Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Securities Registered pursuant to section
12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.001 par value
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated
filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions
of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging
growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Aggregate market value of the voting stock
held by non-affiliates (based upon the closing sale price of $0.12 per share on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board) of the registrant
as of June 28, 2019: $14,727,180
Number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s
par value $0.001 common stock as of March 23, 2020: 135,990,491.
Part III is incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 28, 2020.
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
Some of the statements contained in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K discuss future expectations, contain projections of results of operations or financial condition
or state other “forward-looking” information. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current
expectations of Telkonet, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) and our management
team. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,”
“intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,”
“may,” and variations of these words, as well as similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth,
trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Any
such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results
may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not
limited to those risks and uncertainties set forth in Item 1A of this report. In light of the significant risks and uncertainties
inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this report, the inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as
a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved.
GENERAL
Business
Telkonet, Inc. (the “Company”,
“Telkonet”), formed in 1999 and incorporated under the laws of the state of Utah, is the creator of the EcoSmart Platform
of intelligent automation solutions designed to optimize energy efficiency, comfort and analytics in support of the emerging Internet
of Things (“IoT”). The platform is deployed primarily in the hospitality, educational, governmental and other commercial
markets, and is specified by engineers, HVAC professionals, building owners, and building operators. We currently operate in a
single reportable business segment.
In 2007, the Company acquired substantially
all of the assets of Smart Systems International (“SSI”), which was a provider of energy management products and solutions
to customers in the United States and Canada and the precursor to the Company’s EcoSmart platform. The EcoSmart platform
provides comprehensive savings, management reporting, analytics and virtual engineering of a customer’s portfolio and/or
property’s room-by-room energy consumption. Telkonet has deployed more than a half million intelligent devices worldwide
in properties within the hospitality, educational, governmental and other commercial markets. The EcoSmart platform is recognized
as a solution for reducing energy consumption, operational costs and carbon footprints, and eliminating the need for new energy
generation in these marketplaces – all whilst improving occupant comfort and convenience.
The Company previously provided high-speed
internet access services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ethostream, LLC (“Ethostream”). In 2016, the Company
decided to focus on its higher growth potential EcoSmart Platform line and made the decision to sell Ethostream. On March 28, 2017,
the Company sold substantially all of the assets of Ethostream to DCI-Design Communications LLC.
See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”,
Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion
of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the Company’s financial and operational results.
ECOSMART
Telkonet’s EcoSmart Platform is comprised
of four primary pillars:
|
·
|
EcoSmart Product Suite: The suite of intelligent hardware products designed and developed to provide monitoring, management and reporting over individual and grouped energy consumption throughout building environments. Products include thermostats, sensors, switches, and outlets.
|
|
·
|
EcoCentral: The cloud-based dashboard that provides visualization and remote management of Telkonet’s monitoring, reporting and analytics through deployed EcoSmart and integrated products. EcoCentral is the intelligence behind the EcoSmart platform.
|
|
·
|
EcoCare: Telkonet’s professional support and maintenance services including 24/7 monitoring, engineering, analytics, reporting, software and hardware updates, extended warranty, project and relationship management and onsite support. All professional support and maintenance staff reside in Telkonet’s headquarters.
|
|
·
|
EcoSmart Mobile: iOS and Android applications provided by Telkonet to its partners, customers and end users and guests enabling provisioning, management, access and control over EcoSmart deployments and functionality.
|
The EcoSmart Platform provides comprehensive
energy and operational savings, management monitoring, reporting, analytics of a property or individual room by adding intelligence
to HVAC runtimes and through integrations with door locks, lighting, window coverings, and more end-user attributes. The EcoSmart
Platform is rapidly becoming a leading solution for reducing energy consumption, operational costs and carbon footprints, and eliminating
the need for new energy generation in these markets – all while engaging and delighting guests.
Controlling energy consumption can make
a significant impact on a building’s bottom line, as HVAC costs represent a substantial portion of a facility’s overall
utility bill. Hospitality is a key market for Telkonet. According to the EPA EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager 2015 analysis, the median
hotel uses approximately 187 kBtu/ft2 from all energy sources.[1] On average, America’s approximately 47,000 hotels
spend $2,196 per available room each year on energy, representing 3% - 6% of all operating costs and 60% of carbon emissions[2].
Telkonet approaches the opportunity to reduce consumed energy by adding intelligence to a property’s HVAC and lighting systems.
Energy is often wasted through the lighting,
powering, heating and cooling of unoccupied spaces. These spaces with intermittent occupancy constitute Telkonet’s target
markets, and our experience, supported by independent research and customer data, suggests these rooms are unoccupied as much as
70% of the time.
EcoSmart Product Suite:
|
·
|
EcoInput: A lighting controller installed directly in line with existing light switches, making them intelligent and manageable. IoT solutions are no longer hindered by interior design requirements, often mandating specific light switches be featured in guest rooms, which can result in increased project costs. It is compatible with LED, CFL, and incandescent lighting for enhanced dimming controls.
|
|
·
|
EcoTouch Thermostat: An all touch capacitive thermostat interface available in wired and wireless models offering a premium aesthetic. The EcoTouch allows building owners to match the thermostat with the design of their room by changing the color of the outer edge and by selecting between black or white options.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoInsight Thermostat: A programmable and controllable wired thermostat with over 125 configurable settings used to control the efficiency of HVAC through the use of environment variables and triggers.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoAir Thermostat: A wireless thermostat mirroring the EcoInsight footprint while enabling the relocation of in room controls without the usual construction expense and downtime.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoSource Controller: The remote HVAC control device associated with Telkonet’s thermostat interfaces allowing control while removing the need for expensive rewiring and construction. The EcoSource may also be used for third-party integrations, monitoring and control scenarios.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoSmart VRF Controller: Works with most of the new variable refrigerant systems coming to market. The devices replace the EcoSource where discrete relays are not available.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoConnect Bridge: An Ethernet to Zigbee bridge that serves as the coordinator for all EcoSmart devices connected to the intelligent automation network, managing approximately 30 - 70 device connections each.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoCommander Gateway: EcoSmart’s network-edge gateway server that provides real-time proactive data aggregation, analytics, reporting and management of the EcoSmart product suite.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoSense Occupancy Sensor: A remote occupancy sensor that monitors environments with ultra, high-sensitive sensors designed to detect motion or body heat. All sensors are programmed to ensure accurate occupancy detection. The EcoSense Occupancy Sensor may be hardwired or programmed to communicate wirelessly and may be battery operated or utilize external power.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoSwitch Light Switch: An EcoSmart energy management product with the appearance of a traditional ‘rocker’ light switch. Turning lights off, even for a short time, saves energy and extends lamp life. The EcoSwitch can be used to compose and automate dramatic lighting scenes in a room.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoGuard Outlet: An EcoSmart control that acts as the replacement for an in-wall outlet and has the ability to monitor and control the flow of power to one or both outlets. Based on occupancy, it can turn off lamps, televisions, appliances, and any other energy-consuming loads that are plugged in, preventing a property from consuming power in an empty room. The EcoGuard completely disconnects devices from the power supply, preventing lights and other in-room electronics from needlessly consuming energy as well as providing monitoring of energy flow and efficiency when a plug is enabled.
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
EcoContact Door & Window Sensor: A remote, wireless door/window contact with the ability to provide additional occupancy data and control HVAC operability and other consumption measures when doors or windows are open.
|
_____________________
[1] Facility Type: Hotels - https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/tools/DataTrends_Hotel_20150129.pdf
[2] Hotels-Energy Star - http://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/buildings/tools/SPP
Sales Flyer for Hospitality and Hotels.pdf
Several of these devices have been recently
released in “Plus” models which provide greater functionality and increased capabilities.
EcoCentral
Telkonet’s EcoSmart Platform is a
comprehensive solution for intelligent automation and energy management. The platform has a well-developed upgrade path with the
final and complete version of the platform offering real-time control and analytics provided through a cloud computing platform
called EcoCentral. EcoCentral derives its name through its ability to direct user resources to where they add the most value. From
monitoring equipment operation and determining where engineering efforts are needed and notifying staff when performance is degrading,
EcoCentral creates a comprehensive tool for providing insights and access for EcoSmart Platform deployments either individually
or across an entire building portfolio.
EcoCare
EcoCare is Telkonet’s professional
support services including call, email and chat support, repair and replacement services, periodic reporting, communication with
customers’ utility and Internet Service Provider (“ISP”) partners and more. Telkonet provides three packages
of EcoCare services as well as allows customers to create their own package of services ala carte. EcoCare allows EcoSmart customers
to ensure that they continue to recognize the savings estimated and benefit from the intended return on investment (ROI). Typical
EcoCare contracts range from one to five years and have automatic renewal terms built into each individual contract. All support
staff are located at Telkonet’s Waukesha, Wisconsin headquarters.
EcoSmart Mobile
Telkonet’s EcoMobile tools provide
iOS and Android applications for use by partners, customers, end users or guests. These mobile tools extend the value of the EcoSmart
Platform and give greater functionality and more efficient commissioning and deployment abilities to the user. We have identified
where, by providing more accessibility, we can create additional charged-for services that increase customer savings, improve guest
experience and integrate more fully with customer environments to create a tight relationship with our customers.
Intelligent Energy Management
Telkonet’s EcoSmart energy management
platform applies and improves building intelligence to deliver energy and cost savings through controlling lighting, plugload and
HVAC runtimes. Captured data may be presented on a grouped, property or room-by-room basis, allowing very granular management of
in-room energy use and environmental conditions. EcoSmart achieves this by leveraging our device platform, including occupancy
sensors and intelligent programmable thermostats connected with packaged terminal air conditioner (“PTAC”) controllers
or any other terminal equipment HVAC products and managed wireless light switches and in wall electrical plugs to adjust and maintain
energy consumption including a room’s temperature according to occupancy, eliminating wasteful heating and cooling of unoccupied
rooms. All of these can be accomplished from the in-room devices or via any web-connected device, such as smart phones, tablets
and laptop computers.
EcoSmart is an energy management platform
that delivers optimal, individual room energy savings without compromising occupant comfort, due to a proprietary technology named
“Recovery Time”.
Recovery Time Technology
EcoSmart’s HVAC controls feature
Recovery Time, technology designed to maximize energy efficiency without sacrificing occupant comfort. When a room is occupied,
the temperature selected by the occupant will be maintained by the EcoSmart system. Once an EcoSmart occupancy sensor determines
that the room is unoccupied, the system adjusts the room temperature using Recovery Time. Unlike other systems, Recovery Time technology
constantly performs calculations that evaluate how far each individual room’s temperature can drift from the occupant’s
preferred setting (“set-point”), to harvest energy savings while still being able to return to the occupant’s
set-point within a customer’s pre-defined period of time.
When determining the temperature setting,
Recovery Time technology considers how long it will take to return the temperature to the occupant’s set-point once they
return to their room. The temperature will only drift far enough to ensure the system will return to the occupant’s preferred
temperature setting within minutes upon their return to the room. The specific length of recovery time is selected by property
management at the time of the installation; however, it can be altered at any time by management.
How Do Other Systems Work?
In competing systems the occupant chooses
their preferred temperature. When the occupant leaves, the thermostat reverts to a set-point of a fixed number of degrees different
than the preferred set temperature (lower in winter and higher in summer). In some products temperature gap is a fixed temperature
selected by the property owner. Because each occupant room will require different lengths of time to return to the occupant’s
desired temperature, based on room size and orientation, whether blinds are open, outdoor temperature, sun, and wind, the length
of time required for the HVAC to return to temperature can vary dramatically and can often be prohibitive. Additionally, a dirty
HVAC filter or coil will reduce heat transfer, increasing that recovery time.
EcoSmart Delivers Room-by-Room Savings
Because each room’s environment is
unique, Telkonet’s approach is likewise unique. Rooms are evaluated independently in real-time to determine its energy efficient
temperature, or setback. Recovery Time technology constantly calculates in real-time how far the room temperature can drift, by
taking into consideration the environmental characteristics that impact the temperature in the room, including:
|
·
|
The occupant’s preferred temperature setting
|
|
·
|
The location of the room within the building
|
|
·
|
The window placement – facing the sun or shade
|
|
·
|
If the drapes are open or closed
|
|
·
|
If the climate is dry or humid
|
|
·
|
The varying weather conditions throughout the day
|
|
·
|
The condition of the HVAC unit, such as age and efficiency
|
Through the constant monitoring of the
HVAC unit’s ability to drive the temperature and the real-time adjustment of the setback temperature, rooms are never excessively
hot or cold when an occupant returns to the room. The room will always be just minutes away from an occupant’s desired comfort
setting. As a result, Recovery Time technology delivers room-by-room, occupant-by-occupant savings. The technology also significantly
improves the guest experience, driving loyalty to the property and brand, and decreases service calls.
The EcoSmart Platform maximizes energy
reductions while at the same time ensuring occupant comfort, maximizing energy savings and extending equipment life expectancy.
The technology is particularly attractive to customers in the hospitality industry, as well as the education, healthcare, public
housing and government/military markets, who are constantly seeking ways to reduce costs and meet federal and state mandates without
impacting building occupant comfort.
Using standard communication protocols,
ensuring widespread adoption and a simple interface, EcoSmart technology may also be integrated with utility controls, property
management systems and building automation systems to be used in load shedding initiatives. This feature provides management companies
and utilities enhanced opportunities for cost savings, environmental protections and energy management. Additionally, Telkonet’s
energy management systems qualify for most state and federal energy efficiency and rebate programs.
Competitive Advantages
We believe our intelligent automation platform,
with our proprietary Recovery Time technology, delivers extensive differentiation against competing products, including:
|
·
|
Technology that evaluates each room’s environmental conditions results in maximum energy savings;
|
|
·
|
The ability to reduce HVAC runtimes increases overall equipment life;
|
|
·
|
Increased occupant control and comfort, driving brand and property loyalty;
|
|
·
|
Multiple thermostat options, including wired and wireless, to fit a brand’s image and application;
|
|
·
|
Backlight of thermostat improves the experience for the visually impaired;
|
|
·
|
Web-based access with extremely powerful and simple dashboard web interface;
|
|
·
|
Breadth of HVAC system compatibility;
|
|
·
|
Adaptive learning and system programming;
|
|
·
|
Utility-integrated events capabilities;
|
|
·
|
Remote HVAC control network;
|
|
·
|
Expert EcoCare support, staffed in the USA;
|
|
·
|
Plug load, lighting and HVAC controls;
|
|
·
|
Extensive 3rd-party integrations, including lighting, door locks, window treatments and building management systems;
|
|
·
|
Industry standard software and communication protocols, Linux and ZigBee;
|
|
·
|
ROI in as little as two years; and
|
|
·
|
Mobile applications provide installation, remote management and end-user accessibility.
|
Our open, scalable and standards-based
architecture approach allows for truly custom deployments. The EcoSmart Platform integrates seamlessly with back-office management
systems, property management systems, building automation systems, and utility demand/response programs, as well as additional
third-party network architecture to recognize increased efficiency and savings.
Based on these platform features and capabilities,
we’ve been awarded, and continue to receive, contracts in the hospitality, educational, governmental and other commercial
markets. In addition, our relationships with utility-sponsored direct-install and rebate-funded programs provide us with a significant
advantage over our competitors in the commercial space.
Given the population growth in the United
States and the increasing demand for energy, we forecast additional energy-related infrastructure will be needed. We believe
the use of Smart Grid technologies and energy efficiency management platforms are affordable alternatives to building additional
power generation through leveraging existing resources and providing enhanced energy savings costs.
Target Markets
Rooms with intermittent occupancy are most
commonly found in the following market sectors:
|
·
|
Hospitality: hotels, motels, resorts, timeshares and casinos.
|
|
·
|
Educational: residence halls, dormitories and other campus living options. Also K-12 environments with distributed and portable classrooms.
|
|
·
|
Government: residence halls, barracks, military apartments and other campus living options.
|
|
·
|
Healthcare: medical office buildings, assisted and independent living facilities.
|
|
·
|
Multiple Dwelling Units (“MDUs”): apartments and other public living options.
|
Industry and Market Overview
According to the U.S. Department of Energy,
44% of all the energy consumed by commercial buildings in the United States is employed to cool, heat, or light, within commercial
buildings. [3] In an effort to remain competitive and manage expenses, governments, building owners, building tenants,
and companies in general are looking for ways to become more efficient both fiscally and environmentally. The American Council
for an Energy Efficient Economy reported that the cost of saving one unit of energy through energy efficiency is one-fifth (1/5)
the cost required to generate that same unit of energy. As a result, we feel that the growth opportunities in the energy management
market are in their infancy.
A 2017 report issued by Navigant Research,
titled, “Energy Efficient Buildings Global Outlook”, stated that the global market for energy efficient building technologies
is expected to reach nearly $360.6 billion in 2026.[4] The report asserts that the Internet-of-Things (“IoT”)
is partly responsible for one of the most dramatic changes to the market landscape in its history, and that OEMs and providers
are adjusting their strategies to address specific market needs. HVAC has been identified as one of nine key categories.
Telkonet’s key industries are all
prime candidates for energy management, in part due to their utilizing energy “on-demand” or intermittently. Providing
energy, and engaging the equipment to supply it, to those rooms and spaces only when occupied results in significant energy savings
in addition to affording longer life and reduced maintenance to the HVAC systems.
_____________________
[3] U.S Energy Information Administration - www.eia.gov/energyexplained/images/charts/energy_use_commercial_bldgs.jpg
[4] Energy Efficient Buildings: Global Outlook -
https://www.navigantresearch.com/research/energy-efficient-buildings-global-outlook
Hospitality Industry
There is a constant balancing act for hotel
operators between managing guest comfort and operating margins. The EcoSmart platform’s Recovery Time allows operators to
manage operation costs yet still provide for a comfortable and engaging guest experience. In fact, the EcoSmart platform individual
brands and properties can create a desired guest environment, and still allow for energy savings via the Recovery Time algorithm.
Telkonet has proven that the EcoSmart platform can deliver a return on investment in less than three years for hospitality customers.
Educational Industry
Telkonet approaches the education industry
with strategic relationships with enterprise energy service companies (“ESCOs’) throughout the USA. Telkonet partners
with ESCOs to include our EcoSmart energy management platform for deployment within residence halls on university campuses. The
ESCOs bundle our technology with other facility improvement measures designed to reduce operating costs across the entire campus,
bundling solutions with acceptable ROI and which meet state mandated guidelines. ESCOs also structure self-funding financial transactions
called “Performance Contracts” in which the savings are greater than the repayment costs, typically guaranteeing the
financial and operational performance in this type of engagement. This type of approach can remove any capital expense barriers
and improve adoption.
During our history, deployments have occurred
at the University of California-Davis, University of Miami, Kansas State University, North Carolina State University, University
of Notre Dame, US Military Academy at West Point, New York University, and Texas A&M University-Commerce.
The opportunities in this market are not
limited to higher education institutions. According to an NRG Business Energy Advisor report, schools in the United States spend
$8 billion on energy costs annually, with 73% of natural gas use going towards heating and 35% of electricity consumption going
towards cooling. While heating and cooling account for only 2 – 4% of district costs, it is an opportunity for significant
impact and gain.
We believe that our EcoSmart Platform is
an important tool for participants in the education industry seeking to control student-related energy costs. We
have focused our sales efforts on members of the education industry who are seeking to expand their energy efficiency initiatives
as well as the ESCOs who target the educational marketplace and have thus far had success with at least one school district installing
EcoSmart in each classroom throughout the district.
Governmental Industry
The Department of Defense (“DOD”)
is the single largest energy consumer in the United States, accounting for about 90 percent of the federal government’s energy
use and using over 30,000 giga-watt hours of electricity per year. [5] Thus, we view this market as strategically significant
to Telkonet’s interests.
Our energy management platform is already
successfully incorporated into the energy initiatives in several military housing sites, military academies and barracks. Telkonet
benefited from and continues to make use of government funding and other government contracts to provide EcoSmart for use on military
bases and other facilities, helping both the DOD and the government as a whole achieve their long-term energy efficiency goals.
_____________________
[5] http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2007/8/defense%20lengyel/lengyel20070815.pdf
Healthcare Industry
Healthcare organizations currently spend
over $6.5 billion on energy each year, a cost which continues to rise in an effort to meet patient needs. [6] This is
viewed as an emerging market for energy management systems. Although hospitals have many specific regulatory mandates, Telkonet
has been working closely with operators and developers of healthcare support facilities, like medical office buildings, assisted
living and other similar facilities, to integrate our EcoSmart energy management initiatives into efficiency opportunities supported
by state and federal energy programs. For example, hospital energy managers can use energy efficiency strategies to offset high
costs caused by growing plug loads and rising energy prices. A typical 200,000-square-foot, 50-bed hospital in the U.S. annually
spends $680,000, or roughly $13,611 per bed on electricity and natural gas. By increasing energy efficiency, hospitals can improve
the bottom line and free up funds to invest in new technologies and improve patient care.
These facilities offer a commercial environment similar to the
hospitality or educational housing markets, and the increasing aging population and assisted living markets presents attractive
potential for energy efficiency. This market is expected to grow rapidly over the next several years due to its energy savings
capabilities and an aging population.
MDU Industry
Public housing, which are properties owned
and managed by the government, is an additional emerging market for energy management solutions. The tenants occupying these properties
must meet specific eligibility requirements, and their utility bills are typically paid for by government programs. Many of the
ESCO clients that Telkonet supports today have dedicated teams pursuing opportunities with the owners and operators of government-subsidized
housing. The EcoSmart platform is an ideal solution for conserving energy, allowing remote monitoring, and improving tenant comfort.
Competition for Markets
We currently compete primarily within commercial
and industrial markets, including the hospitality, education, healthcare, governmental and MDU sectors. Within each target market,
we offer savings through our intelligent automation platform. Our products offer significant competitive and complementary benefits
when compared with alternative offerings including Building Automation Systems (“BAS”) or Building Management Systems
(“BMS”), static temperature occupancy-based systems, scheduling/programmable thermostats and high-efficiency HVAC systems.
We participate in a relatively small competitive
field within the hospitality industry, with the majority of the energy management sales handled by fewer than seven manufacturers.
The key competitors in the market segment are Inncom by Honeywell and Schneider Electric, with each offering some level of comparable
products to our standalone and/or networked products. Telkonet leverages the above-mentioned competitive advantages to successfully
compete in these spaces and win business.
The educational space is new to adopt occupancy-based
controls. The EcoSmart Platform has been introduced for use within student dormitories, which traditionally had few, if any, controls.
More recently we’ve also been requested to install our products into classrooms, which traditionally have been an environment
for BAS/BMS. Since the dormitory environment is very similar to the hospitality market, we believe we offer similarly-scaled energy
savings. Since the market is still in its infancy, very few comparable offerings have entered the market but competitors within
the hospitality segment are beginning to respond. Again, our key differentiators allow us to compete and win business in this space.
The healthcare and governmental markets are very similar in
scope, relative to energy management systems. A key differentiator in these environments is the specific implementation being considered.
Each market utilizes BAS/BMS for wide scale energy management initiatives. When addressing housing environments, including elderly
care and assisted living facilities and military dormitories or barracks, Telkonet’s EcoSmart Platform is able to provide
increased energy savings and efficiency. Competitors operating in the BAS/BMS space include Honeywell, Schneider Electric, Johnson
Controls, Siemens, Trane and others, many of whom Telkonet partners with to provide a comprehensive and integrated energy management
solution to effectively address energy efficiency opportunities in all types of facilities. The MDU market is split into two distinct
categories, public and upscale residential housing. Public housing benefits similarly to hospitality and educational housing where
intelligent, occupancy-based automation reduces operating costs. Upscale residential facilities benefit from exclusive automation
solutions and centralized data reporting resulting in maintenance efficiencies.
_____________________
[6] https://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/Healthcare.pdf
Inventory
We are dependent, in certain situations,
on a limited number of vendors to provide certain inventory and components. We’ve not experienced significant problems or
issues purchasing any essential materials, parts or components, but have experienced gross profit pressure as a result of price
increases and the impact of tariffs (discussed below). We contract the majority of our inventory with ATR Manufacturing, based
in China, which provides substantially all the manufacturing requirements for Telkonet’s energy management platform.
Customers
We are neither limited to, nor reliant
upon, a single or narrowly segmented customer base to derive our revenues. Our current primary focus is in the hospitality,
educational, governmental, healthcare and MDU markets and expanding into the consumer market as part of our long term strategic
growth.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, there were two customers
that each represented 13% of total net revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2018, no single customer represented 10% or more
of our revenues.
Intellectual Property
Telkonet has acquired certain intellectual
properties, including but not limited to, Patent No. D569, 279, titled “Thermostat.” Patent No. D569279 issued
by the USPTO in May 2008 was granted on the ornamental design of a thermostat device and will expire in May of 2022. The expiration
of this patent could allow third parties to launch competing products. While we viewed this patent as valuable, we do not view
any single patent as material to the Company as a whole.
There can be no assurance that any of our
current or future patent applications will be granted, or, if granted, that such patents will provide necessary protection for
our technology or our product offerings, or be of commercial benefit to us.
Government Regulation
As discussed in Part I, Item IA, given
we purchase the majority of our inventory from a supplier based in China, we are subject to and have been affected by the tariffs
imposed by the United States Federal Government on imports of industrial sector products from China.
In addition, we are subject to regulation
in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). FCC rules permit the operation of
unlicensed digital devices that radiate radio frequency emissions if the manufacturer complies with certain equipment authorization
procedures, technical requirements, marketing restrictions and product labeling requirements.
Future products designed by us will require
testing for compliance with FCC and European Commission (“EC”) standards. Moreover, if in the future, the FCC or EC
changes its technical requirements, further testing and/or modifications may be necessary in order to achieve compliance.
Research & Development
During the years ended December 31, 2019
and 2018, the Company spent $1,737,385 and $1,879,676, respectively, on research and development activities. Telkonet continues
to invest in research & development to maintain and grow our competitive differentiation and customer value. Key initiatives
for 2020 include: expanding our EcoTouch product line with WIFI and Bluetooth wireless capabilities; creation of a new Gateway
model with cellular wireless capabilities; expanding Symphony Composer development for next generation web management Internet
of Things dashboard; and expanding data analytics engine integration into Symphony platform for savings algorithm development.
Additional Information
Employees
As of March 23, 2020, we had 38 full-time
employees.
Environmental Matters
We do not anticipate any material effect
on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position due to compliance with government regulations involving environmental
matters.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Our results of operations, financial condition
and cash flows can be adversely affected by various risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, the principal factors listed
below and the other matters set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K. You should carefully consider all of these risks.
Risks Relating to Our Financial Results
and Need for Financing
We have a history of operating losses
and an accumulated deficit and expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative operating cash flows for one year beyond
the date of these financial statements, and as a result, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Since inception through December 31,
2019, we have incurred cumulative losses of $125,105,539 and have never generated enough funds through operations to support
our business. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we had negative operating cash flows of $1,875,846 from operations. The
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon generating profitable operations in the future and
obtaining the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations
when they come due. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to secure such financing at commercially
reasonable terms, if at all. If cash resources become insufficient to meet the Company’s ongoing obligations, the
Company will be required to scale back or discontinue portions of its operations or discontinue operations entirely, whereby,
the Company’s shareholders may lose some or all of their investment. Accordingly, and in light of the Company’s
condition, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
We have a limited number of shares
of common stock available for future issuance which could adversely affect our ability to raise capital or consummate acquisitions.
We are currently authorized to issue 190,000,000
shares of common stock under our Amended Restated and Articles of Incorporation. As of March 23, 2020, we have issued 135,990,491
shares of common stock and have approximately 8,147,955 shares of common stock committed for issuance giving effect to the assumed
exercise of all outstanding warrants and options and assumed conversion of preferred stock. Due to the limited number of authorized
shares available for issuance, we may not able to raise additional equity capital or complete a merger or other business combination
unless we increase the number of shares we are authorized to issue. We would need to seek stockholder approval to increase the
number of our authorized shares of common stock. We can provide no assurance that we will succeed in amending our Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of common stock we are authorized to issue.
Our failure to comply with covenants under debt instruments
could trigger prepayment obligations or other penalties.
Our failure to comply
with the covenants under our debt instruments could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could result
in us being required to repay these borrowings before their due date or could result in other penalties. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to secure financing to refinance these borrowings at commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If
we are unable to secure such financing and cash resources become insufficient to meet the Company’s ongoing obligations,
the Company will be required to scale back or discontinue portions of its operations or discontinue operations entirely, whereby,
the Company’s shareholders may lose some or all of their investment.
If we fail to remain current on our
reporting requirements, we could be removed from the OTC Bulletin Board, which would limit the ability of broker-dealers to sell
our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.
Companies trading on the OTC Bulletin Board,
such as us, must be reporting issuers under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange
Act”), and must be current in their reports under Section 13 of the Exchange Act in order to maintain price quotation privileges
on the OTC Bulletin Board. If we fail to remain current on our reporting requirements, we could be removed from the OTC Bulletin
Board. As a result, the market liquidity for our securities could be adversely affected by limiting the ability of broker-dealers
to sell our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.
Risks Relating to the Ownership of Our
Common Stock
If the Company is unable to continue
as a going concern, the Company’s shareholders may lose some or all of their investment.
As discussed above, we have a history of
operating losses and an accumulated deficit and expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative operating cash flows
for one year beyond the date of these financial statements, and as a result, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue
as a going concern. If cash resources become insufficient to meet the Company’s ongoing obligations and we are unable to
secure financing at commercially reasonable terms, if at all, the Company will be required to scale back or discontinue portions
of its operations or discontinue operations entirely, whereby, the Company’s shareholders may lose some or all of their investment.
Our common stock is thinly traded
and there may not be an active trading market for our common stock.
Our common stock is currently quoted on
the OTCQB, operated by the OTC Markets Group. However, there is no guarantee that our common stock will be actively traded on the
OTCQB, or that the volume of trading will be sufficient to allow for timely trades. Investors may not be able to sell their shares
quickly or at the latest market price if trading in our stock is not active or if trading volume is limited. In addition, if trading
volume in our common stock is limited, trades of relatively small numbers of shares may have a disproportionate effect on the market
price of our common stock.
The market price of our common stock has been and may
continue to be volatile.
The trading price of our common stock has
been and may continue to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. Some
of the factors that may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate include:
|
·
|
fluctuations in our quarterly financial and operating results or the quarterly financial results of companies perceived to be similar to us;
|
|
·
|
changes in estimates of our financial results or recommendations by securities analysts;
|
|
·
|
potential deterioration of investor confidence resulting from material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting;
|
|
·
|
our ability to raise and generate working capital to meet our obligations in the ordinary course of business;
|
|
·
|
changes in general economic, industry and market conditions;
|
|
·
|
failure of any of our products to achieve or maintain market acceptance;
|
|
·
|
changes in market valuations of similar companies;
|
|
·
|
failure of our products to operate as advertised;
|
|
·
|
success of competitive products;
|
|
·
|
changes in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of additional debt;
|
|
·
|
announcements by us or our competitors of significant products, contracts, acquisitions or strategic alliances;
|
|
·
|
regulatory developments in the United States, foreign countries or both;
|
|
·
|
litigation involving our Company, our general industry or both;
|
|
·
|
additions or departures of key personnel; and
|
|
·
|
investors’ general perception of us.
|
In addition, if the market for technology
stocks or the stock market in general experiences a loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common stock could
decline for reasons unrelated to our business, financial condition or results of operations. If any of the foregoing
occurs, it could cause our stock price to fall and may expose us to class action lawsuits that, even if unsuccessful, could be
costly to defend and a distraction to management.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter
documents and Utah law could discourage delay or prevent a change of control of our Company and may affect the trading price of
our common stock.
We are a Utah corporation and the anti-takeover
provisions of the Utah Control Shares Acquisition Act may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control by limiting the voting
rights of control shares acquired in a control share acquisition. In addition, our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in our management or control over us that shareholders may consider favorable. Among
other things, our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws:
|
·
|
authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors in response to a takeover attempt;
|
|
·
|
provide that vacancies on our board of directors, including newly created directorships, may be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office, except a vacancy occurring by reason of the removal of a director without cause shall be filled by vote of the shareholders; and
|
|
·
|
limit who may call special meetings of shareholders.
|
These provisions could have the effect
of delaying or preventing a change of control, whether or not it is desired by, or beneficial to, our shareholders.
We do not currently intend to pay
dividends on our common stock
We do not expect to pay cash dividends
on our common stock. Any future dividend payments are within the absolute discretion of our board of directors and will depend
on, among other things, our results of operations, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, financial condition,
contractual restrictions, business opportunities, anticipated cash needs, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our
board of directors may deem relevant. We may not generate sufficient cash from operations in the future to pay dividends on our
common stock.
Our common stock is subject to “Penny
Stock” restrictions.
As long as the price of our common stock
remains at less than $5 per share, we will be subject to so-called “penny stock rules” which could decrease our stock’s
market liquidity. The Security and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has adopted regulations which define a “penny
stock” to include any equity security that has a market price of less than $5 per share or an exercise price of less than
$5 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require
the delivery to and execution by the retail customer of a written declaration of suitability relating to the penny stock, which
must include disclosure of the commissions payable to both the broker/dealer and the registered representative and current quotations
for the securities. Finally, the broker/dealer must send monthly statements disclosing recent price information for the penny
stocks held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Those requirements could adversely affect
the market liquidity of our common stock. There can be no assurance that the price of our common stock will rise above $5
per share so as to avoid these regulations.
Further issuances of equity securities may be dilutive
to current stockholders.
It is possible that we will be required
to seek additional capital in the near term. This capital funding could involve one or more types of equity securities, including
convertible debt, common or convertible preferred stock and warrants to acquire common or preferred stock. Such equity securities
could be issued at or below the then-prevailing market price for our common stock. Any issuance of additional shares of our common
stock will be dilutive to existing stockholders and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
The exercise of conversion rights,
options and warrants outstanding and available for issuance may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding
employee options to purchase a total of 3,349,793 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.14 to $1.00 per share,
with a weighted average exercise price of $0.16. As of December 31, 2019, we had warrants outstanding to purchase a total of 250,000
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share. The exercise of outstanding options and warrants and the sale in
the public market of the shares purchased upon such exercise could be dilutive to existing stockholders and could adversely affect
the market price of our common stock.
Risks Related to Our Business
We face risks related to global health
epidemics, including COVID-19, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
On January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization
(“WHO”) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China
(the “COVID-19 outbreak”) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point
of origin. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, which continues to spread
throughout the world. The spread of this pandemic has caused significant volatility and uncertainty in U.S. and international markets.
This could result in an economic downturn or rescission reducing the demand for our products and/or causing customers to be unable
to meet payment obligations to the Company. The Company’s largest industry, hospitality, has already been impacted with restrictions
on air travel, heightened border scrutiny and event cancellations. The Company has been informed by some clientele that planned
capital expenditures have been suspended until further notice. Further, the pandemic could adversely affect our supply chain and
the production capabilities of our primary product supplier located in China, due to quarantines, worker absenteeism and/or facility
closures. If any of our supply chain phases were interrupted or terminated, we could experience delays in our project fulfillment
process. Delays could result in increased fulfillment costs, customer pricing concessions or overall project cancellations. The
occurrence of one or more of these items could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition,
and/or results of operations.
Due to the speed with which the situation
is developing and the uncertainty of its duration and the timing of recovery, we are not able at this time to predict the extent
to which the COVID-19 pandemic may impact our financial or operational results.
New tariffs and evolving trade policy
between the United States and China may have a material adverse effect on our business.
During 2018, the United States Federal
Government imposed significant tariffs on imports from numerous countries, including China. Subsequent to this, the Office of the
United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced an initial proposed list of imports from China that could be
subject to additional tariffs. The list of imports for which Customs and Border Protection began collecting additional duties during
July 2018, focuses on the industrial sector. The Company’s main supplier, accounting for approximately 84% of total purchases,
is located in China. The products that the Company purchases from the supplier are subject to up to 25% tariffs. As a result of
the tariffs, our cost of sales has increased.
The current administration, along with
Congress, has created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and other countries with
respect to the trade policies, treaties, taxes, government regulations and tariffs that would be applicable. It is unclear what
changes might be considered or implemented and what response to any such changes may be by the governments of other countries.
These changes have created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and China, as well as
other countries, including with respect to the trade policies, treaties, government regulations and tariffs that could apply to
trade between the United States and other nations. If significant tariffs or other restrictions are placed on Chinese imports or
any related counter-measures are taken by China, our revenue and results of operations may be materially harmed. Even in the absence
of further tariffs, the related uncertainty and the market's fear of an escalating trade war might create forecasting difficulties
for us and cause our customers and business partners to place fewer orders for our products and services, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
These developments, or the perception that
any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial
markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between these nations and the United States. Any of
these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our access to suppliers or customers and have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations and affect our strategy in China and elsewhere around the world.
Given the relatively fluid regulatory environment in China and the United States and uncertainty how the U.S. Administration or
foreign governments will act with respect to tariffs, international trade agreements and policies, a trade war, further governmental
action related to tariffs or international trade policies, or additional tax or other regulatory changes in the future could directly
and adversely impact our financial results and results of operations.
We rely on a limited number of third
party suppliers. If these companies fail to perform or experience delays, shortages, or increased demand for their products or
services, we may face shortages, increased costs, and may be required to suspend deployment of our products and services.
We depend on a limited number of third
party suppliers to provide the components and the equipment required to deliver our solutions, with purchases from one supplier
comprising approximately 84% of total purchases for the year ended December 31, 2019. If these providers fail to perform their
obligations under our agreements with them or we are unable to renew these agreements, we may be forced to suspend the sale and
deployment of our products and services and enrollment of new customers, which would have an adverse effect on our business, prospects,
financial condition and operating results.
The industry within which we operate is intensely competitive
and rapidly evolving.
We operate in a highly competitive, quickly
changing environment, and our future success will depend on our ability to develop and introduce new products and product enhancements
that achieve broad market acceptance in the markets within which we compete. We will also need to respond effectively to new product
announcements by our competitors by quickly developing and introducing competitive products.
Delays in product development and introduction
could result in:
|
·
|
loss of or delay in revenue and loss of market share;
|
|
·
|
negative publicity and damage to our reputation and the reputation of our product offerings; and
|
|
·
|
decline in the average selling price of our products.
|
We have identified material weaknesses
in our internal controls as of December 31, 2019 that, if not properly remediated, could result in material misstatements in our
financial statements.
Based on an evaluation of our disclosure
of internal controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019, our management has concluded that, as of such date, there were material
weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting related to a lack of segregation of duties due to the limited size
of the Company’s accounting department, a failure to implement adequate internal control over financial reporting including
in our IT general control environment and the need for a stronger internal control environment particularly in our financial reporting
and close process. A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over
financial reporting, such that there is a more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial
statements would not be prevented or detected. As disclosed in Item 9A of Part II of this report, because of the material
weaknesses identified by the Company, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements that would require
restatement of the Company’s financial results in this report. Management of the Company believes that these material weaknesses
are due to the small size of the Company’s accounting staff. The small size of the Company’s accounting staff may prevent
adequate controls in the future, such as segregation of duties, due to the cost/benefit of such remediation. At present,
the Company does not expect to hire additional personnel to remediate these control deficiencies in the near future. We are reviewing
other potential actions to remediate the identified material weaknesses.
Until and if these material weaknesses
in our internal control over financial reporting are remediated, there is reasonable possibility that material misstatements of
our annual or interim consolidated financial statements could occur and not be prevented or detected by our internal controls in
a timely manner. Material misstatements in our financial statements could result in litigation or regulatory enforcement actions,
which would require additional financial and management resources; loss of investor confidence; and delays in filing required financial
disclosures, one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. The Company believes
the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are free of material misstatements.
Government regulation of our products
could impair our ability to sell such products in certain markets.
The rules of the FCC permit the operation
of unlicensed digital devices that radiate radio frequency emissions if the manufacturer complies with certain equipment authorization
procedures, technical requirements, marketing restrictions and product labeling requirements. Differing technical requirements
apply to “Class A” devices intended for use in commercial settings, and “Class B” devices intended for
residential use to which more stringent standards apply. An independent, FCC-certified testing lab has verified that our product
suite complies with the FCC technical requirements for Class A and Class B digital devices. No further testing of these devices
is required, and the devices may be manufactured and marketed for commercial and residential use. Additional devices designed by
us for commercial and residential use will be subject to the FCC rules for unlicensed digital devices. Moreover, if in the
future, the FCC changes its technical requirements for unlicensed digital devices, further testing and/or modifications of devices
may be necessary. Failure to comply with any FCC technical requirements could impair our ability to sell our products in certain
markets and could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
Products sold by our competitors
could become more popular than our products or render our products obsolete.
The market for our products and services
is highly competitive. Some of our competitors have longer operating histories, greater name recognition and substantially greater
financial, technical, sales, marketing and other resources. These competitors may, among other things, undertake more extensive
marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies, obtain more favorable pricing from suppliers and manufacturers and
exert more influence on the sales channel than we can. As a result, we may not be able to compete successfully with these competitors,
and these competitors may develop or market technologies and products that are more widely accepted than those being developed
by us or that would render our products obsolete or noncompetitive. We anticipate that competitors will also intensify their efforts
to penetrate our target markets. These competitors may have more advanced technology, more extensive distribution channels, stronger
brand names, bigger promotional budgets and larger customer bases than we do. These companies could devote more capital resources
to develop, manufacture and market competing products than we could. If any of these companies are successful in competing against
us, our sales could decline, our margins could be negatively impacted, and we could lose market share, any of which could seriously
harm our business, results of operations, and prospects.
We may incur substantial damages
due to litigation.
We cannot be certain that our products
do not and will not infringe issued patents or other intellectual property rights of others. If it were determined that our products
infringe the intellectual property rights of another, we could be required to pay substantial damages or be enjoined from licensing
or using the infringing products or technology. Additionally, if it were determined that our products infringe the intellectual
property rights of others, we would need to obtain licenses from these parties or substantially re-engineer our products in order
to avoid infringement. We might not be able to obtain the necessary licenses on acceptable terms or at all, or to re-engineer our
products successfully. Any of the foregoing could cause us to incur significant costs and prevent us from selling our products.
We depend on a small team of senior
management and may have difficulty attracting and retaining additional personnel.
Our future success will depend in
large part upon the continued services and performance of senior management and other key personnel. If we lose the services
of any member of our senior management team, our overall operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition,
our future success will depend on our ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate other highly skilled
technical, managerial, marketing, purchasing and customer service personnel when they are needed. Competition for these
individuals is intense. We cannot ensure that we will be able to successfully attract, integrate or retain sufficiently
qualified personnel when the need arises. Any failure to attract and retain the necessary technical, managerial,
marketing, purchasing and customer service personnel could have a negative effect on our financial condition and results of
operations.
We may be affected if the United
States participates in wars or other military action or by international terrorism.
Involvement in a war or other
military action or acts of terrorism may cause significant disruption to commerce throughout the world. To the extent that
such disruptions result in (i) delays or cancellations of customer orders, (ii) a general decrease in consumer spending on
information technology, (iii) our inability to effectively market and distribute our services or products or (iv) our
inability to access capital markets, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely
affected. We are unable to predict whether the involvement in a war or other military action will result in any
long-term commercial disruptions or if such involvement or responses will have any long-term material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Cyber security risks and cyber incidents could adversely
affect our business and disrupt operations.
Cyber incidents can result from deliberate
attacks or unintentional events. These incidents can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems
for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. The result
of these incidents could include, but are not limited to, disrupted operations, misstated financial data, liability for stolen
assets or information, increased cyber-security protection costs, litigation and reputational damage adversely affecting customer
or investor confidence. We have implemented systems and processes to focus on identification, prevention, mitigation and resolution.
However, these measures cannot provide absolute security, and our systems may be vulnerable to cyber-security breaches such as
viruses, hacking, and similar disruptions from unauthorized intrusions. In addition, we rely on third party service providers to
perform certain services, such as payroll and tax services. Any failure of our systems or third party systems may compromise our
sensitive information and/or personally identifiable information of our employees. While we have secured cyber insurance to potentially
cover certain risks associated with cyber incidents, there can be no assurance the insurance will be sufficient to cover any such
liability.
Our exposure to the credit risk of
our customers and suppliers may adversely affect our financial results.
We sell our products to customers that
have in the past, and may in the future, experience financial difficulties. If our customers experience financial difficulties,
we could have difficulty recovering amounts owed to us from these customers. While we perform credit evaluations and adjust credit
limits based upon each customer’s payment history and credit worthiness, such programs may not be effective in reducing our
exposure to credit risk. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable, and based on this evaluation make adjustments to
the allowance for doubtful accounts for expected losses. Actual bad debt write-offs may differ from our estimates, which may have
a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
Our suppliers may also experience financial
difficulties, which could result in our having difficulty sourcing the materials and components we use in producing our products
and providing our services. This risk is increased given we depend on a limited number of third party suppliers to provide the
components and the equipment required to deliver our solutions, with purchases from one supplier comprising approximately 84% of
total purchases for the year ended December 31, 2019. If we encounter such difficulties, we may not be able to produce our products
for our customers in a timely fashion which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and
cash flows.
Changes in the economy and credit
markets may adversely affect our future results of operations.
Our operations and performance depend to
some degree on general economic conditions and their impact on our customers’ finances and purchase decisions. As a
result of economic events, potential customers may elect to defer purchases of capital equipment items, such as the products we
manufacture and supply. Additionally, the credit markets and the financial services industry are subject to change. While
the ultimate outcome of these events cannot be predicted, it may have a material adverse effect on our customers’ ability
to fund their operations thus adversely impacting their ability to purchase our products or to pay for our products on a timely
basis, if at all. These and other economic factors could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products, the collection
of payments for our products and on our financial condition and operating results.
We may not be able to obtain payment
and performance bonds, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our ability to deploy our EcoSmart Suite
of products into the energy management initiatives in federally funded or assisted projects may rely on our ability to obtain payment
and performance bonds which may be an essential element to work orders for the installation of our products and services. If
we are unable to obtain payment and performance bonds in a timely fashion as required by an applicable work order, we may not be
entitled to payment under the work order until such bonds have been provided or until such a requirement is expressly waived. In
addition, any delays due to a failure to furnish bonds may not entitle us to a price increase for the work or an extension of time
to complete the work and may entitle the other party to terminate our work order without liability and to indemnify such party
from damages suffered as a result of our failure to deliver the bonds and the termination of the work order. As a result, the failure
to obtain bonds where required could negatively impact our business, results of operations, and prospects.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
In October 2013, the Company entered into
a lease agreement for 6,362 square feet of commercial office space in Waukesha, Wisconsin for its corporate headquarters with a
term expiration of April 30, 2021. On April 7, 2017, the Company executed an amendment to the existing lease to expand another
3,982 square feet, bringing the total leased space to 10,344 square feet, and extend the lease term from May 1, 2021 to April 30,
2026. The commencement date for this amendment was July 15, 2017.
In January 2016, the Company entered into
a lease agreement for 2,237 square feet of commercial office space in Germantown, Maryland for its Maryland employees. In September
2018, the Company entered into a third amendment to the lease agreement extending the lease through the end of January 2022.
In May 2017, the Company entered into a
lease agreement for 5,838 square feet of floor space in Waukesha, Wisconsin for its inventory warehousing operations. The Waukesha
lease expires in May 2024.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which
arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although occasional adverse decisions or settlements may occur, the Company believes
that the final disposition of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations
or liquidity.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
None.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION
AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A summary of the significant accounting
policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.
Business and Basis of Presentation
Telkonet, Inc. (the “Company”,
“Telkonet”), formed in 1999 and incorporated under the laws of the state of Utah, is the creator of the EcoSmart Platform
of intelligent automation solutions designed to optimize energy efficiency, comfort and analytics in support of the emerging Internet
of Things (“IoT”).
In 2007, the Company acquired substantially
all of the assets of Smart Systems International (“SSI”), which was a provider of energy management products and solutions
to customers in the United States and Canada and the precursor to the Company’s EcoSmart platform. The EcoSmart platform
provides comprehensive savings, management reporting, analytics and virtual engineering of a customer’s portfolio and/or
property’s room-by-room energy consumption. Telkonet has deployed more than a half million intelligent devices worldwide
in properties within the hospitality, educational, governmental and other commercial markets. The EcoSmart platform is recognized
as a solution for reducing energy consumption, operational costs and carbon footprints, and eliminating the need for new energy
generation in these marketplaces – all whilst improving occupant comfort and convenience.
The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Telkonet Communications, Inc., operating as a single reportable business
segment.
Going Concern and Management’s
Plan
The accompanying financial statements have
been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities
in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future and, thus, do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability
and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
Since inception through December 31, 2019,
we have incurred cumulative losses of $125,105,539 and have never generated enough funds through operations to support our business.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had negative operating cash flow of $1,875,846 from operations. The Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon generating profitable operations in the future and obtaining the necessary
financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to secure such financing at commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If cash
resources become insufficient to meet the Company’s ongoing obligations, the Company will be required to scale back or discontinue
portions of its operations or discontinue operations entirely, whereby, the Company’s shareholders may lose some or all
of their investment.
The Company’s Board also continues
to consider strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, including but not limited to, a sale of the Company, an investment
in the Company, a merger or other business combination, a sale of all or substantially all assets or a strategic joint venture.
However, these actions are not solely within the control of the Company. At March 30, 2020, no definitive alternatives had been
identified.
During the second half of 2019, the Company
began initiating a number of cost elimination and liquidity management actions, including, reviewing opportunities to decrease
spend with third party consultants and providers, strategically reviewing whether or not to fill employee positions in the event
of vacancies, and implementing sales campaigns to sell slow-moving inventory and reducing existing inventory volumes. Management
expects these actions will continue to reduce operating losses. The full impact of these actions is not expected to be reflected
in the Company’s financial statements in the next twelve months. There is no guarantee these actions, nor any other actions
identified, will yield profitable operations in the foreseeable future.
On January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization
(“WHO”) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China (the “COVID-19
outbreak”) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of operations. In
March 2020, the World Health Organization classified the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure
globally. The spread of the COVID-19 outbreak has caused significant volatility and uncertainty in U.S. and international markets.
The COVID-19 outbreak has and could continue to impact demand for our products, customers’ ability to meet payment obligations
to the Company, our supply chain and production capabilities, and our workforces’ ability to deliver our products and services.
At this time, the disruption is expected to be temporary; however, the length or severity of this pandemic is unknown. Management
is actively monitoring the impact of the global situation on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry,
and workforce. While we expect this disruption to have a material adverse impact our results of operations, financial condition
and cash flows for the year 2020, the Company is unable to reasonably determine the impact at this time. Refer to Note P for further
detail on this matter.
At December 31, 2019, the Company had approximately
$3,300,600 of cash and approximately $424,000 of availability on its credit facility. The Company currently expects to draw on
these cash reserves and utilize the credit facility to finance its near term working capital needs. It expects to continue to incur
operating losses and negative operating cash flows for one year beyond the date of these financial statements. The Credit Facility
provides us with needed liquidity to assist in meeting our obligations or pursuing strategic objectives. Continued operating losses
will deplete these cash reserves and could result in a violation of the financial covenants. Consequently, repayment of amounts
borrowed under the Credit Facility may be accelerated and Heritage Bank’s commitment to extend credit under the Heritage
Bank Loan Agreement may be terminated. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business
and results of operations.
Accordingly, and in light of the Company’s
historic losses, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments and related items,
which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and trade receivables.
The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments with credit quality institutions. At times, such investments may be
in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances. With respect to
trade receivables, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions and limits the
amount of credit extended when deemed necessary. The Company provides credit to its customers primarily in the United States in
the normal course of business. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of its customers and, as a consequence, believes
its trade receivables credit risk exposure is limited.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid
debt instruments purchased with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are uncollateralized
customer obligations due under normal trade terms. The Company records allowances for doubtful accounts based on customer-specific
analysis and general matters such as current assessment of past due balances and economic conditions. The Company writes off
accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $55,039 and $65,542 at December
31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Management identifies a delinquent customer based upon the delinquent payment status of an outstanding
invoice, generally greater than 30 days past due date. The delinquent account designation does not trigger an accounting transaction
until such time the account is deemed uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined by examining the reserve
history and any outstanding invoices that are over 30 days past due as of the end of the reporting period. Accounts are deemed
uncollectible on a case-by-case basis, at management’s discretion based upon an examination of the communication with the
delinquent customer and payment history. Typically, accounts are only escalated to “uncollectible” status after multiple
attempts at collection have proven unsuccessful.
The allowance for doubtful accounts for
the years ended December 31 are as follows:
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Beginning balance
|
|
$
|
65,542
|
|
|
$
|
22,173
|
|
Provision charged to expense
|
|
|
29,849
|
|
|
|
55,152
|
|
Deductions
|
|
|
(40,352
|
)
|
|
|
(11,783
|
)
|
Ending balance
|
|
$
|
55,039
|
|
|
$
|
65,542
|
|
Inventories
Inventories consist of thermostats, sensors
and controllers for Telkonet’s EcoSmart product platform. These inventories are purchased for resale and do not include
manufacturing labor and overhead. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value determined by the first
in, first out (FIFO) method. The Company’s inventories are subject to technological obsolescence. Management evaluates the
net realizable value of its inventories on a quarterly basis and when it is determined that the Company’s carrying cost of
such excess and obsolete inventories cannot be recovered in full, a charge is taken against income for the difference between the
carrying cost and the estimated realizable amount. The reserve for inventory obsolescence balance was approximately $241,000 and
$114,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Property and Equipment
In accordance with Accounting Standards
Codification ASC 360 “Property Plant and Equipment”, property and equipment is stated at cost and is depreciated
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives range from 2 to 10 years.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for the fair value
of financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820, which defines fair value for accounting purposes, established a framework
for measuring fair value and expanded disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as
an exit price, which is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of
assets and liabilities generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial assets and liabilities with readily
available, actively quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally
have more pricing observability and require less judgment in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial assets and liabilities
that are rarely traded or not quoted have less price observability and are generally measured at fair value using valuation models
that require more judgment. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree
of which is dependent on the price transparency of the asset, liability or market and the nature of the asset or liability. The
Company categorizes financial assets and liabilities that are recurring, at fair value into a three-level hierarchy in accordance
with these provisions.
|
·
|
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; or
|
|
|
|
|
·
|
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and are unobservable.
|
The Company’s financial instruments
include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and certain accrued liabilities. The carrying amounts
of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments (Level 1 instruments), except
for the line of credit. The carrying amount of the line of credit approximates fair value due to the interest rate and terms approximating
those available to the Company for similar obligations (Level 2 instruments).
Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in
accordance with ASC 360-10. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amount to the future net cash flows which
the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured
by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Based on the assessment for impairment performed
during 2019 and 2018, no impairment was recorded.
Income (Loss) per Common Share
The Company computes earnings per share
under ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted
average shares outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes
that the proceeds to be received on exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants are used to repurchase shares of the Company
at the average market price of the common shares for the year. Dilutive common stock equivalents consist of shares issuable upon
the exercise of the Company's outstanding stock options and warrants. For both years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were
3,599,793 shares of common stock underlying options and warrants excluded due to these instruments being anti-dilutive, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements
in conformity with United States of America (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management
to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Estimates are used when accounting for items and matters such as revenue recognition and allowances
for uncollectible accounts receivable, inventory obsolescence, depreciation and amortization, long-lived assets, taxes and related
valuation allowance, income tax provisions, stock-based compensation, and contingencies. The Company believes that the estimates,
judgments and assumptions are reasonable, based on information available at the time they are made. Actual results may differ from
those estimates.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in
accordance with ASC 740-10 “Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred income taxes (when required) are provided based
on the difference between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and net operating losses at the
statutory rates enacted for future periods. The Company has a policy of establishing a valuation allowance when it is more likely
than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of its deferred income tax assets in the future.
The Company follows ASC 740-10-25, which
prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax
position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740-10-25 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification,
treatment of interest and penalties, and disclosure of such positions.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Accounting Standards Codification Topic
606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606, the Standard”) supersedes nearly all legacy revenue recognition
guidance. ASC 606, the Standard outlines a comprehensive five-step revenue recognition model based on the principle that an entity
should recognize revenue based on when it satisfies its performance obligations by transferring control of promised goods or services
in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for said goods or services.
Identify the customer contracts
The Company accounts for a customer contract
under ASC 606 when the contract is legally enforceable. A contract is legally enforceable when all of the following criteria are
met: (1) the contract has been approved by the Company and the customer and both parties are committed to perform their respective
obligations, (2) the Company can identify each party’s rights regarding goods or services transferred, (3) the Company can
identify payment terms for goods or services transferred, (4) the contract has commercial substance, and (5) collectability of
all the consideration to which the Company is entitled in exchange for the goods or services transferred is probable.
A contract does not exist if each party
to the contract has the unilateral right to terminate a wholly unperformed contract without compensating the other party (or parties).
Nearly all of the Company’s contracts do not contain such mutual termination rights for convenience. All contracts are in
written form.
Identify the performance obligations
The Company will enter into product only
contracts that contain a single performance obligation related to the transfer of EcoSmart products to a customer.
The Company will also enter into certain
customer contracts that encompass product and installation services, referred to as “turnkey” solutions. These contracts
ultimately provide the customer with a solution that enhances the functionality of the customer’s existing equipment. For
this reason, the Company has determined that the product and installation services are not separately identifiable performance
obligations, but in essence represent one, combined performance obligation (“turnkey”).
The Company also offers technical phone
support services to customers. This service is considered a separate performance obligation.
Determine the transaction price
The Company generally enters into contracts
containing fixed prices. It is not customary for the Company to include contract terms that would result in variable consideration.
In the rare situation that a contract does include this type of provision, it is not expected to result in a material adjustment
to the transaction price. The Company regularly extends pricing discounts; however, they are negotiated up front and adjust the
fixed transaction price set out in the contract.
Customer contracts will typically contain
upfront deposits that will be applied against future invoices, as well as customer retainage. The intent of any required deposit
or retainage is to ensure that the obligations of either party are honored and follow customary industry practices. In addition,
the Company will typically be paid in advance at the beginning of any support contracts, consistent with industry practices. None
of these payment provisions are intended to represent significant implicit financing. The Company’s standard payment terms
are thirty days from invoice date. Products are fully refundable when returned in their original packaging without damage or defacing
less a restocking fee. Historical returns have shown to be immaterial. The Company offers a standard one-year assurance warranty.
However customers can purchase an extended warranty. Under the new standard, extended warranties are accounted for as a service
warranty, requiring the revenue to be recognized over the extended service periods. Contracts involving an extended warranty are
immaterial and will continue to be combined with technical phone support services revenue and recognized on a straight-line basis
over the term of the contract.
Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations
Revenues from customer contracts are allocated
to the separate performance obligations based on their relative stand-alone selling price (“SSP”) at contract inception.
The SSP is the price at which the Company would sell a promised good or service separately. The best evidence of an SSP is the
observable price of a good or service when the entity sells that good or service separately in similar circumstances and to similar
customers. However, turnkey solutions are sold for a broad range of amounts resulting from, but not limited to, tiered discounting
for value added resellers (“VAR”) based upon committed volumes and other economic factors. Due to the high variability
of our pricing, the Company cannot establish a reliable SSP using observable data. Accordingly, the Company uses the residual approach
to allocate the transaction price to performance obligations related to its turnkey solutions. When support services are not included
within the turnkey solution, the residual method is not utilized and no allocation of the transaction price to the performance
obligation is necessary.
All support service agreements, whether
single or multi-year terms, automatically renew for one-year terms at a suggested retail price (“SRP”). Support service
renewals are consistently priced and therefore would support the use of SRP as the best estimate of an SSP for such performance
obligations.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenues from product
only sales at a point in time, when control over the product has transferred to the customer. As the Company’s principal
terms of sale are FOB shipping point, the Company primarily transfers control and records revenue for product only sales upon shipment.
A typical turnkey project involves the
installation and integration of 200-300 rooms in a customer-controlled facility and usually takes sixty days to complete. Since
control over goods and services transfers to a customer once a room is installed, the Company recognizes revenue for turnkey solutions
over time. The Company uses an outputs measure based on the number of rooms installed to recognize revenues from turnkey solutions.
Revenues from support services are recognized
over time, in even daily increments over the term of the contract, and are presented as “Recurring Revenue” in the
Statement of Operations.
Contracts are billed in accordance with
the terms and conditions, either at periodic intervals or upon substantial completion. This can result in billing occurring subsequent
to revenue recognition, resulting in contract assets. Contract assets are presented as current assets in the Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet.
Contract liabilities include deferrals
for the monthly support service fees. Long-term contract liabilities represent support service fees that will be recognized as
revenue after December 31, 2020.
Contract Fulfillment Cost
The Company recognizes related costs of
the contract over time in relation to the revenue recognition. Costs included within the projects relate to the cost of material,
direct labor and costs of outside services utilized to complete projects. These are presented as “Contract assets”
in the consolidated balance sheets.
Sales Taxes
Unless provided with a resale or tax exemption
certificate, the Company assesses and collects sales tax on sales transactions and records the amount as a liability. It is recognized
as a liability until remitted to the applicable state. Total revenues do not include sales tax as the Company is considered a pass
through conduit for collecting and remitting sales taxes.
Guarantees and Product Warranties
The Company records a liability for potential
warranty claims in cost of sales at the time of sale. The amount of the liability is based on the trend in the historical ratio
of claims to sales, the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, new product introductions and
other factors. The products sold are generally covered by a warranty for a period of one year. In the event the Company determines
that its current or future product repair and replacement costs exceed its estimates, an adjustment to these reserves would be
charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company experienced
returns of approximately 1% to 3% of material’s included in cost of sales. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company
recorded warranty liabilities in the amount of $58,791 and $46,103, respectively, using this experience factor range.
Product warranties for the years ended
December 31 is as follows:
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Beginning balance
|
|
$
|
46,103
|
|
|
$
|
59,892
|
|
Warranty claims incurred
|
|
|
(66,803
|
)
|
|
|
(28,000
|
)
|
Provision charged to expense
|
|
|
79,491
|
|
|
|
14,211
|
|
Ending balance
|
|
$
|
58,791
|
|
|
$
|
46,103
|
|
Advertising
The Company follows the policy of charging
the costs of advertising to expenses as incurred. The Company incurred $54,945 and $108,632 in advertising costs during the years
ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Research and Development
The Company accounts for research and development
costs in accordance with the ASC 730-10, “Research and Development”. Under ASC 730-10, all research and development
costs must be charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Third-party
research and development costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed or as milestone results have been achieved.
Company-sponsored research and development costs related to both present and future products are expensed in the period incurred.
Total expenditures on research and product development for 2019 and 2018 were $1,737,385 and $1,879,676, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based awards
in accordance with ASC 718-10, “Share-Based Compensation”, which requires a fair value measurement and recognition
of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to the Company’s employees and directors, including employee
stock options and restricted stock awards. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes
valuation model. This model requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions including, among other things, estimates regarding
the length of time an employee will hold vested stock options before exercising them, the estimated volatility of the Company’s
common stock price and the number of options that will be forfeited prior to vesting. The fair value is then amortized on a straight-line
basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period. Changes in these estimates and assumptions
can materially affect the determination of the fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized
in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The expected term of the options represents
the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the
contractual terms, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. For 2018 and prior years, expected stock price
volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock for the related expected term.
Stock-based compensation expense in connection
with options granted to employees for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $7,262 and $6,404, respectively.
NOTE B – NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial
Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 provides guidance
for estimating credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables, by introducing an approach
based on expected losses. The expected loss approach will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information,
current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 also amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale
debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance requires a modified retrospective transition
method and early adoption is permitted.
In November 2019, FASB issued ASU No.
2019-10, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Derivatives and Hedging, and Leases (“ASU 2019-10”), which defers
the adoption of ASU 2016-13 for smaller reporting companies until January 1, 2023. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact
of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements.
Management has evaluated other recently
issued accounting pronouncements and does not believe any will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements
and related disclosures.
Accounting Standards Recently Adopted
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company
has adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), subsequently amended in 2018 by ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11 and ASU 2018-20
and codified in ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). ASC 842 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018
and interim periods thereafter. Earlier application was permitted, however the Company did not elect to do so. ASC 842 supersedes
current lease guidance in ASC 840 and requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for
substantially all leases. The lease liability will be equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments while the right-of-use
asset will be similarly calculated and then adjusted for initial direct costs. In addition, ASC 842 expands the disclosure requirements
to increase the transparency and comparability of the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.
The Company chose to elect available practical
expedients permitted under the guidance, which among other items, allowed the Company to carry forward its historical lease classification
to not reassess leases for the definition of lease under the new standard, and to not reassess initial direct costs for existing
leases. Refer below for practical expedient package adopted:
|
·
|
Whether expired or existing contracts contain leases under the new definition of the lease;
|
|
·
|
Lease classification for expired or existing leases; and
|
|
·
|
Whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842.
|
Upon the adoption of ASC 842, the Company
elected to not recognize a right-of-use asset and related lease liability for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less
as an accounting policy choice and elected to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
The Company elected to utilize the new
alternative transition approach introduced by ASU 2018-11, under which the standard is adopted and measured from the first date
of the fiscal year under adoption, in this case January 1, 2019. Comparative periods are presented in accordance with Topic 840
and do not include any retrospective adjustments to comparative periods to reflect the adoption of Topic 842.
As of December 31, 2019, $0.9 million was
included in total other assets, $0.2 million in total current liabilities, and $0.8 million in total long-term liabilities. There
was no impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note M for further discussion.
NOTE C– REVENUE
The following table presents the Company’s
product and recurring revenues disaggregated by industry for the year ended December 31, 2019.
|
|
|
Hospitality
|
|
|
Education
|
|
|
Multiple
Dwelling Units
|
|
|
Government
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Product
|
|
|
$
|
8,570,225
|
|
|
$
|
1,038,660
|
|
|
$
|
564,811
|
|
|
$
|
1,039,158
|
|
|
$
|
11,212,854
|
|
Recurring
|
|
|
|
604,624
|
|
|
|
140,817
|
|
|
|
23,901
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
769,342
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9,174,849
|
|
|
$
|
1,179,477
|
|
|
$
|
588,712
|
|
|
$
|
1,039,158
|
|
|
$
|
11,982,196
|
|
The following table presents the Company’s
product and recurring revenues disaggregated by industry for the year ended December 31, 2018.
|
|
|
Hospitality
|
|
|
Education
|
|
|
Multiple
Dwelling Units
|
|
|
Government
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Product
|
|
|
$
|
6,410,615
|
|
|
$
|
652,019
|
|
|
$
|
472,462
|
|
|
$
|
81,319
|
|
|
$
|
7,616,415
|
|
Recurring
|
|
|
|
668,039
|
|
|
|
128,872
|
|
|
|
18,653
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
815,564
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
7,078,654
|
|
|
$
|
780,891
|
|
|
$
|
491,115
|
|
|
$
|
81,319
|
|
|
$
|
8,431,979
|
|
Sales taxes and other usage-based taxes
are excluded from revenues.
Remaining performance obligations
As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate
amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was approximately $0.8 million. Except for support
services, the Company expects to recognize 100% of the remaining performance obligations over the next six months. As of December
31, 2018, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was approximately $1.68
million.
Contract assets and liabilities
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
Variance
|
|
Contract assets
|
|
$
|
188,120
|
|
|
$
|
314,749
|
|
|
$
|
126,629
|
|
Contract liabilities
|
|
|
764,184
|
|
|
|
1,232,623
|
|
|
|
(468,439
|
)
|
Net contract liabilities
|
|
$
|
576,064
|
|
|
$
|
917,874
|
|
|
$
|
(341,810
|
)
|
Contracts are billed in accordance with
the terms and conditions, either at periodic intervals or upon substantial completion. This can result in billing occurring subsequent
to revenue recognition, resulting in contract assets. Contract assets are presented as current assets in the Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet. There were approximately $0.04 million of costs incurred to fulfill a contract in the closing balance of contract
assets.
Often, the Company will require customers
to pay a deposit upon contract signing that will be applied against work performed or products shipped. In addition, the Company
will often invoice the full term of support at the start of the support period. Billings that occur prior to revenue recognition
result in contract liabilities. The change in the contract liability balance during the 12 month period ended December 31, 2019
is the result of cash payments received and billing in advance of satisfying performance obligations.
Contract costs
Costs to fulfill a turnkey contract primarily
relate to the materials cost and direct labor and are recognized proportionately as the performance obligation is satisfied. The
Company will defer cost to fulfill a contract when materials have shipped (and control over the materials has transferred to the
customer), but an insignificant amount of rooms have been installed. The Company will recognize any deferred costs in proportion
to revenues recognized from the related turnkey contract. The Company does not expect deferred contract costs to be long-lived
since a typical turnkey project takes sixty days to complete. Deferred contract costs are generally presented as other current
assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The Company incurs incremental costs to
obtain a contract in the form of sales commissions. These costs, whether related to performance obligations that extend beyond
twelve months or not, are immaterial and will continue to be recognized in the period incurred within selling, general and administrative
expenses.
NOTE D – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Components of accounts receivable as of
December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
$
|
2,338,626
|
|
|
$
|
1,146,832
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(55,039
|
)
|
|
|
(65,541
|
)
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
$
|
2,283,587
|
|
|
$
|
1,081,291
|
|
NOTE E – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The Company’s property and equipment
as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 consists of the following:
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Development test equipment
|
|
$
|
16,461
|
|
|
$
|
19,110
|
|
Computer software
|
|
|
76,134
|
|
|
|
76,134
|
|
Office equipment
|
|
|
66,685
|
|
|
|
61,367
|
|
Office fixtures and furniture
|
|
|
330,568
|
|
|
|
330,568
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
18,016
|
|
|
|
18,016
|
|
Total
|
|
|
507,864
|
|
|
|
505,195
|
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(321,339
|
)
|
|
|
(257,906
|
)
|
Total property and equipment
|
|
$
|
186,525
|
|
|
$
|
247,289
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense included
as a charge to income was $66,082 and $67,107 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
NOTE F – ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES
Accrued liabilities and expenses as of December 31, 2019 and
2018 are as follows:
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Accrued liabilities and expenses
|
|
$
|
214,925
|
|
|
$
|
325,855
|
|
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes
|
|
|
227,153
|
|
|
|
241,253
|
|
Accrued sales taxes, penalties, and interest
|
|
|
26,957
|
|
|
|
43,400
|
|
Product warranties
|
|
|
58,791
|
|
|
|
46,103
|
|
Total accrued liabilities and expenses
|
|
$
|
527,826
|
|
|
$
|
656,611
|
|
NOTE G – DEBT
Revolving Credit Facility
On September 30, 2014, the Company entered
into a loan and security agreement (the “Heritage Bank Loan Agreement”), with Heritage Bank of Commerce, a California
state chartered bank (“Heritage Bank”), governing a revolving credit facility in a principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000
(the “Credit Facility”). Availability of borrowings under the Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation
based on the Company’s eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory each multiplied by an applicable advance rate,
with an overall limitation tied to the Company’s eligible accounts receivable. The Heritage Bank Loan Agreement is available
for working capital and other general business purposes. The outstanding principal balance of the Credit Facility bears interest
at the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, which was 7.75% at December 31, 2019 and 8.50% at December 31, 2018. On October 9, 2014, as part
of the Heritage Bank Loan Agreement, Heritage Bank was granted a warrant to purchase 250,000 shares of Telkonet common stock, for
further information on the accounting for warrants, refer to Note J. The warrant has an exercise price of $0.20 and expires October
9, 2021. On November 6, 2019, the eleventh amendment to the Credit Facility was executed to extend the maturity date to September
30, 2021, unless earlier accelerated under the terms of the Heritage Bank Loan Agreement, and eliminate the maximum EBITDA loss
covenant. The eleventh amendment was effective as of September 30, 2019.
The Heritage Bank Loan Agreement contains
covenants that place restrictions on, among other things, the incurrence of debt, granting of liens and sale of assets. The Heritage
Bank Loan Agreement also contains financial covenants. As discussed above, the EBITDA loss covenant was eliminated in the eleventh
amendment to the Credit Facility. The sole financial covenants are a minimum asset coverage ratio and a minimum unrestricted cash
balance of $2 million, both of which are measured at the end of each month. A violation of any of these covenants could result
in an event of default under the Heritage Bank Loan Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such an event of default or certain other
customary events of defaults, payment of any outstanding amounts under the Credit Facility may be accelerated and Heritage Bank’s
commitment to extend credit under the Heritage Bank Loan Agreement may be terminated. The Heritage Bank Loan Agreement contains
other representations and warranties, covenants, and other provisions customary to transactions of this nature.
The outstanding balance on the Credit Facility
was $624,347 and $121,474 at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the remaining available borrowing capacity was approximately $424,000
and $499,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants.
NOTE H – PREFERRED
STOCK
Series A
The Company has authorized 215 shares of
preferred stock as Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A”). Each share of Series A is convertible, at the option of the
holder thereof, at any time, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.363 per share. On November
16, 2009, the Company sold 215 shares of Series A with attached warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,628,800 shares of the Company’s
common stock at $0.33 per share. The Series A shares were sold at a price per share of $5,000 and each Series A share is convertible
into approximately 13,774 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.363 per share. The Company received $1,075,000 from
the sale of the Series A shares. In prior years, 30 of the preferred shares issued on November 16, 2009 were converted to shares
of the Company’s common stock. In a prior year, the redemption feature available to the Series A holders expired.
Series B
The Company has authorized 567 shares of
preferred stock as Series B Preferred Stock (“Series B”). Each share of Series B is convertible, at the option of the
holder thereof, at any time, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.13 per share. On
August 4, 2010, the Company sold 267 shares of Series B with attached warrants to purchase an aggregate of 5,134,626 shares of
the Company’s common stock at $0.13 per share. The Series B shares were sold at a price per share of $5,000 and each
Series B share was convertible into approximately 38,461 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.13 per share. The Company
received $1,335,000 from the sale of the Series B shares on August 4, 2010. On April 8, 2011, the Company sold 271 additional
shares of Series B with attached warrants to purchase an aggregate of 5,211,542 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.13
per share. The Series B shares were sold at a price per share of $5,000 and each Series B share was convertible into approximately
38,461 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.13 per share. The Company received $1,355,000 from the sale of the Series
B shares on April 8, 2011. In prior years, 486 of the preferred shares issued on August 4, 2010 and April 8, 2011 were converted
to shares of the Company’s common stock. In a prior year, the redemption feature available to the Series B holders expired.
Preferred stock carries certain preference
rights as detailed in the Company’s Amended Articles of Incorporation related to both the payment of dividends and as to
payments upon liquidation in preference to any other class or series of capital stock of the Company. As of December 31, 2019,
the liquidation preference of the preferred stock is based on the following order: first, Series B with a preference value of $455,904,
which includes cumulative accrued unpaid dividends of $195,904, and second, Series A with a preference value of $1,674,195, which
includes cumulative accrued unpaid dividends of $749,195. As of December 31, 2018, the liquidation preference of the preferred
stock is based on the following order: first, Series B with a preference value of $435,081, which includes cumulative accrued unpaid
dividends of $175,081, and second, Series A with a preference value of $1,600,168, which includes cumulative accrued unpaid dividends
of $675,168.
NOTE I – CAPITAL STOCK
The Company has authorized 15,000,000
shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $.001 per share. The Company has authorized 215 shares as Series A preferred stock
and 567 shares as Series B preferred stock. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 185 shares of Series A and 52 shares of
Series B outstanding, respectively.
The Company has authorized 190,000,000
shares of common stock with a par value of $.001 per share. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had 135,990,491 and 134,793,211
common shares issued and outstanding, respectively.
During the years ended December 31, 2019
and 2018, the Company issued 1,197,280 and 1,098,100 shares of common stock, respectively to directors for services performed during
2019 and 2018. These shares were valued at $132,000 and $144,000, respectively, which approximated the fair value of the shares
when they were issued.
During the years ended December 31, 2019
and 2018, no warrants were exercised. These warrants were originally granted to shareholders of the April 8, 2011 Series B preferred
stock issuance.
During the years ended December 31, 2019
and 2018, no shares of Series A or B preferred stock were converted to shares of common stock.
NOTE J – STOCK OPTIONS
AND WARRANTS
Employee Stock Options
The Company maintains an equity incentive
plan (the “Plan”). The Plan was established in 2010 as an incentive plan for officers, employees, non-employee directors,
prospective employees and other key persons. The Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or the compensation committee,
which is comprised of not less than two non-employee directors who are independent. A total of 10,000,000 shares of stock were
reserved and available for issuance under the Plan. The exercise price per share for the stock covered by a stock option granted
shall be determined by the administrator at the time of grant but shall not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value on
the date of grant. The term of each stock option shall be fixed by the administrator, but no stock option shall be exercisable
more than ten years after the date the stock option is granted. As of December 31, 2019, there were approximately 409,269 shares
remaining for issuance in the Plan.
It is anticipated that providing such persons
with a direct stake in the Company’s welfare will assure a better alignment of their interests with those of the Company
and its stockholders.
The following table summarizes the changes
in options outstanding and the related prices for the shares of the Company’s common stock issued to employees of the Company
under the Plan as of December 31, 2019.
Options Outstanding
|
|
Options Exercisable
|
|
Exercise Prices
|
|
Number
Outstanding
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
|
|
|
Number
Exercisable
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
|
|
$0.01 - $0.15
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
|
7.01
|
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
$0.16 - $1.00
|
|
|
|
1,349,793
|
|
|
|
3.84
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
1,208,631
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,349,793
|
|
|
|
5.73
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
3,208,631
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
Transactions involving stock options issued
to employees are summarized as follows:
|
|
Number of
Shares
|
|
|
Weighted Average Exercise
Price Per Share
|
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
|
|
|
4,376,474
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
67,394
|
|
|
|
0.17
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Cancelled or expired
|
|
|
(1,094,075
|
)
|
|
|
0.14
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
|
|
|
3,349,793
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Cancelled or expired
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
|
|
|
3,349,793
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
The expected life of awards granted represents
the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding. The Company determines the expected life based on historical experience
with similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules, exercise patterns and pre-vesting and post-vesting
forfeitures. The Company estimates the volatility of the Company’s common stock based on the calculated historical volatility
of the Company’s common stock using the share price data for the trailing period equal to the expected term prior to the
date of the award. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model on the implied
yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the
award. The Company has not paid any cash dividends on the Company’s common stock and does not anticipate paying any cash
dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the Company uses an expected dividend yield of zero in the Black-Scholes option
valuation model. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and records share-based compensation
for those awards that are expected to vest. In accordance with ASC 718-10, the Company calculates share-based compensation for
changes to the estimate of expected equity award forfeitures based on actual forfeiture experience.
The following table summarizes the assumptions
used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the year ended December 2018, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model:
|
|
2018
|
|
Expected life of option (years)
|
|
|
10
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
2.80%
|
|
Assumed volatility
|
|
|
87%
|
|
Expected dividend rate
|
|
|
0
|
|
Expected forfeiture rate
|
|
|
65%
|
|
There were no options granted in the year
ended December 31, 2019.
The total estimated fair value of the options
granted during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $0 and $244. The total fair value of underlying shares related to
options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $8,174 and $6,811. Future compensation expense related
to non-vested options at December 31, 2019 was $11,178 and will be recognized over the next 2.0 years. The aggregate intrinsic
value of the vested options was zero as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2019, no options were
granted, exercised, cancelled or expired. For the year ended December 31, 2018, no options were granted or exercised and there
were 1,094,075 options that were cancelled or expired. Total stock-based compensation expense in connection with options granted
to employees recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was
$7,262, and $6,405, respectively.
Warrants
The following table summarizes the changes
in warrants outstanding and the related exercise prices for the warrants issued to the debt holder in relation to the revolving
credit facility, see Note G.
|
|
|
|
Warrants Outstanding
|
|
|
Warrants Exercisable
|
|
|
Exercise Prices
|
|
|
Number
Outstanding
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
|
|
|
Number
Exercisable
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
|
|
|
$ 0.20
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
1.77
|
|
|
|
$ 0.20
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
$ 0.20
|
|
Transactions involving warrants are summarized as follows:
|
|
Number of
Shares
|
|
|
Weighted Average Exercise
Price Per Share
|
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
$
|
0.20
|
|
Issued
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Cancelled or expired
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
0.20
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
$
|
0.20
|
|
Issued
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Cancelled or expired
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
$
|
0.20
|
|
There were no warrants granted, exercised,
cancelled or forfeited during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
NOTE K – STOCK ISSUANCE
TO NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
During the years ended December 31, 2019
and 2018, the Company issued common stock in the amount of $132,000 and $144,000 and pay cash consideration of $20,000 and $0,
respectively to the Company’s non-employee directors as compensation for their attendance and participation in the Company’s
Board of Director and committee meetings.
NOTE L – INCOME TAXES
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government
enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act
makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, the following that impact the Company: (1)
reducing the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; (2) eliminating the corporate alternative minimum
tax; (3) creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense; (4) limiting the deductibility of certain executive compensation;
and (5) limiting certain other deductions.
The Company follows ASC 740-10 “Income
Taxes” which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of
events that have been included in the financial statement or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets
are determined based on the difference between financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates
in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
A reconciliation of tax expense computed at the statutory federal
tax rate on loss from operations before income taxes to the actual income tax (benefit) /expense is as follows:
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Tax benefit computed at the statutory rate
|
|
$
|
(427,244
|
)
|
|
$
|
(631,497
|
)
|
State taxes
|
|
|
6,525
|
|
|
|
6,874
|
|
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes
|
|
|
2,980
|
|
|
|
2,882
|
|
Rate Change
|
|
|
45,656
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2,517
|
|
|
|
(27,286
|
)
|
|
|
|
(369,566
|
)
|
|
|
(649,027
|
)
|
Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
|
|
|
269,203
|
|
|
|
658,650
|
|
Income tax (benefit) expense
|
|
$
|
(100,363
|
)
|
|
$
|
9,623
|
|
Deferred income taxes include the net tax
effects of net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards and the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred
tax assets are as follows:
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Deferred Tax Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carry forwards
|
|
$
|
20,772,428
|
|
|
$
|
20,342,559
|
|
Intangibles
|
|
|
207,618
|
|
|
|
318,178
|
|
Credits
|
|
|
28,022
|
|
|
|
112,086
|
|
Other
|
|
|
506,349
|
|
|
|
613,202
|
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
|
21,514,417
|
|
|
|
21,386,025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangibles
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(21,486,396
|
)
|
|
|
(21,386,025
|
)
|
Net deferred tax asset
|
|
$
|
28,021
|
|
|
$
|
–
|
|
A valuation allowance is recorded when
it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of
the deferred tax assets depends on the ability of the Company to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character
in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s valuation
allowance, established for the tax benefit that may not be realized, totaled approximately $21,490,000 and $21,390,000, respectively.
The overall increase in the valuation allowance is related to insignificant fluctuations in the temporary differences and federal
and state net operating losses.
At December 31, 2019 the Company had net
operating loss carryforwards of approximately $92,900,000 and $22,000,000 for federal and state income tax purposes which will
expire at various dates from 2020 – 2039.
The Company’s NOL and tax credit
carryovers may be significantly limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). NOL and tax credit carryovers are
limited under Section 382 when there is a significant “ownership change” as defined in the IRC. During 2005 and in
prior years, the Company may have experienced such ownership changes that could have imposed such limitations.
The limitation imposed by Section 382 would
place an annual limitation on the amount of NOL and tax credit carryovers that can be utilized. When the Company completes the
necessary studies, the amount of NOL carryovers available may be reduced significantly. However, since the valuation allowance
fully reserves for all available carryovers, the effect of the reduction would be offset by a reduction in the valuation allowance.
The Company files income tax returns in
the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The Company is generally no longer subject to U.S. federal income
tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2015 and various states before 2015. Although these years are no longer subject
to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and various state taxing authorities, net operating loss carryforwards generated
in those years may still be adjusted upon examination by the IRS or state taxing authorities if they have been or will be used
in a future period.
The Company follows the provisions of uncertain
tax positions as addressed in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 740-10-65-1. The Company recognized no change in the liability
for unrecognized tax benefits. The Company has no tax positions at December 31, 2019 or 2018 for which the ultimate deductibility
is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. The Company recognizes interest accrued
related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expense. No such interest or penalties were
recognized during the periods presented. The Company had no accruals for interest and penalties at December 31, 2019 or 2018. The
Company’s utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards may be unlikely due to its continuing losses.
NOTE M – COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENCIES
Office Leases Obligations
In October 2013, the Company entered into
a lease agreement for 6,362 square feet of commercial office space in Waukesha, Wisconsin for its corporate headquarters. The Waukesha
lease would have expired in April 2021, but was subsequently amended and extended through April 2026. On April 7, 2017 the Company
executed an amendment to its’ existing lease in Waukesha, Wisconsin to expand another 3,982 square feet, bringing the total
leased space to 10,344 square feet. In addition, the lease term was extended from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2026. The commencement
date for this amendment was July 15, 2017.
In January 2016, the Company entered into
a lease agreement for 2,237 square feet of commercial office space in Germantown, Maryland for its Maryland employees. The Germantown
lease as amended was set to expire at the end of January 2018. In November 2017, the Company entered into a second amendment to
the lease agreement extending the lease through the end of January 2019. In November 2018, the Company entered into a third amendment
to the lease agreement extending the lease through the end of January 2022.
In May 2017, the Company entered into a
lease agreement for 5,838 square feet of floor space in Waukesha, Wisconsin for its inventory warehousing operations. The Waukesha
lease expires in May 2024.
On January 1, 2019 the Company adopted
ASC Topic 842 “Leases” (“ASC 842”), which supersedes ASC Topic 840 “Leases” (“ASC 840”),
using the alternative transition method of adoption. The Company has recognized and measured all leases that exist as at January
1, 2019 (the effective date) using a modified retrospective transition approach. Comparative periods are presented in accordance
with Topic 840 and do not include any retrospective adjustments to comparative periods to reflect the adoption of Topic 842. Any
cumulative-effect adjustments to retained earnings is recognized as of January 1, 2019. Upon adoption, we recognized our leases
with greater than one year in duration on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. For income statement
purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Classification is based
on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in prior lease accounting, but without explicit lines. We have made certain
assumptions in judgments when applying ASC 842. Those judgments of most significance are as follows:
|
·
|
We elected the package of practical expedients available for transition which allow us to not reassess the following:
|
|
o
|
Whether expired or existing contracts contain leases under the new definition of the lease;
|
|
o
|
Lease classification for expired or existing leases; and
|
|
o
|
Whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842.
|
|
·
|
We did not elect to use hindsight for transition when considering judgments and estimates such as assessments of lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or purchase the underlying asset.
|
|
·
|
For all asset classes, we elected to not recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less.
|
|
·
|
For all asset classes, we elected to not separate non-lease components from lease components to which they relate and have accounted for the combined lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
|
We determine if an arrangement is a lease
at inception. Operating leases are included in our consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets, operating lease liabilities
- current and operating lease liabilities – long term. Upon adoption, the Company determined there were no financing leases.
Our current operating leases are for facilities and office equipment. Our leases may contain renewal options; however, we do not
recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for renewal periods unless it is determined that we are reasonably certain of
renewing the lease at inception or when a triggering event occurs. Some of our lease agreements may contain rent escalation clauses,
rent holidays, capital improvement funding, or other lease concessions. We recognize our minimum rental expense on a straight-line
basis based on the fixed components of a lease arrangement. Payments are set on a pre-determined schedule within each lease agreement.
We amortize this expense over the term of the lease beginning with the date of the standard adoption for current leases and beginning
with the date of initial possession, which is the date we enter the leased space and begin to make improvements in the preparation
for its intended use, for future leases. Variable lease components represent amounts that are not fixed in nature and are not tied
to an index or rate, and are recognized as incurred. Variable lease components consist primarily of common area maintenance, taxes
and insurance.
The Company does not, upon adoption of
ASC 842, control a specific space or underlying asset used in providing a service by a third-party service provider, under any
third party service agreements. There are no such arrangements that meet the definition under ASC 842.
In determining our right-of-use assets
and lease liabilities, we apply a discount rate to the minimum lease payments within each lease agreement. ASC 842 requires us
to use the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term, an amount
equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. When we cannot readily determine the discount rate implicit in the
lease agreement, we utilize our current borrowing rate on our outstanding line of credit. The Company’s line of credit utilizes
market rates to assess an interest rate. Refer to Note F for further discussion.
We lease certain property under non-cancelable
operating leases, primarily facilities. The impact of the adoption of ASC 842 at January 1, 2019 created a right-of-use asset of
$1,042,004, lease liability of $1,095,761 and unwound the $71,877 balance of the deferred lease liability account.
The components of lease expense for the year ended December
31, 2019 were as follows:
Operating lease expense:
|
|
|
|
Operating lease cost - fixed
|
|
$
|
237,900
|
|
Variable lease cost
|
|
|
118,198
|
|
Total operating lease cost
|
|
$
|
356,098
|
|
Other information related to leases as of December 31, 2019
was as follows:
Operating lease liability - current
|
|
$
|
223,835
|
|
Operating lease liability - long-term
|
|
$
|
758,315
|
|
Operating cash outflows from operating leases
|
|
$
|
219,798
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average remaining lease term of operating leases
|
|
|
5.6 years
|
|
Weighted-average discount rate of operating leases
|
|
|
8.5%
|
|
Future annual minimum operating lease payments as of December
31, 2019 were as follows:
2020
|
|
|
$
|
223,835
|
|
2021
|
|
|
|
242,299
|
|
2022
|
|
|
|
195,176
|
|
2023
|
|
|
|
193,169
|
|
2024 and thereafter
|
|
|
|
384,119
|
|
Total minimum lease payments
|
|
|
|
1,238,598
|
|
Less imputed interest
|
|
|
|
(256,448
|
)
|
Total
|
|
|
$
|
982,150
|
|
Future annual minimum lease payments under
non-cancelable leases as of December 31, 2018 prior to our adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) are as follows:
2019
|
|
|
$
|
211,448
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
223,417
|
|
2021
|
|
|
|
242,785
|
|
2022
|
|
|
|
195,176
|
|
2023
|
|
|
|
193,168
|
|
2024 and thereafter
|
|
|
|
380,714
|
|
Total
|
|
|
$
|
1,446,708
|
|
Rental expenses charged to operations for
the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $356,098 and $342,975, respectively.
Employment and Consulting Agreements
The Company has employment agreements with
certain of its key employees which include non-disclosure and confidentiality provisions for protection of the Company’s
proprietary information.
Jason L. Tienor, President and Chief
Executive Officer, is employed pursuant to an employment agreement with us dated October 1, 2018. Mr. Tienor’s
employment agreement has a term of two (2) years, which will automatically renew for a period of an additional twelve (12)
months up to two times, and provides for a base salary of $222,800 per year and bonuses and benefits based upon the Company’s internal
policies and participation in the Company’s incentive and benefit plans. The agreement also calls for a bonus to be
paid upon the sale of the Company. The bonus will be equal to $20,000 if The Company’s shares are valued at minimum
$0.20 per share, $35,000 if shares are valued at minimum $0.225 per share, or $50,000 if shares are valued at minimum $0.25
per share. If sale price exceeds $0.25 per share, Mr. Tienor is eligible to receive an additional $6,000 for every $0.01
above a share price of $0.25.
Jeffrey J. Sobieski, Chief Technology
Officer, is employed pursuant to an employment agreement with us dated October 1, 2018. Mr. Sobieski’s employment
agreement has a term of two (2) years, which will automatically renew for a period of an additional twelve (12) months up to two times, and
provides for a base salary of $211,625 per year and bonuses and benefits based upon the Company’s internal policies and
participation in the Company’s incentive and benefit plans. The agreement also calls for a bonus to be paid upon the
sale of the Company. The bonus will be equal to $20,000 if the Company’s shares are valued at minimum $0.20 per share,
$35,000 if shares are valued at minimum $0.225 per share, or $50,000 if shares are valued at minimum $0.25 per share. If sale
price exceeds $0.25 per share, Mr. Sobieski is eligible to receive an additional $6,000 for every $0.01 above a share price
of $0.25.
Richard E. Mushrush, Chief Financial
Officer, is employed pursuant to an employment agreement with us dated October 1, 2018. Mr. Mushrush’s employment
agreement has a term of two (2) years, which will automatically renew for a period of an additional twelve (12) months up to two times, and
provides for a base salary of $122,000 per year and bonuses and benefits based upon the Company’s internal policies and
participation in the Company’s incentive and benefit plans. The agreement also calls for a bonus to be paid upon
the sale of the Company. The bonus will be equal to $20,000 if the Company’s shares are valued at minimum $0.20 per
share, $35,000 if shares are valued at minimum $0.225 per share, or $50,000 if shares are valued at minimum $0.25 per share.
If sale price exceeds $0.25 per share, Mr. Mushrush is eligible to receive an additional $6,000 for every $0.01 above a share
price of $0.25.
In addition to the foregoing, stock options
are periodically granted to employees under the Company’s 2010 equity incentive plan at the discretion of the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors. Executives of the Company are eligible to receive stock option grants, based upon individual
performance and the performance of the Company as a whole.
Litigation
The Company is subject to legal proceedings
and claims which arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although occasional adverse decisions or settlements may occur,
the Company believes that the final disposition of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on its financial position,
results of operations or liquidity.
Indemnification Agreements
On March 31, 2010, the Company entered
into Indemnification Agreements with executives Jason L. Tienor, President and Chief Executive Officer and Jeffrey J. Sobieski,
then Chief Operating Officer. On April 24, 2012, the Company entered into an Indemnification Agreement with director Tim S.
Ledwick. On July 1, 2016, the Company entered into Indemnification Agreements with director’s Arthur E. Byrnes, Peter T.
Kross and Leland D. Blatt. On January 1, 2017, the Company entered into an Indemnification Agreement with Chief Financial Officer
Richard E. Mushrush.
The Indemnification Agreements provide
that the Company will indemnify the Company's officers and directors, to the fullest extent permitted by law, relating to, resulting
from or arising out of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, or any inquiry or investigation by reason
of the fact that such officer or director (i) is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or (ii) is or was
serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her
conduct was unlawful. In addition, the Indemnification Agreements provide that the Company will make an advance payment of expenses
to any officer or director who has entered into an Indemnification Agreement, in order to cover a claim relating to any fact or
occurrence arising from or relating to events or occurrences specified in this paragraph, subject to receipt of an undertaking
by or on behalf of such officer or director to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to
be indemnified by the Company as authorized under the Indemnification Agreement.
Sales Taxes
Unless provided with a resale or tax exemption
certificate, the Company assesses and collects sales tax on sales transactions and records the amount as a liability. It is recognized
as a liability until remitted to the applicable state. Total revenues do not include sales tax as the Company is considered a pass
through conduit for collecting and remitting sales taxes.
The following table sets forth the change in the sales tax accrual
during the years ended December 31:
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
$
|
43,400
|
|
|
$
|
83,282
|
|
Sales tax collected
|
|
|
167,233
|
|
|
|
101,144
|
|
Provisions (reversals)
|
|
|
(10,664
|
)
|
|
|
30,465
|
|
Payments
|
|
|
(173,012
|
)
|
|
|
(171,491
|
)
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
$
|
26,957
|
|
|
$
|
43,400
|
|
NOTE N – BUSINESS CONCENTRATION
For the year ended December 31, 2019, there
were two customers that each represented 13% of total net revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2018, no single customer represented
10% or more of the Company’s total net revenues.
As of December 31, 2019, two customers
represented 26% and 10% of the Company’s net accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2018, two customers represented 29%
and 11% of the Company’s net accounts receivable.
Purchases from one supplier approximated
$3,356,000, or 84%, of total purchases for the year ended December 31, 2019 and approximately $3,622,000, or 81%, of total purchases
for the year ended December 31, 2018. The amount due to this supplier, net of deposits paid, was approximately $579,000 as of December
31, 2019. Deposits paid to this vendor were in excess of total accounts payable due to this supplier in the amount of $320,352
as of December 31, 2018.
NOTE O – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company has an employee savings plan
covering substantially all employees who are at least 21 years of age and have completed at least 3 months of service. The
plan provides for matching contributions equal to 100% of each dollar contributed by the employee up to 4% of the employee’s
salary. The Company’s matching contributions vest immediately. The Company may also elect to make discretionary contributions.
The Company made contributions to the plan of approximately $126,000 and $116,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018,
respectively.
NOTE P – SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization
(“WHO”) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China (the “COVID-19
outbreak”) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of operations. In
March 2020, the World Health Organization classified the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure
globally. The spread of the COVID-19 outbreak has caused significant volatility and uncertainty in U.S. and international markets.
The full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve as of the date of this report. As such it is uncertain as to the full
magnitude that the COVID-19 outbreak will have on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations.
The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in and
could continue to result in reduced demand for our products and/or cause customers to be unable to meet payment obligations to
the Company. The industries that the Company operates in have already been impacted with shelter-in-place directives, school closures,
visitor restrictions, travel restrictions, heightened border scrutiny and event cancellations which will materially affect sales
levels for fiscal year 2020 and the Company’s overall liquidity. The Company has been informed by some clientele that planned
capital expenditures have been suspended until further notice.
The COVID-19 outbreak could adversely affect
our supply chain and production capabilities of our primary product supplier located in China, due to quarantines, worker absenteeism,
facility closures, and/or increased international trade restrictions or regulations. If any of our supply chain phases were interrupted
or terminated, we could experience delays in our project fulfillment process. Delays could result in increased fulfillment costs,
customer pricing concessions, or overall project cancellations.
The Company is dependent on its workforce
to deliver our products and services. Developments such as social distancing, shelter-in-place directives, furloughs, worker absenteeism,
and travel restrictions will impact the Company’s ability to deploy its workforce effectively. While expected to be temporary,
prolonged workforce disruptions will negatively impact sales levels for fiscal year 2020 and the Company’s overall liquidity.
In response to the continuing
uncertainty resulting from a novel coronavirus, we have implemented and are continuing to review strategic cost reduction
strategies across all functional areas. At this time, the disruption is expected to be temporary; however, the length or
severity of this pandemic is unknown. Management is actively monitoring the impact of the global situation on its financial
condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce. While we expect this disruption to have a material
adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for the year 2020, the Company is unable to
reasonably determine the impact at this time.