UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM l0-QSB
(Mark One)
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTlON 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003
( ) TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
For the transition period from______ to_____
Commission File Number 33-18582
ITRONICS INC.
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
TEXAS 75-2198369
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
6490 S. McCarran Blvd., Bldg C-23, Reno, Nevada 89509
(Address of principal executive offices)
Issuer's telephone number, including area code: (775)689-7696
NO CHANGE
Former name, former address and former fiscal, if changes 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 during the past 90 days. Yes (x) No ( ).
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date:
As of July 31, 2003, 103,578,664 shares of common stock were outstanding.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes ( ) No (X)
2
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | PAGE |
Item 1. Financial Statements | |
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30, 2003 | |
and December 31, 2002 | 4 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and | |
Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 |
6 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002. | 7 |
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 8 |
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of | |
Operation | 14 |
Item 3. Controls and Procedures | 24 |
PART II- OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | 24 |
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds | 26 |
Item 3 Defaults upon Senior Securities | 26 |
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K | 27 |
Certifications | 29 |
3
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2002
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
JUNE 30, |
DECEMBER 31, |
|
2003 |
2002 |
|
CURRENT ASSETS | ||
Cash | $ 18,085 |
$ 57,201 |
Accounts receivable, less allowance for | ||
doubtful accounts, 2003, $5,700; 2002, $5,700 | 234,040 |
88,239 |
Marketable securities | 552,521 |
483,983 |
Inventories | 396,351 |
337,153 |
Prepaid expenses | 67,187 |
44,331 |
Current portion of deferred loan fees | 46,225 |
46,225 |
Total Current Assets | 1,314,409 |
1,057,132 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT | ||
Land | 215,000 |
215,000 |
Building and improvements | 1,167,315 |
1,167,315 |
Design and construction in progress, | ||
manufacturing facility | 86,884 |
86,884 |
Equipment and furniture | 1,802,248 |
1,797,926 |
Vehicles | 133,028 |
133,028 |
Equipment under capital lease | 1,098,893 |
1,077,152 |
4,503,368 |
4,477,305 |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 1,232,459 |
1,085,175 |
3,270,909 |
3,392,130 |
|
OTHER ASSETS | ||
Intangibles, net of amortization | 8,797 |
9,115 |
Marketable securities, available for sale | - |
220,096 |
Deferred loan fees, less current portion, net of | ||
amortization | 68,828 |
91,946 |
Investment in American Gold & Silver Ltd. | 9,250 |
9,250 |
Deposits | 31,970 |
35,131 |
118,845 |
365,538 |
|
$4,704,163 |
$4,814,800 |
4
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
JUNE 30, |
DECEMBER 31, |
|
2003 |
2002 |
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||
Accounts payable | $ 658,946 |
$ 610,772 |
Accrued management salaries | 487,626 |
341,278 |
Accrued expenses | 462,846 |
300,204 |
Insurance contracts payable | 39,041 |
15,962 |
Interest payable | 219,781 |
168,473 |
Current maturities of long-term debt | 552,960 |
556,301 |
Current maturities of capital lease obligations | 1,069,578 |
1,162,723 |
Current maturities of lease/advances from stockholders | 286,356 |
284,687 |
Current maturities of convertible notes and accrued interest | 2,058,709 |
3,374,838 |
Other | 15,898 |
18,131 |
Total Current Liabilities | 5,851,741 |
6,833,369 |
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | ||
Long-term debt, less current maturities | 129,966 |
146,610 |
Convertible promissory notes, less current maturities | 2,899,129 |
2,086,129 |
Accrued interest, convertible notes, less current maturities | 726,179 |
294,262 |
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities | 80,395 |
31,214 |
Capital lease obligation,
shareholder, less current maturities |
16,483 |
- |
Accrued salary due stockholder | 4,254 |
7,854 |
Deferred gain, less current maturities | 288 |
3,221 |
Total Long-Term Liabilities | 3,856,694 |
2,569,290 |
9,708,435 |
9,402,659 |
|
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; | ||
authorized 999,500 shares, issued and outstanding | ||
2003, 0 shares; 2002, 0 shares | - |
- |
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; | ||
authorized 250,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, | ||
99,402,837 at June 30, 2003; 88,690,170 at | ||
December 31, 2002 | 99,403 |
88,690 |
Additional paid-in capital | 12,906,711 |
11,748,423 |
Accumulated deficit | (18,660,329) |
(17,352,796) |
Common stock to be issued | 424,129 |
576,998 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 210,460 |
241,653 |
Common stock options outstanding, net | 15,354 |
109,173 |
(5,004,272) |
(4,587,859) |
|
$ 4,704,163 |
$ 4,814,800 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2003 AND 2002
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
REVENUES | ||||
Fertilizer | $ 269,904 |
$ 187,030 |
$ 370,849 |
$ 298,940 |
Photochemical recycling | 56,744 |
63,197 |
99,117 |
120,417 |
Silver | 8,017 |
38,164 |
20,985 |
68,806 |
Mining technical services | 112,157 |
85,922 |
187,480 |
154,785 |
Total Revenues | 446,822 |
374,313 |
678,431 |
642,948 |
COST OF SALES | 419,690 |
429,981 |
697,496 |
768,530 |
Gross Profit (Loss) | 27,132 |
(55,668) |
(19,065) |
(125,582) |
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 83,177 |
92,866 |
165,554 |
184,157 |
Research and development | 14,544 |
19,137 |
30,886 |
34,059 |
Sales and marketing | 181,960 |
342,056 |
385,259 |
602,134 |
Delivery and warehousing | 17,616 |
14,233 |
25,679 |
23,014 |
General and administrative | 197,211 |
266,438 |
371,721 |
525,090 |
Total Operating Expenses | 494,508 |
734,730 |
979,099 |
1,368,454 |
Operating (Loss) | (467,376) |
(790,398) |
(998,164) |
(1,494,036) |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||||
Interest expense | (241,403) |
(218,532) |
(471,106) |
(414,252) |
Interest income | - |
- |
- |
3 |
Gain on sale of investments | 90,720 |
66,307 |
154,881 |
67,770 |
Other | (1,306) |
- |
6,856 |
- |
Total Other Income (Expense) | (151,989) |
(152,225) |
(309,369) |
(346,479) |
Income (Loss)
before provision for income tax |
(619,365) |
(942,623) |
(1,307,533) |
(1,840,515) |
Provision for income tax | - |
- |
- |
- |
Net Income(Loss) | (619,365) |
(942,623) |
(1,307,533) |
(1,840,515) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||
Unrealized
gains (losses) on securities |
170,474 |
552,775 |
(31,193) |
787,851 |
Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $(448,891) |
$ (389,848) |
$(1,338,726) |
$(1,052,664) |
Weighted average number of shares | ||||
Outstanding (1,000s) | 96,992 |
83,344 |
94,629 |
82,525 |
Earnings (Loss) per share | $(0.0064) |
$(0.0113) |
$(0.0138) |
$(0.0223) |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2003 AND 2002
(UNAUDITED)
Six Months Ended June 30, |
||
2003 |
2002 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities | ||
Net income (loss) | $(1,307,533) |
$(1,840,515) |
Adjustments to reconcile
net loss to cash used by operating activities: |
||
Depreciation and amortization | 165,554 |
184,157 |
Interest on convertible notes | 306,921 |
248,490 |
Marketable securities received for services | (2,573) |
(87,089) |
(Gain) Loss on investments | (154,881) |
(67,770) |
Stock option compensation (credit) | (93,819) |
24,135 |
(Gain) on debt restructuring | (29,370) |
- |
Bad debts | 15 |
4,670 |
Expenses paid with issuance of common stock | 280,562 |
494,079 |
(Increase) decrease in: | ||
Trade accounts receivable | (145,817) |
(32,350) |
Inventories | (59,198) |
(81,812) |
Prepaid expenses | (27,994) |
(11,464) |
Deposits | 500 |
(1,541) |
Increase (decrease) in: | ||
Accounts payable | 69,383 |
172,640 |
Accrued management salaries | 142,748 |
153,040 |
Accrued expenses and contracts payable | 185,721 |
37,040 |
Accrued interest | 74,182 |
5,113 |
Net cash used by operating activities | (595,599) |
(799,177) |
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||
Acquisition of property and equipment | (4,322) |
(230,406) |
Proceeds from sale of investments | 277,819 |
162,739 |
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | 273,497 |
(67,667) |
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||
Proceeds from sale of stock | 241,595 |
117,500 |
Proceeds from debt, stockholders | - |
232,545 |
Proceeds from long-term debt, unrelated | - |
824,100 |
Proceeds from account receivable factoring, net | 99,771 |
- |
Payments on long-term debt | (58,380) |
(198,799) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 282,986 |
975,346 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash | (39,116) |
108,502 |
Cash, beginning of period | 57,201 |
14,675 |
Cash, end of period | $ 18,085 |
$123,177 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2003
(UNAUDITED)
1. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements printed herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-QSB and do not include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the results for the interim periods reported.
2. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
3. A Private Placement of restricted stock with attached three year warrants was begun in the fourth quarter of 2002. The initial offering price is $0.08 per share and the attached three year warrant for an equal number of shares is exercisable at prices of $0.08 for the first year, $0.16 for the second year, and $0.24 for the third year. $122,000 was received from this private placement during the six months ended June 30, 2003 and an additional $47,000 was received subsequent to June 30, 2003 through August 8, 2003. In addition, $119,595 was received under the Swartz Private Equities, LLC equity line of credit during the six months ended June 30, 2003.
4. In August 2002 a supplier of equipment for the Stead manufacturing plant filed suit against the Company and its subsidiary, Itronics Metallurgical, Inc. (IMI) in Johnson County, Indiana for the unpaid amount of $64,234 plus attorneys fees and court costs. On October 1, 2002 the plaintiff received a default judgment awarding the $64,234 plus $1,500 attorneys fees plus 8% interest. On November 5, 2002 the plaintiff filed a "Notice of Filing of Foreign Judgment" in Washoe County, Nevada and has received the judgment. Plaintiffs attorney is actively seeking to collect the amount due. Subsequent to June 30, 2003 a proposed payment agreement has been made. Opposing legal counsel is recommending that the plaintiff accept the proposal.
During the period of September 2002 through June 2003 a total of eight lawsuits have been filed against the Companys subsidiaries, WWI and IMI, by various equipment lessors. Four of the suits were filed in Washoe County, Nevada, two in Cook County, Illinois, one in Los Angeles County, California, and one in Oakland County, Michigan. The suits seek a total of $460,227 plus attorneys fees and other costs. Three of these suits, seeking a total of $228,834 plus costs, were settled by signing stipulated judgments and agreeing to pay total payments of $150,000. Monthly payments on the settlements total $8,833 and are paid over various periods ranging from 6 to 31 months. If the restructured leases are defaulted, judgments for the original claimed amounts can be entered and further collection action, including repossession of the secured equipment, can be taken. Of the remaining unsettled suits, two are being actively negotiated and a tentative payment arrangement has been agreed to, subject to completion of legal paperwork, including stipulated judgments. Both payment arrangements call for the delinquent payments to be added onto the
8
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2003
(UNAUDITED)
end of the leases, with regular monthly payments at the original terms to begin in August 2003. The plaintiffs in the remaining three unsettled suits have obtained judgments but no further collection action has been taken. The relevant information has been assigned to legal counsel who will contact opposing counsel and will attempt to work out payment arrangements.
In September and October 2002 three mechanics liens totaling $104,708 were filed on IMIs Stead manufacturing facility due to non payment for work performed on the property. In November 2002 the general contractor filed suit for its portion of the above amount, a total of $81,233. Final payment on the $81,233 was made subsequent to June 30, 2003 and two of the liens were released. Negotiations are ongoing to obtain a payment agreement on the remaining $23,475.
In December 2002 a trade creditor filed suit against the Company and WWI in Washoe County, Nevada seeking a total of $12,100. The Company has signed a stipulated judgment and made a payment of $3,000 in March 2003. An additional $2,000 was paid subsequent to June 30, 2003. The Company is in periodic communication with the plaintiffs lawyer regarding the past due payments. No other action has been taken as of the date of this report.
In February 2003 a trade creditor filed suit against the Company in Washoe County, Nevada seeking a total of $85,525 plus attorney fees and other costs. A default judgment was entered in May 2003. The Company is attempting to negotiate a settlement.
In April 2003 a suit was filed in Washoe County, Nevada against the Company by one of the Convertible Promissory Note holders, seeking in excess of $94,000, plus attorney fees and other costs. Subsequent to June 30, 2003 the suit was settled by payment of the Companys common stock for the full amount due.
In June 2003 the Internal Revenue Service filed liens totaling $120,347 for unpaid payroll taxes against the Companys subsidiaries, WWI, IMI, and ICI. The amount of delinquent federal payroll taxes due as of June 30, 2003 was approximately $260,000. Taxes incurred beginning in June 2003 are being paid timely and, subsequent to June 30, 2003, $33,200 has been paid toward the past due amount. A payment arrangement is expected to be obtained by the end of August 2003.
Subsequent to June 30, 2003 two suits were filed in Washoe County, Nevada against the Companys subsidiaries, WWI and IMI, by equipment lessors. The total amount of the claims is $128,479 plus attorney fees and other costs. The cases have been assigned to legal counsel for negotiation of payment arrangements.
Successful settlement of the above claims is dependent on additional financing.
9
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2003
(UNAUDITED)
5. As of June 30, 2003 lease payments totaling $493,489 were in arrears. Of this amount, $482,005 remains unpaid as of the date of this report. As required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the principal balance of the leases that are not paid current through June 30, 2003 by the date of this report have been classified as current liabilities. Lease payments due as of July 31, 2003 totaling $521,679 are in arrears. The Company is in ongoing communication with the lessors to avoid action that may be adverse to the Company.
During the six months ended June 30, 2003 six leases were restructured. Three of those were settlements of lawsuits in which the Company agreed to sign stipulated judgments wherein the lessor will receive a default judgment if the future payment terms are not met. Negotiations on another of those leases also required the signing of a stipulated judgment. The result of restructuring these leases was the elimination of all payments in arrears and future minimum lease payments of $212,922, compared to minimum lease payments of $251,084 prior to the restructuring.
As discussed above, mechanics liens were filed in 2002 on IMIs Stead manufacturing facility due to non payment for work performed on the property. Such liens not cleared after 60 days from the date of filing become defaults under terms of the deed of trust securing the mortgage on the property and the lender can demand payment in full and institute foreclosure proceedings. As required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the entire principal balance of the note is included in current liabilities. $500,997 of the principal balance would otherwise be classified as long term debt. Monthly payments in common stock are being made to the general contractor. The lender is aware of the situation and has not made a demand or taken any other action.
6. During the six months ended June 30, 2003 the Company offered the holders of its 2000 Series 9% Convertible Promissory Notes to extend the notes for an additional three years in exchange for an increase in the interest rate, commencing as of each note maturity date, to 12% per annum and a reduced conversion price to $0.20 per share. As of June 30, 2003, out of a principal balance of $2,573,000, holders of $1,581,000 in notes agreed to extend their notes. The remaining $992,000 in principal, plus accrued interest of $344,009, is in default as of June 30, 2003. Subsequent to June 30, 2003, notes for an additional $102,000, plus accrued interest of $37,852, were extended. During the period of January 1, 2003 through July 31, 2003, for all series of convertible notes, a total of $552,000 in principal and $177,985 in accrued interest has been converted to common stock.
7. As discussed above, one Series 2000 Convertible Promissory Note was the subject of a lawsuit. A second convertible note was the subject of threatened litigation. Both claims were settled subsequent to June 30, 2003 with stock at a conversion price of $0.125 per share, based on the stock value at the time. Accordingly, the notes of those holders of Series 2000 Convertible Promissory Notes that have been previously extended will be amended to reflect the new conversion price of $0.125 per share and the note holders that have not extended will receive a revised offer to reflect the new conversion price.
10
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2003
(UNAUDITED)
As of December 31, 2002 options and warrants representing a total of 35,618,794 common shares were outstanding. This amount included 24,496,081 common shares related to the conversion rights of the 2000 through 2002 Series Convertible Promissory Notes. Based on the revised conversion price of $0.125 and the increase in interest rate to 12%, the outstanding options for all Convertible Promissory Notes are approximately 40,375,000 common shares as of June 30, 2003, an increase of 14,577,000 over the amount it would have been under the original terms. A total of $1,336,009 in principal and accrued interest from the 2000 Series Convertible Promissory Notes have not been extended under the revised terms. If they were to be extended, options as of June 30, 2003 amounting to an additional 8,869,000 common shares would be granted.
8. Following are the components of Other Comprehensive Income:
Three months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
Unrealized holding gains (losses) | ||||
arising during the period |
$143,776 |
$589,832 |
$ 52,469 |
$765,681 |
Reclassification adjustment |
26,698 |
(37,057) |
(83,662) |
22,170 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $170,474 |
$552,775 |
$(31,193) |
$787,851 |
9. Following is financial information for each of the Companys segments. No changes have occurred in the basis of segmentation since December 31, 2002.
Reconciliation of segment revenues, gross profit (loss), and operating income (loss) to the respective consolidated amounts and to consolidated net income (loss) before taxes follows:
11
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2003
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
Revenues: | ||||
Photochemical Fertilizer | $ 334,665 |
$ 288,391 |
$ 490,951 |
$ 488,163 |
Mining Technical Services | 112,157 |
85,922 |
187,480 |
154,785 |
Consolidated Revenues | $ 446,822 |
$ 374,313 |
$ 678,431 |
$ 642,948 |
Gross Profit (Loss): | ||||
Photochemical Fertilizer | $(6,924) |
$ (58,619) |
$ (70,236) |
$ (134,664) |
Mining Technical Services | 34,056 |
2,951 |
51,171 |
9,082 |
Consolidated Gross Profit (Loss) |
$ 27,132 |
$ (55,668) |
$ (19,065) |
$ (125,582) |
Operating Income (Loss): | ||||
Photochemical Fertilizer | $ (410,067) |
$ (692,613) |
$ (862,387) |
$(1,307,782) |
Mining Technical Services | (57,309) |
(97,785) |
(135,777) |
(186,254) |
Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) |
(467,376) |
(790,398) |
(998,164) |
(1,494,036) |
Other Income (Expense) | (151,989) |
(152,225) |
(309,369) |
(346,479) |
Consolidated Net Income | ||||
(Loss) before taxes | $ (619,365) |
$ (942,623) |
$(1,307,533) |
$(1,840,515) |
12
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2003
(UNAUDITED)
Identifiable assets by business segment for the major asset classifications and reconciliation to total consolidated assets are as follows:
June 30, |
December 31, |
|
2003 |
2002 |
|
Current Assets: | ||
Photochemical Fertilizer | $ 571,019 |
$443,003 |
Mining Technical Services | 711,662 |
598,009 |
1,282,681 |
1,041,012 |
|
Property and Equipment, net: | ||
Photochemical Fertilizer | 3,060,693 |
3,166,189 |
Mining Technical Services | 206,787 |
221,654 |
3,267,480 |
3,387,843 |
|
Other Assets, net: | ||
Photochemical Fertilizer | 89,790 |
109,583 |
Mining Technical Services | 1,452,522 |
1,652,066 |
1,542,312 |
1,761,649 |
|
Total Assets: | ||
Photochemical Fertilizer | 3,721,502 |
3,718,775 |
Mining Technical Services | 2,370,971 |
2,471,729 |
Total Segment Assets | 6,092,473 |
6,190,504 |
Itronics Inc. assets | 18,273,160 |
17,827,985 |
Less: inter-company elimination | (19,661,470) |
(19,203,689) |
Consolidated Assets | $4,704,163 |
$ 4,814,800 |
13
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operations
I. Results of Operations
The Company reported consolidated revenues of $446,822 for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, compared to $374,313 for the prior year quarter, an increase of 19%. The increase was due to increases of $46,274 in Photochemical Fertilizer segment revenues and $26,235 in Mining Technical Services segment revenues. Consolidated revenues for the first six months of 2003 were $678,431 compared to $642,948 for the prior year period, an increase of 6%. The consolidated net loss was $619,365, or $0.0064 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, compared to a net loss of $942,623 or $0.0113 per share for the comparable 2002 period, an improvement of 34%. The primary factors contributing to the decreased loss for the quarter were an improvement in gross profit (loss) of $82,800, decreased operating costs of $240,200 and an increase in gain on sale of investments of $24,400 which were partially offset by increased interest expense of $22,900 related to increasing the interest rate from 9% to 12% on the extended 2000 Series Convertible Promissory Notes. The consolidated net loss was $1,307,533, or $0.0138 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to a net loss of $1,840,515 or $0.0223 per share for the comparable 2002 period, an improvement of 29%.
To provide a more complete understanding of the factors contributing to the changes in revenues, operating expenses and the resultant operating loss, the discussion presented below is separated into the Company's two operating segments.
PHOTOCHEMICAL FERTILIZER
This segment, managed by Itronics Metallurgical, Inc., operates a photochemical recycling plant, which includes related silver recovery. As part of the recycling process, the Company manufactures and markets a line of liquid fertilizer products which are being introduced under the GOLDn GRO trademark into the markets in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oregon. Revenues are generated from photochemical collection services, silver sales, and GOLDn GRO liquid fertilizer sales.
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
Revenues | $ 334,665 |
$ 288,391 |
$ 490,951 |
$ 488,163 |
Gross profit (loss) | $ (6,924) |
$ (58,619) |
$ (70,236) |
$ (134,664) |
Operating income (loss) | $(410,067) |
$ (692,613) |
$(862,387) |
$(1,307,782) |
Total segment revenues for the second quarter of 2003 were approximately $334,700, an increase of 16% from the prior year second quarter. Fertilizer sales for the quarter were $269,900, compared to $187,000 for the 2002 second quarter, an increase of 44%. The fertilizer sales increase is attributable to improved sales of GOLDn GRO 9-0-1+7% Zinc. Photochemical recycling revenue for the quarter decreased by 10% on increased volume of 12%, compared to the second quarter of 2002. The revenue decrease is attributable to the prior year loss of one customer with multiple service locations. The customer decided to contract with a service provider with a nationwide service capability. During the second quarter of 2003, the volume lost from that
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customer was made up with the addition of new customers and increased volume from existing customers. The new customers have fewer locations than the one they are replacing, so they do not generate the same level of revenue. However, they are also less costly to service. The overall result is that reduced service costs have exceeded the reduced revenue, resulting in the reduced gross loss noted below. Silver sales decreased $30,100 from the second quarter of 2002, a decrease of 79%. The decrease is attributable to the prior year processing of raw photographic wastes in order to build up an inventory of base liquids used in fertilizer manufacturing. The base liquid inventory has filled the plants available storage capacity, resulting in a current period decrease in processing raw materials and a resultant decrease in silver sales. Cost of sales decreased $5,400 due primarily to decreases of $24,000 in payroll and related costs and $7,000 in insurance, which were partially offset by an increase in direct material costs of $27,000 due to increased fertilizer sales. The decrease in payroll costs is due primarily to a reduction of two plant positions during the quarter. These factors resulted in a gross loss of $6,900 for the second quarter of 2003, compared to $58,600 for the prior year quarter, a decreased loss of 88%.
Segment operating expenses decreased $230,900 from the second quarter of 2002, due to a decrease in sales and marketing expense of $151,400 related to decreased corporate marketing and a decrease in general and administration costs of $69,500 due primarily to a decrease in allocable option compensation expense of $47,600. The decrease resulted from the second quarter expiration of compensatory stock options.
These factors resulted in a 2003 second quarter segment operating loss of $410,100 compared to a loss of $692,600 for the second quarter of 2002, a decreased operating loss of $282,500, or 41%.
For the first six months of 2003 revenues were $491,000, compared to $488,200 for the comparable 2002 period, a nominal increase. Gross loss for the first six months of 2003 was $70,200, compared to $134,700 for the comparable prior year period, a reduced loss of 48%. Operating loss for the first six months of 2003 was approximately $862,400 compared to $1,307,800 for the first six months of 2002, a reduced loss of 34%. The primary factor contributing to the reduced loss were reduced cost of sales and operating expenses.
As described above, a modest increase in sales, along with a combination of selective ongoing cost reductions and one time cost reductions, has resulted in significant improvement in both the segment gross profit (loss) line and in the segment operating income (loss) line. Going forward, it is expected that the path to overall profitability will be to first achieve profitability at the gross profit level, then at the operating income level, and lastly, at the net income level. The Company believes that the sales foundation is in place and expansion plans are being implemented to achieve those goals over the next 12 to 24 months. The segment achieved a positive gross profit in April and June and nearly reached break even at the gross profit level for the second quarter of 2003. There is a strong possibility that the segment will achieve a positive gross profit in additional individual months during the remainder of 2003.
The actual rate of growth in fertilizer sales necessary to achieve profitability, and the ability to predict that rate of growth, is subject to a number of uncertainties, including the annual seasonal nature of fertilizer sales, short term weather patterns in specific markets such as was seen this year in the delay in the start of the spring season, and the availability of funding to support sales growth.
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MINING TECHNICAL SERVICES
This segment, known as Whitney & Whitney, Inc., provides mining and materials management, geology, engineering and economics consulting, and publishes specialized mineral economics and materials financial reports. It employs technical specialists with expertise in the areas of mining, geology, mining engineering, mineral economics, materials processing and technology development. Technical services have been provided to many of the leading U.S. and foreign mining companies, several public utilities with mineral interests, to various state agencies, the U.S. and foreign governments, and the United Nations and the World Bank.
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||
2003 |
2002 |
2003 |
2002 |
|
Revenues | $ 112,157 |
$ 85,922 |
$ 187,480 |
$ 154,785 |
Gross profit (loss) | $ 34,056 |
$ 2,951 |
$ 51,171 |
$ 9,082 |
Operating income (loss) | $ (57,309) |
$(97,785) |
$(135,777) |
$(186,254) |
Mining technical services revenue was $112,200 for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, compared to $85,900 for the comparable quarter of 2002, an increase of 31%. The revenue increase reflects billings on a new litigation support services project. Cost of sales decreased by $4,900, due to a decrease of $10,400 in payroll and consulting costs, which were partially offset by an increase of $6,500 in pass through costs. These factors resulted in a second quarter gross profit for the segment of $34,100 compared to $3,000 for the prior year second quarter, an increase of 1,054%.
Segment operating expenses decreased by $9,400, due primarily to a decrease in allocable corporate marketing expenses.
The combination of these factors resulted in a 2003 second quarter segment operating loss of $57,300, compared to a loss of $97,800 for the second quarter of 2002, a decreased operating loss of $40,500, or 41%.
For the first six months of 2003, segment revenue totaled $187,500 compared to $154,800 for the first six months of 2002, an increase of 21%. Gross profit for the first six months of 2003 was $51,200, compared to $9,100 for the comparable prior year period, an increased gross profit of 463%. Operating loss for the period was $135,800 compared to an operating loss of $186,300 for the comparable 2002 period, a decreased operating loss of 27%. The primary factor contributing to the improvement was increased professional fees on technical services projects.
SUMMARY
On a consolidated basis, the various changes in revenues and operating expenses resulted in a second quarter 2003 operating loss of $467,400, compared to $790,400 for the second quarter of 2002, a decreased loss of $323,000, or 41%. For the six month period ended June 30, 2003 the operating loss was $998,200 compared to $1,494,000 for the prior year comparable period, a reduced operating loss of 33%.
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II. Changes in Financial Condition; Capitalization
Cash amounted to $18,100 as of June 30, 2003, compared to $123,200 as of June 30, 2002. Net cash used for operating activities was approximately $595,600 for the first six months of 2003. The cash used for operating activities during the period was financed by a combination of sales of common stock of $241,600 from a private placement of restricted common stock and attached warrants and the Swartz Private Equity, LLC. (Swartz) agreement, increases in account payable of $69,400, accrued expenses and interest of $402,700, proceeds from the sale of Golden Phoenix Minerals, Inc. (GPXM) stock of $277,800, and $99,800 in account receivable factoring.
Total assets decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2003 by $110,600 to $4,704,200. Current assets increased $257,300 due to increases of $145,800 in accounts receivable, $68,500 in marketable securities, $59,200 in inventory, and $22,900 in prepaid expenses, which were partially offset by a decrease in cash of $39,100. Total property and equipment decreased $121,200 due to depreciation and amortization of the assets. Other assets decreased by $246,700 due primarily to the reclassification to current assets of $220,100 of the value of the Companys investment in GPXM stock. At June 30, 2003 the Company owned 1.84 million shares of GPXM with a value of $552,500. During the six months ended June 30, 2003 the Company sold 1,235,100 GPXM shares, with total net proceeds of $277,800, to assist with the Companys cash operating requirements.
Current liabilities decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2003 by $981,600 and total liabilities increased by $305,800. Total liabilities increased due to increases of $48,200 in accounts payable, $142,700 in accrued management salaries, $162,600 in accrued expenses, including $133,500 in federal and state payroll taxes, a net $178,800 in accrued interest on convertible promissory notes, and $51,300 in accrued interest on other debt. These increases in total liabilities were partially offset by a decrease in convertible notes payable of $250,000 resulting from the conversion of that amount of principal into common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2003. Current liabilities decreased due to a net reclassification into long term debt of convertible notes and accrued interest totaling $1,316,100 due to a combination of the three year extension of convertible promissory notes and related accrued interest and the conversion of $250,000 in principal and $128,333 in accrued interest on convertible promissory notes into common stock.
III. Working Capital/Liquidity
During the six months ended June 30, 2003, working capital improved by approximately $1,238,900 to a deficit balance of $4,537,300 due to the net reclassification to long term debt of extended convertible promissory notes and accrued interest totaling $1,316,100. The Company has had limited cash liquidity since the third quarter of 2000, which is reflected in the increases in current liabilities discussed above. The Company has sought and obtained the funding described above, which has not been sufficient to maintain all obligations on a current basis. However, cash liquidity is being managed and the Company has been able to make sufficient payments to keep most significant creditors working with it. The cash shortage is a result of two factors. First, fertilizer sales in 2002 and the first six months of 2003 did not expand to the extent anticipated, so operating losses were not reduced as much as expected. Second, the $15 million equity line of credit agreement with Swartz Private Equities, LLC (Swartz) was not
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available between October 2001 and May 2002 due to a Securities and Exchange Commission rule change that necessitated renegotiating the contract with Swartz and filing a new registration statement which was filed and became effective on April 30, 2002. Through the date of this report $119,595 has been received under the Swartz agreement during 2003 and $339,900 was received during 2002. Since the Swartz equity funding has not been sufficient to meet the Companys present and future working capital needs, a private placement of stock with attached warrants was started in the fourth quarter of 2002. Private placement proceeds totaling $242,000 have been received in 2003 through the date of this report, and $117,500 was received in 2002. The cost of exercising put rights under the Swartz Agreement has ranged between 28% to 38% of the total proceeds during 2003. Consequently, the Company is contemplating allowing the agreement to expire in early 2004 without exercising any further puts. Such funds will need to be replaced by continuing the 2002 Private Placement.
As discussed above, a combination of selective ongoing cost reductions and one time cost reductions has resulted in significant improvement in both the gross profit (loss) line and in the operating income (loss) line. Going forward, it is expected that the path to overall profitability will be to first achieve profitability at the gross profit level, then at the operating income level, and lastly, at the net income level. The Company believes that the sales foundation is in place and expansion plans are being implemented to achieve those goals over the next 12 to 24 months. The Company achieved small gross profits for the months of April and June, and also for the second quarter. There is a strong possibility that the Company may achieve additional positive gross profits in individual months during the remainder of 2003.
Over the past several years the fundamental difficulty in achieving a profitable level of sales has been finding the proper fit, or niche, in the marketplace for the Companys GOLDn GRO line of fertilizer products. With the success of the chelated micronutrient GOLDn GRO 9-0-1+7% Zinc, which was introduced in the fall of 2001, and as a result of that success the second quarter 2003 introduction of GOLD'n GRO Base Liquid and a new GOLDn GRO chelated micronutrient product, it is believed that a profitable level of sales can be achieved over the next 12 to 24 months. A significant factor in locating and entering these niches has been the advice and recommendations from the Companys distributor network.
The actual rate of growth in fertilizer and the related photochemical and silver sales necessary to achieve profitability is subject to a number of uncertainties, including the annual seasonal nature of fertilizer sales related to crop cycles, short term weather patterns in specific markets, and the availability of funding to support sales growth. In the present economic climate, raising additional capital has been exceedingly difficult. The Company believes that a combination of expected increased sales, along with the easing of several economic uncertainties in the world, such as the war in Iraq and oil prices, the Companys ability to raise capital to support sales growth will be improved.
IV. New Developments
Implementation of the Companys "Beneficial Use Photochemical and Water Recycling" technology is continuing with expansion of the number of branches within the licensed distributor network selling GOLDn GRO fertilizer and consistent on-going sales in tank truck quantities of the
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chelated micronutrient GOLDn GRO 9-0-1+7% Zinc. Our licensed distributor network is also continuing to generate orders for original chelated micronutrient and chelated multinutrient products including GOLD'n GRO 10-0-0 Iron, GOLDn GRO 20-1-7, and GOLDn GRO 8-8-8.
In March 1998 IMI signed a definitive licensing, manufacturing, and distribution agreement with Western Farm Service (WFS), one of the largest liquid fertilizer bulk retailers in the western United States. The five year agreement, with optional five year renewal periods, grants WFS an exclusive license and right to manufacture and market IMI's GOLD'n GRO line of bulk liquid fertilizer products for the Turf & Ornamental and Specialty Agricultural markets in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. In March 2003 the companies entered the second five year term of the agreement.
The Company has been working with its licensed distributor network for several years to identify market segments into which the GOLD'n GRO fertilizer products can be successfully sold. This process has identified three fundamental uses, or functions, of the GOLDn GRO products, which are (1) to replace existing products that do not fully satisfy existing needs, (2) develop new products which will satisfy presently unfulfilled needs, and (3) develop products that can be blended with existing proprietary products to improve their effectiveness. Replacement products are expected to have higher sales growth rates than products developed to fulfill the other two functions, which are defined as development products. The GOLDn GRO GUARDIAN product being developed as an animal repellant/fertilizer fits into the second category. The GOLDn GRO Base Liquid fits into the third category of products.
GOLD'n GRO 9-0-1+7% Zinc was developed to replace existing products as a direct result of this process. It has been successfully introduced into the California market to replace a product that was not fully satisfying customer needs. This product has been primarily responsible for the Companys sales growth over the last 24 months. This same process has led to the development of a second replacement product, which is a GOLDn GRO chelated micronutrient product. This new product has now been approved for sale by the distributor network and is expected to have a growth rate similar to that of the GOLDn GRO 9-0-1+7% Zinc.
During 2002 the Company worked with its licensed distributor network to develop a GOLD'n GRO Base Liquid that could be used as a supplement in the distributors proprietary liquid fertilizer field blend programs, with the purpose of improving the effectiveness of those blends. This product was approved for sale by the Companys distributor network during the second quarter of 2003 and is being carefully introduced into the market by the distributor network. The base liquid is being sold in truckload quantities and usage is expected to be several times greater than the usage of the GOLD'n GRO Zinc product. The GOLD'n GRO Base Liquid is expected to eventually be used at the rate of 5 to 15 percent of the distributor's field blend mixes sold to their grower customers. This presents an opportunity for the Company to participate in the distributor's proprietary bulk liquid blend sales programs in a meaningful way. In the near term, the Company believes that the California market for this product alone is large enough to produce sales levels needed to become profitable within the next 12 to 24 months.
In June 2003 the Company began a cooperative effort with North American Deer Management Network, LLC to develop a single application fertilizer to be sold under the trademark GOLDn GRO GUARDIAN that also serves to repel animals such as deer and rabbits. Preliminary testing
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has been completed and shows the products to be compatible, producing a positive growth response while at the same time repelling, but not harming, the unwanted animals. Holly Ridge Nursery & Landscape Company is managing the project and is currently funding a detailed effectiveness study being conducted by the University of Rhode Island that will cover one full growing season. Results of the study will be utilized to support product registration applications and to complete patent applications. Holly Ridge is also funding the commercial trials which are underway in various locations. The Company sold the first bulk quantity of its GOLDn GRO 8-8-8+4% Sulfur to Holly Ridge in July 2003. This cooperative effort provides the Company with an introduction of its GOLDn GRO line of fertilizer products into the northeastern U.S. and it allows development of the GOLDn GRO GUARDIAN animal repellant/fertilizer market nationwide.
The above describes a flexible approach to developing markets for the GOLDn GRO fertilizers which will continue and may require plant modifications to accommodate the new products as their development is completed and they are cleared for sale. Using this flexible approach, the Company believes that it has now identified and established GOLD'n GRO bulk products that have large enough markets to provide the sales volumes needed for the Company to achieve profitability within the next 12 to 24 months.
The GOLD'n GRO fertilizer product line provides several products for the turf and ornamental markets, 3 products for the nursery and specialty agriculture markets, and 5 high quality chelated micronutrient products which can be used in all of the markets. The GOLD'n GRO chelated micronutrient and chelated multinutrient products are considered to be "Specialty Liquid Fertilizer" and fit into the Specialty Fertilizers segment of the national and international fertilizer markets. The specialty products are generally sold in smaller quantities and at higher prices than NPK fertilizers (Nitrogen (N), Phosphate(P), and Potassium(K)) which are generally sold as single nutrient products in large tonnages at relatively low bulk commodity prices. The Company presently sells its commercial GOLDn GRO products in 2.5 gallon, 55 gallon, and 250 gallon containers and partial or full truck load quantities of up to 4,800 gallons.
The Company is becoming a significant supplier of chelated micronutrient and chelated multinutrient specialty products for several reasons, one of which is that improved nutrient uptake is being demonstrated in large scale field applications of the GOLD'n GRO products when compared to applications that use established chelated micronutrient products. Improved crop nutrient uptake reduces nutrient costs and increases crop yields, generating a significant economic benefit for the grower customers. A second reason is that the photographic byproduct materials used as base components provide the chelates at a much lower cost compared to purchasing new "unused" chelates. A third reason is that the GOLD'n GRO liquid products are specifically designed for fertigation application in micro-sprinkler and drip irrigation, which is a growing application method and requires liquid fertilizer products with superior stability in irrigation water under widely varying conditions. These demonstrated advantages of the GOLD'N GRO liquid product line are provided by the Company's proprietary "Beneficial Use Photochemical and Water Recycling" technology.
Most of the GOLDn GRO products are currently registered for sale in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Nevada, and GOLDn GRO 9-0-1+7% Zinc is registered in Idaho. GOLD'n GRO bulk product sales are now established in Arizona and California, with the majority of the sales being made in California. In April 2003 the first truckload sale of chelated
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micro-nutrient products was made to a peach grower in western Colorado. Planning is underway to implement sales in Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Company is developing bulk customers in northern Nevada and has started discussions with potential distributors in selected states not covered by its licensed distributor network, including the northeastern states.
The Company recently announced that it has expanded the number of GOLD'n GRO liquid fertilizer formulas being offered through its "e-store" catalog. Some formulas are now being offered in 2.5 gallon containers. This expanded product offering makes GOLD'n GRO available to two important Professional Market segments: the Landscape Maintenance Market and the Nursery and Greenhouse Market. In addition, a number of homeowners with large lawn and garden areas have requested the 2.5 gallon container, which is similar in weight and formula analysis to many of the dry fertilizer products being offered in wholesale and large retail outlets. Internet sales are still relatively small as a percentage of total sales, but have grown in each of the past two years. The Company believes that this expanded product offering will significantly increase internet sales.
The project to develop and sell a line of animal repellant/fertilizer products under the trademark GOLDn GRO GUARDIAN provides direct GOLDn GRO product marketing and distribution for the northeastern states into the Landscape Construction and Maintenance market, and into the wholesale and retail Nursery and Greenhouse markets. The new GOLDn GRO GUARDIAN product line presents the opportunity to develop products for the animal repellant market, an emerging national market in which product offerings are currently limited. Deer and other plant eating animals are becoming a major urban problem because they are now doing tens of millions of dollars in damage to urban landscaping each year.
The Company is continuing to develop new sources of used photochemical liquids, although it does presently have sufficient volume of in-coming photoliquids to support current and near term GOLD'n GRO fertilizer sales growth. The Company has been developing photochemical concentrator technology to reduce the cost of transporting the used photochemical liquids to the Reno manufacturing plant. The Company has also been identifying and qualifying non-photochemical sources of used chelates and it has been identifying and qualifying non-photochemical waste streams that might be useable, after processing with the Company's proprietary technology, as substitute materials for virgin additive raw materials that the Company presently purchases.
GOLD'n GRO fertilizer products are formulated to match potential new sources of secondary chelates so that as GOLD'n GRO fertilizer sales continue to expand the Company can begin to use "non-photo" chelates. The Company has also identified and qualified industrial waste streams that will allow it to replace certain virgin additive materials that it now purchases to make GOLD'n GRO fertilizers. Replacing the virgin additive materials with materials from secondary sources will provide the Company with equivalent materials at lower cost. Some manufacturing process changes will be required, but this will be beneficial due to reductions in raw material costs and the improved cost stability that will be achieved.
Demand for the Company's photochemical services business continues to increase due to growth in the use of conventional photography in the markets being serviced. The Company believes the supply of these used photochemical liquids is more than adequate to support continuing growth in fertilizer demand. However, customer services are provided under renewable annual service
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agreements which must be negotiated in advance, and once established cannot readily be interrupted or cancelled. The Company's photochemical supply customers generate the liquids on an on-going basis, typically have limited on site storage, and must be provided continuous reliable service by the Company. Due to this characteristic, the Company must provide sufficient raw material storage capacity at its manufacturing facility to accommodate seasonal fluctuations in both raw material supply and in fertilizer sales, and the Company must establish and maintain a balance between used photochemical liquid supply and fertilizer sales.
In 2001 the Company developed an advanced design for a photochemical concentrator that produces water pure enough to be used to make up new photochemicals, presenting the photoprocessor with the opportunity to reuse the water and thereby achieve 100 percent recycle of the used photochemical waste stream. The concentrator also produces photochemical concentrates suitable for processing for use in GOLD'n GRO fertilizer manufacturing.
In 2002 the Company was awarded a contract by the Department of Defense for five of these photochemical concentrators, which were delivered. Installation and testing at certain military bases will be completed over the next several months under a separate contract and then the Company will begin to receive the concentrated photochemicals that are produced by these machines. Late in the first and second quarters of 2003, the Company was awarded a contract for two more photochemical concentrators. This program is regarded as a pilot project, which may lead to providing "Beneficial Use Photochemical and Water Recycling" services to all branches of the U.S. military and is being developed by the Department of Defense in consultation with the Federal EPA.
Early in the first quarter of 2003 the Company initiated a photochemical concentrator sales program that is expected to generate sales to large photo and medical laboratories. The objective of these sales is to generate additional supplies of photochemical concentrates nationally. During the first quarter of 2003 a services agreement was signed with the NASA Johnson Space Center in Texas which already has an installed photochemical concentrating system. The Company is actively marketing its "Beneficial Use Photochemical and Water Recycling" service to other U.S. government agencies and private sector companies which already have installed photochemical concentrating systems.
In 2002 a Department of Defense contractor presented a waste product for evaluation which contains both silver and materials that may be useable for fertilizer manufacturing. The Company is evaluating this product, which is currently available in relatively small amounts, but which is expected to grow in quantity over time. Other similar materials are known to be treated as waste products for disposal, but with use of the Company's proprietary technology some of these may be converted to useable products to support silver refining and fertilizer manufacturing. Due to the small size of the waste stream, the development of technology for processing these materials is being delayed until GOLD'n GRO fertilizer sales reach higher levels.
The Company's sales of 5 ounce "Silver Nevada Miner" bars through the Itronics "e-store" are continuing, although those sales are still relatively small. The sales of finished silver bullion from internally recovered silver will continue to fluctuate until GOLD'n GRO sales reach larger volumes.
Growth of silver output is driven to a large degree by photochemical processing to support GOLD'n GRO fertilizer sales. There are some opportunities to expand silver output separate from
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photochemical recycling, but profit margins for the refining services are very small when compared to the inventory requirements and the security risk. Because of these factors, gold and silver refining services will be limited to categories of materials where the Company's proprietary technology can be used and that offer better profit opportunities than conventional precious metal refining.
During the first quarter of 2003 the Company initiated development of a tile product that will use the silver-bearing glass generated by the Company's gold and silver refining process. Initial trial runs to develop procedural and manufacturing information have been successfully completed. As a result, the Company expects that it will take about 2 years of elapsed time to develop an initial line of tile products. This development completes the conversion of the used photochemical recycling to 100 percent beneficial use recycling, and opens up some new opportunities for the gold and silver refining segment to generate sales and profits that are not tied directly to used photochemical recycling.
The Company's current fertilizer emphasis is on developing bulk liquid product sales. The "Beneficial Use Photochemical and Water Recycling" technology is fully integrated, and is being implemented with a cost structure that anticipates large volume material throughput. This is based on previously developed information that more than 100 million gallons of used liquid photochemicals are generated in the United States annually. Using conversion ratios developed for the GOLD'n GRO products, this is enough volume to support the manufacture and sale of more than 200 million gallons of liquid fertilizer products, or 1 million tons. Over 20 million tons of fertilizer products are sold annually in North America. The Company's current sales level is less than 0.005 percent of the indicated market.
The Company's manufacturing plant is presently configured for an initial manufacturing capacity of 7.2 million gallons per year or 36,000 tons of GOLD'n GRO products. Planned storage and truck loading capacity expansions, installation of a heat exchange system, and automation of some manufacturing functions, must be completed before this capacity can be achieved. Some of these requirements are discussed more fully below. Unexpected new market potentials have already required modification of certain expansion plans. As the Company continues to identify and develop its GOLD'n GRO liquid fertilizer product markets, additional unforeseen changes could require additional plan modifications.
In 2002 the Company completed the construction of a bulk liquid fertilizer tank truck load out facility consisting of two 7,500 gallon load out tanks with the capability to load a 5,000 gallon tank truck in 30 minutes. This load out facility was expected to handle anticipated growth in demand for the chelated micronutrient zinc product during the next two years. With the introduction of additional bulk products, three more 7,500 gallon tanks will be needed.
Ongoing changes in the manufacturing process, arising as a result of specific sales opportunities such as the chelated zinc fertilizer products, require installation of a heat exchange system that was expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2003, but which was delayed due to lack of funding to complete the installation. The capital cost of completing installation of the heat exchange system is budgeted at $200,000. A capital budget is being developed for the expansion of the truck load out system.
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During the first quarter the Companys mining technical services division acquired a new client and has been engaged to perform technical services that are expected to continue until later in 2003.
V. Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this Form 10-QSB may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the failure to complete successfully the development of new or enhanced products, the Companys future capital needs, the lack of market demand for any new or enhanced products the Company may develop, any actions by the Companys partners that may be adverse to the Company, the success of competitive products, other economic factors affecting the Company and its markets, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results may differ materially from those contained in this Form 10-QSB.
Item 3. Controls and Procedures
Itronics management, including the Chief Executive and Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarter ending June 30, 2003 and have evaluated whether any changes in internal controls over financial reporting have occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting. These evaluations were conducted pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on these evaluations, the Chief Executive and Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to him in a timely fashion. He also concluded that there were no significant changes in internal controls over financial reporting, or in factors that could significantly affect internal controls over financial reporting, during the quarter ended June 30, 2003.
PART II- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In August 2002 a supplier of equipment to be utilized in the Stead manufacturing plant filed suit against the Company and its subsidiary, Itronics Metallurgical, Inc. (IMI) in Johnson County, Indiana for the unpaid amount of $64,234 plus attorneys fees and court costs. On October 1, 2002 the plaintiff received a default judgment awarding the $64,234 plus $1,500 attorneys fees plus 8% interest. On November 5, 2002 the plaintiff filed a "Notice of Filing of Foreign Judgment" in Washoe County, Nevada and has received the judgment. Plaintiffs attorney is actively seeking to collect the amount due. Subsequent to June 30, 2003 a proposed payment agreement has been made. Opposing legal counsel is recommending that the plaintiff accept the proposal.
During the period of September 2002 through June 2003 a total of eight lawsuits have been filed against the Companys subsidiaries, WWI and IMI, by various equipment lessors. Four of the suits were filed in Washoe County, Nevada, two in Cook County, Illinois, one in Los Angeles County, California, and one in Oakland County, Michigan. The suits seek a total of $460,227 plus attorneys fees and other costs. Three of these suits, seeking a total of $228,834 plus costs, were settled by signing stipulated judgments and agreeing to pay total payments of $150,000. Monthly payments on the settlements total $8,833 and are paid over various periods
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ranging from 6 to 31 months. If the restructured leases are defaulted, judgments for the original claimed amounts can be entered and further collection action, including repossession of the secured equipment, can be taken. Of the remaining unsettled suits, two are being actively negotiated and a tentative payment arrangement has been agreed to, subject to completion of legal paperwork, including stipulated judgments. Both payment arrangements call for the delinquent payments to be added onto the
end of the leases, with regular monthly payments at the original terms to begin in August 2003. The plaintiffs in the remaining three unsettled suits have obtained judgments but no further collection action has been taken. The relevant information has been assigned to legal counsel who will contact opposing counsel and will attempt to work out payment arrangements.
In September and October 2002 three mechanics liens totaling $104,708 were filed on IMIs Stead manufacturing facility due to non payment for work performed on the property. In November 2002 the general contractor filed suit for its portion of the above amount, a total of $81,233. Final payment on the $81,233 was made subsequent to June 30, 2003 and two of the liens were released. Negotiations are ongoing to obtain a payment agreement on the remaining $23,475.
In December 2002 a trade creditor filed suit against the Company and WWI in Washoe County, Nevada seeking a total of $12,100. The Company has signed a stipulated judgment and made a payment of $3,000 in March 2003. An additional $2,000 was paid subsequent to June 30, 2003. The Company is in periodic communication with the plaintiffs lawyer regarding the past due payments. No other action has been taken as of the date of this report.
In February 2003 a trade creditor filed suit against the Company in Washoe County, Nevada seeking a total of $85,525 plus attorney fees and other costs. A default judgment was entered in May 2003. The Company is attempting to negotiate a settlement.
In April 2003 a suit was filed in Washoe County, Nevada against the Company by one of the Convertible Promissory Note holders, seeking in excess of $94,000, plus attorney fees and other costs. Subsequent to June 30, 2003 the suit was settled by payment of the Companys common stock for the full amount due.
In June 2003 the Internal Revenue Service filed liens totaling $120,347 for unpaid payroll taxes against the Companys subsidiaries, WWI, IMI, and ICI. The amount of delinquent federal payroll taxes due as of June 30, 2003 was approximately $260,000. Taxes incurred beginning in June 2003 are being paid timely and, subsequent to June 30, 2003, $33,200 has been paid toward the past due amount. A payment arrangement is expected to be obtained by the end of August 2003.
Subsequent to June 30, 2003 two suits were filed in Washoe County, Nevada against the Companys subsidiaries, WWI and IMI, by equipment lessors. The total amount of the claims is $128,479 plus attorney fees and other costs. The cases have been assigned to legal counsel for negotiation of payment arrangements.
Successful settlement of the above claims is dependent on additional financing.
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Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
(c) Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities:
Following is a summary of sales of unregistered securities for the three months ended June 30, 2003. All securities were issued as restricted common shares which are subject to Rule 144 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Generally, Rule 144 requires shareholders to hold the shares for a minimum of one year before sale. In addition, officers, directors and more than 10% shareholders are further restricted in their ability to sell such shares. There have been no underwriters of these securities and no underwriting commissions or discounts have been paid.
Shares |
Value |
|
Issued |
Received |
|
Private placement for cash |
325,000 |
$ 26,000 |
Private placement for GPXM option purchase |
1,365,938 |
109,275 |
Conversion of notes payable and accrued interest |
987,833 |
176,676 |
Labor services of management and directors |
2,500 |
300 |
Interest on management salary in arrears |
137,675 |
15,898 |
2,818,946 |
$328,149 |
The above transactions qualified for exemption from registration under Sections 3(b) or 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. Private placements for cash were non-public transactions. The Company believes that all such investors are either accredited or, either alone or with their purchaser representative, have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that they are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
As of June 30, 2003 lease payments totaling $493,489 were in arrears. Of this amount, $482,005 remains unpaid as of the date of this report. As required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the principal balance of the leases that are not paid current through June 30, 2003 by the date of this report have been classified as current liabilities. Lease payments due as of July 31, 2003 totaling $521,679 are in arrears. The Company is in ongoing communication with the lessors to avoid action that may be adverse to the Company.
During the six months ended June 30, 2003 six leases were restructured. Three of those were settlements of lawsuits in which the Company agreed to sign stipulated judgments wherein the lessor will receive a default judgment if the future payment terms are not met. Negotiations on another of those leases also required the signing of a stipulated judgment. The result of restructuring these leases was the elimination of all payments in arrears and future minimum lease payments of $212,922, compared to minimum lease payments of $251,084 prior to the restructuring.
As discussed above, mechanics liens were filed in 2002 on IMIs Stead manufacturing facility due to non payment for work performed on the property. Such liens not cleared after 60 days from the date of filing become defaults under terms of the deed of trust securing the mortgage
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on the property and the lender can demand payment in full and institute foreclosure proceedings. As required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the entire principal balance of the note is included in current liabilities. $500,997 of the principal balance would otherwise be classified as long term debt. Monthly payments in common stock are being made to the general contractor. The lender is aware of the situation and has not made a demand or taken any other action.
During the six months ended June 30, 2003 the Company offered the holders of its 2000 Series 9% Convertible Promissory Notes to extend the notes for an additional three years in exchange for an increase in the interest rate, commencing as of each note maturity date, to 12% per annum and a reduced conversion price to $0.20 per share. As of June 30, 2003, out of a principal balance of $2,573,000, holders of $1,581,000 in notes agreed to extend their notes. The remaining $992,000 in principal, plus accrued interest of $344,009, is in default as of June 30, 2003. Subsequent to June 30, 2003, notes for an additional $102,000, plus accrued interest of $37,852, were extended. During the period of January 1, 2003 through July 31, 2003, for all series of convertible notes, a total of $552,000 in principal and $177,985 in accrued interest has been converted to common stock.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
Exhibit 31 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 29
Exhibit 32 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION
1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 30
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ITRONICS INC.
DATED: August 13, 2003 By: /S/JOHN W. WHITNEY
John W. Whitney
President, Treasurer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated
DATED: August 13, 2003 By: /S/JOHN W. WHITNEY
John W. Whitney
President, Treasurer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
DATED: August 13, 2003 By: /S/MICHAEL C. HORSLEY
Michael C. Horsley
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
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