UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20182019

or

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission file number:0-31641

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2839 Charter Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(614) 486-0261

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesxNo¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YesxNo¨

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

Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filer¨Non-accelerated filerxSmaller reporting companyx

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes¨Nox

4,205,0254,315,869 shares of Common Stock, without par value, were outstanding at April 30, 2018.26, 2019.

FORM 10-Q

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

ASSETS  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 20182019 AND 2017

2018

(UNAUDITED)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSSHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 20182019 AND 20172018

(UNAUDITED)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

(UNAUDITED)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SCI Engineered Materials, Inc. (“SCI”, or the “Company”), formerly Superconductive Components, Inc., an Ohio corporation, was incorporated in 1987.  The Company operates in one segment as a global supplier and manufacturer of advanced materials for Physical Vapor Deposition (“PVD”) Thin Film Applications.  The Company is focused on specific markets within the PVD industry (Photonics, Thin Film Solar, Glass Thin Film Battery and Transparent Electronics).  Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are generated from customers with multi-national operations.  Through collaboration with end users and Original Equipment Manufacturers the Company develops innovative customized solutions enabling commercial success.

Basis of Presentation - The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Leases - In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which modified. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease accountingliability on the balance sheet for both lessees and lessors to increase transparency and comparability by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for thoseall leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, leaseswith classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases. The amendments in ASU 2018-10 clarify, correct or remove inconsistencies in the guidance provided under previous accounting standards and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will berelated to sixteen specific issues identified. Also in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Targeted Improvements to Topic 842. This amendment provides the Company with an additional and optional transition method to adopt the new lease standard. Under this new transition method, the Company can apply the new lease standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and present the accounting on a prospective or go-forward basis instead of applying to the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements.  The new lease standard became effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on its financial statements.January 1, 2019.

InAugust 2015,The Company elected to apply the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Deferralnew transition method upon adoption of the Effective Date,” which revisesnew standard.  The Company also elected the effective dateavailable practical expedients on adoption.  The new standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s income statements. The most significant impact of ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”) to interimthe new standard was the recognition of an ROU asset and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted no earlier than interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which amends current revenue guidance.lease liability of over $500,000 as of January 1, 2019.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Revenue Recognition - The core principleprincipal of the guidanceASC 606 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company’s analysis of sales contracts under ASC 606 supports the recognition of revenue at a point in time, typically when title passes to the customer upon shipment, which is consistent with the previous revenue recognition model.

The Company utilized the modified retrospective approach,core principle of ASC 606 is supported by five steps which required a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings and no adjustments to prior periods. are listed below:

The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective approach method as applied to customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. There was noAs a result financial information for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with ASC 606, while comparative financial information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies prior to the adoption of ASC 606. Implementation of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.as the Company’s method for recognizing revenue subsequent to the implementation of ASC 606 does not vary significantly from its revenue recognition practices under the prior revenue standard. Accordingly, there was no required cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.

The Company enters into contracts with its customers that generally represent purchase orders specifying general terms and conditions, order quantities and per unit product prices. The Company has determined that each unit of product purchased represents a separate performance obligation. The Company satisfies its performance obligations and recognizes revenue at a point in time when control of a unit of product is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products. For the majority of product sales, transfer of control occurs when the products are shipped from the Company's manufacturing facility to the customer. The cost of delivering products to the Company's customers is recorded as a component of cost of products sold. Those costs may include the amounts paid to a third party to deliver the products. Any freight costs billed to and paid by a customer are included in revenue.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company considers collectability of amounts due under a contract to be probable upon inception of a sale based on an evaluation of the credit worthiness of each customer. The Company sells its products typically under agreements with payment terms less than 45 days. The Company does not typically include extended payment terms or significant financing components in contracts with customers. The majority of the Company’s contracts have an obligation to transfer products within one year. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred and recorded within marketing and sales expenses. The Company treats shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the product transfers as fulfillment activities, and therefore, does not account for shipping and handling costs as a separate performance obligation. Customer deposits are funds received in advance from customers and are recognized as revenue when the Company has transferred control of product to the customer.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, revenue from the Photonics market was 97% and 80% of total revenue, respectively. The balance of the revenue in each period was almost entirely from the Thin Film Solar market. The top two customers represented 75% and 72% of total revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. International shipments resulted in 16% and 6% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Compensation cost for all stock awards is based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the required service (vesting) period. Non cash stock based compensation expense was $20,586$34,160 and $46,861$20,586 for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $17,338$29,591 as of March 31, 20182019 and will be recognized through 2019.2023. There was no tax benefit recorded for this compensation cost as the expense primarily relates to incentive stock options that do not qualify for a tax deduction until, and only if, a qualifying disposition occurs.

The non-employee Board members received compensation of 18,0258,850 and 21,06918,025 aggregate shares of common stock of the Company during the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. The stock had an aggregate value of $17,849$30,002 and $16,839$17,848 for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and was recorded as non-cash stock compensation expense in the financial statements.

The cumulative status of options granted and outstanding at March 31, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017,2018, as well as options which became exercisable in connection with the Company’s stock option plans is summarized as follows:

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Employee Stock Options

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, a total of 31,788 stock options were exercised. The Company’s new President, Mr. Jeremy Young, received a loan from the Company in the amount of $14,952 in February 2019 to enable him to exercise 17,800 stock options. Per a Promissory Note signed by Mr. Young this loan is to be repaid in two installments with the final installment due January 1, 2020. The first installment of $7,475 was repaid in February 2019 and the balance of $7,477 is recorded on the balance sheet as a Note Receivable as of March 31, 2019.

Exercise prices for options ranged from $0.84 to $6.00$1.25 at March 31, 2018.2019. The weighted average option price for all options outstanding at March 31, 2018,2019, was $4.54$1.02 with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.47.2 years. There were no non-employee director stock options outstanding during 20182019 and 2017.2018.

Dividends on the Series B preferred stock accrue at 10% annually on the outstanding shares. Dividends on the Series B preferred stock were $6,038 for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018. The Company had accrued dividends on Series B preferred stock of $271,710 at March 31, 2018,2019, and $265,672 at December 31, 2017.2018. These amounts are included in Convertible preferred stock, Series B on the balance sheet at March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basic income per share is calculated as income applicable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated as diluted income applicable to common shareholders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares. Diluted weighted average number of common shares gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method and convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method. Diluted earnings per share exclude all diluted potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, allAll convertible preferred stock and common stock options listed in Note 4 that were out-of-the-money or anti-dilutive were excluded from diluted earnings per share. The following is provided to reconcile the earnings per share calculations:

During 2010, the Company applied and was approved for a 166 Direct Loan to borrow up to $744,250 with the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), now known as the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA). This loan was finalized in February 2011. The2011 and the term of the loan iswas 84 months at a fixed interest rate of 3%. There iswas also a 0.25% annual servicing fee charged monthly on the outstanding principal balance. Currently, monthly payments of approximately $10,400, including principal, interest and servicing fee are due through October 2018. A final payment of approximately $71,900 is duewas made as scheduled during November 2018. The loan is collateralized by the related project equipment. As of March 31, 2018 there was an outstanding balance of $142,242 on this loan. This loan is also subject to certain covenants, including job creation and retention. On July 21, 2014, the Company and ODSA signed a second amendment relating to the

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

job creation and retention. The Company expects to maintain compliance with all covenants of this loan through the remainder of the loan.was repaid in full.

During 2010, the Company also applied and was approved for a 166 Direct Loan through the Advanced Energy Program with the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) to borrow up to approximately $1.4 million. This maximum commitment by the OAQDA was subsequently reduced to $368,906 on March 20, 2012. A final payment of approximately $50,400 was made as scheduled during February 2018 and this loan was repaid in full.

An Intercreditor Agreement exists as partDuring the fourth quarter of 2018, the above mentioned loansCompany entered into a line of credit with agenciesHuntington Bank for $1 million. The line of credit bears interest at 0.5 percentage points over the StatePrime Commercial Rate with an expiration date of Ohio. The ODSA and OAQDA agree to shared lien and security interest through mutual covenants. These covenants include, but are not limited to, the creation of an agreed upon number of jobs, filing of quarterly and annual reports and various financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants atOctober 5, 2019. At March 31, 2018. It is possible that2019, no amounts were drawn on the Company may not be in compliance with all covenants in future periods. In the past lenders granted the Company a waiver or amendment when relief was sought. If necessary, the Company will seek a waiver or amendment.line of credit.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Following is the income tax expense for the three months ended March 31:

Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences in the recognition of income and expense for tax and financial reporting purposes. A full valuation allowance has been recorded against the realization of the net deferred tax assets at March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018.  The Company has net operating loss carryforwards available for federal and state tax purposes of approximately $4,900,000$3,700,000 which expire in varying amounts through 2037.2038.

ManagementThe Company entered into a purchase commitment in the amount of $168,885 for an in-plant office structured mezzanine. Work on the structure is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2019 and be completed late in the second quarter or early third quarter of 2019.

The Company entered into an operating lease with a third party on March 18, 2014 for its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. The terms of the lease include monthly payments ranging from $8,800 to $9,700 with a maturity date of November 2024. The Company has forecasted revenuesthe option to extend the lease period for an additional five years beyond the original expiration date. There are no restrictions or covenants associated with the lease. The lease costs were approximately $26,100 during the period ended March 31, 2019.

The following is a maturity analysis, by year, of the annual undiscounted cash flows of the operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019:

The Company leases certain equipment under finance leases. Future minimum lease payments, by year, with the present value of such payments, as of March 31, 2019, are shown in the following table.

The equipment under finance lease at March 31, 2019, and related costsDecember 31, 2018 is included in the accompanying balance sheets as well as investing plansfollows:

These assets are amortized over a period of ten years using the straight-line method and financing needsamortization is included in depreciation expense.

The finance leases are structured such that ownership of the leased asset reverts to determine liquidity to meet cash flow requirements and believes the Company will have sufficient liquidity at least through May 3, 2019.  This forecast was based on current cash levelsthe end of the lease term. Accordingly, leased assets are depreciated using the Company's normal depreciation methods and debt obligations, and the best estimateslives.  In 2018, ownership of revenues primarily from existing customers and gave considerationcertain assets were transferred to the continuedCompany in accordance with the terms of the leases and possible increased levels of uncertainty in demand inthese assets have been excluded from the markets in which the Company operates.  The Company’s ability to maintain current operations is dependent upon its ability to achieve these forecasted results, which the Company believes will occur. leased asset disclosure above.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes contained herein and with those in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Those statements include, but may not be limited to, all statements regarding our intent, belief, and expectations, such as statements concerning our future profitability and operating and growth strategy. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other statements we make involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, and other factors detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. One or more of these factors have affected, and in the future could affect our business and financial condition and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. Although we believe the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statements are made or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless necessary to prevent such statements from becoming misleading. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Overview

SCI Engineered Materials, Inc. (“SCI”, “we” or the “Company”), formerly Superconductive Components, Inc., an Ohio corporation, was incorporated in 1987.  We operate in one segment as a global supplier and manufacturer of advanced materials for Physical Vapor Deposition (“PVD”) Thin Film Applications.  We are focused on specific markets within the PVD industry (Photonics, Thin Film Solar, Glass Thin Film Battery and Transparent Electronics).  Substantially all of our revenues are generated from customers with multi-national operations.  We have made considerable resource investmentinvestments in the Thin Film Solar industry and several customers have adopted our products.  Thin Film Battery is a developing market where manufacturers of batteries use our products to produce power supplies.  Through collaboration with end users and Original Equipment Manufacturers we develop innovative customized solutions enabling commercial success.

Executive Summary

For the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, we had total revenue of $1,846,858.$4,015,038. This was an increase of $474,942,$2,168,180, or 34.6%117.4%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018. Volume and pricing was higher in our thin film solar market as well as volume and pricing in our photonics market. Orders for thin film solar products accelerated throughout the first quarter of 2018 resulting in increased quarter end backlog. We areremain encouraged by developments in the global thin film solar market, led by manufacturing installations coming on line and announcements of new projects. We are actively working to extend our presence in this growing market and expect this increased volume in our thin film solar market to continue through at least the remainder of this year.market.

Gross profit was $462,012$696,302, for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 compared to $336,985$462,012 for the same three months in 2017.2018. This was an increase of $125,027$234,290, or 37.1%50.7%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 25.0%17.3% for the first three monthsquarter of 20182019 compared to 24.6%25.0% for the same period in 2017.2018.

Operating expenses were $373,799$537,288, and $365,939$373,799 for the three months ended March 31, 20182019, and 2017,2018, respectively. This was an increase of $7,860$163,489, or 2.1%43.7%. The transition of our new President working closely with our outgoing former President and current CEO has led to increased expenses. Our CEO is retiring in the second quarter of 2019 and expenses are expected to be lower in the second half of this year.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, we had net income after income taxes of $77,237$155,342, compared to net loss after taxes of $40,448$77,237 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

We expect gross profit and net income after taxes in 2018 to be higher than 2017 based on orders booked and deposits received for solar products, as well as forecasts we have received for additional solar orders and order activity from our core photonics market.

Customer deposits increased 301.7% to $1,638,682 at March 31, 2018 from $407,956 at December 31, 2017, due primarily to orders received from our thin film solar market customers during the first quarter of 2018. Customer deposits represent cash received in advance of revenue earned. These orders are expected to ship during the second and third quarters of 2018. Revenue in our solar market for the first six months of 2018 is expected to exceed revenue for all of 2017.

We have new materials under development that may replace the Cadmium Sulfide buffer layer in CIGS solar cells. These materials were tested at Case Western Reserve University during the second half of 2017 and the results support the use of our innovative material in thin film solar applications that could lead to higher efficiencies. We are working with customers through product trials and qualifications to accelerate adoption of these materials. We continue to invest in developing new products for all of our markets including transparent conductive oxide systems for the thin film solar and display markets. We also have ongoing development effortsmarkets as well as with our thin film battery materials and transparent electronic products. These efforts include accelerating time to market for those products and involve research and development expense.

SCI’sUnder a joint agreement with publicly owned Konfoong Materials International Co., LTD (KFMI), KFMI will bond rotatable thin film solar Aluminum Zinc Oxide cylinders produced in Columbus, Ohio for thin film solar customers in China. This arrangement is intended to enable us to provide an advantage to thin film solar customers in China and also to help assure access to this growing market. We will continue to produce the ceramic portion of the end product in our facility in Columbus. We will continue to exercise control over our trade secret and proprietary property through assiduous scrutiny of our Intellectual Property. Our products for photonics and thin film solar customers in areas other than China will continue to be bonded at our manufacturing facility in Columbus.

Our patent titled “Process for the removal of contaminants from sputtering target substrates” (US patent No. 10,138,545 B2) was issued on November 27, 2018. This provides a process for the removal of contaminants on a spent sputtering target used in Plasma Vapor Deposition.

Our patent titled “Display having a transparent conductive oxide layer comprising metal doped zinc oxide applied by sputtering” (US patent No. 9,927,667) was issued on March 27, 2018. The transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) we developed in this patent have excellent electro-optical performance, high transmittance, high conductivity and good chemical resistance. This patent has various applications that include LCDs, micro LED, OLED, smart windows &and mirrors, AR/VR goggles, e-papers, and wearable electronics. Our clients, in relevant applications, are entitled to use the patent number when referring to the devices covered by the patent and benefit from it. We believe the TCOs claimed and protected in the patent have wide and innovative applications which can put SCI in a unique position in the market as well as bring us additional business opportunities.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31, 20182019 (unaudited) compared to three months ended March 31, 20172018 (unaudited):

Revenue

For the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, we had total revenue of $1,846,858.$4,015,038. This was an increase of $474,942$2,168,180, or 34.6%117.4%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018. Volume and pricing was higher in our photonics market and volume was lower in our thin film solar market and both volume and pricing increased in our photonics market.

Revenue from product sales is recognized based on shipping terms or upon shipment to customers. Provisions for discounts and rework costs for returns are established when products are shipped based on historical experience. Customer deposits represent cash received in advance of revenue earned.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $462,012$696,302, for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 compared to $336,985$462,012 for the same three months in 2017.2018. This was an increase of $125,027,$234,290, or 37.1%50.7%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue (gross margin) was 25.0%17.3% for the first three monthsquarter of 20182019 compared to 24.6%25.0% for the same period in 2017.2018. The increase in gross profit was attributedprimarily due to increased volume and pricing in our photonics market. A certain raw material related to the improved revenue previously mentioned.increased volume had an increase in pricing. This raw material had a lower gross margin which impacted the overall gross margin.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019, and 2018 decreasedwas $359,800, and $247,168, respectively, an increase of 45.6%. This increase was primarily related to $247,168 from $254,438 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, a decrease of 2.9%. The first quarter of 2018 included higher compensation of approximately $25,000 which was offset by$71,000, director compensation of $17,000 and higher professional fees of $16,000. The transition of our new President working closely with our outgoing former President and current CEO has led to increased expenses. Our CEO is retiring in the second quarter of 2019 and expenses are expected to be lower non-cash stock compensation expensein the second half of approximately $26,000.this year.

Professional Fees

Included in general and administrative expense was $50,902$66,501, and $55,544$50,902 for professional fees for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017, respectively.2018. These continued expenses arewere primarily related to SEC compliance costs for legal, accounting and stockholder relations fees.fees as well as costs related to the transition of our new President.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 was $65,839$108,869, compared to $82,612$65,839 for the same period in 2017, a decrease2018, an increase of 20.3%65.4%. This decreaseincrease was primarily related to lower wages.higher compensation for additional staff as well as ongoing research. We continue to invest in developing new products for all of our markets including an innovative buffer layer for CIGSthin film solar cells, transparent conductive oxide systems for applications in transparent electronics and thin film solar applications and ongoing development of thin film battery materials.applications. These efforts include accelerating time to market for those products and involve ongoing research and development expense.

Marketing and Sales Expense

Marketing and sales expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018, was $60,792 and $28,889 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This was an increase of

$31,903,Marketing and Sales Expense

Marketing and sales expense was $68,619, and $60,762 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. This was an increase of $7,827 or 110.4%12.9%. This increase iswas primarily related to higher wages and benefits of approximately $23,000 and travel expenses of approximately $5,000.costs.

Stock Compensation Expense

Included in operatingtotal expenses were non-cash stock based compensation costs of $20,103$34,160 and $46,379$20,586 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively. This decrease is a result of stock options becoming fully vested in 2018.The increase was due primarily to higher director compensation. Compensation cost for all stock-based awards is based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the required service (vesting) period. Unrecognized non-cash stock based compensation expense related to operating expense was $14,280$29,591 as of March 31, 20182019 and will be recognized through 2019.2023.

Interest

Interest income was $7,728 and $11,494$1,188 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.2019 compared to interest expense of $7,728 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decreaseimprovement was due to lower principal balances. Interest expense is expected to continue to decrease as we anticipate paying the entire remaining balance of $142,242balances on our note payable in 2018.debt and increased earned income on higher cash balances.

Income/(Loss)Income Applicable to Common StockShares

Income applicable to common stockshares for the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, was $71,199$149,304, compared to loss applicable to common stock of $46,486$71,199 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018. The improvement was due to higher revenue and gross profit in the first quarter of 2018.profit.

Common Stock

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash

As of March 31, 20182019 cash on hand was $1,976,455.$1,499,660. Cash on-hand was $920,802$1,802,839 at December 31, 2017.2018. The decrease was primarily due to inventory purchases and shipments of customer’s prepaid orders.

Working Capital

At March 31, 20182019 working capital was $773,191,$1,721,225, compared to $724,395$1,672,036 at December 31, 2017,2018, an increase of $48,796,$49,189, or 6.7%2.9%. As discussed below, cash increased approximately $1,056,000.

Inventories increased approximately $195,000$456,000 and customer deposits increasedprepaid expenses decreased approximately $1,231,000$524,000 due to orders received primarily fromlate in 2018 and inventory purchased early in 2019. Accounts receivable increased approximately $209,000 due to shipments to customers in our thin film solarphotonics market during March 2019. Customer deposits decreased approximately $167,000 due to prepaid orders shipped during the first quarter of 2018. Current debt obligations decreased approximately $56,000 due to the final payment of the OAQDA note payable in February 2018.2019.

Cash from Operations

Net cash used in operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was approximately $72,000. Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $1,280,000 and $136,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.2018. Included in expenses werewas depreciation and amortization of approximately $120,000$127,000 and $117,000$120,000 and non-cash stock based compensation costs of approximately $21,000$34,000 and $47,000$21,000 for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. In addition, accrued expenses and customer deposits weredecreased approximately $1,178,000 and $265,000$358,000 for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017, respectively. Thisincreased $1,178,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase was due primarily to deposits for orders received from our thin film solar market customers duringin the first quarter of 2018 was due to customer deposit receipts for shipments throughout 2018. The right of use asset appeared on the balance sheet for the first time and had a balance of approximately $489,000 at March 31, 2019. The new lease obligations line items on the balance sheet had a combined balance of approximately $528,000 at March 31, 2019.

Cash from Investing Activities

Cash of approximately $105,000$207,000 was used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, compared to approximately $62,000$105,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018. This cash was used for the in-plant office structured mezzanine in addition to production equipment.

Cash from Financing Activities

Cash of approximately $120,000$39,000 and $80,000$120,000 was used in financing activities for principal payments to third parties for capital lease obligations and notes payable during the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

Debt Outstanding

Total debt outstanding decreased to approximately $519,000$224,000 at March 31, 2018,2019, from approximately $532,000$263,000 at December 31, 2017,2018, a decrease of 2.6%14.8%. Debt issuance costs of $787 at December 31, 2017 are netted for financial statement presentation. There were no debt issuance costs at March 31, 2018. During the first three months of 2018 we incurred a new capital lease obligation of approximately $105,000.

Liquidity

We have forecasted revenues and related costs as well as investing plans and financing needs to determine liquidity to meet cash flow requirements and believe we will have sufficient liquidity at least through May 3, 2019.  This forecast was based on current cash levels and debt obligations, and the best estimates of revenues primarily from existing customers and gave consideration to the continued and possible increased levels of uncertainty in demand in the markets in which we operate.  Our ability to maintain current operations is dependent upon our ability to achieve these forecasted results, which we believe will occur. 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off balance sheet arrangements including special purpose entities.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the Financial Statements and accompanying notes.Note 2 to the Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Financial Statements. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory allowances, property and equipment depreciable lives, patents and licenses useful lives, revenue recognition, tax valuation allowance, stock based compensation and assessing changes in which impairment of certain long-lived assets may occur. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The following critical accounting policies are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the Financial Statements. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of the accounts receivable. If there is a deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness or actual defaults are higher than our historical experience, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due us could be adversely affected. Inventory purchases and commitments are based upon future demand forecasts. If there is a sudden and significant decrease in demand for our products or there is a higher risk of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements, we may be required to increase our inventory allowances and our gross margin could be adversely affected. Depreciable and useful lives estimated for property and equipment, licenses and patents are based on initial expectations of the period of time these assets and intangibles will benefit us. Changes in circumstances related to a change in our business, change in technology or other factors could result in these assets becoming impaired, which could adversely affect the value of these assets.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Due to a segregation of duties material weakness described below, and based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of March 31, 2018,2019, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, at the reasonable assurance level, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow timely discussions regarding required disclosure. Until we are able to hire additional employees, we will continue to report to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors

at least monthly (and more often as necessary). We believe this will continue to mitigate this weakness. This reporting includes balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of cash flows, and other detail supporting these statements. Accordingly, we believe that the financial statements included in this report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operation, changes in shareholder’sshareholders’ equity and cash flows for all periods presented.

Inherent Limitations over Internal Controls

Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls in future periods is subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management previously disclosed a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting in its annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 1, 2018,5, 2019, for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, relating to insufficient segregation of duties consistent with control objectives. Management is aware of the risks associated with the lack of segregation of duties due to the small number of employees currently working with general administrative and financial matters. Due to our size and nature, segregation of all conflicting duties may not always be possible and may not be economically feasible. However, to the extent possible, the initiation of transactions, the custody of assets and the recording of transactions shall be performed by separate individuals. In order to remediate this weakness, we will need to hire additional employees. Although we will periodically reevaluate this situation, at this point we consider that the risks associated with such lack of segregation of duties and the potential benefits of adding employees to segregate such duties are not cost justified. Until we are able to hire additional employees, we will continue to report to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors at least monthly (and more often as necessary). We believe this will continue to mitigate this weakness. This reporting includes balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of cash flows, and other detail supporting these statements.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting for the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, that materially affected or were reasonably likely to materially affect our disclosure controls and procedures. Additionally, there were no changes in our internal controls that could materially affect our disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

Part II. Other Information

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* Filed with this reportherewith

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.