Table of Contents
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended May 31, 2021
OR
☐
Transmission Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ______ to ______
Commission file number: 001-32046
Simulations Plus, Inc.
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California
95-4595609
(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer identification No.)
42505 10th Street West
Lancaster , CA 93534-7059
(Address of principal executive offices including
zip code)
(661) 723-7723
(Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b)
OF THE ACT:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, par value $0.001
per share
Trading Symbol
SLP
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark 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
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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 outstanding of the registrant’s
common stock, par value $0.001 per share, as of July 12, 2021, was 20,132,906 ; no shares
of preferred stock were outstanding.
Simulations Plus, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended May 31, 2021
Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020
6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
26
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
40
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
40
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
41
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
41
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
41
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
41
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
41
Item 5.
Other Information
41
Item 6.
Exhibits
42
Signatures
43
2
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
SIMULATIONS PLUS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
May 31,
August 31,
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
2021
2020
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 58,811
$ 49,207
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $ 100 and $ 50
12,962
7,422
Revenues in excess of billings
3,883
3,093
Prepaid income taxes
492
970
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1,602
1,596
Short-term investments
60,948
66,804
Total current assets
138,698
129,092
Long-term assets
Capitalized computer software development costs, net of accumulated amortization of $ 14,616 and $ 13,582
7,326
6,087
Property and equipment, net
1,260
438
Operating lease right-of-use assets
1,405
927
Intellectual property, net of accumulated amortization of $ 6,159 and $ 5,087
10,826
11,898
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $ 2,054 and $ 1,642
6,596
7,008
Goodwill
12,921
12,921
Other assets
51
51
Total assets
$ 179,083
$ 168,422
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$ 298
$ 351
Accrued payroll and other expenses
2,598
2,251
Income taxes payable
16
–
Current portion - contracts payable
3,333
2,000
Billings in excess of revenues
127
141
Operating lease liability, current portion
426
463
Deferred revenue
542
300
Total current liabilities
7,340
5,506
Long-term liabilities
Deferred income taxes, net
2,270
2,354
Operating lease liability
980
463
Payments due under contracts payable
3,095
4,064
Total liabilities
13,685
12,387
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, $ 0.001 par value 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
–
–
Common stock, $ 0.001 par value and additional paid-in capital — 50,000,000 shares authorized, 20,121,040 and 19,923,277 shares issued and outstanding
131,994
128,541
Retained earnings
33,310
27,436
Accumulated other comprehensive income
94
58
Total shareholders' equity
165,398
156,035
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$ 179,083
$ 168,422
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
SIMULATIONS PLUS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the three and nine months ended May 31,
2021 and May 31, 2020
(in thousands, except per common share amounts)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
2021
2020
2021
2020
Revenues
$ 12,777
$ 12,298
$ 36,625
$ 32,049
Cost of revenues
2,471
2,666
7,815
7,975
Gross margin
10,306
9,632
28,810
24,074
Operating expenses
Selling, general, and administrative
5,094
5,023
14,960
12,646
Research and development
670
752
2,771
2,026
Total operating expenses
5,764
5,775
17,731
14,672
Income from operations
4,542
3,857
11,079
9,402
Other income (expense)
Interest income
37
5
156
27
Interest expense
–
–
( 22 )
–
Change in value of contingent consideration
( 121 )
( 81 )
( 364 )
( 81 )
Income/(Loss) on currency exchange
33
( 1 )
61
1
Total other income (expense), net
( 51 )
( 77 )
( 169 )
( 53 )
Income before provision for income taxes
4,491
3,780
10,910
9,349
Provision for income taxes
( 704 )
( 844 )
( 1,433 )
( 2,205 )
Net Income
$ 3,787
$ 2,936
$ 9,477
$ 7,144
Earnings per share
Basic
$ 0.19
$ 0.17
$ 0.47
$ 0.40
Diluted
$ 0.18
$ 0.16
$ 0.46
$ 0.39
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic
20,105
17,735
20,014
17,661
Diluted
20,802
18,427
20,750
18,334
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments
40
30
36
30
Comprehensive Income
$ 3,827
$ 2,966
$ 9,513
$ 7,174
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
SIMULATIONS PLUS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
For the three and nine months ended May 31,
2021 and May 31, 2020
(in thousands, except per common share amounts)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
2021
2020
2021
2020
Common stock and additional paid in capital
Balance, beginning of period
$ 130,713
$ 16,414
$ 128,541
$ 15,327
Exercise of stock options
576
204
1,412
507
Stock-based compensation
618
287
1,784
927
Shares issued to Directors for services
87
73
257
217
Shares issued - Lixoft
–
3,261
–
3,261
Balance, end of period
$ 131,994
$ 20,239
$ 131,994
$ 20,239
Retained earnings
Balance, beginning of period
$ 30,730
$ 24,448
$ 27,436
$ 22,355
Declaration of dividend
( 1,207 )
( 1,066 )
( 3,603 )
( 3,181 )
Net income
3,787
2,936
9,477
7,144
Balance, end of period
$ 33,310
$ 26,318
$ 33,310
$ 26,318
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of period
$ 54
$ –
$ 58
$ –
Other comprehensive income
40
30
36
30
Balance, end of period
$ 94
$ 30
$ 94
$ 30
Total shareholders’
equity
-
-
156,035
-
Other comprehensive income (loss)
-
-
-
-
Total shareholders’ equity
$ 165,398
$ 46,587
$ 165,398
$ 46,587
Cash dividends declared per common share
$ 0.06
$ 0.06
$ 0.18
$ 0.18
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
SIMULATIONS PLUS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
$ 9,477
$ 7,144
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization
2,662
2,134
Change in value of contingent consideration
364
81
Amortization of investment premiums
1,752
–
Stock-based compensation
2,041
1,144
Deferred income taxes
( 84 )
44
Currency translation adjustments
36
–
(Increase) decrease in
Accounts receivable
( 5,540 )
( 5,269 )
Revenues in excess of billings
( 790 )
396
Prepaid income taxes
478
553
Prepaid expenses and other assets
( 6 )
7
Increase (decrease) in
Accounts payable
( 51 )
324
Accrued payroll and other expenses
347
27
Accrued income taxes
16
–
Billings in excess of revenues
( 14 )
( 529 )
Deferred revenue
242
48
Net cash provided by operating activities
10,930
6,104
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment
( 966 )
( 106 )
Purchases of short-term investments
( 63,964 )
–
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
68,068
–
Cash used to acquire subsidiaries
–
( 9,471 )
Cash received in acquisition
–
3,799
Capitalized computer software development costs
( 2,273 )
( 1,733 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
865
( 7,511 )
Cash flows used in financing activities
Payment of dividends
( 3,603 )
( 3,181 )
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
1,412
507
Net cash used in financing activities
( 2,191 )
( 2,674 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
9,604
( 4,081 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
49,207
11,435
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$ 58,811
$ 7,354
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Income taxes paid
$ 893
$ 1,614
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Stock issued for acquisition of Lixoft
$ –
$ 3,261
Creation of contract liabilities for acquisition of subsidiaries
$ –
$ 4,528
Right-of-use assets capitalized
$ 905
$ 1,471
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
SIMULATIONS PLUS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1: GENERAL
This report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
May 31, 2021, should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 16, 2020. As contemplated by the SEC under Article 8 of Regulation S-X, the accompanying
consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been condensed and therefore do not contain all disclosures required by generally
accepted accounting principles. The interim financial data are unaudited; however, in the opinion of Simulations Plus, Inc. ("we",
"our", "us"), the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary
for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those to be
expected for the full year.
Organization
Simulations Plus, Inc. (“Simulations Plus”)
was incorporated on July 17, 1996. In September 2014, Simulations Plus acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of Cognigen Corporation
(“Cognigen”) and Cognigen became a wholly owned subsidiary of Simulations Plus, Inc. In June 2017, Simulations Plus acquired
DILIsym Services, Inc. (“DILIsym”) as a wholly owned subsidiary. In April 2020, Simulations Plus, Inc. acquired Lixoft, a
French société par actions simplifiée (“Lixoft”) as a wholly owned subsidiary pursuant to a stock purchase
and contribution agreement. (Collectively, “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”).
Lines of Business
We are a premier developer of drug discovery and
development software for modeling and simulation, and for the prediction of molecular properties utilizing artificial intelligence and
machine learning based technology. We also provide consulting services ranging from early drug discovery through preclinical and clinical
trial data analysis and for submissions to regulatory agencies. Our software and consulting services are provided to major pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, agrochemical, cosmetics and food industry companies, and to regulatory agencies worldwide for use in the conduct of industry-based
research.
NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Simulations Plus, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates
Our financial statements and accompanying notes
are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparing financial statements
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses.
These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies. Actual results could differ from
those estimates. Significant accounting policies for us include revenue recognition, accounting for capitalized computer software development
costs, valuation of stock options, and accounting for income taxes.
Reclassifications
Certain numbers in the prior year have been reclassified
to conform to the current year's presentation.
Revenue Recognition
We generate revenue primarily from the sale of
software licenses and by providing consulting services to the pharmaceutical industry for drug development.
7
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification
Topic 606 (ASC Topic 606), “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, we determine revenue recognition through the following
steps:
i.
Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer
ii.
Identification of the performance obligations in the contract
iii.
Determination of the transaction price
iv.
Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
v.
Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation
Deferred Commissions
Sales commissions earned by our sales force and
our commissioned sales representatives are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Sales
commissions for new contracts are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit. We determine the period
of benefit by taking into consideration our customer contracts, our technology, and other factors. Sales commissions for renewal contracts
are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over the related contractual renewal period. Amortization expense is included
in sales and marketing expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
We apply the practical expedient in ASC Topic
606 to expense costs as incurred for sales commissions when the period of benefit would have been one year or less. Most of our contracts
are of a duration of one year or less, while few, if any of the longer-term contracts have commissions associated with them.
Practical Expedients and Exemptions
We have elected the following additional
practical expedients in applying Topic 606:
·
Commission Expense : We apply the practical expedient in ASC Topic 606 to expense costs as incurred for sales commissions when the period of benefit is one year or less. Most of our contracts are of a duration of one year or less; few, if any of the longer-term contracts have commissions associated with them. This expense is included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as Selling, general, and administration expense.
·
Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance
Obligations : ASC 606 requires that we disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations
that have not yet been satisfied as of May 31, 2021. ASC 606 provides certain practical expedients that limit the requirement to disclose
the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations.
We applied the practical expedient to not disclose
the amount of transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the performance obligation is part of a contract
that has an original expected duration of one year or less.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statements of cash flows,
we consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
We analyze the age of customer balances, historical
bad-debt experience, customer creditworthiness, and changes in customer payment terms when making estimates of the collectability of our
trade accounts receivable balances. If we determine that the financial conditions of any of our customers have deteriorated, whether due
to customer-specific or general economic issues, an increase in the allowance may be made. Accounts receivable are written off when reasonable
collection attempts have failed.
8
Investments
We may invest excess cash balances in short-term
and long-term marketable debt securities. Investments may consist of certificates of deposits, money market funds, U.S. government-sponsored
agency securities, corporate bonds, floating rate securities, municipal securities and/or commercial paper within the parameters of our
Investment Policy and Guidelines. We account for our investments in marketable securities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. This statement requires debt securities to be classified into three
categories:
Held-to-maturity—Debt securities that the
entity has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at amortized cost. Discounts and premiums to par value of
the debt securities are amortized to interest income/expense over the term of the security. No gains or losses on investment securities
are realized until they are sold or a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary.
Trading Securities—Debt securities that
are bought and held primarily for the purpose of selling in the near term are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses
included in earnings.
Available-for-Sale—Debt securities not classified
as either securities held-to-maturity or trading securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses excluded from earnings
and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.
We classify our investments in marketable debt
securities based on the facts and circumstances present at the time of purchase of the securities. During the quarter ended May 31, 2021,
all of our investments were classified as held-to-maturity.
Capitalized Computer Software Development Costs
Software development costs are capitalized in
accordance with ASC 985-20, “Costs of Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Marketed” . Capitalization of software development
costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility and is discontinued when the product is available for sale.
The establishment of technological feasibility
and the ongoing assessment for recoverability of capitalized software development costs require considerable judgment by management with
respect to certain external factors including, but not limited to, technological feasibility, anticipated future gross revenues, estimated
economic life, and changes in software and hardware technologies. Capitalized software development costs are comprised primarily of salaries
and direct payroll-related costs and the purchase of existing software to be used in our software products.
Amortization of capitalized software development
costs is calculated on a product-by-product basis on the straight-line method over the estimated economic life of the products (not to
exceed five years). Amortization of software development costs amounted to $ 344 thousand and $ 310 thousand for the three months ended
May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $ 1.0 million and $ 938 thousand for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
We expect future amortization expense to vary due to increases in capitalized computer software development costs.
We test capitalized computer software development
costs for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost,
less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives as follows:
Property and Equipment estimated useful lives
Equipment
5 years
Computer equipment
3 to 7 years
Furniture and fixtures
5 to 7 years
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of life of asset or lease
9
Internal-use Software
We have a service contract related to the implementation
of internally used software. In accordance with ASC 350-40 “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in
a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” , we have capitalized certain internal-use software which are included
in long-term assets.
The amortization will be classified as Selling,
general, and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations and maintenance and minor upgrades are charged
to expense as incurred. Gains and losses on disposals are included in the results of operations. No amortization has been expensed for
the project as it is still in progress.
Leases
Supplemental balance sheet information related
to operating leases was as follows as of May 31, 2021:
(in thousands)
Right-of-use assets
$ 1,405
Lease liabilities, current
$ 426
Lease liabilities, long-term
$ 980
Operating lease costs
$ 455
Weighted average remaining lease term
2.8 years
Weighted average discount rate
3.79 %
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
We perform valuations of assets acquired and liabilities
assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination and recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their
acquisition-date fair value. Acquired intangible assets include customer relationships, software, trade names, and noncompete agreements.
We determine the appropriate useful life by performing an analysis of expected cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired
businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method, which approximates the pattern
in which the majority of the economic benefits are expected to be consumed.
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of
an acquired entity over the fair value of the acquired net assets. Goodwill is not amortized, instead it is tested for impairment annually
or when events or circumstances change that would indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Events or circumstances that could trigger
an impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, an adverse
action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant changes in the manner of our use
of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, or significant underperformance
relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the
reporting unit level, which is one level below or the same as an operating segment. As of May 31, 2021, we determined that we have
four reporting units: Simulations Plus, Cognigen, DILIsym and Lixoft. When testing goodwill for impairment, we first perform a
qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform step one of a two-step annual goodwill impairment test for
each reporting unit. We are required to perform step one only if it concludes that it is more likely than not that a reporting
unit's fair value is less than its carrying value. Should this be the case, the first step of the two-step process is to identify
whether a potential impairment exists by comparing the estimated fair values of our reporting units with their respective book
values, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds book value, goodwill is considered not to be
impaired, and no additional steps are necessary. If, however, the fair value of the reporting unit is less than book value, then the
second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The amount of
the impairment loss is the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied fair value. The estimate of implied fair
value of goodwill is primarily based on an estimate of the discounted cash flows expected to result from that reporting unit, but
may require valuations of certain internally generated and unrecognized intangible assets such as our software, technology, patents,
and trademarks. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized
in an amount equal to the excess.
As of May 31, 2021, the entire balance of goodwill
was attributed to three of our reporting units: Cognigen, DILIsym, and Lixoft. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed
for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. We did not recognize
any impairment charges during the three months and nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
10
Reconciliation of Goodwill as of May 31, 2021:
Schedule of reconciliation of goodwill
(in thousands)
Cognigen
DILIsym
Lixoft
Total
Balance, August 31, 2020
$ 4,789
$ 5,598
$ 2,534
$ 12,921
Addition
–
–
–
–
Impairments
–
–
–
–
Balance, May 31, 2021
$ 4,789
$ 5,598
$ 2,534
$ 12,921
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value
in the Condensed Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair
value. The categories, as defined by the standard are as follows:
Level Input:
Input Definition:
Level I
Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
Level II
Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level I, that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data at the measurement date.
Level III
Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.
For certain of our financial instruments, including
accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued payroll and other expenses, accrued bonuses to officers, and accrued warranty and service
costs, the amounts approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
The following table summarizes fair value measurements
at May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
May 31, 2021:
Schedule of fair value measurements
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 58,811
$ –
$ –
$ 58,811
Short-term investments
$ 60,948
$ –
$ –
$ 60,948
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations
$ –
$ –
$ 5,095
$ 5,095
August 31, 2020:
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 49,207
$ –
$ –
$ 49,207
Short-term investments
$ 66,804
$ –
$ –
$ 66,804
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations
$ –
$ –
$ 4,731
$ 4,731
11
As of May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020, we had
a liability for contingent consideration related to our acquisition of Lixoft. The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration
obligations is determined using Level 3 inputs. The fair value of contingent consideration obligations is based on a discounted cash flow
model using a probability-weighted income approach. These fair value measurements represent Level 3 measurements as they are based on
significant inputs not observable in the market. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions
as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, changes in assumptions could have a material impact on the amount
of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Changes in the value of the contingent consideration obligations are
recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The following is a reconciliation of contingent
consideration value:
Reconciliation of contingent
consideration
(in thousands)
Value at August 31, 2020
$ 4,731
Contingent consideration payments
–
Change in value of contingent consideration
364
Value at May 31, 2021
$ 5,095
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are charged to
expense as incurred until technological feasibility has been established. These costs include salaries, laboratory experiments, and purchased
software that was developed by other companies and incorporated into, or used in the development of, our final products.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with
ASC 740-10, “Income Taxes” which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future
tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns.
Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized
for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting
amounts at each year-end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected
to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to
be realized. The provision for income taxes represents the tax payable for the period and the change during the period in deferred tax
assets and liabilities.
Intellectual
property
The following table summarizes intellectual property as of May 31, 2021:
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
(in thousands)
Amortization
Period
Acquisition
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Royalty Agreement buy out-Enslein Research
Straight line 10 years
$ 75
$ 69
$ 6
Termination/nonassertion agreement-TSRL Inc.
Straight line 10 years
6,000
4,225
1,775
Developed technologies–DILIsym acquisition
Straight line 9 years
2,850
1,267
1,583
Intellectual rights of Entelos Holding Corp.
Straight line 10 years
50
14
36
Developed technologies–Lixoft acquisition
Straight line 16 years
8,010
584
7,426
$ 16,985
$ 6,159
$ 10,826
12
The following table summarizes intellectual property
as of August 31, 2020:
(in thousands)
Amortization
Period
Acquisition
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Royalty Agreement buy out-Enslein Research
Straight line 10 years
$ 75
$ 64
$ 11
Termination/nonassertion agreement-TSRL Inc.
Straight line 10 years
6,000
3,775
2,225
Developed technologies–DILIsym acquisition
Straight line 9 years
2,850
1,029
1,821
Intellectual rights of Entelos Holding Corp.
Straight line 10 years
50
10
40
Developed technologies–Lixoft acquisition
Straight line 16 years
8,010
209
7,801
$ 16,985
$ 5,087
$ 11,898
Total amortization expense for intellectual property
agreements for the three months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 was $ 358 thousand and $ 316 thousand, respectively, and total amortization
expense for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 was $ 1.1 million and $ 781 thousand, respectively.
Other
intangible assets
The following table summarizes our other intangible assets as of May 31, 2021:
Schedule of other intangible assets
(in thousands)
Amortization
Period
Acquisition
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Cognigen
Customer relationships
Straight line 8 years
$ 1,100
$ 928
$ 172
Trade name
None
500
–
500
Covenants not to compete
Straight line 5 years
50
50
–
DILIsym
Customer relationships
Straight line 10 years
1,900
760
1,140
Trade name
None
860
–
860
Covenants not to compete
Straight line 4 years
80
80
–
Lixoft
Customer relationships
Straight line 14 years
2,550
213
2,337
Trade name
None
1,550
–
1,550
Covenants not to compete
Straight line 3 years
60
23
37
$ 8,650
$ 2,054
$ 6,596
13
The following table summarizes our other intangible
assets as of August 31, 2020:
(in thousands)
Amortization
Period
Acquisition
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Cognigen
Customer relationships
Straight line 8 years
$ 1,100
$ 825
$ 275
Trade name
None
500
–
500
Covenants not to compete
Straight line 5 years
50
50
–
DILIsym
Customer relationships
Straight line 10 years
1,900
618
1,282
Trade name
None
860
–
860
Covenants not to compete
Straight line 4 years
80
65
15
Lixoft
Customer relationships
Straight line 14 years
2,550
76
2,474
Trade name
None
1,550
–
1,550
Covenants not to compete
Straight line 3 years
60
8
52
$ 8,650
$ 1,642
$ 7,008
Total amortization expense for other intangible
assets for the three months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 was $ 137 thousand and $ 120 thousand, respectively, and total amortization expense
for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 was $ 412 thousand and $ 293 thousand, respectively. According to policy in addition to
normal amortization, these assets are tested for impairment as needed.
Earnings per Share
We report earnings per share in accordance with
FASB ASC 260-10. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number
of common shares available. Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to basic earnings per share except that the denominator is
increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been
issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. The components of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine
months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
Schedule of earnings per share
(in thousands)
Three Months ended May 31,
Nine Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common shareholders
$ 3,787
$ 2,936
$ 9,477
$ 7,144
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period
20,105
17,735
20,014
17,661
Dilutive effect of stock options
697
692
736
673
Common stock and common stock equivalents used for diluted earnings per share
20,802
18,427
20,750
18,334
14
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation costs related to stock options are
determined in accordance with FASB ASC 718-10, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”, using the modified prospective method.
Under this method, compensation cost is calculated based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with FASB ASC 718-10, amortized
on a straight-line basis over the options’ vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense was $ 705 thousand and $ 287 thousand
for the three months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $ 2.0 million and $ 927 thousand for the nine months ended May 31, 2021
and 2020, respectively. This expense is included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as Selling, general, and administration
and Research and development expense.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We account for the impairment and disposition
of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other ” and ASC 360, “Property
and Equipment” . Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that
their carrying value may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the expected future
undiscounted net cash flows generated by the asset. If we determine that the asset may not be recoverable, or if the carrying amount of
an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment charge to the extent of the difference between
the fair value and the asset's carrying amount. No impairment losses were recorded during the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)
2020-04 , Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU
2020-04”). The amendments in ASU 2020-04 provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications,
hedging relationships and other transactions to ease the potential accounting and financial reporting burden associated with transitioning
away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued, including the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). This
ASU is effective as of March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. The adoption of the new standard has not had and is not expected to
have a material impact on our financial statements or related disclosures.
In February
2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes existing guidance on accounting for leases in "Leases (Topic
840)" and generally requires all leases to be recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and
interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted this ASU on September 1, 2019.
NOTE 3: REVENUE RECOGNITION
Contract Liabilities
During the three and nine months ended May 31,
2021, we recognized $ 30 thousand and $ 430 thousand, respectively, of revenue that was included in contract liabilities as of August 31,
2020, and during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2020, we recognized $ 109 thousand and $ 882 thousand, respectively, of revenue
that was included in contract liabilities as of August 31, 2019.
Disaggregation of Revenues
The components of disaggregation of revenue for
the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
Schedule of disaggregation of revenues
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended May 31,
Nine Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Software licenses:
Point in time
$ 8,098
$ 6,623
$ 21,570
$ 16,117
Over time
200
230
703
734
Consulting services:
Over time
4,479
5,445
14,352
15,198
Total revenue
$ 12,777
$ 12,298
$ 36,625
$ 32,049
15
Remaining Performance Obligations
Remaining performance obligations that do not
fall under the expedients require us to perform various consulting and software development services of approximately $ 4.3 million.
It is anticipated that a majority of these revenues will be recognized within the next twelve months.
NOTE 4: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
Schedule of property and equipment
(in thousands)
May 31, 2021
August 31, 2020
Equipment
$ 1,012
$ 865
Computer equipment
614
548
Furniture and fixtures
161
161
Leasehold improvements
123
114
Construction in progress*
742
–
Sub total
2,652
1,688
Less: accumulated depreciation
( 1,392 )
( 1,250 )
Net book value
$ 1,260
$ 438
*Includes ERP costs associated with
the development of internal-use software.
NOTE 5: INVESTMENTS
We invest a portion of our excess cash balances
in short-term debt securities within the parameters of our Investment Policy and Guidelines. Investments as of May 31, 2021 consisted
of corporate bonds with maturities remaining of less than 12 months. We may also invest excess cash balances in certificates of deposit,
money market accounts, government-sponsored enterprise securities, corporate bonds and/or commercial paper. We account for investments
in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. As of May 31, 2021, all investments were classified
as held-to-maturity securities.
The following tables summarize our short-term
investments as of May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020:
May 31, 2021
Schedule of short term investments
(in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Commercial notes (due within one year)
$ 60,948
$ –
$ ( 23 )
$ 60,925
Total
$ 60,948
$ –
$ ( 23 )
$ 60,925
August 31, 2020
(in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Commercial notes (due within one year)
$ 66,804
$ –
$ ( 61 )
$ 66,743
Total
$ 66,804
$ –
$ ( 61 )
$ 66,743
16
NOTE 6: CONTRACTS PAYABLE
DILIsym Acquisition Liabilities :
On June 1, 2017, we acquired DILIsym. The agreement
provided for a working capital adjustment, an eighteen-month $1.0 million holdback provision against certain representations and warranties,
and an earnout agreement of up to an additional $5.0 million in earnout payments based on earnings over three years following acquisition.
The earnout liability has been recorded at an estimated fair value. Payments under the earnout liability started in fiscal year 2019.
In September 2018, $1.6 million was paid out under the first earnout payment, a second earnout payment was made in August 2019 in the
amount of $1.7 million. The final payment of $1.8 million was paid in August 2020. In addition, no claims were made against the holdback
and the $1.0 million holdback provision was released eighteen months after June 1, 2017.
Lixoft Acquisition Liabilities :
On April 1, 2020, we acquired Lixoft. The
agreement provided for a 24-month $2.0 million holdback provision against certain representations and warrantees, comprised of $1.3
million of cash and shares of stock valued at $667 thousand issued at the date of the agreement. In addition, based on a revenue
growth formula for the two years subsequent to April 1, 2020, the agreement calls for earnout payments of up to $5.5 million
(two-thirds cash and one-third newly issued, unregistered shares of our common stock). The former shareholders of Lixoft can earn up
to $2.0 million the first year and $3.5 million in year two. In June 2021, $ 2.0 million was paid to former Lixoft shareholder under
the first earnout payment.
As of May 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 the following
liabilities have been recorded:
Schedule of Liabilities
(in thousands)
May 31,
2021
August 31,
2020
Holdback liability
$ 1,333
$ 1,333
Earnout liability
5,095
4,731
Sub total
$ 6,428
$ 6,064
Less: current portion
3,333
2,000
Long-term portion
$ 3,095
$ 4,064
NOTE 7: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
We lease approximately 9,255 square feet of space
in Lancaster, California. The term of the lease extends to January 31, 2026 and the base rent is $16.7 thousand per month. The lease also
allows us to opt out of the last 4 years of the lease upon 180-day notice to the landlord with no penalty.
We lease approximately 12,623 square feet of office
space in Buffalo, New York. The initial five-year term expired in October 2018 and was renewed for a three-year option extending it to
November 2021. The new base rent is $16 thousand per month.
17
We lease approximately 2,700 square feet of office
space in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The initial three-year term was due to expire October 2020. An amendment to the initial
lease became effective April 1, 2020, which added 686 square feet and extended the term of the lease to September 30, 2023. The new base
rent is approximately $8 thousand per month with an annual 3% adjustment.
We lease approximately 2,300 square feet of
office space in Paris, France, which as of April 1, 2020, had minimum payments equaling $288 thousand. The lease is for a 9-year
term, with an option to terminate every 3 years, and expires in November of 2024. The rent is approximately $16 thousand per quarter
(approximately $5.3 thousand per month) and can be adjusted each December based on a consumer price index.
Rent expense, including common area maintenance
fees for the three months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 was $ 167 thousand and $ 168 thousand, respectively, and $ 499 thousand and $ 463
thousand for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable
operating leases with remaining terms of one year or more at May 31, 2021 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Years
Ending May 31,
2022
$ 465
2023
371
2024
302
2025
228
2026
133
Total future minimum lease payments
$ 1,499
Line of
Credit
On March 31, 2020, we entered into a Credit Agreement
with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The Credit Agreement provides us with a credit facility of $ 3.5 million through April 15, 2022 . As of May
31, 2021, there were no amounts drawn against the line of credit.
Employment Agreements
In the normal course of business, we have entered
into employment agreements with certain of our key management personnel that may require compensation payments upon termination.
License Agreement
We had a royalty agreement with Dassault Systèmes
Americas Corp. for access to their Metabolite Database for developing our Metabolite Module within ADMET Predictor™. The module
was renamed the Metabolism Module when we released ADMET Predictor version 6 on April 19, 2012. Under this agreement, we paid a royalty
of 25% of revenue derived from the sale of the Metabolism/Metabolite module. This agreement was renegotiated, and we do not bear any royalty
obligations towards Dassault Systèmes Americas Corp. effective as of June 30, 2019. In addition, the license agreement terminated
on September 5, 2020. We have not experienced any adverse impact on revenue since terminating the license agreement.
We are in the process of developing a database
to replace the Metabolite Database, which is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2021.
18
Income Taxes
We follow guidance issued by the FASB with regard
to our accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements. Such guidance prescribes a recognition threshold
of more likely than not and a measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected
to be taken in a tax return. In making this assessment, a company must determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position
will be sustained upon examination, based solely on the technical merits of the position and must assume that the tax position will be
examined by taxing authorities. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to income tax expense. We file income tax returns
with the IRS and various state jurisdictions as well as with the countries of India and France. Our federal income tax returns for fiscal
years 2017 through 2019 are open for audit, and our state tax returns for fiscal years 2017 through 2019 remain open for audit.
Our review of prior year tax positions using the
criteria and provisions presented in guidance issued by FASB did not result in a material impact on our financial position or results
of operations.
Legal Proceedings
We may be subject to litigation, claims, investigations, and audits
arising from time to time in the ordinary course of our business; however, at this time, we are not a party to any legal proceedings and
are not aware of any pending, threatened, or unasserted legal proceedings of any kind.
NOTE 8: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Dividends
Our Board of Directors declared cash dividends
during fiscal years 2021 and 2020. The details of the dividends paid are in the following tables:
Schedule of dividends declared and paid
(in
thousands, except dividend per share amounts)
Fiscal Year 2021
Record Date
Distribution Date
Number of Shares
Outstanding on
Record Date
Dividend per
Share
Total
Amount
10/26/2020
11/02/2020
19,924
$ 0.06
$ 1,195
1/25/2021
2/01/2021
20,010
$ 0.06
1,201
4/26/2021
5/03/2021
20,115
$ 0.06
1,207
Total
$ 3,603
(in thousands, except dividend per share amounts)
Fiscal Year 2020
Record Date
Distribution Date
Number of Shares
Outstanding on
Record Date
Dividend per
Share
Total
Amount
10/25/2019
11/01/2019
17,606
$ 0.06
$ 1,056
1/27/2020
2/03/2020
17,646
$ 0.06
1,059
4/24/2020
5/01/2020
17,769
$ 0.06
1,066
7/27/2020
8/03/2020
17,820
$ 0.06
1,069
Total
$ 4,250
19
Stock Option Plans
On February 23, 2007, the Board of Directors adopted,
and the shareholders approved the 2007 Stock Option Plan under which a total of 1.0 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance.
On February 25, 2014 the shareholders approved an additional 1.0 million shares increasing the total number of shares available to be
granted under the 2007 Stock Option Plan to 2.0 million. This plan terminated in February 2017 by its term.
On December 23, 2016 the Board of Directors adopted,
and on February 23, 2017 the shareholders approved, the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) under which a total of
1.0 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. The 2017 Plan has been replaced by the Company’s new 2021 Plan (defined
below). As a result, no further grants of awards may be made under the 2017 Plan and any awards that are cancelled or expire under the
2017 Plan will not be reissued, except that outstanding awards granted prior to the adoption of the new 2021 Plan will continue to be
governed by the 2017 Plan.
Effective April 9, 2021, the Board of Directors
approved, subject to shareholder approval, the adoption of a new 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) under which
1.3 million shares are reserved for issuance. The 2021 Plan, which was submitted for shareholder approval at our 2021 Special Meeting
of Shareholders held on June 23, 2021, was approved by the shareholders. As a result, the 2021 Plan became effective as of April 9, 2021,
and the Company may issue equity awards to permitted recipients thereunder.
As of May 31, 2021, employees and directors hold
Qualified Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”) and Non-Qualified Stock Options (“NQSOs) to purchase 1.2 million shares of
common stock at exercise prices ranging from $6.85 to $66.14.
The following table summarizes information about stock options:
Schedule of stock option activity
(in thousands, except per share and weighted-average amounts)
Transactions during the nine months ended May 31, 2021
Number of
Options
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Per Share
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Outstanding, August 31, 2020
1,224
$ 17.76
6.79
Granted
209
$ 57.95
Exercised
( 197 )
$ 12.65
Cancelled/Forfeited
( 53 )
$ 25.99
Outstanding, May 31, 2021
1,183
$ 25.34
6.68
Exercisable, May 31, 2021
600
$ 11.83
5.04
The weighted-average remaining contractual life
of options outstanding issued under the Plan, both ISOs and NQSOs, was 6.68 years at May 31, 2021. The total fair value of nonvested stock
options as of May 31, 2021, was $ 9.4 million and is amortizable over a weighted average period of 3.55 years.
The fair value of these options was estimated
at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-valuation model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options, which do not have vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models
require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility.
20
The following table summarizes the fair value
of the options, including both ISOs and NQSOs, granted during the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and fiscal year 2020:
Schedule of fair value of options
(in thousands except pricing)
Nine months ended
May 31, 2021
Fiscal Year 2020
Estimated fair value of awards granted
$ 4,739
$ 2,997
Unvested forfeiture rate
0 %
0 %
Weighted average grant price
$ 57.95
$ 39.23
Weighted average market price
$ 57.95
$ 39.23
Weighted average volatility
40.49 %
33.56 %
Weighted average risk-free rate
0.61 %
1.39 %
Weighted average dividend yield
0.41 %
0.65 %
Weighted average expected life
6.64 years
6.67 years
The exercise prices for the options outstanding
at May 31, 2021, ranged from $6.85 to $66.14, and the information relating to these options is as follows:
Schedule of options by exercise price range
(in thousands except prices)
Exercise Price
Awards Outstanding
Awards Exercisable
Low
High
Quantity
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Quantity
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 6.85
$ 8.28
148
3.25 years
$ 6.85
148
3.25 years
$ 6.85
$ 8.29
$ 10.03
185
4.77 years
$ 9.72
185
4.77 years
$ 9.72
$ 10.04
$ 18.76
231
5.61 years
$ 10.35
171
5.56 years
$ 10.41
$ 18.77
$ 34.53
323
7.73 years
$ 26.25
84
7.26 years
$ 24.73
$ 34.54
$ 66.14
296
9.28 years
$ 55.11
12
8.41 years
$ 36.65
1,183
6.68 years
$ 25.34
600
5.04 years
$ 11.83
During the three and nine months ended May 31,
2021, we issued 1,385 and 3,765 shares of stock valued at $ 87 thousand and $ 257 thousand to our non-management directors as compensation
for board-related duties.
In August 2020, we closed an underwritten public
offering of approximately 2.1 million shares of our common stock to the public at $ 55.00 per share, which included the
full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase approximately 273 thousand additional shares of common stock. The aggregate
gross proceeds from this offering were approximately $ 115 million before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. Net proceeds
were approximately $ 107.7 million. The offering was made pursuant to our automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed
with the SEC on July 9, 2020.
The balance of par value common stock and additional
paid in capital as of May 31, 2021, was $10 thousand and $132.0 million, respectively.
21
NOTE 9: CONCENTRATIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Financial instruments that potentially subject
us to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, and short-term investments.
We hold cash and cash equivalents at banks located in California and with balances that often exceed FDIC-insured limits. In addition,
we hold cash at a bank in France that is not FDIC-insured. Historically, we have not experienced any losses in such accounts. However,
we are investigating alternative ways to minimize our exposure to such risks. While we may be exposed to credit losses due to the nonperformance
of our counterparties, we do not expect the settlement of these transactions to have a material effect on our results of operations, cash
flows, or financial condition. We maintain cash at financial institutions that may, at times, exceed federally insured limits.
Revenue concentration shows that international
sales accounted for 31 % and 32 % of net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Three customers accounted
for 12 %, 4 % and 4 % of net sales during the nine months ended May 31, 2021. Three customers accounted for 8 %, 7 % (a distributor in Japan
representing various customers), and 7 % of net sales during the nine months ended May 31, 2020.
Accounts receivable concentration shows that four
customers each comprised between 7 % and 10 % of accounts receivable at May 31, 2021, compared to seven customers each comprising between
5 % and 10 % of accounts receivable at May 31, 2020.
We operate in the computer software industry,
which is highly competitive and changes rapidly. Our operating results could be significantly affected by our ability to develop new products
and find new distribution channels for new and existing products.
The majority of our customers are in the pharmaceutical
industry. During economic downturns, we have seen consolidations in the pharmaceutical industry. The
extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business going forward will depend on numerous factors we cannot reliably predict, including
the duration and scope of the pandemic; businesses and individuals' actions in response to the pandemic; and the impact on economic activity
including the possibility of recession or financial market instability. These factors may adversely impact consumer, business, and government
spending as well as customers' ability to pay for our products and services on an ongoing basis . As a result, our growth rate could
be affected by consolidation and downsizing in the pharmaceutical industry.
NOTE 10: SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING
We account for segments and geographic revenues
in accordance with guidance issued by the FASB. Our reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and
services.
Results for each segment and consolidated results
are as follows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020:
Schedule of consolidated results from reportable segments
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended May 31, 2021
Simulations Plus
Cognigen
DILIsym
Lixoft
Eliminations
Total
Revenues
$ 7,916
$ 2,536
$ 1,331
$ 994
$ –
$ 12,777
Income from operations before income taxes
$ 4,128
$ 85
$ 82
$ 247
$ –
$ 4,542
Total assets
$ 168,235
$ 13,044
$ 14,835
$ 21,738
$ ( 38,769 )
$ 179,083
Capital expenditures
$ 315
$ 57
$ 11
$ –
$ –
$ 383
Capitalized software costs
$ 622
$ 7
$ 43
$ 127
$ –
$ 799
Depreciation and amortization
$ 470
$ 75
$ 148
$ 193
$ –
$ 886
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended May 31, 2020
Simulations Plus
Cognigen
DILIsym
Lixoft*
Eliminations
Total
Revenues
$ 6,728
$ 3,039
$ 1,909
$ 622
$ –
$ 12,298
Income from operations before income taxes
$ 2,518
$ 610
$ 414
$ 315
$ –
$ 3,857
Total assets
$ 57,145
$ 10,730
$ 14,288
$ 19,424
$ ( 40,008 )
$ 61,579
Capital expenditures
$ 7
$ 12
$ 13
$ –
$ –
$ 32
Capitalized software costs
$ 494
$ 4
$ 32
$ 76
$ –
$ 606
Depreciation and amortization
$ 430
$ 88
$ 151
$ 119
$ –
$ 788
*Lixoft was purchased on April 1, 2020.
22
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2021
Simulations Plus
Cognigen
DILIsym
Lixoft
Eliminations
Total
Revenues
$ 19,994
$ 7,987
$ 4,817
$ 3,827
$ –
$ 36,625
Income from operations before income taxes
$ 8,614
$ 570
$ 297
$ 1,598
$ –
$ 11,079
Total assets
$ 168,235
$ 13,044
$ 14,835
$ 21,738
$ ( 38,769 )
$ 179,083
Capital expenditures
$ 686
$ 246
$ 16
$ 18
$ –
$ 966
Capitalized software costs
$ 1,778
$ 12
$ 121
$ 362
$ –
$ 2,273
Depreciation and amortization
$ 1,406
$ 240
$ 446
$ 570
$ –
$ 2,662
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020
Simulations Plus
Cognigen
DILIsym
Lixoft*
Eliminations
Total
Revenues
$ 17,559
$ 8,176
$ 5,692
$ 622
$ –
$ 32,049
Income from operations before income taxes
$ 6,426
$ 926
$ 1,735
$ 315
$ –
$ 9,402
Total assets
$ 57,145
$ 10,730
$ 14,288
$ 19,424
$ ( 40,008 )
$ 61,579
Capital expenditures
$ 24
$ 53
$ 29
$ –
$ –
$ 106
Capitalized software costs
$ 1,524
$ 40
$ 93
$ 76
$ –
$ 1,733
Depreciation and amortization
$ 1,301
$ 263
$ 451
$ 119
$ –
$ 2,134
*Lixoft was purchased on April 1, 2020.
In addition, we allocate revenues to geographic
areas based on the locations of our customers. Geographical revenues for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 were as
follows:
Schedule of geographical revenues
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended May 31, 2021
Americas
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total
Simulations Plus
$
4,969
$
1,301
$
1,646
$
7,916
Cognigen
2,536
—
—
2,536
DILIsym
1,285
46
—
1,331
Lixoft
861
115
18
994
Total
$
9,651
$
1,462
$
1,664
$
12,777
(in
thousands)
Three Months Ended May 31, 2020
Americas
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total
Simulations Plus
$ 3,401
$ 1,719
$ 1,608
$ 6,728
Cognigen
3,039
–
–
3,039
DILIsym
1,685
130
94
1,909
Lixoft*
537
85
–
622
Total
$ 8,662
$ 1,934
$ 1,702
$ 12,298
*Lixoft was purchased on April 1, 2020.
23
(in thousands)
Nine
Months Ended May 31, 2021
Americas
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total
Simulations Plus
$ 10,372
$ 5,540
$ 4,082
$ 19,994
Cognigen
7,987
–
–
7,987
DILIsym
4,678
112
27
4,817
Lixoft
2,399
1,370
58
3,827
Total
$ 25,436
$ 7,022
$ 4,167
$ 36,625
(in
thousands)
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2020
Americas
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Total
Simulations Plus
$ 8,555
$ 4,476
$ 4,528
$ 17,559
Cognigen
8,176
–
–
8,176
DILIsym
4,890
581
221
5,692
Lixoft*
537
85
–
622
Total
$ 22,158
$ 5,142
$ 4,749
$ 32,049
*Lixoft was purchased on April 1, 2021.
NOTE 11: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
We maintain a 401(k) Plan for all eligible employees,
and we make matching contributions equal to 100% of the employee’s elective deferral, not to exceed 4% of total employee compensation.
We can also elect to make a profit-sharing contribution. Our contributions to this Plan amounted to $ 151 thousand and $ 124 thousand for
the three months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $ 403 thousand and $ 325 thousand for the nine months ended May 31, 2021
and 2020, respectively.
NOTE 12: ACQUISITION
On March 31, 2020, we entered into a Stock Purchase
and Contribution Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Lixoft. On April 1, 2020, we completed the acquisition of all outstanding
equity interests of Lixoft pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, with Lixoft becoming our wholly owned subsidiary. We believe the combination
of Simulations Plus and Lixoft provides substantial potential based on the complementary strengths of each of the companies.
Under the terms of the Agreement, as described
below, we will pay the former shareholders of Lixoft total consideration of up to $16.5 million, consisting of two-thirds cash and one-third
newly issued, unregistered shares of our common stock. In addition, we paid $3.5 million of excess working capital based on the March
31, 2020 financial statements of Lixoft.
On April 1, 2020, we paid the former shareholders
of Lixoft a total of $10.8 million, comprised of cash in the amount of $9.5 million and the issuance of 111,682 shares of our common stock
valued at $3.7 million, net of adjustments and a holdback for representations and warranties. Under the terms of the Agreement a price
of approximately $32.15 dollars per share was used based upon the volume-weighted average closing price of our shares of common stock
for the 30-consecutive-trading-day period ending two trading days prior to April 1, 2020. A total of 9,669 shares are held in an escrow
account for potential offset for representations and warrantees. Within three business days following the two-year anniversary of March
31, 2020 (the date of the Agreement) and subject to any offsets for representations and warrantees, we will pay the former shareholders
of Lixoft a total of $2.0 million, comprised of $1.3 million of cash and shares released from escrow valued at $666 thousand issued
at the date of the Agreement. The Agreement provides for a two-year market standoff period in which the newly issued shares may not be
sold by the recipients thereof.
24
In addition, the Agreement calls for earnout payments
up to an additional $5.5 million, two-thirds cash and one-third newly issued, unregistered shares of our common stock based on a revenue
growth formula each year for the two years subsequent to April 1, 2020. The former shareholders can earn up to $2.0 million the first
year and $3.5 million in year two. The earnout liability has been recorded at fair value.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the
total purchase price reflects Lixoft’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the
date of the completion of the acquisition (April 1, 2020). The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase
price for Lixoft:
Allocation of purchase price
(in thousands)
Assets acquired, including cash of $ 3,799 and accounts receivable of $ 629
$ 5,007
Developed technologies acquired
8,010
Estimated value of intangible assets acquired (customer lists, trade name etc.)
4,160
Estimated goodwill acquired
2,534
Liabilities assumed
( 1,118 )
Total consideration
$ 18,593
Goodwill was provided in the transaction based
on estimates of future earnings of this subsidiary including anticipated synergies associated with the positioning of the combined company
as a leader in Model-Based Drug Development.
Consolidated supplemental Pro Forma information
The following unaudited consolidated supplemental
pro forma information assumes that the acquisition of Lixoft took place on September 1, 2019 for the income statement for the three and
nine months ended May 31, 2021. These amounts have been calculated after applying our accounting policies and adjusting the results of
Lixoft to reflect the same expenses in the three and nine months ended May 31, 2020. The adjustments include costs of acquisition, and
amortization of intangibles and other technologies acquired during the merger, assuming the fair value adjustments applied on September
1, 2019, together with consequential tax effects.
Schedule of Pro Forma Information
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
For the three months ended
For the nine months ended
(Actual)
(Pro forma)*
(Actual)
(Pro forma)*
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2020
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2020
Revenue
$ 12,777
$ 12,422
$ 36,625
$ 34,430
Net Income
$ 3,787
$ 3,565
$ 9,477
$ 8,442
*Balance includes two months of actual
results for Lixoft.
NOTE 13: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On June 23, 2021, the Company held a special meeting
of shareholders, pursuant to which the Company’s shareholders approved the adoption of the 2021 Plan, effective as of April 9, 2021.
The 2021 Plan replaces the Company’s 2017 Plan. The 2021 Plan was approved, subject to shareholder approval, by the Board of Directors
of the Company on April 9, 2021.
In June 2021, under the terms of the Lixoft acquisition
agreement, the Company made an earnout payment of $2.0 million (two-thirds cash and one-third newly issued, unregistered shares of common
stock) to the former shareholders of Lixoft.
On Thursday,
July 8, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $ 0.06 per share to our shareholders. The dividend amount
of $ 1.2 million will be distributed on Monday, August 2, 2021, for shareholders of record
as of Monday, July 26, 2021.
25
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This document and the documents incorporated in
this document by reference contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements
of historical fact contained in this document and the materials accompanying this document are forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements are based on the
beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. Frequently, but not always,
forward-looking statements are identified by the use of the future tense and by words such as “believes,” expects,”
“anticipates,” “intends,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “projects,”
“continues,” “estimates” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance
and actual results could differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s 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 the forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained or incorporated
by reference in this document are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (“Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)
and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include declarations
regarding our plans, intentions, beliefs, or current expectations.
Among the important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements are the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk
Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) on November 16, 2020 and elsewhere in this document and in our other filings with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements are expressly qualified
in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this
document and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events, or
otherwise.
General
BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Simulations Plus, Inc.,
incorporated in 1996, is a premier developer of modeling and simulation software for drug discovery and development, including the prediction
of properties of molecules utilizing artificial-intelligence- and machine-learning-based technology. We also provide consulting services
ranging from early drug discovery through preclinical and clinical trial development to regulatory submissions in support of product approval.
Our software and consulting services are provided to major pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrochemical, cosmetics, and food industry companies
and to academic and regulatory agencies worldwide for use in the conduct of industry-based research. SLP is headquartered in Southern
California, with offices in Buffalo, NY, Research Triangle Park, NC, and Paris, France. Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select
Market under the symbol “SLP”.
We are a global leader
focused on improving the ways scientists use knowledge and data to predict the properties and outcomes of pharmaceutical and biotechnology
agents by providing a wide range of early discovery, preclinical, and clinical consulting services and software. Our innovations in integrating
new and existing science in medicinal and computational chemistry, pharmaceutical science, biology, physiology, and machine learning into
our software have enabled us to be a leading software provider for physiologically based pharmacokinetics “(PBPK”) modeling
and simulation, pharmacometric modeling and simulation, prediction of molecular properties from structure, and prediction of the propensity
of drugs to induce liver injury or to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Our scientific consulting staff draw upon extensive experience
across multiple therapeutic areas and a full range of modeling and simulation techniques to assist our clients across the full spectrum
of drug development.
26
We generate revenue by
delivering relevant, cost-effective software and creative and insightful consulting services. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
use our software programs and scientific consulting services to guide early drug discovery (molecule design screening and lead optimization),
preclinical, and clinical development programs, including using our software products and services to enhance their understanding of the
properties of potential new medicines and to use emerging data to improve formulations, select and justify dosing regimens, support the
generics industry, optimize clinical trial designs, and simulate outcomes in special populations, such as in elderly and pediatric patients.
Simulations Plus acquired
Cognigen Corporation (Cognigen) as a wholly owned subsidiary in September 2014. Cognigen was originally incorporated in 1992. Through
the integration of Cognigen into Simulations Plus, Simulations Plus became a leading provider of population modeling and simulation contract
research services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Our clinical-pharmacology-based consulting services include pharmacokinetic
and pharmacodynamic modeling, clinical trial simulations, data programming, and technical writing services in support of regulatory submissions.
We have also developed software for harnessing cloud-based computing in support of modeling and simulation activities and secure data
archiving, and we provide consulting services to improve interdisciplinary collaborations and research and development productivity.
Simulation Plus acquired
DILIsym Services, Inc. (DILIsym) as a wholly owned subsidiary in June 2017. The acquisition of DILIsym positioned us as the leading provider
of Drug Induced Liver Injury (DILI) modeling and simulation software and related scientific consulting services. In addition to the DILIsym®
software for analysis of potential drug-induced liver injury, DILIsym also has developed a simulation program for analyzing nonalcoholic
fatty liver disease (NAFLD) called NAFLDsym™. Both the DILIsym and NAFLDsym software programs require outputs from PBPK software
as inputs. Outputs generated by the GastroPlus™ PBPK software that are required by DILIsym software can be automatically mapped
to DILIsym applications; thus, the integration of these technologies streamlines the analysis of the potential for drug-induced liver
injury for new drug compounds and for investigating the potential for new therapeutic agents to treat NAFLD. Since the acquisition, DILIsym
has applied its mechanistic modeling resources in other disease areas including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Simulations Plus acquired
Lixoft as a wholly owned subsidiary in April 2020. Lixoft brings to Simulations Plus its powerful software products, Monolix, Simulx,
and PKanalix, which can take modeling projects from data exploration to clinical trial simulations. In addition, Lixoft provides training
and focused consulting services which can accelerate pharmacometric studies. Lixoft’s technologies were developed as a result of
a research program led by the French national research institute for digital science and technology (Inria) on nonlinear mixed effect
models for advanced population analysis, pharmacometrics, pre-clinical, and clinical trial modeling and simulation. Lixoft continues to
work with Inria.
PRODUCTS
General
We currently offer eleven software products for
pharmaceutical research and development: five simulation programs that provide time-dependent results based on solving large sets of differential
equations: GastroPlus; DDDPlus™; MembranePlus™; DILIsym; and NAFLDsym ® ; three programs that are based on predicting
and analyzing static (not time-dependent) properties of chemicals: ADMET Predictor; MedChem Designer™; and MedChem Studio™
(the combination of ADMET Predictor, MedChem Designer, and MedChem Studio is called our ADMET Design Suite); a program which is designed
for rapid clinical trial data analysis and regulatory submissions called PKPlus™; a cloud-based communication and collaboration
platform for exploratory data analysis, population PK/PD modeling and reporting called KIWI TM ; and in April 2020 with the acquisition
of Lixoft, we added the Monolix Suite of products – a modeling and simulation solution that allows population analyses, especially
for pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (‘PKPD”) analyses.
Software business
Our software business represented 61% of our total
revenue during the first nine months of fiscal year 2021, and was primarily generated by the following products:
GastroPlus ®
Our flagship product, originally introduced in
1998, and currently our largest single source of software revenue, is GastroPlus. GastroPlus mechanistically simulates the absorption,
pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug-drug interactions (DDI) of compounds administered to humans and animals and is currently
one of the most widely used commercial software of its type by industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. National
Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies in the U.S. and around the world. In February 2021, GastroPlus version
9.8.1, which included new mechanisms and updated documentation for key DDI standards models, was released.
27
ADMET Predictor ®
ADMET Predictor is a top-ranked, chemistry-based
computer program that takes molecular structures (i.e., drawings of molecules represented in various formats) as inputs and uses our unique
artificial intelligence/machine learning technologies to predict approximately 175 different properties for them at an average rate of
over 200,000 compounds per hour on a modern laptop computer. This capability allows chemists to generate estimates for a large number
of important molecular properties without the need to synthesize and test the molecules, as well as to generate estimates of unknown properties
for molecules that have been synthesized, but for which only a limited number of experimental properties have been measured. In April
2021, ADMET Predictor® Version 10.2 (APX.2), which includes new capabilities in the High Throughput Pharmacokinetic (HTPK) Simulation
Module and integrates machine learning and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) technologies to guide lead selection, was
released.
DILIsym ®
The DILIsym software is a quantitative systems
pharmacology (“QSP”) program that was introduced in 2011. QSP software models are based on the fundamental understanding of
complex biological pathways, disease processes, and drug mechanisms of action, integrating information from experiments and forming hypotheses
for the next experimental model. DILIsym deals with the propensity for some drug molecules to induce temporary or permanent changes in
biological functions within liver cells (hepatocytes) that can result in damage to the liver (i.e., drug-induced liver injury or DILI).
Monolix Suite ™
The Monolix Suite is a unique solution for modeling
and simulation for pharmaceutical companies, biotechs, and hospitals. It supports population PKPD analyses and modeling, and clinical
trial simulation. The extended MonolixSuite contains three main products: Monolix, Simulx, and PKanalix. These products are interconnected
and interoperable, i.e., allowing users to go from one application to another one without changing anything in terms of data set or of
biological models. Monolix 2020R1 was released in November 2020, which combines the most advanced algorithms with unique ease of use.
Consulting Services
Our consulting business represented 39% of our
total revenue during the first nine months of fiscal year 2021, and was primarily generated by the following services:
PKPD
Our clinical-pharmacology-based consulting services
include population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling, exposure-response analyses, clinical trial simulations, data programming,
and technical writing services in support of regulatory submissions. In addition to modeling and simulation consulting services, we provide
expertise and assistance with development-related decision making and support for regulatory interactions related to dose selection, clinical
trial design, and understanding of the determinants of safety and efficacy for new medicines.
QSP/QST
We
provide creative and insightful consulting services to support our quantitative systems pharmacology/ quantitative
systems toxicology (“ QSP/QST”) modeling focused on heart failure, liver
safety, and radiation syndrome, as well as other areas.
PBPK
Beginning
in 2014, the FDA and other regulatory agencies began to emphasize the need to encourage mechanistic PBPK modeling and simulation in clinical
pharmacology, with final guidance documents completed in 2018. New draft guidance documents were released in October 2020 focused on additional
applications for biopharmaceuticals. This has resulted in an increased need for us to provide consulting-related services to support this
sophisticated technique. We support Model-Informed Drug Discovery and Development throughout the entire product lifecycle: from
discovery through translation research and clinical development when an organization does not have the time or resources to use our software
directly. More specifically, our clients seek out our consulting services to acquire scientific, therapeutic-area-related modeling and
simulation expertise that they do not have in-house.
28
ENVIRONMENTAL,
SOCIAL, GOVERNANCE
We are committed
to providing consistent and excellent return to our shareholders, all while maintaining a strong sense of good corporate citizenship
that places a high value on the welfare of our employees, the communities in which we operate, and the world as a whole. We believe that
effectively prioritizing and managing our Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) topics will help create long-term
value for our investors. We also believe that transparently disclosing the goals and relevant metrics related to our ESG programs will
allow our stakeholders to be informed about our progress.
The topics covered
in this section are provided by relevant topics identified through third-party ESG reporting frameworks, standards and metrics, such
as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”), and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. More information
on our key ESG programs, goals and commitments, and key metrics can be found on our website in our 2020 ESG Report.
Our ESG highlights
as of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 include the following:
COVID-19 Response. With
employee health and safety always a top priority, SLP proactively implemented a COVID-19 Contingency Plan in late February of 2020, prior
to the state-issued stay-at-home orders. The comprehensive plan included information on prevention measures, travel restrictions, when
and how to quarantine, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, sick leave arrangements, including caring for family members affected
by COVID-19, and workplace safety measures. At the time, as part of our ongoing flexible work initiative to give employees the option
of telecommuting or working remotely, over 40 percent of our workforce was already working from home, however in response to the COVID-19
pandemic, we took quick action to ensure the safety of the rest of our workforce by supporting them in setting up home offices.
Since
that initial plan was disseminated, additional updates from SLP management have included the most up-to-date information from the U.S.
Department of State, CDC and WHO, and we have, at all times, encouraged employees to keep management informed of the need for any additional
support. Our COVID-19 Contingency Plan communication and our SLP Policy for Returning to Work During the Coronavirus Pandemic specifies
several CDC-recommended measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, including that masks be worn in the office, the
importance of social and physical distancing and frequent hand-washing, and that employees are to remain home if feeling unwell and self-quarantine
following any possible exposure to the virus. In addition to these measures, the company has increased sanitation procedures to ensure
the safety of those employees who have resumed working in the office.
We
will continue to monitor mandates, guidelines and recommendations issued by the CDC, WHO and local governments as they are released,
and revise our COVID-19 Contingency Plan communication and our SLP Policy for Returning to Work During the Coronavirus Pandemic accordingly.
Our
Commitment to the Environment
· We
participate in a recycling program through our local waste management facility to divert
all recyclable materials – bottles, cans, plastics, paper, and cardboard – from
landfills. Across the company, our facilities provide for recycling, and our electronic waste
is sent to local approved e-waste recycling centers.
· Our
operations are built on continual improvements in efficiency and clean energy. From 2012
to 2019, our Buffalo division redesigned its data center to be more energy efficient as part
of our ongoing and increasing commitment to reduce our environmental footprint and energy
usage. An example of an upgrade is the installation of an uninterruptible power supply with
hot and cold dial separation, and regulating the temperature and airflow through in-row cooling
units with high efficiency fans based on cooling needs.
· We
are also attentive to our energy use in our office operations. For instance, our Lancaster
division recently switched to renewable energy. Lancaster Choice Energy (LCE) is the locally
run power program created by the City of Lancaster, and we now proudly participate in LCE’s
Smart Choice 100% renewable energy program. Our decision to opt in to the program not only
contributes to the city’s goal of becoming one of the world’s first net-zero
cities, but also reflects SLP’s dedication to creating positive impacts on the environment
and local communities.
29
Social
Impact and Supporting our Communities
· Our support for the academic community is broad and deep. We provide certain distinguished professors at academic institutions with free
reference site licenses for nonprofit research and teaching, including providing free access to our software in university instruction.
In addition to reference site licenses, academic and research institutions are entitled to a 95% discount off commercial license fees,
and we offer students and professors either free or substantially reduced fees to attend our training courses and workshops. In recent
years, SLP has sponsored several students with awards given by the Society of Toxicology.
· We provide sponsorships to numerous conferences, symposia, and associations such as the American Conference on Pharmacometrics (ACoP),
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), American Chemical Society (ACS), Controlled Release Society (CRS), Groupe de
Métabolisme et Pharmacocinétique (GMP), and the Gordon Research Conferences.
· At
the local level, SLP promotes a culture of voluntarism, and we offer our employees the flexibility
they need to participate, from sponsoring and participating in charity golf tournaments to
volunteering to serve hot meals to the disadvantaged. In recent years, we have joined the
global GivingTuesday movement and donated food, clothing, and financial support to several
organizations that serve those in need in our communities.
Our
People
· In 2020, we added an HR resource who is currently implementing unified and consistent policies, procedures, and employee training across all of our business units. In our recruitment and hiring, SLP embraces diversity with the knowledge that it can lead to greater innovation, and in our workplace, we foster inclusion so all employees feel part of the SLP team with equal access to all opportunities. One of our goals is to expand our focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
· Ethnic
minority groups comprise more than one-third of our U.S. workforce and an estimated one-half
of our employees originate from countries outside the United States. In terms of gender equity,
women comprise approximately 47% of our workforce and men comprise approximately 53%.
· Our
commitment to community, to education, and to gender equity can best be summarized by how
our Lancaster division has, for more than a decade, funded a summer scholarship to Tech Trek,
a one-week residential science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) camp founded and
operated by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) that is designed to inspire
young women to attend college, to major in STEM fields, and to pursue STEM careers. Our own
female scientists, who are excellent role models for these young women, have volunteered
their time to personally present our Tech Trek scholarship each year.
Customer
Privacy & Data Security
· SLP
values customer privacy and the data we collect are only as needed to deliver company information,
software products, and/or simulation and modeling consulting services. Our website includes
our comprehensive Privacy Policy which details what and how data are collected, how data
are used and stored, and the options for controlling personal data, including opting-out,
accessing, updating, or deleting it.
· In
recognition of the critical importance of Data Security to our operations - i.e., Cybersecurity,
Data Protection and Customer Privacy, in whole or in part – the SLP executive leadership
team conducts a thorough examination of all elements of Data Security. Our obligation, across
all divisions, is to ensure the security, confidentiality, and privacy of our systems and
information assets, and to follow and be compliant with all relevant laws, regulations, and
guidelines, including, but not limited to:
o U.S. and State Data Privacy Laws
o The EU’s General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR)
o Pharmaceutical Good Practice Quality Guidelines,
including FDA 21 CFR Part 11
o Sarbanes-Oxley Act
· In
2020, we enacted several organizational changes to strengthen our Data Security, beginning
with the creation of a corporate level Information Technology department, operating under
Corporate Human Resources, to bring greater consistency, efficiency, and functional IT support
across all divisions. The Director of Information Technology is responsible for centralizing
divisional data processing, storage, and backup capabilities with the support of IT teams
in place at each of our geographical locations. The Director of Information Technology is
also responsible for ensuring that corporate IT policies are aligned and compliant with all
applicable regulatory provisions and current best practices.
· Another
addition to our corporate Data Security team is the Corporate Personal Data Protection Officer
(PDPO). The PDPO is responsible for establishing and maintaining a Personal Data Privacy
program at SLP that is compliant with applicable data privacy laws and legislation at the
state and federal levels, as well as the EU’s GDPR. The PDPO is leading our efforts
to further build and implement a company-wide Personal Data Protection and Customer Privacy
framework, protocols, and training.
· We
also have an ongoing program of employee training in security awareness to keep our staff
fully informed about potential cyber threats - such as phishing and malware – with
periodic random phishing tests.
30
Business
Ethics
· From
its inception, SLP has placed the highest emphasis on conducting its business with honesty
and integrity. The highest ethical standards are expected of management and employees alike,
and we continuously strive to create a corporate culture of honesty, integrity, and trust.
Throughout our operations and in our dealings with SLP stakeholders, we endeavor to engender
the confidence that the company’s conduct is beyond reproach.
· The
policies we have developed are intended to:
o Define and disseminate our core values
and the legal requirements applicable to good business conduct and ethical behavior.
o Offer guidance in understanding company
policies, interpreting laws, and handling company-related issues and situations.
o Foster clear, ethical behaviors and conduct
to create an atmosphere of respect, trust, cooperation, and collaboration throughout the
company and its activities.
o Provide clear and well-defined procedures
by which employees can easily obtain information, ask questions, and, if necessary, report
any suspected violations of any of our Business Ethics policies.
· In
addition to abiding by all applicable laws, all management and employees are required to
comply fully with our Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (CCBCE) which sets forth
the company’s values, business culture, and practices.
Human
Rights
· SLP
was founded on the belief that our software technologies could lead to important advances
in healthcare, thereby improving patient outcomes, advancing and improving global health,
and bettering the lives of humankind. This objective cannot be accomplished without a commitment
to Human Rights, and SLP is committed to ensuring that, in our day-to-day business practices,
in our business relationships, and in matters of employment, we will uphold our own principles
as delineated in our Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Furthermore, we support
the principles set forth in the United Nations International Bill of Human Rights, specifically
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles
and Rights at Work. As we evolve this policy, we will look to the UN Guiding Principles on
Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) for guidance.
Summary Results of Operations
Comparison of Three Months Ended May 31, 2021 and 2020:
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
Revenues
$ 12,777
$ 12,298
$ 479
4 %
Cost of revenues
2,471
2,666
(195 )
(7)%
Gross margin
10,306
9,632
674
7 %
Selling, general and administrative
5,094
5,023
71
1 %
Research and development
670
752
(82 )
(11)%
Total operating expenses
5,764
5,775
(11 )
–
Income from operations
4,542
3,857
685
18 %
Other income (expense), net
(51 )
(77 )
26
(34)%
Income before provision for income taxes
4,491
3,780
711
19 %
Provision for income taxes
(704 )
(844 )
140
(17)%
Net income
$ 3,787
$ 2,936
$ 851
29 %
31
Revenues
Revenues increased by approximately $479 thousand
or 4% to $12.8 million for the three months ended May 31, 2021, compared to consolidated revenue of approximately $12.3 million for the
three months ended May 31, 2020. This increase is primarily due to a $1.4 million or 21% increase in consolidated software-related revenue,
offset by a $1.0 million or 18% decrease in consolidated consulting and analytical study revenues when comparing the three months ended
May 31, 2021 and 2020.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues decreased by approximately $195
thousand, or 7%, to $2.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2021, compared to approximately $2.7 million for the three months
ended May 31, 2020. The decrease is primarily due to lower contract research organization fees for the DILIsym division.
Gross Margin
Gross margin increased by $674 thousand or 7%
to $10.3 million for the three months ended May 31, 2021, compared to approximately $9.6 million for the three months ended May 31, 2020.
The higher gross margin is primarily due to Simulations Plus division’s gross margin increase of $1.1 million or 17%, as well as
the addition of the Lixoft division, which contributed $284 thousand to the increase. The gross margins for the Cognigen and DILIsym Divisions
decreased by $332 thousand and $345 thousand, respectively, for the quarter.
Overall gross margin percentage increased by approximately
3% to 81% for the three months ended May 31, 2021, from 78% for the three months period ended May 31, 2020.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
increased by approximately $71 thousand, or 1% to approximately $5.1 million for the three months ended May 31, 2021 from $5.0 million
for the three months ended May 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to a $552 thousand increase in corporate salaries and bonuses
and a $90 thousand increase in insurance costs related to higher liability-related insurance, offset by a decrease in professional and
legal fees of approximately $535 thousand.
As a percent of revenues, consolidated selling,
general, and administrative expenses decreased from 41% to 40% for the same comparative periods.
Research and Development Costs
Total research and development costs increased by $110 thousand for
the three months ended May 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2020. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, we
incurred approximately $1.5 million of research and development costs; of this amount, $800 thousand was capitalized and $670 thousand
was expensed. For the three months ended May 31, 2020, we incurred approximately $1.4 million of research and development costs; of this
amount, $606 thousand was capitalized and $752 thousand was expensed.
Other Income/Expense
Total other expense was $51 thousand for the
three months ended May 31, 2021 compared to total other expense of $77 thousand for the three months ended May 31, 2020. The variance
of $26 thousand is primarily due to increases in interest income from short-term investments and currency exchange gains, partially offset
by an increase in the change in the valuation of contingent consideration.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes was $704 thousand for
the three months ended May 31, 2021 compared to $844 thousand for the same period in the previous year. Our effective tax rate decreased
6.6% to 15.7% for the three months ended May 31, 2021 from 22.3% during the same period of the previous year primarily due to the disqualified
disposition of options exercised.
32
Comparison of Nine Months Ended May 31, 2021 and 2020:
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
Change ($)
Change (%)
Revenues
$ 36,625
$ 32,049
$ 4,576
14 %
Cost of revenues
7,815
7,975
(160 )
(2)%
Gross margin
28,810
24,074
4,736
20 %
Selling, general and administrative
14,960
12,646
2,314
18 %
Research and development
2,771
2,026
745
37 %
Total operating expenses
17,731
14,672
3,059
21 %
Income from operations
11,079
9,402
1,677
18 %
Other income (expense), net
(169 )
(53 )
(116 )
219 %
Income before provision for income taxes
10,910
9,349
1,561
17 %
Provision for income taxes
(1,433 )
(2,205 )
772
(35)%
Net income
$ 9,477
$ 7,144
$ 2,333
33 %
Revenues
Revenues increased by approximately $4.6 million
or 14% to $36.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared to approximately $32.0 million for the nine months ended May 31,
2020. This increase is primarily due to a $5.4 million or 32% increase in consolidated software-related revenue, offset by a $846 thousand
or 6% decrease in consolidated consulting and analytical study revenues when comparing the nine months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues decreased by approximately $160
thousand or 2% for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020. The decrease is primarily due to
a decrease in labor-related costs and contract research organization fees totaling $446 thousand, partially offset by higher amortization
of software development costs related to the purchase of Lixoft of $291 thousand.
Gross Margin
Gross margin increased $4.7 million or 20% to
$28.8 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared to $24.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2020. The higher gross
margin is primarily due to the addition of the Lixoft division, which contributed $2.7 million to the increase, as well as the Simulations
Plus division’s gross margin increase of $2.4 million or 16%. The Cognigen Division gross margin increased by $223 thousand or 5%.
This was offset by a decrease in DILIsym Divisions’ gross margin of $645 thousand or 16% for the year to date.
Overall gross margin percentage increased by 4%
to 79% for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 from 75% for the nine months ended May 31, 2020.
33
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
increased by approximately $2.3 million, or 18% to $15.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 from approximately $12.7 million
for the nine months ended May 31, 2020.
The increase in Selling, general, and administrative
expense was primarily due to the following:
·
Salaries and wages increased by $2.4 million due to higher corporate salaries, bonuses, stock-related compensation, and severance costs, as well as an increase in headcount;
·
Payroll tax expense increased $578 thousand due to higher headcount and wages;
·
These were offset by a
decrease in consulting fees of $586 thousand primarily related to the acquisition of Lixoft.
As a percent of revenues, Selling, general, and
administrative expense increased from 39% to 41% for the same comparative periods.
Research and Development Costs
Total research and development costs increased by $1.4 million for
the nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020. During the first three quarters of fiscal year 2021,
we incurred approximately $5.1 million of research and development costs; of this amount, $2.3 million was capitalized and $2.8 million
was expensed. For the nine months ended May 31, 2020 we incurred approximately $3.7 million of research and development costs; of this
amount, $1.7 million was capitalized and $2.0 million was expensed.
Other Income/Expense
Total other expense was $169 thousand for the
nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared to total other expense of $53 thousand for the nine months ended May 31, 2020. The variance of
$116 thousand is primarily due to a change in the valuation of contingent consideration, partially offset by an increase in interest
income and a currency exchange gain.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was $1.4 million
for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 compared to $2.2 million for the same period in the previous year. Our effective tax rate decreased
10.5% to 13.1% for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 from 23.6% during the same period of the previous year primarily due to the disqualified
disposition of options exercised.
Segment Results of Operations
Comparison of Three Months Ended May 31,
2021 and 2020:
Revenues
(in thousands)
Three
Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
Change ($)
Change (%)
Simulations Plus
$ 7,916
$ 6,728
$ 1,188
18 %
Cognigen
2,536
3,039
(503 )
(17)%
DILIsym
1,331
1,909
(578 )
(30)%
Lixoft*
994
622
372
60 %
Total
$ 12,777
$ 12,298
$ 479
4 %
*Lixoft was acquired on April 1, 2020.
34
Cost of Revenues
(in thousands)
Three
Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
Change ($)
Change (%)
Simulations Plus
$ 715
$ 594
$ 121
20 %
Cognigen
1,161
1,332
(171 )
(13)%
DILIsym
414
647
(233 )
(36)%
Lixoft*
181
93
88
95 %
Total
$ 2,471
$ 2,666
$ (195 )
(7)%
*Lixoft was acquired on April 1, 2020.
Gross Margin
(in thousands)
Three
Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
Change ($)
Change (%)
Simulations Plus
$ 7,201
$ 6,134
$ 1,067
17 %
Cognigen
1,375
1,707
(332 )
(19)%
DILIsym
917
1,262
(345 )
(27)%
Lixoft*
813
529
284
54 %
Total
$ 10,306
$ 9,632
$ 674
7 %
*Lixoft was acquired on April 1, 2020.
Simulations Plus
For the three months ended May 31, 2021, the revenue increase of $1.2
million or 18%, compared to the three months ended May 31, 2020 was primarily due to higher sales from GastroPlus ($817 thousand) and
ADMET Software ($277 thousand). Cost of revenue increased $121 thousand during the same periods and gross margin increased $1.1 million
or 17%, primarily due to the increase in revenue.
Cognigen
For the three months ended May 31, 2021, the revenue decrease of $503
thousand or 17%, compared to the three months ended May 31, 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in grant revenue. Cost of revenues decreased
$171 thousand or 13%, primarily due to a reduction in salaries, offset by an increase in subcontractor costs and bonus expense. Gross
margin decreased $332 thousand or 19%.
DILIsym
For the three months ended May 31, 2021, the
revenue decrease of $578 thousand or 30% compared to the three months ended May 31, 2020 was primarily due to lower revenue from
consulting services of $445 thousand and lower grant revenue of $119 thousand. Cost of revenue decreased $233 thousand or 36%,
primarily due to lower contract research organization fees. Gross margin decreased $345 thousand or 27%.
Lixoft
For the three months ended May 31, 2021, the revenue increase of $372
thousand or 60% compared to the three months ended May 31, 2020 was primarily due to the purchase of Lixoft on April 1, 2020. Software
sales of the Monolix Suite generated 95% of total revenue and 5% was generated from consulting services. Cost of revenue and gross margin
increases of $88 thousand or 95% and $284 thousand or 54%, respectively, were both primarily due to the purchase of Lixoft on April 1,
2020.
35
Comparison of Nine Months Ended May 31, 2021 and 2020:
Revenues
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
Change ($)
Change (%)
Simulations Plus
$ 19,994
$ 17,559
$ 2,435
14%
Cognigen
7,987
8,176
(189 )
(2)%
DILIsym
4,817
5,692
(875 )
(15)%
Lixoft*
3,827
622
3,205
515%
Total
$ 36,625
$ 32,049
$ 4,576
14%
*Lixoft was acquired on April 1, 2020.
Cost of Revenues
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
Change ($)
Change (%)
Simulations Plus
$ 2,199
$ 2,185
$ 14
1%
Cognigen
3,531
3,943
(412 )
(10)%
DILIsym
1,524
1,754
(230 )
(13)%
Lixoft*
561
93
468
503%
Total
$ 7,815
$ 7,975
$ (160 )
(2)%
*Lixoft was acquired on April 1, 2020.
Gross Margin
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended May 31,
2021
2020
Change ($)
Change (%)
Simulations Plus
$ 17,795
$ 15,374
$ 2,421
16%
Cognigen
4,456
4,233
223
5%
DILIsym
3,293
3,938
(645 )
(16)%
Lixoft*
3,266
529
2,737
517%
Total
$ 28,810
$ 24,074
$ 4,736
20%
*Lixoft was acquired on April 1, 2020.
36
Simulations Plus
For the nine months ended May 31, 2021, the revenue increase of $2.4
million or 14% compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020 was primarily due to higher sales from GastroPlus ($1.7 million) and ADMET
Software ($587 thousand). Cost of revenue increased slightly during the same periods, and gross margin increased $2.4 million or 16%,
primarily due to the increase in revenue.
Cognigen
For the nine months ended May 31, 2021, the revenue decrease of $189
thousand or 2% compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in grant revenue. Cost of revenue decreased
$412 thousand or 10%, primarily due to a reduction in headcount, partially offset by an increase in bonus accrual and stock-based compensation
during the same periods. Gross margin increased by approximately $223 thousand or 5%.
DILIsym
For the nine months ended May 31, 2021, the revenue decrease of $875
thousand or 15% compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020, was primarily due to lower revenue from consulting services. Cost of revenue
decreased $230 thousand or 13% during the same periods, primarily due to lower contract research organization fees. Gross margin decreased
$645 thousand or 16%, primarily due to the decrease in revenue.
Lixoft
For the nine months ended May 31, 2021, the revenue increase of $3.2
million compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2020 was primarily due to the purchase of Lixoft on April 1, 2020. Software sales of
the Monolix Suite generated 96% of total revenue and 4% was generated from consulting services. Cost of revenue increased $468 thousand,
and gross margin increased $2.7 million primarily due to the purchase of Lixoft on April 1, 2020.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of capital have been cash
flows from our operations and a public offering. We have achieved continuous positive operating cash flow over the last eleven fiscal
years.
In August 2020, we closed an underwritten public
offering of 2,090,909 shares of our common stock to the public at $55.00 per share, which included the full exercise of
the underwriters’ option to purchase 272,727 additional shares of common stock. The aggregate gross proceeds to us from this offering
were approximately $115 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions; net proceeds were approximately $107.7 million.
The offering was made pursuant to our automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on July 9, 2020.
On March
31, 2020, we entered into a Stock Purchase and Contribution Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Lixoft. On April 1, 2020, we
completed the acquisition of all outstanding equity interests of Lixoft pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, with Lixoft becoming our
wholly owned subsidiary. We believe the combination of Simulations Plus and Lixoft provides substantial future potential based on the
complementary strengths of each of the companies. Under the terms of the Agreement, we agreed to pay the former shareholders of Lixoft
total consideration of up to $16.5 million, consisting of two-thirds cash and one-third newly issued, unregistered shares of our common
stock. At closing, we paid the former shareholders of Lixoft a total of $10.8 million, comprised of cash in the amount of $9.5
million and the issuance of 111,682 shares of our common stock valued at $3.7 million, net of adjustments and a holdback for representations
and warranties. In addition, we paid $3.5 million of excess working capital based on the March 31,
2020 financial statements of Lixoft. In addition, the Agreement calls for earnout payments up to an additional $5.5 million, two-thirds
cash and one-third newly issued, unregistered shares of our common stock based on a revenue growth formula each year for the two years
subsequent to April 1, 2020. The former shareholders can earn up to $2 million the first year and $3.5 million in year two. See Note 12,
Acquisition, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
a further description of the Agreement.
As of May
31, 2021, the Company had $58.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $60.9 million in short-term investments.
37
We believe
that our existing capital and anticipated funds from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital
and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future. Thereafter, if cash generated from operations is insufficient to satisfy our capital
requirements, we may draw from our revolving line of credit with the bank, or we may have to sell additional equity or debt securities
or obtain expanded credit facilities. In the event such financing is needed in the future, there can be no assurance that such financing
will be available to us, or, if available, that it will be in amounts and on terms acceptable to us. If cash flows from operations became
insufficient to continue operations at the current level, and if no additional financing was obtained, then management would restructure
the Company in a way to preserve its pharmaceutical business while maintaining expenses within operating cash flows.
We will
continue to seek opportunities for strategic acquisitions. If one or more such acquisitions is identified, a substantial portion of our
cash reserves may be required to complete it; however, we intend to maintain sufficient cash reserves after any acquisition to provide
reasonable assurance that outside financing will not be necessary to continue operations. If we identify an attractive acquisition that
would require more cash to complete than we are willing or able to use from our cash reserves, we will consider financing options to complete
the acquisition, including obtaining loans and issuing additional securities.
We are not
aware of any trends or demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to result in a decrease in liquidity of
our assets. The trend over the last ten years has been increasing cash deposits from our operating cash flows, and we expect that trend
to continue for the foreseeable future.
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Net
cash provided by operating activities was $10.9 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2021. Our operating cash flows resulted
primarily from our net income of $9.5 million, which was generated by cash received from our customers, offset by cash payments we made
to third parties for their services and employee compensation. In addition, net cash outflow from changes in balances of operating assets
and liabilities was $5.4 million, offset by non-cash charges of $6.8 million. The change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily
a result of an increase in accounts receivable.
Net
cash provided by operating activities was $6.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2020. Our operating cash flows resulted
primarily from our net income of $7.1 million, which was generated by cash received from our customers, offset by cash payments we made
to third parties for their services and employee compensation. In addition, net cash outflow from changes in balance of operating assets
and liabilities was $4.4 million, offset by non-cash charges of $3.4 million. The change
in operating assets and liabilities was primarily a result of an increase in accounts receivable and accounts payable, offset by a decrease
in billings in excess of revenue and prepaid income tax.
Investing
Activities
Cash provided by investing activities during
the nine months ended May 31, 2021 of $865 thousand was primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of short-term investments of 68.1
million, partially offset by the purchase of short-term investments of $64.0 million, computer software development costs of $2.3 million
and property and equipment costs of $1.0 million. Cash used for investing activities during the nine months ended May 31, 2020 of $7.5
million was primarily due to costs associated with the acquisition of a subsidiary and the development of computer software, partially
offset by cash received from the acquisition of the subsidiary.
Financing Activities
For the nine months ended May 31, 2021, net
cash used in financing activities of $2.2 million, was primarily due to dividend payments totaling $3.6 million, partially offset by proceeds
from the exercise of stock options totaling $1.4 million. Net cash used by financing activities for the comparable period in fiscal year
2020 of $2.7 million, was primarily due to dividend payments totaling $3.2 million, partially offset by proceeds of $0.5 million from
the exercise of stock options.
38
Cash and Working Capital
Cash and cash equivalents were $58.8 million
as of May 31, 2021 compared to $49.2 million as of August 31, 2020.
At May 31, 2021, we had working capital
of $131.4 million, a ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 18.9 and a ratio of debt to equity of 0.1. At August 31, 2020,
we had working capital of $123.6 million, a ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 23.4 and a ratio of debt to equity of 0.1.
Based upon our current operating plans, we
believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, together with anticipated funds from operations, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated
cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future. Our forecast of the period of time through which our
financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and
actual results could vary materially. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could deplete our
capital resources sooner than we expect.
Contractual Obligations
The following table provides
aggregate information regarding our contractual obligations as of May 31, 2021:
(in thousands)
Payments due by period
Contractual obligations:
Total
1 year
2–3
years
4–5
years
More than
5 years
Operating lease obligations
$ 1,499
$ 465
$ 673
$ 361
$ –
Contracts payable
6,428
3,333
3,095
–
–
Total
$ 7,927
$ 3,798
$ 3,768
$ 361
$ –
Known Trends of Uncertainties
Although we have not
seen any significant reduction in revenues to date, we have seen some consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry during economic downturns.
These consolidations have not had a negative effect on our total sales to that industry; however, should consolidations and downsizing
in the industry continue to occur, those events could adversely impact our revenues and earnings going forward.
The world has been affected
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though there has not been a substantial impact on sales revenues, until the pandemic has passed, there remains
uncertainty as to the effect on our business in both the short and long term.
We believe that the need
for improved productivity in the research and development activities directed toward developing new medicines will continue to result
in increasing adoption of simulation and modeling tools such as those we produce. New product developments in the pharmaceutical business
segments could result in increased revenues and earnings if they are accepted by our markets; however, there can be no assurances that
new products will result in significant improvements to revenues or earnings. For competitive reasons, we do not disclose all of our new
product development activities.
39
Our continued quest for
acquisitions could result in a significant change to revenues and earnings if one or more such acquisitions are completed.
The potential for growth
in new markets (e.g., healthcare) is uncertain. We will continue to explore these opportunities until such time as we either generate
sales or determine that resources would be more efficiently used elsewhere.
Critical Accounting
Estimates
Our condensed consolidated
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The
preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the
reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to recoverability and
useful lives of long-lived assets, stock compensation, valuation of derivative instruments, allowances, contingent consideration, contingent
value rights, fixed payment arrangements and going concern. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and
on various other factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, 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. The methods, estimates, and judgments used by
us in applying these critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our condensed consolidated financial
statements. Our significant accounting policies and estimates are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on November 16, 2020.
Information regarding
our significant accounting policies and estimates can also be found in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, to our condensed consolidated
financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There has been no material change
in our exposure to market risk from that described in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our
Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of May
31, 2021. 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 this evaluation, management concluded as of May 31, 2021,
that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial
Reporting
No change in our internal controls over financial
reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
40
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
For a description of our material pending legal proceedings, please
see Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Please carefully consider the information set
forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results.
The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other risks and uncertainties, could materially and adversely affect
our business, results of operations, and financial condition, which in turn could materially and adversely affect the trading price of
shares of our Common Stock. Additional risks not currently known or currently material to us may also harm our business.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5.
Other Information
None.
41
Item 6.
Exhibits
EXHIBIT NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
2.1(3) ^
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 23, 2014, by and among the Company, Cognigen Corporation and the other parties thereto .
2.2(5) ^
Share Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated March 31, 2020 .
3.1(2)
Articles of Incorporation of the Company.
3.2(2)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.
3.3(4)
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Simulations Plus, Inc .
4.1(1)
Form of Common Stock Certificate.
4.2(1)
Share Exchange Agreement.
4.3(6)
Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated as of March 31, 2020, by and between the Company, as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender.
4.4(6)
Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2020, by and between the Company, as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender.
10.1(7)†
Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Shawn O’Connor, dated as of September 3, 2020.
10.2(8)†
Employment Agreement by and between the Company and William W. Frederick, dated as of December 1, 2020 .
10.1(9)
Third Amendment to Lease, dated as of December 28, 2020.
10.2(10)†
Separation Agreement, dated December 1, 2020, by and between the Company and John Kneisel .
10.3(11)†
Simulation Plus, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
31.1*
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
31.2*
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
32.1*
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 **
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
Document.
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
________________________
^
Schedules and exhibits omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Registration S-K. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the SEC upon request.
*
Filed herewith
†
Those exhibits marked with a (†) refer to management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 333-6680) filed on March 25, 1997.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed November 18, 2014.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Schedule 14A filed December 31, 2018.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 2, 2020.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 3, 2020.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 9, 2020.
(8)
Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2020.
(9)
Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 4, 2021.
(10)
Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 14, 2021.
(11)
Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 8, 2021.
42
SIGNATURE
In accordance with Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized,
in the City of Lancaster, State of California, on July 14, 2021.
Simulations Plus, Inc.
Date:
July 14, 2021
By: /s/ Will Frederick
Will Frederick
Chief Financial Officer
43
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.