KULR Technology Group, Inc. 10-K

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of KULR Technology Group, Inc. (“KULR”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, KULR Technology Corporation (“KTC”) (collectively referred to as “KULR” or the “Company”) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. References in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to “us”, “we”, “our” and similar terms refer to the Company. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains statements that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risk, uncertainties and other factors. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” or “continue,” and similar expressions or variations. Actual results could differ materially because of the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this Annual Report, and other factors that we may not know. Overview KULR Technology Group, Inc., through our wholly-owned subsidiary KULR Technology Corporation, develops and commercializes high-performance thermal management technologies for batteries, electronics, and other components across an array of battery-powered applications. For aerospace and Department of Defense (“DOD”) applications, our solutions target high performance applications in direct energy, hypersonic vehicles and satellite communications. For commercial applications, our main focus is a total solution to battery safety and sustainability by which we aim to mitigate the effects of thermal runaway propagation which has been known to cause random fires in lithium-ion (“Li-ion”) batteries. This total battery safety solution can be used for electric vehicles, energy storage, battery recycling transportation, cloud computing and 5G communication devices. Our proprietary core technology is a carbon fiber material that provides what we believe to be superior thermal conductivity and heat dissipation for an ultra-lightweight and pliable material. By leveraging our proprietary cooling solutions that have been developed through longstanding partnerships with advanced technology users like NASA, the Jet Propulsion Lab and others, our products and services make commercial battery powered products safer and electronics systems cooler and lighter. KULR’s business model continues to evolve from being a component supplier, to providing more design and testing services to our customers. The next step of evolution is to provide total system solutions to address market needs. In order to scale up as a systems provider more quickly and efficiently in (i) the Li-ion battery energy storage and recycling markets, (ii) battery cell design and safety testing, and (iii) advanced thermal management systems, such as hypersonic vehicles, KULR will actively seek partners for joint venture, technology licensing and other strategic partnership models. The goal is to leverage the Company’s thermal design technology expertise to create market leading products, which KULR will take to market directly to capture more value for KULR shareholders. We have not yet achieved profitability and expect to continue to incur cash outflows from operations, as a result, we will eventually need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability. Until that time, we shall have to continue to raise cash, as and when required, through equity or debt financings. Recent Developments COVID-19 In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, a novel strain coronavirus, a pandemic. During 2020 and continuing into 2023, the global economy has been, and continues to be, affected by COVID-19. While the Company continues to see signs of economic recovery as certain governments begin to gradually ease restrictions, provide economic stimulus and accelerate vaccine distribution, the rate of recovery on a global basis has been affected by resurgence of the virus or its variants in certain jurisdictions. The Company continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on its business and operational assumptions and estimates and has determined there were no material adverse impacts on the Company’s results of operations and financial position at December 31, 2022. 22 Table of Contents The full extent of the future impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations and financial condition is uncertain. Accordingly, COVID-19 could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects during 2023 and beyond, including the demand for its products, interruptions to supply chains, ability to maintain regular research and development and manufacturing schedules as well as the capability to meet customer demands in a timely manner. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. War in Ukraine The short and long-term worldwide implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are difficult to predict at this time. The imposition of sanctions on Russia by the United States or other countries and possible counter sanctions by Russia, and the resulting economic impacts on oil prices and other materials and goods, could affect the price of materials used in the manufacture of our product candidates. If the price of materials used in the manufacturing of our product candidates increase, that would adversely affect our business and the results of our operations. New Officer Hires On November 1, 2022, Dr. William Walker was appointed as the new Chief Technology Officer. Appointment of Lead Director On November 1, 2022, our existing independent director, Dr. Joanna Massey, was designated Lead Director of our Board. Exercise of Warrants During March 2022, the Company issued an aggregate of 70,143 shares of common stock upon the exercise of warrants pursuant to which the Company received an aggregate of $87,679 of gross proceeds. During April 2022, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,346,525 shares of common stock upon the exercise of warrants pursuant to which the Company received an aggregate of $2,933,156 of gross proceeds. Consolidated Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2021 Revenue Our revenues consisted of the following types: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ For the Years Ended ​ ​ December 31, ​ ​ 2022 2021 Product sales ​ $ 2,643,325 ​ $ 1,495,328 Contract services ​ 1,351,309 ​ 917,540 Total revenue ​ $ 3,994,634 ​ $ 2,412,868 ​ For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we generated $3,994,634 and $2,412,868 of revenues from 36 and 20 customers, respectively, representing an increase of $1,581,766, or 66%. Revenue from product sales during the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $1,147,997 or 77% compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Product sales during these periods include sales of our component product, carbon fiber velvet (“CFV”) thermal management solution, internal short circuit (“ISC”) battery cells and devices, patented TRS technology, thermal fiber thermal interface (“FTI”) materials and heatsink technology. The increase in revenue from product sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily due to two contracts for custom TRS kits and heatsink technology which generated approximately $1,270,000 and $322,000 respectively, partially offset by a decrease attributable to contracts which generated approximately $485,000 for battery cells for the year ended December 31, 2021. Revenue from contract services during the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $433,769 or 47% compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily due to three large contracts which generated approximately $1,272,000, partially offset by a decrease attributable to contracts which generated approximately $862,600 23 Table of Contents for the year ended December 31, 2021. Our service revenues, which include certain research and development contracts and onsite engineering services, have not been hampered by restrictions arising from working under COVID-19 shelter-in-place regulations. Our customers and prospective customers are large organizations with multiple levels of management, controls/procedures, and contract evaluation/authorization. Furthermore, our solutions are new and do not necessarily fit into pre-existing patterns of purchase commitments. Accordingly, the business activity cycle between expression of initial customer interest to shipping, acceptance and billing can be lengthy, unpredictable, and lumpy, which can influence the timing, consistency and reporting of sales growth. Cost of Revenues Cost of revenues consisted of the cost of our products as well as labor expenses directly related to product sales or research contract services. Generally, we earn greater margins on revenue from products as compared to revenue from services, so product mix plays an important part in our reported average margins for any period. Also, we are introducing new products at an early stage in our development cycle and the margins earned can vary significantly between periods, customers and products due to the learning process, customer negotiating strengths, and product mix. The Company expects that margins will normalize as it prepares for the anticipated volume production of its product mix. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, cost of revenues was $1,630,527 and $1,102,038, respectively, representing an increase of $528,489, or 48%. The increase was primarily due to increased costs as a result of increased revenues. The gross margin percentage was 59% and 54% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Research and Development Research and development (“R&D”) includes expenses incurred in connection with the R&D of our CFV thermal management solution, high-areal-capacity battery electrodes, 3D engineering for a rechargeable battery and non-cash stock-based compensation expenses. Research and development expenses are charged to operations as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, R&D expenses were $3,977,563 and $1,662,183, respectively, representing an increase of $2,315,380 or 139%. The increase is primarily comprised of $1,337,351 related to planned increases in headcount in order to build future capacity, and $978,029 related to new R&D initiatives designed to build future revenue growth. We expect that our R&D expenses will increase as we expand our future operations. Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses consisted primarily of stock-based compensation, marketing and advertising, salaries, payroll taxes and other benefits, accounting and tax, consulting fees, travel and entertainment, rent expense, office expenses, and legal and professional fees. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, selling, general and administrative expenses were $16,672,526 and $11,162,062, respectively, an increase of $5,510,464 or 49%. This increase is primarily due to an increase in employee related costs to build future capacity for planned revenue growth of $2,484,407, marketing and advertising expenses of $1,500,371, travel expenses primarily related to customer and vendor relations of $484,214, NetSuite implementation costs of $390,000, and $315,773 of SEC filing fees and professional services. Other (Expense) Income For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, other expenses, net, were $1,150,497 and $397,736, respectively, representing an increase of $752,761 or 189%. The increase is primarily attributable to the increase in interest expense recorded in connection with notes payable and the Prepaid Advance of $932,538, an increase in the related amortization of debt discount of $383,627, and the loss on debt extinguishment of $8,508, partially offset by a $272,856 increase in the change in fair value of accrued issuable equity, $158,675 gain on forgiveness of PPP loan and interest, and a decrease of debt redemption costs of $140,000. Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had cash balances of $10,333,563 and $14,863,301, respectively, and working capital of $6,055,477 and $13,302,935, respectively. 24 Table of Contents On May 13, 2022, we issued a $5,000,000 Promissory Note to Yorkville for gross proceeds of $4,750,000. On the same date, we entered into a SEPA which gives us the right, but not the obligation, to sell up to $50,000,000 of shares of our common stock to Yorkville during the 24 months following the effective date of the SEPA. Further, on September 23, 2022, we entered into the Supplemental SEPA, which allows us to request advances, (each, a “Prepaid Advance”), still up to an aggregate of $50,000,000, from Yorkville. Pursuant to the terms of the Supplemental SEPA, Yorkville has the right to receive shares, and may select the timing and delivery of such shares (via an “Investor Notice”), in an amount up to the balance of the Prepaid Advance in order to pay down the Prepaid Advance. The aggregate common shares issued under the SEPA and the Supplemental SEPA cannot exceed $50,000,000. We may not request that the investor purchase shares pursuant to the SEPA at any time that there is an outstanding balance owed under a Prepaid Advance. On September 23, 2022, the Company received proceeds from a Prepaid Advance in the amount of $15,000,000 (“the Initial Prepaid Advance”), of which, $3,850,000 and $566,932 was withheld to repay the Promissory Note and related interest and premiums owed to Yorkville. During September through December 2022, the Company issued 5,375,269 shares of common stock, at purchase prices per share ranging from $0.99 to $1.84 pursuant to Investor Notices, in satisfaction of the Initial Prepaid Advance liability in the amount of $6,000,000. As of March 28, 2023, the remaining balance on the initial Prepaid Advance is $5,750,000. See Note 10 - Prepaid Advance Liability in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, cash used in operating activities was $17,354,125 and $6,805,674, respectively. Our cash used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $19,436,479, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $5,434,100, as well as $3,351,746 of net cash used to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. Our cash used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $11,911,151, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $4,670,955, as well as $434,522 of net cash generated from changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, cash used in investing activities was $4,647,974 and $2,737,235, respectively. Cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 was related to deposits paid for equipment of $1,421,432, purchases of property and equipment of $2,682,970, and the purchase of intangible assets for $543,572. Cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 was related to deposits paid for equipment of $2,153,950, purchases of property and equipment of $383,285, and the purchase of an intangible asset for $200,000. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, cash provided by financing activities was $17,472,361 and $15,526,070, respectively. Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 was due to net proceeds from the Prepaid Advance of $10,573,068, proceeds from a promissory note of $4,750,000, proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $3,020,836, proceeds from the SEPA of $250,000, proceeds from the exercise of options of $53,457. These amounts were partially offset by repayments of the promissory note of $1,000,000, and payments of issuance costs related to the prepaid advance liability of $85,000, financing costs related to the SEPA for $72,800 and payments of issuance costs in connection with notes payable for $17,200. Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 resulted from proceeds from the exercise of warrants in the amount of $11,719,204, proceeds from the sale of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants of $6,500,000, and proceeds from the exercise of options of $121,866. These amounts were partially offset by repayments of notes payable of $2,450,000, and payment of financing costs of $365,000. As of December 31, 2022, future cash requirements for our current liabilities include $3,550,294 for accounts payable and accrued expenses and $223,645 for future payments under operating leases. The Company has also committed to spend $1,000,000 related to the asset purchase agreement, $825,000 related to sponsorship agreements, $889,171 related to capital expenditures for automation and testing equipment, $391,842 for research and development, and $201,867 for construction related to facility enhancements. In addition, the Company committed to pay nonrefundable license fees and a minimum royalty of $67,500. Future cash commitments for long term liabilities consists of $97,958 for the long-term lease and a minimum royalty payment of $27,500. As of December 31, 2022, the Company also had $9,000,000 of principal outstanding for a prepaid advance liability pursuant to the Supplemental SEPA. Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company issued 2,839,217 shares of common stock in settlement of $3,000,000 of the Prepaid Advance. As of the filing date of this Form 10-K, the principal balance due on the Prepaid Advance is $6,000,000. While the Company expects that the prepaid advance liability will be repaid with the issuance of common stock, any prepaid advance balances outstanding for more than twelve months must be repaid in cash. The Company intends to meet its cash requirements from its current cash balance, proceeds from the SEPA or the Supplemental SEPA, and from future revenues. Our primary source of liquidity has historically been cash generated from equity and debt offerings. Under ASC Subtopic 205-40, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (“ASC 205-40”), we have the responsibility to evaluate whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about our ability to meet future financial obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The above conditions are indicators that substantial doubt about our ability to continue as 25 Table of Contents a going concern could exist as we have a history of recurring net losses, recurring use of cash in operations and declining working capital. Despite these conditions, we have a successful track record of raising capital as needed and continue to have a positive, ongoing relationship with a financial institution that has provided access to capital and will continue to support us. While no assurance can be provided that we will be successful in raising additional capital from Yorkville, as they are not obligated to advance funds so long as there is an outstanding Prepaid Advance, Yorkville has represented that in most scenarios, with mutual consent, they will continue to provide financial support as evidenced by the funds provided during March 2023. On March 10, 2023, the Company and Yorkville closed on a second Prepaid Advance in the amount of $2,000,000. Upon satisfaction of the Prepaid Advance liability, the Company will utilize its ability to draw down on the remaining $33,000,000 available under the SEPA. Based on the above, we believe we have sufficient liquidity and access to future capital to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date the financial statements have been issued and that our above plans alleviate any potential substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. As of March 24, 2023, our cash balance was approximately $7.3 million. Our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which contemplate our continuation as a going concern and the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities presented in the consolidated financial statements do not necessarily purport to represent realizable or settlement values. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements There are no off-balance sheet arrangements between us and any other entity that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on financial conditions, changes in financial conditions, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to stockholders. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures must be in conformity with U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make estimates and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the periods presented. We believe that the estimates and judgments upon which these reported amounts rely are reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that we make these estimates and judgments. Significant estimates used in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, assumptions used in projecting future cash flows and liquidity, fair value calculations for intangible assets, equity securities, stock-based compensation and the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial results will be affected. Certain estimates could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to the Company as well as general economic conditions. The accounting policies that reflect our more significant estimates and judgments and which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results are described below. The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies or estimates. Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in our financial statements included at the end of this Annual Report. Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized when our customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We recognize revenues following the five-step model in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation. The timing of our revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by our customers. A receivable is recorded when revenue is recognized prior to payment, and we have an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, we record deferred revenue when payment is received from customers for which the Company had not yet satisfied its performance obligation under the contract, or the customers have not officially accepted the goods or services provided under the contract. 26 Table of Contents Asset Acquisition In determining whether an acquisition should be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition, we first determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If this is the case, the single identifiable asset or the group of similar assets is not deemed to be a business and is instead deemed to be an asset. An asset acquisition is recorded at cost, which includes capitalizing transaction costs, and does not result in the recognition of goodwill. Stock-Based Compensation We measure the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant. The fair value amount of the shares expected to ultimately vest is then recognized over the period for which services are required to be provided in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. The estimation of stock-based awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from original estimates, such amounts are recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period that the estimates are revised. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our consolidated financial statements included within this Annual Report for a summary of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements. ​ ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK We are a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1) and are not required to provide the information required by this Item. ​ ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” which appears on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. ​ ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ​