Form: 10-Q

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

May 15, 2017

 

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

or

 

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.)

 

23902 FM 2978

Tomball, TX 77375

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

 

(805)-845-3561

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 ☒ No ☐

 

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 ☒ No ☐

 

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

 

  Large accelerated filer  ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
  Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company ☒
  Emerging growth company ☐  

 

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

 

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

 

The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of May 12, 2017 was 204,849,966.

 

 

 

 
 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.
FORM 10-Q

 

INDEX

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
Item 1.   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet 3
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, Unaudited 4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit, Unaudited 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Unaudited 6
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 15
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk 21
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures 21
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION  
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings 22
1428569Item 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 25
EXHIBIT 31.1  
EXHIBIT 31.2  
EXHIBIT 32  

 

 

 

 

 

  2  

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

QS ENERGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 

    March 31,        
    2017     December 31,  
    (unaudited)     2016  
ASSETS  
Current assets:                
Cash   $ 147,000     $ 136,000  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     37,000       26,000  
Total current assets     184,000       162,000  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $34,000 and $32,000 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively     34,000       17,000  
Other assets     1,000       7,000  
Total assets   $ 219,000     $ 186,000  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable-license agreements   $ 871,000     $ 805,000  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     392,000       251,000  
Accrued expenses and accounts payable-related parties     797,000       135,000  
Deposit and other current liabilities     25,000       5,000  
Convertible debentures, net of discounts of $135,000 and $92,000 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively     420,000       348,000  
Total current liabilities     2,505,000       1,544,000  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
Stockholders’ deficit                
Common stock, $.001 par value: 300,000,000 shares authorized, 201,436,426 and 199,045,026 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively     201,436       199,045  
Additional paid-in capital     104,270,564       103,716,955  
Accumulated deficit     (106,758,000 )     (105,274,000 )
Total stockholders’ deficit     (2,286,000 )     (1,358,000 )
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit   $ 219,000     $ 186,000  

    

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

  3  

 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, Unaudited

 

 

    Three months ended  
    March 31,  
    2017     2016  
             
Revenues   $ 50,000     $  
                 
Costs and Expenses                
Operating expenses     1,258,000       635,000  
Research and development expenses     64,000       75,000  
Loss before other income (expense)     (1,272,000 )     (710,000 )
                 
Other income (expense)                
Interest and financing expense     (212,000 )     (494,000 )
Loss on disposition of equipment           (3,000 )
                 
Net Loss     (1,484,000 )     (1,207,000 )
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.01 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted     199,260,966       185,222,083  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

  4  

 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit, Unaudited

For the Three months Ended MARCH 31, 2017

 

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-in
    Accumulated     Total Stockholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Deficit  
Balance, January 1, 2017     199,045,026     $ 199,045     $ 103,716,955     $ (105,274,000 )   $ (1,358,000 )
Common stock issued on conversion of notes payable     2,391,400       2,391       117,609             120,000  
Fair value of warrants and beneficial conversion feature of issued convertible notes                 201,000             201,000  
Fair value of options and warrants issued as compensation                 235,000             235,000  
Net loss                       (1,484,000 )     (1,484,000 )
Balance, March 31, 2017     201,436,426     $ 201,436     $ 104,270,564     $ (106,758,000 )   $ (2,286,000 )

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

  

  5  

 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Unaudited

 

 

    Three months ended  
    March 31  
    2017     2016  
Cash flows from Operating Activities                
Net loss   $ (1,484,000 )   $ (1,207,000 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
Stock based compensation expense     235,000       127,000  
Issuance of common stock for services           16,000  
Amortization of debt discount and accrued interest     192,000       493,000  
Loss on disposition of assets           3,000  
Depreciation and amortization     2,000       3,000  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (5,000 )     (4,000 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     141,000       20,000  
Accounts payable – license agreements     66,000       47,000  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses – related parties     662,000       (16,000 )
Deposits and other current liabilities     20,000        
Net cash used in operating activities     (171,000 )     (518,000 )
Cash flows from investing activities                
Purchase of equipment     (19,000 )      
Net cash used in investing activities     (19,000 )      
Cash flows from financing activities                
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible notes and warrants     201,000       762,000  
Net cash provided by financing activities     201,000       762,000  
Net increase in cash     11,000       244,000  
Cash, beginning of period     136,000       349,000  
Cash, end of period   $ 147,000     $ 593,000  
                 
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information                
Cash paid during the year for:                
Interest   $     $  
Income Taxes   $     $  
Non-cash investing and financing activities                
Conversion of convertible debentures to common stock   $ 120,000     $ 479,000  
Fair value of warrants and beneficial conversion feature associated with issued convertible notes     201,000       762,000  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

  6  

 

 

QS ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Unaudited

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AND 2016

 

 

  1. Description of Business 

 

QS Energy, Inc. (“QS Energy”, “Company”) 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 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 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 properties include a portfolio of 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. Engineered specifically to reduce pipeline pressure loss, increase pipeline flow rate and capacity, and reduce shippers’ reliance on diluents and drag reducing agents to meet pipeline maximum viscosity requirements, AOT is a 100% solid-state system that reduces crude oil viscosity by applying a high intensity electrical field to crude oil feedstock while in transit. The AOT product has transitioned from the research and development stage to initial production for continued testing in advance of our goal of seeking acceptance and adoption by the midstream pipeline marketplace.

 

The Company also 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. 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. In addition, the Company filed two additional provisional patents related to the technology’s method and apparatus. In December 2015, we temporarily suspended Joule Heat development activities to focus Company resources on finalizing commercial development of the AOT Midstream. We currently plan to resume Joule Heat development in 2017 depending on the availability of sufficient capital and other resources.

 

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, 2016 filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 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, during the three-months ended March 31, 2017, the Company incurred a net loss of $1,484,000, used cash in operations of $171,000 and had a stockholders’ deficit of $2,286,000 as of that date. 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 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.

 

In addition, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company's December 31, 2016 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

 

At March 31, 2017, the Company had cash on hand in the amount of $147,000. Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through September 2017. 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 2017 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.

 

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 March 31, 2017 and 2016, 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.

 

    March 31,
2017
    March 31,
2016
 
Options     29,974,256       23,184,256  
Warrants     9,064,317       8,885,242  
Common stock issuable upon conversion of notes payable     4,527,233       3,370,400  
Total     43,565,806       35,439,898  

 

 

 

  8  

 

 

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.

 

Revenue Recognition Policy

 

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.

 

In the fourth quarter 2016, the Company entered a contract to provide onsite testing services to a Canadian oil producer and pipeline operator over a one-week period in early 2017 at a fixed price of $50,000. The testing service was performed in January 2017 and was completed in March 2017.

 

Research and Development Costs

 

Costs incurred for research and development are expensed as incurred. Purchased materials that do not have an alternative future use are also expensed. Furthermore, costs incurred in the construction of prototypes with no certainty of any alternative future use and established commercial uses are also expensed.

 

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2017 research and development costs were $64,000 and $75,000, respectively.

 

Patent Costs

 

Patent costs consist of patent-related legal and filing fees. Due to the uncertainty associated with the successful development of our AOT and Joule Heat products, all patent costs are expensed as incurred. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, patent costs were $16,000 and $13,000, respectively, and were included as part of operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

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. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 is effective for all interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 is effective for all interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 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.

 

 

 

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  3. Accrued Expenses and Accounts Payable – Related Parties

 

Accrued expense – related parties consists accrued salaries of officers and fees due to members of the Board of Directors.

 

On April 1, 2017, the Company executed a separation agreement and release effective with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As part of the agreement, the Company agreed to pay the CEO $580,000 in severance, payable in equal installment over 24 months. In addition, the Company also agreed to pay the CEO’s medical insurance for 24 months and provide use of a cell phone for 12 months with an estimated cost of $44,000. As a result, the Company accrued the entire $624,000 as of March 31, 2017 which was also reported as part of Operating Expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, accrued expenses and accounts payable to related parties amounted to $797,000 and $135,000, respectively.

 

  4. Property and Equipment 

 

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, property and equipment consists of the following:

 

    March 31,
2017 (unaudited)
    December 31,
2016
 
             
Office equipment   $ 28,000     $ 28,000  
Furniture and fixtures     3,000       3,000  
Testing Equipment     37,000       18,000  
Subtotal     68,000       49,000  
Less accumulated depreciation     (34,000 )     (32,000 )
Total   $ 34,000     $ 17,000  

 

Depreciation expense for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $2,000 and $3,000, respectively. During the period ended March 31, 2016, the Company disposed of certain property and equipment with aggregate costs of $38,000 and accumulated depreciation of $35,000 which resulted in a loss of $3,000.

 

  5. Convertible Notes  

 

   

March 31,
2017

(unaudited)

   

December 31

2016

 
Balance due on convertible notes   $ 527,000     $ 417,000  
Accrued interest     28,000       23,000  
Subtotal     555,000       440,000  
Unamortized note discounts     (135,000 )     (92,000 )
Balance on convertible notes, net of note discounts   $ 420,000     $ 348,000  

 

As in the prior years, the Company continues to issue convertible notes in exchange for cash. The notes typically do not bear any interest, however, there is an implied interest rate of 10% since the notes are typically issued at 10% less than its face value. The notes are unsecured, and usually mature twelve months from issuance.

 

The notes are convertible at the option of the note holder into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price stipulated in the conversion agreement. In addition, the note holders received warrants to purchase shares of common stock that are fully vested and will expire in one year from the date of issuance.

 

As a result, the Company records a note discount to account for the relative fair value of the warrants, the notes’ beneficial conversion feature or BCF, and original issue discount of 10% (OID). The note discounts are amortized over the term of the notes or amortized in full upon its conversion to common stock. At December 31, 2016, total outstanding notes payable amounted to $417,000, accrued penalty interest of $23,000 and unamortized note discount of $92,000, or a net balance of $348,000.

 

 

 

  10  

 

 

During 2017, the Company issued similar convertible promissory notes in the aggregate of $222,000 for cash of $201,000 or a discount of $21,000. The notes do not bear any interest, however, the implied interest rate used was 10% since the notes were issued 10% less than its face value. The notes are unsecured, mature in twelve months from issuance and convertible at $0.05 per share. In addition, the Company also granted these note holders warrants to purchase approximately 2.2 million shares of the Company’ common stock. The warrants are fully vested, exercisable at $0.05 per share and will expire in one year. As a result, the Company recorded a note discount of $222,000 to account for the relative fair value of the warrants, the notes’ BCF, and OID. The note discounts are being amortized over the term of the note or amortized in full upon the conversion to common stock.

 

Two notes, with a total amount of $85,000 matured in March 2017 and became past due. As a result, pursuant to the terms of the note, the Company accrued a penalty interest equal to 10% of the principal or $8,000 which was recorded as an addition to the note principal. During the period ended March 31, 2017, a total of $120,000 notes payable was converted to 2,391,400 shares of common stock. In addition, the note discount of $179,000 was amortized to interest expense, and interest of $5,000 was accrued.

 

As of March 31, 2017, total outstanding notes payable amounted to $527,000, accrued interest of $28,000 and unamortized note discount of $135,000 for a net balance of $420,000. A total of five notes in the aggregate of $304,000 have reached maturity and are past due. The Company is currently in negotiations with the noteholders to settle the matured notes payable.

 

  6. 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. Costs incurred and expensed include fees such as license 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 prototypes.

 

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, our research and development expenses were $64,000 and $75,000 respectively.

 

AOT Product Development and Testing 

 

The Company constructs, develops and tests the AOT and Joule Heat technologies with internal resources and through the assistance of various third party entities. Costs incurred and expensed include fees such as testing 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.

 

During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred total expenses of $17,000 and $28,000, respectively, in the manufacture, delivery and testing of the AOT prototype equipment. These expenses have been reflected as part of Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

  

Temple University Licensing Agreement  

 

On August 1, 2011, the Company and Temple University (“Temple”) entered into two (2) 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.

 

Pursuant to the two licensing agreements, the Company agreed to pay Temple the following: (i) non-refundable license maintenance fee of $300,000; (ii) annual maintenance fees of $187,500; (iii) royalty fee ranging from 4% up to 7% from revenues generated from the licensing agreements; and (iv) 25% of all revenues generated from sub-licensees to secure or maintain the sub-license or option thereon. Temple also agreed to defer $37,500 of the amount due if the Company agreed to fund at least $250,000 in research or development of Temple’s patent rights licensed to the Company. The term of the licenses commenced in August 2011 and will expire upon the expiration of the patents. The agreement can also be terminated by either party upon notification under terms of the licensing agreements or if the Company ceases the development of the patent or failure to commercialize the patent rights.

 

 

 

  11  

 

 

Total expenses recognized during each three-month period ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 pursuant to these two agreements amounted to $47,000 and has been reflected in Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Company also recognized penalty interest of $20,000 due to past due balance in the three months ended March 31, 2017 which is included as part of interest and financing expense in the accompanying statements of operations.

 

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, total unpaid fees due to Temple pursuant to these agreements amounted to $793,000 and $726,000, respectively, which are included as part of Accounts Payable – licensing agreement in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2017, $212,000 of the $793,000 payable has been deferred until the licensing agreements are terminated and $581,000 is deemed past due. The Company is currently in negotiations with Temple to settle this amount.

 

There were no revenues generated from these two licenses during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

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, performed 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 were subjected 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. The agreement expired in August 2015.

 

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, total unpaid fees due to Temple pursuant to this agreement amounted to $78,000, which are included as part of Accounts Payable – licensing agreement in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2017, the entire $78,000 is deemed past due. The Company is currently in negotiations with Temple to settle this amount.

 

  7. Common Stock

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company issued 2,391,400 shares of its common stock upon the conversion of $120,000 in convertible notes at $0.05 per share.

 

  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 

 

Options vest according to the terms of the specific grant and expire from 2 to 10 years from date of grant. The weighted-average, remaining contractual life of employee and non-employee options outstanding at March 31, 2017 was 5.7 years. Stock option activity for the period January 1, 2017 up to March 31, 2017, was as follows: 

 

    Options     Weighted
Avg. Exercise
Price
 
January 1, 2017     23,474,256     $ 0.29  
Granted     6,500,000       0.20  
Exercised            
Forfeited            
March 31, 2017     29,974,256     $ 0.23  

 

 

 

  12  

 

 

The weighted average exercise prices, remaining contractual lives for options granted, exercisable, and expected to vest as of March 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

    Outstanding Options   Exercisable Options
Option
Exercise Price
Per Share
  Shares     Life
(Years)
  Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
  Shares     Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
$ 0.05 - $ 0.99     29,823,810     5.4   $0.23     26,283,810     $0.25
$ 1.00 - $ 1.99     150,446     7.3   $1.18     150,446     $1.18
      29,974,256     5.4   $0.23     26,434,256     $0.25

 

During the three-month period ending March 31, 2017 the Company granted options to purchase 6,500,000 shares of common stock to members of the Company’s Board of Directors. The options are exercisable at $0.05 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 $325,000 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model with the following assumptions: life of 5 years; risk free interest rate of 1.94%; volatility of 123% and dividend yield of 0%.

 

In March 2017, as a result of the resignation of the Company’s CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, the Company agreed to modify the vesting term of 2.5 million options granted to them in January 2017 and fully vested those options resulting in an incremental charge of $126,000. There were no other changes in the remaining terms of the original grant.

 

During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized compensation costs based on the fair value of options that vested of $231,000 and $100,000 respectively.

 

At March 31, 2017, the Company’s closing stock price was $0.07 per share. The aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding at March 31, 2017 was $130,000. Future unamortized compensation expense on the unvested outstanding options at March 31, 2017 is $182,000 to be recognized through December 2017.

 

Warrants

 

The following table summarizes certain information about the Company’s stock purchase warrants activity for the period starting January 1, 2017 up to March 31, 2017.

 

    Warrants     Weighted Avg.  
Exercise Price
 
January 1, 2017     11,446,892     $ 0.15  
Granted     2,211,000       0.05  
Exercised            
Cancelled     (4,593,575 )     0.11  
March 31, 2017     9,064,317     $ 0.15  

 

The weighted average exercise prices, remaining contractual lives for warrants granted, exercisable, and expected to vest as of March 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

    Outstanding Warrants     Exercisable Warrants  
Warrant Exercise Price Per Share   Shares     Life
(Years)
    Weighted
Average Exercise Price
    Shares     Weighted
Average Exercise Price
 
$ 0.05 - $ 0.99     9,064,317       1.6     $ 0.15       8,964,317     $ 0.15  
$ 1.00 - $ 1.99                              
      9,064,317       1.6     $ 0.15       8,964,317     $ 0.15  

 

In the three-month period ending March 31, 2017, pursuant to terms of convertible notes issued, the Company granted warrants to purchase 2,211,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.05 per share, vesting immediately upon grant and expiring one year from the date of grant (see Note 5).

 

 

 

  13  

 

 

During the three periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized compensation costs of $4,000 and $27,000, respectively, based on the fair value of warrants granted in prior years for services and vested during the period.

 

At March 31, 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value of the warrants outstanding was $44,000. Future unamortized compensation expense on the unvested outstanding warrants at March 31, 2017 is approximately $3,000 to be recognized through July 2018. 

 

  9. Commitments and Contingencies

 

There is 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.

 

  10. Subsequent Events

 

Grant of Stock Options

 

In May through April 2017, the Company appointed four new members to the Board of Directors and appointed a new Chairman of the Audit Committee. Upon these appointments, in accordance with the Company’s Board of Directors compensation policy, the Company granted stock options to purchase a total of 1,839,285 shares of common stock. The stock options vest monthly through December 31, 2017, are exercisable at $0.07 to $0.13 per share and will expire 10 years from the date of issuance. Total fair value of the stock options amounted to $138,000 which will be expensed over the vesting period.

 

Agreements

 

On March 31, 2017, the Company executed employment agreements effective April 1, 2017 with two officers of the Company. The agreements are for a period of two years and will require payment of salary in the aggregate of $308,000 per year. In addition, the Company also granted these two officers stock options to purchase a total of 3,250,000 shares of common stock. The stock options vest over a two-year period, exercisable at a price range of $0.07 through $0.40 per share and will expire in 10 years. Total fair value of the stock options amounted to $173,000 which will be expensed over the vesting period.

 

In May 2017, two members of the Company’s Board of Directors resigned effective May 8, 2017. In lieu of cash payment for unpaid Directors and Committee fees payable to the Directors of $82,000, the Company immediately vested the stocks option granted to them in January 2017 to purchase in aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of common stock at $0.05 per share with an estimated fair value of $152,000 at the date of modification.

 

Issuance of Convertible Notes

 

From April 1, 2017 up to May 12, 2017, the Company issued convertible notes in aggregate of $662,000 in exchange for cash of $602,000. The notes are unsecured, convertible into 13.2 million shares in common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $0.05 per share and mature in one year. In connection with these notes, the Company also issued warrants to purchase 6.6 million shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.05 per share and expiring one year from the date of issuance. As a result, the Company will record a note discount of $635,000 to account for the relative fair value of the warrants, the notes’ beneficial conversion feature and original issue discount which will be amortized as interest expense over the life of the notes.

 

Conversion of Convertible Notes

 

From April 1, 2017 up to May 12, 2017, Company issued 3,413,540 shares of common stock upon conversion of previously issued convertible notes in aggregate value of $171,000.

 

 

 

  14  

 

 

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 March 31, 2016, and we undertake no duty to update this information.

 

Overview

 

 QS Energy, Inc. (“QS Energy” or “Company” or “we” or “us” or “our”) 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 properties include a portfolio of 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. Engineered specifically to reduce pipeline pressure loss, increase pipeline flow rate and capacity, and reduce shippers’ reliance on diluents and drag reducing agents to meet pipeline maximum viscosity requirements, AOT is a 100% solid-state system that reduces crude oil viscosity by applying a high intensity electrical field to crude oil feedstock while in transit. AOT technology delivers reductions in crude oil viscosity and pipeline pressure loss as demonstrated in independent third-party tests performed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the PetroChina Pipeline R&D Center, and ATS RheoSystems, a division of CANNON™, at full-scale test facilities in the U.S. and China, and under commercial operating conditions on one of North America’s largest high-volume crude oil pipelines. Recent testing on a commercial crude oil condensate pipeline demonstrated high correlation between laboratory analysis and full-scale AOT operations under commercial operating conditions with onsite measurements and data collected by the pipeline operator on its supervisory control and data acquisition (“SCADA”) system. The AOT product has transitioned from laboratory testing and ongoing research and development to initial production and continued testing in advance of our goal of seeking acceptance and adoption by the midstream pipeline marketplace. 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 2017 and 2018.

 

Our Company 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.

 

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 (“RMOTC”), 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.

 

 

 

  15  

 

 

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 by Dr. Rongjia Tao of Temple University, with subsequent testing performed by an independent laboratory, ATS RheoSystems, a division of CANNON™ (“ATS”) in September 2014. 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. Subsequent testing by ATS in September 2014 demonstrated viscosity reductions of 8% to 23% depending on flow rates and crude oil types in transit. In its summary report, ATS 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. While more testing is required to establish the commercial efficacy of our AOT technology, we are encouraged by the findings of these field tests performed under commercial operating conditions. The TransCanada Lease was terminated by TransCanada, effective October 15, 2014. Upon termination of the TransCanada Lease, all equipment was uninstalled, returned, inspected and configured for re-deployment.

 

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. Subsequent to design modifications, a remanufactured AOT unit was installed and tested at Kinder Morgan’s pipeline facility 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 continued to be the root cause of the decreased impedance. Based on these results, QS Energy and Kinder Morgan personnel mutually agreed to put a hold on final acceptance of equipment under the lease and temporarily suspend in-field testing to provide time to re-test crude oil condensate in a laboratory setting, and thoroughly review and test selected AOT component design and fabrication. Subsequent analysis and testing led to changes in electrical insulation, inlet flow improvements and other component modifications. These design changes were implemented and tested by Industrial Screen and Maintenance (ISM), one of QS Energy's supply chain partners in Casper, Wyoming. Test performed by ISM at its Wyoming facility indicated significant improvements to system impedance and efficiency of electric field generation.

 

In February 2016, the modified AOT equipment was installed at Kinder Morgan’s facility. Pre-acceptance testing was performed in April 2016, culminating in more than 24 hours of continuous operations. In-field viscosity measurements and pipeline data collected during this test indicated the AOT equipment operated as expected, resulting in viscosity reductions equivalent to those measured under laboratory conditions. Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (“SCADA”) pipeline operating data collected by Kinder Morgan during this test indicated a pipeline pressure drop reduction consistent with expectations. Kinder Morgan provided the Company with a number of additional crude oil samples which were tested in the laboratory for future test correlation and operational planning purposes. Based on final analysis of in field test results, SCADA operating data and subsequent analysis of crude oil samples at Temple University, Kinder Morgan and QS Energy are considering moving the AOT test facility to a different, higher-volume pipeline location.

 

Southern Research Institute (SRI) was engaged by QS Energy in 2015 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 industry expert 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 were proposed to resolve the impedance issue, and improve the overall efficiency of the AOT device, resulting in a new value-engineered design of certain AOT internal components.

 

 

 

  16  

 

 

The Company is actively seeking new 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, subject to non-disclosure agreements executed by all parties, laboratory testing was performed on crude oil samples provided by the operator, which demonstrated significant AOT viscosity reductions. Detailed hydraulic analysis based on laboratory results and pipeline operating parameters was presented to the operator demonstrating potential benefits of AOT technology within the operator’s specified infrastructure. Based on this analysis, the Company was directed by the operator to prepare a preliminary configuration for AOT units optimized for the operator’s high-volume, space-constrained operations. Company engineers and supply chain partners have prepared an optimized configuration and production budget. Based on this optimized configuration, the operator is considering an onsite pilot test with full scale AOT equipment for deployment in 2018 or 2019.

 

The Company is in discussions with a large Middle Eastern oil company regarding AOT technology in Middle East, having tested multiple oil samples provided by this oil company at Temple University in 2015 and 2016. The most recent round of testing on Middle Eastern oil company samples was completed early 2017, demonstrating AOT viscosity reductions of 20% to 50% in a laboratory setting.

 

During the third quarter 2016, the Company developed a new onsite testing program designed to accelerate the AOT sales cycle. This program utilizes a fully functional laboratory-scale AOT device designed and developed by the Company in 2015, and tested at the Southern Research Institute. Under this new program, Company engineers will set up a temporary lab at the customer’s site to test a full range of crude oils. Fees charged for providing this service will be dependent on scope of services, crude oil sample to be tested, and onsite time requirements. This program has received a positive response from potential customers. In the fourth quarter 2016, the Company entered a contract to provide these onsite testing services to a Canadian oil producer and pipeline operator over a one-week period in early 2017 at a fixed price of $50,000. This initial test was performed in January 2017; data analysis and final report was completed in March 2017.

 

In 2014, the Company began 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 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. During the third and fourth quarters of 2015, we worked with Newfield and Dr. Carl Meinhart to modify the prototype configuration based on observed pipeline and Joule Heat operating factors. In addition, QS Energy provided a scaled-down version of the Joule Heat unit for static and flow-through testing at SRI. Testing performed by SRI in September 2015 on a laboratory-scale Joule Heat unit demonstrated the ability of the Joule Heat technology to deliver temperature increases in the laboratory setting.

 

In 2015, the Company worked 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.

 

 

 

  17  

 

 

In December 2015, we temporarily suspended Joule Heat and AOT Upstream development activities to focus Company resources on finalizing commercial development of the AOT Midstream. Testing terminated at SRI and all prototype equipment was returned to the Company. We currently plan to resume Joule Heat and AOT Upstream development in 2017 depending on the availability of sufficient capital and other resources.

 

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. Any such acquisitions would be subject on our ability to obtain acquisition financing under acceptable terms and conditions. To date, we have not acquired any oil and gas properties, and there can be no assurances that we will do so in the future. We can provide no assurances that acquisition financing would be available to us.

 

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 will need to raise substantial additional capital through 2017, 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 Operations for Three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

 

 

    Three months ended  
    March 31  
    2017     2016     Change  
Revenues   $ 50,000     $     $ 50,000  
Costs and Expenses                        
Operating expenses     1,258,000       635,000       623,000  
Research and development expenses     64,000       75,000       (11,000 )
Loss before other income (expense)     (1,272,000 )     (710,000 )     (562,000 )
Other income (expense)                        
Interest and financing expense     (212,000 )     (494,000 )     282,000  
Loss on disposition of equipment     )     (3,000       3,000  
Net Loss   $ (1,484,000 )   $ (1,207,000 )   $ (277,000 )

 

During the period ended March 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenues of $50,000 pursuant to the completion of a lease and testing agreement of the Company’s AOT equipment. There was no similar transaction during the period ended March 31, 2016.

 

Operating expenses were $1,258,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to $635,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $623,000. This is due to increases in non-cash expenses of $92,000, and in cash expenses of $623,000. Specifically, the decrease in non-cash expenses are attributable to decreases in depreciation of $1,000 and stock compensation expenses attributable to warrants granted to consultants of $43,000, offset by increases in stock compensation expenses attributable to options granted to employees and directors of $136,000. The increase in cash expense is attributable to severance package expense of $624,000 with our Chief Executive Officer, and increases in legal and accounting of $7,000, offset by decreases in salaries and benefits of $1,000, consultants of $104,000, corporate expenses of $8,000, insurance expenses of $10,000, rent and related expenses of $14,000, and other operating expenses of $11,000.

 

Research and development expenses were $64,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to $75,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $11,000. This decrease is attributable to an increase in research and product testing of $2,000 offset by decreases in prototype product development costs of $13,000.

 

 

 

  18  

 

 

Other income and expense were $212,000 expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to $497,000 expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, a net decrease in other expenses of $285,000. This decrease is attributable to a decrease in non-cash other expenses of $282,000 and a decrease in cash expenses of $3,000. The decrease in non-cash other expense is due to a decrease in expense attributable to interest, beneficial conversion factors and warrants associated with convertible notes issued in the amount of $302,000, offset by an increase in other non-cash interest of $20,000. The decrease in other cash expense is due to a decrease in loss on disposition assets in the amount of $3,000.

 

The Company had a net loss of $1,484,000, or $0.01 per share, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, compared to a net loss of $1,207,000, or $0.01 per share, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016.

 

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 a stockholders’ deficit of $2,286,000 as of March 31, 2017. Our negative operating cash flow for the periods ended March 31, 2017 was funded primarily through issuance of convertible notes.

 

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 $1,484,000 and a negative cash flow from operations of $171,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.  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, 2016 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

 

During the period ended March 31, 2017, we received cash totaling $201,000 from issuance of our convertible notes payable and used cash in operations of $171,000. At March 31, 2017, we had cash on hand in the amount of $147,000. 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 above, 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 2017 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 6 (Research and Development).

 

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.

 

 

 

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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.

 

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, during the three-months ended March 31, 2017, the Company incurred a net loss of $1,484,000, used cash in operations of $171,000 and had a stockholders’ deficit of $2,286,000 as of that date. 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 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 March 31, 2017, the Company had cash on hand in the amount of $147,000. Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through September 2017. 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 2017 and beyond.

 

 

 

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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.

 

Recent Accounting Polices

 

See Footnote 2 in the accompanying financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting policies.

 

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 March 31, 2017, 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 March 31, 2017, 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 three-month period ended March 31, 2017 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, 2016, which we filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017.

 

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

 

Issuances

 

In private offerings exempt from registration, during the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company issued 2,391,400 shares of its common stock upon the conversion of $120,000 in convertible notes at $0.05 per share. In connection with the issuances of the foregoing securities, the Company relied on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for transactions not involving a public offering.

 

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

 

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

 

  QS ENERGY, INC.    
     
       
Date: May 15, 2017 By: /s/ Michael McMullen  
    Michael McMullen  
    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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