UNITED STATES

 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1)

x

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBERFor the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162020

OR

¨

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROMFor the transition period from _____to _____TO _____

 

 Commission File Number: 000‑06890

Mechanical Technology, Incorporated

 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

__________________

New YorkNevada

000-06890

14-1462255

(State or other jurisdiction

(Commission File Number)

(IRSI.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization)organization

 

Identification No.)

325 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, New York 12205

 (Address of principal executive offices)                                       (Zip Code)

 

(518) 218-2550

 (Registrant’s(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

NoneCommon Stock ($0.001 par value)

NoneMKTY

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock

($0.01 par value)

Title of Class

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ ¨  No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐    No¨ No x

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

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

Large accelerated filero

Accelerated filero☐ 

Non-accelerated filero(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company x
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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.    

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 20162020 (based on the last sale price of $0.84$0.70 per share for such stock reported on the over-the-counter market for that date) was $3,702,364.

$3,756,086.

As of February 23, 2017,April 27, 2021, the Registrant had 9,020,3939,889,762 shares of common stock outstanding.

Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

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INDEX TO FORM 10-K
 

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PART I

Item 1: BusinessEXPLANATORY NOTE

 

UnlessMechanical Technology, Incorporated ("MTI," the context requires otherwise in"Company," "we," "us," or "our") is filing this  Amendment No. 1 ("Amendment") to its Annual Report on Form 10-K the terms the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and “MTI Instruments” refers to MTI Instruments, Inc. Other trademarks, trade names, and service marks used in thisamend our Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective owners.

Mechanical Technology, Incorporated, a New York corporation, was incorporated in 1961. The Company’s core business is conducted through MTI Instruments, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in New York on March 8, 2000. The Company’s operations are headquartered in Albany, New York where it designs, manufactures, and markets its products globally.

The Company also owns a 47.5% interest, which as of December 31, 2016 has a fair value of $0, in MeOH Power, Inc. (formerly MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc.), which the Company operated as a subsidiary until December 31, 2013, at which time the majority interest was transferred to one of our directors. We do not expect our current interest in MeOH Power, Inc. to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition going forward.

MTI Instruments is a supplier of precision linear displacement solutions, vibration measurement and system balancing solutions, and wafer inspection tools. These tools and solutions are developed for markets that require the precise measurements and control of products processes for the development and implementation of automated manufacturing, assembly, and consistent operation of complex machinery. 

As part of its strategy, MTI Instruments provides its customers with enabling sensors and sensing technologies that help advance manufacturing processes and new product development efforts. The demand for higher quality and lower cost products ranging from semiconductor chips to electronics and large items such as automobiles continues to drive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers to invest in technology and the capability to rapidly produce high quality products. The industry has moved towards flexible manufacturing doctrines around mass customization and production incorporating lean principles to reduce labor and waste, while increasing quality. Modern manufacturing advances at a very rapid pace with the help of automation controls and precision sensing technologies for operating equipment, processes in factories, and other applications with minimal or reduced human intervention. OEMs find that using automation helps them not only improve on quality, but also can save labor, energy and materials while significantly improving accuracy and precision. In some industries like semiconductors, fabrication facilities are fully automated and are aided by humans on a low frequency basis. 

Using a combination of integrated smart robotics, manufacturing lines, and a myriad of sensors that measure ongoing equipment performance, monitoring and drive controls have resulted in significant advancements in productivity and quality in manufacturing. There is no question that the world is moving from classic manufacturing and assembly towards automation and measurement.

MTI Instruments has decades of experience in working with OEMs and their subcontractors in the supply of sensor, instruments and systems technology to incorporate into OEMs’ equipment and major companies’ manufacturing processes as they develop and implement new process, quality and automation controls. The Company has moved to a customer and market-based approach by targeting leading companies in specific market segments including the industrial and consumer electronics, automotive and other precision automated manufacturing industries, turbo machinery and the research and development aspects within these markets for both product and process improvements. 

This same approach is driving the demand for engine vibration measurement and balancing. Ongoing efforts to improve engine performance and lower fuel consumption drive both military and commercial axial turbo-machinery operators to maintain their equipment at peak performance.

These market drivers are also providing opportunity and demand for MTI to enhance current and develop new products and technologies. This has become a central theme in our supporting a larger, more complex customer base. Our efforts to become more capable and competitive in operations and quality are being met by our well defined approach to lean manufacturing principles and the achievement of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO 9001:2008 certification in 2014.

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Automated Monitoring and Precision Automation Manufacturing

Automated monitoring allows companies and engineers to rectify system problems before they become costly repairs and maintenance costs. MTI’s latest system has a non-magnetic paper-thin probe that allows users to measure and monitor gaps in high power generators, wind turbines, and other auxiliary equipment. Its Ethernet interface supports remote access to this critical information. Meanwhile, MTI is also supporting the world-wide need for OEMs to drive continuous improvement efforts through use of the most innovative manufacturing and assembly techniques in products and processes. Due to the level of precision required, these products or processes are managed through automated systems (Piezo positioners, robot guide, dielectric material/LED wafer inspection, etc.) and require precise measurement, data transmission, analysis and management. 

MTI Instruments provides advanced linear displacement solutions for OEMs that can be incorporated into a tool or equipment manufactured by a company to monitor performance and/or achieve control (“in product application”) or into a process to control the manufacture of parts or measure critical parameters of parts as they enter or leave a process (“in process applications”). 

MTI Instruments is a preferred supplier for applications that require complex and extremely precise measurement of intricate targets and assemblies. MTI Instruments uses its significant track record and experience in capacitance, laser and fiber optic technologies to make products that range from basic sensors to complete, fully integrated measurement systems. Applications include precision positioning, material surface measurements, off-center vibration measurements, and pattern recognition analysis.

Listed below are selected MTI Instruments’ automated monitoring and precision automation manufacturing product offerings:

Product Model

Description

Accumeasure Series

Ultra-high precision capacitive systems offering nanometer accuracy.

Accumeasure D Series

Ultra-high precision digital capacitive systems offering sub-nanometer accuracy.

Microtrak PRO-2D

2D laser triangulation scanners that provide profile, displacement, and 3D images.

Microtrak TGS

Intuitive laser thickness systems using two single spot laser heads with digital linearization providing superb linearity.

MTI-2100 Fotonic Sensor Series

Fiber-optic based displacement sensor systems with high frequency response.

Axial Turbo Machinery

Turbo machines are categorized according to the type of flow. When the fuel and air flow is parallel to the axis of rotation, they are referred to as axial flow machines. MTI Instruments is a leader in the development and commercialization of vibration measurement and system balancing for axial type engines – typically medium and large turbo fan aircraft engines – for both military and commercial applications. In addition, we are exploring possibilities for expansion of its product offerings for a variety of applications within this market segment.

MTI Instruments designs and manufactures computer-based portable balancing systems (PBS) products which automatically collect and record engine vibration data, identifying vibration or balance trouble, and calculating a solution to the problem. These products are designed to quickly pinpoint engine vibration issues for improved fuel efficiency, lower maintenance cost and safety.

PBS products are used by major aircraft engine manufacturers, the U.S. and foreign militaries, and commercial airlines, as well as gas turbine manufacturers.

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Listed below are selected MTI Instruments’ axial turbo machinery product offerings and technologies:

Product Model

Description

PBS-4100+ Portable Balancing System

Provides easy to follow solutions for engine vibration and trim balancing problems.

PBS-4100R+ Test Cell Vibration Analysis & Trim Balancing System

Advanced trim balancing and diagnostics for engine test cells.

TSC-4800A Tachometer Signal Conditioner

Tachometer signal conditioner detects and conditions signals for monitoring, measuring, and indicating engine speeds.

1510A Calibrator

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable signal generator that outputs voltage signals useful to test and calibrate electronic equipment.

 Industrial and Academic Research and Development (R&D)

Present-day research and process development is a core part of the modern business world; critical decisions are made from data and discoveries made through these efforts. As companies understand and profit from the benefits of organized R&D efforts, they also make further commitments and investments into new R&D cycles making internal R&D budgets reach higher and higher levels. R&D is also a tool for modern companies to proactively leapfrog competition and keep pace with trends, enhance manufacturing processes, and develop products to meet new customer demands.

MTI Instruments has a long track record of working with private sector companies as well as academic institutions on their R&D efforts. We have a dedicated line of tabletop linear displacement instruments, material testers, and wafer metrology tools that help provide valuable information to enhance products and processes. Our family of R&D related products are used widely in applications including wafer surface metrology, nano-material testing, and precision linear displacement and positioning. Our customers include testing and R&D departments in large industry and academia as well as process development laboratories focused in automotive, electronics, semiconductor, solar, and material development.

Listed below are MTI Instruments’ industrial and academic R&D product offerings and technologies:

Product Model

Description

Accumeasure Digital Series

Ultra-high precision digital capacitive systems offering sub-nanometer accuracy.

Accumeasure Analog Series

Ultra-high precision capacitive displacement systems offering nanometer accuracy.

NEW

Tensile MicroStage

Specifically designed to fit under atomic force microscopes (AFMs), these MicroTensile Testers provide high resolution tensile, compression, fatigue and bend testing of up to 450 Newton (100 lbs).

Microtrak 4

Single spot laser sensor equipped with the latest complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor technology with true digital data output.

Proforma 300i

Manual, non-contact measurement of semiconductor wafer thickness, total thickness variation and bow.

PV 1000

Manual tool for measuring thickness and bow of solar wafers.

MTI-2100 Fotonic Sensor Series

Fiber-optic based displacement sensor systems with high frequency response.

Marketing and Sales

MTI Instruments markets its products and services using selected and specific channels of distribution. In the Americas, for precision automated manufacturing and the R&D sectors, MTI Instruments uses a combination of direct sales and representatives. Overseas, particularly in Europe and Asia, MTI Instruments uses distributors and agents specific to our targeted end markets. For axial turbo machinery, MTI Instruments primarily sells directly to end users.

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To supplement these efforts, we use both commercial and industrial search engines, targeted newsletters, purchased customer lists and participation in trade shows to identify and expand our customer base.

Product Development

MTIInstruments continuously conducts research to develop new and advance existing technologies in support of its business strategy. Along with innovation as a key hallmark to its efforts, we carefully consider a number of factors including customer needs, product or technology uniqueness, market trends, costs, the competitive landscape, and creative marketing and communications plans in developing our products. We take a customer-centered approach in order to find new ways to solve customer needs, engage with customers directly, and create a loyal customer base while offering a more compelling value proposition.

In 2016, MTI Instruments introduced a paper-thin capacitance probe that is non-magnetic, a feature that allows the probe to conform and be bonded in a thin gap and also provide accurate measurement within surrounding magnetic fields. This paper-thin probe, together with the recently launched Accumeasure D, is designed to be used to measure and monitor gaps in high power generators, wind turbines, and other auxiliary equipment. In addition, its Ethernet interface supports remote access to critical information.

We launched an additional line of SEMtester products to support the growing AFM users in the R&D market. The MTI Tensile MicroStage is designed with a reduced height to fit under AFMs or other adjustable lens microscopes. This new MicroStage also uses lightweight materials to meet air table and motorized stage requirements.

We also launched, during 2016, a line of Accumeasure D capable of measuring the thickness of non-conductive materials such as glass, plastic sheet and sapphire wafer (used in white light-emitting diode (LED) manufacturing). Additionally, we continue to invest in the development of a system to measure defects in industrial tool and internal thread inspection that utilizes our Accumeasure D series of products. 

During 2015, we developed and commercialized new enhancements in our PBS 4100+ product, including the capability to measure vibration and balance a number of turbo-shaft engines for rotary wing aircraft (helicopter), which has proven effective with several commercial customers. During 2016, the PBS 4100+ has been enhanced to accommodate the latest generation of fuel-efficient aircraft engines.

With investments in research and product development, we seek to achieve a competitive position by continuously advancing our technology, producing new state-of-the-art precision measurement equipment, expanding our worldwide distribution, and providing intimate customer support. Management believes that MTI Instruments’ success depends to a large extent on identifying market requirements, innovation, and utilizing our technological expertise to develop and implement new products.

Product Manufacturing & Operations

We conduct research, product development and innovation, and manufacture our products, in the United States. While many companies in the sensor, instrument and systems markets have manufacturing operations overseas, MTI is and has always been a U.S.-based manufacturing company. Products are conceived, developed, tested, and shipped out from our headquarters in Albany, New York.

Management believes that there are inherent advantages in keeping manufacturing in the U.S., including reducing the risk of inadvertent technology transfer, the ability to control manufacturing quality, and a much more effective customer management and satisfaction process. We have long-term vendor relationships and believe that most raw materials used in our products are readily available from a variety of vendors.

To prepare for future growth, we have also made strides in bringing a more flexible approach to manufacturing. While cross-training our employees in operations in different functional areas, management has also implemented lean principles on the manufacturing floor to increase capacity, productivity and throughput, eliminate waste, and quickly adapt to larger customers’ demands while continuing to keep inventory levels under control. MTI has additional capabilities in its existing, flexible manufacturing space as production volumes increase.

In April 2014, the Company received initial ISO certification 9001:2008 and was most recently recertified in April 2016. The certifications were authorized by TÜVRheinland®,an independent agency. To obtain these certifications, we underwent a rigorous five step process including preparation, documentation, implementation, internal audit, and final certification. The ISO 9001:2008 certification confirms our commitment to an effective management system and continuous improvement, a practice management believes is important for continuous growth.  

Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights

We rely on trade secret and copyright laws to establish and protect the proprietary rights of our products. In addition, we enter into standard confidentiality agreements with our employees and consultants and seek to control access to and distribution of our proprietary information. Even with these precautions, however, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technology without authorization or to develop similar technology independently. In addition, effective copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain foreign countries. 

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Significant Customers

MTI Instruments’ largest customer is the U.S Air Force. We also have strong relationships with companies in the electronics, aircraft, aerospace, automotive, semiconductor and research industries. The U.S. Air Force accounted for 18.1% and 4.4%, respectively, of total product revenues during 2016 and 2015.The largest commercial customer in 2016 was an Asian distributor, who accounted for 8.1% and 6.8%, respectively, of total product revenue during 2016 and 2015. 

Competition

We compete with several companies, several of which are substantially larger than MTI Instruments.

In the precision automated manufacturing market, MTI Instruments faces competition from companies including Keyence, Micro Epsilon, Schmitt Industries, Capacitec, Microsense and Lion Precision Instruments.

In the axial turbo machinery market, MTI Instruments competes with companies including ACES Systems and Meggitt Sensing Systems.

In the R&D market, we compete with companies involved in material testing, include Gatan, Deben, and E+H Metrology GmbH.  Competitors in precision linear displacement include Keyence, Micro Epsilon, Schmitt Industries, Capacitec, Microsense and Lion Precision Instruments.

The primary competitive considerations in MTI Instruments’ markets are product quality, performance, price, timely delivery, responsiveness and the ability to identify, pursue and obtain new customers. MTI Instruments believes that its employees, product development skills, sales and marketing systems and reputation are competitive advantages.

Research and Development

MTI Instruments conducts research and develops technology to support its existing products and develop new products. MTI incurred research and development costs of approximately $1.2 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We expect to continue to invest in research and development in the future at MTI Instruments as part of our growth strategy.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016, we had 29 employees including 24 full-time employees.

Recent Developments

Adoption of Shareholder Rights Plan

On October 6, 2016 (the “Rights Dividend Declaration Date”), the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Section 382 rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of one right (the “Rights”) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), of the Company to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 19, 2016. Each share of common stock issued thereafter will also include one Right. Subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Rights Plan, if the Rights become exercisable, each Right would represent the right to purchase from the Company one share of our common stock at a purchase price of $5.00 per share, subject to adjustment.

The Board adopted the Rights Plan in an effort to protect against a possible limitation on the Company’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”), which totaled approximately $51.9 million as of December 31, 2016. The Company may utilize these NOLs in certain circumstances to offset future U.S. taxable income and reduce its U.S. federal income tax liability. 

For additional information about the Rights Plan and the Rights, please see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2016.

Sale of Common Stock to Brookstone Partners Acquisition XXIV, LLC

On October 21, 2016, the Company issued and sold 3,750,000 shares of its common stock (the “Shares”) to Brookstone Partners Acquisition XXIV, LLC (“Brookstone”), for an aggregate of $2,737,500, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement between Brookstone and the Company.  In connection therewith, we also appointed three designees of Brookstone to the Company’s Board of Directors. Immediately subsequent to the issuance of the Shares, Brookstone owned 41.7% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. 

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Also on October 21, 2016, the Company and Brookstone entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to, at any time after December 20, 2016 and upon the request of holders of at least 25% of the outstanding Shares, to file a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to register the resale of the Shares.

For additional information about the Brookstone transaction, please see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2016.

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On January 18, 2017, Kevin G. Lynch resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer as well as Chairman of the Board of the Company. Mr. Lynch will remain on the Company’s Board of Directors. In conjunction with his resignation, Mr. Lynch and the Company entered into a separation agreement (dated February 1, 2017). The Company’s Board of Directors appointed Frederick W. Jones, our current Chief Financial Officer, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Jones will remain our Chief Financial Officer as well.

For additional information about the departure of Mr. Lynch and the appointment of Mr. Jones, please see the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2017 and February 8, 2017.

Item 1A: Risk Factors

Factors Affecting Future Results

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Any statements contained, or incorporated by reference, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. When we use the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “management believes,” “we believe,” “we intend,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will” and similar words or phrases, we are identifying forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

  • anticipated growth, including in revenues and cash flows;
  • statements with respect to management’s strategy and planned initiatives;
  • management’s belief that it will have adequate resources to fund the Company’s operations and capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2017 and through the end of the first quarter of 2018;
  • the expected impact of recent and pending accounting standards or updates;
  • projected taxable income and the ability to use deferred tax assets (currently held at a full valuation allowance);
  • generating earnings in the future;
  • the expectation that future cost-cutting measures will be avoided;
  • future capital expenditures and spending on research and development;
  • expected funding of future cash expenditures; and
  • the expected impact of our investment in MeOH Power, Inc.

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include the following:

  • statements with respect to management’s strategy and planned initiatives;
  • sales revenue growth may not be achieved or maintained;  
  • the dependence of our business on a small number of customers and potential loss of government contracts - particularly in light of potential cuts that may be imposed as a result of U.S. government budget appropriations;
  • our lack of long-term purchase commitments from our customers and the ability of our customers to cancel, reduce, or delay orders for our products;  
  • our inability to build and maintain relationships with our customers;  
  • our inability to develop and utilize new technologies that address the needs of our customers;  
  • our inability to obtain new credit facilities;
  • the cyclical nature of the electronics and military industries;  
  • the uncertainty of the U.S. and global economy, including as a result of the United Kingdom’s impending exit from the European Union;  
  • the impact of future exchange rate fluctuations;  
  • failure of our strategic alliances to achieve their objectives or perform as contemplated and the risk of cancellation or early termination of such alliance by either party;  
  • the loss of services of one or more of our key employees or the inability to hire, train, and retain key personnel;

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  • risks related to protection and infringement of intellectual property;  
  • our occasional dependence on sole suppliers or a limited group of suppliers;
  • our ability to generate income to realize the tax benefit of our historical net operating losses;
  • risks related to the limitation of the use, for tax purposes, of our net historical operating losses in the event of certain ownership changes; and
  • other risks discussed below.

Except as may be required by applicable law, we do not undertake or intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, assumptions should not be made that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

Risk Factors

You should consider carefully the following risks, along with other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones that may affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties also may adversely affect our business and operations including those discussed in the heading “Factors Affecting Future Results” above. Any of the following events, should they actually occur, could materially and adversely affect our business and financial results.

If we are unsuccessful at addressing our business challenges, we may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future, our business and results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected and our ability to invest in and grow our business could be limited. 

We have incurred significant operating and net losses since our inception. We incurred a net loss of $359 thousand during the year ended December 31, 20162020, originally filed with the Securities and hadExchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 31, 2021 (the "Original Form 10-K"), to include the information required by Items 10 through 14 of Part III of Form 10-K. This information was previously omitted from the Original Form 10-K in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, which permits the information in the above-referenced items to be incorporated into an accumulated deficit of $121.0 million as of such date. In order to achieve and maintainprofitability and improve liquidity, we must successfully achieve all or some combination of the following initiatives: increasing sales, developing new products, controlling operating expenses, managing our cash flows, successfully obtaining new credit facilities, improving operational efficiency and estimating and projecting accurately our liquidity and capital resources. In “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Management’s Plan, Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this Annual Reportannual report on Form 10-K we made estimates regarding our cash flow and resultsfrom a definitive proxy statement if such statement is filed no later than 120 days after the registrant's fiscal year-end. We are filing this Amendment to provide the information required in Part III of operations forForm 10-K because the year ending December 31, 2017 and throughCompany will not file a definitive proxy statement containing such information within 120 days after the end of the first quarter of 2018. If our cash flow or results of operations are less favorable than we have estimated, we may not be able to make all of our planned operating or capital expenditures or fully execute all of our other plans. Our financial success depends in part on management’s ability to execute our growth strategy. We expect that we will depend primarily on cash generated by our operations for funds to pay our expenses and any other indebtedness we may incur. Our ability to make these payments depends on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors, many of which we cannot control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flows from operations in the future and our currently anticipated growth in revenues and cash flows may not be realized, either or both of which could result in our being unable to repay indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs. If we do not have enough money, we may be required to sell assets or borrow money, in each case on terms that may not be acceptable to us. In addition, the terms of any future debt agreements, including new lines of credit, may restrict us from adopting any of these alternatives. Further, any significant levels of indebtedness in the future could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that may have access to additional resources or proportionately less debt and could make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business. Any future loss incurredfiscal year covered by the Company couldOriginal Form 10-K. Pursuant to SEC rules, Part IV, Item 15 has also been amended to contain the currently dated certifications from the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The certifications of the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer are filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Amendment. Because no financial statements have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to generate the cash needed to operate our business. Although we generated net income in 2011, 2013 and 2014, we had a net loss during 2016 and 2015 and prior to 2011 we had generated net losses since 1998, and we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability in the future. If we do achieve profitability in the future, the level of any profitability cannot be predicted and may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year. Failure to continue to successfully implement these initiatives could prevent us from achieving and maintaining profitability and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business plans, liquidity, results of operations and financial condition and may result in a downsize to the business. Further, even if implemented successfully there is no guarantee that our effortsbeen included in this regard would result in sustainedAmendment and improving profitability.  

We currently derive all of our product revenue from our MTI Instruments business.

All of our revenue is currently derived from our MTI Instruments business. We dothis Amendment does not have a broad portfolio of other products we could rely on to support operations if we were to experience a substantial slowdown in our MTI Instruments business, which is subject to a number of risks, including:

  • dependence on a limited number of customers;
  • a continued slowdowncontain or cancellation of sales to the military as a result of a potential redeployment, or sequestration, of governmental funding; 
  • our ability to maintain, improve, or expand our channels of distribution; 

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  • the potential failure to expand or maintain our business as a result of competition, a lack of brand awareness, or market saturation; and
  • an inability to launch new products as a result of intense competition, uncertainty of new technology development, or limited or unavailable resources to fund development. 

In addition, revenues from the sale of MTI Instruments’ products can vary significantly from one period to the next. We may sell a significant amount of our products to one or a few customers for various short term projects in one period, and then have markedly decreased sales in following periods as these projects end or customers have the products they require for the foreseeable future. The fact that we sell a significant amount of our products to a limited number of customers also results in a customer concentration risk. The loss ofamend any significant portion of such customers or a material adverse change in the financial condition of any one of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, our business and our ability to generate the cash needed to operate our business. 

We may not be able to enhance our product solutions and develop new product solutions in a timely manner.

Our future operating results will depend to a significant extent on our ability to provide new products that compare favorably with alternative solutions on the basis of time to introduction, cost, performance, and end-user preferences. Our success in attracting and retaining customers and developing business will depend on various factors, including the following:

  • innovative development of new products for customers;  

  • utilization of advances in technology;  

  • maintenance of quality standards;  

  • efficient and cost-effective solutions; and  

  • timely completion of the design and introduction of new products.

Our inability to develop new product solutions on a timely basis could harm our operating results and impede our growth.

Our operating results may experience significant fluctuations.

In addition to the variability resulting from the short-term nature of our customers’ commitments, other factors contribute to significant periodic fluctuations in our results of operations. These factors include:

  • the cyclicality of the markets we serve;  

  • the timing and size of orders;  

  • the volume of orders relative to our capacity;  

  • product introductions and market acceptance of new products or new generations of products;  

  • evolution in the life cycles of our customers’ products;

  • timing of expenses in anticipation of future orders;

  • changes in product mix;

  • availability of manufacturing and assembly services;

  • changes in cost and availability of labor and components;  

  • timely delivery of product solutions to customers;

  • pricing and availability of competitive products;

  • introduction of new technologies into the markets we serve;

  • pressures on reducing selling prices;

  • our success in serving new markets; and

  • changes in economic conditions.

If we do not keep pace with technological innovations, our products may not be competitive and our revenue and operating results may suffer.

The electronic, semiconductor, solar, automotive and general industrial segments are subject to constant technological change. Our future success will depend on our ability to respond appropriately to changing technologies and changes in product function and quality. If we rely on products and technologies that are not attractive to end users, we may not be successful in capturing or retaining market share. Technological advances, the introduction of new products, and new design techniques could adversely affect our business prospects unless we are able to adapt to the changing conditions. Technological advances could render our products obsolete, and we may not be able to respond effectively to the technological requirements of evolving markets. As a result, we will be required to expend substantial funds for and commit significant resources to:

  • continue research and development activities on all product lines;  

  • hire additional engineering and other technical personnel; and  

  • purchase advanced design tools and test equipment.

 10


Our business could be harmed if we are unable to develop and utilize new technologies that address the needs of our customers, or our competitors do so more effectively than we do.

Our efforts to develop new technologies may not result in commercial success and/or may result in delays in development, which could cause a decline in our revenue and could harm our business.

Our research and development effortsdisclosure with respect to our technologies mayItems 307 and 308 of Regulation S-K, paragraphs 3, 4, and 5 of the certifications have been omitted. Additionally, we are not result in customer or market acceptance. Some or all of those technologies may not successfully make the transition from the research and development lab to cost-effective production as a result of technology problems, competitive cost issues, yield problems, and other factors. Even when we successfully complete a research and development effort with respect to a particular technology, our customers may decide not to introduce or may discontinue products utilizing the technology for a variety of reasons, including the following:

  • difficulties with other suppliers of components for the products;  

  • superior technologies developed by our competitors and unfavorable comparisons of our solutions with these technologies;  

  • price considerations; and  

  • lack of anticipated or actual market demand for the products.

The nature of our business will require us to make continuing investments to develop new technologies. Significant expenses relating to one or more new technologies that ultimately prove to be unsuccessful for any reason could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, any investments or acquisitions made to enhance our technologies may prove to be unsuccessful. If our efforts are unsuccessful, our business could be harmed.

Continuing uncertaintycertificates required under Section 906 of the U.S. and global economy may have serious implications for the growth and stabilitySarbanes-Oxley Act of our business.

Revenue growth and continued profitability of our business will depend significantly on the overall demand for test and measurement instrumentations2002 as no financial statements are included in key markets including research and development, automotive, semiconductor and electronics. Softening demand in these markets caused by ongoing economic uncertainty, a return to recessionary conditions, technological developments, competitive changes orthis Amendment. This Amendment does not amend any other factors may result in decreased revenue or earnings levels. The U.S. and global economy has been historically cyclical and market conditions continue to be challenging, which has resulted in individuals and companies delaying or reducing expenditures. Further delays or reductions in spending could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products, and consequently on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, stock price, and ability to continue to operate.

Variability of customer requirements resulting in cancellations, reductions, or delays may adversely affect our operating results.

We are required to provide rapid product turnaround and respond to short lead times. A variety of conditions, both specific to individual customers and generally affecting the demand for OEMs’ products, may cause customers to cancel, reduce, or delay orders. Cancellations, reductions, or delays by a significant customer or by a group of customers could adversely affect our operating results. Conversely, if our customers unexpectedly and significantly increase product orders, we may be required to rapidly increase production, which could strain our resources and reduce our margins.

The cyclical nature of the electronics and military industries may result in fluctuations in our operating results.

The electronics and military industries have experienced significant economic downturns at various times. These downturns are characterized by diminished product demand, accelerated erosion of average selling prices, and production overcapacity. We may seek to reduce our exposure to industry downturns by providing design and production services for leading companies in rapidly expanding industry segments. We may, however, experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in future operating results because of general industry conditions or events occurringinformation set forth in the general economy.

International sales risks could adversely affect our operating results. Furthermore, our operating results could be adversely affected by changes to U.S. policyOriginal Form 10-K, and fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies.

Having a worldwide distribution network for our products exposes us to various economic, political, and other risks that could adversely affect our operations and operating results, including the following:

  • unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;

  • timing to meet regulatory requirements;  

  • tariffs, duties and other trade barrier restrictions;  

  • greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;  

  • the burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws;  

  • potentially reduced protection for intellectual property rights; and  

  • political or economic instability in certain parts of the world.

 11


All of these risks associated with international sales could negatively affect our operating results.

We anticipate possible changes to current policies by the U.S. government that could affect our business, including potentially through increased import tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade relations with other countries (e.g., China). Our suppliers source some of their raw materials from foreign countries, so any tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on imports into the United States would likely increase our cost of product revenue and, as a result, decrease our gross margins, operating income and net income, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Further, if the U.S. government imposes tariffs on imports into the United States, other countries may respond by imposing tariffs on products manufactured in the United States, which would increase the price of our products in these countries and may result in our customers looking to alternative sources for our products. Further, the imposition of such tariffs, and other recent and potential actions of the U.S government with respect to other countries, may generate negative views of the United States in other countries and make persons in those countries less inclined to purchase products from U.S. companies like us.

In addition, we transact our business in U.S. dollars and bill and collect our sales in U.S. dollars. In 2016, approximately 32.3% of our revenue was from customers located outside of the United States. It is possible that U.S. policy changes and uncertainty about policy could increase market volatility and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Market volatility and currency exchange rate fluctuations could impact our results of operations and financial condition related to transactions denominated in a foreign currency. A weakening of the dollar could cause our overseas vendors to require renegotiation of either the prices or currency we pay for their goods and services. Similarly, a strengthening of the dollar could cause our products to be more expensive for our international customers, which could impact price and margins and/or cause the demand for our products, and thus our revenue, to decline.

In the future, customers may negotiate pricing and make payments in non-U.S. currencies. If our overseas vendors or customers require us to transact business in non-U.S. currencies, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could affect our cost of goods, operating expenses, and operating margins and could result in exchange losses. In addition, currency devaluation can result in a loss to us if we hold deposits of that currency. Hedging foreign currencies can be difficult, especially if the currency is not freely traded. We cannot predict the impact that future exchange rate fluctuations may have on our operating results.

Our confidentiality agreements with employees and others may not adequately prevent disclosure of our trade secrets and other proprietary information, which could limit our ability to compete.

We rely on trade secrets to protect our proprietary technology and processes. Trade secrets are difficult to protect. We enter into confidentiality and intellectual property assignment agreements with our employees, consultants, and other advisors. These agreements generally require that the other party keep confidential and not disclose to third parties confidential information developed by the party under such agreements or made known to the party by us during the course of the party’s relationship with us. However, these agreements may not be honored and enforcing a claim that a party illegally obtained and is using our trade secrets is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. Our failure to obtain and maintain trade secret protection could adversely affect our competitive position.

We depend on key personnel who would be difficult to replace, and our business will likely be harmed if we lose their services or cannot hire additional qualified personnel.

Our success depends substantially on the efforts and abilities of our senior management and key personnel. The competition for qualified management and key personnel, especially engineers, is intense. Although we maintain non-competition and non-disclosure covenants with most of our key personnel, we do not have employment agreements with most of them. The loss of services of one or more of our key employees or the inability to hire, train, and retain key personnel, especially engineers, technical support personnel, and capable sales and customer-support employees outside the United States, could delay the development and sale of our products, disrupt our business, and interfere with our ability to execute our business plan.

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that future sales may occur, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline, even if our business is doing well.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement entered into between the Company and Brookstone, the Company is obligated to register for resale the shares of common stock sold to Brookstone in October 2016. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the market after such registration, or the perception that these sales may occur, could materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities.

 12


Brookstone’s ownership of 41.6% of the outstanding shares of our common stock gives it a controlling interest in the Company.

Brookstone owns approximately 41.6% of our outstanding shares of common stock and has designated three directors that sit on our seven-member Board of Directors. Accordingly, Brookstone has the ability to exert a significant degree of influence or actual control over our management and affairs and, as a practical matter, will control corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, irrespective of how our other shareholders may vote, including the election of directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions, including a sale of substantially all of our assets, and Brookstone may vote its shares in a manner that is adverse to the interests of our minority stockholders. For example, Brookstone will be able to prevent a merger or similar transaction, including a transaction in which stockholders will receive a premium for their shares, even if our other shareholders are in favor of such transaction. This concentration of voting control could deprive our investors of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock as part of a sale of the Company. Further, Brookstone’s control position might adversely affect the market price of our common stock to the extent investors perceive disadvantages in owning shares of a company with a controlling shareholder.

Brookstone and their director designees may acquire interests and positions that could present potential conflicts with our and our shareholders’ interests.

Brookstone and their director designees may make investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Brookstone and their director designees may also pursue, for their own accounts, acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities might not be available to us. As part of our sale of the Shares to Brookstone in October 2016 and as required by Brookstone as a condition to purchasing the Shares, our Board of Directors renounced, to the extent permitted by New York law, the Company's expectancy with respect to being offered an opportunity to participate in any business opportunity that is discovered by or presented to a director designee (a “Business Opportunity”), whether in such director designee’s capacity as a director of the Company or otherwise. Accordingly, the interests of Brookstone and the designated directors with respect to a Business Opportunity may supersede ours, and Brookstone or its affiliates or the Brookstone-designated directors may be involved with business in competition with us and may pursue opportunities for the sole benefit of Brookstone and its affiliates without our involvement, for which we have limited recourse. Such actions on the part of Brookstone or its director designees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We may become subject to claims of infringement or misappropriation of the intellectual property rights of others, which could prohibit us from selling our products, require us to obtain licenses from third parties or to develop non-infringing alternatives, and subject us to substantial monetary damages and injunctive relief.

We may receive notices from third parties that the manufacture, use, or sale of any products we develop infringes upon one or more claims of their patents. Moreover, because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be currently pending applications, unknown to us, that may later result in issued patents that materially and adversely affect our business. Third parties could also assert infringement or misappropriation claims against us with respect to our future product offerings, if any. We cannot be certain that we have not infringed the intellectual property rights ofupdated disclosures included therein to reflect any third parties. Any infringement or misappropriation claim could result in significant costs, substantial damages, and our inability to manufacture, market, or sell any of our product offerings that are found to infringe another person’s patent. Even if we were to prevail in any such action, the litigation could result in substantial cost and diversion of resources that could materially and adversely affect our business. If a court determined, or if we independently discovered, that our product offerings violated third-party proprietary rights, there cansubsequent events. This Amendment should be no assurance that we would be able to re-engineer our product offerings to avoid those rights or obtain a license under those rights on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. As a result, we could be prohibited from selling products that are found to infringe upon the rights of others. Even if obtaining a license were feasible, it may be costly and time-consuming. A court could also enter orders that temporarily, preliminarily, or permanently enjoin us from making, using, selling, offering to sell, or importing our products that are found to infringe on third parties’ intellectual property rights, or could enter orders mandating that we undertake certain remedial actions. Further, a court could order us to pay compensatory damages for any such infringement, plus prejudgment interest, and could in addition treble the compensatory damages and award attorneys’ fees. Any such payments could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

If we are unable to protect our information systems against service interruption or failure, misappropriation of data or breaches of security, our operations could be disrupted, we could be subject to costly government enforcement actions and private litigation and our reputation may be damaged.

Our business involves the collection, storage and transmission of personal, financial or other information that is entrusted to us by our customers and employees. Our information systems also contain the Company's proprietary and other confidential information related to our business. Our efforts to protect such information may be unsuccessful due to the actions of third parties, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, catastrophic events, employee error or malfeasance or other attempts to harm our systems. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems, change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures in time. We could also experience a loss of critical data and delays or interruptions in our ability to manage inventories or process transactions. Some of our commercial partners, such as those that help us maintain our websites, may receive or store information provided by us or our users through our websites. If these third parties fail to adopt or adhere to adequate information security practices, or fail to comply with our policies in this regard, or in the event of a breach of their networks, our customers’ information may be improperly accessed, used or disclosed.

 13


If our systems are harmed or fail to function properly, we may need to expend significant financial resources to repair or replace systems or to otherwise protect against security breaches or to address problems caused by breaches. If we experience a significant security breach or fail to detect and appropriately respond to a significant security breach, we could be exposed to costly legal actions against us in connection with such incidents, which could result in orders or judgments forcing us to pay damages or fines or to take certain actions with respect to our information systems. Any incidents involving unauthorized access to or improper use of user information, or incidents that are a violation of our online privacy could harm our brand reputation and diminish our competitive position. Any of these events could have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation or financial results. Our insurance policies carry coverage limits, which may not be adequate to reimburse us for losses caused by security breaches.

In the future, we may experience an ownership change in the Company that would result in a limitation of tax attributes relating to the use of our net operating losses.

A corporation generally undergoes an “ownership change” when the ownership of its stock, by value, changes by more than 50 percentage points over any three-year testing period. In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of post-ownership change taxable income a corporation may offset with pre-ownership change net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards and certain recognized built-in losses.

We estimate that as of December 31, 2016, the Company and MTI Instruments have NOL carryforwards of approximately $51.9 million. Our ability to utilize these NOL carryforwards, including any future NOL carryforwards that may arise, may be limited by Section 382 if we undergo any further “ownership changes” as a result of subsequent changes in the ownership of our outstanding common stock pursuant to the exercise of MTI options outstanding, additional financings obtained, or otherwise. 

Our risk management process may not identify all risks that we are subject to and will not eliminate all risk.

Our Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process seeks to identify and address significant risks. Our ERM process uses the most recent integrated risk framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) to assess, manage, and monitor risks. We believe that risk-taking is an inherent aspect of the pursuit of our growth and performance strategy. Our goals are to proactively manage risks in a structured approachread in conjunction with strategic planning,the Original Form 10-K and with our filings with the intentSEC subsequent to preserve and enhance shareowner value, and to manage prudently, rather than wholly avoiding, risks. We can mitigate risks and their impact on the Company, however, only to a limited extent, and no ERM process can identify all risks that we may face. Therefore, there may be risks that we are currently unaware of, that may develop in the future or that we currently consider immaterial. Further, our management of risks may prove inadequate. The emergence of risks of which we were unaware or are unable to manage could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospectus, financial condition and results of operations.Original Form 10-K.

 

Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2: Properties

We lease approximately 17,400 square feet of office, manufacturing and research and development space at 325 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12205. The current lease agreement expires on November 30, 2019. We believe our facilities are generally well maintained and adequate for our current needs and for expansion, if required.

Item 3: Legal Proceedings

At any point in time, we may be involved in various lawsuits or other legal proceedings. Such lawsuits could arise from the sale of products or services or from other matters relating to our regular business activities, compliance with various governmental regulations and requirements, or other transactions or circumstances. We do not believe there are any such proceedings presently pending that could have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 14


Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

3


PART IIIII

Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Item 5: Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer PurchasesInformation About Our Directors

Set forth below is certain information regarding the directors of Equity Securities

Market Information

Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets Group quotation system (OTCQB: MKTY) on the OTCQB venture stage marketplace for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies. We are current in our reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process.  Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com.  The following table sets forth the high and low bid information for our common stock as reported on the OTC Market Group quotation system for the periods indicated:of April 27, 2021.

 

High

     

Low

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

       First Quarter

$

1.40

 

$

0.67

       Second Quarter

 

0.95

 

 

0.55

       Third Quarter

 

1.41

 

 

0.35

       Fourth Quarter

 

1.60

 

 

0.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

       First Quarter

$

1.20

 

$

0.70

       Second Quarter

 

1.49

 

 

0.86

       Third Quarter

 

1.36

 

 

1.06

       Fourth Quarter

 

1.29

 

 

0.20

Name

Age

Director Since

Terms Expiring in 2021

 

 

Edward R. Hirshfield (4) (8)

49

2016

William P. Phelan (3) (4) (7)

64

2004

 

 

 

Terms Expiring in 2022

 

 

Matthew E. Lipman (2) (7)

42

2016

Alykhan Madhavji (5)

30

2021

David C. Michaels (2) (4)

65

2013

 

 

 

Terms Expiring in 2023

 

 

William Hazelip (3) (8)

42

2021

Thomas J. Marusak (1) (6)

70

2004

Michael Toporek

56

2016

 

 

 

(1) Member of the Compensation Committee during 2020.

(2) Member of the Compensation Committee during 2020 and through March 9, 2021.

(3) Member of the Compensation Committee effective March 9, 2021.

(4) Member of the Audit Committee during 2020.

(5) Member of the Audit Committee effective March 9, 2021.

(6) Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee during 2020.

(7) Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee during 2020 and through March 9, 2021.

(8) Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee effective March 9, 2021.

 

HoldersEdward R. Hirshfield has served as a member of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") since October 2016. He has also served as a Director of our subsidiary, MTI Instruments, Inc., since October 2016 and of our subsidiary, EcoChain, Inc. ("EcoChain"), since its incorporation in January 2020. Since 2018, Mr. Hirshfield has served as Managing Director in the restructuring group at B. Riley FBR, Inc., a leading financial services provider, where he advises stressed and distressed companies and their constituencies. From 2015 until 2018, Mr. Hirshfield served as a partner at Steppingstone Group, LLC, a special situations private equity fund located in New York. Mr. Hirshfield's responsibilities in this role included business development activities, conducting extensive credit analysis on target companies, as well as portfolio management. Mr. Hirshfield began his career as a loan officer at CIT Group Inc. and then became a restructuring advisor at a boutique investment bank, CDG Group. In 2003, Mr. Hirshfield moved over to the buy side and joined Longacre Fund Management, LLC, a $2.5 billion distressed debt fund. Mr. Hirshfield continued as a distressed investor at Del Mar Asset Management, LP, Ramius LLC, and most recently CRG, LLC from 2012 through 2014. At CRG, LLC, Mr. Hirshfield was responsible for identifying and managing investments in distressed situations and conducting extensive research on potential investments. Mr. Hirshfield has a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Union College and an M.B.A. from Fordham University Graduate School of Business. Mr. Hirshfield brings over 20 years of experience understanding and analyzing public and private companies. He has an expertise in providing operational and investment recommendations as well as providing extensive valuation and credit analysis, which the Board believes qualifies him to serve as a director.

William P. Phelan has served as a member of the Board since December 2004. He also served as interim Chief Executive Officer and President of EcoChain from March 2020 to November 2020, and as interim Vice President of EcoChain from November 2020 to March 2021. Mr. Phelan is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bright Hub, Inc., a software company founded in 2005 that focuses on the development of online software for commerce. In May 1999, Mr. Phelan founded OneMade, Inc., an electronic commerce marketplace technology systems and tools provider. Mr. Phelan served as Chief Executive Officer of OneMade, Inc. from May 1999 to May 2004, including for a year after it was sold to, and remained a subsidiary of, America Online. Mr. Phelan serves on the Board of Trustees and is a Finance Committee member and an Investment Committee Chair for Capital District Physician's Health Plan, Inc. Mr. Phelan also serves on the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Paradigm Mutual Fund Family. He has also held numerous executive positions at Fleet Equity Partners, Cowen & Company, First Albany Corporation, and UHY Advisors, Inc., formerly Urbach Kahn & Werlin, PC. Mr. Phelan has a B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Siena College and an M.S. in Taxation from City College of New York, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Phelan contributes leadership, capital markets experience, and strategic insight as well as innovation in technology to the Board, which the Board believes qualifies him to serve as a director.

4


We have one classMatthew E. Lipman has served as a member of the Board since October 2016. Since 2004, Mr. Lipman has served as Managing Director of Brookstone Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm based in New York and an affiliate of Brookstone Partners Acquisition XXIV, LLC ("Brookstone XXIV"). Mr. Lipman's responsibilities at Brookstone Partners include identifying and evaluating investment opportunities, performing transaction due diligence, managing the capital structure of portfolio companies, and working with management teams to implement operational and growth strategies. In addition, Mr. Lipman is responsible for executing add-on acquisitions and other portfolio company-related strategic projects. From July 2001 through June 2004, Mr. Lipman was an analyst in the mergers and acquisitions group at UBS Financial Services Inc., responsible for formulating and executing on complex merger, acquisition, and financing strategies for Fortune 500 companies in the industrial, consumer products, and healthcare sectors. Mr. Lipman currently serves on the Board of Directors of Instone, LLC, Denison Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Virginia Abrasives Corporation, and Capstone Therapeutics Corp. Mr. Lipman has a B.S. in Business Administration from Babson College. Mr. Lipman brings over 18 years of experience working with companies to establish growth strategies and execute acquisitions, is proficient in reading and understanding financial statements, generally accepted accounting principles, and internal controls as a direct result of his investment experience evaluating companies for potential investments and the management of financial reporting and capital structure for three portfolio companies, as well as relevant experience in serving on other boards of directors, which the Board believes qualifies him to serve as a director. As part of our sale of 3,750,000 shares of our common stock, par value $.01, and are authorized$0.001 per share ("Common Stock"), to issue 75,000,000 shares of common stock. Each share ofBrookstone XXIV in October 2016, Brookstone XXIV has two designated directors that sit on the Company’s common stockBoard; Mr. Lipman is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to stockholders.  As of December 31, 2016, there were 9,010,643 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. As of February 16, 2017, there were approximately 211 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock. The number of shareholders of record does not reflect the number of persons whose shares are held in nominee or “street” name accounts through brokers.such director.

DividendsAlykhan Madhavji

We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate or contemplate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to use all available funds to develop our business. We can give no assurances that we will ever have excess funds available to pay dividends. Any future determination as was appointed to the paymentBoard on February 24, 2021. Mr. Madhavji has served as Managing Partner of dividends will depend upon critical requirementsBlockchain Founders Fund, a seed and limitations imposed by our credit agreements, if any,early-stage investment fund that focuses on adding value to emerging technology and such other factorsblockchain projects with real-world applications, since 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Madhavji served as oura Senior Associate at PwC in its assurance and consulting division from 2012 through 2015. He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors may consider.

of CryptoStar Corp., a Canadian publicly-listed cryptocurrency producer, since August 2020. Mr. Madhavji has served on various advisory boards including the University of Toronto's Governing Council, which manages a $2.5 billion budget. Mr. Madhavji consults leading organizations, including the United Nations (the "UN"), on emerging technologies including Blockchain and how technology can help these organizations to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.  Mr. Madhavji is a Limited Partner at Loyal VC, a global venture capital fund focusing on early-stage investing, and Draper Goren Holm, a Fintech Venture Studio focused on investing in early-stage blockchain startups, a Senior Blockchain Fellow at INSEAD, a non-profit, private university in France, in which he supports the institution on being at the forefront of global digital transformation, and is recognized as a "Blockchain 100" Global Leader by Lattice80. He is an internationally acclaimed author, having published three books, and a frequent columnist for leading blockchain publications. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto, a Master of Business Administration from INSEAD, earned in 2017, and a Master of Global Affairs, as a Schwarzman Scholar, from Tsinghua University, earned in 2018. Mr. Madhavji has deep expertise in emerging technologies and blockchain start-ups which the Board believes, particularly in light of the Company's entry into the cryptocurrency mining sector in 2020, qualifies him to serve as a director.

Item 6: SelectedDavid C. Michaels has served as our Chairman of the Board since January 2017 and as a member of the Board since August 2013. Mr. Michaels served as the Chief Financial DataOfficer of the American Institute for Economic Research, Inc., an internationally-recognized economics research and education organization, from October 2008 until his retirement in May 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Michaels served as Chief Financial Officer at Starfire Systems, Inc. from December 2006 to September 2008. Mr. Michaels worked at Albany International Corp. from March 1987 to December 2006 as Vice President, Treasury and Tax, and Chief Risk Officer. Mr. Michaels also worked at Veeco Instruments from May 1979 to March 1987 in various roles including Controller and Tax Manager. Mr. Michaels is a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Audit Committee of Iverson Genetic Diagnostics, Inc. Mr. Michaels also serves as a member of the Board of Governors and Treasurer of the Country Club of Troy. Mr. Michaels has a Bachelor of Science degree with dual majors in Accounting and Finance and a minor in Economics from the University at Albany and completed graduate-level coursework at the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University. Mr. Michaels also completed the Leadership Institute Program at the Lally School of Management & Technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Michaels contributes more than 30 years of international financial and operating experience in a wide variety of roles in both public and private organizations to the Board, which the Board believes qualifies him to serve as a director.

William Hazelip was appointed to the Board on February 23, 2021. Since 2015, he has served as Vice President of National Grid PLC, a multinational electricity and gas utility company headquartered in London, England. He has also served as National Grid PLC's President, Global Transmission (US) since 2017 and President of Strategic Growth for National Grid Ventures since August 2019, developing new business opportunities in electric transmission, energy storage, and renewable energy. Prior to joining National Grid, PLC, he was the Managing Director, Business Development at Duke Energy Corporation and the President of Path 15 Transmission, an independent electric transmission company in California, where he led the acquisition for Duke Energy Corporation. Mr. Hazelip also has extensive experience serving on the board of directors of companies. He currently serves as member of the board of directors of Millennium Pipeline Corporation, a multi-billion dollar natural gas pipeline company, the Vice-Chairman of the board of directors of New York Transco, a growing electric transmission company, and a board of directors representative of Clean Energy Generation, a renewable energy and battery energy storage joint venture with NextEra Energy Resources. Mr. Hazelip began his career as an Area Director for CWL Investments, LLC, a Michigan investor group that owns and operates restaurant franchises including Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops. Mr. Hazelip earned a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University, Atlanta, GA, and an International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Mr. Hazelip is an accomplished leader in the energy industry, with deep experience in utility project development, financing, regulation, and operations, which the Board believes, particularly in light of the Company's involvement with the renewable energy sector as it relates to their cryptocurrency mining subsidiary, qualifies him to serve as a director.

5


 

Not applicable.

 15


Item 7: Management’s Discussion and AnalysisThomas J. Marusak has served as a member of Financial Condition and Resultsthe Board since December 2004. Additionally, Mr. Marusak has served as a member of Operations

The following discussionthe Boards of Directors of our financial conditionsubsidiaries MTI Instruments since April 2011 and resultsEcoChain since January 2020. Since 1986, Mr. Marusak has served as President of operations should be readComfortex Corporation, a manufacturer of window blinds and specialty shades. Mr. Marusak was a member of the Advisory Board of Directors for Key Bank of New York from 1996 through 2004 and served on the Board of Directors of the New York Energy Research and Development Authority from 1998 through 2006. In 2019, Mr. Marusak retired from the Board of Directors of the Capital District Physician's Health Plan, Inc., in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial StatementsAlbany, where he had served for the prior eight years and had participated as a member of the board's Finance, Compensation, Audit, Investment, and Executive Committees. Additionally, Mr. Marusak has served as a Board member for the following entities in the course of his professional career: Center for Economic Growth (past Chair), Dynabil Corp. (Advisory Board), and the related notes included elsewhereAlbany Chamber of Commerce (Executive Board). Mr. Marusak received a B.S. in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements,Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Engineering from Stanford University. Mr. Marusak brings technical development, manufacturing experience, product development and introduction, financial accounting, and human resources expertise to the Board, as well as relevant experience in committee and board service, which involve riskthe Board believes qualifies him to serve as a director.

Michael Toporek was named our Chief Executive Officer on November 2, 2020 and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materiallyhas served as a member of the Board since October 2016. Since 2003, Mr. Toporek has served as the Managing General Partner of Brookstone Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm based in New York and an affiliate of Brookstone XXIV. Prior to founding Brookstone Partners in 2003, Mr. Toporek was both an active principal investor and an investment banker. Mr. Toporek began his career in Chemical Bank's Investment Banking Group, later joining Dillon, Read and Co., which became UBS Warburg Securities Ltd. during his tenure, and SG Cowen and Company. Mr. Toporek currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Harlem Academy and on the Board of Directors of Capstone Therapeutics Corp. Mr. Toporek has a B.A. in Economics and an M.B.A. from those anticipatedthe University of Chicago in Finance/Accounting. Mr. Toporek brings strategic and financial expertise to the forward-looking statementsBoard as a result of certain factors, including those discussedhis experience with Brookstone Partners, which the Board believes qualifies him to serve as a director. As part of our sale of 3,750,000 shares of Common Stock to Brookstone XXIV in Item 1A: “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report.

OverviewOctober 2016, Brookstone XXIV has two designated directors that sit on the Board; Mr. Toporek is one such director.

 

MTI’s core business is conducted throughThere are no family relationships among any of our wholly-owned subsidiary MTI Instruments, Inc.MTI Instruments is a supplier of precision linear displacement sensors, instruments and system solutions, vibration measurement and system balancing solutions, precision tensile measurement systems and wafer inspection tools, serving markets that require 1) the precise measurements and control of products and processes in automated manufacturing, assembly, and consistent operation of complex machinery, 2) engine balancing and vibration analysis systems for both military and commercial aircraft, 3) metrology tools for semiconductor and solar wafer characterization, and 4) tensile stage systems for materials testing and precision linear displacement gauges all for use in academic and industrial research and development settings.directors or executive officers.

 

Recent DevelopmentsAudit Committee

On July 1, 2016, the Company entered into a follow-on, multi-year contract with the U.S. Air Force to purchase new PBS4100+The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Michaels (Chairman), Mr. Phelan, Mr. Hirshfield, and PBS4100R+ vibration measurement and balancing systems and corresponding maintenance of previously deployed systems and accessories.Mr. Madhavji (effective March 9, 2021). The total contract, if fully executed,Board has a value of $9.35 million, with the initial basic one-year termdetermined that each member of the contract having an estimated valueAudit Committee is independent, as defined under the applicable rules and listing standards of approximately $1.8 million.  

Nasdaq Stock Market LLC and SEC rules and regulations.  In addition, to the basic term of the contract, the contract includes four option periodsBoard has determined that the U.S. Air Force may exercise on or before the last day of the previous basic contract period or option period. Each option period covers the U.S. Air Force’s option to purchase the Company’s products set forth in the contract with respect to that specific option. Option I (concurrent with the initial basic one-year term) may be exercised at any time, from time-to-time, through June 30, 2017, Option II may be exercised at any time, from time-to-time, through June 30, 2018, Option III may be exercised at any time, from time-to-time, through June 30, 2019, and Option IV may be exercised at any time, from time-to-time, through June 30, 2020. Within this schedule, the U.S. Air Force may exercise multiple option periods simultaneously. The contract provides the U.S. Air Force with an option to extend the term of the contract, but no such extension will be beyond June 30, 2021. 

Results of Operations

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2015. 

The following table summarizes changes in the various components of our net loss during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

(Dollars in thousands)

Year Ended

December 31,

2016

     

Year Ended

December 31,

2015

     

 

 

$

Change

 

 

 

%

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product revenue

$

7,056

 

 

$

6,330

 

 

$

726

 

 

11.5%

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product revenue

$

2,722

 

 

$

2,475

 

 

$

247

 

 

10.0% 

    Research and product development expenses

$

1,243

 

 

$

1,546

 

 

$

(303

)

 

(19.6)%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

$

3,452

 

 

$

3,779

 

 

$

(327

)

 

(8.7)%

Operating loss

$

(361

)

 

$

(1,470

)

 

$

1,109

 

 

75.4% 

Other expense, net

$

(7

)

 

$

(2

)

 

$

(5

)

 

(250.0)% 

Loss before income taxes

$

(368

)

 

$

(1,472

)

 

$

1,104

 

 

75.0% 

Income tax benefit (expense)

$

9

 

 

$

(1,360

)

 

$

1,369

 

 

100.7% 

Net loss

$

(359

)

 

$

(2,832

)

 

$

2,473

 

 

87.3%

 16


Product Revenue: Product revenue consists of revenue recognized from the MTI Instruments’ product lines.

The $726 thousand increase in product revenue during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015 was driven by activity under the new U.S. Air Force contract, which offset declines in commercial engine vibration analysis system sales. The U.S. Air Force was the largest government customer for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, and accounted for 18.1% and 4.4%, respectively, of our annual product revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the largest commercial customer was an Asian distributor of our general instrumentation products, which accounted for 8.1% and 6.8%, respectively, of our annual product revenue.

Information regarding government contracts included in product revenue is as follows:

 (Dollars in thousands) 

 

 

 

 

Revenues for the

Year Ended

 

Contract Revenues

to Date

Date

 

Total Contract

Orders Received

To Date

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

Contract(1) 

Expiration

     

2016

     

2015

     

2016

     

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$9.35 million U.S. Air Force Systems, Accessories and Maintenance

06/30/2021

(2)

 

$

1,093

 

$

__

 

$

1,093

 

$

1,097

$6.5 million U.S. Air Force Maintenance   

09/27/2014

(3)

 

$

__

 

$

5

 

$

5,006

 

$

5,006

____________________

(1)

Contract values represent maximum potential values at time of contract placement and may not be representative of actual results.

(2)

Date represents expiration of contract, including the exercise of option extensions.

(3)

Date represents expiration of contract, including the exercise of option extensions. No additional orders are expected under any of these specific contracts.

Cost of Product Revenue; Gross Margin:Cost of product revenue includes the direct material and labor cost as wellMr. Michaels qualifies as an allocation of overhead costs that relate to the manufacturing of products we sell. In addition, cost of product revenue also includes the labor and material costs incurred for product maintenance, replacement parts and service under our contractual obligations.

Cost of product revenue during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015increased by $247 thousand, or 10.0%, to $2.7 million from $2.5 million. Gross profit,"audit committee financial expert" as a percentage of product revenue, rose from 60.9% during the year ended December 31, 2015 to 61.4% during the year ended December 31, 2016. The improvement in gross profit during 2016 was attributable to lower material costs due to the change in product mix, combined with lower overhead costs from reduced staffing. This gross profit, while improved, was diminished by a $350 thousand charge to inventory for excessive inventory amounts built in advance of an order that did not materialize in 2016. The increase in the cost of product revenue was attributable to the increased sales during 2016 as discussed above under Product Revenue, partially offset by the lower material and overhead costs responsible for the improvements in the profit margins.

Research and Product Development Expenses: Research and product development expenses includes the costs of materials to build development and prototype units, cash and non-cash compensation and benefits for the engineering and related staff, expenses for contract engineers, fees paid to outside suppliers for subcontracted components and services, fees paid to consultants for services provided, materials and supplies consumed, facility related costs such as computer and network services, and other general overhead costs associated with our research and development activities, to the extent not reimbursed by our customers.

Research and product development expenses decreased $303 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015 due to reduced staffing and decreased material spending on current development projects.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:Selling, general and administrative expenses includes cash and non-cash compensation, benefits and related costs in support of our general corporate functions, including general management, finance and accounting, human resources, selling and marketing, information technology and legal services.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $327 thousand, or 8.7%, to $3.5 million in 2016 from $3.8 million in 2015. This decrease is the result of reduced staffing and travel, lower sales commissions and a $37 thousand reduction to prior year incentive compensation accruals compared to 2015. This decrease was partially offset by $90 thousand in legal and advisory fees related to the adoption of the Shareholder Rights Plan and an increase of $271 thousand in non-cash stock based compensation expense relating to the immediate vesting of options granted under the Mechanical Technology Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan in conjunction with the change in control (as defined in the Plan)rules and regulations of the SEC. Mr. Michael's designation by the Board as an "audit committee financial expert" is not intended to be a representation that he is an expert for any purpose as a result of such designation, nor is it intended to impose on him any duties, obligations, or liability greater than the Brookstone investment.duties, obligations, or liability imposed on him as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board in the absence of such designation.

 

 17


Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

Jessica L. Thomas

Operating Loss: Operating loss, age 47, joined MTI as our Chief Financial Officer in July 2020. Ms. Thomas supervises the Company's financial reporting, treasury, human resources, and risk management. Prior to her employment with the Company, Ms. Thomas served as Director of Optimization for Pregis, LLC, a provider of protective packaging materials, from 2014 through July 2020, where she was $361 thousandresponsible for the year ended December 31, 2016 comparedoperations, system, and financial optimization. From 2009 through 2014, Ms. Thomas worked at Plasan NA as Manager of Budget & Control and Financial Planning & Analysis and was also responsible for compliance with government contracting, including monitoring compliance with Defense Contract Audit Agency  and Federal Acquisition Regulations. From 2007 to $1.5 million in 2015.The improvement2009, Ms. Thomas was a resultSenior Staff Auditor at Cruden & Company, CPA's PLLC. Ms. Thomas has also held positions in the banking industry as an officer at Key Bank and a Bank Branch Manager at M&T Bank. Ms. Thomas received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Siena College and an M.B.A. in Finance & International Finance from Northeastern University. Ms. Thomas obtained her Certified Public Accountant license in May 2009, has been a member of the factors noted above, that is,American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) since 2005, and holds the increased sales and improvement in the gross margin, combined with decreased research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.

 

Other Expense:Moshe BinyaminOther expense, age 51, joined MTI Instruments in September 2019 and served as the Director of Market Management and Strategic Growth until January 2020, when he was $7 thousandappointed Chief Operating Officer responsible for all operational aspects of the Company. In May 2020, he was appointed as President of MTI Instruments. Prior to joining MTI Instruments, Mr. Binyamin served in several roles with Datto Inc. (formerly Autotask Corp.), a cybersecurity and data backup company. During his 12-year tenure there, his positions included Director of Market Management from 2017 to 2019, in which he was responsible for the year ended December 31, 2016 comparedachievement of strategic objectives for Autotask Workplace (File Sync and Share) and Autotask Endpoint Backup products, and Director of Strategic Programs from 2014 to $2 thousand2017, in 2015.The expensewhich he was responsible for the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily relatedco-ordination and management of all company-wide strategic projects as part of Autotask's accelerated growth initiatives as set forth by Autotask's executive team and Vista Equity Partners' Autotask board. Prior to joining Datto, Mr. Binyamin was the Global Product Manager for Pitney Bowes (Formerly MapInfo). Mr. Binyamin is a $6 thousand loss recorded on the disposalgraduate of equipment in the first quarter.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense):Income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $9 thousand and primarily relates to a refund received from our year ended December 31, 2015 consolidated federal income tax return. Our effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was (2)%. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $1.4 million and primarily related to the increase in the valuation allowance against the previously-recognized $1.3 million deferred tax asset. Our effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 92%.

Net Loss:Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $359 thousand compared to $2.8 million in 2015.The decrease in net loss during 2016 was attributable to increased sales and improvements in the gross margin and the decreased research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above, as well as the increase in the valuation allowance against the previously-recognized $1.3 million deferred tax asset during 2015, which heavily contributed to the unusually large net loss in 2015.

Management’s Plan, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Several key indicators of our liquidity are summarized in the following table:

(Dollars in thousands)

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2016

     

2015

     

Cash

$

3,381

 

 

$

462

 

 

Working capital

 

3,990

 

 

 

1,413

 

 

Net loss

 

(359

)

 

 

(2,832

)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

522

 

 

 

(1,426

)

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

(136

)

 

 

(55

)

 

The Company has historically incurred significant losses (the majority, until 2012, stemming from the direct methanol fuel cell product development and commercialization programs of its former subsidiary, MeOH Power, Inc.) and had a consolidated accumulated deficit of $121.0 million as of December 31, 2016. Management believes that the Company currently has adequate resources to avoid future cost-cutting measures that could adversely affect its business. As of December 31, 2016, we had no debt, no outstanding commitments for capital expenditures and approximately $3.4 million of cash available to fund our operations.

BasedVista Equity Partner's exclusive HPLP (High Potential Leadership Program) with focus on business developments, including changesadministration, management, and operations. He holds a Computer Analyst in production levels, staffing requirements and network infrastructure improvements, additional capital equipment may be requiredApplied Science degree, obtained in the foreseeable future. We expect to spend approximately $75 thousand on capital equipment and $1.4 million in research and development on MTI Instruments’ products during 2017. We expect to finance any future expenditures and continue funding our operations1991, from our current cash position and our projected 2017 cash flows pursuant to management’s plans. We may also seek to supplement our resources by obtaining credit facilities to fund operational working capital and capital expenditure requirements. Any additional financing, if required, may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.Israeli Defense Forces.

6


While it cannot be assured, management believes that, due in part to our current working capital level, recent realignment in sales and operations and stabilized spending, the Company will have adequate resources to fund operations and capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2017 and through the end of the first quarter of 2018. However, if our revenue estimates are off either in timing or amount, the Company may need to implement additional steps to ensure liquidity including, but not limited to, the deferral of planned capital spending and/or delaying existing or pending product development initiatives. Such steps, if required, could potentially have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Debt

During the first quarter of 2016, we entered into discussions with Bank of America, N.A. (the Bank) to strengthen our then-existing lines of credit with the Bank and re-align their terms to be more consistent with our current business plan. During such discussions, the Bank informed the Company that based on its results for 2015 it was not in compliance with certain financial covenants of the lines. Since an agreement on new covenants could not be reached, the Company decided that the lines of credit could not be utilized and therefore terminated them on March 24, 2016. There were no amounts outstanding under the credit facilities at the time of cancellation.

 18


Backlog, Inventory and Accounts Receivable

At December 31, 2016, the Company’s order backlog was $349 thousand, compared to $234 thousand at December 31, 2015. The increase in backlog was due to a large order for capacitance systems that we received during the fourth quarter of 2016, with scheduled deliveries through the first half of 2017. 

Our inventory turnover ratios and average accounts receivable days outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and their changesexecutive officers are as follows:

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2016

     

2015

     

Change

Inventory turnover

2.3

 

2.6

 

 

(0.3)

Average accounts receivable days outstanding

35

 

53

 

 

 

(18)

The decrease in inventory turns is due to a 17% increase in average inventory balances in anticipation of orders from Asia.  

The average accounts receivable days’ outstanding decreased 18 days during 2016 compared to the prior year due to a proportionate increase in U.S. government sales, as commercial customers take a longer period to pay than the U.S. government.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

The prior discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes a summary of our most significant accounting policies. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosure of assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, inventories, income taxes and share-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptionselected or conditions. Periodically, our management reviews our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

The significant accounting policies that we believe are most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial statements include the following:

Revenue Recognition. We recognize product revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery of the product to the customer or distributor has occurred, at which time title generally is passed to the customer or distributor, and we have determined that collection of a fixed fee is probable, all of which occur upon shipment of the product. If the product requires that we provide installation, all revenue related to the product is deferred and recognized upon the completion of the installation. 

Inventory. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or the current estimated market value of the inventory. We periodically review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess or obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand, as well as based on historical usage. Demand and usage for products and materials can fluctuate significantly. A significant decrease in demand for our products could result in a short-term increase in the cost of inventory purchases and an increase of excess inventory quantities on hand. Therefore, although we make every effort to assure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and our reported operating results. If changes in market conditions result in reductions in the estimated net realizable value of our inventory below our previous estimate, we would increase our reserve in the period in which we made such a determination and record a charge to cost of product revenue.

Share-Based Payments. We grant options to purchase our common stock and award restricted stock to our employees and directors under our equity incentive plans. The benefits provided under these plans are share-based payments subject to the appropriate accounting provisions regarding Share-Based Payments. We use the fair value method of accounting with the modified prospective application, which provides for certain changes to the method for valuing share-based compensation. The valuation provisions apply to new awards and to awards that are outstanding on the effective date and subsequently modified. Under the modified prospective application, prior periods are not revised for comparative purposes.

 19


We estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends.

If factors change and we employ different assumptions for the accounting methodology during future periods, the compensation expense that we record may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period. Therefore, we believe it is important for investors to be aware of the high degree of subjectivity involved when using option-pricing models to estimate share-based compensation. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions, are fully transferable and do not cause dilution. Because our share-based payments have characteristics significantly different from those of freely traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect our estimates of fair values, in our opinion, existing valuation models, including the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model, may not provide reliable measures of the fair values of our share-based compensation. Consequently, there is a risk that our estimates of the fair values of our share-based compensation awards on the grant dates may bear little resemblance to the intrinsic values realized upon the exercise, expiration, cancellation, or forfeiture of those share-based payments in the future. Certain share-based payments, such as employee stock options, may expire worthless or otherwise result in zero intrinsic value as compared to the fair values originally estimated on the grant date and expensed in our financial statements. Alternatively, value may be realized from these instruments that are significantly in excess of the fair values originally estimated on the grant date and expensed in our financial statements. There currently is neither a market-based mechanism nor other practical application to verify the reliability and accuracy of the estimates stemming from these valuation models, nor a way to compare and adjust the estimates to actual values. Although the fair value of employee share-based awards is determined using a qualified option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction. Estimates of share-based compensation expenses are significant to our financial statements, but these expenses are based on the aforementioned option valuation model and will never result in our payment of cash.

Theoretical valuation models and market-based methods are evolving and may result in lower or higher fair value estimates for share-based compensation. The timing, readiness, adoption, general acceptance, reliability, and testing of these methods is uncertain. Sophisticated mathematical models may require voluminous historical information, modeling expertise, financial analyses, correlation analyses, integrated software and databases, consulting fees, customization, and testing for adequacy of internal controls.

For purposes of estimating the fair value of stock options granted during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 using the Black-Scholes model, we used the historical volatility of our stock for the expected volatility assumption input to the Black-Scholes model, consistent with the accounting guidance. The risk-free interest rate is based on the risk-free zero-coupon rate for a period consistent with the expected option term at the time of grant. We do not currently pay nor do we anticipate paying dividends, but we are required to assume a dividend yield as an input to the Black-Scholes model. As such, we use a zero dividend rate. The expected option term is calculated as an average time to forfeiture for all grants.

Income Taxes. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we calculate income taxes for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This involves estimating actual current taxes due together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment for tax and accounting purposes that are recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities. We periodically evaluate deferred tax assets, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards to determine their recoverability based primarily on our ability to generate future taxable income.

Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, such as historical levels of income and future forecasts of taxable income amongst other items in determining our valuation allowance. In addition, our assessment requires us to schedule future taxable income in accordance with accounting standards that address income taxes to assess the appropriateness of a valuation allowance, which further requires the exercise of significant management judgment.

We account for taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, we must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examinationappointed by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a positionBoard and hold their respective offices until their respective successors are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. The impact of our reassessment of our tax positions for these standards did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition,elected and qualified or liquidity.

 20


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

until their earlier resignation or removal. 

A discussion of recently adopted and new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.Delinquent Section 16(A) Reports

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements begin on page F-1 and are incorporated in this Item 8 by reference.

Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9A: Controls and Procedures

(a) EvaluationSection 16(a) of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of MTI’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controlsrequires our directors, our executive officers, and persons who beneficially own of more than 10% of the Common Stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership of the Common Stock and other procedures ofequity securities on 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, summarizedForm 3 and reported, within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) 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. We recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and we necessarily apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of our Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate becausereport of changes in conditions,such ownership on a Form 4 or thatForm 5. Officers, directors, and 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of all Forms 3, 4, and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us during the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervisionmost recent fiscal year and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 version) issuedwritten representations by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation using the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, Management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016. 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Our report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only Management’s Report in this annual report.

/s/ Frederick W. Jones

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer )

 21


(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B: Other Information

No information waspersons required to be disclosed in a current Report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarterfile such reports, all filing requirements of theSection 16(a) were satisfied with respect to our most recent fiscal year coveredexcept as follows: one Form 4 was filed late by this Annual Report onMs. Thomas with respect to one transaction - her receipt of a grant of restricted stock awards, and Mr. Madhavji filed a late Form 10-K that has not been reported.3.

PART III

Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Code of Ethics:Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics for employees, officers and directors. A copy of the Code of Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at http:https://www.mechtech.com under Governance,Investors, Governance Documents.

The remaining information required by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the information appearing under the captions “Information about our Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Board of Director Meetings and Committees – Audit Committee” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or before May 1, 2017.

 

Item 11: Executive Compensation

Compensation Philosophy

The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the information appearing under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or before May 1, 2017.

Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Equity Compensation Plans

As of December 31, 2016, we have three equity compensation plans, each of which was originally approved by our stockholders; the Mechanical Technology Incorporated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), the Mechanical Technology Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and the Mechanical Technology Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). The 2006 Plan was amended and restated and approved by our Board of Directors in 2011 and 2009. See Note 11primary objectives of our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-Kcompensation policies are to attract, retain, motivate, develop, and reward our management team for a descriptionexecuting our strategic business plan, thereby enhancing stockholder value, while recognizing and rewarding individual and Company performance. These compensation policies include: (i) an overall management compensation program that is competitive with companies of the Plans.

The following table presents information regarding these plans as of December 31, 2016:

 

 

     

 

 

     

Number of Securities Remaining 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for Future Issuance 

 

Number of Securities To Be 

 

 

 

 

Under 

 

Issued Upon Exercise of 

 

  Weighted Average Exercise 

 

Equity Compensation Plans 

 

Outstanding 

 

  Price of Outstanding 

 

(excluding securities reflected in 

 

Options, Warrants, Rights(1) 

 

  Options, Warrants, Rights 

 

column (a)) (2) 

                   Plan Category 

(a) 

 

  (b) 

 

(c) 

Equity compensation plans 

 

 

 

 

 

 

approved by security holders 

1,051,750

 

$

0.76

 

45,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

not approved by security holders(3)

90,589

 

 

0.73

 

-0-

 ____________________

(1)

The securities available under the Plans for issuance and issuable pursuant to exercises of outstanding options may be adjusted in the event of a change in outstanding stock by reason of stock dividend, stock splits, reverse stock splits, etc.

(2)

No awards can currently be made out of the 2006 Plan.

(3)

Includes options outstanding under the 2006 Plan, which was amended by our Board of Directors without stockholder approval in 2009 and 2011 to increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder. Under the 2006 Plan, the Board of Directors is authorized to issue stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock-based incentives to officers, employees and others. See Note 11 of our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a further description of this Plan.

 22


The remaining information required by this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to information appearing under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Ownerssimilar size or within our industries and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or before May 1, 2017.

Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the information appearing under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Information about our Directors” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or before May 1, 2017.

Item 14: Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the information appearing under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or before May 1, 2017.

 23


PART IV

Item 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

15(a) (1) Financial Statements: The financial statements filed herewith are set forth on the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of the separate financial section which accompanies this Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

15(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules: Financial statement schedules not listed have been omitted because they are either not required, not applicable, or the information has been included elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

15(a) (3)

Exhibits: The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index below are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Exhibit

Number

Description

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant, as amended and restated (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2007).

3.2

Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed May 15, 2008).

3.3

Certificate of Correction of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mechanical Technology, Incorporated as of October 17, 2016 and Certificate of Correction of Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of Mechanical Technology Incorporated, as of October 17, 2016 (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

3.4

Amended and Restated By-Laws of the registrant (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed December 14, 2007).

4.1

Rights Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2016, between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed October 6, 2016).

4.2

Amendment No. 1 dated as of October 20, 2016, to the Rights Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2016, between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

10.1

Mechanical Technology, Incorporated Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.*

10.2

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed July 11, 2011).*

10.3

Mechanical Technology, Incorporated Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.*

10.4

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Notice for Board of Directors and Employees for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).*

10.5

Form of Incentive Stock Option Notice for Employees for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).*

10.6

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Notice for Employees for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).*

10.7

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Notice for Board of Directors for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).*

10.8

Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A tothe Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014). *

10.9

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement on FormS-8 (File No. 333-196989) filed with theCommission on June 24, 2014). *

10.10

Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Grant Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-196989) filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014). *

10.11

Form of Incentive Stock Option Grant Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-196989) filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014). *

 24


10.12

Lease dated August 10, 1999 between Carl E. Touhey and Mechanical Technology, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.38 of the Company’s Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).

10.13

Amendment No. 1 to Lease Agreement Between Mechanical Technology Inc. and Carl E. Touhey dated September 29, 2009 (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.166 of the Company’s Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2009).

10.14

Amendment No. 2 to Lease Agreement Between MTI Instruments Inc. and Carl E. Touhey dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2014).

10.15#

Contract dated July 1, 2016 between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and the U.S. Air Force (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1# of the Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2016).

10.16

Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2016, by and between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and Brookstone Partners Acquisition XXIV, LLC (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

10.17

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 21, 2016, by and between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and Brookstone Partners Acquisition XXIV, LLC (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

10.18

Form of Option Exercise and Stock Transfer Restriction Agreement between the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Non-Employee Directors (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.24 of the Company’s Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 21 of the Company’s Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2015).

23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – UHY LLP.

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

All exhibits for which no other filing information is given are filed herewith.

# Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for confidential treatment. The omitted portions have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to our application for confidential treatment. The items are identified in the exhibit with “**”.

*              Represents management contract or(ii) long-term incentive compensation plan or arrangement.

Item 16: Form 10-K Summary

None.

 25


Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED

Date:  March 2, 2017

By: 

/s/ Frederick W. Jones

Frederick W. Jones

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ Frederick W. Jones

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Frederick W. Jones

(Principal Executive, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 March 2, 2017

/s/ David C. Michaels

Chairman

David C. Michaels

 March 2, 2017

/s/ Edward R. Hirshfield

Director 

Edward R. Hirshfield

 March 2, 2017 

/s/ Matthew E. Lipman

Director 

Matthew E. Lipman

 March 2, 2017 

/s/ Kevin G. Lynch

Director 

Kevin G. Lynch

March 2, 2017 

/s/ Thomas J. Marusak

Director 

Thomas J. Marusak 

 March 2, 2017

/s/ William P. Phelan

Director 

William P. Phelan 

March 2, 2017

/s/ Michael Toporek

Director 

Michael Toporek

 March 2, 2017

 26


MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

F-2

Consolidated Financial Statements: 

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 

F-3

Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

F-4

Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

F-5

Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

F-7 to F-22

F-1


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of Mechanical Technology, Incorporated

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mechanical Technology, Incorporated as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mechanical Technology, Incorporated as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ UHY LLP

Albany, New York

March 2, 2017

A member of UHY International, a network of independent accounting and consulting firms

F-2


MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 December 31, 2016 and 2015

(Dollars in thousands, except per share)

December 31,

 

2016

     

2015

Assets

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

3,381

 

 

$

462

 

Accounts receivable – less allowances of $0 in 2016 and $56 in 2015

 

881

 

 

 

931

 

Inventories

 

676

 

 

 

1,006

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

82

 

 

 

72

 

Total Current Assets

 

5,020

 

 

 

2,471

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

160

 

 

 

115

 

Total Assets

$

5,180

 

 

$

2,586

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

124

 

 

$

152

 

Accrued liabilities

 

906

 

 

 

907

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

1,030

 

 

 

1,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 75,000,000;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,026,136 issued in 2016 and 6,263,975 issued in 2015

 

100

 

 

 

63

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

138,794

 

 

 

135,839

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(120,980

)

 

 

(120,621

)

Common stock in treasury, at cost, 1,015,493 shares in 2016 and 1,005,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shares in 2015

 

(13,764

)

 

 

(13,754

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

4,150

 

 

 

1,527

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

5,180

 

 

$

2,586

 

         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 F-3


MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

(Dollars in thousands, except per share)

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

     

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product revenue

$

7,056

 

 

$

6,330

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product revenue

 

2,722

 

 

 

2,475

 

 

Research and product development expenses

 

1,243

 

 

 

1,546

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

3,452

 

 

 

3,779

 

 

Operating loss

 

(361

)

 

 

(1,470

)

 

Other expense, net

 

(7

)

 

 

(2

)

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(368

)

 

 

(1,472

)

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

9

 

 

 

(1,360

)

 

Net loss

$

(359

)

 

$

(2,832

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per share (Basic and Diluted)

$

(0.06

)

 

$

(0.54

)

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (Basic and Diluted)

 

5,988,545

 

 

 

5,258,883

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-4


MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

  For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Additional Paid-

in Capital

 

 

Accumulated

Deficit

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

Amount

 

Total
Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2015

6,263,975

$

63

$

135,698

 

$

(117,789

)

1,005,092

$

(13,754

)

$

4,218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

(2,832

)

-

 

-

 

 

(2,832

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock based compensation

-

 

-

 

141

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

6,263,975

$

63

$

135,839

 

$

(120,621

)

1,005,092

$

(13,754

)

$

1,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

(359

)

-

 

-

 

 

(359

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock based compensation

-

 

-

 

449

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

449

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of shares – stock
purchase

3,750,000

 

37

 

2,700

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

2,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of stock purchase

 

 

 

 

(201

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(201

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of shares – option
exercises

12,161

 

-

 

7

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of common stock
for treasury

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

10,401

 

(10

)

 

(10

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

10,026,136

$

100

$

138,794

 

$

(120,980

)

1,015,493

$

(13,764

)

$

4,150

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 F-5


MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 (Dollars in thousands)

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

     

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

     

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(359

)

 

$

(2,832

)

 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

85

 

 

 

80

 

 

(Bad debt recovery) provision for bad debts

 

(21

)

 

 

56

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

 

1,335

 

 

Stock based compensation

 

449

 

 

 

141

 

 

Provision for excess and obsolete inventories

 

365

 

 

 

83

 

 

Loss on disposal of equipment

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

71

 

 

 

209

 

 

Inventories

 

(35

)

 

 

(316

)

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(10

)

 

 

20

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(28

)

 

 

(64

)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

(1

)

 

 

(138

)

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

522

 

 

 

(1,426

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of equipment

 

(136

 

 

(55

 

Principle payments from notes receivable – related party

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(136

 

 

(35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from stock option exercises

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from stock purchase

 

2,737

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of stock purchase

 

(201

)

 

 

 

 

Purchases of common stock for treasury

 

(10

)

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

2,533

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

2,919

 

 

 

(1,461

)

 

Cash - beginning of period

 

462

 

 

 

1,923

 

 

Cash - end of period

$

3,381

 

 

$

462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-6


MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Nature of Operations

Description of Business

Mechanical Technology, Incorporated (MTI or the Company), a New York corporation, was incorporated in 1961. The Company’s core business is conducted through MTI Instruments, Inc. (MTI Instruments), its wholly-owned subsidiary.

MTI Instruments was incorporated in New York on March 8, 2000 and is a supplier of precision linear displacement solutions, vibration measurement and system balancing systems, and wafer inspection tools, consisting of electronic gauging instruments for position, displacement and vibration application within the industrial manufacturing/production markets, as well as the research, design and process development market; tensile stage systems for materials testing at academic and industrial research settings; and engine vibration analysis systems for both military and commercial aircraft. These tools, systems and solutions are developed for markets and applications that require the precise measurements and control of products, processes, and the development and implementation of automated manufacturing, assembly, and consistent operation of complex machinery.

Liquidity

The Company has historically incurred significant losses primarily due to its past efforts to fund direct methanol fuel cell product development and commercialization programs, and had a consolidated accumulated deficit of approximately $121.0 million as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had working capital of approximately $4.0 million, no debt, no outstanding commitments for capital expenditures, and approximately $3.4 million of cash available to fund our operations. 

Based on the Company’s projected cash requirements for operations and capital expenditures, its current available cash of approximately $3.4 million and our projected 2017 cash flow pursuant to management’s plans, management believes it will have adequate resources to fund operations and capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2017 and through the end of the first quarter of 2018. If cash generated from operations is insufficient to satisfy the Company’s operational working capital and capital expenditure requirements, the Company may be required to obtain credit facilities, if available, to fund these initiatives. The Company has no other formal commitments for funding future needs of the organization at this time and any additional financing during 2017, if required, may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.

2. Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MTI Instruments. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

The Company records its investment in MeOH Power, Inc. using the equity method of accounting. The fair value of the Company’s interest in MeOH Power, Inc. has been determined to be $0 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, based on MeOH Power, Inc.’s net position and expected cash flows. As of December 31, 2016, the Company retained its equity ownership of approximately 47.5% of MeOH Power, Inc.’s outstanding common stock, or 75,049,937 shares. The Company previously held warrants to purchase 31,904,136 shares of common stock of MeOH Power, Inc., which expired in December 2016.  

Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States of America Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The estimated fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The estimated fair values have been determined through information obtained from market sources, where available.

F-7


Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are stated at the invoiced amount billed to customers and do not bear interest. An allowance for doubtful accounts, if necessary, represents the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience and current exposures identified. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectability. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis by type of receivable. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. The Company provides estimated inventory allowances for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory as well as inventory whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Leasehold improvements 

Lesser of the life of the lease or the useful life of the improvement  

Computers and related software 

3 to 5 years 

Machinery and equipment 

3 to 10 years 

Office furniture, equipment and fixtures 

2 to 10 years 

Significant additions or improvements extending assets’ useful lives are capitalized; normal maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The costs of fully depreciated assets remaining in use are included in the respective asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. When items are sold or retired, related gains or losses are included in net (loss) income.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, loss carryforwards, and tax credit carryforwards, for which income tax benefits are expected to be realized in future years. A valuation allowance has been established to reduce deferred tax assets, if it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of such deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with accounting standards that address income taxes. The Company must recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not to be sustained on an audit, based on the technical merits of the position.

Equity Method Investments

The Company’s consolidated net income (loss) will include our proportionate share, if any, of the net income or loss of our equity method investee. When the Company records its proportionate share of net income, it increases equity income (loss), net in our consolidated statements of operations and our carrying value in that investment. Conversely, when the Company records its proportionate share of a net loss, it decreases equity income (loss), net in our consolidated statements of operations and our carrying value in that investment. The Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of our equity method investee includes significant operating and non-operating items recorded by our equity method investee.  These items can have a significant impact on the amount of equity income (loss), net in our consolidated statements of operations and our carrying value in that investment. The carrying value of our equity method investment is also impacted by our proportionate share of items impacting the equity investee’s accumulated other comprehensive income, if any. When the Company’s carrying value in an equity method investee company has been reduced to zero, no further losses are recorded in the Company’s financial statements unless the Company guaranteed obligations of the investee company or has committed additional funding. When the investee company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it equals the amount of its share of losses not previously recognized.

Fair Value Measurement

The estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, including cash and short-term debt approximates their carrying value due to their short maturities and varying interest rates.  “Fair value” is the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation methods, the Company is required to provide the following information according to the fair value accounting standards.  These standards established a fair value hierarchy as specified that ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

F-8


Level 1:

Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, which includes listed equities.

Level 2:

Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. These items are typically priced using models or other valuation techniques. These models are primarily financial industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including the time value of money, yield curves, volatility factors, as well as other relevant economic measures.

Level 3:

These use unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. These values are generally estimated based upon methodologies utilizing significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources.

Product Revenue

Product revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the collection of a fixed fee is probable or determinable, and delivery of the product to the customer or distributor has occurred, at which time title generally is passed to the customer or distributor. All of these generally occur upon shipment of the product. If the product requires specific customer acceptance criteria, such as on-site customer acceptance and/or acceptance after install, then revenue is deferred until customer acceptance occurs or the acceptance provisions lapse, unless the Company can objectively and reliably demonstrate that the criteria specified in the acceptance provisions is satisfied.

MTI Instruments currently has distributor agreements in place for the international sale of general instrument and semiconductor products in certain global regions. Such agreements grant a distributor the right of first refusal to act as distributor for such products in the distributor’s territory. In return, the distributor agrees to not market other products which are considered by MTI Instruments to be in direct competition with MTI Instruments’ products. The distributor is allowed to purchase MTI Instruments’ equipment at a price which is discounted off the published domestic/international list prices. Such list prices can be adjusted by MTI Instruments during the term of the distributor agreement. Generally, payment terms with the distributor are standard net 30 days; however, on occasion, extended payment terms have been granted. Title and risk of loss of the product passes to the distributor upon delivery to the independent carrier (standard “free-on-board” factory), and the distributor is responsible for any required training and/or service with the end-user. The sale (and subsequent payment) between MTI Instruments and the distributor is not contingent upon the successful resale of the product by the distributor. Distributor sales are covered by MTI Instruments’ standard one-year warranty and there are no special return policies for distributors.

Cost of Product Revenue

Cost of product revenue includes material, labor, overhead and shipping and handling costs.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of billings to customers in advance of services performed, completed installation or customer acceptance. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no deferred revenue.

Warranty

The Company accrues a warranty liability at the time product revenue is recorded based on historical experience. The liability is reviewed during the year and is adjusted, if appropriate, to reflect new product offerings or changes in experience. Actual warranty claims are tracked by product line. Warranty liability was $14 thousand and $16 thousand at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Warranty expense was $5 thousand and $13 thousand for 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company accounts for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets in accordance with accounting standards that address the financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, specify how impairment will be measured, and how impaired assets will be classified in the consolidated financial statements. On a quarterly basis, the Company analyzes the status of its long-lived assets at each subsidiary for potential impairment. As of December 31, 2016, the Company does not believe that any of its long-lived assets have suffered any type of impairment that would require an adjustment to that asset’s recorded value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of less than three months.

F-9


Net Income (Loss) per Share

The Company computes basic income (loss) per common share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution, if any, computed by dividing income (loss) by the combination of dilutive common share equivalents, comprised of shares issuable under outstanding investment rights, warrants and the Company’s share-based compensation plans, and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money stock options, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price of a stock option, the amount of compensation cost, if any, for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of windfall tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital, if any, when the stock option is exercised are assumed to be used to repurchase shares in the current period.

Share-Based Payments

The Company accounts for stock based awards exchanged for employee service in accordance with the share-based payment accounting guidance. Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to employees and directors. The Company measures stock-based compensation cost at grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award, and recognizes the cost as expense on a straight-line basis in accordance with the vesting of the options (net of estimated forfeitures) over the option’s requisite service period. The Company estimates the fair value of stock-based awards using a Black Scholes valuation model. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded in the lines titled “Cost of product revenue,” “Selling, general and administrative expenses” and “Research and product development expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the employees’ respective functions.

The Company records deferred tax assets for awards that potentially can result in deductions on the Company’s income tax returns based on the amount of compensation cost that would be recognized upon issuance of the award and the Company’s statutory tax rate. Differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported on the Company’s income tax return are recorded in Additional Paid-In Capital (if the tax deduction exceeds the deferred tax asset) or in the Consolidated Statement of Operations (if the deferred tax asset exceeds the tax deduction and no historical pool of windfall tax benefits exists). Since the adoption of the revised accounting standard on share-based payments, no tax benefits have been recognized related to share-based compensation since the Company has established a full valuation allowance to offset all potential tax benefits associated with these deferred tax assets.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk principally consist of cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company’s trade accounts receivable are primarily from sales to commercial customers, the U.S. government and state agencies. The Company does not require collateral and has not historically experienced significant credit losses related to receivables from individual customers or groups of customers in any particular industry or geographic area. In 2016 and 2015, approximately 32.3% and 34.6%, respectively, of our product revenues was from customers outside of the United States.

The Company has cash deposits in excess of federally insured limits, but does not believe them to be at risk.

Research and Development Costs

The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred. The Company incurred research and development costs of approximately $1.2 million and $1.5 million, which was entirely related to MTI Instruments, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs of approximately $22 and $127 thousand, which was entirely related to MTI Instruments, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other Comprehensive Income

The Company had no other comprehensive income (loss) items for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Effect of Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) in the form of accounting standard updates (ASUs)stock-based compensation that is aimed towards encouraging management to continue to focus on stockholder returns. Our executive compensation program ties a substantial portion of our executives' overall compensation to key strategic, financial, and operational goals, including: establishing and maintaining customer relationships; signing original equipment manufacturer agreements; meeting revenue targets and profit and expense targets; introducing new products; progressing products towards manufacturing; and improving operational efficiency.

We believe that potential equity ownership in the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The Company considered the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not mentioned below were assessed and determinedis important to be either not applicable or are expectedprovide executive officers with incentives to have minimal impact onbuild value for our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

F-10


In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) toclarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The standard is principles-based and provides a five-step model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle isstockholders. We believe that a company should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: Step 1: Identify the contract(s)equity awards provide executives with a customer. Step 2: Identifystrong link to our short-term and long-term performance while creating an ownership culture to maintain the performance obligations in the contract. Step 3: Determine the transaction price. Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract. Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfiesalignment of interests between our executives and our stockholders. When implemented responsibly, we also believe these equity incentives can function as a performance obligation. This standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard, as amended, will be effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. This standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized aspowerful executive retention tool.

The Compensation Committee of the dateBoard, consisting entirely of initial application. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than calendar 2017. This standard could impactindependent directors, administers our compensation plans and policies, including the timingestablishment of policies that govern base salary as well as short-term and amounts of revenue recognized. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and in preparationlong-term incentives for our adoption of the new standard in our 2018 fiscal year, we are obtaining representative samples of contracts and other forms of agreements with our customers in the U.S. and international locations and are evaluating the provisions contained therein in light of the five-step model specified by this standard.executive management team.

7


In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 (Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory), which applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. Under the updated guidance, an entity should measure inventory that is within scope at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory that is measured using last-in, last-out (LIFO). This standard will be effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company plans to adopt this new standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 on a prospective basis and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with the ASU, the Company intends to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle in its first periodic report in which the Company adopts the standard.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 (Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes) as part of its ongoing simplification initiative, with the objective of reducing complexity in accounting standards. The amendments in this standard require entities that present a classified balance sheet to classify all deferred tax liabilities and assets as a noncurrent amount. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this standard. Additionally, the amendments in this standard align the deferred income tax presentation with the requirements in International Accounting Standards (IAS) 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements.) This standard will be effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. The Company plans to adopt this new standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 on a prospective basis and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements as its deferred tax assets and liabilities are currently in a full valuation allowance. In accordance with the ASU, the Company intends to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle and a statement that prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted in its first periodic report in which the Company adopts the standard.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 (Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities) the main objective of which is to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information and address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This standard will be effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard but we do not expect the adoption of it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (Leases (Topic 842)), which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on their balance sheet for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The lease liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments and the right-of-use asset will be based on the lease liability, subject to adjustment such as for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, this standard retains a dual model similar to ASC 840, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. For lessees, operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current accounting by lessees for operating leases under ASC 840) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current accounting by lessees for capital leases under ASC 840). While this standard maintains similar accounting for lessors as under ASC 840, this standard reflects updates to, among other things, align with certain changes to the lessee model. This standard will be effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. Although we have not completed our assessment, we believe adoption of this standard may have a significant impact on our consolidated balance sheets. However, we do not expect the adoption to change the recognition, measurement or presentation of lease expense within our consolidated statements of operations or the consolidated statements of cash flows. Information about our undiscounted future lease payments and the timing of those payments is in Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies.

F-11


In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 (Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting),which simplifies several aspects related to the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. This standard addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This standard requires all income tax effects of awards, including excess tax benefits, to be recorded as income tax expense (or benefit) in the income statement when it arises, subject to the normal valuation allowance considerations. All tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments are required to be reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The updates relating to the income tax effects of the share-based payments including the cash flow presentation must be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively. This standard also allows companies to make an accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. If an election is made, the change to recognize forfeitures as they occur must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to opening retained earnings. This standard will be effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt this new standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The Company expects the adoption of this standard to impact our provision for income taxes, the amount of which depends on the vesting activity of our share-based compensation awards in any given period, and to eliminate the presentation of excess tax benefits as a financing inflow on our statement of cash flows. Further, we expect to make an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures of share-based compensation awards based on an estimate, consistent with our current practice. The Company has $1.3 million in tax benefits that were not previously recognized because the related tax deduction had not reduced taxes payable so there will be a cumulative effect adjustment of the change on retained earnings at the time of the adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have any other material impacts on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The Company expects that the adoption of this new guidance in fiscal 2017 will impact our reported income taxes and cash flows from operating activities, but the amounts of which are dependent upon the underlying vesting or exercise activity and related future stock prices. In accordance with the ASU, the Company intends to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle in its first periodic report in which the Company adopts the standard.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing),which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. This standard is expected to reduce the cost and complexity of applying the guidance on identifying promised goods or services. This standard will be effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 (StatementSummary of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments), which clarifies the treatment of several cash flow categories. In addition, ASU 2016-15 clarifies that when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, classification will depend on the predominant source or use. This standard will be effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption permitted. This standard should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20 (Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers), which clarifies the treatment of ASU 2014-09 over 13 different issues. This standard will be effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03 (Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323); Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Meetings (SEC Update)), which amends certain topics of the ASC as defined in this ASU and also adds an SEC paragraph and amends other topics pursuant to an SEC Staff Announcement made at the September 22, 2016 EITF meeting. The Company will adopt this standard in fiscal 2017 and does not expect the adoption of it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements other than financial statement disclosure.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 (Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern), which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and provide related footnote disclosures. This standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this standard on December 31, 2016. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements (see Note 1).

F-12


In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 (Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis), which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2106. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivables consist of the following at December 31:

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

U.S. and State Government

$

103

 

$

15

 

Commercial

 

778

 

 

972

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

 

(56

)

Total

$

881

 

$

931

 

4. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following at December 31:

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Finished goods

$

244

 

$

412

 

Work in process

 

143

 

 

240

 

Raw materials

 

289

 

 

354

 

Total

$

676

 

$

1,006

 

5. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31:

(dollars in thousands) 

 

2016

     

 

2015

 

Leasehold improvements

$

39

 

$

39

 

Computers and related software

 

1,068

 

 

1,052

 

Machinery and equipment

 

892

 

 

853

 

Office furniture and fixtures

 

25

 

 

61

 

 

 

2,024

 

 

2,005

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

1,864

 

 

1,890

 

 

$

160

 

$

115

 

Depreciation expense was $85 thousand and $80 thousand for 2016 and 2015, respectively. Repairs and maintenance expense was $14 thousand and $13 thousand for 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

6. Income Taxes

Income tax benefit (expense) for each of the years ended December 31 consists of the following:

 (dollars in thousands)

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

Federal

$

10

 

 

$

(20

State

 

(1

)

 

 

(5

)

Deferred

 

 

 

 

(1,335

)

Total

$

9

 

 

$

(1,360

)

F-13


The significant components of deferred income tax (expense) benefit from operations for each of the years ended December 31 consists of the following:

 (dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

        

Deferred tax benefit (expense)

$

240

 

 

$

50

 

Net operating loss carry forward

 

(120

 

 

370

 

Valuation allowance

 

(120

)

 

 

(1,755

)

 

$

 

 

$

(1,335

)

        

The Company’s effective income tax rate from operations differed from the Federal statutory rate for each of the years ended December 31 as follows:

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

Federal statutory tax rate

 

(34

) %

 

 

(34

) %

Change in valuation allowance

 

33

 

 

 

119

 

State research and development credits

 

 

 

 

 

Expiration of stock option

 

2

 

 

 

1

 

Prior year tax adjustments and other

 

(4

)

 

 

5

 

Other, net

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Tax rate

 

(2

) %

 

 

92

%

Pre-tax loss was $368 thousand and $1.5 million for 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Deferred Tax Assets:

Deferred tax assets are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates. Temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows as of December 31:

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

2016

 

2015

        

Current deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory valuation

$

225

 

 

$

99

 

Inventory capitalization

 

2

 

 

 

 

Vacation pay

 

29

 

 

 

29

 

Warranty and other sale obligations

 

5

 

 

 

5

 

Allowance for accounts receivable

 

 

 

 

19

 

Allowance for related party note receivable

 

95

 

 

 

92

 

Other reserves and accruals

 

24

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

380

 

 

 

270

 

Valuation allowance – current

 

(380

)

 

 

(270

)

Net current deferred tax assets

$

 

 

$

 

Noncurrent deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss

$

17,464

 

 

$

17,583

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

(17

 

 

3

 

Stock options

 

269

 

 

 

120

 

Research and development tax credit

 

450

 

 

 

450

 

Alternative minimum tax credit

 

54

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

18,220

 

 

 

18,210

 

Valuation allowance – noncurrent

 

(18,220

)

 

 

(18,210

)

Non-current net deferred tax assets

$

 

 

$

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company has approximately $450 thousand of research and development tax credit carry forwards, which begin to expire in 2018, and approximately $54 thousand of alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards, which have no expiration date.

F-14


Valuation Allowance:

The Company provides for recognition of deferred tax assets if the realization of such assets is more likely than not to occur in accordance with accounting standards that address income taxes. Significant management judgment is required in determining the period in which the reversal of a valuation allowance should occur. The Company has considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, such as historical levels of income and future forecasts of taxable income amongst other items, in determining its valuation allowance. In addition, the Company’s assessment requires us to schedule future taxable income in accordance with accounting standards that address income taxes to assess the appropriateness of a valuation allowance which further requires the exercise of significant management judgment.

The Company decided to re-establish a full valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 for its deferred tax assets. This decision was based upon actual results differing from estimates used as a basis for the previous partial valuation of the deferred tax asset. As a result, the Company incurred a one-time, $1.3 million, non-cash expense in 2015 to eliminate the partial valuation allowance which was established in 2011. Although the Company expects to generate levels of pre-tax earnings in the future, it believes that it is appropriate to have a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets at December 31, 2016 as well. We will continue to evaluate the ability to realize our deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.

The valuation allowance at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $18.6 million and $18.5 million, respectively.  Activity in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is as follows as of December 31:

 

(dollars in thousands) 

 

2016

     

 

2015

 

 

Valuation allowance, beginning of year

$

18,480

 

 

$

16,725

 

Increase resulting in income tax expense

 

 

 

 

1,335

 

Allowance for accounts receivable

 

 

 

 

19

 

Allowance for related party note receivable

 

(16

)

 

 

3

 

Inventory

 

128

 

 

 

 

25

 

 

Net operating income (loss)

 

(120

)

 

 

373

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

(20

)

 

 

6

 

Stock options

 

149

 

 

 

43

 

Other reserves and accruals

 

(1

)

 

 

(49

)

Valuation allowance, end of year

$

18,600

 

 

$

18,480

 

Net operating losses:

At December 31, 2016, the Company has unused Federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $51.9 million. Of these, $1.1 million will expire in 2020, with the remainder expiring through 2036. Of the Company’s carryforwards, $1.3 million represents windfall tax benefits from stock option transactions, the tax effect of which are not included in the Company’s net deferred tax assets.

The Company's and/or its subsidiaries’ ability to utilize their net operating loss carryforwards may be significantly limited by Section 382 of the IRC of 1986, as amended, if the Company or any of its subsidiaries undergoes an “ownership change” as a result of changes in the ownership of the Company's or its subsidiaries’ outstanding stock pursuant to the exercise of the warrants or otherwise.

Unrecognized tax benefits:

The unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with accounting standards that address income taxes at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $1.2 million. These unrecognized tax benefits relate to former subsidiaries of the Company and a prior investment in a partnership. 

In future periods, if $1.2 million of these unrecognized benefits become supportable, the Company may not recognize a change in its effective tax rate as long as it remains in a partial valuation allowance position. Additionally, the Company does not have uncertain tax positions that it expects will increase or decrease within twelve months of this reporting date. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of tax expense. The Company did not recognize any interest or penalties in 2016 and 2015.

The Company files income tax returns, including returns for its subsidiaries, with federal and state jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to IRS or NYS examinations for its federal and state returns for any periods prior to 2009, although carryforward attributes that were generated prior to 2009 may still be adjusted upon examination by the IRS if they either have been or will be used in a future period. 

F-15


7. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following at December 31:

 

(dollars in thousands) 

 

2016

     

 

2015

 

 

Salaries, wages and related expenses

$

223

 

$

237

Liability to shareholders for previous acquisition

 

363

 

 

363

Legal and professional fees

 

128

 

 

86

Warranty and other sale obligations

 

14

 

 

16

Commissions

 

27

 

 

36

Other

 

151

 

 

169

 

$

906

 

$

907

8. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

The Company has one class of common stock, par value $.01.  Each share of the Company’s common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to stockholders.  As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 there were 9,010,643 and 5,258,883 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively.

Reservation of Shares

The Company has reserved common shares for future issuance as follows as of December 31, 2016:

Stock options outstanding

1,142,339

Common stock available for future equity awards or issuance of options

45,500

Number of common shares reserved

1,187,839

9. Retirement Plan

The Company maintains a voluntary savings and retirement plan under IRC Section 401(k) covering substantially all employees. Employees must complete six months of service and have attained the age of twenty-one prior to becoming eligible for participation in the plan. The Company plan allows eligible employees to contribute a percentage of their compensation on a pre-tax basis and the Company matches employee contributions dollar for dollar up to a discretionary amount, currently 4%, of the employee’s salary, subject to annual tax deduction limitations. Company matching contributions vest at a rate of 25% annually for each year of service completed. Company matching contributions were $97 thousand and $119 thousand for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company may also make additional discretionary contributions in amounts as determined by management and the Board of Directors. There were no additional discretionary contributions by the Company for the years 2016 or 2015.

10. (Loss) Income per Share

Other Compensation

The following table sets forth the reconciliation oftotal compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to, for services rendered in all capacities to the numerators and denominators ofCompany during the basic and diluted per share computations for continuing operations for thefiscal years ended December 31:31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, our "named executive officers," as defined in SEC rules.

 

(dollars in thousands, except shares) 

 

 

  

2016

  

2015

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(359

)

 $

(2,832

)

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding, beginning of period

 

5,258,883

 

 

5,258,883

 

Weighted average common shares issued during the period

 

729,662

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per common shares —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares

 

5,988,545

 

 

5,258,883

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding, beginning of period

 

5,258,883

 

 

5,258,883

 

Common stock equivalents – options

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares issued during the period   

 

729,662

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per common shares -

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares

 

5,988,545

 

 

5,258,883

 

Summary Compensation Table

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary

 

Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($) (2)

 

All Other
Compensation
(3)

 

Total

Frederick W. Jones (1)

 

2020

$

145,141

 

-

$

34,992

$

180,133

Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

2019

 

192,995

$

25,000

 

7,720

 

225,715

Michael Toporek (4)

Chief Executive Officer

 

2020

 

20,192

 

-

 

-

 

20,192

Jessica L. Thomas (5)

Chief Financial Officer

 

2020

 

73,326

 

-

 

-

 

73,326

 

(1)

Mr. Jones resigned from the Company effective September 11, 2020.

(2)

The amounts shown in this column represent accruals made pursuant to the successful completion of certain performance objectives pursuant to Mr. Jones' employment agreement.

(3)

"All Other Compensation" for Mr. Jones consisted of $6,588 of matching contributions to our 401(k) plan and a $28,404 payment for accrued but unused vacation time in 2020 and solely matching 401(k) contributions in 2019. 

(4)

Mr. Toporek became Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective October 28, 2020.

(5)

Mrs. Thomas became Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective July 1, 2020.

Base Salary and Cash Incentives of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

On May 5, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Jones to serve as its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provided for an initial term ending December 31, 2018, and, unless either party provided written notice that the agreement would not be renewed, was renewed for an additional year on December 31, 2018 and each subsequent December 31; such non-renewal could be for any or for no stated reason. Mr. Jones resigned from the Company and provided notice of non-renewal on August 24, 2020.

The agreement provided that Mr. Jones would receive an annual base salary of $182,310 or such higher figure as may be agreed upon from time to time by the Board. Mr. Jones was also eligible to receive an annual bonus in accordance with our executive bonus program, which is established annually by the Board at its sole discretion, and also could have received, at our sole discretion, an additional, discretionary bonus in connection with his annual evaluation by the Board. Mr. Jones was also eligible to receive options to purchase Common Stock or other equity awards under our equity incentive plans in such amounts as determined by the Board, and was entitled to such employee benefits, if any, as are generally provided to our full-time employees.

In January 2019, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Jones' annual base salary to $193,125. The Compensation Committee approved a $25,000 payment for Mr. Jones for his additional responsibilities and duties relative to the Company's initiative to establish EcoChain and associated investment in the field of vertically integrated energy production and cryptocurrency mining. As such, we accrued for Mr. Jones, as of December 31, 2019, a $25,000 payment. This accrual was paid in full during January 2020.

In January 2020, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Jones' annual base salary to $198,919.

Mr. Jones resigned as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer effective September 11, 2020. Upon his resignation, all options to purchase Common Stock held by Mr. Jones were exercisable within 90 days and were exercised by him within that timeframe. Due to the voluntary nature of his resignation, Mr. Jones did not receive any termination or other payments in connection with his resignation.

In addition to base salary compensation, we consider short-term cash incentives to be an important tool in motivating and rewarding near-term performance against established short-term goals. We do not utilize a specific formula, but executive management is eligible for cash awards contingent upon achievement of individual, financial, or Company-wide performance criteria. The criteria are established to ensure that a reasonable portion of an executive's total annual compensation is performance-based.

We believe that the higher an executive's level of responsibility, the greater the portion of that executive's total earnings potential should be tied to the achievement of critical technological, operational, and financial goals. We believe that this strategy places the desired proportionate level of risk and reward on performance by the executive officers.

8


While performance targets are established at levels that are intended to be achievable, we believe that we have structured these incentives so that maximum bonus payouts would require a substantial level of both individual and Company performance.

Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation

Equity awards typically take the form of stock options, restricted stock grants, or restricted stock units under our equity compensation plans. Authority to make equity awards to executive officers rests with the Compensation Committee. In determining the size of awards for new or current executives, the Compensation Committee consider the competitive market, strategic plan performance, contribution to future initiatives, benchmarking of comparative equity ownership for executives in comparable positions at similar companies, individual option history, and recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman.

 

   We generally base our criteria for performance-based equity awards on one or more of the following long-term measurements:


  • manufacturing readiness;

  • financing targets;

  • gross revenue and profit goals;

  • operating expense improvements; and

  • product launches, new product introductions, or improvements to existing products or product-intent prototypes.

  • These performance measurements support various initiatives identified by the Board as critical to our future success, and are either expressed as absolute in terms of success or failure or will be measured in more qualitative terms.

     

    Not includedThe timing of all equity awards for our named executive officers have coincided with either employment anniversary dates or our annual meeting dates, or such equity awards are granted at the next scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee following the completion or assignment of the applicable objectives. We do not time equity grants to our executives in coordination with the computationrelease of earnings per share-assuming dilution formaterial non-public information, nor do we impose any equity ownership guidelines on our executives.

    Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

    The following table provides information as to equity awards granted by the year endedCompany and held by Michael Toporek and Jessica Thomas and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 were options to purchase 1,142,339shares2020. Frederick Jones held no outstanding equity awards of the Company’s common stock.These potentially dilutive items were excluded because the Company incurred a loss during the periods and their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

    Not included in the computation of earnings per share-assuming dilution for the year endedat December 31, 2015 were options to purchase 926,565 shares of the Company’s common stock.These potentially dilutive items were excluded because the Company incurred a loss during the periods and their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.2020.

     

     

    Option Awards

     

    Stock Awards

     

    Name

     

    Option
    Grant
    Date

     

    Number of
    Securities
    Underlying
    Unexercised
    Options (#)
    Exercisable

     

     

    Number of
    Securities
    Underlying
    Unexercised
    Options (#)
    Unexercisable

     

     

    Option
    Exercise
    Price ($)

     

     

    Option
    Expiration
    Date

     

    Number of
    shares or
    units of
    stock that
    have not
    vested
    (#)

     

     

    Market
    value of
    shares or
    units of
    stock that
    have not
    vested
    (#)

     

    Michael Toporek

     

    12/12/2018

     

     

    3,750 (1)

     

     

     

    3,750

     

     

     

    0.90

     

     

    12/12/2028

     

     

    -

     

     

     

    -

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     Jessica L. Thomas

     

    07/01/2020

     

     

    -

     

     

     

    25,000

     

     

     

    0.70

     

     

    07/01/2030

     

     

    7,500

     

     

    $

    27,225

     

    (1)

    One-half of the unvested options will vest on 12/12/2021 and the remaining will vest on 12/12/2022.

     

    11. Stock BasedDirector Compensation for Fiscal Year 2020

    Directors who are also our employees, in particular Mr. Toporek, are not compensated for serving on the Board.

    Stock-based incentiveOn January 14, 2020, the Board's Compensation Committee authorized non-employee directors to continue to receive cash compensation of $10,000 per year, with additional consideration for the lead independent director of $5,000 per year. The Committee also authorized special one-time restricted stock awards are provided to employeesthe CEO and directors under the termsmembers of the Company’s 2006Company's Investment Committee, as shown in the table below. The restricted stock awards vest in two equal annual installments beginning on January 14, 2021. Future director compensation will be determined by the Compensation Committee.

    9


    Name

    Fees Earned or
    Paid in Cash

    Total

    Stock
    Award ($)

    Edward R. Hirshfield (1)

    $10,000

    $10,000

    --

    Matthew E. Lipman (2)

    $10,000

    $10,000

    --

    Thomas J. Marusak (3)

    $10,000

    $10,000

    $15,310

    David C. Michaels (4)

    $15,000

    $15,000

    $15,310

    William P. Phelan (5)

    $10,000

    $10,000

    $34,650

    (1) As of December 31, 2020, Mr. Hirshfield had 7,500 options outstanding, 3,750 of which were exercisable.

    (2) As of December 31, 2020, Mr. Lipman had 7,500 options outstanding, 3,750 of which were exercisable.

    (3) As of December 31, 2020, Mr. Marusak had 44,500 options outstanding, 38,250 of which were exercisable.

    (4) As of December 31, 2020, Mr. Michaels had 43,000 options outstanding, 35,500 of which were exercisable.

    (5) As of December 31, 2020, Mr. Phelan had 83,500 options outstanding, 77,250 of which were exercisable.

    Summary of the Company's Equity Incentive Plans

    General Plan (2006 Plan),Information

    As of December 31, 2020, the Company had two equity compensation plans pursuant to which was amendedequity awards could be granted or under which equity awards were outstanding - the Amended and restated effective June 30, 2011, September 16, 2009 and October 20, 2016, Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2012 Plan), which was amended"2012 Plan") and restated as of October 20, 2016, andthe 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2014 Plan) (collectively,"2014 Plan").

    Additionally, the Plans). Awards underCompany's stockholders approved the Plans have generally included at-the-money options and restricted stock grants.

    Company's 2021 Stock options are awards which allow holders to purchase shares of the Company’s common stockIncentive Plan at a fixed price. Stock options issued to employeesspecial meeting of stockholders on March 25, 2021 (the "2021 Plan" and, non-employee members oftogether with the MTI Board of Directors generally vest at a rate of 25% on each of2012 Plan and the first four anniversaries of2014 Plan, the date of the award. Certain options granted may be fully or partially exercisable immediately, may vest on other than a four year schedule or vest upon attainment of specific performance criteria. Restricted stock awards generally vest one year after the date of grant; however, certain awards may vest immediately or vest upon attainment of specific performance criteria. Option exercise prices are generally equivalent to the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Unexercised options generally terminate either seven or ten years after date of grant.

    "Plans"). The 20062021 Plan was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 16, 2006February 12, 2021 and approved by our stockholders on May 18, 2006. The 2006 Plan was amended and restated by the Board of Directors effective September 16, 2009, June 30, 2011 and October 20, 2016. The September 16, 2009 amendment increased the initial aggregate number of 250,000 shares of common stock that may be awarded or issued to 600,000, the June 30, 2011 amendment increased the aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be awarded or issued under the 2006 Plan to 1,200,000, and the October 2016 amendment allowed for the award agreement or another agreement entered into between the Company and the award grantee to vary the method of exercise of options issued under the 2006 Plan and the provisions governing expiration of options or other awards under the 2006 Plan following termination of the award recipient. The number of shares that may be awarded under the 2006 Plan and awards outstanding has been adjusted for stock splits and other similar events. Under the 2006 Plan, the Board of Directors is authorized to issue stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock-based incentives to officers, employees and others. March 25, 2021.

     In connection with seeking stockholder approval of the 2012 Plan the Company agreed not to make further awards under the 2006 Plan. 

    The 2012 Plan, was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors on April 14, 2012 and approved by itsour stockholders on June 14, 2012. The 2012 Plan was amended and restated by the Board of Directors effective October 20, 2016. The October 2016 amendment allowed forto (i) permit the award agreement or another agreement entered into between the Company and the award grantee to vary the method of exercise of options issued under the 2012 Plan and an(ii) permit another agreement entered into between the Company and the award grantee, in addition to the award agreement, to vary the provisions governing expiration of options or other awards under the 2012 Plan following termination of the award recipient.recipient's service with the Company. The 2012 Plan provides that an initial aggregate number of 600,000 shares of common stock thatCommon Stock may be awarded or issued.issued pursuant to the 2012 Plan. The number of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded under the 2012 Plan and awards outstanding may be subject to adjustment on account of any recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, reverse stock split, and other dilutive changes in our common stock.the Common Stock. Under the 2012 Plan, the Board of Directors is authorized to issue stock options (incentive and nonqualified), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries. Incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2020, options to purchase 240,680 shares of Common Stock were outstanding under the 2012 Plan, of which 118,500 were exercisable, with 1,750 shares reserved for future grants of equity awards under the 2012 Plan.

    2014 Plan

    The 2014 Plan was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 12, 2014 and approved by itsour stockholders on June 11, 2014. The 2014 Plan provides an initial aggregate number of 500,000 shares of common stockCommon Stock that may be awarded or issued.issued under the 2014 Plan. The number of shares that may be awarded under the 2014 Plan and awards outstanding may be subject to adjustment on account of any stock dividend, spin-off, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, recapitalization, reclassification, reorganization, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation, liquidation, business combination, exchange of shares, or the like. Under the 2014 Plan, the Board-appointed administrator of the 2014 Plan is authorized to issue stock options (incentive and nonqualified), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom stock, performance awards, and other stock-based awards to employees, officers, and directors of, and other individuals providing bona fide services to or for, the Company or any affiliate of the Company. Incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries.

    F-17


    In connection with the sale As of December 31, 2020, options to purchase 239,000 shares of common stock to Brookstone,Common Stock were outstanding under the 2014 Plan, of which 157,500 were exercisable, with 9,375 shares reserved for future grants of equity awards under the 2014 Plan.

    10


    2021 Plan

    The 2021 Plan was adopted by the Board on February 12, 2021, and approved by the stockholders on March 25, 2021. The 2021 Plan authorizes the Company entered into an Option Exerciseto issue such shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of stock options, the grant of restricted stock awards, and Stock Transfer Restriction Agreementthe conversion of restricted stock units (collectively, the Option and Transfer Agreements) with its Chief Executive Officer, its Chief Financial Officer and each of its non-employee directors (collectively, the Insiders)"Awards"). The Option and Transfer Agreements amend the stock option grant agreements between the Company and each Insider with respectCompensation Committee has full authority, subject to an option granted under, and modify the terms of any optionthe 2021 Plan, to purchase Common Stock held by each such Insider (collectively, Options) granted under,interpret the Plans. The Option2021 Plan and Transfer Agreements restrictestablish rules and regulations for the proper administration of the 2021 Plan. Subject to certain adjustments as provided in the 2021 Plan, the maximum aggregate amountnumber of shares of Common Stock for which the Insiders may exercise Options during calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, and provide for a modified procedure for exercising Options in order to ensure the limit on the aggregate amount of Options that may be exercised in any such year is not exceeded. Such amendments and modifications also operate to, except with respectissued under the 2021 Plan (i) pursuant to the termination of Options in connection with an Insider’s termination of employment or service in connection with misconduct as described in the Option and Transfer Agreements, (i) remove all references to an expiration of the exercisability of such Options within a special, delineated time period following the termination of service to or employment by the Company, and (ii) provide that all vested Options are exercisable by the Insider until default expiration under the applicable Plan (i.e., ten years from the date of grant). If an Option and Transfer Agreement is terminated, the limitations on Option exercises described above will terminate, but the exercisability of the Insider’s vested Options until default expiration under the applicable Plan and stock option agreement (i.e., ten years from the date of grant) will survive indefinitely. 

    During 2016, the Company granted options to purchase 261,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from the 2014 Plan, which generally vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of the award. The exercise price of these options is $0.78 per share and was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Using a Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, the weighted average fair value of these options is $0.74 per share and was estimated at the date of grant. 

    During 2016, the Company granted options to purchase 2,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from the 2012 Plan, which generally vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of the award. The exercise price of these options is $0.78 per share and was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Using a Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, the weighted average fair value of these options is $0.74 per share and was estimated at the date of grant. 

    During 2015, the Company granted options to purchase 140,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from the 2014 Plan, which generally vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of the award. The exercise price of these options is $1.20 per share and was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Using a Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, the weighted average fair value of these options is $1.14 per share and was estimated at the date of grant. 

    Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was generated from stock option awards. Stock options are awards that allow holders to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a fixed price. Under the 2014 and 2012 Plans, stock options issued to employees generally vest 25% over four years. Options issued to non-employee members of the MTI Board of Directors generally vest 25% over four years. Certain options granted may be fully or partially exercisable immediately, may vest on other than a four year schedule or vest upon attainment of specific performance criteria. Restricted stock awards generally vest one year after the date of grant, although certain awards may vest immediately or vest upon attainment of specific performance criteria. Option exercise prices are generally equivalent to the closing market value price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Unexercised options generally terminate ten years after date of grant.

    The Company estimates the fair value of stock options, using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Key inputs(ii) as restricted stock, and assumptions used(iii) as available pursuant to estimaterestricted stock units shall be limited to (A) during the fair valueCompany's fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, 1,460,191 shares of stock options includeCommon Stock, and (B) beginning with the grant priceCompany's fiscal year ending December 31, 2022), 15% of the award,number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Subject to certain adjustments as provided in the expected option term, volatility2021 Plan, (i) shares of Common Stock subject to the Company’s stock, an appropriate risk-free rate,2021 Plan shall include shares of Common Stock forfeited in a prior year and (ii) the Company’s dividend yield. Estimatesnumber of fair valueshares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2021 Plan may never be less than the number of shares of Common Stock that are not intendedthen outstanding under Award grants.

    Prerequisites and Other Benefits

    Our executive officers are eligible to predict actual future events orparticipate in similar benefit plans available to all our other employees including medical, dental, vision, group life, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, paid time off, and 401(k) plan benefits.

    We also maintain a standard directors and officers liability insurance policy with coverage similar to the value ultimately realizedcoverage typically provided by employees who receive equity awards,other small publicly-held technology companies.

    Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by the Company. The Company’s estimate of an expected option term was calculated in accordance with the simplified method for calculating the expected term assumption.Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     

    Equity Compensation Plans

    As of December 31, 2020, we had three equity compensation plans, each of which was originally approved by our shareholders. The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used for options granted under the 2014 Plan:

     

     

    2016

        

     

     

    2015

    Option term (years)

     

    5.05

     

     

     

    4.25

     

    Volatility 

     

    171.91

    %

     

     

    191.97

    %

    Risk-free interest rate

     

    1.52

    %

     

     

    1.57

    %

    Dividend yield

     

    0

    %

     

     

    0

    %

    Weighted-average fair value per option granted

    $

    0.74

     

     

    $

    1.14

     

    F-18


    The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used for options granted under the 2012 Plan:

     

     

    2016

        

    Option term (years)

     

    5.05

     

     

    Volatility 

     

    171.91

    %

     

    Risk-free interest rate

     

    1.52

    %

     

    Dividend yield

     

    0

    %

     

    Weighted-average fair value per option granted

    $

    0.74

     

     

    Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, therefore, awards are reduced for estimated forfeitures. The revised accounting standard requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

    Total share-based compensation expense, related to all of the Company’s share-based awards, recognized for the years ended December 31, was comprised as follows:

     

     

    2016

        

     

    2015

    (dollars in thousands, except eps)

     

    Cost of product revenue

    $

    3

     

     

    $

    2

     

    Research and product development

     

    45

     

     

     

    9

     

    Selling, general and administrative 

     

    401

     

     

     

    130

     

    Share-based compensation expense 

    $

    449

     

     

    $

    141

     

    Impact on basic and diluted EPS 

    $

    0.08

     

     

    $

    0.03

     

    Total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested awards as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $49 thousand and $307 thousand, respectively, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining vesting period of approximately 1.04 years and 2.56 years, respectively.

    Presented below is a summary of the Company’s stock option plans’ activity for the years ended December 31:

     

    2016

        

     

    2015

    Shares under option, beginning

     

    926,565

     

     

     

    802,908

     

    Granted

     

    263,000

     

     

     

    140,000

     

    Exercised

     

    (12,161

    )

     

     

     

    Forfeited

     

    (19,436

    )

     

     

    (11,061

    )

    Expired/canceled

     

    (15,629

    )

     

     

    (5,282

    )

    Shares under option, ending

     

    1,142,339

     

     

     

    926,565

     

    Options exercisable

     

    1,043,214

     

     

     

    456,400

     

    Remaining shares available for granting of options

     

     

    45,500

     

     

     

    280,436

     

    The weighted average exercise price for the Plans is as follows for each of the years ended December 31:

     

    2016

     

        

    2015

    Shares under option, beginning

    $ 0.77

      

     

    $ 0.72

     

    Granted

    $ 0.78

      

     

    $ 1.20

     

    Exercised

    $ 0.57

      

     

    $    —

     

    Forfeited

    $ 0.89

      

     

    $ 0.72

     

    Expired/canceled

    $ 1.69

      

     

    $ 4.54

     

    Shares under option, ending

    $ 0.76

      

     

    $ 0.77

     

    Options exercisable, ending

    $ 0.75

      

     

    $ 0.63

     

    F-19


    The following table summarizes information for options outstanding and exercisable forregarding the Plans as of December 31, 2016:2020:

     

    Outstanding Options

     

    Options Exercisable

     

     

     

    Weighted Average

     

    Weighted

     

     

     

    Weighted

    Exercise

     

     

    Remaining

     

    Average

     

     

     

    Average

    Price Range

    Number

        

    Contractual Life

        

    Exercise Price

        

    Number 

        

    Exercise Price

    $0.29 - $1.15

    986,339

     

    7.03

     

    $

    0.69

     

    887,214

     

    $

    0.66

    $1.16 - $1.40

    156,000

     

    7.63

     

    $

    1.22

     

    156,000

     

    $

    1.22

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1,142,339

     

    7.11

     

    $

    0.76

     

    1,043,214

     

    $

    0.75

     

     

         

     

     

         

    Number of Securities Remaining 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Available for Future Issuance 

     

    Number of Securities To Be 

     

     

     

     

    Under 

     

    Issued Upon Exercise of 

     

      Weighted Average Exercise 

     

    Equity Compensation Plans 

     

    Outstanding 

     

      Price of Outstanding 

     

    (excluding securities reflected in 

     

    Options, Warrants, Rights(1) 

     

      Options, Warrants, Rights 

     

    column (a))

                       Plan Category 

    (a) 

     

      (b) 

     

    (c) 

    Equity compensation plans 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    approved by security holders 

    398,750

     

    $

    0.87

     

    11,125

     ___________________

    (1)

    The securities available under the Plans for issuance and issuable pursuant to exercises of outstanding options may be adjusted in the event of a change in outstanding stock by reason of stock dividend, stock splits, reverse stock splits, etc.

     

    Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters

    The aggregate intrinsic value (i.e. the difference between the closing stock price and the pricefollowing table sets forth certain information regarding shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of April 14, 2021, for (i) each stockholder known to be paidthe beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) each named executive officer and director, and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group. A person is considered to beneficially own any shares over which such person, directly or indirectly, exercises sole or shared voting or investment power.

    11


     

    Shares Beneficially Owned

     

    Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (2)

    Number (2)

     

    Percent of
    Class(1)

     

    Executive Officers

     

     

     

     

    Jessica L. Thomas

    7,500

     

    *

     

    Moshe Binyamin (3)

    15,671

     

    *

     

    Michael Toporek (4)(10)

    3,761,250

     

    38.0

    %

     

     

     

     

     

    Non-Employee Directors

     

     

     

     

    Edward R. Hirshfield (5)

    11,250

     

    *

     

    Matthew E. Lipman (6)(10)

    3,761,350

     

    38.0

    %

    Thomas J. Marusak (7)

    218,275

     

    2.2

    %

    David C. Michaels (8)

    140,977

     

    1.4

    %

    William P. Phelan

    244,750

     

    2.5

    %

    William Hazelip

    -

     

    -

     

    Alykhan Madhavji

    -

     

    -

     

     

     

     

     

     

    All current directors and executive
    officer as a group (10 persons)

    4,411,023

     

      44.1

     

     

     

     

     

    Persons or Groups Holding More
    than 5% of the Common Stock

     

     

     

     

    Brookstone Partners Acquisition XXIV, LLC (9)
    232 Madison Avenue, Suite 600
    New York, NY 10016

    3,750,000

     

    37.9

    %

    (1)          Based on 9,889,762 shares of Common Stock outstanding on April 14, 2021 and, with respect to each individual holder, rights to acquire shares of Common Stock exercisable within 60 days of April 14, 2021.

    (2)          Unless otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the option holderstockholder.

    (3)          Includes 3,750 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Binyamin upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 14, 2021.

    (4)          Includes 3,750 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Toporek upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 14, 2021.  Also includes 3,750,000 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Toporek indirectly pursuant to his position with Brookstone  XXIV and/or its affiliates.

    (5)          Includes 3,750 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Hirshfield upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 14, 2021.

    (6)          Includes 3,750 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Lipman upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 14, 2021.  Also includes 3,750,000 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Lipman indirectly pursuant to his position with Brookstone Partners XXIV and/or its affiliates.

    (7)          Includes 38,250 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Marusak upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 14, 2021.

    (8)          Includes 35,500 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Michaels upon exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 14, 2021.

    (9)          Representatives of Brookstone XXIV have provided us the option)following information: As the Manager of Brookstone XXIV, Brookstone Partners I.A.C. may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by Brookstone XXIV. Michael Toporek is $788 thousand forPresident of Brookstone Partners I.A.C. and Matthew Lipman is Secretary of Brookstone Partners I.A.C. and share voting and dispositive power over the Company’s outstanding optionsshares of Common Stock owned by Brookstone XXIV. As a result of the foregoing, in computing the beneficial ownership of all executive officers and $735 thousand fordirectors, as a group, the exercisable options3,750,000 shares of Common Stock owned indirectly by each of Mr. Toporek and Mr. Lipman, as a result of December 31, 2016.their interests in Brookstone XXIV and/or its affiliates, is only counted once.  The amounts are based on the Company’s closing stock priceaddress of $1.45 aseach of December 31, 2016.Brookstone XXIV, Brookstone Partners I.A.C., Michael Toporek, and Matthew Lipman is 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 600, New York, New York 10016.

     

    There were no unvested restricted stock grants for the year ended December 31, 2016

    12


    Item 13: Certain Relationships and 2015.

    Non-vested options activity is as follows for the year ended December 31:

    12. CommitmentsRelated Transactions, and ContingenciesDirector Independence

    Contingencies:

    Legal

    Review and Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

    We are subjecthave adopted a written policy requiring that all related person transactions be reported to legal proceedings, claimsour executive management and/or the Board and liabilities which ariseapproved or ratified by the Audit Committee. In completing its review of proposed related person transactions, the Audit Committee considers the aggregate value of the transaction, whether the transaction was undertaken in the ordinary course of business. Whenbusiness, the nature of the relationships involved, and whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm's length dealings with an unrelated third party.

    We believe the terms of any transactions with related persons are as fair to us as those obtainable from unaffiliated third parties.

    The following is a summary of transactions between MTI and certain related persons, as required to be disclosed under applicable we accrue for losses associatedSEC rules, that occurred since January 1, 2019, and any ongoing related relationships with legal claims when such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. These accruals are adjusted as additional information becomes available or circumstances change. Legal fees are charged to expense as they are incurred.

    related persons:

    Commitments:Legal Services

    Leases

    The Company and its subsidiary lease certain manufacturing, laboratory and office facilities. The lease provides forDuring the Company to pay its allocated share of insurance, taxes, maintenance and other costs of the leased property. MTI Instruments did not execute its option under the agreement to terminate the lease as of December 1, 2016.

    Future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) as ofyears ended December 31, 2016 are: $221 thousand in 2017, $221 thousand in 2018 and $207 thousand in 2019. Rent expense under all leases was $231 thousand for both 2016 and 2015.

    Employment Agreement

    The Company has an employment agreement with one employee that provides certain payments upon termination of employment under certain circumstances, as defined in the agreement. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s potential minimum obligation to this employee was approximately $73 thousand.

    F-20


    13. Related Party Transactions

    MeOH Power, Inc.

    As of December 31, 2016, the Company owned an aggregate of approximately 47.5% of MeOH Power, Inc.’s outstanding common stock, or 75,049,937 shares. The number of shares of MeOH Power, Inc.’s common stock authorized for issuance is 240,000,000 as of December 31, 2016.

    On December 18, 2013, MeOH Power, Inc. and the Company executed a Senior Demand Promissory Note (the Note) in the amount of $380 thousand to secure the intercompany amounts due to the Company from MeOH Power, Inc. upon the deconsolidation of MeOH Power, Inc. Interest accrues on the Note at the Prime Rate in effect on the first business day of the month, as published in the Wall Street Journal. At the Company’s option, all or part of the principal and interest due on this Note may be converted to shares of common stock of MeOH Power, Inc. at a rate of $0.07 per share. Interest began accruing on January 1, 2014. At December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a full allowance against the Note. In 2014, $115 thousand was received from MeOH Power, Inc. in principle and interest and an additional $20 thousand was released from the allowance in advance of a January 2015 payment from MeOH Power, Inc. As of December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 2015, $275 thousand and $266 thousand, respectively, of principal and interest are available to convert into shares of common stock of MeOH Power, Inc. Any adjustments to the allowance are recorded as miscellaneous expense during the period incurred. 

    Legal Services

    During the year ended December 31, 2016,2019, the Company paid $80 thousandincurred $95,000 and $54,000, respectively, to Couch White, LLP for legal services associated with contract review. During 2021 (through April 27, 2021), the Company incurred $55,000 respectively, to Couch White, LLP for various corporate and governance matters.  A partner at Couch White, LLP is an immediate family member of Thomas J. Marusak, one member of our directors. We anticipate using Couch White for certain legal services in the future.

    Soluna Transactions

    On January 8, 2020, the Company formed EcoChain as a wholly-owned subsidiary to pursue a new business line focused on cryptocurrency and the blockchain ecosystem. In connection with this new business line, EcoChain established a facility to mine cryptocurrencies and integrate with the blockchain network. Pursuant to an Operating and Management Agreement dated January 13, 2020, by and between EcoChain and Soluna Technologies, Ltd. ("Soluna"), a Canadian company that develops vertically-integrated, utility-scale computing facilities focused on cryptocurrency mining and cutting-edge blockchain applications, Soluna assisted the Company, and later EcoChain,  in developing, and is now operating, the cryptocurrency mining facility. The Operating and Management Agreement requires, among other things, that Soluna provide developmental and operational services, as directed by EcoChain, with respect to the cryptocurrency mining facility in exchange for EcoChain's payment to Soluna of a one-time management fee of $65,000 and profit-based success payments in the event EcoChain achieves explicit profitability thresholds. Once aggregate earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of the mine exceeds the total amount of funding provided by EcoChain to Soluna (whether pursuant to this agreement or otherwise) for the purposes of creating, developing, assembling, and constructing the mine (the "Threshold"), Soluna is entitled to ongoing success payments of 20.0% of the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of the mine. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, no additional payments have been made or are due, as the Threshold has not been achieved. Pursuant to the Operating and Management Agreement, during the developmental phase of the cryptocurrency mining facility, which ended on March 14, 2020, Soluna gathered and analyzed information with respect to EcoChain's cryptocurrency mining efforts and produced budgets, financial models, and technical and operational plans, including a detailed business plan, that it delivered to EcoChain in March 2020 (the "Deliverables"), all of which was designed to assist with the efficient implementation of a cryptocurrency mine. The agreement provided that, following EcoChain's acceptance of the Deliverables, which occurred on March 23, 2020, Soluna, on behalf of EcoChain, would commence operations of the cryptocurrency mine in a manner that would allow EcoChain to mine and sell cryptocurrency. In that regard, on May 21, 2020, EcoChain acquired the intellectual property of GigaWatt, Inc. ("GigaWatt") and certain other property and rights of GigaWatt associated with GigaWatt's operation of a crypto-mining operation located in Washington State. The acquired assets formed the cornerstone of EcoChain's current cryptocurrency mining operation. EcoChain sells for U.S. dollars all cryptocurrency it mines and is not in the business of accumulating cryptocurrency on its balance sheet for speculative gains. On October 22, 2020, EcoChain loaned Soluna $112,000 to acquire additional assets from the bankruptcy trustee for GigaWatt's assets.  On the same day, Soluna transferred title of the assets to EcoChain, which under the terms thereof paid off the note. 

    On November 19, 2020, EcoChain and Soluna entered into a second Operating and Management Agreement related to a potential location for a cryptocurrency mine in the Southeast United States. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, EcoChain paid Soluna $150,000 in 2020 and $100,000 to date during 2021.

    On December 1, 2020, EcoChain and Soluna entered into a third Operating and Management Agreement with respect to a potential location for a cryptocurrency mine in the Southwestern United States, pursuant to which EcoChain paid Soluna $38,000 during 2020; this target location did not meet the business requirements to continue pursuing the potential acquisition, and as a result EcoChain will not make any further payments to Soluna under this agreement.  

    Each Operating and Management Agreement requires that Soluna provide project sourcing services to EcoChain, including acquisition negotiations and establishing an operating model, investments/financing timeline, and project development path.  

    13


    Simultaneously with entering into the initial Operating and Management Agreement with Soluna, the Company, pursuant to a purchase agreement it entered into with Soluna, made a strategic investment in Soluna by purchasing 158,730 Class A Preferred Shares of Soluna for an aggregate purchase price of $500,000 on January 13, 2020. After acceptance of the Deliverables, as required by the terms of the purchase agreement, on March 23, 2020, the Company purchased an additional 79,365 Class A Preferred Shares of Soluna for an aggregate purchase price of $250,000. The Company also has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase additional equity securities of Soluna and its subsidiaries (including additional Class A Preferred Shares of Soluna) if Soluna secures certain levels or types of project financing with respect to its own wind power generation facilities. The Company has additionally entered into a Side Letter Agreement, dated January 13, 2020, with Soluna Technologies Investment I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that owns, on a fully diluted basis, 61.5% of Soluna and is controlled by a Brookstone Partners-affiliated director of the Company. The Side Letter Agreement provides for the transfer to the Company, without the payment of any consideration by the Company, of additional Class A Preferred Shares of Soluna in the event Soluna issues additional equity below agreed-upon valuation thresholds.

    Several of Soluna's equityholders are affiliated with Brookstone Partners, the investment firm that holds an equity interest in the Company through Brookstone XXIV. The Company's two Brookstone-affiliated directors also serve as directors and, in one case, as an officer, of Soluna and also have ownership interest in Soluna. In light of these relationships, the various transactions by and between the Company and EcoChain, on the one hand, and Soluna, on the other hand, were negotiated on behalf of the Company and EcoChain via an independent investment committee of Board and separate legal representation. The transactions were subsequently unanimously approved by both the independent investment committee and the full Board.

    Three of Directors.our directors have various affiliations with Soluna.

    Michael Toporek, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, owns (i) 90% of the equity of Soluna Technologies Investment I, LLC, which owns 58.8% of Soluna and (ii) 100% of the equity of MJT Park Investors, Inc., which owns 3.1% of Soluna, in each case on a fully-diluted basis. Mr. Toporek does not own directly, or indirectly, any equity interest in Tera Joule, LLC, which owns 8.4% of Soluna; however, as a result of his 100% ownership of Brookstone IAC, Inc., which is the manager of Tera Joule, LLC, he has dispositive power over the equity interests that Tera Joule owns in Soluna.

    In addition, one of our directors, Matthew E. Lipman, serves as a director and as acting Secretary and Treasurer of Soluna. Mr. Lipman does not directly own any equity interest in Tera Joule, LLC, which owns 8.4% of Soluna; however, as a result of his position as a director and officer of Brookstone IAC, Inc., which is the manager of Tera Joule, LLC, he has dispositive power over the equity interests that Tera Joule owns in Soluna.

    Finally, our director William P. Phelan serves as an observer on Soluna's board of directors on behalf of the Company.

    As a result of the relationships and transactions set forth above, the approximate dollar value of the amount of Mr. Toporek's and Mr. Lipman's interest in the Company's transactions with Soluna during the year ended December 31, 2020, was $631,000 and $0, respectively. During 2021, through April 27, 2021, the approximate dollar value of the amount of Mr. Toporek's and Mr. Lipman's interest in the Company's transactions with Soluna was $56,020 and $0, respectively.

    The Company's investment in Soluna is carried at the cost of investment and is $750,000 as of April 27, 2021. The Company owns approximately 1.81% of Soluna's common stock, calculated on a fully-diluted basis, as of April 27, 2021.

    Director Independence

    The Board has determined that Messrs. Hazelip, Hirshfield, Madhavji, Marusak, Michaels, and Phelan are "independent directors," as defined by the rules and listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. In making this determination, the Board considered the transactions and relationships disclosed above.

     

    14. GeographicItem 14: Principal Accounting Fees and Segment InformationServices

     

    TheWojeski & Company sells its products on a worldwide basis with its principal markets listed inCPAs, P.C. ("Wojeski") served as the table below where information on product revenue is summarized by geographic area for the Company as a whole for each ofCompany's independent registered public accounting firm during the years ended December 31:31, 2020 and 2019. The following sets forth fees billed by Wojeski for the audit of our annual financial statements and other services rendered during each of those years(1):

    (dollars in thousands) 

    2016

        

    2015

        

     

     

    Product revenue:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    United States

    $

    4,774

     

    $

    4,139

     

    Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)

     

    1,368

     

     

    1,421

     

    Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

     

    659

     

     

    650

     

    North America

     

    205

     

     

    106

     

    South America

     

    50

     

     

    14

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total product revenue

    $

    7,056

     

    $

    6,330

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Year Ended

    Year Ended

     

    December 31,

    December 31,

     

    2020

    2019

    Audit Fees

    $         77,500

    $         60,000

    Audit-Related Fees

    9,000

    9,000

    Tax Fees

    10,000

    9,000

    All Other Fees

    -

    -

    Total

    $         96,500

    $         78,000

     

    Revenues (1)   The aggregate amounts included in Audit Fees and Tax Fees are attributed to regions based onclassified by the location of customers.  In 2016 and 2015, approximately 32.3% and 34.6%, respectively,related fiscal periods for the audit of our product revenues was from customers outsideannual financial statements and review of financial statements and statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The aggregate fees included in each of the United States.other categories are fees billed or to be billed during those fiscal periods.

    14


    Long-lived assets of $160 thousand and $115 thousand atAudit Fees

    Audit fees for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015, respectively consist of property, plant and equipment all located within2019, were for professional services rendered for the United States.

    At MTI Instruments, the largest commercial customer in 2016 and 2015 was an Asian distributoraudits of our general instrumentation products, who accountedconsolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report Disclosure Statements as prescribed by the OTC Markets quotation system OTC Pink Current Information tier  (2019) and for 8.1%our Annual Report on Form 10-K (2020) and 6.8%review of total product revenueinterim financial information posted to the OTC Markets web site during those years.

    Audit-Related Fees

    Audit-related fees during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were for the annual audit of our pension plan in 2016each of those years.

    Tax Fees

    Tax fees during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2015, respectively. The U.S. Air Force continues2019 were for services related to betax compliance, including the largest government customer, accountingpreparation of tax returns and claims for 18.1%refunds, and 4.4% of total product revenue in 2016tax planning and 2015, respectively. 

    tax advice, including advice related to proposed transactions.

    The Company operates in one segmentAudit Committee has considered whether the provision of the non-audit services above is compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence, and therefore segment informationhas concluded that it is.

    Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

    The Audit Committee has adopted the following policies and procedures under which frequently-utilized audit and non-audit services are pre-approved by the Audit Committee and the authority to authorize the independent registered public accountants to perform such services is not presented.delegated to a single committee member or executive officer.

    a)    Annual audit, quarterly review, and annual tax return services will be pre-approved upon review and acceptance of the tax and audit engagement letters submitted by the independent registered public accountants to the Audit Committee.

    F-21b)    Additional audit and non-audit services related to the resolution of accounting issues or the adoption of new accounting standards, audits by tax authorities, or reviews of public filings by the SEC must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee and the authority to authorize the independent registered public accounting firm to perform such services is delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee for fees up to $5,000, and for fees above $5,000 entire Committee approval is required.

    c)    Additional audit and non-audit services related to tax savings strategies, tax issues arising during the preparation of tax returns, tax estimates, and tax code interpretations must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee and the authority to authorize the independent registered public accounting firm to perform such services is delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee for fees up to $5,000, and for fees above $5,000 entire Committee approval is required.


    d)    Additional audit and non-audit services related to the tax and accounting treatments of proposed business transactions must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee and the authority to authorize the independent registered public accountants to perform such services is delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee for fees up to $5,000, and for fees above $5,000 entire Committee approval is required.

    e)    Quarterly and annually, a detailed analysis of audit and non-audit services will be provided to and reviewed with the Audit Committee.

    All of the 2020 services described under the captions "Audit Fees," "Audit-Related Fees," and "Tax Fees" were approved by the Audit Committee.

    Item 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

     

    15. Debt15(a) (1) Financial Statements: The financial statements filed herewith are set forth on the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of the separate financial section which accompanies this Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

    15(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules: Financial statement schedules not listed have been omitted because they are either not required, not applicable, or the information has been included elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

    During15


    15(a) (3)

    Exhibits: The exhibits listed in the first quarterExhibit Index below are filed as part of 2016, we entered into discussionsthis Annual Report on Form 10-K.

    Exhibit
    Number     

     Description

    2.1

    Agreement and Plan of Merger.*

    3.1

    Articles of Incorporation of the registrant.*

    3.2

    Bylaws of the registrant.*

    3.3

    Articles of Merger filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada.*

    3.4

    Certificate of Merger filed with the Department of State of New York.*

    4.1

    Rights Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2016, between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Report filed October 6, 2016).

    4.2

    Amendment No. 1 dated as of October 20, 2016, to the Rights Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2016, between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

    10.1

    Mechanical Technology, Incorporated Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2016).+

    10.2

    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 8-K Report filed July 11, 2011).+

    10.3

    Mechanical Technology, Incorporated Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2016).+

    10.4

    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Notice for Board of Directors and Employees for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).+

    10.5

    Form of Incentive Stock Option Notice for Employees for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).+

    10.6

    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Notice for Employees for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).+ 

    10.7

    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Notice for Board of Directors for Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).+

    10.8

    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed March 4, 2020).+

    10.9

    Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014).+

    10.10

    Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed March 4, 2020).+

    10.11

    Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Grant Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-196989) filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014).+

    10.12

    Form of Incentive Stock Option Grant Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-196989) filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014).+

    10.13

    Lease dated August 10, 1999 between Carl E. Touhey and Mechanical Technology, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.38 of the Company's Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).

    10.14

    Amendment No. 1 to Lease Agreement Between Mechanical Technology Inc. and Carl E. Touhey dated September 29, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.166 of the Company's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2009).

    10.15

    Amendment No. 2 to Lease Agreement Between MTI Instruments Inc. and Carl E. Touhey dated May 2, 2014 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2014).

    16


    10.16

    Amendment No. 3 to Lease Agreement Between MTI Instruments Inc. and CETF Properties, LLC dated January 1, 2018 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.17

    Amendment No. 4 to Lease Agreement Between MTI Instruments Inc. and CETF Properties, LLC dated December 4, 2019 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.18#

    Contract dated July 1, 2016 between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and the U.S. Air Force (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2016).

    10.19

    Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2016, by and between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and Brookstone Partners Acquisition XXIV, LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 of the Company's Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

    10.20

    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 21, 2016, by and between Mechanical Technology, Incorporated and Brookstone Partners Acquisition XXIV, LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 of the Company's Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

    10.21

    Form of Option Exercise and Stock Transfer Restriction Agreement between the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.24 of the Company's Form 8-K Report filed October 21, 2016).

    10.22

    Operating and Management Agreement between Soluna Technologies, Ltd. and EcoChain, Inc. dated January 13, 2020 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.20 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed March 4, 2020).

    10.23

    Class A Preferred Share Purchase Agreement dated January 13, 2020, among Soluna Technologies, Ltd., Mechanical Technology, Incorporated, and the other investors set forth on Exhibit A thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.21 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed March 4, 2020).

    10.24

    Contingent Rights Agreement dated January 13, 2020, by and between Soluna Technologies, Ltd. and Mechanical Technology, Incorporated (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed March 4, 2020).

    10.25

    Side Letter Agreement dated January 13, 2020, by and between Soluna Technologies, Ltd. and Mechanical Technology, Incorporated (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed March 4, 2020).

    10.26

    Commercial Line of Credit Agreement and Note dated May 7, 2020, by and between MTI Instruments Inc. and Pioneer Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.27 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.27

    Business Loan Agreement dated May 7, 2020, by and between MTI Instruments Inc. and Pioneer Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.28

    Commercial Loan Settlement Statement dated May 7, 2020, by and between MTI Instruments Inc. and Pioneer Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.29 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.29

    Commercial Security Agreement dated May 7, 2020, by and between MTI Instruments Inc. and Pioneer Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.30 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.30

    Unlimited Continuing Guaranty dated May 7, 2020, by and between MTI Instruments Inc. and Pioneer Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.31 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.31

    Sale Order dated May 18, 2020, by and between GigaWatt, Inc. and the United States Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Washington (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.32 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.32

    Bill of Sale dated May 20, 2020, by and between Mark D. Waldron, as Chapter 11 Trustee and EcoChain, Inc (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.33

    Assignment and Assumption Agreement (Tangible Property) dated May 20, 2020, by and between Mark D. Waldron, as Chapter 11 Trustee and EcoChain, Inc (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.34

    Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement dated May 20, 2020, by and between Mark D. Waldron, as Chapter 11 Trustee and EcoChain, Inc (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.35 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.35

    Agreement for Transfer of Responsibility for Telecommunication Services dated May 19, 2020, by and between Mark D. Waldron, as Chapter 11 Trustee and EcoChain, Inc (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.36 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    17


    10.36

    Assignment of Lease Agreements dated February 4, 2020, by and between, on the one hand, David M. Carlson, Dorrinda M. Carlson, Enterprise Focus, Inc. and, on the other hand, Mark D. Waldron, in his capacity as the Chapter 11 Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.37 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.37

    Commercial Lease dated August 1, 2018, by and between TNT Business Complexes, LLC and Enterprise Focus, Inc. and Dave Carlson (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.38 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.38

    Commercial Lease dated November 14, 2014, by and between TNT Business Complexes, LLC and Dave Carlson /Enterprise Focus, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.39 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.39

    21, 2019 Certified Letter Regarding Option to Extend Commercial Lease dated November 14, 2014, by and between TNT Business Complexes, LLC and Dave Carlson /Enterprise Focus, Inc (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.40 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.40

    Amendment of Commercial Lease Agreement dated January 28, 2020, by and between Mark Waldron, as Chapter 11 Trustee and TNT Business Complexes, LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.41 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed September 30, 2020).

    10.41

    Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2021 Stock Incentive Plan*, +

    10.42

    Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2021 Stock Incentive Plan*, +

    10.43

    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2021 Stock Incentive Plan*, +

    10.44

    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Mechanical Technology, Incorporated 2021 Stock Incentive Plan*, +

    21

    Subsidiaries of the Registrant*

    31.1

    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

    31.2

    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

    32.1

    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

    32.2

    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

    101.INS

    XBRL Instance Document*

    101.SCH

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*

    101.CAL

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*

    101.DEF

    XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document*

    101.LAB

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*

    101.PRE

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*

    # Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for confidential treatment. The omitted portions have been filed with Bankthe Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to our application for confidential treatment. The items are identified in the exhibit with "**".

    * Previously filed

    +              Represents management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.

    18


    Signatures

    Pursuant to the requirements of America, N.A. (the Bank) to strengthenSection 13 or 15(d) of the Company’s then-existing linesSecurities Exchange Act of credit and re-align their terms1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be more consistent with our current business plan. During such discussions, the Bank informed the Company that basedsigned on its results for 2015 it was not in compliance with certain financial covenants ofbehalf by the lines. Since an agreement on new covenants could not be reached, the Company decided that the lines of credit could not be utilized and therefore terminated them on March 24, 2016. There were no amounts outstanding under the credit facilities at the time of cancellation.undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED

    Date:  April 29, 2021

    By:

    /s/ Michael Toporek

    Michael Toporek

    Chief Executive Officer

    Date:  April 29, 2021By:/s/ Jessica L. Thomas
    Jessica L. Thomas
    Chief Financial Officer

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    19

    F-22