Table of Contents

 


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

þ

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007.

 

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____________ TO _____________.

 

 

Commission File Number:     1-8403    

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

38-1749884

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

2956 Waterview Drive, Rochester Hills, Michigan

48309

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

(248) 293-0440

 

 

 

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    þ Yes        ¨   No

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

 

Large accelerated filer    þ

 

Accelerated filer    ¨

 

Non-accelerated filer    ¨

 

 

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

 

As of February 6, 2008, there were 40,305,957 shares of ECD’s Common Stock outstanding.

 

 

Page 1 of 55 Pages

 



 

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements 2
  Consolidated Statements of Operations 2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets – Assets 3
  Consolidated Balance Sheets – Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 4
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  
           NOTE A –   Summary of Accounting Policies 7
           NOTE B –   Accounts Receivable 23
           NOTE C –   Inventories 24
           NOTE D –   Joint Ventures and Investments 24
           NOTE E –   Liabilities 25
           NOTE F –   Line of Credit 26
           NOTE G –   Commitments 26
           NOTE H –   Royalties, Nonrefundable Advance Royalties and License Agreements 26
           NOTE I –   Business Segments 27
           NOTE J –   Income Taxes 28
           NOTE K –   Litigation 29
           NOTE L –   Subsequent Event 30
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 31
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 49
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 49
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 50
Item 1A. Risk Factors 51
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 51
Item 5. Other Information 52
Item 6. Exhibits 54
SIGNATURES 55

 

 

i

 



Table of Contents

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 .

Financial Statements

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

$

51,557,560

 

$

18,667,038

 

$

94,024,485

 

$

41,524,912

 

Royalties

 

1,491,733

 

 

963,663

 

 

2,507,001

 

 

1,627,386

 

Revenues from product development agreements

 

2,921,486

 

 

2,757,745

 

 

5,798,433

 

 

5,862,999

 

Revenues from license agreements

 

238,095

 

 

238,095

 

 

751,190

 

 

496,190

 

Other revenues

 

240,060

 

 

320,711

 

 

409,446

 

 

618,009

 

TOTAL REVENUES

 

56,448,934

 

 

22,947,252

 

 

103,490,555

 

 

50,129,496

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sales

 

41,744,787

 

 

16,324,768

 

 

76,813,370

 

 

34,334,696

 

Cost of revenues from product development agreements

 

1,819,488

 

 

1,699,991

 

 

3,528,253

 

 

3,713,702

 

Product development and research

 

2,583,021

 

 

4,925,687

 

 

6,045,429

 

 

9,666,866

 

Patents (including patent defense)

 

488,845

 

 

884,199

 

 

963,564

 

 

1,729,104

 

Preproduction costs

 

2,278,945

 

 

750,492

 

 

4,823,811

 

 

1,104,001

 

Operating, general and administrative (net)

 

12,435,846

 

 

6,237,735

 

 

23,655,655

 

 

14,800,357

 

Restructuring charges

 

2,554,691

 

 

 

 

5,070,483

 

 

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

 

63,905,623

 

 

30,822,872

 

 

120,900,565

 

 

65,348,726

 

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

 

(7,456,689

)

 

(7,875,620

)

 

(17,410,010

)

 

(15,219,230

)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

2,077,495

 

 

4,963,512

 

 

4,529,674

 

 

10,233,958

 

Other nonoperating income (expense)

 

4,843

 

 

(945

)

 

(54,838

)

 

(229,456

)

TOTAL OTHER INCOME

 

2,082,338

 

 

4,962,567

 

 

4,474,836

 

 

10,004,502

 

NET LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

(5,374,351

)

 

(2,913,053

)

 

(12,935,174

)

 

(5,214,728

)

Income Taxes

 

51,300

 

 

 

 

57,600

 

 

 

NET LOSS

$

(5,425,651

)

$

(2,913,053

)

$

(12,992,774

)

$

(5,214,728

)

Basic Net Loss Per Share

$

(.14

)

$

(.07

)

$

(.33

)

$

(.13

)

Diluted Net Loss Per Share

$

(.14

)

$

(.07

)

$

(.33

)

$

(.13

)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

 

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

ASSETS

 

December 31,

 

June 30,

 

 

2007

 

2007

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, including cash equivalents of $89,988,000 at
December 31, 2007 and $80,278,000 at
June 30, 2007

$

90,764,296

 

$

80,769,970

 

Restricted investment

 

5,613,870

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

59,042,417

 

 

125,003,963

 

Accounts receivable (net)

 

34,602,764

 

 

36,497,575

 

Inventories

 

30,932,091

 

 

38,692,178

 

Assets held for sale

 

1,538,843

 

 

1,523,543

 

Other

 

3,751,857

 

 

2,396,014

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

226,246,138

 

 

284,883,243

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings and improvements

 

60,328,219

 

 

23,382,529

 

Machinery and other equipment

 

200,510,503

 

 

129,186,752

 

Assets under capitalized leases

 

26,769,604

 

 

26,406,764

 

 

 

287,608,326

 

 

178,976,045

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(49,312,678

)

 

(41,992,111

)

NET DEPRECIABLE ASSETS

 

238,295,648

 

 

136,983,934

 

Land

 

1,157,394

 

 

1,376,580

 

Construction in progress

 

125,482,140

 

 

173,008,798

 

TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

364,935,182

 

 

311,369,312

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

4,901,808

 

 

4,426,025

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

596,083,128

 

$

600,678,580

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

3

 



Table of Contents

 

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

December 31,

 

June 30,

 

 

2007

 

2007

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

35,673,375

 

$

34,267,171

 

Salaries, wages and amounts withheld from employees

 

4,252,001

 

 

3,067,034

 

Restructuring reserve

 

2,287,472

 

 

3,630,634

 

Deferred revenues under business agreements

 

387,796

 

 

109,639

 

Current portion of deferred patent license fee

 

952,380

 

 

952,380

 

Current installments on long-term liabilities

 

1,065,014

 

 

912,781

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

44,618,038

 

 

42,939,639

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

25,583,650

 

 

25,795,875

 

LONG-TERM RESTRUCTURING RESERVE

 

315,280

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEFERRED PATENT LICENSE FEE

 

5,714,290

 

 

6,190,480

 

NONREFUNDABLE ADVANCE ROYALTIES

 

245,660

 

 

245,660

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

76,476,918

 

 

75,171,654

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTES A AND G)

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 100,000,000 shares at December 31,
2007 and at June 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued and outstanding – 40,275,407 shares at December 31,
2007 and 39,796,910 shares at June 30, 2007

 

402,754

 

 

397,969

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

861,455,059

 

 

854,160,702

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(342,011,333

)

 

(329,018,559

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(240,270

)

 

(33,186

)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

519,606,210

 

 

525,506,926

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

596,083,128

 

$

600,678,580

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

4

 



Table of Contents
 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(12,992,774

)

$

(5,214,728

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,640,477

 

 

4,583,053

 

Bad debt and other expenses

 

865,519

 

 

(82,792

)

Allowance for slow-moving and obsolete inventory

 

1,374,071

 

 

46,000

 

Restructuring charge

 

979,080

 

 

 

Warranty expense

 

431,303

 

 

362,671

 

Changes in government contracts and other reserves

 

137,975

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred nonrefundable patent license fee

 

(476,190

)

 

(476,190

)

Stock and stock options issued for services rendered

 

866,197

 

 

1,083,722

 

Gain on sales of equipment

 

(196,417

)

 

 

Loss on sale of investments

 

133,688

 

 

1,573

 

Retirement liability

 

(36,096

)

 

(43,008

)

Changes in working capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,024,864

 

 

5,268,636

 

Inventories

 

6,386,016

 

 

(10,200,856

)

Other assets

 

(1,842,988

)

 

(2,101,907

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

2,269,974

 

 

15,833,917

 

Restructuring reserve

 

(1,343,162

)

 

 

Deferred revenues under business agreements

 

278,157

 

 

(335,874

)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

6,499,694

 

 

8,724,217

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in restricted investment

 

(5,613,870

)

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment (including construction in progress)

 

(62,651,169

)

 

(70,261,137

)

Purchases of investments

 

(56,550,000

)

 

(327,954,480

)

Payment to Ovonyx

 

 

 

(200,000

)

Proceeds from sales of investments

 

99,599,072

 

 

100,480,307

 

Proceeds from maturities of investments

 

22,591,331

 

 

136,884,194

 

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

 

380,206

 

 

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(2,244,430

)

 

(161,051,116

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments under short-term and long-term debt obligations
and capitalized lease obligations

 

(603,747

)

 

(471,860

)

Payments of long-term retirement

 

(62,283

)

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

6,305,260

 

 

8,477,351

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

5,639,230

 

 

8,005,491

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

99,832

 

 

21,385

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

9,994,326

 

 

(144,300,023

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

80,769,970

 

 

164,961,982

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$

90,764,296

 

$

20,661,959

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(Unaudited)

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

$

81,221

 

$

 

Cash paid for interest, including capitalized interest

 

1,164,833

 

 

946,463

 

Noncash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital lease obligations to finance capital equipment

 

362,231

 

 

138,635

 

Depreciation allocated to construction in progress

 

 

 

325,820

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements for the interim periods have been included. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and regulations. The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K, which is available on the Company’s website www.ovonic.com .

Nature of Business

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (“ECD”) commercializes materials, products and production processes for the alternative energy generation, energy storage and information technology markets.

Financial Statement Presentation, Principles of Consolidation and Equity Accounting

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ECD and its 100%-owned subsidiary United Solar Ovonic LLC (referred to as “United Solar Ovonic”) and its 91.4%-owned subsidiary Ovonic Battery Company, Inc. (“Ovonic Battery” or “OBC”) (collectively the "Company"). No minority interest related to Ovonic Battery is recorded in the consolidated financial statements because there is no additional funding requirement by the minority shareholders. The Company has a number of strategic alliances and, as of December 31, 2007, has two major investments accounted for using the equity method: (i) Cobasys LLC, a joint venture between Ovonic Battery and a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, Chevron Technology Ventures LLC, (”CTV”), each having 50% interest in the joint venture and (ii) Ovonyx, Inc., a 39.3%-owned (or 30.7% on a fully diluted basis after giving effect to exercise of stock options and warrants) corporation with Mr. Tyler Lowrey, Intel Capital, and other investors. See Note D, “Joint Ventures and Investments,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for discussions of all of the Company’s major joint ventures and investments.

At December 31 and June 30, 2007, the Company’s investment in Cobasys is recorded at zero. The Company’s investment in Ovonyx is recorded at $200,000 at December 31 and June 30, 2007. The Company will continue to carry its investments in these joint ventures at the current amounts until the ventures become sustainably profitable, at which time the Company will start to recognize over a period of years its share, if any, of the then equity of each of the ventures, and will recognize its share of each venture’s profits or losses on the equity method of

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

accounting. To the extent that the Company has made contributions other than technology, it recognizes its proportionate share of any losses until the investment reaches zero.

Intellectual property, including patents, resulting from the Company’s investments in its technologies, is valued at zero in the balance sheet. Intellectual property provides the foundation for the creation of the important strategic alliances whereby the Company provides intellectual property and patents and joint venture partners provide cash.

Upon consolidation, all intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Any profits on intercompany transactions are eliminated to the extent of the Company’s ownership percentage.

Restructuring

In April 2007, we began implementing an organizational restructuring to consolidate and realign our business activities and reduce costs. The specific activities under the restructuring plan include consolidating the photovoltaic machine-building activities into the United Solar Ovonic business segment; substantially reducing activities in the previous Ovonic Battery and ECD segments, rebalancing these activities with external revenue sources and consolidating the remaining activities into the new Ovonic Materials segment; and reducing general and administrative personnel and other costs. The plan is expected to yield the following principal benefits: reduce annual research and development and general and administrative costs when fully implemented by the end of fiscal year 2008; strengthen our United Solar Ovonic segment by aligning all of the key components for photovoltaic operations within a single, unified operating structure to lower capital and production costs and drive technology improvements; align our emerging technologies with our business goals in our new Ovonic Materials segment, while directing integrated research and development and administrative resources accordingly; and right-size and consolidate our general and administrative activities to realize organizational synergies. Additional charges are expected in fiscal year 2008 in connection with the second, and final, phase of the plan, which will be fully completed by the end of fiscal year 2008.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of investments in short-term, highly liquid securities maturing 90 days or less from the date of acquisition.

Short-Term Investments

The Company has evaluated its investment policies consistent with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and determined that all of its short-term investment securities are classified

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported in Stockholders’ Equity under the caption “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization and accretions are included in interest income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in other nonoperating income (expense). The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in interest income. Short-term investments consist of auction rate certificates, corporate bonds and notes, and certificates of deposit which mature 91 days or more from date of acquisition.

The following schedule summarizes the unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s shot-term investments (in thousands):

 

 

Amortized

 

Gross Unrealized

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

(Losses)

 

Fair Value

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction Rate Certificates

 

$

40,450

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

40,450

 

 

Corporate Bonds

 

 

18,759

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(167

)

 

 

 

18,592

 

 

 

 

$

59,209

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(167

)

 

 

$

59,042

 

 

Restricted Investment –
Money Market

 

$

5,614

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

5,614

 

 

June 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction Rate Certificates

 

$

36,100

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

36,100

 

 

Corporate Bonds

 

 

74,882

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

 

74,903

 

 

Certificates of Deposit

 

 

14,001

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

14,001

 

 

 

 

$

124,983

 

 

$

28

 

 

 

$

(7

)

 

 

$

125,004

 

 

The following schedule summarizes the contractual maturities of the Company’s short-term investments (in thousands):

 

December 31, 2007

 

June 30, 2007

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Market
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Market
Value

 

Due in less than one year

$

 

$

 

$

43,692

 

$

43,696

 

Due after one year through five years

 

18,759

 

 

18,592

 

 

45,191

 

 

45,208

 

Due after five years

 

40,450

 

 

40,450

 

 

36,100

 

 

36,100

 

 

$

59,209

 

$

59,042

 

$

124,983

 

$

125,004

 

 

 

 

9

 



Table of Contents

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

Capitalized Interest

Interest on capitalized lease obligations is capitalized during active construction periods of equipment. The Company incurred, respectively, total interest costs of $589,000 and $601,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and $1,171,000 and $946,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, all of which were capitalized as part of the new solar cell manufacturing equipment currently under construction.

Impairment

Upon the identification of an event indicating potential impairment, the Company compares the carrying value of its long-lived assets with the estimated undiscounted cash flows or fair value associated with these assets. If the carrying value of the long-lived assets is more than the estimated undiscounted cash flows or fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded.

Financial Instruments

Due to the short-term maturities of cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable, the Company believes that the carrying value of its financial instruments is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Accounts Receivable

The Company maintains an allowance for uncollectible accounts considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation, and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

All properties are recorded at cost. Plant and equipment are depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets. The estimated lives of the principal classes of assets are as follows:

 

 

Years

 

Buildings and improvements*

 

1 to 33

 

 

Machinery and other equipment

 

3 to 12.5

 

 

Assets under capitalized leases

 

3 to 20

 

                                                 

 

       *

Includes leasehold improvements which are amortized over the shorter of the balance of the lease term or the life of the improvement, ranging from one to 20 years.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

Costs of machinery and other equipment acquired or constructed for a particular product development project, which have no alternative future use (in other product development projects or otherwise), are charged to product development and research costs as incurred.

Assets under capitalized leases are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the life of the equipment or facility, usually three to 20 years. Accumulated amortization on assets under capitalized leases as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $6,146,000 and $4,413,000, respectively.

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations. Expenditures for betterments or major renewals are capitalized and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

Litigation

The Company is involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, commercial disputes, intellectual property matters, personal injury claims, tax claims and employment matters. Although the outcome of any legal matter cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that any of these legal proceedings or matters will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations. See Note K, “Litigation,” for additional information.

Warranty Reserve

A warranty reserve is recorded at the time that the product is sold (for sales of photovoltaic products) or at the time that revenue is recognized (for machine-building and equipment sales).

Product Development, Patents and Technology

Product development and research costs are expensed as they are incurred and, as such, the Company’s investments in its technologies and patents are recorded at zero in its financial statements, regardless of their values. The technology investments are the bases by which the Company is able to enter into strategic alliances, joint ventures and license agreements.

Product Sales

Product sales include revenues related to photovoltaic products and nickel hydroxide. Generally, product sales are recognized under Ex-Works shipping terms (buyer is informed that goods are available for shipment). All intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation.

 

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

Royalties

Most license agreements provide for the Company to receive royalties from the sale of products which utilize the licensed technology. Typically, the royalties are incremental to and distinct from the license fee and are recognized as revenue upon the sale of the respective licensed product. In several instances, the Company has received cash payments for nonrefundable advance royalty payments which are creditable against future royalties under the licenses. Advance royalty payments are deferred and recognized in revenues as the creditable sales occur, the underlying agreement expires, or when the Company has demonstrable evidence that no additional royalties will be creditable and, accordingly, the earnings process is completed.

Business Agreements

Revenues are also derived through business agreements for the development and/or commercialization of products based upon the Company's proprietary technologies. The Company has two major types of business agreements.

The first type of business agreement relates to licensing the Company's proprietary technology. Licensing activities are tailored to provide each licensee with the right to use the Company's technology, most of which is patented, for a specific product application or, in some instances, for further exploration of new product applications of such technologies. The terms of such licenses, accordingly, are tailored to address a number of circumstances relating to the use of such technology which have been negotiated between the Company and the licensee. Such terms generally address whether the license will be exclusive or nonexclusive, whether the licensee is limited to very narrowly defined applications or to broader-based product manufacture or sale of products using such technologies, whether the license will provide royalties for products sold which employ such licensed technology and how such royalties will be measured, as well as other factors specific to each negotiated arrangement. In some cases, licenses relate directly to product development that the Company has undertaken pursuant to product development agreements; in other cases, they relate to product development and commercialization efforts of the licensee; and other agreements combine the efforts of the Company with those of the licensee.

License agreement fees are generally recognized as revenue at the time the agreements are consummated, which is the completion of the earnings process. Typically, such fees are nonrefundable, do not obligate the Company to incur any future costs or require future performance by the Company, and are not related to future production or earnings of the licensee. In some instances, a portion of such license fees is contingent upon the commencement of production or other uncertainties. In these cases, license fee revenues are not recognized until commencement of production or the resolution of uncertainties. Generally, there are no current or future direct costs associated with license fees.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

In the second type of agreement, product development agreements, the Company conducts specified product development projects related to one of its principal technology specializations for an agreed-upon fee. Some of these projects have stipulated performance criteria and deliverables whereas others require "best efforts" with no specified performance criteria. Revenues from product development agreements that contain specific performance criteria are recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis which matches the contract revenues to the costs incurred on a project based on the relationship of costs incurred to estimated total project costs. Revenues from product development agreements, where there are no specific performance terms, are recognized in amounts equal to the amounts expended on the programs. Generally, the agreed-upon fees for product development agreements contemplate reimbursing the Company, after its agreed-upon cost share, if any, for costs considered associated with project activities including expenses for direct product development and research, patents, operating, general and administrative expenses and depreciation. Accordingly, expenses related to product development agreements are recorded as cost of revenues from product development agreements.

Deferred Revenues

Deferred revenues represent amounts received under business agreements in excess of amounts recognized as revenues.

Other Operating Revenues

Other operating revenues consist principally of revenues related to services provided to certain related parties and third-party service revenue realized by certain of the Company’s service departments. Revenues related to services are recognized upon completion of performance of the applicable service.

Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)

Other nonoperating income consists of amortization of deferred gains, rental income, and other miscellaneous income. Other nonoperating expense consists of losses on sales of investments and miscellaneous expenses.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

Stock-Based Compensation

ECD has common stock reserved for issuance as follows:

  Number of Shares
  December 31, 2007 June 30, 2007
Stock options   2,058,690        2,568,747   
Warrants   400,000        400,000   
Convertible Investment Certificates   5,210        5,210   
TOTAL RESERVED SHARES   2,463,900        2,973,957   

ECD records the fair value of stock-based compensation grants as an expense. In order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, ECD applies the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Inherent in this model are assumptions related to expected stock-price volatility, option life, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. While the risk-free interest rate and dividend yield are less subjective assumptions, typically based on factual data derived from public sources, the expected stock-price volatility and option life assumptions require a greater level of judgment.

ECD uses an expected stock-price volatility assumption that is based on historical implied volatilities of the underlying stock which is obtained from public data sources. With regard to the weighted-average option life assumption, ECD considers the exercise behavior of past grants and models the pattern of aggregate exercises. Patterns are determined on specific criteria of the aggregate pool of optionees. Forfeiture rates are based on the Company’s historical data for stock option forfeitures.

The weighted average fair value of the options granted during the three months and six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is estimated based on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

2007

 

2006 (1)

 

2007

 

2006

Dividend Yield

0%

 

 

0%

 

0%

Volatility %

60.40%

 

 

61.76%

 

67.89%

Risk-Free Interest Rate

3.913%

 

 

4.238%

 

4.623%

Expected Life

6.58 years

 

 

6.44 years

 

6.63 years

                                                      

 

(1)

No options were granted in the three months ended December 31, 2006.

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

To determine expected volatility, ECD uses historical volatility based on daily closing prices of its common stock over periods that correlate with the expected terms of the options granted. The risk-free rate is based on the United States Treasury seven-year Constant Maturity Rate. The Company has not paid dividends in the past and does not plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. The expected term of stock options is based on the vesting term of the options and expected exercise behavior.

ECD has three shareholder-approved plans: the 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”) pursuant to which 2,000,000 shares were reserved for grants, the 2000 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the “2000 Plan”) pursuant to which 3,000,000 shares were reserved for grants, and the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) pursuant to which 1,000,000 shares are reserved for grants. ECD issues new shares to satisfy stock option exercises.

The 1995 and 2000 Plans authorized the granting of stock options at such exercise prices and to such employees, consultants and other persons as the Compensation Committee appointed by the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) determined. The exercise period for stock options generally may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant.

Under the terms of the 1995 Plan, 40% of the options became exercisable six months after the grant date, with an additional 30% becoming exercisable at the commencement of 18 and 30 months following the grant date. The 1995 Plan expired on January 26, 2005 and no additional grants will be made under this Plan.

Under the terms of the 2000 Plan, 40% of the options became exercisable one year after the grant date, with an additional 20% becoming exercisable after each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Effective November 14, 2006, the date ECD stockholders approved the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, ECD will not grant any additional options under the 2000 Plan.

The 2006 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options, including nonqualified and incentive options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units to officers, other employees, nonemployee directors, consultants, advisors, independent contractors and agents of ECD and its subsidiaries. The Committee will determine the period during which an option may be exercised and the terms relating to the exercise or cancellation of an option upon a termination of employment or service, but no option shall fully vest in less than four years, with no more than 40% vesting in the first year following the award, no more than a total of 60% of the option vesting by the end of the second year following the award and no more than a total of 80% of the option vesting by the end of the third year following the award. Each option will be exercisable for no more than 10 years after its date of grant, except that an incentive option granted to a participant owning more than 10% of ECD’s voting shares will be exercisable for no more than five years after its date of grant.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

Total net stock-based compensation expense is attributable to the granting of and the remaining requisite service periods of stock options previously granted. Compensation expense attributable to net stock-based compensation in the three and six months ended December 31, 2007 was $463,000 and $989,000, respectively, and in the three and six months ended December 31, 2006 was $309,000 and $901,000, respectively, increasing both basic and diluted loss per share by $.01 and $.02 for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, and by $.01 and $.02 for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2006, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and grants was as follows:

 

 

 

 

Weighted average period to be recognized

Nonvested Stock Options

$

1,841,000

 

1.82 years

Nonvested Restricted Stock Grants

 

2,416,000

 

2.95 years

 

$

4,257,000

 

 

A summary of the transactions during the three months ended December 31, 2007, with respect to ECD’s 1995, 2000 and 2006 Plans follows:

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average Exercise Price

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)

 

Weighted-Average Contractual Life Remaining in Years

Outstanding at June 30, 2007

 

966,840

 

 

$

20.05

 

 

 

$

10,901,717

 

 

 

4.86

 

Granted

 

80,000

 

 

$

25.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(37,770

)

 

$

18.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(60

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2007

 

1,009,010

 

 

$

20.58

 

 

 

$

3,272,314

 

 

 

5.10 

 

Granted

 

30,000

 

 

$

33.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(65,507

)

 

$

21.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(1,200

)

 

$

50.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(300

)

 

$

10.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

 

972,003

 

 

$

20.90

 

 

 

$

12,781,228

 

 

 

5.21 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2007

 

837,788

 

 

$

19.51

 

 

 

$

12,024,608

 

 

 

4.53 

 

Exercisable at June 30, 2007

 

858,542

 

 

$

19.48

 

 

 

$

9,923,559

 

 

 

4.46 

 

                                                      

(1)

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

The weighted average fair value of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months and six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted

$

608,802

 

$

 

$

1,899,191

 

$

330,417

 

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

$

5,147,741

 

$

7,219,487

 

$

6,366,388

 

$

8,019,402

 

The following is a summary of the transactions during the six months ended December 31, 2007 with respect to Stock Option Agreements between ECD and Stanford R. Ovshinsky and Dr. Iris M. Ovshinsky dated November 18, 1993. Upon the death of Dr. Ovshinsky in August 2006, and pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Agreements and our stock option plans, options owned by Dr. Ovshinsky were transferred to her estate, of which Mr. Ovshinsky is the executor.

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average Exercise
Price

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1)

 

Weighted-Average Contractual Life Remaining in Years

Outstanding and exercisable at
June 30, 2007

 

445,259

 

 

$

18.25

 

 

$

5,595,637

 

 

(2)

 

Exercised

 

(259,674

)

 

$

15.06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2007

 

185,585

 

 

$

22.73

 

 

$

2,026,588

 

 

(2)

 

                                                        

 

(1)

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value as of the above dates for the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

 

(2)

Mr. Ovshinsky retired as an active employee and a director of ECD effective August 31, 2007. The 171,713 shares owned by him are exercisable through August 31, 2008. The 13,872 shares owned by the estate of Dr. Ovshinsky expire on August 16, 2008.

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

The following is a summary of the transactions during the six months ended December 31, 2007 with respect to a Stock Option Agreement between Robert C. Stempel and ECD entered into in January 1999:

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1)

 

Weighted-Average Contractual Life Remaining in Years

Outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2007

 

180,000

 

 

$

10.688

 

 

$

3,623,760

 

 

1.55

 

Exercised

 

(60,000

)

 

$

10.688

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2007

 

120,000

 

 

$

10.688

 

 

$

2,755,440

 

 

1.04

 

                                                        

(1)

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value as of the above dates for the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

As of December 31 and June 30, 2007, there were 292,000 and 338,000, respectively, nonvested shares of restricted stock pursuant to a Restricted Stock Agreement dated January 19, 1999, and amended as of September 22, 2005, between Mr. Stempel and ECD with a weighted average grant date fair value of approximately $3,120,896 and $3,612,544, respectively. The vesting schedule provides for quarterly vesting of 23,000 shares at the beginning of each quarter commencing July 1, 2006 through October 1, 2010 with 16,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2010.

As part of the executive changes in August 2007, the vesting of certain stock options owned by Mr. Ovshinsky and Mr. Stempel was accelerated. As a result of this acceleration of vesting, approximately $258,000 was recorded as a restructuring charge in the six months ended December 31, 2007.

In May 2007, the Company awarded 23,352 shares of restricted stock to certain officers and an employee pursuant to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The value ($838,804) of these restricted shares is being amortized over their three-year vesting period.

In September 2007, ECD issued the following shares of restricted stock to Mark D. Morelli, its new President and Chief Executive Officer: 30,000 shares vesting on the third anniversary of the date of grant, and an additional 30,000 shares vesting on the earlier of the third anniversary of the grant date or the twentieth consecutive trading day on which the average closing price of ECD’s common stock on Nasdaq exceeds $50.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

In December 2007, ECD issued 10,000 shares of restricted stock to an employee pursuant to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The value ($354,500) of these restricted shares is being amortized over their three-year vesting period.

In August 2007, the Compensation Committee of ECD’s Board of Directors restructured nonemployee director compensation to closely align with the long-term interest of the Company and its stockholders. Effective December 11, 2007, the meeting fees were eliminated and the nonemployee directors were paid an annual retainer of $90,000 payable in restricted stock, with each director having the option to receive up to 40% of such amount in cash.

In December 2007, ECD issued 15,546 shares of restricted stock to its nonemployee directors pursuant to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The value ($463,582) of these restricted shares is being amortized over a two- to nine-year vesting period.

Warrants

As of December 31, 2007, ECD had outstanding a warrant for the purchase of 400,000 shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to a Common Stock Warrant Agreement entered into in March 2000. This warrant is exercisable on or prior to March 10, 2010 at $22.93 per share.

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. ECD uses the treasury stock method to calculate diluted earnings per share. Potential dilution exists from stock options and warrants. Weighted average number of shares outstanding and basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are computed as follows:

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net loss

$

(5,425,651

)

$

(2,913,053

)

$

(12,992,774

)

$

(5,214,728

)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–  for basic net loss per share

 

40,035,323

 

 

39,302,286

 

 

39,950,001

 

 

39,186,173

 

–  for diluted net loss per share

 

40,035,323

 

 

39,302,286

 

 

39,950,001

 

 

39,186,173

 

Basic net loss per share

$

(.14

)

$

(.07

)

$

(.33

)

$

(.13

)

Diluted net loss per share

$

(.14

)

$

(.07

)

$

(.33

)

$

(.13

)

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

Due to the Company’s net losses, the 2007 weighted average shares of potential dilutive securities of 632,222 and 659,501, respectively, for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, were excluded from the calculations of diluted loss per share, as inclusion of these securities would have been antidilutive to the net loss per share. Additionally, securities of 25,121 and 24,625 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, were excluded from the 2007 calculations, as these securities would have been antidilutive regardless of the Company’s net income or loss.

Due to the Company’s net loss, the 2006 weighted average shares of potential dilutive securities of 1,252,823 and 2,333,199 for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2006, respectively, were excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share, as inclusion of these securities would have been antidilutive to the net loss per share. Additional securities of 6,317 and 18,400 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2006, respectively, were excluded from the 2006 calculation of weighted average shares of potential dilutive securities. Since the exercise prices exceeded the average market price of ECD’s Common Stock during these periods, these securities would have been antidilutive regardless of the Company’s net income or loss.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be based upon amounts that differ from those estimates.

Preproduction Costs

The Company recognizes in its Consolidated Statements of Operations costs in preparation for its new manufacturing facilities and equipment as preproduction costs. These costs include training of new employees, supplies and other costs for the new manufacturing facilities in advance of the commencement of manufacturing.

Recent Pronouncements

On December 4, 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement No. 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations.” Statement 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under Statement 141R, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. Statement 141R will change the accounting treatment for certain specific items. Statement 141R also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. Statement 141 applies prospectively to business combinations for which

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited.

The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of this Statement will have on its financial statements.

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An Amendment of ARB No. 51.” Statement 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. Statement 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. Statement 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. Statement 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods with those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited.

The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of this Statement will have on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on its financial statements.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

In June 2007, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus that EITF Issue No. 07-3, “Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for Use in Future Research and Development Activities” is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is not permitted. EITF Issue No. 07-3 requires that nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities should be deferred and capitalized. Such amounts should be recognized as an expense as the goods are delivered or the related services are performed. This pronouncement is expected to have no impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Restructuring Charges and Assets Held for Sale

The Company recorded restructuring charges, representing expenses incurred in connection with its restructuring and succession plan, totaling $2,555,000 and $5,070,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively. The first phase of our restructuring plan, which resulted in a total restructuring expense of $5,385,000 in fiscal year 2007, was substantially complete as of June 30, 2007. The impact of the charges was $.06 and $.13 per share for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively.

As part of the restructuring plan, in the year ended June 30, 2007, approximately 100 positions were eliminated principally from the Ovonic Materials segment and Corporate Activities. The majority of the estimated savings impacted research and development expenses. In the three months ended December 31, 2007, an additional 50 positions were eliminated principally from the Ovonic Materials segment and Corporate Activities. All of the restructuring charges are included in Corporate Activities.

In addition, as part of the restructuring, the Company will no longer be using its Wafer Lab equipment. This equipment, with a net book value of approximately $1,539,000, is currently classified as Assets Held for Sale and the Company is in negotiations with interested parties for the sale of this equipment at a sale price of equal to, or more than, the net book value of this equipment.

We expect to incur additional restructuring costs of approximately $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2008 related to the Phase 2 of our restructuring plan, which is expected to be fully completed in fiscal year 2008. We are currently in the process of evaluating a more aggressive cost-reduction plan in Phase 2 which may result in additional restructuring costs.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A – Summary of Accounting Policies (Continued)

The following summarizes activity in the Company’s restructuring reserve through December 31, 2007.

 

Employee-Related
Expenses

 

Other Expenses

 

Total

Balance July 1, 2007

 

$

2,883,734

 

 

$

746,900

 

 

 

 

$

3,630,634

 

Charges

 

 

1,365,715

 

 

 

3,704,768

 

 

 

 

 

5,070,483

 

Utilization or payment

 

 

(3,696,660

)

 

 

(2,401,705

)

 

 

 

 

(6,098,365

)

December 31, 2007

 

$

552,789

 

 

$

2,049,963

 

 

 

 

 

2,602,752

 

Less current portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,287,472

)

Long-term restructuring reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

315,280

 

 

 

NOTE B – Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable consist of the following:

 

 

December 31,
2007

 

June 30,
2007

 

Billed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade

$

27,177,197

 

$

27,827,263

 

Related parties

 

619,222

 

 

322,105

 

Other

 

1,530,750

 

 

2,248,228

 

Subtotal

 

29,327,169

 

 

30,397,596

 

Unbilled

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade

 

754,621

 

 

1,544,162

 

Related parties

 

47,965

 

 

85,905

 

Other

 

5,568,009

 

 

5,007,912

 

Subtotal

 

6,370,595

 

 

6,637,979

 

Less allowance for uncollectible accounts

 

(1,095,000

)

 

(538,000

)

 

$

34,602,764

 

$

36,497,575

 

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

NOTE C – Inventories

Inventories of raw materials, work in process and finished goods for the manufacture of solar cells and nickel hydroxide are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market. Cost elements included in inventory are materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead.

Inventories (substantially all for United Solar Ovonic) are as follows:

 

 

December 31,
2007

 

June 30,
2007

 

Finished products

$

2,926,205

 

$

16,399,784

 

Work in process

 

8,389,548

 

 

5,495,945

 

Raw materials

 

19,616,338

 

 

16,796,449

 

 

$

30,932,091

 

$

38,692,178

 

The above amounts include an allowance for slow-moving and obsolete inventory of $3,244,000 and $1,870,000 as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007, respectively.

 

NOTE D – Joint Ventures and Investments

Joint Ventures

Cobasys

The Company recognized $238,000 and $476,000 as revenues from license agreements in each of the three and six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, in connection with the amortization of a license fee received from Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd. as part of a settlement of a certain patent infringement dispute in a prior year.

The Company recorded revenues from Cobasys of $106,000 and $227,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, and $251,000 and $442,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2006, respectively, for services performed on behalf of Cobasys (primarily for advanced product development testing and other services).

Ovonyx

As of December 31, 2007, ECD owns 39.3% (or 30.7% on a fully diluted basis after giving effect to exercise of stock options and warrants) of Ovonyx, Mr. Tyler Lowrey and his colleague own 39.3%, and Intel Capital and other investors own the remainder of the shares outstanding. ECD receives 0.5% of Ovonyx annual gross revenues.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE D – Joint Ventures and Investments (Continued)

ECD recorded non-royalty revenues from Ovonyx of $59,000 and $127,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, and $195,000 and $340,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2006, respectively, representing services provided to this joint venture.

 

NOTE E – Liabilities

Warranty Liability

The Company estimates the liability for product warranty costs based upon its past experience and best estimate of future warranty claims. The following is a summary of the changes in the product warranty liability during the six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

Liability at beginning of the period

$

1,325,452

 

$

1,835,136

 

Amounts accrued for as warranty costs

 

431,303

 

 

(387,463

) (1)

Warranty claims

 

(191,477

)

 

(142,749

)

Liability at end of period

$

1,565,278

 

$

1,304,924

 

                                                             

 

(1)

During the six months ended December 31, 2006, the Company, based upon current information, revised its estimate of the warranty accrual in connection with its Rare Earth Ovonic joint venture and recorded a $750,000 reduction in this accrual.

Government Contracts, Reserves and Liabilities

The Company’s contracts with the U.S. Government and its agencies are subject to audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (“DCAA”). DCAA has audited the Company’s indirect rates, including its methodology of computing these rates, for the years through June 30, 2004. In its reports, DCAA questioned the allowability of and the allocability of certain costs as well as the Company’s methodology for allocating independent research and development to its indirect cost pools. The Company has a reserve of $1,830,000 and $1,899,000 at December 31, 2007 and at June 30, 2007, respectively.

In connection with a 1992 battery development contract with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (“USABC”), partially funded by the Department of Energy (“DOE”), the Company has agreed to reimburse USABC and DOE for payments to the Company under the

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE E – Liabilities (Continued)

1992 contract. The agreed reimbursement includes a 15% share of royalty payments the Company receives through May 3, 2012 where Ovonic NiMH batteries serve as the primary source of power for electric vehicles. The Company has accrued as an expense 15% of such royalty payments.

 

 

NOTE F – Line of Credit

As of December 31, 2007, the Company had a line of credit with LaSalle Bank Midwest N.A. in the amount of $5,000,000. This line of credit provides a mechanism for obtaining letters of credit and entering into foreign exchange transactions. The line of credit, which expires on August 31, 2008, is secured by a security interest in certain of the Company’s inventory and requires maintaining a $5,000,000 minimum investment balance. At December 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $2,161,000 against the line of credit.

 

NOTE G – Commitments

The Company, in the ordinary course of business, enters into purchase commitments for raw materials. The Company also enters into purchase commitments for capital equipment, including subcontracts for the purchase of components for the new solar manufacturing equipment being installed in Greenville, Michigan and Tijuana, Mexico. The Company’s total obligations under purchase commitments at December 31, 2007 were $70,947,000 ($60,873,000 of which was due within one year and $10,074,000 thereafter).

Purchase Commitment . In December 2007, the Company entered into a gas purchase agreement totaling $8,458,000 for certain of its facilities. The agreements are effective through December 2008. The agreements require the Company to purchase a committed amount of germane gas at a monthly fixed price, which the Company believes it will consume in its normal course of operations during the period January through October 2008.

 

NOTE H – Royalties, Nonrefundable Advance Royalties and License Agreements

The Company has business agreements with third parties and with related parties for which royalties and revenues are included in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.

At December 31 and June 30, 2007, the Company deferred recognition of revenue in the amount of $245,660 related to nonrefundable advance royalty payments.

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

NOTE I – Business Segments

The following table summarizes the financial data (in thousands) of the Company’s operations by business segments:

 

United Solar Ovonic

 

Ovonic Materials

 

Corporate Activities

 

Consolidating Entries

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

$

51,720

 

 

$

4,570

 

 

$

376

 

 

$

(217

)

 

$

56,449

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

19,194

 

 

 

3,580

 

 

 

356

 

 

 

(183

)

 

 

22,947

 

 

Six months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

$

93,607

 

 

$

9,662

 

 

$

545

 

 

$

(323

)

 

$

103,491

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

43,054

 

 

 

6,821

 

 

 

599

 

 

 

(345

)

 

 

50,129

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

$

2,084

 

 

$

399

 

 

$

(9,974

)

 

$

34

 

 

$

(7,457

)

 

December 31, 2006

 

864

 

 

 

(2,864

)

 

 

(5,339

)

 

 

(537

)

 

 

(7,876

)

 

Six months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

$

1,616

 

 

$

(301

)

 

$

(18,807

)

 

$

82

 

 

$

(17,410

)

 

December 31, 2006

 

2,351

 

 

 

(6,772

)

 

 

(9,731

)

 

 

(1,067

)

 

 

(15,219

)

 

Depreciation Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

$

8,095

 

 

$

236

 

 

$

377

 

 

$

(68

)

 

$

8,640

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

3,489

 

 

 

723

 

 

 

381

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

4,583

 

 

Capital Expenditures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

$

62,630

 

 

$

56

 

 

$

340

 

 

$

(2

)

 

$

63,024

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

71,334

 

 

 

98

 

 

 

70

 

 

 

(1,102

)

 

 

70,400

 

 

Identifiable Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

$

471,933

 

 

$

7,319

 

 

$

142,719

 

 

$

(25,888

)

 

$

596,083

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

272,037

 

 

 

9,153

 

 

 

357,129

 

 

 

(22,603

)

 

 

615,716

 

 

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE I – Business Segments (Continued)

The following table presents revenues (in thousands) by country based on the location of the customer:

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

United States

$

29,249

 

$

11,661

 

$

48,622

 

$

25,383

 

Germany

 

5,129

 

 

4,857

 

 

17,244

 

 

13,037

 

China/Hong Kong/Taiwan

 

2,409

 

 

1,279

 

 

6,047

 

 

2,047

 

Japan

 

1,456

 

 

1,077

 

 

2,422

 

 

1,857

 

Italy

 

3,549

 

 

2,439

 

 

13,714

 

 

3,895

 

South Korea

 

5,617

 

 

 

 

6,290

 

 

 

France

 

5,793

 

 

186

 

 

5,793

 

 

373

 

Other Countries

 

3,247

 

 

1,448

 

 

3,359

 

 

3,537

 

 

$

56,449

 

$

22,947

 

$

103,491

 

$

50,129

 

As of December 31 and June 30, 2007, the composition of the Company's property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, is principally in the United States.

 

NOTE J – Income Taxes

In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty for Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement methodology for recording within the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in tax returns. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure related to uncertain tax positions. The cumulative effect of implementing FIN 48 as of July 1, 2007 was zero. The Company has no unrecognized tax benefits at this time.

The Company files U.S. federal, state and foreign income tax returns. Due to its net operating loss carryforwards, federal income tax returns from fiscal 1993 forward are still subject to examination. In addition, open tax years related to various state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination.

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

NOTE K – Litigation

As previously reported, on September 10, 2007, CTV issued a notice of dispute and filed claims in arbitration against ECD and OBC relating to our Cobasys joint venture. CTV’s original arbitration claim seeks damages and injunctive and other relief and alleges that ECD and OBC breached and anticipatorily repudiated obligations to provide certain funding to Cobasys under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of December 2, 2004 among us, OBC and CTV (the "Operating Agreement"), which governs Cobasys. CTV subsequently filed a supplemental notice of dispute amending its claims to assert that ECD and OBC had dishonored CTV's preferred interest in Cobasys and that OBC had breached its obligation to use diligent efforts to approve a 2008 annual budget for Cobasys. We and OBC have denied CTV’s allegations and filed a counterclaim, seeking damages and injunctive and other relief on the ground that CTV has been acting unilaterally and in violation of the Operating Agreement and applicable Michigan law in regard to the funding and spending provisions of the Agreement. The arbitrator held a hearing in January 2008 on our and OBC’s application for partial judgment on the pleadings seeking to dismiss CTV’s initial and amended claims and CTV’s request for declaratory relief, seeking an order declaring that OBC and ECD must meet their alleged funding obligations and not block a sale of Cobasys by dishonoring CTV's preferred interest. The arbitrator’s ruling is expected in February.

We and OBC have had settlement discussions with CTV. At the same time, we and OBC dispute and have been vigorously defending the claims asserted by CTV and pursuing our counterclaim. In our view, the Operating Agreement is clear that we and OBC have no present obligation to provide funding to Cobasys; OBC is not in default of the Operating Agreement; any future funding obligation would arise only upon unanimous approval by Cobasys’ members, OBC and CTV, of (i) a 2008 budget and operating plan for Cobasys, and (ii) agreed capital contributions by the members; and CTV has no right unilaterally to provide funding or to authorize spending by Cobasys without an approved 2008 budget and operating plan, or otherwise as approved by OBC. In our view, the Operating Agreement is also clear that we and OBC have not dishonored CTV’s preferred interests; OBC has an unqualified right to refuse to sell its interests in Cobasys on terms that it does not consider appropriate; and OBC may determine in its discretion whether to approve any sale of Cobasys or sale of CTV’s interests in Cobasys.

The members of Cobasys have not approved a 2008 business plan and budget, and CTV and OBC have not been able to agree on a solution to Cobasys’ business issues or whether Cobasys should continue as a going concern if it cannot be sold in the near future. CTV has continued to fund Cobasys’ loss-generating operations, which, in OBC’s view, violates the Operating Agreement and applicable Michigan law. Cobasys had losses of approximately $76 million and obtained funding of approximately $84 million in 2007, and Cobasys management has recently forecast for 2008, which has not been approved by the members, losses of approximately $82-86 million and funding requirements of approximately $92-94 million. Clarification of the

 

 

 

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ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE K – Litigation (Continued)

parties’ respective rights and obligations through the pending ruling by the arbitrator should help to facilitate a resolution.

International Acquisitions Services, Inc. (“IAS”), Innovative Transportation Systems AG (“ITS”) and Neville Chamberlain filed suit against Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (“ECD”) in Nassau County, New York on October 11, 2007, claiming, among other things, that ECD made fraudulent statements relating to the supply of battery products to ITS, an entity created to manufacture and sell an electric delivery vehicle known as the InnoVan. Chamberlain, a sophisticated investor, invested in ITS through IAS. ECD also invested in ITS. ECD disputes and is vigorously defending these claims.

 

NOTE L – Subsequent Event

Effective February 2008, ECD, as Loan Guarantor, and United Solar Ovonic LLC and United Solar Ovonic Corporation (collectively, the “Borrowers”), entered into a new secured credit facility, with an aggregate commitment of up to $55,000,000, pursuant to a Credit Agreement and a Fast Track Export Loan Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. who will serve as Administrative Agent for the Credit Agreement. The new credit facility is comprised of two separate lines of credit, a $30,000,000 line (the “Asset Based Revolver”) and a $25,000,000 line (the “Ex-Im Revolver”). Both lines are secured by inventory and receivables of the Borrowers. The credit facility has, among others, a financial covenant which requires the company to maintain a minimum liquidity of $10 million at all times. Liquidity is defined as the sum of (a) cash (b) the market value of cash equivalents, (c) liquid investment securities and (d) aggregate borrowing availability under the facility.

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This section summarizes significant factors affecting the Company’s consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. This section should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report and the Company’s filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007.

Overview

We commercialize materials, products and production processes for the alternative energy generation, energy storage and information technology markets. We manufacture for commercial sale thin-film, lightweight, flexible photovoltaic (“PV”) laminates, which account for substantially all of our product revenues. We also manufacture and sell positive electrode nickel hydroxide battery materials, and license our nickel metal hydride (“NiMH”) battery technology, which is used in commercial products. Our principal joint ventures – Cobasys LLC and Ovonyx, Inc. – are commercializing our NiMH battery and Ovonic Universal Memory (“OUM,” referred to also as “PRAM”) technologies, respectively. Battery products manufactured by Cobasys are commercially available.

These business activities represent application of our overall business strategy to commercialize our materials, products and production processes internally and through third-party relationships, such as licenses and joint ventures. Accordingly, our results reflect our approach to commercialization of a particular technology, as well as the commercial readiness of that technology, and consideration should be given to the following key factors when reviewing our results for the periods discussed:

 

We are engaged in full-scale manufacturing and sale of our PV products through our United Solar Ovonic segment, and our consolidated financial results are driven primarily by the performance of this segment . Our United Solar Ovonic segment accounted for 92% and 90% of our total revenue in the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, and accounted for 84% and 86% of our total revenue in the three and six months ended December 31, 2006, respectively. Our United Solar Ovonic segment generated an operating income of $2,084,000 and $1,616,000, while our Ovonic Materials segment had an operating income of $399,000 and a loss of $301,000, in the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively; our Corporate Activities segment, which includes corporate operating, general and administrative expenses, had approximately a net expense of $9,974,000 for the three months and $18,807,000 (including restructuring costs of $5,070,000) for the six months ended December 31, 2007. Given the expected growth of our photovoltaic business (as discussed below) relative to our other business activities, our overall success in the foreseeable future will be aligned primarily with the performance of our United Solar Ovonic segment and subject to the risks of that business.

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

We are expanding manufacturing capacity for our PV products to meet the rapid growth in the alternative energy generation market in general and the solar market in particular, and we will require significant capital to fund this expansion . We are increasing our manufacturing capacity from the current 118MW by an additional 30MW by the end of fiscal year 2008, and expect to expand beyond 300MW by 2010. We are funding the initial phases of our manufacturing capacity expansion with the proceeds from our March 2006 common stock offering. We will require additional funding for subsequent phases through 2010, which we may obtain from equity or debt financing, business agreements and other sources.

 

We are aggressively pursuing cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives to enhance our competitiveness, as competition grows, and pricing pressures increase, in the solar market . We and other PV module manufacturers are expanding PV module manufacturing capacity, and new manufacturers are initiating production, to meet the rapidly increasing global demand for PV systems. We are currently working on cost reductions for future machines. In addition, we are continuing to implement our plans for cost reductions in our raw materials and a program to increase our yields. We have reorganized our marketing function and are focusing on the markets and customers best served by our differentiated products. We are also expanding our sales and marketing teams in the United States and Europe to increase our sales to match our expanding production capacity. These initiatives are expected to offset the pricing pressures in the near term and attain cost competitiveness with traditional energy sources in the longer term.

 

We are commercializing our NiMH battery and OUM technologies principally through unconsolidated joint ventures, and we account for our interests in these joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. Our principal joint ventures – Cobasys and Ovonyx – were founded upon technologies that we pioneered to further develop and commercialize these technologies. In each case, we participate in the business as equity holders but do not directly manage or have a controlling interest in the entity. We have not reported any earnings or losses from Cobasys because our only contributions to Cobasys have been noncash items, including intellectual property and know-how. We do record royalties from Ovonyx representing 0.5% of their total revenues. These royalties were $13,000 and $30,000, respectively for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007 and $8,000 and $32,000, respectively for the three and six months ended December 31, 2006).

 

The members of Cobasys have agreed to explore strategic alternatives regarding Cobasys that are intended to enable Cobasys to further capitalize on global opportunities for integrated energy storage solutions in the hybrid electric vehicle and stationary power industries. This process is continuing. At the same time, as previously reported, certain disputes relating to Cobasys are the subject of pending arbitration, and Cobasys and its members have not agreed on a 2008 budget and/or business plan. The timing and nature of a particular strategic alternative to be consummated, if any, has not been concluded and may not be successful. See Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings and Item 1A – Risk Factors.

 

 

 

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We are developing certain of our emerging technologies with the intent to bring these technologies to commercialization or monetizing them. These development activities, which have historically generated losses, have been substantially reduced and balanced to sustainable levels as part of a restructuring plan . We have successfully brought our PV and NiMH technologies from pioneering technologies to commercial products, and Ovonyx has been collaborating successfully with a number of semiconductor companies to commercialize OUM. We are utilizing a similar strategy for our current emerging technologies. As part of the restructuring plan (discussed below), these development activities have been substantially reduced and balanced with external sources of revenues, such as royalties, and development agreements (principally government contracts) to realign development commercialization efforts at sustainable levels. Additionally, we are seeking third-party investments and are re-evaluating our emerging technologies to ensure that they are properly prioritized with these goals.

Key Indicators of Financial Condition and Operating Performance . In evaluating our business, we use product sales, gross profit, pre-tax income, earnings per share, net income, cash flow from operations and other key performance metrics. We also use production, measured in megawatts (“MW”) per annum, and gross margins on product sales as key performance metrics for our United Solar Ovonic segment, particularly in connection with the manufacturing expansion in this segment.

In April 2007, we began implementing an organizational restructuring to consolidate and realign our business activities and reduce costs. The specific activities under the restructuring plan include consolidating the photovoltaic machine-building activities into the United Solar Ovonic business segment; substantially reducing activities in the previous Ovonic Battery and ECD segments, rebalancing these activities with external revenue sources and consolidating the remaining activities into the new Ovonic Materials segment; and reducing general and administrative personnel and other costs. The plan is expected to yield the following principal benefits: reduce annual costs when fully implemented by the end of fiscal year 2008; strengthen our United Solar Ovonic segment by aligning all of the key components for photovoltaic operations within a single, unified operating structure to lower capital and production costs and drive technology improvements; align our emerging technologies with our business goals in our new Ovonic Materials segment, while directing integrated research and development and administrative resources accordingly; and right-size and consolidate enterprise general and administrative activities to realize organizational synergies. In addition, we are increasing some additional general and administrative costs due to the hiring of sales and support staff for expansion activities associated with our increased manufacturing facilities at United Solar Ovonic. Additional restructuring charges are expected in fiscal year 2008 in connection with the second phase of the plan, which will be fully completed by the end of fiscal year 2008.

 

 

 

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Results of Operations

Three Months ended December   31, 2007 Compared to Three Months ended December   31, 2006

The following table summarizes each of our segment’s operating results (in thousands) for the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, together with the revenue and expenses related to Corporate Activities that are not allocated to the business segments during these periods:

 

Revenues

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

United Solar Ovonic

$

51,720

 

$

19,194

 

 

$

2,084

 

 

$

864

 

Ovonic Materials

 

4,570

 

 

3,580

 

 

 

399

 

 

 

(2,864

)

Corporate Activities

 

376

 

 

356

 

 

 

(9,974

)

 

 

(5,339

)

Consolidating Entries

 

(217

)

 

(183

)

 

 

34

 

 

 

(537

)

Consolidated

$

56,449

 

$

22,947

 

 

$

(7,457

)

 

$

(7,876

)

Revenues increased to $56,449,000 in 2007 from $22,947,000 in the corresponding quarter in 2006 due to increased product sales in 2007 at United Solar Ovonic. Loss from operations decreased from $7,876,000 in 2006 to $7,457,000 in 2007 primarily due to improved operating income at United Solar Ovonic and Ovonic Materials, partially offset by higher costs in our Corporate Activities, including restructuring costs of $2,555,000 (see Note A, “Summary of Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, we are incurring additional general and administrative costs due to the hiring of sales and support staff for expansion activities associated with our increased manufacturing facilities at United Solar Ovonic. The Ovonic Materials segment reflects the savings (reduced research and development costs) resulting from our restructuring activities.

 

 

 

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United Solar Ovonic Segment

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

(in thousands)

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

$

49,726

 

$

17,445

 

Revenues from product development agreements

 

1,994

 

 

1,748

 

Other operating revenues

 

 

 

1

 

TOTAL REVENUES

$

51,720

 

$

19,194

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sales

$

40,203

 

$

15,029

 

Cost of revenues from product development agreements

 

1,187

 

 

680

 

Product development and research

 

909

 

 

771

 

Preproduction costs

 

2,279

 

 

750

 

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

 

5,058

 

 

1,100

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

$

49,636

 

$

18,330

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

$

2,084

 

$

864

 

Revenues at the United Solar Ovonic segment increased by $32,526,000 as we continued to expand our manufacturing capacity and product sales. Operating profit increased by $1,220,000, primarily due to increased product sales, partially offset by preproduction and ramp-up expenses at our new Greenville and Tijuana manufacturing facilities which commenced production during the quarter.

Product sales increased $32,281,000 in 2007 due to increased volume. This increase in volume includes the $5,941,000 impact of reduced prices and a change in the mix of product sold to more products with lower prices, which have higher margins than other priced products.

Gross profit margin on product sales increased to 19% in 2007 from 14% in 2006 due to the impact of cost-reduction measures to significantly reduce material costs, increased plant yields, reduced labor costs with increased product manufacturing in Mexico, and improved product mix (lower prices but higher margins). The 2006 quarter was impacted by the initial ramp-up of the Auburn Hills 2 manufacturing facility and the 2007 quarter was similarly impacted by the initial ramp-up of the Greenville and Tijuana plants. As we expand our manufacturing capacity, our gross profit margins will be impacted by higher costs associated with lower production volumes as we ramp up production to full capacity at our new manufacturing facilities. The first 30MW production line for Greenville was placed in service on November 1, 2007.

 

 

 

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We continue to invest product development and research expenses to improve the throughput of our PV cell manufacturing equipment, reduce the cost of production and increase the sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency of our PV laminates. Combined product development and research expenses increased $645,000 in 2007, partially offset by increased revenues ($246,000) from product development agreements. Substantially all of our combined product development and research expenses are funded by government programs under contracts from the U.S. Air Force and the DOE's Solar America Initiative.

Preproduction costs increased $1,529,000 due to costs associated with the training of new employees, facilities, set-up materials and supplies related to the construction of our new Greenville facilities ($1,165,000) and the expansion of our operations in Tijuana, Mexico ($1,114,000). We will continue to incur preproduction costs, which could be substantial, with each of the new manufacturing facilities until such facility commences production.

Consistent with our sales growth, our operating, selling, general and administrative expenses increased due to higher sales and marketing ($800,000), particularly in Europe, increased warranty costs ($200,000), additional employee costs ($1,300,000) and increased facilities and other costs ($700,000) for expansion activities associated with our new Greenville manufacturing facilities. The 2006 quarter was favorably impacted by the reversal of a $1,000,000 reduction in the allowance for doubtful accounts. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the 2007 quarter were 9.8% of revenues compared to 11% in 2006 (disregarding the aforementioned $1,000,000). As sales grow in future periods, operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, such as sales and marketing, are expected to increase to support these sales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ovonic Materials Segment

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

(in thousands)

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

$

1,831

 

$

1,222

 

Royalties

 

1,492

 

 

964

 

Revenues from product development agreements

 

928

 

 

1,014

 

Revenues from license agreements

 

238

 

 

238

 

Other operating revenues

 

81

 

 

142

 

TOTAL REVENUES

$

4,570

 

$

3,580

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sales

$

1,594

 

$

925

 

Cost of revenues from product development agreements

 

614

 

 

1,025

 

Product development and research

 

1,675

 

 

4,155

 

Operating, general and administrative expenses

 

288

 

 

339

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

$

4,171

 

$

6,444

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

$

399

 

$

(2,864

)

Our Ovonic Materials segment had income from operations in 2007 compared to a loss from operations in 2006 due principally to increased royalties (both transportation and consumer) and restructuring activities, which have substantially reduced our product development and research and operating, general and administrative expenses.

Product sales, which include sales of our positive electrode nickel hydroxide materials, increased in 2007 versus 2006. Positive electrode nickel hydroxide sales increased to $1,831,000 in 2007 from $1,209,000 in 2006 due primarily to an increase in demand in 2007 from our principal customer. Cost of sales of these products increased to $1,594,000 in 2007, reflecting the higher sales volume.

Gross profit margins decreased to 13% in 2007 from 24% in 2006 due to an increase in the volatility of material costs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Royalties increased in 2007 compared to 2006 due to increased royalties from our NiMH battery technology for both consumer and transportation applications.

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

(in thousands)

Royalties

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transportation – NiMH Battery

$

564

 

$

370

 

Consumer – NiMH Battery

 

879

 

 

560

 

Ovonyx

 

13

 

 

8

 

Other

 

36

 

 

26

 

Total Royalties

$

1,492

 

$

964

 

Revenues from license agreements include $238,000 in each of the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, representing amortization of a $10,000,000 payment received in a July 2004 settlement of certain patent infringement disputes (see Note D, “Joint Ventures and Investments,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements).

The combined product development and research expenses decreased to $2,289,000 in the three months ended December 31, 2007 from $5,180,000 in 2006 due to savings achieved under the first phase of our restructuring plan.

Operating, general and administrative expenses decreased in the three months ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to reduced patent costs and savings achieved from our restructuring plan.

Corporate Activities

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

(in thousands)

TOTAL REVENUES

$

376

 

$

356

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating, general and administrative expenses

$

7,998

 

$

5,695

 

Restructuring costs

 

2,555

 

 

 

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

(203

)

 

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

$

10,350

 

$

5,695

 

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

$

(9,974

)

$

(5,339

)

 

 

 

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Operating, general and administrative expenses, which reflect corporate operations, including human resources, legal, finance, information technology, business development, purchasing and corporate governance, increased in 2007 due to restructuring costs. While the Company has reduced its costs through its restructuring activities, it has incurred certain additional costs, including litigation ($1,800,000), executive ($300,000) and incentive ($400,000). In 2006, the Company recorded a $750,000 reduction in product warranty accrued expenses in connection with the Rare Earth Ovonic joint venture.

In 2007, we began implementing an organizational restructuring to consolidate and realign our business activities and reduce costs, principally in the Ovonic Materials segment and in Corporate Activities. The initial phase of this plan was substantially completed during fiscal 2007. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges in fiscal year 2008 related to the final phase of our restructuring plan, which will be fully completed by the end of fiscal year 2008.

Other Income/Expense

Other income (net) decreased to $2,082,000 in the three months ended December 31, 2007 from $4,963,000 in the three months ended December 31, 2006, due to lower interest income. In 2006, there were increased funds available for investment due to the March 2006 equity offering.

Six Months ended December   31, 2007 Compared to Six Months ended December   31, 2006

The following table summarizes each of our segment’s operating results (in thousands) for the six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, together with the revenue and expenses related to Corporate Activities that are not allocated to the business segments during these periods:

 

Revenues

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

United Solar Ovonic

$

93,607

 

$

43,054

 

$

1,616

 

 

 

 

$

2,351

 

Ovonic Materials

 

9,662

 

 

6,821

 

 

(301

)

 

 

 

 

(6,772

)

Corporate Activities

 

545

 

 

599

 

 

(18,807

)

 

 

 

 

(9,731

)

Consolidating Entries

 

(323

)

 

(345

)

 

82

 

 

 

 

 

(1,067

)

Consolidated

$

103,491

 

$

50,129

 

$

(17,410

)

 

 

 

$

(15,219

)

Revenues increased to $103,491,000 in 2007 from $50,129,000 in the corresponding quarter in 2006 due to increased product sales in 2007 at United Solar Ovonic. Loss from operations increased from $15,219,000 in 2006 to $17,410,000 in 2007 primarily due to preproduction costs ($4,824,000) at United Solar Ovonic, the impact of the ramp-up of our new Greenville 1A plant, together with continuing ramp-up of its Auburn Hills 2 manufacturing facility, and restructuring costs incurred in connection with our restructuring plan (see Note A, “Summary of Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, we are incurring additional general and administrative costs due to the hiring of sales and support

 

 

 

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staff for expansion activities associated with our increased manufacturing facilities at United Solar Ovonic. The Ovonic Materials segment reflects the savings (reduced research and development costs) resulting from our restructuring activities.

United Solar Ovonic Segment

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

(in thousands)

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

$

89,596

 

$

39,572

 

Revenues from product development agreements

 

4,011

 

 

3,478

 

Other operating revenues

 

 

 

4

 

TOTAL REVENUES

$

93,607

 

$

43,054

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sales

$

72,826

 

$

31,995

 

Cost of revenues from product development agreements

 

2,337

 

 

1,363

 

Product development and research

 

2,034

 

 

1,486

 

Preproduction costs

 

4,824

 

 

1,104

 

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

 

9,970

 

 

4,755

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

$

91,991

 

$

40,703

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

$

1,616

 

$

2,351

 

Revenues at the United Solar Ovonic segment increased $50,553,000 as we continued to expand our manufacturing capacity and product sales. Income from operations declined by $735,000 primarily due to preproduction costs at our new Greenville and Tijuana manufacturing facilities and increased operating, selling and administrative expenses consistent with our growth.

Product sales increased $50,024,000 in 2007 due to increased volume. This increase in volume includes the $11,465,000 impact of reduced prices and a change in the mix of product sold to more products with lower prices, which have higher margins than other priced products.

Gross profit margin on product sales was 19% in both 2007 and 2006 despite the 2007 impact of the ramp-up of our new manufacturing facilities and manufacturing-related issues at Auburn Hills 1 in the first quarter of the fiscal year. These higher costs were partially offset by the favorable impact from the implementation of our cost-reduction measures to reduce material costs, reduce labor costs with increased product manufacturing in Mexico and improved product mix (lower prices but higher margins). As we expand our manufacturing capacity, our gross profit margins will be impacted by higher costs associated with production volumes as we ramp up

 

 

 

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production to full capacity at our new manufacturing facilities. The first 30MW production line for Greenville was placed in service on November 1, 2007.

In the six months ended December 31, 2007, there was an increase of $1,374,000 in the allowance for slow-moving and obsolete inventory representing a valuation adjustment for certain slow-moving items.

We continue to invest product development and research expenses to improve the throughput of our PV cell manufacturing equipment, reduce the cost of production and increase the sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency of our PV laminates. Combined product development and research expenses increased by $1,522,000 in 2007, partially offset by increased ($533,000) revenues from product development agreements. Substantially all of our combined product development and research expenses are funded by government programs under contracts from the U.S. Air Force and the DOE's Solar America Initiative.

Preproduction costs increased due to costs associated with the training of new employees, facilities, set-up materials and supplies related to the construction of our new Greenville facilities ($2,876,000) and the expansion of our operations in Tijuana, Mexico ($1,948,000). We will incur preproduction costs, which could be expected to be substantial, with each new manufacturing facility until we commence production.

Consistent with our sales growth, our operating, selling, general and administrative expenses increased due to higher sales and marketing ($1,300,000), particularly in Europe, increased warranty costs ($800,000), additional employee costs ($2,000,000), and increased facilities and other costs ($1,100,000) for expansion activities associated with our new Greenville manufacturing facilities. As our sales grow in future periods, operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, such as sales and marketing, are expected to increase to support these sales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ovonic Materials Segment

 

Six Months Ended
December 31

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

(in thousands)

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

$

4,446

 

$

1,953

 

Royalties

 

2,507

 

 

1,628

 

Revenues from product development agreements

 

1,788

 

 

2,402

 

Revenues from license agreements

 

751

 

 

496

 

Other operating revenues

 

170

 

 

342

 

TOTAL REVENUES

$

9,662

 

$

6,821

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sales

$

4,163

 

$

1,576

 

Cost of revenues from product development agreements

 

1,191

 

 

2,368

 

Product development and research

 

4,012

 

 

8,181

 

Operating, general and administrative expenses

 

597

 

 

1,468

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

$

9,963

 

$

13,593

 

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

$

(301

)

$

(6,772

)

Our Ovonic Materials segment had a decreased loss from operations in 2007 due principally to increased royalties (both transportation and consumer) and restructuring activities, which have substantially reduced our product development and research and operating, general and administrative expenses.

Product sales, which include sales of our positive electrode nickel hydroxide materials, increased in 2007 versus 2006. Positive electrode nickel hydroxide sales increased to $4,425,000 in 2007 from $1,925,000 in 2006 due primarily to an increase in demand in 2007 from our principal customer. Cost of sales of these products increased to $4,163,000 in 2007, reflecting the higher sales volume.

Gross margins decreased to 6% in 2007 from 19% in 2006 due to an increase in the volatility of materials costs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Royalties increased in 2007 compared to 2006 due to increased royalties from our NiMH battery technology for both consumer and transportation applications.

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

(in thousands)

Royalties

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transportation – NiMH Battery

$

963

 

$

680

 

Consumer – NiMH Battery

 

1,444

 

 

939

 

Ovonyx

 

30

 

 

32

 

Other

 

70

 

 

(23

)

Total Royalties

$

2,507

 

$

1,628

 

Revenues from license agreements include $476,000 in each of the six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, representing amortization of a $10,000,000 payment received in a July 2004 settlement of certain patent infringement disputes (see Note D, “Joint Ventures and Investments,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements). Revenues from license agreements for 2007 also include an increase in license fees for an existing licensee.

The combined product development and research expenses decreased to $5,203,000 in the six months ended December 31, 2007 due to savings achieved under the first phase of our restructuring plan. Revenues from product development agreements decreased principally due to previous completion of certain PV and optical memory contracts, partially offset by new contracts in 2007 relating to our Ovonic metal hydride fuel cell and Ovonic solid hydrogen storage technologies.

Operating, general and administrative expenses decreased in the six months ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to reduced employee costs ($600,000), together with other cost savings ($300,000) achieved from our restructuring plan.

 

 

 

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Corporate Activities

 

Six Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

(in thousands)

TOTAL REVENUES

$

545

 

$

599

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating, general and administrative expenses

$

14,488

 

$

10,330

 

Restructuring costs

 

5,070

 

 

 

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

(206

)

 

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

$

19,352

 

$

10,330

 

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

$

(18,807

)

$

(9,731

)

Operating, general and administrative expenses, which reflect corporate operations, including human resources, legal, finance, information technology, business development, purchasing and corporate governance, increased in 2007 due to restructuring costs. While the Company has reduced its costs through its restructuring activities, it has incurred certain additional costs, including litigation ($1,800,000), executive ($700,000) and incentive ($900,000) costs. In 2006, the Company recorded a $750,000 reduction in product warranty accrued expenses in connection with the Rare Earth Ovonic joint venture.

In 2007, we began implementing an organizational restructuring to consolidate and realign our business activities and reduce costs, principally in the Ovonic Materials segment and in Corporate Activities. The initial phase of this plan was substantially completed during fiscal 2007. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges in fiscal year 2008 related to the final phase of our restructuring plan, which will be fully completed by the end of fiscal year 2008.

Other Income/Expense

Other income (net) decreased to $4,475,000 in the six months ended December 31, 2007 from $10,005,000 in the six months ended December 31, 2006, due to lower interest income. In 2006, there were increased funds available for investment due to the March 2006 equity offering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

An adverse ruling in the pending Cobasys arbitration could adversely affect our liquidity position, while a successful completion of a strategic transaction involving Cobasys could favorably affect our liquidity position. See Part II, Item I – Legal Proceedings and Item 1A – Risk Factors. Our primary liquidity needs are to fund capital expenditures associated with expansion of our United Solar Ovonic segment’s manufacturing capacity and support our working capital requirements. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (which principally represent the proceeds from our March 2006 offering of common stock), and borrowing available under our new credit facility. We believe that cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, cash flows from operations and borrowing under our credit facility will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for operations for the foreseeable future. However, we will require additional funding for our additional expansion through 2010, which financing we may obtain from equity and debt financing, business agreements and other sources. We are currently in discussions with major financial institutions regarding various financing alternatives.

As of December 31, 2007, we had $155,421,000 consolidated cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments consisting of variable rate corporate bonds (“VRCB’s”), auction rate certificates (“ARC’s”), corporate notes and money market funds. All short-term investments are classified as “available-for-sale.” There were $5,614,000 in restricted investments at December 31, 2007. These short-term investments have maturities up to 27 months, except for the ARC’s which have maturities from 27 to 40 years. Both the VRCB’s and ARC’s resemble short-term instruments due to the periodic interest rate reset and put options. At December 31, 2007, we had consolidated working capital of $181,628,000.

New Credit Facility

On February 4, 2008, our subsidiaries United Solar Ovonic LLC and United Solar Ovonic Corporation entered into Secured Credit Facility Agreements consisting of a $30 million revolving line of credit to finance domestic activities and a separate $25 million revolving line of credit provided under the United States Export-Import Bank’s fast track working capital guarantee program to finance foreign activities. Availability of financing under the lines of credit will be determined by reference to a borrowing base comprised of domestic inventory and receivables and foreign inventory and receivables, respectively. The facilities also contain an aggregate $10 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit. Terms of the new credit facility are described in greater detail below in Part II, Item 5 — Other Information.

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by our operating activities was $6,500,000 in 2007 versus $8,724,000 in 2006. The operating cash flows in our United Solar Ovonic segment are being impacted by the change in working capital as we expand sales and production. While the inventory and accounts receivable balances decreased at December 31, 2007, it is anticipated that future accounts receivable and inventory balances will increase as we continue to expand our manufacturing and sales activities.

 

 

 

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Net cash used in investing activities was $2,244,000 in 2007 as compared to $161,051,000 used in investing activities in the corresponding   period in 2006. This decrease was principally due to reduced purchase of investments in 2007. There was a decrease in capital spending ($62,651,000 in 2007 compared to $70,261,000 in 2006), principally associated with the timing of the increased 2006 expansion of our United Solar Ovonic segment’s manufacturing capacity.

Net cash provided by our financing activities was $5,639,000 in 2007 as compared to $8,005,000 in 2006, primarily as a result of proceeds from stock options.

Restructuring Reserve

In 2007, the Company incurred additional restructuring costs of $5,070,000 and utilized or paid out of this reserve $6,098,000. The Company has a balance of $2,603,000 in this reserve at December 31, 2007, of which $2,287,000 will be utilized or paid in the next year.

For details of our cash flows, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Short-term Borrowings

As of December 31, 2007, we had a line of credit with LaSalle Bank Midwest N.A. in the amount of $5,000,000. This line of credit provides a mechanism for obtaining letters of credit and entering into foreign exchange transactions. The line of credit, which expires on August 31, 2008, is secured by a security interest in inventory and requires maintaining a $5,000,000 minimum investment balance. At December 31, 2007, we had outstanding letters of credit of $2,161,000 against the line of credit.

Joint Ventures

Through September 2007 CTV funded Cobasys’ operations by acquiring a preferred interest in Cobasys for which it is entitled to a priority right of repayment in certain situations. Since October 2007 CTV has been funding Cobasys’ operations without approval by OBC. CTV and OBC have agreed to explore strategic alternatives regarding Cobasys that are intended to enable Cobasys to further capitalize on global opportunities for integrated energy storage solutions in the hybrid electric vehicle and stationary power industries. This process is continuing, and the timing and nature of a particular strategic alternative to be consummated, if any, has not been concluded and may not be successful. At the same time, as previously reported, certain disputes relating to Cobasys are the subject of pending arbitration, and Cobasys and its members have not agreed on a 2008 budget and/or business plan. Without an agreed budget and business plan and resolution of pending disputes, Cobasys may not be able to continue as a going concern. See Part II, Item I – Legal Proceedings and Item 1A – Risk Factors.

 

 

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has a liability recorded related to the modification of certain stock option grants which are considered financial instruments and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period, and the Company is subject to decreases or increases in earnings as a result of fluctuations in the value of these stock options.

Contractual Obligations

The Company, in the ordinary course of business, enters into purchase commitments for raw materials. The Company also enters into purchase commitments for capital equipment, including subcontracts for the purchase of components for the new solar manufacturing equipment being installed in Greenville, Michigan and Tijuana, Mexico.

The increase in purchase commitments is primarily due to additional commitments to purchase steel for the new Auburn Hills facility and construction and equipment commitments for the new Greenville facilities.

Purchase Commitment . In December 2007, the Company entered into a gas purchase agreement totaling $8,458,000 for certain of its facilities. The agreements are effective through December 2008. The agreements require the Company to purchase a committed amount of germane gas at a monthly fixed price, which the Company believes it will consume in its normal course of operations during the period January through October 2008.

Significant Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note A, “Summary of Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain of our accounting policies require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and suppliers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. However, they are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. As a result, actual results in these areas may differ significantly from our estimates.

We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if it requires us to make assumptions about matters that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made and changes in the estimate would have had a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

 

 

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Warranty Liability

We generally provide a 20-year product warranty on power output on all Uni-Solar products installed as part of pre-engineered solutions. Our accrued warranty liability also includes warranties previously provided on our machine-building and equipment products.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for uncollectible accounts considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation, and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole.

Government Contracts, Reserves and Liabilities

Our reserves and liabilities for government contracts reflects amounts questioned in an audit of certain government contracts by the Defense Contract Audit Agency and a reserve to reflect our residual royalty obligations under an advanced development agreement. See Note E, “Liabilities,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Note A, “Summary of Accounting Policies – Recent Pronouncements,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements and the impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including in particular statements about our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, expectations, future performance and business prospects. These statements are identified by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek” and similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations with respect to future events and occurrences, but our actual results in the future may differ materially from the expected results reflected in our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by the forward-looking statements include general economic and industry conditions in the markets in which we operate, risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, and the risks discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, and in other filings with the SEC from time to time. Any or all of these factors could cause our actual results and financial or legal status for future periods to differ materially from those expressed or referred to in any forward-looking statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Item 3 .

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The following discussion about our exposure to market risk of financial instruments contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those described.

Our holdings of financial instruments are comprised of debt securities and time deposits. All such instruments are classified as securities available-for-sale. We do not invest in portfolio equity securities, or commodities, or use financial derivatives for trading purposes. Our debt security portfolio represents funds held temporarily, pending use in our business and operations. The Company had $154,644,000 and $205,282,000 of these investments (including cash equivalents) on December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007, respectively. At December 31, 2007, there were restricted investments of $5,614,000. It is the Company’s policy that investments (including cash equivalents) shall be rated “A” or higher by Moody's or Standard and Poor’s, no single investment (excluding cash equivalents) shall represent more than 10% of the portfolio and at least 10% of the total portfolio shall have maturities of 90 days or less. Our market risk primarily relates to the risks of changes in the credit quality of issuers. An interest rate change of 1% would result in a change in the value of our December 31, 2007, portfolio of approximately $89,000.

The Company does invest in certain securities (auction rate certificates). Recent market conditions have resulted in failures of certain auctions; however, the Company’s securities have not experienced such failures.

 

Item 4 .

Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in periodic reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures include, but are not limited to, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file with the Commission is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1 .

Legal Proceedings

As previously reported, on September 10, 2007, CTV issued a notice of dispute and filed claims in arbitration against ECD and OBC relating to our Cobasys joint venture. CTV’s original arbitration claim seeks damages and injunctive and other relief and alleges that ECD and OBC breached and anticipatorily repudiated obligations to provide certain funding to Cobasys under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of December 2, 2004 among us, OBC and CTV (the "Operating Agreement"), which governs Cobasys. CTV subsequently filed a supplemental notice of dispute amending its claims to assert that ECD and OBC had dishonored CTV's preferred interest in Cobasys and that OBC had breached its obligation to use diligent efforts to approve a 2008 annual budget for Cobasys. We and OBC have denied CTV’s allegations and filed a counterclaim, seeking damages and injunctive and other relief on the ground that CTV has been acting unilaterally and in violation of the Operating Agreement and applicable Michigan law in regard to the funding and spending provisions of the Agreement. The arbitrator held a hearing in January 2008 on our and OBC’s application for partial judgment on the pleadings seeking to dismiss CTV’s initial and amended claims and CTV’s request for declaratory relief, seeking an order declaring that OBC and ECD must meet their alleged funding obligations and not block a sale of Cobasys by dishonoring CTV's preferred interest. The arbitrator’s ruling is expected in February.

We and OBC have had settlement discussions with CTV. At the same time, we and OBC dispute and have been vigorously defending the claims asserted by CTV and pursuing our counterclaim. In our view, the Operating Agreement is clear that we and OBC have no present obligation to provide funding to Cobasys; OBC is not in default of the Operating Agreement; any future funding obligation would arise only upon unanimous approval by Cobasys’ members, OBC and CTV, of (i) a 2008 budget and operating plan for Cobasys, and (ii) agreed capital contributions by the members; and CTV has no right unilaterally to provide funding or to authorize spending by Cobasys without an approved 2008 budget and operating plan, or otherwise as approved by OBC. In our view, the Operating Agreement is also clear that we and OBC have not dishonored CTV’s preferred interests; OBC has an unqualified right to refuse to sell its interests in Cobasys on terms that it does not consider appropriate; and OBC may determine in its discretion whether to approve any sale of Cobasys or sale of CTV’s interests in Cobasys.

The members of Cobasys have not approved a 2008 business plan and budget, and CTV and OBC have not been able to agree on a solution to Cobasys’ business issues or whether Cobasys should continue as a going concern if it cannot be sold in the near future. CTV has continued to fund Cobasys’ loss-generating operations, which, in OBC’s view, violates the Operating Agreement and applicable Michigan law. Cobasys had losses of approximately $76 million and obtained funding of approximately $84 million in 2007, and Cobasys management has recently forecast for 2008, which has not been approved by the members, losses of approximately $82-86 million and funding requirements of approximately $92-94 million. Clarification of the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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parties’ respective rights and obligations through the pending ruling by the arbitrator should help to facilitate a resolution.

International Acquisitions Services, Inc. (“IAS”), Innovative Transportation Systems AG (“ITS”) and Neville Chamberlain filed suit against Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (“ECD”) in Nassau County, New York on October 11, 2007, claiming, among other things, that ECD made fraudulent statements relating to the supply of battery products to ITS, an entity created to manufacture and sell an electric delivery vehicle known as the InnoVan. Chamberlain, a sophisticated investor, invested in ITS through IAS. ECD also invested in ITS. ECD disputes and is vigorously defending these claims.

 

Item 1A .

Risk Factors

Our Cobasys joint venture faces uncertain prospects arising from a pending arbitration and other matters. Certain disputes relating to Cobasys are the subject of pending arbitration and Cobasys and its members have not agreed on the 2008 business plan. Without an agreed budget and business plan and resolution of pending disputes, Cobasys may not be able to continue as a going concern. During 2007 the members undertook to explore strategic alternatives for Cobasys. That process is continuing. However, the timing and nature of a particular strategic alternative to be consummated, if any, has not been concluded and may not be successful.

 

Item 4 .

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on December 11, 2007. The following proposals were approved by the votes indicated:

(1)        To elect seven directors to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified.

 

For

 

Withheld

Joseph A. Avila

32,336,554

 

1,823,904

Robert I. Frey

32,325,716

 

1,834,742

William J. Ketelhut

32,339,186

 

1,821,272

Florence I. Metz

31,682,169

 

2,478,289

Mark D. Morelli

32,384,743

 

1,775,715

Stephen Rabinowitz

32,308,190

 

1,852,268

George A. Schreiber, Jr.

32,334,862

 

1,825,596

 

 

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(2)        To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008.

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

33,367,881

 

671,479

 

121,098

 

(3)        To approve the Annual Incentive Program.

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

18,078,894

 

1,649,117

 

268,759

 

(4)        To approve the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

32,701,901

 

1,154,830

 

303,727

 

Item 5 .

Other Information

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement and Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant

On February 4, 2008, United Solar Ovonic LLC and United Solar Ovonic Corporation, each a wholly owned subsidiary (together, the “Borrowers”), entered into a Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and as lender (the “Domestic Facility”), and a separate Fast Track Export Loan Agreement, which is provided under the United States Export-Import Bank’s fast track working capital guarantee program, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as lender (the “Ex-Im Facility” and, together with the Domestic Facility, the “Credit Facility”). The obligations of the Borrowers under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by ECD.

Credit Facility

The new credit facility consists of two separate lines of credit, a $30 million revolving line under the Domestic Facility, with availability determined by reference to a borrowing base comprised of domestic inventory and receivables, and a separate $25 million revolving line under the Ex-Im Facility, with availability determined by reference to a borrowing base comprised of eligible export-related inventory and receivables. The facilities contain an aggregate $10 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit. Under the Domestic Facility, the borrowing base equals the sum of (a) 85% of eligible domestic accounts receivable and (b) the lesser of (i) 75% of eligible domestic inventory and (ii) 85% of the liquidation value of domestic inventory (as defined in the credit agreement governing the Domestic Facility). Under the Ex-Im Facility, the borrowing base equals the sum of (a) 90% of eligible export related accounts receivable and (b) 75% of eligible export related inventory (as defined in the fast track export loan agreement governing the Ex-Im Facility).

 

 

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The Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the Borrowers’ existing and future personal property, other than their equity interests in subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures, real property, equipment and fixtures, and intellectual property. ECD’s obligations in respect of its guaranty of the Credit Facility are unsecured.

The final maturity of the Ex-Im Facility is February 4, 2011. The final maturity of the Domestic Facility is February 4, 2013, but if the Ex-Im Facility is not extended for an additional two-year term on or before July 5, 2010, the final maturity of the Domestic Facility will be February 4, 2011. All borrowings under the Credit Facility must be repaid in full upon maturity.

At the Borrowers’ option, borrowings under the Credit Facility may be maintained from time to time as (a) Alternate Base Rate loans, which shall bear interest at the higher of (i) 1/2 of 1% in excess of the federal funds rate and (ii) the rate published by the administrative agent as the “prime rate” (or equivalent), in each case in effect from time to time, minus the applicable margin (which is between 0.50% and 1.00%, depending upon the average liquidity of the Borrowers), or (b) LIBO loans, which shall bear interest at the LIBO Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility and adjusted for the statutory reserve rate), as determined by the administrative agent for the respective interest period plus the applicable margin in effect from time to time (which is between 1.25% and 1.75% for the Domestic Facility and between 0.75% and 0.95% for the Ex-Im Facility, in each case depending on the average daily liquidity of the Borrowers). In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facility, the Borrowers are required to pay a commitment fee, equal to 0.25% per annum, on the unused portion of the Credit Facility. The Borrowers are required to pay customary letter of credit fees.

The Credit Facility requires ECD and the Borrowers and their subsidiaries, to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants, including negative covenants that place restrictions on the ability of the Borrowers to incur additional debt or liens, to make acquisitions or certain dispositions, to enter into transactions with affiliates, to make investments or loans, to enter into merger agreements or similar agreements, to redeem capital stock or debt securities or to make certain distributions in respect of equity interests. These restrictions, in some cases, may also apply to ECD as guarantor. The Credit Facility also requires that the Borrowers maintain at least $10 million in liquidity (as determined under the terms of the Credit Facility) at all times.

The Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including nonpayment of principal, interests, fees or other amounts when due; inaccuracy of representations and warranties; violations of covenants; certain bankruptcies and liquidations; certain cross-default provisions, including to events of default in respect of indebtedness of more than $500,000; certain judgments against the Company or the Borrowers; certain ERISA-related events; certain criminal judgments against the Borrowers or ECD; and certain changes in control of ECD or Borrowers.

Copies of the Credit Agreement and the Fast Track Export Loan Agreement are attached hereto as exhibits 10.1 and 10.2.

 

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Item 6 .

Exhibits

 

10.1

Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated February 4, 2008.

 

 

10.2

Fast Track Export Loan Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated February 4, 2008.

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

 

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC.

 

 

(Registrant)

Date: February 7, 2008

By:

/s/ Sanjeev Kumar

 

 

Sanjeev Kumar
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Date: February 7, 2008

By:

/s/ Mark D. Morelli

 

 

Mark D. Morelli
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

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