UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

or

 

o TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission File Number 0-29185

 

QS ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada 52-2088326

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

735 State Street, Suite 500

Santa Barbara, California 93101

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

 

(805)-845-3561

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Save the World Air, Inc.

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None.

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock, $0.001 par value.

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x
   
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of November 9, 2015 was 183,171,577.

 

 
 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAVE THE WORLD AIR, INC.)

FORM 10-Q

 

INDEX

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Unaudited 4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (deficit), Unaudited 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, UNAUDITED 6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Unaudited 7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 16
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk 21
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 21
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION 22
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 22
Item 1A. Risk Factors 22
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 22
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 22
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 22
Item 5. Other Information 22
Item 6. Exhibits 23
SIGNATURES 24
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32

 

2
 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

QS ENERGY, INC.
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAVE THE WORLD AIR, INC.)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   September 30     
   2015   December 31 
   (unaudited)   2014 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash  $559,682   $2,247,557 
Other current assets   57,161    72,225 
Total current assets   616,843    2,319,782 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $56,983 and $47,180 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively   25,057    21,946 
Other assets   6,480    5,830 
Total assets  $648,380   $2,347,558 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’  EQUITY (DEFICIT)          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable-license agreements  $543,126   $405,313 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   170,825    175,228 
Accrued expenses and accounts payable-related parties   206,897    259,507 
Convertible debentures, net of discounts of $7,119 and $105,542 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively   184,721    139,098 
Total current liabilities   1,105,569    979,146 
           
Commitments and contingencies          
           
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)          
Common stock, $.001 par value: 300,000,000 shares authorized 183,171,577 and 181,028,244 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively   183,172    181,028 
Additional paid-in capital   99,947,915    98,232,582 
Accumulated deficit   (100,588,276)   (97,045,198)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)   (457,189)   1,368,412 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)  $648,380   $2,347,558 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3
 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAVE THE WORLD AIR, INC.)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Unaudited

 

   Three months ended   Nine months ended 
   September 30   September 30 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Revenues  $   $180,000   $   $240,000 
Costs and Expenses                    
Operating expenses   727,587    749,680    2,409,551    2,600,095 
Research and development expenses   80,082    146,094    500,517    741,045 
Loss before other income (expense)   (807,669)   (715,774)   (2,910,068)   (3,101,140)
Other income (expense)                    
Other income (loss)   7,858        10,858    (26,500)
Interest and financing expense   (25,986)       (643,868)    
Net loss  $(825,797)  $(715,774)  $(3,543,078)  $(3,127,640)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted  $(0.00)  $(0.00)  $(0.02)  $(0.02)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted   183,128,577    180,695,547    181,943,768    180,204,377 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4
 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAVE THE WORLD AIR, INC.)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (deficit), Unaudited

For the NINE Months Ended SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

 

               Total 
       Additional       Stockholders’ 
   Common Stock   Paid-in   Accumulated   Equity 
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   (Deficit) 
Balance, January 1, 2015   181,028,244   $181,028   $98,232,582   $(97,045,198)  $1,368,412 
Common stock issued upon exercise of warrants   200,000    200    49,800         50,000 
Common stock issued on conversion of convertible notes   1,943,333    1,944    600,856         602,800 
Fair value of warrants and beneficial conversion feature of issued convertible notes             470,945         470,945 
Fair value of options and warrants issued as compensation             593,732         593,732 
Net loss                  (3,543,078)   (3,543,078)
Balance, September 30, 2015, unaudited   183,171,577   $183,172   $99,947,915   $(100,588,276)  $(457,189)

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5
 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAVE THE WORLD AIR, INC.)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, UNAUDITED

 

   Nine months ended 
   September 30 
   2015   2014 
Cash flows from Operating Activities          
Net loss  $(3,543,078)  $(3,127,640)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:     
Stock based compensation expense   593,732    596,917 
Amortization of debt discounts   643,868     
Depreciation and amortization   9,803    10,368 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable       (60,000)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   15,064    7,604 
Other assets   (650)    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   (4,403)   (141,857)
Accounts payable – license agreements   137,813    140,644 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses – related parties   (52,610)   (334,654)
Net cash used in operating activities   (2,200,461)   (2,908,618)
Cash flows from investing activities          
Purchase of equipment   (12,914)    
Net cash used in investing activities   (12,914)    
Cash flows from financing activities          
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible notes and warrants   475,500     
Net proceeds from exercise of warrants and options   50,000    1,413,284 
Net cash provided by financing activities   525,500    1,413,284 
Net decrease in cash   (1,687,875)   (1,495,334)
Cash, beginning of period   2,247,557    4,137,068 
Cash, end of period  $559,682   $2,641,734 
           
           
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information          
Cash paid during the year for:          
Interest  $   $ 
Income Taxes  $   $ 
Non-cash investing and financing activities          
Common stock issued on conversion of convertible debentures   602,800     
Fair value of warrants and beneficial conversion feature associated with issued convertible notes   470,945      

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6
 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAVE THE WORLD AIR, INC.)

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Unaudited

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND 2014

 

1.Description of Business

 

QS Energy, Inc. (“QS Energy”, “Company”) (formerly known as Save the World Air, Inc.) was incorporated on February 18, 1998, as a Nevada Corporation under the name Mandalay Capital Corporation. The Company changed its name to Save the World Air, Inc. on February 11, 1999. Effective August 11, 2015, the Company changed its name to QS Energy, Inc. The name change was effected through a short-form merger pursuant to Section 92A.180 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Additionally, QS Energy Pool, Inc., a California corporation, was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company on July 6, 2015 to serve as a vehicle for the Company to explore, review and consider acquisition opportunities. The Company’s common stock is quoted under the symbol “QSEP” on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. More information including the Company’s fact sheet, logos and media articles are available at our corporate website, www.qsenergy.com.

 

QS Energy, Inc. develops and commercializes energy efficiency technologies that assist in meeting increasing global energy demands, improving the economics of oil extraction and transport, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Company's intellectual property portfolio includes 47 domestic and international patents and patents pending, a substantial portion of which have been developed in conjunction with and exclusively licensed from Temple University of Philadelphia, PA (“Temple”). QS Energy's primary technology is called Applied Oil Technology™ (AOT™), a commercial-grade crude oil pipeline transportation flow-assurance product. AOT™ has been proven in U.S. Department of Energy tests to increase the energy efficiency of oil pipeline pump stations. The AOT product has transitioned from the research and development stage to initial commercial production for the midstream pipeline marketplace.

 

In 2014, the Company began commercial development of a suite of products based around the Joule Heat technology. The Company began fabrication of prototype equipment to be operated under a joint development agreement with a commercial entity in the fourth quarter of 2014. This prototype equipment was installed in June, 2015, with testing beginning shortly thereafter which is anticipated to be completed first quarter of 2016. In addition, the Company filed two additional provisional patents related to the technology’s method and apparatus. The first of the two provisional patents was finalized and submitted to non-provisional status on April 29, 2014. The second of the two provisional patents was finalized and submitted to non-provisional status at the end of the third quarter of 2014.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Accordingly, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures, including notes, required by GAAP.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to fairly present the Company's financial position and results of operations for the interim periods reflected. Except as noted, all adjustments contained herein are of a normal recurring nature. Results of operations for the fiscal periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of fiscal year-end results.

 

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Consolidation Policy

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of QS Energy Inc. include the accounts of QS Energy Inc. (the Parent) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, QS Energy Pool, Inc. and STWA Asia Pte. Limited. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

7
 

 

Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has not yet generated significant revenues and has incurred recurring net losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company incurred a net loss of $3,543,078 and used cash in operations of $2,200,461. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to raise additional funds and implement its strategies. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

In addition, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company's December 31, 2014 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

 

At September 30, 2015, the Company had cash on hand in the amount of $559,682. Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through January 2016. Management is currently seeking additional funds, primarily through the issuance of debt and equity securities for cash to operate our business, including without limitation the expenses it will incur in connection with the license and research and development agreements with Temple; costs associated with product development and commercialization of the AOT and Joule Heat technologies; costs to manufacture and ship the products; costs to design and implement an effective system of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures; costs of maintaining our status as a public company by filing periodic reports with the SEC and costs required to protect our intellectual property. In addition, as discussed below, the Company has substantial contractual commitments, including without limitation salaries to our executive officers pursuant to employment agreements, certain payments to a former officer and consulting fees, during the remainder of 2015 and beyond.

 

No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing or cause substantial dilution for our stock holders, in case of equity financing.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes lease revenue upon commencement of the lease. Revenue on future product sales will be recognized upon meeting the following criteria: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services rendered; the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

Basic and Diluted Income (loss) per share

 

Our computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) includes basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as the income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution, using the treasury stock method, that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the income (loss) of the Company as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. In computing diluted income (loss) per share, the treasury stock method assumes that outstanding options and warrants are exercised and the proceeds are used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Options and warrants may have a dilutive effect under the treasury stock method only when the average market price of the common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of the options and warrants. Potential common shares that have an antidilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.

 

Income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective periods. Basic and diluted (loss) per common share is the same for periods in which the Company reported an operating loss because all warrants and stock options outstanding are anti-dilutive. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, we excluded the outstanding securities summarized below, which entitle the holders thereof to acquire shares of common stock as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

   September 30, 2015   September 30, 2014 
Options   21,706,512    20,757,030 
Warrants   3,677,704    5,421,050 
Common stock issuable upon conversion of notes payable   399,667     
Total   25,783,883    26,178,080 

 

8
 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company periodically issues stock options and warrants to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. The Company accounts for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to employees based on the authoritative guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board whereas the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period. The Company accounts for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) whereas the value of the stock compensation is based upon the measurement date as determined at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, option grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

 

The fair value of the Company's stock option and warrant grants is estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the stock options or warrants, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model, and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

 

Business and Credit Concentrations

 

The Company’s cash balances in financial institutions at times may exceed federally insured limits. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, before adjustments for outstanding checks and deposits in transit, the Company had $559,682 and $2,247,557, respectively, on deposit with two banks. The deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 at each bank. The Company believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to these cash balances because of its assessment of the creditworthiness and financial viability of these financial institutions.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include those related to assumptions used in valuing equity instruments issued for financing and services. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Effective January 1, 2008, fair value measurements are determined by the Company's adoption of authoritative guidance issued by the FASB, with the exception of the application of the statement to non-recurring, non-financial assets and liabilities as permitted. The adoption of the authoritative guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's fair value measurements. Fair value is defined in the authoritative guidance as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy was established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:

 

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, are observable either directly or indirectly.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company's assumptions.

 

The Company is required to use observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort. At September 30, 2015, the recorded amounts for accounts payable, accrued expenses and convertible debentures approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. The ASU also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Entities will be able to transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.

 

9
 

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The pronouncement was issued to clarify the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

On August 27, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in the financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The ASU applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. Prior to the issuance of the standard, debt issuance costs were required to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2015-03 on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statement presentation or disclosures.

 

3.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had accrued expenses and accounts payable to related parties in the amount of $206,897 and $259,507, respectively. Included in these amounts at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were unpaid salaries due the former President and a current member of the Company’s Board of Directors of $90,429 and $135,429, respectively. The Company agreed to pay the former President $5,000 per month until the unpaid salary is fully settled. Also included in these amounts at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are accrued directors’ fees of $76,089 and $80,586, respectively.

 

4.Convertible Notes

 

  

September 30, 2015

(unaudited)

  

December 31,

2014

 
Balance due on convertible notes  $191,840   $244,640 
Unamortized note discounts   (7,119)   (105,542)
Balance on convertible notes, net of note discounts  $184,721   $139,098 

 

Spring 2015 Convertible Notes:

 

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company issued convertible notes in the aggregate of $550,000 for cash consideration of $475,500, net of original issue discount of $50,000 and commission paid of $24,500. The notes do not bear any interest; however, the Company used an implied interest rate of 10%. The notes are unsecured, mature one year after issuance, and are convertible into 1,833,333 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.30 per share. The Company determined that the notes contained a beneficial conversion feature of $352,139 since the market price of the Company’s common stock was higher than the effective conversion price of the notes when issued.  

 

Investors in the convertible notes received, for no additional consideration, warrants to purchase a total of 916,667 shares of common stock. Each warrant is exercisable on a cash basis only at an exercise price of $0.30 per share, are exercisable immediately upon issuance, and expires one year from the date of issuance. The relative fair value of the warrants issued with the convertible notes was determined to be $118,806 computed using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model.

 

10
 

 

The fair value of the warrants, the beneficial conversion feature, the original issue discount and commission paid, aggregated $545,445 and is considered a debt discount. In June 2015, the full balance of these notes in the amount of $550,000 was converted to 1,833,333 shares of common stock and the full aggregated debt discount amortized as interest expense. During the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2015, the total note discount amortized as interest expense was $0 and $545,455, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 there was no remaining balance due on these notes.

 

Fall 2014 Convertible Notes:

 

In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company issued convertible notes in the aggregate of $280,390 for cash consideration of $254,900, resulting in an original issue discount of $25,490. The notes do not bear any interest; however, the Company used an implied interest rate of 10%. The notes are unsecured, mature one year after issuance, and were convertible into 584,147 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.48 per share. The Company determined that the notes contained a beneficial conversion feature of $94,845 since the market price of the Company’s common stock was higher than the conversion price of the notes when issued.  

 

Investors in the convertible notes received, for no additional consideration, warrants to purchase a total of 146,037 shares of common stock. Each warrant is exercisable on a cash basis only at an exercise price of $0.48 per share, are exercisable immediately upon issuance, and expires one year from the date of issuance. The fair value of the warrants issued with the convertible notes was determined to be $24,826 computed using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model.

 

The fair value of the warrants, the beneficial conversion feature, and the original issue discount, aggregated $145,161 and was considered a debt discount. The debt discount is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes, or in full upon the conversion of a note. As of December 31, 2014 the balance due on these notes was $244,640 and unamortized note discount was $105,542. 

 

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, the Company converted $52,800 of these notes into 110,000 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2015 the balance due on these notes was $191,840.

 

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, amortization of the note discount totaled $25,986 and $98,231, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, the unamortized note discount was $7,119.

 

In October 2015, two notes payable with a total balance of $26,840 matured. As of the date of this report, the notes payable are still outstanding and past due. Under terms of the notes, the principal balance of each note increased by 10% at maturity and interest thereon accrues at 10% per annum.

 

5.Research and Development

 

The Company constructs, develops and tests the AOT and Joule Heat technologies with internal resources and through the assistance of various third party entities. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and include fees such as fees due to Temple University, patent fees, purchase of test equipment, pipeline pumping equipment, crude oil tank batteries, viscometers, SCADA systems, computer equipment, payroll and other related equipment and various logistical expenses for the purposes of evaluating and testing the Company’s AOT and Joule Heat prototypes.

 

Total expenses incurred during the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2015 on Research and Development were $80,082 and $500,517, respectively.

 

Total expenses incurred during the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2014 on Research and Development were $146,094 and $741,045, respectively.

 

AOT and Joule Heat Product Development and Testing

 

Total expenses incurred during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 on AOT and Joule Heat product development and testing amounted to $0, and $25,575, respectively, and have been reflected as part of Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

Total expenses incurred during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 on AOT and Joule Heat product development and testing amounted to $12,167, and $44,355, respectively, and have been reflected as part of Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

AOT Prototypes

 

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, the Company incurred total expenses of $31,843 and $84,864, respectively, in the manufacture and delivery of AOT prototype equipment.

 

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During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company incurred total expenses of $54,708 and $458,706, respectively, in the manufacture and delivery of AOT prototype equipment.

 

These prototype equipment expenses have been reflected as part of Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

Joule Heat Prototypes

 

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, the Company incurred total expenses of $1,364 and $184,765, respectively, in the manufacture and delivery of Joule Heat prototype equipment. These expenses have been reflected as part of Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. No such expenses were incurred in the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2014.

 

Temple University Licensing Agreements

 

On August 1, 2011, the Company and Temple University (“Temple”) entered into two Exclusive License Agreements (collectively, the “License Agreements”) relating to Temple’s patent applications, patents and technical information pertaining to technology associated with an electric and/or magnetic field assisted fuel injector system (the “First Temple License”), and to technology to reduce crude oil viscosity (the “Second Temple License”).  The License Agreements are exclusive and the territory licensed to the Company is worldwide and replace previously issued License Agreements. A license maintenance fee of $187,500 is due annually through the life of the underlying patents or until otherwise terminated by either party.

 

Total expenses recognized during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 pursuant to these two agreements amounted to $46,875 in each period. Total expenses recognized during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 pursuant to these two agreements amounted to $140,625 in each period. These expenses are reflected in Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, total unpaid fees due to Temple pursuant to these agreements amounted to $413,750 and $340,625, respectively, which are included as part of Accounts Payable – licensing agreement in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Of the total unpaid fees due pursuant to these agreements as of September 30, 2015, a total of $257,500 is past due and payment of the remaining $156,250 is deferred until a minimum sales threshold of $500,000 has been met. The Company is currently in discussions with Temple University regarding settlement of these past due amounts.

 

There were no revenues generated from these two licenses during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015. Revenues generated from these two licenses during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 were $180,000 and $240,000, respectively. Revenues generated in 2014 did not meet the annual minimum threshold for payment of license royalties. No license royalty fees accrued under these two license agreements in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. 

 

Temple University Sponsored Research Agreement

 

On March 19, 2012, the Company entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement (“Research Agreement”) with Temple University (“Temple”), whereby Temple, under the direction of Dr. Rongjia Tao, will perform ongoing research related to the Company’s AOT device (the “Project”), for the period April 1, 2012, through April 1, 2014. All rights and title to intellectual property resulting from Temple’s work related to the Project shall be subject to the Exclusive License Agreements between Temple and the Company, dated August 1, 2011. In exchange for Temple’s research efforts on the Project, the Company has agreed to pay Temple $500,000, payable in quarterly installments of $62,500 through December 2013.

 

In August 2013, the Company and Temple amended the Research Agreement. Under the amended agreement, parties agreed that total cost for Phase 1 of the agreement was $241,408 and total cost for Phase 2 of the agreement was $258,592 payable beginning September 1, 2013 in eight quarterly installments of $32,324 through September 2015.

 

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 the Company recognized a total expense of $0 and $64,688, respectively, pursuant to this agreement. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 the Company recognized a total expense of $32,344 and $97,359, respectively, pursuant to this agreement. These expenses are reflected in Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, total unpaid fees due to Temple pursuant to this agreement amounted to $129,376 and $64,688, respectively, which are included as part of Accounts Payable – licensing agreement in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid fees of $129,376 were due September 1, 2015 and are past due. As of the date of this report, the Company is in discussions with Temple University regarding settlement of these past due amounts.

 

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6.Leases

 

Kinder Morgan Crude & Condensate, LLC Lease

 

On July 15, 2014, the Company entered into an Equipment Lease/Option to Purchase Agreement (“Lease”) with Kinder Morgan Crude & Condensate, LLC (“Kinder Morgan”). In accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement, Kinder Morgan agreed to lease and test the effectiveness of the Company’s AOT technology and equipment on one of Kinder Morgan’s operating pipelines. Equipment provided under the Lease includes a single AOT Midstream pressure vessel with a maximum flow capacity of 5,000 gallons per minute.

 

The initial term (“Initial Term”) of the Lease is four months, with an option to extend the Lease for up to a maximum of 84 months. During the Initial Term, either the Company or Kinder Morgan may terminate the Agreement for any reason on 45 days’ written notice. Lease payments shall be $20,000 per month; provided however, that in the event the Equipment is removed from service at its initial location during the Initial Term, the monthly lease payments shall be reduced to $5,000 until the Equipment is placed back in service at its new location, at which time the Lease payments shall resume at $20,000 per month. The agreement further provides that Kinder Morgan shall have an option to purchase the equipment during the term of the Lease for a fixed price of between $600,000 and $1,200,000, depending upon the date of purchase.

 

The equipment was delivered to Kinder Morgan in December 2014 and installed in March 2015. In April 2015, the AOT pressure vessel experienced an electrical short and was replaced by another AOT pressure vessel. Subsequently, it was determined that the AOT needed further modification and as a result, a modified AOT unit was installed in July 2015. Subsequently, the Company and Kinder Morgan agreed to hold off acceptance of the AOT unit subject to further laboratory testing and system modifications which are scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of FY 2016.

 

TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. Lease

 

On August 1, 2013, the Company entered into an Equipment Lease/Option to Purchase Agreement (“Lease”) with TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. by its agent TC Oil Pipeline Operations, Inc. (“TransCanada”) which agreed to lease and test the effectiveness of the Company’s AOT technology and equipment on one of TransCanada’s operating pipelines. The initial term of the lease was for six months at an amount of $60,000 per month. During the initial term, either the Company or TransCanada had the right to terminate the Agreement for any reason on 90 days written notice. TransCanada had an option to purchase the equipment during the term of the lease for approximately $4.3 million.

 

In June 2014, the equipment was accepted by TransCanada and the lease commenced. The Company accounted for the TransCanada Lease as an operating lease, and recognized lease revenue of $180,000 and $240,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

 

In October 2014, the lease was mutually terminated by the Company and TransCanada and the AOT equipment was subsequently returned to the Company.

 

7.Common Stock

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company issued 1,943,333 shares of its common stock upon the conversion of $602,800 in convertible notes at $0.30 and $0.48 per share. In addition, the Company also issued 200,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of warrants at $0.25 per share with proceeds of $50,000.

 

8.Stock Options and Warrants

 

The Company periodically issues stock options and warrants to employees and non-employees in capital raising transactions, for services and for financing costs. Options vest and expire according to terms established at the grant date.

 

Options

 

Pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan (the Plan), the Company could issue options under the Plan to acquire up to 7,000,000 shares of common stock as amended in May 2006. On March 2, 2014, the Plan expired and the Board decided not to extend it. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, options to purchase 3,544,908 shares granted under the Plan were outstanding.

 

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Employee options vest according to the terms of the specific grant and expire from 2 to 10 years from date of grant. Non-employee option grants have vested upon issuance and up to 2 years from the date of grant. The weighted-average, remaining contractual life of employee and non-employee options outstanding at September 30, 2015 was 5.5 years. Stock option activity for the period December 31, 2014 up to September 30, 2015, was as follows:

 

    Options   Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price
 
December 31, 2014    21,052,030   $0.30 
Granted    888,552    0.46 
Exercised           
Forfeited    (234,070)   0.72 
September 30, 2015    21,706,512   $0.30 
             

The weighted average exercise prices, remaining contractual lives for options granted, exercisable, and expected to vest as of September 30, 2015 were as follows:

 

    Outstanding Options   Exercisable Options
Option
Exercise Price
Per Share
  Shares     Life
(Years)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise

Price
  Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise

Price
$ 0.21 - $ 0.99     21,443,283     5.5   $0.29     19,946,498     $0.28
$ 1.00 - $ 1.99     263,229     4.5   $1.22     263,229     $1.22
      21,706,512     5.5   $0.30     20,209,727     $0.30

 

During the nine month period ending September 30, 2015 the Company granted options to purchase 888,522 shares of common stock to members of the Company’s Board of Directors and an employee. The options are exercisable at prices ranging from $0.35 per share to $0.48 per share, vest monthly over a twelve month period, and expire ten years from the date granted. Total fair value of these options at grant date was $336,767 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model with the following assumptions: life of 5 to 5.5 years; risk free interest rate of 1.56% to 1.72%; volatility of 106% to 121% and dividend yield of 0%.

 

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized compensation costs based on the fair value of options that vested of $162,744 and $548,619 respectively.

 

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized compensation costs based on the fair value of options that vested of $145,403 and $547,016 respectively.

 

At September 30, 2015 the aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding was $1,565,000. Future unamortized compensation expense on the unvested outstanding options at September 30, 2015 is $189,957 to be recognized through June, 2016.

 

Warrants

 

The following table summarizes certain information about the Company’s stock purchase warrants activity for the period starting December 31, 2014 up to September 30, 2015.

 

    Warrants   Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price
 
December 31, 2014    5,692,087   $0.37 
Granted    916,667    0.30 
Exercised    (200,000)   0.25 
Cancelled    (2,731,050)   0.35 
September 30, 2015    3,677,704   $0.37 
             

 

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The weighted average exercise prices, remaining contractual lives for warrants granted, exercisable, and expected to vest as of September 30, 2015 were as follows:

 

    Exercisable Warrants   Exercisable Warrants 
Warrant
Exercise
Price
Per Share
   Shares   Life
(Years)
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Shares   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
$ 0.25 - $ 0.99    3,557,704    3.8   $0.35    3,347,704   $0.33 
$ 1.00 - $ 1.99    120,000    0.3   $1.01    120,000   $1.01 
     3,677,704    3.7   $0.37    3,467,704   $0.35 

 

In May 2015 through June 2015, pursuant to terms of convertible notes issued, the Company granted warrants to purchase 916,667 shares with an exercise price of $0.30 per share, vesting immediately upon grant and expiring one year from the date of grant (see Note 4).

 

During the nine month period ending September 30, 2015, warrants to acquire 200,000 shares of common stock were exercised at $0.25 per share resulting in proceeds of $50,000.

 

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized compensation costs of $3,816 and $45,113, respectively, based on the fair value of warrants that vested.

 

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized compensation costs of $14,292 and $21,901, respectively, based on the fair value of warrants that vested.

 

At September 30, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of the warrants outstanding was $119,667. Future unamortized compensation expense on the unvested outstanding warrants at September 30, 2015 is approximately $6,375 to be recognized through June, 2016.

 

9.Contractual Obligations

 

The Company has certain contractual commitments as of September 30, 2015 for future periods, including office leases, minimum guaranteed compensation payments and other agreements as described in the following table and associated footnotes:

 

          Research and              
Year ending   Office     License     Compensation     Total  
December 31,   Lease (1)     Agreements (2)     Agreements (3)     Obligations  
2015   $ 17,490     $ 46,875     $ 87,500     $ 151,865  
2016     69,960       187,500       84,167       341,627  
2017     69,960       187,500       15,429       272,889  
2018     40,810       187,500             228,310  
2019           187,500             187,500  
Total   $ 198,220     $ 796,875     $ 187,096     $ 1,182,191  

________________________________

(1)Consists of rent for the Company’s Santa Barbara Facility expiring on July 31, 2018.
(2)Consists of license maintenance fees to Temple University in the amount of $187,500 paid annually through the life of the underlying patents or until otherwise terminated by either party.
(3)Consists of base salary and certain contractually-provided benefits, to an executive officer, pursuant to an employment agreement that expires on January 30, 2016 in the amount of $96,667 and a severance agreement of a former officer in the amount of $90,429.
10.Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal matters

 

The Company may be involved in certain legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business. Except for income tax contingencies (commencing April 1, 2009), the Company records accruals for contingencies to the extent that management concludes that the occurrence is probable and that the related amounts of loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. There are no current or pending litigation of any significance with the exception of the matters that have arisen under, and are being handled in, the normal course of business.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data referred to in this Form 10-Q.

 

This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements, which include statements concerning future revenue sources and concentration, selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses, capital resources, additional financings and additional losses, are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, particularly in “Risk Factors,” that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the information set forth in this Form 10-Q is as of September 30, 2015, and we undertake no duty to update this information.

 

Overview

 

QS Energy (formerly known as Save The World Air, Inc.) (“Company”, “we”, “us”, “ours”) develops and commercializes energy efficiency technologies that assist in meeting increasing global energy demands, improving the economics of oil extraction and transport, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. QS Energy's primary technology is called Applied Oil Technology™ (AOT™), a commercial-grade crude oil pipeline transportation flow-assurance product. AOT™ has been proven in U.S. Department of Energy tests and other independent tests, as well as in full scale operation on a commercial crude oil pipeline to increase the energy efficiency of oil pipeline pump stations.  

 

In 2014, we reached a major milestone in the Company’s evolution, generating revenues from our AOT technology for the first time since our inception in February 1998. We continue to devote the bulk of our efforts to the promotion, design, testing and the commercial manufacturing and operations of our crude oil pipeline products in the upstream and midstream energy sector. We anticipate that these efforts will continue during 2015 and 2016.

 

Between 2011 and 2012, the Company transitioned from prototype testing of its AOT technology at the U.S. Department of Energy Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center, Midwest, Wyoming, to the design and production of full-scale commercial prototype units. The Company worked in a collaborative engineering environment with multiple energy industry companies to refine the AOT™ Midstream commercial design to comply with the stringent standards and qualification processes as dictated by independent engineering audit groups and North American industry regulatory bodies. In May 2013, the Company’s first commercial prototype unit known as AOT™ Midstream, was completed.

 

In 2013, the Company entered into an Equipment Lease/Option to Purchase Agreement (“TransCanada Lease”) with TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. by its agent TC Oil Pipeline Operations, Inc. ("TransCanada") which agreed to lease and test the effectiveness of the Company’s AOT technology and equipment on one of TransCanada’s operating pipelines. As previously reported in our 10-K report filed with the SEC on March 16, 2015, in June 2014, the equipment was accepted by TransCanada and the lease commenced and the first full test of the AOT equipment on the Keystone pipeline was performed in July 2014, with preliminary data analyzed and reported by Dr. Rongjia Tao of Temple University. Upon review of the July 2014 test results and preliminary report by Dr. Tao, QS Energy and TransCanada mutually agreed that this initial test was flawed due to, among other factors, the short term nature of the test, the inability to isolate certain independent pipeline operating factors such as fluctuations in upstream pump station pressures, and limitations of the AOT device to produce a sufficient electric field to optimize viscosity reduction. Although Dr. Tao’s preliminary report indicated promising results, QS Energy and TransCanada mutually agreed that no conclusions could be reliably reached from the July 2014 test or from Dr. Tao’s preliminary report. As a result of this test, the Company modified its testing protocols and contracted with an independent laboratory to perform follow-up tests at the TransCanada facility. This independent laboratory performed viscosity measurements at the TransCanada facility during subsequent testing in September 2014 and submitted a report which concluded that i) data indicated a decrease in viscosity of crude oil flowing through the TransCanada pipeline due to AOT treatment of the crude oil; and ii) the power supply installed on our equipment would need to be increased to maximize reduction in viscosity and take full advantage of the AOT technology. Although the power supply was constrained, subsequent analysis of the Report and related laboratory testing at Temple University revealed a limited sampling of test conditions at TransCanada under which the electrical field within the AOT was sufficient, in theory, to fully treat crude oil flowing through the treatment vessel. Though statistically inconclusive, viscosity measurements of these limited test samples indicate AOT treatment by the prototype equipment under commercial operating conditions resulted in viscosity reductions reasonably consistent with expectations based on previous laboratory tests. While more testing is required to establish the efficacy of our AOT technology, we are encouraged by the findings of our independent research laboratory and the results of subsequent comparative analysis of data collected under laboratory and commercial operating conditions. We look forward to further development and commercialization of our technology. The TransCanada Lease was terminated by TransCanada, effective October 15, 2014. The Company has modified the design of the AOT power supply such that future installations of the AOT device are expected to achieve sufficient electric field to optimize viscosity reduction.

 

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On July 15, 2014, the Company entered into an Equipment Lease/Option to Purchase Agreement (“Kinder Morgan Lease”) with Kinder Morgan Crude & Condensate, LLC (“Kinder Morgan”) under which Kinder Morgan agreed to lease and test the effectiveness of the Company’s AOT technology and equipment on one of Kinder Morgan’s operating pipelines. Equipment provided under the Lease includes a single AOT Midstream pressure vessel with a maximum flow capacity of 5,000 gallons per minute. The equipment was delivered to Kinder Morgan in December 2014 and installed in March 2015. In April 2015, during pre-start testing, low electrical impedance was measured in the unit, indicating an electrical short. A replacement unit was installed May 2015. The second unit also presented with low impedance when flooded with crude condensate from Kinder Morgan’s pipeline. Laboratory tests previously run on at Temple University on condensate samples provided by Kinder Morgan indicated the condensate was non-conductive; however, the condensate is known to have a relatively high density of semi-conductive particulate matter suspended within the fluid. Similar conditions were experienced in earlier prototype tests at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center (“RMOTC”). At RMOTC, the pipeline had a high concentration of highly conductive particulate matter, which tended to concentrate at the base of the AOT when installed horizontally, causing the AOT to present with an electrical short. This issue was solved at RMOTC by converting to a vertical configuration, which allowed the particulate matter to flow naturally through the AOT. Based on experience at RMOTC, Dr. Tao expressed a high level of confidence that converting to a vertical configuration will resolve the issue of conductive particulate matter.

 

In June 2015, QS Energy engineers performed a series of tests and internal inspections on the AOT unit, which identified other potential design issues that could impact electrical impedance. Based on these findings, a number of internal components of the AOT were retrofitted or remanufactured to improve both efficacy and efficiency. The remanufactured AOT unit was delivered to Kinder Morgan facility in Texas and was installed in its new vertical configuration in July 2015. Installation and pre-start safety tests were successfully completed and preliminary testing initiated in August 2015. Initial results were promising, with the unit operating generally as expected. However, voltage dropped as preliminary tests continued, indicating decreased impedance within the AOT pressure vessel. QS Energy personnel and outside consultants performed a series of troubleshooting assessments and determined that, despite modifications made to the AOT, conductive materials present in the crude oil condensate continue to be the root cause of the decreased impedance. Based on this result, QS Energy and Kinder Morgan personnel mutually agreed the best course of action was to hold on final acceptance of equipment under the lease and temporarily suspend in-field testing to provide time to thoroughly test samples of Kinder Morgan’s crude oil condensate in a laboratory setting.

 

Southern Research Institute (SRI) was been engaged by QS Energy to investigate the root cause of the crude oil condensate impedance issue by replicating conditions experienced in the field utilizing a laboratory-scaled version of the AOT and crude oil condensate samples provided by Kinder Morgan. In addition, QS Energy retained an internationally recognized petroleum pipeline engineer to review the AOT design and suggest design modifications to resolve the crude oil condensate impedance issue. This engineer has studied design details, staff reports and forensic photographs of each relevant AOT installation and test. Based on these investigations, specific modifications have been proposed to resolve the impedance issue. Subject to final design analysis and laboratory testing, we have developed a plan to temporarily remove the AOT from its current installation for retrofit and reinstallation.

 

The Company is actively seeking new testing and commercial deployments of its AOT technology. In August, 2015, QS Energy was invited to an offshore oil transfer platform in the Gulf of Mexico. This offshore platform was assessed by QS Energy personnel for a potential deployment of the AOT viscosity reduction technology as a solution for super-heavy crude oil flow assurance issues. Following the site visit, all parties executed non-disclosure agreements in advance of detailed analysis and in anticipation of developing an onsite AOT testing program subject to laboratory testing and case studies performed on oil samples to be provided by the offshore platform operator.

 

In 2014, the Company began commercial development of a new suite of products based around the new electrical heat system which reduces oil viscosity through a process known as joule heat (“Joule Heat”). The Company is designing and optimizing the Joule Heat technology for the upstream oil transportation market. The Company filed two provisional patents related to the technology’s method and apparatus in the second quarter and fourth quarter of 2013, respectively. The first of the two provisional patents was finalized and submitted to non-provisional status on April 29, 2014. The second of the two provisional patents was finalized and submitted to non-provisional status at the end of the third quarter 2014.

 

In October 2014, QS Energy entered into a Joint Development Agreement with Newfield Exploration Company (“Newfield”) to test a commercial prototype of QS Energy Joule Heat equipment, and combined Joule Heat and AOT technology, on a crude oil pipeline serving the Greater Monument Butte oilfield located in the Uintah Basin of Utah. This test of the Joule Heat technology provides ideal conditions to demonstrate efficiency and efficacy. The Uintah Basin is 5,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level with average low winter temperatures of 16ºF. Crude oil pumped from the region is highly paraffinic with the consistency of shoe polish at room temperature. Uintah's black wax crude must remain at a minimum of 95ºF and yellow wax above 115ºF and therefore requires a substantial amount of heat to keep it above its high pour point. Operators in the upstream market often run at temperatures of 140ºF to 160ºF. Newfield, like many other companies in the region, incurs significant operating expense in the form of fuel and power used to heat the waxy crude and counter the cold climate conditions characteristic of Utah. The Company’s first Joule Heat prototype was installed for testing purposes at the Newfield facility in June 2015 and the system is operational; however, changes to the prototype configuration will be required to determine commercial effectiveness of this unit. We are working with Newfield and Dr. Carl Meinhart to modify the prototype configuration for observed pipeline and Joule Heat operating factors. In addition, QS Energy has provided a scaled-down version of the commercial Joule Heat unit for static and flow-through testing at Southern Research Institute (SRI). Testing performed by SRI in September 2015 demonstrated the ability the Joule Heat technology to deliver significant temperature increases in the laboratory setting. We are continuing to evaluate key factors in commercial equipment operation in the laboratory prior to finalizing design modifications. Once design modifications are finalized, we plan to remove the Joule Heat unit from the field for retrofit and laboratory testing of the prototype in advance of redeployment for in-field testing. Testing and modifications of this first prototype unit will likely continue through the first quarter of 2016.

 

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The Company is working in collaboration with Newfield, SRI, Dr. Carl Meinhart, and our manufacturing partner to design and build an AOT prototype unit, for operations in the upstream crude oil pipeline market (“AOT Upstream”), specifically configured for pipeline operating factors observed at Newfield’s Utah site. Our original plan was to retrofit an earlier prototype device previously tested at RMOTC; however after multiple site visits and discussions with Newfield, it was determined a new, smaller unit, specifically optimized for Newfield operations would be more appropriate for this field test opportunity. We plan to jointly test the AOT Upstream prototype unit under typical upstream commercial pipeline conditions on Newfield’s pipeline in conjunction with the previously installed Joule Heat unit.

 

In July 2015, the Company formed QS Energy Pool, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of QS Energy, Inc., for the sole purpose of taking advantage of asset acquisition opportunities in the oil and gas operations market. QS Energy Pool is specifically targeting the acquisition of one or more operating companies or properties with proven positive cash flow, providing operating income and bottom line revenue which are both accretive to and synergistic with QS Energy, Inc.’s current operations. QS Energy has identified multiple attractive opportunities to acquire producing oil and gas field operations. Our strategy is to acquire producing oil and gas fields with production profiles of at least ten years, proven long-term development rights, and demonstrated positive cash flow at commodity prices as low as $25/barrel of oil and $2.00/MCF of gas.

 

Our expenses to date have been funded primarily through the sale of shares of common stock and convertible debt, as well as proceeds from the exercise of stock purchase warrants and options. We raised capital in 2014 and in the first nine months of 2015, and we will need to raise substantial additional capital through the end of 2015, and beyond, to fund our sales and marketing efforts, continuing research and development, and certain other expenses, until our revenue base grows sufficiently.

 

There are significant risks associated with our business, our Company and our stock. See “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A below.

 

Results of Operation for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

 

I.Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

 

The Company had no revenues in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015. The Company recognized $240,000 in revenues in the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 pursuant to the delivery and acceptance of the AOT Equipment by TransCanada in June 2014.

 

Operating expenses were $2,409,551 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to $2,600,095 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, a decrease of $190,544. This is due to decreases in non-cash expenses of $3,751, and in cash expenses of $186,793. Specifically, the decrease in non-cash expenses are attributable to decreases in depreciation of $566 and stock compensation expenses attributable to options granted to directors of $41,142, offset by increases in stock compensation expenses attributable to options and warrants granted to employees and consultants of $37,957. The decrease in cash expense is attributable to decreases in salaries and benefits of $183,517, consulting fees of $38,497, legal and accounting of $6,975, travel and related expenses of $15,372, rents of $7,720, and other expenses of $3,090, offset by increases in corporate expenses of $49,140, and insurance of $19,238.

 

Research and development expenses were $500,517 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to $741,045 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, a decrease of $240,528. This decrease is attributable to decreases in prototype product development costs of $189,077, and product testing, research, patents and other costs of $51,451.

 

Other income and expense were $633,010 expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to $26,500 expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, a net increase in other expenses of $606,510. This increase is attributable to an increase in non-cash other expenses of $609,510 and an increase in cash income of $3,000. The increase in non-cash other expense is an increase in expense attributable to interest, beneficial conversion factors and warrants associated with convertible notes issued in 2015, offset by a decrease in other non-cash expenses of $26,500 due to write-off of a receivables in 2014. The increase in other cash income is due to the proceeds of $3,000 from sale fixed assets written off in prior years.

 

The Company had a net loss of $3,543,078, or $0.02 per share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to a net loss of $3,127,640, or $0.02 per share, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014.

 

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II.Three Months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

 

The Company had no revenues in the three September 30, 2015. The Company recognized $180,000 in revenues in the three month period ended September 30, 2014 pursuant to the delivery and acceptance of the AOT Equipment by TransCanada in June 2014.

 

Operating expenses were $727,587 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to $749,680 for the three month period ended September 30, 2014, a decrease of $22,093. This decrease is attributable to an increase in non-cash expenses of $6,668, offset by a decrease in cash expenses of $28,761. Specifically, the increase in non-cash expenses are attributable to decreases in depreciation of $197 and stock compensation expense attributable to options and warrants granted to employees and consultants of $5,172, offset by increases in stock compensation expenses attributable to options granted to directors of $12,037. The decrease in cash expense is attributable to decreases in consulting fees of $33,994, legal and accounting of $16,157, travel and related expenses of $42,301, and other expenses of $4,487, offset by increases in salaries and benefits of $39,004, corporate expenses of $13,112, rents of $7,345 and insurance of $8,717.

 

Research and development expenses were $80,082 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to $146,094 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, a decrease of $66,012. This decrease is attributable to a decrease in prototype product development costs of $21,501, and a decrease in in product testing, research, patents and other costs of $44,511.

 

Other income and expense were $18,128 expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to $0 expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, a net increase in other expenses of $18,128. This increase is attributable to an increase in non-cash other expenses of $19,628 and an increase in cash income of $1,500. The increase in non-cash other expense is attributable to interest, beneficial conversion factors and warrants associated with convertible notes issued in 2015. The increase in other cash income is due to the proceeds of $1,500 from sale fixed assets written off in prior years

 

The Company had a net loss of $825,797, or $0.00 per share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to a net loss of $715,774, or $0.00 per share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

As reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company has not yet generated significant revenues and has incurred recurring net losses. We have incurred negative cash flow from operations since our inception in 1998 and an accumulated deficit of $100,588,276 as of September 30, 2015. Our negative operating cash flow in 2014 and the first nine months of 2015 was funded primarily through issuance of convertible notes and the exercise of stock purchase warrants and options for cash.

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company had a net loss of $3,543,078 and a negative cash flow from operations of $2,200,461 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.  These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company’s December 31, 2014 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to raise additional funds and implement our business plan. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.

 

Summary

 

At September 30, 2015, we had cash on hand in the amount of $559,682. We will need additional funds to operate our business, including without limitation the expenses we will incur in connection with the license and research and development agreements with Temple University; costs associated with product development and commercialization of the AOT and related technologies; costs to manufacture and ship our products; costs to design and implement an effective system of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures; costs of maintaining our status as a public company by filing periodic reports with the SEC and costs required to protect our intellectual property. In addition, as discussed below, we have substantial contractual commitments, including without limitation salaries to our executive officers pursuant to employment agreements, certain severance payments to a former officer and consulting fees, during the remainder of 2015 and beyond.

 

No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company.

 

Licensing Fees to Temple University

 

For details of the licensing agreements with Temple University, see Financial Statements attached hereto, Note 5 (Research and Development).

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate, on an on-going basis, our estimates and judgments, including those related to the useful life of the assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results that we report in our consolidated financial statements. The SEC considers an entity’s most critical accounting policies to be those policies that are both most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results of operations and those that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain at the time of estimation. For a more detailed discussion of the accounting policies of the Company, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”.

 

We believe the following critical accounting policies, among others, require significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain significant estimates were made in connection with preparing our consolidated financial statements as described in Note 1 to Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company periodically issues stock options and warrants to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. The Company accounts for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to employees based on the authoritative guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board whereas the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period. The Company accounts for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board whereas the value of the stock compensation is based upon the measurement date as determined at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, option grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

 

The fair value of the Company's common stock option grants is estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the common stock options, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model, and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

 

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Going Concern

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company had a net loss of $3,543,078 and a negative cash flow from operations of $2,200,461 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and an accumulated deficit of $100,588,276 as of September 30, 2015. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company’s December 31, 2014 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to raise additional funds and implement its business plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

At September 30, 2015, the Company had cash on hand in the amount of $559,682. Management expects that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through January 2016. Management is currently seeking additional funds, primarily through the issuance of debt and equity securities for cash to operate our business, including without limitation the expenses it will incur in connection with the license and research and development agreements with Temple; costs associated with product development and commercialization of the Company’s technologies; costs to manufacture and ship the products; costs to design and implement an effective system of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures; costs of maintaining our status as a public company by filing periodic reports with the SEC and costs required to protect our intellectual property. In addition, as discussed below, the Company has substantial contractual commitments, including without limitation salaries to our executive officers pursuant to employment agreements, certain severance payments to former officers and consulting fees, during the remainder of 2015 and beyond.

 

No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing or cause substantial dilution for our stockholders, in case of equity financing.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

We issue from time to time fixed rate discounted convertible notes. Our convertible notes and our equity securities are exposed to risk as set forth below, in Part II Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” Please also see Item 2, above, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

1.Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated, as of September 30, 2015, the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, which were designed to be effective at the reasonable assurance level. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2015, management, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level at that date.

 

(a) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

No change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

There is no litigation of any significance with the exception of the matters that have arisen under, and are being handled in, the normal course of business.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014, which we filed with the SEC on March 16, 2015.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuances

 

In private offerings exempt from registration, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company issued 200,000 shares of common stock upon exercise of warrants at $0.25 per share for aggregate net proceeds of $50,000.

 

In private offerings exempt from registration, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company issued 1,943,333 shares of its common stock upon the conversion of $602,800 in convertible notes at $0.30 to $0.48 per share.

 

The proceeds received by the Company in connection with the above issuances of shares were used for general corporate purposes.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description
       
  31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to Rule 13(a)-15(e) or Rule 15(d)-15(e)
       
  31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Quarterly Report pursuant to Rule 13(a)-15(e) or Rule 15(d)-15(e)
       
  32   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.  Section 1350
       
  101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
       
  101.SCH   XBRL Schema Document
       
  101.CAL   XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
       
  101.LAB   XBRL Label Linkbase Document
       
  101.PRE   XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
       
  101.DEF   XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

 

  QS ENERGY, INC.  
     
       
Date: November 9, 2015 By: /s/ Greggory M. Bigger  
    Greggory M. Bigger  
    Chief Financial Officer  
       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.   Description
       
  31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to Rule 13(a)-15(e) or Rule 15(d)-15(e)
       
  31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to Rule 13(a)-15(e) or Rule 15(d)-15(e)
       
  32   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.  Section 1350
       
  101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
       
  101.SCH   XBRL Schema Document
       
  101.CAL   XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
       
  101.LAB   XBRL Label Linkbase Document
       
  101.PRE   XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
       
  101.DEF   XBRL Definition Linkbase Document 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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