UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
(Mark One)
x Quarterly Report Pursuant To Section 13 Or 15(d) Of The Securities Exchange Act Of 1934
¨ Transition Report Under Section 13 Or 15(D) Of The Securities Exchange Act Of 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission file number: 000-26047
ENCORE CLEAN ENERGY, INC.
(Exact Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware | 65-0609891 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization) | Identification No.) |
Suite 610 375 Water Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 5C6
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(604) 801-5566
(Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check whether the issuer: (1) filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
x Yes
¨
No
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: June 11, 2004: 12,806,775 shares of common stock, $.001 par value per share.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes ¨ No x
ENCORE CLEAN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-QSB
QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2004
INDEX
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of
Encore Clean Energy, Inc.
(Formerly Forge, Inc.)
Quarter ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
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Encore Clean Energy, Inc.
(Formerly Forge, Inc.)
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(expressed in United States dollars)
March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 12,694 | $ | 335 | ||
Accounts receivable | 268,148 | 110,613 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 8,329 | 8,336 | ||||
289,171 | 119,284 | |||||
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation | 76,463 | 82,986 | ||||
Technology and other intangible assets | 2,322,167 | 2,133,340 | ||||
$ | 2,687,801 | $ | 2,335,610 | |||
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit | ||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||
Bank indebtedness | $ | 66,259 | $ | 82,447 | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,801,153 | 1,664,907 | ||||
Notes payable - current portion | 286,260 | 210,000 | ||||
Lease obligation - current portion | 3,028 | 4,967 | ||||
2,156,700 | 1,962,321 | |||||
Due to related parties | 996,284 | 901,647 | ||||
Total liabilities | 3,152,984 | 2,863,968 | ||||
Stockholders' deficit: | ||||||
Common stock | 12,807 | 12,618 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 6,103,768 | 5,802,498 | ||||
Deficit | (6,260,644 | ) | (6,012,058 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (321,114 | ) | (331,416 | ) | ||
Total stockholders' deficit | (465,183 | ) | (528,358 | ) | ||
$ | 2,687,801 | $ | 2,335,610 |
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Encore Clean Energy, Inc.
(Formerly Forge, Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(expressed in United States dollars)
Three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||
Revenue | $ | 627,382 | $ | 978,600 | ||
Cost of revenue | (341,262 | ) | (721,138 | ) | ||
Gross profit | 286,120 | 257,462 | ||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||
Depreciation | 7,142 | 5,548 | ||||
Remuneration | 182,788 | 162,059 | ||||
Legal and accounting | 60,806 | 13,748 | ||||
Consulting fees and computer services | 106,115 | 13,752 | ||||
Phones and utilities | 5,706 | 4,353 | ||||
Rent | 41,179 | 23,574 | ||||
Advertising and promotion | 3,360 | 1,202 | ||||
Other selling, general and administrative | 16,051 | 20,900 | ||||
423,147 | 245,136 | |||||
(Loss) income from operations | (137,027 | ) | 12,327 | |||
Other expense: | ||||||
Interest expense | (111,559 | ) | (11,521 | ) | ||
Net (loss) income | (248,586 | ) | 806 | |||
Deficit, beginning of period | (6,012,058 | ) | (5,238,895 | ) | ||
Deficit, end of period | $ | (6,260,644 | ) | $ | (5,238,089 | ) |
Net income (loss) per common share, basic and diluted | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, | ||||||
basic and diluted | 12,693 | 519,751 |
5
Encore Clean Energy, Inc.
(Formerly Forge, Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(expressed in United States dollars)
Three month ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||
Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||
Operations: | ||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | (248,586 | ) | $ | 806 | |
Items not involving cash: | ||||||
Depreciation | 7,142 | 5,548 | ||||
Stock compensation | 112,632 | - | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||
Change in accounts receivable | (158,152 | ) | 95,938 | |||
Change in prepaid expenses | (116 | ) | (5,597 | ) | ||
Change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 160,005 | 249,121 | ||||
Decrease in unearned revenue | - | (478,212 | ) | |||
Decrease in accrued salaries | - | (4,149 | ) | |||
Net cash used in operating activities | (127,075 | ) | (136,546 | ) | ||
Cash flows used in investing activities: | ||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (619 | ) | (3,945 | ) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (619 | ) | (3,945 | ) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||
Repayment of lease obligation | (1,939 | ) | (897 | ) | ||
Repayment of loan payable | - | (75,166 | ) | |||
Repayment of bank indebtedness | (16,188 | ) | - | |||
Proceeds from notes payable | 76,260 | 2,264 | ||||
Proceeds from advances from related parties | 94,637 | 218,293 | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 152,770 | 144,494 | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (12,717 | ) | (19,681 | ) | ||
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | 12,359 | (15,677 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 335 | 50,537 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $ | 12,694 | $ | 34,860 | ||
Supplementary information: | ||||||
Interest paid | $ | 22,455 | $ | 7,386 | ||
Income taxes paid | - | - |
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ENCORE CLEAN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2004
1. The Company and Description of Business:
Encore Clean Energy, Inc. ("the Company") was originally incorporated on May 12, 1995 under the laws of Florida. On May 13, 2002, we changed our state of jurisdiction to Delaware. On December 1, 2003 we merged with our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cryotherm, under the laws of Delaware and changed our name to Encore Clean Energy, Inc.
Encore Clean Energy, Inc. is currently engaged in the following business:
(a) | The business of creating and commercializing products
that generate electricity without burning fossil fuels; and |
(b) | The provision of "permission-based" e-mail marketing
and integrated advertising strategies services through our wholly owned
subsidiaries Ignite Communications Inc. and Forge Marketing Inc. |
2. Liquidity and Future Operations:
The Company incurred a net loss in the first quarter ending March 31, 2004 and has sustained negative cash flows from operations since its inception. At March 31, 2004, the Company has negative working capital of $1,867,529. The Company's ability to meet its obligations in the ordinary course of business is dependent upon its ability to increase profitable operations or to obtain additional funding through public or private equity financing, collaborative or other arrangements with corporate sources, or other sources. Management is seeking to increase revenues through continued marketing of its services; however additional funding will be required.
Management is working to obtain sufficient working capital from external sources in order to continue operations. There is however no assurance that the aforementioned events, including the receipt of additional funding, will occur and be successful.
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ENCORE CLEAN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2004
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company at March 31, 2004 and for the three month period then ended include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted in these interim statements under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accounting policies used in fiscal 2004 are consistent with those used in fiscal 2003. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2004. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and the notes thereto.
The functional currency of the operations of the Company's wholly-owned Canadian operating subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar. Assets and liabilities measured in Canadian dollars are translated into United States dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheets date with revenue and expense transactions translated using average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Exchange gains and losses arising on this translation are excluded from the determination of income and reported as foreign currency translation adjustment (which is included in the comprehensive income (loss)) in stockholders' equity.
The Company computes net income (loss) per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 98. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 128 and SAB No. 98, basic income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the periods, and gives retroactive effect to the shares issued on the recapitalization described in note 1. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive common stock outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are the same as any exercise of options or warrants would be anti-dilutive.
8
ENCORE CLEAN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2004
Effective January 1, 1999, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" SFAS No. 130 which establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income (loss) and its components in financial statements. Other comprehensive income, as defined, includes all changes in equity (net assets) during a period from non-owner sources. Comprehensive loss for each of the periods presented is as follows:
2004 | 2003 | |
Net (Income) / Loss |
$ 248,586 | $ (806) |
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment |
10,302 | 99,190 |
Comprehensive Loss |
$ 258,558 | $ 98,384 |
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this Form 10-QSB constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). These statements, identified by words such as "plan", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "should," "expect" and similar expressions, include our expectations and objectives regarding our future financial position, operating results and business strategy. These statements reflect the current views of management with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those set forth under this Item 2. "Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation" and elsewhere in this Form 10-QSB. We do not intend to update the forward-looking information to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting such forward-looking information. We advise you to carefully review the reports and documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), particularly our annual reports on Form 10-KSB, our quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB and our current reports on Form 8-K.
As used in this annual report, the terms "we", "us", "our", "Company" and "Encore" mean Encore Clean Energy, Inc. unless otherwise indicated. All dollar amounts in this annual report are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.
During the fourth quarter of our 2003 fiscal year, we acquired a 100% interest in Cryotherm, Inc. ("Cryotherm"), a corporation that was in the business of creating and commercializing products that generate electricity without the burning of fossil fuels. We have since merged with Cryotherm under the laws of Delaware and changed our name from Forge, Inc. to Encore Clean Energy, Inc.
We are currently engaged in the following businesses:
(a) | The Encore Business: The Encore Business
involves developing and commercializing proprietary "clean-energy" technologies
that we have acquired through our acquisition of Cryotherm. Our plan for
this segment of our business involves creating products that will be targeted
at creating lower-cost, cleaner ways to generate electricity without the
burning of fossil fuels. Initially, we will focus our efforts on four
primary products: a Drum Jet Turbine, a Waste Heat Recovery Unit, a Vertical
Axis Wind Turbine and the TurboFlux Disk Turbine (collectively, the "Encore
Products"); and |
(b) | The Forge/Ignite Business : Prior to our
acquisition of Cryotherm, our primary business was the Forge/Ignite Business
of providing "permission-based" email marketing and integrated advertising
services. We continue to carry on this segment of our business through
our wholly owned subsidiaries, Ignite Communications Inc. ("Ignite") and
Forge Marketing Inc. ("Forge Marketing"). |
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PLAN OF OPERATIONS
Our plan of operations for the next twelve months involves the following:
1. |
We will continue the research and development
of our Encore Products. Initially we plan to focus on the development
and commercialization of the Waste Heat Recovery Unit, the Drum Jet Turbine
and the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine. In pursuit of this we: |
|
(a) |
will pursue the testing of our Waste Heat Recovery
Unit, Drum Jet Turbine and Vertical Axis Wind Turbine prototypes on various
applications. We anticipate that the development and testing programs
will take approximately nine to twelve months. The results of these testing
programs will be used to further refine the product designs and identify
the optimal sizes and configurations for various commercial and consumer
applications. |
|
(b)
|
plan to undertake the finalization of the design
and specifications for our first commercial products. This stage of development
will be undertaken concurrently with the product testing program and will
use the results of the testing program to refine the product design and
specifications. |
|
(c) |
will refine our marketing and sales program for
each of the products. The anticipated costs of manufacturing each product
will be analyzed using the final designs and specifications for each.
These costs will be used to develop a business model for various applications.
The business models will be analyzed in order to identify the optimum
target market for each of the products. We anticipate that the optimum
market will depend on various factors, including the energy source, the
electricity that can be generated based on the available energy source,
the manufacturing costs and installation costs and the price of electricity
in the targeted customer's market. |
|
2. |
We also plan to continue operating our
advertising business through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Ignite and
Forge Marketing. We will continue to seek new clients for our integrated
advertising strategies and "permission-based" electronic direct marketing
services and to further explore how we can better service our existing
clients. In pursuit of this, we plan to do the following: |
|
(a) |
Build market awareness and recognition for electronic direct marketing; | |
(b) |
Target industries and businesses that represent the greatest potential for email marketing adoption and growth; | |
(c) |
Develop and present case studies to organizations in other regions and markets who could benefit from our experience; | |
(d) |
Research and utilize emerging relevant technologies primarily from application service providers (ASP's); | |
(e) |
Leverage our advertising contacts in pursuit of email marketing opportunities; | |
(f) |
Expand our email marketing relationships to include advertising agency opportunities; and |
11
(g) | Pursue strategic acquisitions and alliances to access
new geographic markets and to add complimentary services. |
We anticipate spending approximately $5,000,000 in pursuing our plan of operations over the next twelve months. It is anticipated that the Encore Business will not generate any significant revenues over the next twelve months and we do not have significant financial resources. Accordingly, we will require substantial financing in order to fund our plan of operations. We anticipate that any financing will likely be in the form of equity financing as substantial debt financing will not be as available at this stage of our business.
Currently, we do not have any financing arrangements in place and there is no assurance that we will be able to achieve sufficient financing required to proceed with the development of our Encore Products. If we do not obtain the necessary financing, then our plan of operations will be scaled back according to the amount of funds available. The inability to raise the necessary financing will severely restrict our ability to complete the development and commercialization of our Encore Products. In the event that we are unable to develop and commercialize our Encore Products, we intend to focus on the Forge/Ignite Business.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our acquisition of Cryotherm was completed on September 30, 2003. This acquisition has been treated by us for accounting purposes as an acquisition of Cryotherm's net assets. As a result, our historical financial statements up to September 30, 2003 reflect the results of operations solely for the Forge/Ignite Business to that date. Commencing October 1, 2003, our financial statements reflect our combined operations with Cryotherm.
Results of Operations | ||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||
Percentage | ||||||
2004 | 2003 | Inc. / (Dec.) | ||||
Revenue | $627,382 | $978,600 | (35.9%) | |||
Cost of Revenue | (341,262) | (721,138) | (52.7%) | |||
Expenses | (534,706) | (256,657) | 108.3% | |||
Net Income (Loss) | ($248,586) | $806 | (30,941.9%) |
Revenue
For the last fiscal quarter, revenues were generated solely from the Forge/Ignite Business. We did not earn revenues from our Encore Business and there is no assurance that we will be able to do so in the future.
The decrease in our revenue over our results for the first fiscal quarter of 2003 is due to one of our major clients delaying their 2004 marketing and advertising campaigns until the Spring/Summer months.
Revenues for the Forge/Ignite Business are earned by delivering online direct marketing, promotional, and informational offers and by developing and implementing integrated marketing and advertising strategies. We charge our advertisers based upon a number of criteria including offers delivered, qualified leads generated, online transactions executed and marketing services performed.
12
Revenue for the Forge/Ignite Business consists of the gross value of our billings to clients and includes the price of the advertising that we purchase from offline and online suppliers. Under marketing services contracts, we recognize the cost of the advertising we purchase for our clients as an expense and the payments we receive from our clients for this advertising as revenue. Under these arrangements, we are ultimately responsible for payment to suppliers for the cost of the advertising that we purchase.
We believe that our revenues will be subject to seasonal fluctuations as a result of general patterns of retail advertising, which are typically higher during the second and fourth calendar quarters. In addition, expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and consumer buying patterns.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue for the Forge/Ignite Business represents the cost of advertising purchased for clients. The decrease in cost of revenue over our results for the first fiscal quarter of 2003 corresponds to the decrease in our revenue.
Our operating expenses have increased to $423,147 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 from $245,136 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, an increase of $178,011 or 72.6% . The increase to our operating expenses reflects the additional costs associated with the development and commercialization of our clean energy technologies for the Encore Business.
The primary component of our operating expenses continues to be salary costs. Remuneration has increased to $182,785 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 from $162,059 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 due to the addition of a staff member, various employee raises and an increase in our benefit plan.
Our legal and accounting expenses have increased to $60,806 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 from $13,748 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. The increase in legal and accounting expenses is associated with completing our obligations with respect to the acquisition of Cryotherm as well as an increased need for legal patent advice with respect to the Encore Business.
Consulting fees and computers services increased to $106,115 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 from $13,752 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. The increase in consulting fees and computer services were primarily the result of additional consulting costs associated with the development of our clean energy technologies for the Encore Business.
Our rent increased to $41,179 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 from $23,574 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. This increase is a result of moving our business offices.
Our interest expenses increased to $111,559 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 from $11,521 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. The increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to an increase in advances by related parties and to loans received and paid during the first quarter.
13
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital | ||||||
Percentage | ||||||
At Mar. 31, 2004 | At Dec. 31, 2003 | Inc. / (Dec.) | ||||
Current Assets | $289,171 | $119,284 | 142% | |||
Current Liabilities | (2,156,700) | (1,962,321) | 9.9% | |||
Working Capital Deficit | ($1,867,529) | ($1,843,037) | 1.3% |
The increase in our current assets is primarily attributable to an increase in accounts receivable.
The increase in our current liabilities is primarily attributable to increased spending as a result of our Encore Business segment for the development of our clean energy technologies and also due to our acquisition of Cryotherm.
Cash Flows | ||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||
2004 | 2003 | |||
Net Cash from (used in) Operating Activities | ($127,075) | ($136,545) | ||
Net Cash from (used in) Investing Activities | (619) | (3,945) | ||
Net Cash from Financing Activities | 152,770 | 144,494 | ||
Net Increase (decrease) in Cash During Period | $12,359 | ($15,677) |
Cash provided by financing activities for the quarter consisted of proceeds from notes payable and advances from related parties. These funds were utilized in their entirety as working capital.
We anticipate that we will require financing in the amount of $5,000,000 in order to fund our plan of operations over the next twelve months, as discussed above under "Plan of Operations." In addition, we anticipate that we will continue to require additional financing to fund the Forge/Ignite Business which continues to consume more cash in operating activities than is generated. We plan to pursue bank debt and equity financings through private placements of our common stock or common stock and share purchase warrants in order to raise the funds necessary to enable us to pursue our plan of operations for the next twelve months. We do not have any arrangements in place for equity financings and there is no assurance that any equity financing will be achieved. If equity financing is achieved, then it is anticipated that existing shareholders will suffer dilution.
We have sustained our operations to date with advances by one of our principal stockholders and these funds have been applied to finance our current operations. Our ability to meet our current obligations is dependent upon continued advances from this shareholder, upon our ability to increase our revenues while maintaining expenses and our ability to achieve additional financing. If we are unable to meet our current obligations, then we may be forced to significantly scale back our business operations with the result that our ability to earn revenues and achieve profitability may be adversely affected.
14
Risks and Uncertainties Related to the Encore Business
The Encore Business Will Incur Losses And May Never Achieve Profitability
We do not expect the Encore Business to achieve profitability in the near future and we expect to incur substantial operating losses for at least the next eighteen months. If we are unable to develop a significant revenue stream or if expenses are larger than expected, the Encore Business may never become profitable. We anticipate substantial expenditures in a number of areas, including:
In addition, as a result of the lack of an operating history, the emerging nature of the clean energy market and the unproven nature of our clean energy business model, we are unable to accurately forecast revenue for the Encore Business. We will incur operating expenses based predominantly on operating plans and estimates of future revenue. We may be unable to adjust spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue shortfalls.
Accordingly, a failure to meet revenue projections would have an immediate and negative impact on our ability to achieve profitability.
Our plan of operations calls for significant expenses in connection with the development of our Encore Products. Our current operating funds and revenues are insignificant compared to the funding required to complete our plan of operations which will require an estimated $5,000,000 to be spent over the next 12 months developing and marketing prototypes of our Encore Products in order to accomplish our goals. As of March 31, 2004, we had cash in the amount of $12,694 and a working capital deficit of $1,867,529. Our ability to meet our obligations in the ordinary course of our operations is dependent on our ability to establish profitable operations and positive cash flows from operating activities or to obtain additional funding through public or private equity financing, debt collaborative or other arrangements.
We will also require additional financing if the costs of developing our Encore Products are greater than anticipated. There is no assurance that actual cash requirements will not exceed our estimates. In particular, additional capital may be required in the event that:
We are working to obtain sufficient working capital from external sources in order to continue operations and meet our plan of operations. There is however, no assurance that the aforementioned events, including the receipt of additional funding, will occur or be successful. Failure to generate sufficient cash flow will require us to amend or reduce our operations and could adversely affect our ability to meet our plan of operations.
15
We May Not Be Able To Meet Our Obligations Under the Centripetal License Agreement
Our joint projects, license and consulting agreement (the "Centripetal License Agreement") with Centripetal Dynamics, Inc. ("Centripetal Dynamics") grants us exclusive rights to sell, market and distribute their TurboFlux engines and TurboFlux wind turbines in North America and the European Union for distributed power, cogeneration and waste heat recovery power generation applications. The Centripetal License Agreement calls for us to purchase all of the TurboFlux engines and wind turbines manufactured by Centripetal Dynamics in the initial 18 months of production once those products are available for sale. Our rights to the TurboFlux products beyond the initial 18 month period will be negotiated at a later date.
If we are unable to purchase all of the TurboFlux products or are unable to meet sales expectations of those products during this time, we may lose our license rights to these products. Even if we are able to meet our purchase and sales obligations under the Centripetal License Agreement, there is no assurance that we will be able to come to an agreement with Centripetal Dynamics on the terms upon which our rights to the TurboFlux products will be extended.
Risks Related To The Protection Of Intellectual Property Rights
Ownership of patent applications of the Cryotherm technologies invented by Robert Hunt resides with Mr. Hunt, who has licensed worldwide exclusivity to make, use and sell products based on such patent applications to us in consideration of license fees and royalties. We are relying on the patent applications of Mr. Hunt to protect our core technologies and products from competition.
We cannot assure investors that pending or future patent applications will result in the granting of patents or that any issued patents will not be invalidated, circumvented or challenged. A portion of our proprietary technology depends upon unpatented trade secrets and know-how. Without patent protection we would be vulnerable to competition from third parties who could develop competing products through reverse engineering. Also, where we do not have patent protection, competitors may independently develop substantially equivalent technology or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information.
Our Product Development Program May Not Be Successful
Once we complete development of our prototypes there is no assurance that our prototypes will work as expected. In the event we successfully develop a prototype, there is no assurance that we will be able to manufacture the prototype at a reasonable cost. Even if we are able to manufacture the prototype at a reasonable cost, there is no assurance that the price of our Encore Products will not be excessive, precluding the product from generating sufficient market acceptance. As such, there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop and commercialize the Encore Products.
A Market For The Encore Products And Services May Not Develop Or We May Be Unable To Achieve Market Acceptance
Our technologies and products represent an emerging market, and we are unable to provide assurances that our targeted customers and markets will accept our technologies or will purchase our products and services in sufficient quantities to achieve profitability. If a significant market fails to develop or develops more slowly than we anticipate, we may be unable to recover the losses incurred to develop products, we may be unable to meet our operational expenses and we may be unable to achieve profitability. The development of a suitable market for our technologies and products may be impacted by many factors which are out of our control, including:
16
The Encore Business Is Dependent On Key Personnel and Sub-Contractors
The success of the Encore Business depends on the abilities and continued participation of key personnel such as inventor Robert Hunt, who has been instrumental in bringing several of our technologies to their present state of development. The loss of Mr. Hunt's services could hamper the successful development of our new technologies and products. We do not have "key man" life insurance on Mr. Hunt and have no plans to obtain such insurance. Our success also depends on our ability to attract and retain additional skilled employees, vendors and sub-contractors, who can bring our patents-pending designs to market.
We intend to rely in the near term upon sub-contractors and suppliers for a significant portion of our current and proposed products. The inability of sub-contractors and suppliers to meet their obligations may affect our ability to develop and deliver products on a timely and competitive basis.
Our success in the next few years is significantly dependent upon the abilities of our management. The determination of employee compensation is in control of the Board of Directors of the Company. The loss of the services of any one or more of our key employees or contractees could adversely affect us to a substantial degree.
Although our management collectively has significant business experience, most of our current officers and directors have limited experience with the clean energy business in particular. There is no assurance that we have or will acquire the skills necessary to enable the Encore Business to be profitable
We have only recently moved into the clean energy business and we have limited experience operating in this business. We will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability, which may not occur. Our limited operating history makes it difficult to forecast future operating results. We expect operating expenses to increase as a result of the further implementation of our business plan. Even if we achieve profitability, we may be unable to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. It is possible that we will never achieve profitability.
Risks and Uncertainties Related to the Forge/Ignite Business
Our Existing Ignite And Forge Client Base Is Concentrated And The Loss Of A Major Client Would Be Difficult To Replace
Three advertising clients currently account for over 60% of our revenues. The loss of any of these clients would significantly damage our revenue base and opportunities for growth. We cannot guarantee that these clients will remain with us or that we will be able to access new clients to replace them.
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Competition For Internet Advertising And Direct Marketing Is Intense And Could Adversely Affect Our Business.
The market for internet advertising and direct marketing is intensely competitive, rapidly changing and highly fragmented. With no significant barriers to entry and increasing attention being placed on the internet as a means of advertising and direct marketing, we expect that competition will continue to increase in the near term. Our ability to compete and generate revenue from businesses will depend on our skill in utilizing our expertise in electronic direct marketing technology to provide superior strategies and execution.
As we expand the scope of our advertising product and service offerings, we may compete with a greater number of media companies across a wide range of advertising and direct marketing services. Many of these companies have greater name recognition, longer operating histories, larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, public relations, sales, distribution and other resources than we do. In addition, current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase the ability of their products or services to address the needs of our prospective advertisers and advertising agency customers. As a result, we may not be able to compete effectively and competitive pressures may result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and an inability to gain market share.
Failure To Safeguard Member Privacy Could Affect The Ignite And Forge Reputations Among Consumers.
An important feature of the Ignite/Forge advertising and marketing strategies is our ability to capture list member profiles on behalf of our clients. Security and privacy concerns may cause consumers to resist providing the personal data necessary to support this profiling capability. Usage of our marketing program could decline if any well-publicized compromise of security occurred. As a result of these security and privacy concerns, we may incur significant costs to protect against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches.
For Ignite And Forge To Remain Competitive, We Must Keep Pace With Technological Changes In Our Industry
The internet and our market are characterized by rapidly changing technologies, frequent new product and service introductions, short development cycles, evolving industry standards and intense competition. We must adapt to rapidly changing technologies by maintaining and improving the performance features and reliability of our services. We may experience technical difficulties that could impact the operation of existing systems or delay the successful development, introduction or marketing of new products and services.
Continued Development And Use Of The Internet Infrastructure Is Critical To Ignite And Forge's Ability To Offer Our Services
We depend heavily on third-party providers of internet and related telecommunication services to operate our online direct marketing service. Internet service providers have experienced significant outages in the past, and could experience outages, delays and other difficulties due to system failures unrelated to our systems. If outages or delays occur frequently in the future, internet usage and the usage of our products and services, could grow more slowly or decline. If internet usage grows, the internet infrastructure may not be able to support the demands placed on it by this growth and its performance and reliability may decline.
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Government Regulation And The Legal Uncertainties Of Doing Business On The Internet Could Negatively Impact The Forge/Ignite Business
Laws and regulations that apply to internet communications, commerce and advertising are becoming more prevalent. These regulations could affect the cost of communicating on the internet and negatively affect the demand for our direct marketing solutions or otherwise harm our business. Laws and regulations may be adopted covering issues such as user privacy, pricing, libel, acceptable content, taxation and quality of products and services. This legislation could hinder growth in the use of the Internet generally and decrease the acceptance of the Internet as a communications, commercial and direct marketing medium.
The laws governing the internet remain largely unsettled, even in areas where there has been some legislative action. It may take years to determine whether and how existing laws apply to the internet and internet advertising. In addition, the growth and development of the market for Internet commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection laws, both in the United States and abroad. This may impose additional burdens on companies conducting business over the Internet.
The Forge/Ignite Business Is Dependent on Key Personnel
The success of our Forge/Ignite Business depends on the abilities and continued participation of key personnel. The loss of any of our key employees, consultants or sub-contractors could hamper the development and continued operation of our Forge/Ignite Business and could have a substantial adverse affect on the Company as a whole.
We have a limited operating history of 4 years upon which to evaluate our business strategies and performance. Our limited operating history makes it difficult to forecast future operating results. We cannot be certain that revenues will increase at a rate sufficient to achieve and maintain profitability. Even if we were to achieve profitability in any period, we might fail to sustain or increase that profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.
We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to stockholders.
ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2004, being the date of our most recently completed fiscal quarter. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Daniel Hunter. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting management to material information relating to us required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date we carried out our evaluation.
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Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
During our most recently completed fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
The term "internal control over financial reporting" is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the registrant's board of directors, management and other personnel, 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:
(1) |
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable
detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions
of the assets of the registrant; |
|
(2) |
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts
and expenditures of the registrant are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of the registrant; and |
|
(3)
|
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention
or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of
the registrant's assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements. |
|
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
None.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
None.
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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Exhibits And Index of Exhibits Required By Item 601 of Regulation S-B.
Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibit |
|
3.1 | Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended
(1) |
|
10.1 | Exclusive License Agreement between Cryotherm, Inc.
and Robert D. Hunt (1) |
|
10.2 | Letter Joint Projects, License and Consulting Agreement
between Cryotherm, Inc. and Centripetal Dynamics, Inc. (1) |
|
10.3 | Letter Agreement between Encore Clean Energy, Inc.
and Centripetal Dynamics, Inc. extending the terms of the Joint Projects,
License and Consulting Agreement. (1) |
|
10.4 | Purchase Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated
July 28, 2003 between Forge, Inc., Cryotherm, Inc. and the major shareholders
of Cryotherm, Inc. (2) |
|
10.5 | Amendment to Purchase Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
dated August 25, 2003 between Forge, Inc., Cryotherm, Inc. and the major
shareholders of Cryotherm, Inc. (3) |
|
14.1 | Code of Ethics (1) |
|
21.1 | List of Subsidiaries (1) |
|
31.1 | ||
32.1 | ||
(1)
|
Previously filed as exhibits to our Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB, filed with the SEC on May 17, 2004, except for our bylaws,
which were previously filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form
8-K, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2002. |
(2) |
Previously filed as an exhibit to our Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 1, 2003. |
(3) |
Previously filed as an exhibit to our Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 15, 2003 |
(b) Current Reports On Form 8-K.
We have not filed any Current Reports on Form 8-K during our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004 and we have not filed any Current Reports on Form 8-K since March 31, 2004.
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ENCORE CLEAN ENERGY, INC. | ||
Dated: June 15, 2004 | By: | /s/ Daniel Hunter |
Daniel Hunter | ||
Chief Executive Officer and | ||
Chief Financial Officer |
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