Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Special
Note on Forward-Looking Statements.
Certain
statements in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operations” below, and elsewhere in this quarterly
report, are not related to historical results, and are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements present our expectations
or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current
facts. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements frequently are accompanied by such words such as
“may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,”
“anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,”
or the negative of such terms or other words and terms of similar meaning. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the
forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, or timeliness
of such results. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such forward-looking
statements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this quarterly report. Subsequent
written and oral forward looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety
by the cautionary statements and risk factors set forth in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2023, and in
other reports filed by us with the SEC.
You
should read the following description of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the financial statements
and accompanying notes included in this report.
Overview
We
are a developer of clean energy technologies. Our current focus is on developing an electrolyzer technology to lower the cost of Green
Hydrogen production.
Hydrogen
is the cleanest and most abundant fuel in the universe. It is zero-emission and only produces water vapor when used. However, hydrogen
does not exist in its pure form on Earth so it must be extracted. For centuries, scientists have known how to electricity to split water
into hydrogen and oxygen using a device called an electrolyzer. Electrolyzers installed behind a solar farm or wind farm can use renewable
electricity to split water, thereby producing Green Hydrogen. However, modern electrolyzers still cost too much. The chemical catalysts
that enable the water-splitting reactions are currently made from platinum and iridium - both are very expensive precious metals. These
catalysts account for nearly 50% of the cost of the electrolyzer.
We
are developing technologies to significantly reduce or replace catalysts made from rare materials with catalysts made from inexpensive
earth abundant materials in electrolyzers to lower the cost of Green Hydrogen, thus help usher in a Green Hydrogen economy. In a 2020
report, Goldman Sachs estimates that Green Hydrogen will be a $12 trillion market opportunity by 2050.
We
have previously developed an innovative material technology to reduce the cost per watt of electricity produced by Photovoltaic, or PV,
solar modules.
Recent
Transactions
Resignation
of Chief Executive Officer
On
June 15, 2023, Mr. David Lee resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Lee will continue to serve as
the Company’s President, Acting Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the board of directors.
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Appointment
of New Chief Executive Officer
On
June 15, 2023, the Company appointed Mr. Steven Hill as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Hill was appointed as Vice President
and a Director of the Company in March 2023.
Research
Agreement
On
June 28, 2023, we entered into a Research Agreement (the “Agreement”) with The Regents of the University of California (the
“University”), on behalf of its Santa Barbara Campus. Pursuant to the Agreement, the University will perform certain research
with respect to Thermochemical Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production from Water. The Agreement provides that the research will be completed
under the direction of Professors Phillip Christopher and Eric McFarland, who will serve as principal Investigators. The Agreement also
sets forth the rights to any data or information developed by the University under the Agreement, as well as the ownership of any patentable
developments or discoveries arising from the Agreement. The effective date of the Agreement is August 1, 2023 and the term of the Agreement
runs through July 31, 2025.
Application
of Critical Accounting Policies
Our
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited financial statements, which
have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these
financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those
related to impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, deferred tax assets and fair value computation using a Binomial
lattice valuation model. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions, such as the trading value of
our common stock and estimated future undiscounted cash flows, that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results
of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other
sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions; however, we believe that our estimates,
including those for the above-described items, are reasonable.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements. Significant estimates made in preparing these
financial statements, include the estimate of useful lives of property and equipment, the deferred tax valuation allowance, derivative
liabilities and the fair value of stock options. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
Our
cash, cash equivalents, investments, inventory, prepaid expenses, and accounts payable are stated at cost which approximates fair value
due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Management
reviewed currently issued pronouncements during the six months ended June 30, 2023, and does not believe that any other recently issued,
but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying condensed unaudited
financial statements.
Results
of Operations – Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2022.
OPERATING
EXPENSES
General
and Administrative Expenses
General
and administrative (“G&A”) expenses decreased by $2,578,605 to $651,040 for the three months ended June 30, 2023,
compared to $3,229,645 for the prior period ended June 30, 2022. The primary decrease in G&A expenses was the result of a
decrease in fair value of non-cash stock compensation of $2,645,209, with an overall increase in G&A expenses of
$66,604.
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Research
and Development
Research
and Development (“R&D”) expenses decreased by $220,546 to $10,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared
to $230,546 for the prior period ended June 30, 2022. This overall decrease in R&D expenses was the result of a decrease in outside
research fees.
Depreciation
Depreciation
and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was $1,027 and $1,070, respectively.
Other
Income/(Expenses)
Other
income and (expenses) decreased by $151 to $449 for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to $601 for the prior period ended
June 30, 2022. The decrease in other income and (expenses) was the result of a decrease in interest income of $151. The decrease in other
income and (expenses) was primarily due to the net change in interest income.
Net
Income (Loss)
Our
net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $661,618, compared to $3,460,660 for the prior period ended June 30, 2022. The
decrease in net loss was due to a decrease in non-cash other income associated with the net change in stock option expense in the current
period. These estimates were based on multiple inputs, including the market price of our stock, interest rates, our stock price volatility,
variable conversion prices based on market prices as defined in the respective agreements and probabilities of certain outcomes based
on management projections. These inputs were subject to significant changes from period to period and to management’s judgment;
therefore, the estimated fair value of the derivative liabilities fluctuate from period to period, and the fluctuation may be material.
The Company has not generated any revenues.
Results
of Operations – Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022.
OPERATING
EXPENSES
General
and Administrative Expenses
General
and administrative (“G&A”) expenses decreased by $3,542,726 to $2,266,978 for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared
to $5,809,704 for the prior period ended June 30, 2022. The primary decrease in G&A expenses was the result of a decrease in fair
value of non-cash stock compensation of $3,550,308, with an overall increase in G&A expenses of $7,582.
Research
and Development
Research
and Development (“R&D”) expenses decreased by $426,092 to $25,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to
$451,092 for the prior period ended June 30, 2022. This overall decrease in R&D expenses was the result of a decrease in outside
research fees.
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Depreciation
Depreciation
and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was $2,053 and $2,161, respectively.
Other
Income/(Expenses)
Other
income and (expenses) decreased by $322 to $913 for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to $1,235 for the prior period ended
June 30, 2022. The decrease in other income and (expenses) was the result of a decrease in interest income of $322. The decrease in other
income and (expenses) was primarily due to the net change in interest income.
Net
Income (Loss)
Our
net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $2,293,118, compared to $6,261,722 for the prior period ended June 30, 2022. The
majority of the decrease in net loss was due to a decrease in non-cash other income associated with the net change in stock option expense
in the current period. These estimates were based on multiple inputs, including the market price of our stock, interest rates, our stock
price volatility, variable conversion prices based on market prices as defined in the respective agreements and probabilities of certain
outcomes based on management projections. These inputs were subject to significant changes from period to period and to management’s
judgment; therefore, the estimated fair value of the derivative liabilities fluctuate from period to period, and the fluctuation may
be material. The Company has not generated any revenues.
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations, and otherwise operate
on an ongoing basis. Significant factors in the management of liquidity are funds generated by operations, levels of accounts receivable
and accounts payable and capital expenditures.
The
unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis of accounting, which contemplates continuity of
operations, realization of assets and liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The accompanying unaudited condensed
financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that might result if we are unable to continue as a going concern. During the six
months ended June 30, 2023, we did not generate any revenues, and recognized a net loss of $2,293,118, due to a change in non-cash stock
compensation, and cash of $422,098 used in operations. As of June 30, 2023, we had working capital of $4,426,846 and a shareholders’
equity of $967,096.
Management
believes that we will be able to continue to raise funds through the sale of our securities to existing and new investors. Management
believes that funding from existing and prospective new investors and future revenue will provide the additional cash needed to meet
our obligations as they become due and will allow the development of our core business operations. 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.
As
of June 30, 2023, we had working capital of $4,426,846 compared to $4,845,188 for the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease in
working capital was due primarily to a decrease in cash.
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During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, we used $422,098 of cash for operating activities, as compared to $866,147 for the prior period ended
June 30, 2022. The decrease in the use of cash for operating activities for the current period was a result of a decrease in professional
fees and research and development cost.
Net
cash provided from equity financing activities was $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2023, as compared to $1,000 for the prior period
ended June 30, 2022. The decrease was due to less equity financing during the current period. Our capital needs have primarily been met
from the proceeds of the sale of our securities, as we currently have not generated any revenues.
Our
independent auditors, in their report on our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, expressed substantial
doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern without additional capital becoming available. Our financial statements as of
June 30, 2023 have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern
ultimately is dependent upon our ability to generate revenue, which is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional equity or debt
financing, attain further operating efficiencies and, ultimately, to achieve profitable operations. Our financial statements do not include
any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
PLAN
OF OPERATION AND FINANCING NEEDS
We
are engaged in the development of clean energy technologies to lower the cost of producing green hydrogen. The Company’s current
focus is on developing lower cost replacements for precious metal based catalysts for hydrogen electrolyzers.
Our
plan of operation within the next twelve months is to utilize our cash balances to expand the existing electrolyzer technology program
focused on significantly reducing or replacing rare materials in electrolyzers with inexpensive earth abundant materials to help usher
in a Green Hydrogen economy.
We
believe that our current cash and investment balances will be sufficient to support development activity and general and administrative
expenses for the next twenty-four months. Management estimates that it will require additional cash resources during 2025, based upon
its current operating plan and condition. We expect increased expenses during the third quarter of 2023 as we ramp up prototyping efforts
for electrolyzer incorporating our catalyst technology as well as commence an additional related technology program.
ITEM
3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As
a smaller reporting company, as that term is defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required
by this Item.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.