, 2010 and 2009 due to losses incurred by the Company.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are presented below.
| 2011 | 2010 | ||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | |||||||
| Depreciation | $ | 91,000 | $ | 86,000 | |||
| Capital loss carryforward | -- | 312,000 | |||||
| Allowance for bad debts | 37,000 | 65,000 | |||||
| Net operating loss carryforwards | 22,516,000 | 21,817,000 | |||||
| Stock option expense | 1,051,000 | 1,051,000 | |||||
| Research and other credits | 1,008,000 | 998,000 | |||||
| Other temporary differences | 15,000 | 15,000 | |||||
| Total gross deferred tax assets | 24,718,000 | 24,344,000 | |||||
| Less valuation allowance | (24,718,000 | ) | (24,344,000 | ) | |||
| $ | -- | $ | -- | ||||
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon its historical operating losses, utilization of deferred tax assets cannot currently be determined. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets, as they will not be realized until the Company achieves profitable operations in the future.
At December 31, 2011, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes of $55,000,000, varying amounts of which will expire in each year from 2012 through 2031. Research and other credit carryforwards of $1,008,000 are available to the Company to reduce income taxes payable in future years principally through 2031. Net operating loss carryforwards of $3,333,000 and research and other credit carryforwards of $75,000 are scheduled to expire during fiscal 2012, if not utilized.
(7) Shareholders’ Equity
(a) Common Stock
On August 3, 2009, the Company announced that a group of accredited investors invested $2.85 million in the Company. The investors received 780,831 shares of Research Frontiers common stock at a price of $3.65 per share which was the closing market price of Research Frontiers stock on July 28, 2009, the day the transaction was priced. In addition, the investors in this stock offering received 156,161 five-year warrants to purchase Research Frontiers common stock at a price of $6.00 per share. These securities were sold pursuant to Research Frontiers’ effective shelf-registration statement filed with the SEC. Warrants issued are five year warrants at an exercise price of $5 per share for the March 3, 2010 offering, $6.25 per share for the September offerings and $6.75 for the December offering. See 7(b)(ii).
F-13
During 2010 the Company sold, pursuant to the Company’s effective registration statement filed with the SEC, equity in the Company as follows:
| Date | Shares issued | Warrants issued | Unit price | Proceeds | |||||||||||
| March 3, 2010 | 588,602 | 117,719 | $2.75 | $ | 1,618,653 | ||||||||||
| September 17, 2010 | 641,026 | 128,205 | $3.90 | $ | 2,490,723 | * | |||||||||
| September 27, 2010 | 194,118 | 38,824 | $4.25 | $ | 825,000 | ||||||||||
| December 1, 2010 | 295,000 | 59,000 | $5.00 | $ | 1,475,000 | ||||||||||
| Total | 1,718,746 | 343,748 | $ | 6,409,376 | |||||||||||
*Net of fees of $9,277
(b) Options and Warrants
(i) Options
In 1992, the shareholders approved a stock option plan (1992 Stock Option Plan) which provides for the granting of both incentive stock options at the fair market value at the date of grant and nonqualified stock options at or below the fair market value at the date of grant to employees or non-employees who, in the determination of the Board of Directors, have made or may make significant contributions to the Company in the future. The Company initially reserved 468,750 shares of its common stock for issuance under this plan. In 1994 and 1996, the Company’s shareholders approved an additional 300,000 shares and 450,000 shares, respectively, for issuance under this plan. As of December 31, 2001, no options were available for issuance under this Plan and this Plan expired during 2002.
In 1998, the shareholders approved a stock option plan (1998 Stock Option Plan) which provides for the granting of both incentive stock options at the fair market value at the date of grant and nonqualified stock options at or below the fair market value at the date of grant to employees or non-employees who, in the determination of the Board of Directors, have made or may make significant contributions to the Company in the future. The Company may also award stock appreciation rights or restricted stock under this plan. The Company initially reserved 540,000 shares of its common stock for issuance under this plan. In 1999, the Company’s shareholders approved an additional 545,000 shares for issuance under this Plan, and in each of 2000 and 2002, the Company’s shareholders approved an additional 600,000 shares for issuance under this Plan. No options are available for issuance under this Plan as this Plan expired in December 2007.
In 2008, the shareholders approved the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan which provides for the granting of both incentive stock options at the fair market value at the date of grant and nonqualified stock options at the fair market value at the date of grant to employees or non-employees who, in the determination of the Board of Directors, have made or may make significant contributions to the Company in the future. The Company may also award stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, or restricted stock units under this plan. The Company initially reserved 750,000 shares of its common stock for issuance under this plan, and 811,708 options and other awards were available for issuance under this plan as of December 31, 2011.
F-14
At the discretion of the Board of Directors, options expire in ten years or less from the date of grant and are generally fully exercisable upon grant but in some cases may be subject to vesting in the future. Full payment of the exercise price may be made in cash or in shares of common stock valued at the fair market value thereof on the date of exercise, or by agreeing with the Company to cancel a portion of the exercised options.
The Company granted no options during 2011 and 2009. The Company granted 176,000 fully vested options during 2010 and recorded non-cash share-based compensation of $406,560. There was no share-based compensation recorded in 2011 and 2009. The Company valued these 2010 grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
| Fair value on grant date | $ | 2.31 | |
| Expected dividend yield | -- | ||
| Expected volatility | 76% | ||
| Risk free interest rate | 2.57% | ||
| Expected term of the option | 5 years |
Activity in stock options is summarized below:
| Weighted | |||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||
| Number | Weighted | Remaining | |||||||||
| of Shares | Average | Contractual | Aggregate | ||||||||
| Subject to | Exercise | Term | Intrinsic | ||||||||
| Option | Price | (Years) | Value | ||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2008 | 2,459,980 | $ | 12.92 | ||||||||
| Granted | -- | $ | -- | ||||||||
| Cancelled | (448,800 | ) | $ | 8.87 | |||||||
| Exercised | -- | $ | -- | ||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2009 | 2,011,180 | $ | 13.82 | 3.9 | $ | -- | |||||
| Granted | 176,000 | $ | 3.69 | ||||||||
| Cancelled | (452,981 | ) | $ | 18.90 | |||||||
| Exercised | -- | $ | -- | ||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2010 | 1,734,199 | $ | 11.64 | 4.3 | $ | 281,600 | |||||
| Granted | -- | $ | -- | ||||||||
| Cancelled | (379,550 | ) | $ | 20.43 | |||||||
| Exercised | (85,000 | ) | $ | 3.72 | |||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2011 | 1,269,649 | $ | 9.48 | 4.2 | $ | -- | |||||
All options are exercisable at December 31, 2011.
During 2007 the Company issued options to consultants to purchase 31,500 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $14.79 per share. The Company recorded $63,206 (included with expense of options granted to employees and directors) of non-cash expense in connection with the issuance of these options during 2009. The Company had no option related expense in 2010 and 2011.
During 2011 an employee was to make a payment of $276,750 for exercising 75,000 options but instead he forfeited 29,270 options which would have been exercisable at a fair market value of $276,896 and delivered the difference in cash.
During 2011, the Company received $65,977 in proceeds from the exercise of options.
F-15
(ii) Warrants
Activity in warrants is summarized below:
| Number of | ||||||
| Shares Underlying | Weighted Average | |||||
| Warrants Granted | Exercise Price | |||||
| Balance at December 31, 2008 | 167,500 | $ | 7.50-9.00 | |||
| Exercised | -- | $ | -- | |||
| Terminated | (7,500 | ) | $ | 8.98 | ||
| Issued | 340,161 | $ | 6.00 | |||
| Balance at December 31, 2009 | 500,161 | $ | 6.00-9.00 | |||
| Exercised | -- | $ | -- | |||
| Terminated | (135,000 | ) | $ | 7.50 | ||
| Issued | 343,748 | $ | 5.91 | |||
| Balance at December 31, 2010 | 708,909 | $ | 5.00-9.00 | |||
| Exercised | (4,652 | ) | $ | 5.64 | ||
| Terminated | -- | $ | -- | |||
| Issued | -- | $ | -- | |||
| Balance at December 31, 2011 | 704,257 | $ | 5.00-9.00 | |||
Warrants generally expire from five to ten years from the date of issuance. At December 31, 2011, the number of warrants exercisable was 610,924 at a weighted average exercise price of $6.07 per share.
The Company also granted 175,000 and 9,000 warrants at an exercise price of $6.00 and $5.00 respectively to consultants during 2009. These warrants vest ratably over 59 and 24 months, respectively. These warrants are valued at fair value at the time that the related services are provided using the Black-Scholes method and marked to market quarterly using the Black Scholes method. The Company incurred a (benefit) charge of ($16,974), $75,716 and $24,483 for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively in connection with these warrants.
(c) Restricted Stock Grant
During 2011, the Company granted 63,000 and 139,000 shares of common stock to directors and employees respectively. The market price of each share on the date of grant was $5.20. All of the shares granted to the directors, as well as 3,000 shares granted to certain employees, vested immediately upon grant. The remaining 136,000 shares issued vest ratably over the next 36 months. During 2010, the Company granted a total of 40,500 shares of restricted common stock to three directors. The market price of each share on the date of grant was $3.69. These shares were fully vested on the date of grant. During 2009, the Company granted 100,000, 199,700 and 250 shares of restricted common stock to its directors, employees and a consultant, respectively. All of the shares granted to the directors and the consultant, as well as 1,200 shares granted to employees vested immediately upon grant. The remaining 198,500 shares vest ratably over the 36 months subsequent to the grant date. In connection with a termination of employment, 888 shares were cancelled in 2009. The market value per share on the date of grant was $2.14. At December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, 90,667, 65,768 and 131,535, respectively, of these grants remain unvested. The Company recorded total non-cash share-based compensation expense of $702,837, $366,044, and $445,913 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(8) License and Other Agreements
The Company has entered into a number of license agreements covering various products using the Company’s SPD technology. Some of these license agreements are limited to specific counties and/or markets. Licensees of Research Frontiers who incorporate SPD technology into end products pay Research Frontiers an earned royalty of 5-15% of net sales of licensed products under license agreements currently in effect, and may also be required to pay Research Frontiers fees and minimum annual royalties. Licensees who sell products or components to other licensees of Research Frontiers do not pay a royalty on such sale; Research Frontiers will collect such royalty from the licensee incorporating such products or components into their own end-products. Research Frontiers’ license agreements typically allow the licensee to terminate the license after some period of time, and give Research Frontiers only limited rights to terminate before the license expires. Most licenses are non-exclusive and generally last as long as our patents remain in effect.
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(9) Commitments
The Company has an employment agreement with one of its officers which provides for an annual base salary of $425,000 and with another officer which provides for an annual base salary of $300,000, both for calendar year 2012.
The Company has a defined contribution profit sharing (401K) plan covering employees who have completed one year of service. Contributions are made at the discretion of the Company. The Company did not make any contributions to this plan for 2011, 2010 or 2009.
The Company occupies premises under an operating lease agreement which expires on January 31, 2014. At December 31, 2011, the approximate minimum annual future rental commitments under this lease for the next five years are as follows:
| 2012: | $ | 173,000 | ||
| 2013: | $ | 192,000 | ||
| 2014: | $ | 16,000 | ||
| 2015: | $ | -- | ||
| 2016: | $ | -- |
Rent expense, including other occupancy related expenses, amounted to approximately $172,000, $198,000, and $197,000 for 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.
(10) Rights Plan
In February 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Stockholders’ Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of one right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of Company common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2003. Subject to certain exceptions listed in the Rights Plan, if a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of, or commences a tender or exchange offer for, 15% or more of the Company’s common stock, unless redeemed by the Company’s Board of Directors, each Right entitles the holder (other than the acquiring person) to purchase from the Company $120 worth of common stock for $60. If the Company is merged into, or 50% or more of its assets or earning power is sold to, the acquiring company, the Rights will also enable the holder (other than the acquiring person) to purchase $120 worth of common stock of the acquiring company for $60. The Rights will expire at the close of business on February 18, 2013, unless the Rights Plan is extended by the Company’s Board of Directors or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed by the Company at a price of $.0001 per Right. The Rights are not exercisable during the time when they are redeemable by the Company.
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(11) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
| Quarter | ||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | First | Second | Third | Fourth | ||||||||||||
| Fee income | $ | 144,441 | $ | 140,407 | $ | 207,200 | $ | 353,934 | ||||||||
| Operating loss (2) | (1,593,220 | ) | (923,394 | ) | (812,400 | ) | (834,328 | ) | ||||||||
| Net loss (2) | (1,589,281 | ) | (919,122 | ) | (801,840 | ) | (825,825 | ) | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted net loss | ||||||||||||||||
| per common share (1) | (.09 | ) | (.05 | ) | (.04 | ) | (.04 | ) | ||||||||
| 2010 | First | Second | Third | Fourth | ||||||||||||
| Fee income | $ | 127,011 | $ | 161,229 | $ | 137,702 | $ | 341,580 | ||||||||
| Operating loss (2) | (1,669,488 | ) | (727,416 | ) | (753,336 | ) | (742,142 | ) | ||||||||
| Net loss (2) | (1,665,769 | ) | (723,650 | ) | (749,391 | ) | (736,055 | ) | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted net loss | ||||||||||||||||
| per common share (1) | (.10 | ) | (.04 | ) | (.04 | ) | (.04 | ) | ||||||||
(1) Since per share information is computed independently for each quarter and the full year, based on the respective average number of common shares outstanding, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts does not necessarily equal the per share amounts for the year.
(2) The Company incurred higher costs in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 relating primarily to approximately $475,000 and $606,000 respectively of non-cash stock compensation costs on fully vested restricted stock and $175,000 and $105,000, respectively, in directors fees.
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SCHEDULE II
RESEARCH FRONTIERS
INCORPORATED
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31,
2011, 2010, and 2009
| Balance at | Charged to | Balance | |||||||||||
| beginning | costs and | at end | |||||||||||
| of period | expenses | Deductions | of period | ||||||||||
| Description | |||||||||||||
| Allowance for uncollectible royalty receivables: | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2011 | $ | 162,723 | $ | 0 | $ | 70,000 | * | $ | 92,723 | ||||
| December 31, 2010 | $ | 186,568 | $ | 0 | $ | 23,845 | * | $ | 162,723 | ||||
| December 31, 2009 | $ | 203,674 | $ | 2,894 | $ | 20,000 | * | $ | 186,568 | ||||
*Recovery of previously reserved receivables.
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