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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                          to                         .

 

Commission file number 0-21810

 


 

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California


 

95-4318554


(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

500 Town Center Dr., Ste. 200, Dearborn, MI


 

48126-2716


(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (313) 336-3000

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

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

 

Common Stock, no par value


(Title of Class)


 

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 check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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    ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the average bid and asked prices of such common stock as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2004, was $25,402,000. For purposes of this computation, the registrant has excluded the market value of all shares of its Common Stock reported as being beneficially owned by executive officers and directors and holders of more than 10% of the Common Stock on a fully diluted basis of the registrant; such exclusion shall not, however, be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an “affiliate” of the registrant. As of March 21, 2005, there were 15,511,020 issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the registrant.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the close of the registrant’s fiscal year are incorporated by reference into Part III.



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Part I          

Item 1:

  

Business

   1

Item 2:

  

Properties

   12

Item 3:

  

Legal Proceedings

   12

Item 4:

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   12
Part II          

Item 5:

   Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    13

Item 6:

  

Selected Financial Data

   13

Item 7:

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   14

Item 7A:

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   18

Item 8:

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   18

Item 9:

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   19

Item 9A:

  

Controls and Procedures

   19

Item 9B:

  

Other Information

   19
Part III          

Item 10:

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   20

Item 11:

  

Executive Compensation

   20

Item 12:

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   20

Item 13:

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   20

Item 14:

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   20
Part IV          

Item 15:

  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

   21


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

 

General

 

Amerigon Incorporated (“we,” the “Company” or the “registrant”) designs, develops and markets proprietary high technology electronic systems for sale to automobile and truck original equipment manufacturers. In 2004, we completed our fifth full year of producing and selling our Climate Control Seat (“CCS” or “CCS”) product, which provides year-round comfort by providing both active heating and cooling to seat occupants. Since we started commercial production, we have shipped more than 1,373,000 units of our CCS product to seven customers, Bridgewater Interiors, LLC (“Bridgewater”), NHK Spring Company, Ltd (“NHK”), Lear Corporation (“Lear”), Johnson Controls, Inc., Marubeni Vehicle Corporation, Intier Automotive and Hyundai Motor Company. Our CCS product is currently offered as an optional feature on 15 automobile models.

 

In 2003, the Company launched a newly designed and more efficient version of its CCS that incorporates its new Micro Thermal Module (“MTM” or “MTM”) technology. This new generation CCS system, which is based on the Company’s proprietary thermoelectric device (“TED”) technology, is smaller, lighter, quieter and more versatile than its predecessor.

 

We were incorporated in California in 1991 and originally focused our efforts on developing electric vehicles and high technology automotive systems. Because the electric vehicle market did not develop as anticipated, we have focused our efforts on our CCS product, our only commercial product at the present time, and products derived from our efficient TED technology.

 

Business Strategy

 

Our strategy is to build upon our existing relationships with automobile manufacturers and their suppliers and to become the leading provider of climate-controlled seating to the automotive marketplace. Our strategy includes the following key elements:

 

    Continuing to encourage automobile manufacturers to specify that their seat suppliers install our CCS product;

 

    Working with first tier seat suppliers to offer our product to their customers;

 

    Completing development of the next generation of the CCS that incorporates the MTM technology;

 

    Increasing global penetration with automotive companies;

 

    Continuing to expand our intellectual property; and

 

    Develop TED–based products in partnership with capable sectoral partners using proprietary, significantly more efficient TED’s through our subsidiary, BSST LLC (“BSST”).

 

Products

 

Climate Control Seat

 

Our CCS product utilizes exclusive licensed and patented technology, as well as several of our own patents, on a variable temperature seat climate control system to enhance the comfort of vehicle passengers. We have additional patents pending for further improvements we have made to the CCS and TED technology. Our CCS product uses one or more solid-state TEDs, which generate heating or cooling depending upon the polarity of the current applied to the device.

 

A TED is the heart of a compact heat pump built by us for use in our CCS product. Air is forced through the heat pump and thermally conditioned in response to switch input from the seat occupant. The conditioned air circulates by a specially designed fan through ducts in the seat cushion and seat back, so that the surface can be heated or cooled. Each seat has individual electronic controls to adjust the level of heating or cooling. Our CCS product substantially improves comfort as compared to conventional air conditioners by focusing the cooling directly on the passenger through the seat, rather than waiting until ambient air cools the seat surface behind the passenger.

 

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Since each vehicle model’s seats are different, we must tailor the CCS components to meet each seat design. In the past five years, we have supplied prototype seats containing our CCS product to virtually every major automobile manufacturer and seat supplier. If a manufacturer wishes to integrate our CCS product into a seat, it provides us with automotive seats to be modified so that we can install a unit in a prototype. The seat is then returned to the manufacturer for evaluation and testing. If a manufacturer accepts our CCS product, a program can then be launched for a particular model on a production basis, but it normally takes one to two years from the time a manufacturer decides to include our CCS product in a vehicle model to actual volume production for that vehicle. During this process, we derive minimal funding from prototype sales but generally obtain no significant revenue until mass production begins. We have active development programs on many vehicle platforms, although we cannot be certain that our CCS product will be implemented on any of these vehicles.

 

In March 2000, we entered into an agreement with Ford Motor Company (“Ford”), which gave us the exclusive right to supply our CCS product to Ford’s first tier suppliers for installation in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury branded vehicles produced and sold in North America (other than Ford-branded vehicles produced by AutoAlliance International, Inc.) through December 31, 2004. Although the agreement has now expired, we continue to work with Ford on future programs.

 

Research and Development

 

Our research and development activities are an essential component of our efforts to develop new innovative products for introduction in the marketplace. Our research and development activities are expensed as incurred. These expenses include direct expenses for wages, materials and services associated with the development of our products net of reimbursements from customers. Research and development expenses do not include any portion of general and administrative expenses.

 

We continue to do additional research and development to advance the design of the CCS product with the goal of making the unit less complex, easier to package and less expensive to manufacture and install. There can be no assurance that this development program will result in improved products.

 

Research and development expenses for our CCS technology include not only development of next generation technologies but also application engineering (meaning engineering to adapt CCS components to meet the design criteria of a particular vehicle’s seat and electrical system since vehicle seats are not all the same and each has different configuration requirements). Any related reimbursements for the costs incurred in this adaptation process are accounted for as a reduction to research and development expense.

 

In May 2001, we formalized our research and development subsidiary, BSST, to develop much more efficient thermoelectric systems and products using the improved technology. The limitation on applications for thermoelectric systems has been their relatively poor efficiency. We believe that, through a combination of proprietary methods for improving thermoelectric efficiency and improved thermoelectric materials, there are substantial prospects for the design and development of innovative thermoelectric systems in applications outside of our present product line.

 

We are constructing test systems to demonstrate performance and to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the technology as applied to various potential large market sectors beyond automotive seating, including other automotive applications, stationary temperature management, aerospace and defense, customer comfort, and power generation. Ultimately we believe the potential exists for solid state (thermoelectric) air conditioners to be developed that replace traditional systems, which use compressors, R134a and other gases. Our objective is for our unique technology to occupy an important place in this value chain.

 

In 2004, BSST, signed an agreement with Carrier Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”), and United Technologies Research Center, the central research unit of UTC (collectively Carrier-UTRC), to explore the specific application of thermoelectrics to heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems for residential, commercial and aerospace applications. Under the terms of the development agreement, Carrier-UTRC will endeavor to apply the high efficiency and environmentally friendly thermoelectric device technology developed by BSST to its own capabilities in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems, commercial drying and cooking devices, and aerospace systems.

 

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Additionally in 2004, BSST, was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) to lead the development of an efficient and practical thermoelectric system that will improve fuel economy by converting waste heat in automobile engine exhaust into electrical power. BSST will lead a development team that includes Visteon Corporation, Teledyne Energy Systems, BMW of North America, University of California, Santa Cruz, Purdue University, the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology. The objective of this four phase program is to create a cost-effective and commercially viable thermoelectric-based vehicle waste heat recovery and power generation system that will improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines. For the first phase of the program, the team will conduct a comprehensive analysis to determine the technical and commercial viability of its system concept. Upon successful completion of this first phase, DOE will authorize funds to allow the team to proceed with future phases. Seventy five percent of the total cost of this program will be paid for with Federal funds, while selected project team members, including BSST, will bear the remaining cost. Up to $4.7 million in Federal funds could be contributed to the project over its four year life. However, the actual amount contributed may be less, as the funding provisions supporting this program require the DOE to approve and release funds only on a phase-by-phase basis, according to project progress and revisions made in the scope of the project. In addition, funds must be made available through the annual Federal budget process each year before any funding release can be made.

 

The net amounts spent for research and development activities in 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $2,226,000, $2,487,000 and $3,910,000, respectively. Because of changing levels of research and development activity, our research and development expenses fluctuate from period to period. Also included in research and development are expenses associated with BSST of $198,000, $121,000 and $1,052,000 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. BSST’s expenses are net of reimbursement for customer funded research and development of $1,656,000 and $1,147,000 for 2004 and 2003, respectively. No reimbursement for customer funded research and development was received in 2002.

 

Marketing, Customers and Sales

 

We are a second-tier supplier to automobile and truck manufacturers. As such, we focus our marketing efforts on automobile and truck manufacturers and their first-tier suppliers. We have not and do not expect to market directly to consumers. For CCS product, our strategy has been to convince the major automobile companies that our CCS product is an attractive feature that will meet with consumer acceptance and has favorable economics, including high profitability to the manufacturers. If convinced, the manufacturers then direct us to work with their seat supplier to incorporate our CCS product into future seat designs. We also market directly to the major domestic and foreign automotive seat suppliers. The number of CCS products we sell is affected by the levels of new vehicle sales and the general business conditions in the automotive industry.

 

For our most recent fiscal year, our revenues from sales to our three largest customers, Bridgewater, NHK, and Lear, were $16,642,000, $6,721,000, and $4,819,000, representing 51%, 21%, and 15% of total revenues, respectively. The loss of any one of these customers is likely to have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

Replacing the traditional seat heater, our CCS product is currently offered as an optional feature on the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Aviator and LS, Mercury Monterey, Cadillac DeVille, XLR and Escalade ESV, Lexus LS 430, Toyota Celsior, Infiniti Q45 and M45, Hyundai Equus and Nissan Fuga.

 

In November 2003, we formed our wholly owned subsidiary, Amerigon Asia Pacific, Inc., a Japanese company (“Amerigon Asia Pacific”), to perform marketing and engineering activities for our customers based in Japan.

 

Outsourcing, Contractors and Suppliers

 

Through 2002, we had been engaged in manufacturing our CCS product for three years, producing moderate quantities. During 2002, we completely outsourced production to lower-cost countries in order to be price competitive and expand our market beyond the luxury vehicle segment. We first shifted production to a supplier plant in Chihuahua, Mexico. We later added a second contract manufacturer, Tokyo-based Ferrotec Corporation (“Ferrotec”), to produce our CCS product at its facility located in Shanghai, China.

 

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In March 2001, we entered into a manufacturing and supply agreement with Ferrotec. In exchange for a $2 million fee, we granted Ferrotec the exclusive right to manufacture CCS products for ultimate distribution to our customers within certain Asian countries subject to Ferrotec’s obligation to be competitive in particularly important supplier attributes. The region includes China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The initial term of the agreement began April 1, 2001 and expires on April 1, 2011.

 

Our ability to manufacture and market our products successfully is dependent on relationships with third party suppliers, especially those contract manufacturers described above. We rely on various vendors and suppliers for the components of our products and procure these components through purchase orders, with no guaranteed supply arrangements. Certain components, including TEDs, are only available from a limited number of suppliers. The loss of any significant supplier, in the absence of a timely and satisfactory alternative arrangement, or an inability to obtain essential components on reasonable terms or at all, could materially adversely affect our business, operations and cash flows. Our business and operations could also be materially adversely affected by delays in deliveries from our suppliers.

 

Proprietary Rights and Patents

 

We have adopted a policy of seeking to obtain, where practical, the exclusive rights to use technology related to our products through patents or licenses for proprietary technologies or processes. We have historically acquired developed technologies through licenses and joint development contracts in order to optimize our expenditure of capital and time, and sought to adapt and commercialize such technologies in automotive products, which were suitable for mass production. We also developed technologies or furthered the development of acquired technologies through internal research and development efforts by our engineers.

 

We currently have a license arrangement for our CCS product. Feher Design, Inc. (“Feher”) has granted to us an exclusive worldwide license to use specific CCS technologies covered by three U.S. patents held by Feher. The first of these three licensed patents expires on November 17, 2008. In addition to the aforementioned license rights to the CCS technology, we hold three issued U.S. patents on a variable temperature seat climate control system. In addition, we jointly own two U.S. patents and, one Japanese patent, and four Japanese patent applications with Honda Motor Co. We are aware that an unrelated party filed a patent application in Japan on March 30, 1992 with respect to technology similar to the CCS technology. This application stands rejected in its present form, but the applicant has filed an appeal of the rejection. If a sufficiently broad patent were to be issued from this application, it could have a material adverse effect upon our intellectual property position in Japan.

 

Competition

 

The automotive components and systems business is highly competitive. We may experience competition directly from automobile manufacturers or other major suppliers, most of which have the capability to manufacture competing products. Many of our existing and potential competitors have considerably greater financial and other resources than we do, including, but not limited to, an established customer base, greater research and development capability, established manufacturing capability and greater marketing and sales resources. We also compete indirectly with related products that do not offer equivalent features to our products, but can substitute for our products, such as heated and ventilated seats. We believe that our products will compete on the basis of performance, quality, and price.

 

We are not aware of any competitors that are presently offering systems for both active heating and cooling of automotive car seats, although substantial competition exists for the supply of heated-only seats and several companies are offering a product that circulates ambient air through a seat without active cooling. In addition, certain vehicle manufacturers offer options on certain new models that combine heated seats with circulation of ambient air. It is possible that competitors will be able to expand or modify their current products by adding a cooling function to their seats based upon a technology not covered by patented technology we own or license. Our CCS product competes indirectly with alternative methods of providing passenger climate control in a vehicle such as heating and air conditioning systems, which are currently available for almost all vehicles.

 

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Financial Information About Industry Segments and Geographic Areas

 

Our business segment and geographic areas information is incorporated herein by reference from Note 16 of our consolidated financial statements and related financial information indexed on page F-1 of this report.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2004, Amerigon and its subsidiaries employed a total of 47 individuals, including 11 at BSST and four at Amerigon Asia Pacific. Amerigon also has retained the services of five outside contractors. None of our employees is subject to collective bargaining agreements. We consider our employee relations to be satisfactory.

 

Risk Factors

 

This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Reference is made in particular to the description of our plans and objectives for future operations, assumptions underlying such plans and objectives and other forward-looking statements included in this section, “Item 1 Business,” “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in other places in this Report. Such statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue,” or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such terms. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Factors that could cause such results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include those set forth below.

 

Risks Relating to our Business

 

We are only in the early stage of commercialization and marketing of our products and our sales may not significantly increase

 

Although we began operations in 1991, we have only engaged in the commercial manufacturing and marketing of our products since 1999. In December 1997, we received our first production orders for our CCS product, but shipments of production units in 1998 were very small. We had product revenues of $32,710,000 in 2004, $29,042,000 in 2003, $15,271,000 in 2002, and $6,447,000 in 2001. In 1998, we were selected by Ford to supply our CCS product to Johnson Controls for installation in the 2000 model year Lincoln Navigator and our CCS product was selected by the Toyota Motor Corporation to supply NHK Spring Company, Ltd. for installation in the 2001 model year Lexus LS 430 and Toyota Celsior luxury automobiles. In 2002 we added the Ford Expedition SUV, Lincoln Aviator SUV and LS luxury automobile and Infiniti Q45 and M45 luxury automobiles. In 2003, we added the Mercury Monterey mini van, the Cadillac XLR luxury roadster, the Cadillac DeVille luxury sedan, the Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV, the Hyundai Equus luxury sedan and the Nissan Cima luxury sedan. In 2004, our CCS product continued to be offered as an optional feature on these vehicles. There can be no assurance that additional vehicle platforms will use our CCS product, that sales will significantly increase or that we will remain profitable.

 

We have incurred substantial operating losses since our inception

 

Although we have reported net income of $1,059,000 in 2004, prior to that we incurred substantial operating losses since our inception. We had operating losses of $1,554,000 in 2003, $6,168,000 in 2002, and $7,537,000 in 2001. As of December 31, 2004, we had accumulated deficits since inception of $69,507,000. Our accumulated deficits are attributable to the historical costs of developmental and other start-up activities,

 

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including the industrial design, development and marketing of discontinued products and a significant loss incurred on a major electric vehicle development contract. Approximately $33.0 million of our accumulated deficit arose from past efforts in electric vehicles, integrated voice technology or radar, all discontinued products as of December 31, 2000.

 

We have funded our financial needs from inception primarily through net proceeds received through our initial public offering as well as other equity and debt financing. At December 31, 2004, we had cash and cash equivalents of $7,603,000 and net working capital of $9,571,000. Based on our current operating plan, we believe cash at December 31, 2004, along with the proceeds from future revenues, expected warrant exercises and borrowings from our $3,000,000 accounts receivable-based financing will be sufficient to meet operating needs for the foreseeable future.

 

Our ability to market our products successfully depends on acceptance of our product by automotive manufacturers and consumers

 

We have engaged in a lengthy development process on our CCS product which involved developing a prototype for proof of concept and then adapting the basic system to actual seats provided by various automotive manufacturers and their seat suppliers. In the past four years, we have supplied prototype seats containing our CCS product to virtually every major automobile manufacturer and seat supplier. As a result of this process, we have been selected by a number of automotive manufacturers to supply a number of current vehicles.

 

We are working with many automotive manufacturers and their seat suppliers in an effort to have the CCS product included in other models commencing with the 2005 model year and beyond. We currently have active development programs on many vehicle platforms, but no assurance can be given that our CCS product will be implemented in any of these vehicles. While we have the only actively-cooled seat available, competitors are introducing ventilated seats, which provide some of the cooled-seat attributes and are very price competitive with our CCS product. Additionally, heat only devices are readily available from our competitors.

 

We have experienced negative cash flows from operations until just recently

 

We had experienced negative cash flow from operations since our inception through the third quarter of 2003 and have expended, and expect to continue to expend, substantial funds to continue our development and marketing efforts. We have generated positive cash flow from operations of $3,033,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004. However, we had negative cash flows from operations of $1,867,000 in 2003, $6,942,000 in 2002, and $6,696,000 in 2001.

 

Based on our current operating plans, we believe that cash at December 31, 2004, along with proceeds from future revenues, expected warrant exercises and borrowings from our $3,000,000 accounts receivable-based financing will be sufficient to meet operating needs for the foreseeable future. Although the actual funds that we will need to operate during this period will be determined by many factors, some of which are beyond our control, we do not anticipate the need for additional financing.

 

The disruption or loss of relationships with vendors and suppliers for the components for our products could materially adversely affect our business

 

Our ability to market and manufacture our products successfully is dependent on relationships with both third party vendors and suppliers. We rely on various vendors and suppliers for the components of our products and procure these components through purchase orders, with no guaranteed supply arrangements. Certain components, including thermoelectric devices, are only available from a limited number of suppliers. The loss of any significant supplier, in the absence of a timely and satisfactory alternative arrangement, or an inability to obtain essential components on reasonable terms or at all, could materially adversely affect our business, operations and cash flows. Our business and operations could also be materially adversely affected by delays in deliveries from suppliers.

 

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The outsourcing of production to other countries entails risks of production interruption and unexpected costs

 

Through 2002, we had been engaged in manufacturing in California for three years, producing moderate quantities of product. We have completed the outsourcing of production to lower cost countries in order to be price competitive and expand our market beyond the luxury vehicle segment. The shift of the 1st generation production for North American and Asian platforms to a supplier plant in Chihuahua, Mexico, and the 2nd generation of production to a supplier plant in Shanghai, China, entails risk of production interruption and unexpected costs due to the extended logistics.

 

Automobile manufacturers demand on-time delivery of quality products, and some have required the payment of substantial financial penalties for failure to deliver components to their plants on a timely basis. Such penalties, as well as costs to avoid them, such as overtime costs and overnight air freighting of parts that normally are shipped by other less expensive means of transportation, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Moreover, the inability to meet demand for our products on a timely basis would materially adversely affect our reputation and prospects.

 

We may not be able to persuade potential customers of the merits of our products and justify their costs to increase our sales

 

Because of the sophisticated nature and early stage of development of our products, we will be required to educate potential customers and demonstrate that the merits of our products justify the costs associated with such products. We have relied on, and will continue to rely on, automobile manufacturers and their dealer networks to market our products. The success of any such relationship will depend in part on the other party’s own competitive, marketing and strategic considerations, including the relative advantages of alternative products being developed and/or marketed by any such party. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to market our products successfully so as to generate meaningful product sales increases.

 

The sales cycle for our products is lengthy and the lengthy cycle impedes growth in our sales

 

The sales cycle in the automotive components industry is lengthy and can be as long as four years or more for products that must be designed into a vehicle, because some companies take that long to design and develop a vehicle. Even when selling parts that are neither safety-critical nor highly integrated into the vehicle, there are still many stages that an automotive supply company must go through before achieving commercial sales. The sales cycle is lengthy because an automobile manufacturer must develop a high degree of assurance that the products it buys will meet customer needs, interface as easily as possible with the other parts of a vehicle and with the automobile manufacturer’s production and assembly process, and have minimal warranty, safety and service problems. As a result, from the time that a manufacturer develops a strong interest in our CCS product, it normally will take several years before our CCS product is available to consumers in that manufacturer’s vehicles.

 

In the automotive components industry, products typically proceed through five stages of research and development. Initial research on the product concept comes first, to assess its technical feasibility and economic costs and benefits. This stage often includes development of an internal prototype for the component supplier’s own evaluation. If the product appears feasible, the component supplier manufactures a functioning prototype to demonstrate and test the product’s features. These prototypes are then marketed and sold to automotive companies for testing and evaluation. If an automobile manufacturer shows interest in the product, it typically works with the component supplier to refine the product, then purchases second and subsequent generation engineering prototypes for further evaluation. Finally, the automobile manufacturer either decides to purchase the component for a production vehicle or terminates the program.

 

The time required to progress through these five stages to commercialization varies widely. Generally, the more a component must be integrated with other vehicle systems, the longer the process takes. Further, products that are installed by the factory usually require extra time for evaluation because other vehicle systems are

 

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affected, and a decision to introduce the product into the vehicle is not easily reversed. Because our CCS product affects other vehicle systems and is a factory-installed item, the process takes a significant amount of time to commercialization.

 

Our industry is subject to intense competition and our products may be rendered obsolete by future technological developments in the industry

 

The automotive component industry is subject to intense competition. Virtually all of our competitors are substantially larger in size, have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources, and have more extensive experience and records of successful operations than we do. Several competitors have introduced ventilated seats in an effort to respond to our proprietary cooled seat technology. Competition extends to attracting and retaining qualified technical and marketing personnel. There can be no assurance that we will successfully differentiate our products from those of our competitors, that the marketplace will consider our current or proposed products to be superior or even comparable to those of our competitors, or that we can succeed in establishing relationships with automobile manufacturers. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that competitive pressures we face will not adversely affect our financial performance.

 

Due to the rapid pace of technological change, as with any technology-based product, our products may even be rendered obsolete by future developments in the industry. Our competitive position would be adversely affected if we were unable to anticipate such future developments and obtain access to the new technology.

 

Any failure to protect our intellectual property could harm our business and competitive position

 

As of December 31, 2004, we owned twelve U.S. patents and had seven U.S. patents pending and our subsidiary BSST owned six U.S. patents, and had seven U.S. patents pending and twenty-seven foreign patents pending. We were also licensees of three patents and joint owners with Honda Motor Co. of two U.S. patents and five Japanese patent applications. One of these patent applications was issued as a Japanese patent in January 2005. We also owned thirty-one foreign patents and had ten foreign patent applications pending. We believe that patents and proprietary rights have been and will continue to be very important in enabling us to compete. There can be no assurance that any new patents will be granted or that our or our licensors’ patents and proprietary rights will not be challenged or circumvented or will provide us with meaningful competitive advantages or that pending patent applications will issue. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop similar products or will not design around any patents that have been or may be issued to our licensors or us. Failure to obtain patents in certain foreign countries may materially adversely affect our ability to compete effectively in those international markets. We are aware that an unrelated party filed a patent application in Japan on March 30, 1992, with respect to technology similar to our CCS technology. We hold current and future rights to licensed technology through licensing agreements requiring the payment of minimum royalties, totaling $100,000 annually, and must continue to comply with those licensing agreements. Failure to do so or loss of such agreements could materially and adversely affect our business.

 

Because of rapid technological developments in the automotive industry and the competitive nature of the market, the patent position of any component manufacturer is subject to uncertainties and may involve complex legal and factual issues. Consequently, although we either own or have licenses to certain patents, and are currently processing several additional patent applications, it is possible that no patents will issue from any pending applications or that claims allowed in any existing or future patents issued or licensed to us will be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, or that any rights granted there under will not provide us adequate protection. There is an additional risk that we may be required to participate in interference proceedings to determine the priority of inventions or may be required to commence litigation to protect our rights, which could result in substantial costs.

 

Our products may conflict with patents that have been or may be granted to competitors or others

 

Other persons could bring legal actions against us claiming damages and seeking to enjoin manufacturing and marketing of our products for allegedly conflicting with patents held by them. Any such litigation could

 

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result in substantial cost to us and diversion of effort by our management and technical personnel. If any such actions are successful, in addition to any potential liability for damages, we could be required to obtain a license in order to continue to manufacture or market the affected products. There can be no assurance that we would prevail in any such action or that any license required under any such patent would be made available on acceptable terms, if at all. Failure to obtain needed patents, licenses or proprietary information held by others may have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, if we become involved in litigation, it could consume a substantial portion of our time and resources. We have not, however, received any notice that our products infringe on the proprietary rights of third parties.

 

We rely on trade secret protection through confidentiality agreements and the agreements could be breached

 

We also rely on trade secrets that we seek to protect, in part, through confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with employees, customers and other parties. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be breached, that we would have adequate remedies for any such breach or that our trade secrets will not otherwise become known to or independently developed by competitors. To the extent that consultants, key employees or other third parties apply technological information independently developed by them or by others to our proposed projects, disputes may arise as to the proprietary rights to such information that may not be resolved in our favor. We may be involved from time to time in litigation to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of proprietary rights. Any such litigation could result in substantial cost and diversion of effort by our management and technical personnel. Additionally, with respect to licensed technology, there can be no assurance that the licensor of the technology will have the resources, financial or otherwise, or desire to defend against any challenges to the rights of such licensor to its patents.

 

Our customers typically reserve the right unilaterally to cancel contracts or reduce prices, and the exercise of such right could reduce or eliminate any financial benefit to us anticipated from such contract

 

Automotive customers typically reserve the right unilaterally to cancel contracts completely or to require price reductions. Although they generally reimburse companies for actual out-of-pocket costs incurred with respect to the particular contract up to the point of cancellation, these reimbursements typically do not cover costs associated with acquiring general purpose assets such as facilities and capital equipment, and may be subject to negotiation and substantial delays in receipt by us. Any unilateral cancellation of, or price reduction with respect to, any contract that we may obtain could reduce or eliminate any financial benefits anticipated from such contract and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. To date, no such costs have been reimbursed.

 

Our success will depend in large part on retaining key personnel, which may be affected by the relocation of our corporate offices

 

Our success will depend to a large extent upon the continued contributions of key personnel in Amerigon and our research and development subsidiary, BSST. The loss of the services of Dr. Lon E. Bell, the President of BSST, would have a material adverse effect on the success of BSST.

 

Our success will also depend, in part, upon our ability to retain qualified engineering and other technical and marketing personnel. There is significant competition for technologically qualified personnel in our business and we may not be successful in recruiting or retaining sufficient qualified personnel.

 

Our reliance on outside major contractors may impair our ability to complete certain projects and manufacture products on a timely basis

 

In the past we have engaged certain outside contractors to perform product assembly and other production functions for us. We believe that there are other outside contractors that provide services of the kind that are used by us and that we may desire to use in the future. However, no assurance can be given that any such contractors

 

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would agree to work for us on terms acceptable to us or at all. Our inability to engage outside contractors on acceptable terms or at all would impair our ability to complete any development and/or manufacturing contracts for which outside contractors’ services may be needed. Moreover, our reliance upon third party contractors for certain production functions reduces our control over the manufacture of our products and makes us dependent in part upon such third parties to deliver our products in a timely manner, with satisfactory quality controls and on a competitive basis.

 

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks

 

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks which are inherent in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of automotive components. In particular, there are substantial warranty and liability risks associated with our products. If available, product liability insurance generally is expensive. While we presently have product liability coverage and product recall coverage at amounts we currently consider adequate, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain or maintain such insurance on acceptable terms with respect to other products we may develop, or that any insurance will provide adequate protection against any potential liabilities. In the event of a successful claim against us, a lack or insufficiency of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.

 

Because many of the largest automotive manufacturers are located in foreign countries, our business is subject to the risks associated with foreign sales

 

Many of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers are located in foreign countries. Accordingly, our business is subject to many of the risks of international operations, including governmental controls, tariff restrictions, foreign currency fluctuations and currency control regulations. However, historically, substantially all of our sales to foreign countries have been denominated in U.S. dollars. As such, our historical net exposure to foreign currency fluctuations has not been material. No assurance can be given that future contracts will be denominated in U.S. dollars or that existing contracts will be honored.

 

Our use of contractors located in foreign countries will subject us to the risks of international operations

 

We engage contractors located in foreign countries. Accordingly, we will be subject to all of the risks inherent in international operations, including work stoppages, transportation delays and interruptions, political instability, foreign currency fluctuations, economic disruptions, the imposition of tariffs and import and export controls, changes in governmental policies and other factors which could have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Risks Relating to Share Ownership

 

Our significant shareholders control the company

 

Big Beaver Investments LLC and Westar Capital II LLC each own 4,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (“Convertible Preferred Stock”), which such shares are convertible into Common Stock at an initial conversion price of $1.675 per common share. Combined, Big Beaver and Westar have the right to elect a majority of our directors. Big Beaver and Westar each has preemptive rights on future financings, so as to maintain their percentage ownership. Based upon the terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock, Big Beaver and Westar together in the aggregate held approximately 43% of our common equity (on an as-converted basis, excluding options and warrants), as of December 31, 2004.

 

Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly, and our small public “float” adversely affects liquidity of our Common Stock and stock price

 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly in the future due to such factors as acceptance of our product by automotive manufacturers and consumers, timing of our product introductions, availability and pricing of components from third parties, competition, timing of orders, foreign currency exchange rates,

 

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technological changes and economic conditions generally. Broad market fluctuations in the stock markets can adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. In addition, failure to meet or exceed analysts’ expectations of financial performance may result in immediate and significant price and volume fluctuations in our Common Stock.

 

Without a significantly larger number of shares available for trading by the public, or public “float,” our Common Stock is less liquid than stocks with broader public ownership, and as a result, trading prices of the Common Stock may significantly fluctuate and certain institutional investors may be unwilling to invest in such a thinly traded security.

 

We have anti-takeover defenses that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

 

The Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, which is outstanding, confers upon its holders the right to elect five members of the Board of Directors while the holders of Common Stock have the right to elect two members of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Convertible Preferred Stock will vote together with the shares of Common Stock on most matters submitted to shareholders. As of December 31, 2004, the holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock had approximately 43% of our voting shares and, as a result of such ownership and the right to elect five members of the Board of Directors, are likely to have the ability to approve or prevent any subsequent change of control.

 

In addition, our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 4,991,000 additional shares of Preferred Stock and to determine the price, rights (including conversion rights), preferences and privileges of those shares without any further vote or action by the shareholders. The rights of the holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any shares of Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

 

We do not anticipate paying dividends on our Common Stock

 

We have never paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not anticipate paying dividends in the near future.

 

Delisting from an active trading market may adversely affect the liquidity and trading price of our Common Stock

 

Although our Common Stock is quoted on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market, there can be no assurance that we now, or in the future will be able to, meet all requirements for continued quotation thereon. One Nasdaq requirement is that we maintain a minimum stockholders’ equity of $2,500,000, or a market capitalization of $35,000,000 of listed shares, or have had net income from continuing operations of at least $500,000 in the last fiscal year (or two of the three most recently completed fiscal years).

 

If we fail to meet Nasdaq’s requirements on an ongoing basis, our Common Stock would likely be delisted from The Nasdaq SmallCap Market. In the absence of an active trading market or if our Common Stock cannot be traded on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market, our Common Stock could instead be traded on secondary markets, such as the OTC Bulletin Board. In such event, the liquidity and trading price of our Common Stock in the secondary market may be adversely affected. In addition, if our Common Stock is delisted, broker-dealers have certain regulatory burdens imposed on them which may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our Common Stock, further limiting the liquidity thereof.

 

Web Site

 

Our internet website address is www.amerigon.com. Our annual or transition reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are made available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file with or furnish them to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

We lease our corporate headquarters of 7,444 square feet in Dearborn, Michigan and we lease research and development facilities of approximately 22,000 square feet in Irwindale, California. Our Michigan lease expires June 30, 2007, and the California lease expires February 28, 2006. The current monthly rent of the Michigan lease, including rent and operating expense allocations, is approximately $16,900. The currently monthly rent of the California lease, including rent, property taxes and insurance, is approximately $14,100. We also lease office space in Japan, which costs approximately $1,900 per month. We believe that these facilities are adequate and suitable for their present requirements.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are subject to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of our business, but there is no current pending litigation to which we are a party.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Our common stock trades on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol ARGN. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for our common stock as reported on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market for each quarterly period from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2004. Such prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

2003

             

1st Quarter.

   $ 2.93    $ 1.05

2nd Quarter

     3.73      1.90

3rd Quarter

     5.42      2.60

4th Quarter

     5.58      3.75

2004

             

1st Quarter.

   $ 5.70    $ 4.21

2nd Quarter

     6.52      4.50

3rd Quarter

     5.81      2.86

4th Quarter

     3.76      2.38

 

As of March 21, 2005, there were approximately 113 holders of record of our common stock (not including beneficial owners holding shares in nominee accounts). We have not paid any cash dividends since formation and we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following selected financial data have been derived from our audited financial statements, some of which appear under Item 15 of this Report. This selected financial data might not be a good indicator of our expected results for fiscal 2005. You should read the selected financial data together with the financial statements and notes to financial statements from which this information is derived and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 7 of this Report.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     (In thousands except per share data)  
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Product revenues

   $ 32,710     $ 29,042     $ 15,271     $ 6,447     $ 6,886  

Net income (loss)

     1,059       (1,415 )     (6,306 )     (7,691 )     (11,274 )

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                                        

Common Stock

     0.06       (0.12 )     (0.64 )     (1.66 )     (3.43 )

Convertible Preferred Stock

     0.06                          

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

     0.05       (0.12 )     (0.64 )     (1.66 )     (3.43 )

Accumulated deficit

     (69,507 )     (70,566 )     (69,151 )     (62,845 )     (55,154 )
     As of December 31,

 
     (In thousands)  
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Working capital (deficit)(1)

   $ 9,571     $ 4,122     $ 1,216     $ (839 )   $ 3,200  

Total assets

     16,293       11,234       9,179       5,836       8,745  

Long term obligations

     1,050       1,250       1,450       1,694       5  

Capitalized lease obligations

                       5       12  

(1)   Represents current assets less current liabilities.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our financial statements (and notes related thereto) and other more detailed financial information appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

We design, develop and market proprietary high technology electronic systems for sale to automobile and truck original equipment manufacturers. In 2004, we completed our fifth full year of producing and selling our Climate Control Seat (“CCS”) product, which provides year-round comfort by providing both active heating and cooling to seat occupants. Since we started commercial production, we have shipped more than 1,373,000 units of our CCS product to seven customers: Bridgewater Interiors, LLC, NHK Spring Company, Ltd, Lear Corporation, Johnson Controls, Inc., Marubeni Vehicle Corporation, Intier Automotive and Hyundai Motor Company.

 

We operate as a Tier II supplier to the auto industry. Inherent in this market are costs and commitments well in advance of the receipt of orders (and resulting revenues) from customers. This is due in part to automotive manufacturers requiring the coordination and testing of proposed new components and sub-systems. Revenues from these expenditures may not be realized for two to three years as the manufacturers tend to group new components and enhancements into annual or every two to three year vehicle model introductions.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. These estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to:

 

    Warranty reserves;

 

    Allowances for doubtful accounts; and

 

    Inventory reserves.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sale exists. This evidence includes proof that delivery of product has occurred or services have been rendered, the price of the product delivered or service performed has been fixed or determined with the acceptance of a customer purchase order and collection of the receivable for the product or service is reasonably assured.

 

Provision for estimated future cost of warranty for product delivered is recorded when revenue is recognized. While we believe our warranty reserve is adequate and that the judgment applied is appropriate, such estimates could differ materially from what will actually transpire in the future. The warranty policy is reviewed by management annually. Based on historical information available to the Company and no claims filed to date, the warranty accrual is periodically adjusted to reflect management’s best estimate of future claims.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our income taxes are determined under guidelines prescribed by SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Under the liability method specified by SFAS No. 109, our deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured each year based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities

 

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at the applicable enacted Federal and State tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of net deferred tax assets when we consider it more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. Although we have taxable income during 2004, we have not recognized any of this net deferred tax asset because of our cumulative net losses generated over the last three years. If we continue to be profitable in the future, we may conclude that it is more likely than not that we will realize all or a portion of our accumulated net losses and would then record the estimated net realizable value as a deferred tax asset.

 

Development, Prototype and Tooling Costs

 

We group development and prototype costs and related reimbursements in research and development. This is consistent with the accounting standards applied in the automotive industry. Costs for tooling, net of related reimbursements, are included in cost of sales.

 

Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

Revenues.    Revenues for 2004 were $32,710,000 as compared with revenues of $29,042,000 for 2003. This increase of $3,668,000, or 13%, is primarily due to the addition of our CCS product as an option since the fourth quarter of 2003 on the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Nissan Fuga (a counterpart to the Nissan Cima) and the effect of a full year of production for vehicles which added the CCS product as an option during 2003, including the Mercury Monterey, Cadillac XLR, Cadillac DeVille, Hyundai Equus and Nissan Cima vehicle lines. During 2004, unit shipments rose to 503,000 units compared with 446,000 units for 2003.

 

Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales increased to $24,209,000 in 2004 (74%, as a percentage of sales) from $23,002,000 in 2003 (79%, as a percentage of sales). This increase of $1,207,000, or 5%, reflects a 13% increase in related revenues offset partially by a favorable change in the mix of products sold.

 

Research and Development Expenses.    Research and development expenses decreased to $2,226,000 in 2004 from $2,487,000 in 2003. This $261,000 decrease was due primarily to an increase in reimbursement for development efforts of our BSST subsidiary for 2004 compared with 2003 (see Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements) and lower prototype costs associated with our next generation of CCS design.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $5,489,000 in 2004 compared to $5,110,000 in 2003. This $379,000 increase is net of a $676,000 charge in 2003 relating to the VPA (see Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements). Excluding this charge, the increase in SG&A was $1,055,000 and reflected projected payment of an earnings-based management bonus of $540,000, the commencement of cash compensation to the Board of Directors of $146,000 and higher wages and benefits associated with headcount added to support domestic, Asian and European marketing efforts of approximately $400,000.

 

Interest Expense.    We had no interest expense for 2004 compared with $69,000 for 2003. The decrease resulted from having no outstanding borrowing under our credit line during the 2004, compared with an average outstanding balance of $821,000 during 2003.

 

Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

Revenues.    Revenues were $29,042,000 in 2003 compared with revenues of $15,271,000 in 2002. This increase of $13,771,000, or 90%, was due to the increased demand for our CCS product as an option for an entire calendar year on the Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln LS, Lexus LS 430, Toyota Celsior and Infiniti Q45 and M45, and the addition of our CCS product as an option since June 2003 for the Mercury Monterey, Cadillac XLR, Cadillac DeVille, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Hyundai Equus and Nissan Cima vehicle lines.

 

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Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales increased from $11,983,000 in 2002 to $23,002,000 in 2003. This increase of $11,019,000, or 92%, was due principally to the increased shipments of our CCS product in the Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln LS, Lexus LS 430, Toyota Celsior and Infiniti Q45 and M45 and the commencement of shipments of our CCS product in the Mercury Monterey, Cadillac XLR, Cadillac DeVille, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Hyundai Equus and Nissan Fuga vehicles. The product margins for 2003 and 2002 were 20.8% and 21.5%, respectively. Product costs include tooling costs and related reimbursements; net reimbursements of $235,000 and $59,000 were recorded for 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Research and Development Expenses.    Research and development expenses decreased to $2,487,000 in 2003 from $3,910,000 in 2002. This $1,423,000, or 36%, decrease was due primarily to $1,147,000 of customer reimbursement for development efforts of our BSST subsidiary (see Note 16 of consolidated financial statements) and lower prototype costs associated with our next generation of CCS design. In 2002, BSST received no reimbursements for its development efforts.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $5,110,000 in 2003 compared with $5,553,000 in 2002, a $443,000 reduction. This reduction was in spite of a charge of $676,000 relating to warrants awarded to Ford Motor Company (see Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements). This increase was offset by decreases in outside consulting fees, employee recruiting, European and Japanese office expense and professional fees, the outsourcing of production for North American customers and the costs associated with relocation of the corporate office from California to Michigan in 2002 versus 2003.

 

Interest and Other Income.    Interest income in 2003 decreased to nil from $20,000 in 2002 due to lower cash levels. We reduced interest expense to $69,000 in 2003 compared with $318,000 in 2002. The primary cause for this decrease was a non-cash interest charge of $252,000 in 2002 relating to the beneficial conversion feature of the 2001 bridge loan. Other income increased primarily as a result of a decrease from $40,000 in 2002 to $2,000 in 2003 in the minority interest loss credited to operations. Amortization of $200,000 per year for 2003 and 2002, relating to a deferred manufacturing agreement liability (see Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements), was also included in other income.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of December 31, 2004, the Company had net working capital of $9,571,000. We also had cash and cash equivalents of $7,603,000 at December 31, 2004. As compared to 2003, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents increased by $6,759,000 from $844,000 at December 31, 2003. Cash provided by operating activities in 2004 was $3,033,000, which was mainly attributable to net income, net of depreciation and other non cash items of $664,000 and the decrease in net operating assets and liabilities of $1,310,000. Cash used in investing activities in 2004 was $793,000, which was mainly attributable to the purchase of tooling and equipment and disbursements for the filing and issuance of patents. Financing activities provided $4,519,000, primarily due to the exercise of warrants. Our principal sources of operating capital have been the proceeds of our various financing transactions and CCS product revenues.

 

BSST LLC was established in August 2000 by Dr. Lon E. Bell, the founder of Amerigon. BSST is engaged in a research and product development effort to improve the efficiency of thermoelectric devices. In September 2000, the Company entered into an option agreement with BSST to purchase a 90% interest in BSST for an aggregate of $2,000,000. On May 31, 2001, the Company exercised such option. The Company has, as the majority owner of BSST, certain funding obligations to BSST of up to $500,000 per year. In 2004, Dr. Bell, who at the time owned the other 10% ownership interest in BSST, exercised an option to purchase an additional 5% interest in BSST. As a result of such exercise, Amerigon and Dr. Bell own 85% and 15%, respectively, of the outstanding interests in BSST. Potential incentive and option agreements for BSST management could reduce Amerigon’s 85% ownership interest to 75% if all incentive targets are achieved and all of the options are awarded.

 

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For the quarter ended December 31, 2004, we posted our fifth consecutive quarterly profit. We expect to continue to operate at a profit at average sales volumes comparable to or better then that of the fourth quarter of 2004. The Company has funded its financial needs from inception primarily through net proceeds received through its initial public offering as well as other equity and debt financing. Based on its current operating plan, management believes cash at December 31, 2004 along with proceeds from future revenues and borrowings from its accounts receivable-based financing are sufficient to meeting operating needs for the foreseeable future.

 

Warrants issued in conjunction with the 2002 Private Placement (the “2002 Warrants”) provide that, in the event the closing bid price of a share of common stock of the Company exceeds $4.00 for twenty consecutive trading sessions, the Company may call such warrants upon 30 days prior written notice at a redemption price equal to $0.01 per share of common stock then purchasable pursuant to such warrants. Notwithstanding the Company’s exercise of its call right described above, the holders of the 2002 Warrants may exercise such warrants prior to the end of such 30 day notice period at the exercise price per share of $2.00. In recognition of the voluntary exercise of a portion of the 2002 Warrants on June 27, 2003, we previously agreed to forbear exercising its call right described above until the end of a twelve-month period beginning on June 27, 2003. For twenty consecutive trading sessions ending September 10, 2003, the closing bid price of a share of common stock of the Company exceeded $4.00 per share. On June 24, 2004, we agreed to further forebear exercise of our call rights until after January 31, 2005, with respect to the 2002 Warrants held by Big Beaver, which represent the right to purchase 710,301 shares of our Common Stock, in exchange for an agreement from Big Beaver to limit its sale of shares of our Common Stock through December 31, 2004. Shortly after June 26, 2004, we exercised our call rights with respect to all of the 2002 Warrants not held by Big Beaver. Consequently, on or before July 26, 2004, 1,708,350 of the warrants were exercised by their holder with total proceeds to us of approximately $3,417,000. On February 2, 2005, we exercised our call rights with respect to unexercised 2002 Warrants held by Big Beaver. On March 7, 2005, Big Beaver exercised such warrants resulting in total proceeds to the Company of approximately $1,421,000.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a revision of SFAS 123 “Share-Based Payment”. This statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. The statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions with an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions such as the options issued under the 1993 and 1997 Stock Option Plans. The Company is required to adopt this new standard effective for the third quarter of 2005. The statement provides for a prospective application of the new standard under which compensation cost will be recognized on or after the required effective date for all future share based award grants and the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under Statement 123 for pro forma disclosures. For periods before the required effective date, we may elect to apply a modified version of retrospective application under which financial statements for prior periods are adjusted on a basis consistent with the pro forma disclosures required for those periods by Statement 123. We estimate that the prospective application will reduce quarterly earnings by approximately $90,000 and $80,000 during the third and fourth quarters of 2005, respectively, based upon currently outstanding options. Adopting the modified version of retrospective application would reduce reported earnings for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 by $627,000, $377,000 and $672,000, respectively. We have not yet determined weather we will elect to adopt the modified version of retrospective application.

 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

As of December 31, 2004, the following amounts, aggregated by type of contract obligation, are known to come due in the periods stated:

 

     Payments due by period (in thousands)

Contractual Obligations


   Total

   Less than
1 Yr


   1-3 Yrs

   3-5 Yrs

   More than
5 Yrs


Operating Lease Obligations

   $ 815    $ 435    $ 380    $    $
    

  

  

  

  

 

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ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. We place our investments in debt instruments of the U. S. government and in high-quality corporate issuers. As stated in our policy, we seek to ensure the safety and preservation of our invested funds by limiting default risk and market risk. We have no investments denominated in foreign country currencies and therefore are not presently subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

The table below presents the carrying value and related weighted average interest rates for our investment portfolio. The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents; consequently, all of the marketable securities shown in below are expected to mature during 2005. The carrying value approximates fair value at December 31, 2004.

 

Marketable Securities


  

Carrying Value

(in thousands)


  

Average Rate of
Return at

December 31, 2004

( Annualized)


Cash equivalents

   $7,170    2.54%

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data

For the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     For the three months ended,

     March 31,
2004


    June 30,
2004


   

September 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2004


Net Sales

   $ 8,961     $ 8,630     $ 7,331     $ 7,788

Gross profit

     2,088       2,236       1,944       2,233

Net income

     301       295       206       257

Basic earnings per share:

                              

Common Stock

     0.02       0.02       0.01       0.01

Convertible Preferred Stock

     0.02       0.02       0.01       0.01

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.01
     For the three months ended,

     March 31,
2003


    June 30,
2003


    September 30,
2003


    December 31,
2003


Net Sales

   $ 5,246     $ 5,644     $ 9,210     $ 8,942

Gross profit

     1,074       1,398       1,797       1,771

Net income (loss)

     (925 )     (609 )     (146 )     265

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                              

Common Stock

     (0.09 )     (0.06 )     (0.01 )     0.01

Convertible Preferred Stock

                       0.01

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.01 )   $ 0.01

 

The sum of the quarterly amounts shown above may not be the same as the annual totals shown in our consolidated financial statements or elsewhere in this report due to rounding. The audited consolidated financial statements and related financial information required to be filed hereunder are indexed on page F-1 of this report and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

18


Table of Contents
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Management , including the our President & Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the year ended December 31, 2004. Based upon, and as of the date of that evaluation, the President & Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with such evaluation that occurred during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

None

 

19


Table of Contents

PART III

 

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the captions entitled “Board of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Audit Committee” and “Code of Ethics” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the captions entitled “Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation Table,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Option Grants in the Last Fiscal Year,” “Aggregated Options Exercised and Year-End Values,” “Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation” and “Performance Graph” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the captions entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption entitled “Certain Transactions” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption entitled “Report of the Audit Committee” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

20


Table of Contents

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

  (a)   The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

  1.   Financial Statements.

 

The following financial statements of the Company and report of independent accountants are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report:

 

     Page

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Operation

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   F-5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-6

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

   F-21

 

  2.   Financial Statement Schedule.

 

The following Schedule to Financial Statements is included herein:

 

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

 

  3.   Exhibits.

 

The exhibits to this Report are as follows:

 

Exhibit

Number


  

Description


3.1.1   

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation filed with the California Secretary of State on April 23, 1993, as amended through May, 2000(1)

3.1.2   

Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation filed with the California Secretary of State on June 10, 2002(2)

3.2   

Certificate of Determination of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the California Secretary of State on May 26, 1996, as amended(1)

3.3   

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company(3)

4.1.1   

First Warrant issued to Ford Motor Company as of March 27, 2000 pursuant to the Value Participation Agreement dated March 27, 2000(4)

4.1.2   

Second Warrant issued to Ford Motor Company as of March 27, 2000 pursuant to the Value Participation Agreement dated March 27, 2000

4.1.3   

Third Warrant issued to Ford Motor Company as of February 4, 2004 pursuant to the Value Participation Agreement dated March 27, 2000

4.2.1   

Second Amended and Restated Bridge Loan Warrant issued to Big Beaver Investments LLC dated February 12, 2002(5)

4.2.2   

Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Bridge Loan Warrant issued to Big Beaver Investments LLC dated March 3, 2005

4.3   

Placement Agent Warrant issued to Roth Capital Partners LLC on February 25, 2002(5)

 

21


Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number


    

Description


10.1 *   

1993 Stock Option Plan(6)

10.2 *   

Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Incentive Plan(7)

10.3.1     

Option and License Agreement dated as of November 2, 1992 between the Company and Feher Design, Inc.(6)

10.3.2     

Amendment to Option and License Agreement between the Company and Feher Design dated September 1, 1997(8)

10.4     

Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between the Company and Ferrotec Corporation dated March 28, 2001(9)

10.5     

Purchase Agreement dated February 12, 2002 between the Company and Special Situation Funds (includes preemption rights in favor of Special Situation Funds)(5)

10.6     

Purchase Agreement dated February 12, 2002 between the Company and MicroCapital Funds (includes preemption rights in favor of MicroCapital Funds)(5)

10.7     

Exchange Agreement between the Company and Big Beaver Investments LLC dated February 12, 2002 (includes preemption rights in favor of Big Beaver Investments LLC)(5)

10.8.1     

Investors Rights among the Company, Big Beaver Investments LLC and Westar Capital II LLC dated June 8, 1999(10)

10.8.2     

First Amendment to Investors Rights Agreement among the Company, Big Beaver Investments LLC and Westar Capital II LLC dated March 16, 2000(5)

10.9     

Value Participation Agreement between the Company and Ford Motor Company dated March 27, 2000(4)

10.10 *   

Assignment and Subscription Agreement between BSST LLC and Dr. Lon E. Bell dated September 4, 2000(11)

10.11 *   

Employment Agreement between Dr. Lon E. Bell and BSST LLC dated May 30, 2001(11)

10.12 *   

Revenue Sharing Agreement between BSST LLC and Dr. Lon E. Bell dated September 4, 2000(11)

10.13     

Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of BSST LLC dated May 30, 2001(10)

10.14     

Cross License Agreement between the Company and BSST LLC dated November 19, 2002

21     

List of Subsidiaries

23.1     

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

31.1     

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

31.2     

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

32.1     

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2     

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


(1)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company Registration Statement on Form S-2, as amended, File No. 333-17401, and incorporated by reference.
(4)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

22


Table of Contents
(5)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
(6)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2, as amended, File No. 33-61702-LA, and incorporated by reference.
(7)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Schedule on Schedule 14A with respect to the Company’s 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, File No. 000-21810, and incorporated herein by reference.
(8)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
(9)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
(10)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 18, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.
(11)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

23


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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Consolidated Balance Sheets for as of December 31, 2004 and 2003

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-6

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-21

 

F-1


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 
ASSETS                 

Current Assets:

                

Cash & cash equivalents

   $ 7,603     $ 844  

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $59 and $55, respectively

     4,763       5,882  

Inventory

     1,901       2,498  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     308       224  
    


 


Total current assets

     14,575       9,448  

Property and equipment, net

     1,385       1,300  

Deferred exclusivity fee

           293  

Patent costs, net of accumulated amortization of $4 and $4, respectively

     333       193  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 16,293     $ 11,234  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

Current Liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 3,199     $ 4,258  

Accrued liabilities

     1,605       868  

Deferred manufacturing agreement—current portion

     200       200  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     5,004       5,326  

Deferred manufacturing agreement—long term portion

     1,050       1,250  

Minority interest in subsidiary

           19  
    


 


Total liabilities

     6,054       6,595  
    


 


Shareholders’ equity:

                

Convertible Preferred Stock:

                

Series A—no par value; convertible; 9,000 shares authorized, 9,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003; liquidation preference of $11,520 at December 31, 2004 and 2003

     8,267       8,267  

Common Stock:

                

No par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized, 14,693,251 and 12,411,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     51,277       46,758  

Paid-in capital

     20,202       20,180  

Accumulated deficit

     (69,507 )     (70,566 )
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     10,239       4,639  
    


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 16,293     $ 11,234  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

F-2


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

   2003

    2002

 

Product revenues

   $ 32,710    $ 29,042     $ 15,271  

Cost of sales

     24,209      23,002       11,983  
    

  


 


Gross margin

     8,501      6,040       3,288  

Operating costs and expenses:

                       

Research and development

     2,226      2,487       3,910  

Selling, general and administrative

     5,489      5,110       5,553  

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

          (3 )     (7 )
    

  


 


Total operating costs and expenses

     7,715      7,594       9,456  
    

  


 


Operating income (loss)

     786      (1,554 )     (6,168 )

Interest income

     56            20  

Interest expense

          (69 )     (318 )

Other income

     217      208       160  
    

  


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 1,059    $ (1,415 )   $ (6,306 )
    

  


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                       

Common Stock

   $ 0.06    $ (0.12 )   $ (0.64 )
    

  


 


Convertible Preferred Stock

   $ 0.06                 
    

                

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.05    $ (0.12 )   $ (0.64 )
    

  


 


Weighted average number of shares—basic

                       

Common Stock

     13,512      11,472       9,859  
    

  


 


Convertible Preferred Stock (as converted)

     5,373                 
    

                

Weighted average number of shares—diluted

     14,737      11,472       9,859  
    

  


 


 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

F-3


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

(In thousands)

 

    

Preferred

Stock


   Common Stock

   

Paid-in

Capital


  

Deferred

Compensation


   

Accumulated

Deficit


   

Total


 
      Shares

   Amount

          

Balance at December 31, 2001

   $ 8,267    4,717    $ 39,192     $ 14,945    $ (22 )   $ (62,845 )   $ (463 )

Issuance of Common Stock for cash net of cash expenses of $804

        6,054      8,277                        8,277  

Fair valuation of warrants to purchase Common Stock in conjunction with the private financing

             (4,418 )     4,418                   

Beneficial conversion feature recorded in conjunction with Bridge Loan Financing

                   136                  136  

Compensation relating to stock option granted

                   5      22             27  

Net Loss

                              (6,306 )     (6,306 )
    

  
  


 

  


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

     8,267    10,771      43,051       19,504            (69,151 )     1,671  

Issuance of Common Stock for cash, Ferrotec Agreement, net of cash expenses of $50

        1,000      2,450                        2,450  

Exercise of warrants to purchase Common Stock for cash, net of cash expenses of $15

        616      1,202                        1,202  

Exercise of Common Stock options for cash

        24      55                        55  

Grant of warrant to purchase Common Stock in conjunction with Value Participation Agreement

                   676                  676  

Net Loss

                              (1,415 )     (1,415 )
    

  
  


 

  


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

     8,267    12,411      46,758       20,180            (70,566 )     4,639  

Exercise of warrants to purchase Common Stock for cash, net of cash expenses of $55

        2,262      4,470                        4,470  

Cashless exercise of warrants to purchase Common Stock

        4                                        

Compensation relating to stock option granted

                   22                  22  

Exercise of Common Stock options for cash

        16      49                        49  

Net Income

                              1,059       1,059  
    

  
  


 

  


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

   $ 8,267    14,693    $ 51,277     $ 20,202    $     $ (69,507 )   $ 10,239  
    

  
  


 

  


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

F-4


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Operating Activities:

                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,059     $ (1,415 )   $ (6,306 )

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

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     661       523       572  

Warrants granted pursuant to Value Participation Agreement

           676        

Amortization of debt discount

                 136  

Other non cash income

     (19 )            

Provision for doubtful accounts

     4       1       4  

Gain from sale of assets

           (3 )     (7 )

Options granted to BSST minority shareholder

           19        

Compensation from grant of non-employee stock options and warrants

     22             27  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                        

Accounts receivable

     1,114       (1,353 )     (3,266 )

Inventory

     597       (595 )     (740 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (83 )     340       (180 )

Accounts payable

     (1,059 )     (38 )     2,850  

Accrued liabilities

     737       (22 )     (32 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     3,033       (1,867 )     (6,942 )

Investing Activities:

                        

Purchase of property and equipment

     (653 )     (465 )     (544 )

Patent costs

     (140 )     (136 )     (60 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

           3        

Other investing activities

           (2 )     (68 )
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (793 )     (600 )     (672 )

Financing Activities:

                        

(Repayment of) proceeds from bank financing

           (670 )     670  

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of cash expenses

     4,519       3,707       8,277  

Net repayment of Bridge Financing

                 (2,011 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     4,519       3,037       6,936  
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     6,759       570       (678 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     844       274       952  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 7,603     $ 844     $ 274  
    


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

F-5


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 1 — The Company

 

The Company designs, develops and markets proprietary high technology electronic components and systems for sale to car and truck original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). In 2004, the Company completed its fourth consecutive year of producing and selling its Climate Control Seat (“CCS”), which provides year-round comfort by providing both heating and cooling to seat occupants. The Company has shipped more than 1,373,000 units of its CCS product through 2004 to seven customers, Johnson Controls, Inc. (“JCI”), Lear Corporation (“Lear”), Bridgewater Interiors, LLC (“Bridgewater”), NHK Spring Company, Ltd (“NHK”), Marubeni Vehicle Corporation (“Marubeni”), Intier Automotive (“Intier”) and Hyundai Motor Company (“Hyundai”).

 

In 2003, the Company launched a newly designed and more efficient version of its CCS that incorporates its new Micro Thermal Module (“MTM”) technology. This new generation CCS system, which is based on the Company’s proprietary thermoelectric technology device (“TED”) is smaller, lighter, quieter and more versatile than its predecessor.

 

The Company was incorporated in California in 1991 and originally focused its efforts on developing electric vehicles and high technology automotive systems. Because the electric vehicle market did not develop as rapidly as anticipated, the Company is now focusing its efforts on its CCS product, its only commercial product, at present.

 

The Company has an 85% interest in BSST LLC (“BSST”). BSST is engaged in a program to improve the efficiency of TEDs and to develop, market and distribute new products based on this technology.

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation

 

Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2004, reflect the consolidated financial position and consolidated operating results of the Company, BSST and Amerigon Asia Pacific Inc. Intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The 15% of BSST not owned by the Company is reflected as minority interest.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents.

 

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amount of all financial instruments, comprising cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and bank loans, approximates fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

 

Accrued Warranty Costs

 

The Company recognizes an estimated cost associated with its standard warranty on CCS products at the time of sale. The amount recognized is based on estimates of future failure rates and current claim cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in accrued warranty costs for the reporting period:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 145    $ 72

Change in estimate

         

Expense

     82      73
    

  

     $ 227    $ 145
    

  

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments, which subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents are invested in repurchase agreements backed by commercial paper instruments and a money market fund managed by a major U.S. financial services company. All repurchase agreements carry AAA credit ratings from either Moodys Investors Service or Standard & Poor’s and have seven day terms. The credit risk for these cash equivalents is considered limited. Credit risk associated with accounts receivable is limited by the large size and creditworthiness of the Company’s commercial customers. The Company maintains an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable based upon expected collectibility and generally does not require collateral. As of December 31, 2004, NHK, Lear and Bridgewater comprised 33%, 27%, and 20% respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivable balance. These accounts are currently in good standing.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory is valued at the lower of cost (the first-in, first-out basis), or market. The Company provides a reserve for obsolete and slow moving inventories based upon estimates of future sales and product redesign. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the inventory reserve (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 225     $ 54  

Expense

     10       237  

Inventory write off

     (115 )     (66 )
    


 


Balance at end of year

   $ 120     $ 225  
    


 


 

Deferred Exclusivity Fee

 

The deferred exclusivity fee created by the 108,345 warrants initially granted to Ford relating to the Value Participation Agreement (the “VPA”) was amortized on a straight line basis through December 31, 2004. This expense is recorded as a selling expense.

 

Deferred Manufacturing Agreement

 

The Manufacturing and Supply Agreement created by the $2 million investment by Ferrotec Manufacturing (Note 14) is amortized on a straight line basis through April 2011. This amortization is reported as other income.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment, including additions and improvements, are recorded at cost. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Gains or losses from retirements and disposals are recorded as operating income or expense.

 

Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:

 

Asset Category


      

Useful Life


Equipment

       5 years

Computer equipment and software

       1 to 3 years

Leasehold improvements

      

Shorter of estimated life

or term of lease

Production tooling

       Estimated life of tool (2 to 5 years)

 

Patent Costs

 

Patent costs include the direct legal expenses and patent office filing fees related to internally developed patents. Patent costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated economic useful life. Estimated useful lives are evaluated annually and where appropriate the lives and related amortization expense are adjusted on a prospective basis.

 

Impairments of Long-Lived Assets

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, the Company will compare the carrying amount of the asset to the amount of the expected future undiscounted cash flows related to the asset to determine if a write down to fair value is required.

 

Product Revenues

 

The Company recognizes revenue and cost of goods sold when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists including:

 

    Shipment and delivery of the product to the customer;

 

    The seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and

 

    Collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

Tooling

 

The Company incurs costs related to tooling used in the manufacture of products sold to its customers. In some cases, the Company enters into contracts with its customers whereby the Company incurs the costs to design, develop and purchase tooling and is then reimbursed by the customer under a reimbursement contract. Tooling costs that will be reimbursed by customers are included in prepaid and other current assets at the lower of accumulated cost or the customer reimbursable amount. At December 31, 2004 and 2003 there were no unreimbursed tooling costs outstanding. Company-owned tooling is included in property and equipment and

 

F-8


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

 

depreciated over its expected useful life, generally two to five years. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of tooling costs, based on estimated future cash flows, and makes provisions, where appropriate, for tooling costs that will not be recovered.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development activities are expensed as incurred. The Company groups development and prototype costs and related reimbursements in research and development. Development and prototype costs for 2004, 2003 and 2002 were:

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2004

    2003

    2002

Research, development and prototype costs

   $ 3,882     $ 3,634     $ 3,910

Reimbursed research, development and prototype costs

     (1,656 )     (1,147 )    
    


 


 

Net research, development and prototype costs

   $ 2,226     $ 2,487     $ 3,910
    


 


 

 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has two stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 9. Stock-based compensation is accounted for using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, to stock-based employee compensation.

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net income (loss), as reported

   $ 1,059     $ (1,415 )   $ (6,306 )

Value of stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (627 )     (377 )     (672 )
    


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 432     $ (1,792 )   $ (6,978 )
    


 


 


Earnings (loss) per share:

                        

Basic—Common Stock—as reported

   $ 0.06     $ (0.12 )   $ (0.64 )

Basic—Common Stock—pro forma

   $ 0.02     $ (0.16 )   $ (0.71 )

Basic—Convertible Preferred Stock—as reported

   $ 0.06                  

Basic—Convertible Preferred Stock—pro forma

   $ 0.02                  

Diluted—as reported

   $ 0.05     $ (0.12 )   $ (0.64 )

Diluted—pro forma

   $ 0.02     $ (0.16 )   $ (0.71 )

 

During 2004 the Company issued 5,000 options to non-employees and recorded $22 as selling, general and administrative expense based upon the their estimated fair value.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

 

The fair value of each stock option grant has been estimated pursuant to SFAS No. 123 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

    

1993 and 1997

Stock Option plans


 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Risk-free interest rates

   4.48 %   3.90 %   1.12 %

Expected dividend yield

   none     none     none  

Expected lives

   5 yrs.     10 yrs.     10 yrs.  

Expected volatility

   68 %   96 %   96 %

 

The weighted average grant date fair values of options granted under the 1993 and 1997 Stock Option Plan during 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $2.78, $2.06 and $1.85, respectively.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are determined under guidelines prescribed by SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Under the liability method specified by SFAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured each year based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted Federal and State tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided for the net deferred tax assets when management considers it more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.

 

Net Earnings (Loss) per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 03-06. Basic earnings (loss) per share – Common Stock is computed by dividing income (loss) available to Common Stock by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Basic earnings (loss) per share – Convertible Preferred Stock is computed by dividing the amount of income (loss) allocated to participating Convertible Preferred Stock by the weighted average number of shares of Preferred Stock, as assumed converted to Common Stock. Under EITF 03-06, all securities that meet the definition of a participating security should be considered for inclusion in the computation of basic earnings (loss) per share by using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, earnings (loss) per share is calculated as if all of the earnings (loss) for the period were distributed according to the terms of the securities. EITF 03-06 is effective for all periods beginning after March 31, 2004 and is required to be applied retroactively to all periods presented. The Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is a participating security, but it does not participate in a net loss. The Company adopted EITF 03-06 in the second quarter ended June 30, 2004.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a revision of SFAS 123 “Share-Based Payment”. This statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. The statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions with an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions such as the options issued under the 1993 and 1997 Stock Option Plans. The Company is required to adopt this new standard effective for the third quarter of 2005. The statement provides for a prospective application of the new standard under which compensation cost will be recognized on or after the required effective date for all future share based award grants and the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under Statement 123 for pro forma disclosures. For periods before the required effective date, the Company may elect to apply a modified version of retrospective application under which financial statements for prior periods are adjusted on a basis consistent with the pro

 

F-10


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

 

forma disclosures required for those periods by Statement 123. The Company has estimated that the prospective application will reduce quarterly earnings by approximately $90 and $80 during the third and fourth quarters of 2005, respectively, based upon currently outstanding options. Adopting the modified version of retrospective application would reduce reported earnings for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 by $627, $377 and $672, respectively. The Company has not yet determined weather it will elect to adopt the modified version of retrospective application.

 

Note 3 — Details of Certain Financial Statement Components

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 
Inventory:                 

Raw materials

   $ 1,622     $ 1,960  

Finished Goods

     279       538  
    


 


     $ 1,901     $ 2,498  
    


 


Property and equipment:                 

Equipment

   $ 2,156     $ 1,799  

Production tooling

     1,616       1,545  

Leasehold improvements

     279       278  

Computer equipment and software

     474       250  
    


 


       4,525       3,872  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (3,140 )     (2,572 )
    


 


     $ 1,385     $ 1,300  
    


 


Accrued liabilities:                 

Accrued management bonuses

   $ 543     $  

Accrued salaries and benefits

     449       346  

Accrued warranty

     227       145  

Other accrued liabilities

     386       377  
    


 


     $ 1,605     $ 868  
    


 


 

Note 4 — Income Taxes

 

There are no assets or liabilities for income taxes, or income tax expense included in the financial statements because the Company has had cumulative losses since inception for both book and tax purposes. The deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance were comprised of the following:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
Deferred tax assets:                         

Net operating loss

   $ 20,921     $ 21,293     $ 21,645  

Credits

     2,156       1,876       1,703  

Depreciation

     234       368       345  

Deferred revenue

     626       773       932  

Other

     1,014       1,069       301  
    


 


 


       24,951       25,379       24,926  

Less: valuation allowance

     (24,951 )     (25,379 )     (24,926 )
    


 


 


Net deferred tax asset

   $     $     $  
    


 


 


 

F-11


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 4 — Income Taxes (Continued)

 

Realization of the future tax benefits related to the deferred tax assets is dependent on the Company’s ability to generate taxable income within the net operating loss carryforward period. Management has considered these factors in reaching its conclusion that the Company’s deferred tax assets at December 31, 2004 require a full valuation allowance.

 

A reconciliation between the statutory Federal income tax rate of 34% and the effective rate of income tax expense for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 is as follows:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Statutory Federal income tax rate

   34.0 %   (34.0 %)   (34.0 %)

Increase (Decrease) resulting from:

                  

State Tax, net of federal benefit

   2.0 %   (5.8 %)   (5.8 %)

Nondeductible expenses

   0.6 %       0.1 %

Research and development tax credits

   (9.4 %)   12.7 %   2.7 %

Expiring State NOL carryforwards

   9.9 %        

Other

   3.3 %        

Change in valuation allowance

   (40.4 %)   27.1 %   37.0 %
    

 

 

Effective rate

            
    

 

 

 

Because of the “change of ownership” provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, utilization of the Company’s net operating loss and research credit carryforwards is subject to annual limitation against income in future periods. As a result of the annual limitation, a portion of these carryforwards may expire before ultimately becoming available to reduce future tax liabilities. The Company has Federal Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryforwards of $59,847 at December 31, 2004, which expire between 2008 and 2023. Additionally, at December 31, 2004, the Company has State NOL carryforwards of $6,489 which expire between 2010 and 2013. Approximately $34,964 of the Federal NOLs were incurred prior to the June 8, 1999 Preferred Financing, which qualified as a change in ownership under the Internal Revenue Code. The change in ownership limits the amount of the NOL which may be used to approximately $591 per year. The NOL incurred after the change in ownership, totaling approximately $24,883, may also be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent of certain future ownership changes.

 

Note 5 — Financing

 

On December 29, 2003, the Company extended its existing accounts receivable-based credit line (“Revolving Credit Line”) with Comerica Bank to fund future working capital requirements. This loan is a $3,000 Revolving Credit Line with the debt not to exceed the lesser of the Revolving Credit Line or the Borrowing Formula (80% of eligible accounts receivable up to 90 days from invoice date). At December 31, 2004, $3,000 was available and unused under the Revolving Credit Line. The Revolving Credit Line bears interest of Comerica Bank’s prime rate (5.25% at December 31, 2004) plus .50%, which is accrued and charged monthly, with a term of eighteen months from the date of closing. The Revolving Credit Line is secured by all of the Company’s assets and expires on June 30, 2005. During 2002, proceeds from the Revolving Credit Line were used to repay the $1,000 2002 Bridge Loan (Note 6) from Big Beaver Investments LLC (“Big Beaver”), one of the two holders of the Company’s preferred stock.

 

Note 6 – Private Placement

 

On February 25, 2002, the Company completed a private placement (“2002 Private Placement”) of 6,053,970 shares of Common Stock (of which 1,720,602 shares were given to Big Beaver in exchange for the

 

F-12


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 6 – Private Placement (Continued)

 

extinguishment of the 2001 Bridge Loan) and warrants to purchase 3,026,985 shares of Common Stock (of which 860,301 shares relate to the 2001 Bridge Loan) to selected institutional and accredited investors and Big Beaver, resulting in total proceeds of $9,081 (of which $2,581 relates to the exchange of the 2001 Bridge Loan), less issuance costs of $804. As a partial compensation for service rendered in the 2002 Private Placement, Roth Capital Partner, LLC, was granted a warrant to purchase up to 550,005 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at $2.00 per share. The value of such warrants of $985 is recorded as a non-cash offering cost charged to paid-in-capital. The warrants issued in the 2002 Private Placement have an exercise price of $2.00 per share and expire on February 25, 2007. The Company filed a registration statement relating to the resale of the securities offered in the 2002 Private Placement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2002 and the registration statement was declared effective on April 3, 2002. Upon completion of the 2002 Private Placement the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise and the exercise price of the warrant issued in connection with a bridge loan in 2000 between the Company and Big Star Investments LLC were adjusted to 166,667 and $1.50, respectively.

 

On June 27, 2003, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with Ferrotec Corporation (“Ferrotec”), a Tokyo-based manufacturer, whereby Ferrotec purchased 1,000,000 shares of unregistered Common Stock at $2.50 per share (“2003 Private Placement”). The Company received a $2,500 payment in exchange for the shares on June 27, 2003, less issuance costs. In connection with the 2003 Private Placement, a partial exercise of warrants issued in the 2002 Private Placement occurred. Special Situations Funds, MicroCapital Fund and Roth Capital Partners participated in the transaction. The three participants exercised warrants to purchase 250,000 shares at $2.00 per share for an aggregate exercise price of $500. The proceeds of the 2003 Private Placement and warrant exercise, net of issuance costs, were $2,935.

 

Note 7 — Convertible Preferred Stock

 

On June 8, 1999, the Company issued 9,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase, as adjusted, up to 1,644,664 shares of Common Stock in exchange for $9,001. Costs in connection with the financing were $734, resulting in net proceeds of $8,267. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into 5,373,134 shares of Common Stock.

 

The following summarizes the terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock:

 

Conversion

 

Each issued share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is immediately convertible, in full and not in part, into shares of Class A Common Stock based on the formula of $1,000 of the face value divided by the conversion price. The conversion price is $1.675, subject to proportional adjustments for certain dilutive issuance, splits and combinations and other recapitalizations or reorganizations. A total of 5,373,134 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for issuance in the event of the conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

Voting Rights

 

The holder of each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has the right to one vote for each share of Common Stock into which such Series A Convertible Preferred Stock could then be converted. The holders of this Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, as a class, have the right to elect five of the seven seats on the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Note 7 — Convertible Preferred Stock (Continued)

 

Dividends

 

The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will receive dividends on an “as-converted” basis with the Common Stock when and if declared by the Board of Directors. The dividends are noncumulative and are payable in preference to any dividends on common stock.

 

Liquidation Preference

 

Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Amerigon, each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to a liquidation preference of $1,000 plus 7% of the original issue price ($1,000) annually for up to four years after issuance plus any declared but unpaid dividends in priority to any distribution to the Common Stock, which will receive the remaining assets of Amerigon. As of December 31, 2004, the liquidation preference was $11,520.

 

Redemption

 

On or after January 1, 2003, if the closing price of the Common Stock for the past 60 days has been at least four times the then conversion price ($1.675 per share at December 31, 2002), the Company may redeem the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for an amount equal to the Series A Redemption Price, which was $11,520 at December 31, 2004.

 

Note 8 — Stock Warrants

 

The following table lists the stock warrants outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003. All such warrants are vested and exercisable except the contingent warrants.

 

     2004

   2003

   Exercise Price

  

Expiration


Preferred Financing contingent warrants

      30,074    Various    2002 thru 2007

1998 Financial Advisor warrants

      5,000    $5.30    March 2004

1999 Financial Advisor warrants

      2,500    $2.67    June 2004

Ford VPA warrants

   108,345    108,345    $2.75    March 2007

Ford VPA warrants

   216,690       $5.75    February 2009

2000 Bridge Loan warrants

   166,667    166,667    $1.50    March 2005

2000 Placement Agent warrants

   188,000    188,000    $5.00    June 2005

2001 Bridge Loan warrants

   326,087    326,087    $1.15    February 2007

2002 Private Placement warrants (see Note 17)

   710,301    2,972,690    $2.00    February 2007
    
  
         
     1,716,090    3,799,363          
    
  
         

 

Warrants for 2,266,210 shares of common stock were exercised during 2004 of which 3,821 were cashless exercises. Proceeds received from the warrant exercises was $4,470 net of expenses of $55.

 

Note 9 — Stock Options

 

Under the Company’s Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) and its 1993 Stock Option Plans (the “1993 Plan” and, together with the 1997 Plan, the “Plans”), 1,800,000 and 110,000 shares, respectively, of the Company’s Common Stock are reserved for issuance, pursuant to which officers and employees of the Company, as well as other persons who render services to or are otherwise associated with the Company, are eligible to receive qualified (“incentive”) and/or non-qualified stock options.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 9 — Stock Options (Continued)

 

The 1997 Plan expires in April 2007. The 1993 Plan expired in April 2003, but certain options issued under such plan have not expired. The Plans are administered by the Board of Directors. The selection of participants, allotment of shares, determination of price and other conditions are determined by the Board of Directors at its sole discretion, in order to attract and retain personnel instrumental to the success of the Company. Incentive stock options granted under the Plans are exercisable for a period of up to ten years from the date of grant at an exercise price, which is not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant.

 

Options granted are generally available to employees over various vesting periods and expire after ten years. Option vesting may be accelerated at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity:

 

           1997 and 1993 Stock
Option Plans


    

Shares

Available
For Grant


    Number of
Options
Outstanding


    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


Outstanding at December 31, 2001

   579,158     830,621     $ 4.05

Authorized

   500,000          

Granted

   (415,000 )   415,000       1.87

Expired

   (6,667 )        

Cancelled

   248,167     (248,167 )     6.37
    

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

   905,659     997,454     $ 2.66
    

 

 

Granted

   (105,000 )   105,000       2.37

Exercised

       (24,000 )     4.50

Cancelled

   20,449     (23,673 )     3.53
    

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

   821,108     1,054,781       2.60
    

 

 

Granted

   (407,000 )   407,000     $ 4.61

Exercised

       (16,500 )     2.97

Cancelled

   500     (500 )     3.06
    

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

   414,608     1,444,781     $ 3.16
    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable stock options for the 1993 and 1997 Stock Option Plans as of December 31, 2004:

 

   

Options Outstanding at

December 31, 2004


 

Options Exercisable at

December 31, 2004


Range of

    Exercise Prices    


  Number
Outstanding


  Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life


  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price


  Number
Vested and
Exercisable


  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price


$1.05—    1.51

  283,500   7.48   $ 1.36   242,000   $ 1.34

  1.55—    3.04

  278,000   7.63     2.36   271,750     2.35

  3.06—    3.31

  403,400   4.56     3.06   399,400     3.06

  3.45—  14.09

  479,881   8.66     4.77   213,031     4.95
   
           
     
    1,444,781             1,216,181      
   
           
     

 

F-15


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Note 10 — Earnings (loss) per share

 

Income (loss) available to Common Stock is derived as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,059     $ (1,415 )   $ (6,306 )

Amount allocated to participating Convertible Preferred Stock

     (301 )            
    


 


 


Income (loss) available to Common Stock—basic

   $ 758     $ (1,415 )   $ (6,306 )
    


 


 


 

The Company’s diluted earnings (loss) per share gives effect to all potential common shares outstanding during a period. In computing the diluted earnings (loss) per share, the treasury stock method is used in determining the number of share assumed to be purchased from the conversion of Common Stock equivalents. The following summarizes the shares included in the dilutive shares as disclosed in the statements of operations:

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Weighted average number of shares for calculation of basic EPS—Common Stock

   13,511,829    11,472,287    9,859,032

Stock options outstanding for 1993 and 1997 Stock Option Plans

   456,852      

Shares of Common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants

   768,323      
    
  
  

Weighted average of share for calculation of diluted EPS

   14,737,004    11,472,287    9,859,032
    
  
  

 

The accompanying table represents Common Stock issueable upon the exercise of certain stock options and warrants, and the Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that have been excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) calculation because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Stock options outstanding for the 1993 and 1997 Stock Options Plans

   375,500    1,054,781    997,454

Shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants

   404,690    3,799,363    4,444,299

Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

   5,373,134    5,373,134    5,373,134
    
  
  

Total

   6,153,324    10,227,278    10,814,887
    
  
  

 

Note 11 — Ford Agreement

 

On March 27, 2000, the Company entered into a Value Participation Agreement (“VPA”) with Ford Motor Company (“Ford”). Pursuant to the VPA, Ford agreed that, through December 31, 2004, the Company has the exclusive right to manufacture and supply CCS units to Ford’s Tier 1 suppliers for installation in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury branded vehicles produced and sold in North America (other than Ford branded vehicles produced by AutoAlliance International, Inc.). Ford is not obligated to purchase any CCS units under the VPA.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 11 — Ford Agreement (Continued)

 

As part of the VPA, the Company granted to Ford warrants exercisable for Common Stock. A warrant for the right to purchase 82,197 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.75 per share was issued and fully vested on March 27, 2000. The fair value of the warrant of $1,148 was determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model and was recorded as a deferred exclusivity fee on the balance sheet. In addition, Ford received an additional fully vested warrant to purchase 26,148 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.75 per share due to a one time anti-dilution provision of the VPA that was triggered by the Company’s Private Placement in June 2000. The fair value of the additional warrant of $220 was determined using the Black-Scholes model and has been accounted for in the same manner as the deferred exclusivity fee. This fee was amortized on a straight-line basis from April 2000 to December 2004, the initial term of the Agreement. Amortization of $293, $293 and $293 were recorded as selling, general and administrative expense in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Ford warrants contain a cashless exercise provision, which allows Ford to exercise their warrants and receive a number of shares equal in value to the difference between the then market price of the Common Stock and the exercise price of the warrant, multiplied by the number of warrant shares being exercised.

 

On December 10, 2003, Ford earned an additional warrant for 216,690 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.75. The fair value of the warrant of $676 was determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This non-cash charge was recorded as a selling expense in 2003. The warrant has an expiration date five years from the date of issuance.

 

Note 12 — Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activity

 

Significant non-cash Items:

 

     Year ended
December 31,


     2004

   2003

   2002

Cash paid for interest

      69    11

Cash paid for income taxes

   15      

Issuance of warrants to underwriter of 2002 Private Placement

         985

Exchange of bridge note payable for common stock

         2,581

Issuance of stock options to non-employees

         27

 

Note 13 — Licenses

 

In 1992, the Company obtained the worldwide license to manufacture and sell technology for a CCS product to individual automotive OEMs. Under the terms of the license agreement, royalties are payable based on cumulative net sales and do not require minimum payments. The Company has recorded royalty expense under this license agreement of $553, $530 and $304 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These royalties are recorded as cost of goods sold.

 

Note 14 — Commitments

 

The Company leases its corporate offices in Dearborn, Michigan from the Ford Motor Land Development Corporation. The lease agreement expires on June 30, 2007 and requires the Company to pay $17 per month. The Company leases its technical facility in Irwindale, California from Irwindale Properties LLC. The lease agreement expires on February 28, 2006, and requires the Company to pay $14 per month. The Company also leases certain equipment under operating leases, which expire at various times through 2008. Rent expense under all of the Company’s operating leases was $558, $463 and $465 for 2004, 200 and 2002, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under all operating leases are $435, $259, $116 and $5 in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively, and nil thereafter.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Note 14 — Commitments (Continued)

 

On March 28, 2001, the Company entered into a Manufacturing and Supply Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Ferrotec. The Agreement grants to Ferrotec the exclusive right to manufacture CCS units in certain countries primarily located in the Far East (the “Territory”) for ultimate distribution by the Company to its customers within the Territory. The Territory includes Korea, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The initial term of the Agreement began April 1, 2001 and expires on April 1, 2011. The $2,000 fee paid by Ferrotec to the Company in connection with the Agreement has been recorded as a deferred manufacturing agreement liability on the condensed consolidated financial statements and is being amortized as other income on a straight-line basis over the term of the Agreement at a rate of $200 a year. Ferrotec also entered into a Subscription Agreement with the Company, whereby Ferrotec purchased 200,000 shares of unregistered Common Stock at $5.00 per share. The Company received the $2,000 and $1,000 payments under the two agreements in April 2001.

 

Note 15 — Related Party Transactions

 

Outsourcing of Production

 

The Company has outsourced production of its CCS product for its North American and Asian customers to Millennium Plastics Technologies, LLC (“Millennium”) in Chihuahua, Mexico. Millennium is controlled by TMW Enterprises, Inc. an affiliate of the managing member of Big Beaver Investments, LLC (one of the Company’s largest shareholders). In addition to the assembly labor operation, the Company purchases various components from Millennium. Purchases of labor services and components were $3,440, $2,295 and $595 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The accounts payable balances due to Millennium were $456 and $329 for 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The Company purchases thermoelectric devices from and has outsourced a portion of its production to Ferrotec. With the completion of the 2003 Private Placement (Note 6), Ferrotec’s cumulative holdings are 1,200,000 shares of common stock. Purchases of labor services and components were $8,907, $7,071 and $2,928 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The accounts payable balances due to Ferrotec were $948 and $1,160 for 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Lease of Building in Irwindale, California

 

The Company leases its current facility in Irwindale, California. Until December 11, 2003 this property was owned by a partnership controlled by Dr. Bell, the founder of the Company and BSST and minority interest holder of BSST. During 2003 and 2002, the Company paid Dr. Bell’s partnership $192 and $145, respectively, in rent at fair market. Effective December 11, 2003, the ownership of the property was transferred to Irwindale Properties, LLC, an unrelated party.

 

Note 16 — Segment Reporting

 

The Company has adopted SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” which requires the Company to disclose certain segment information used by management for making operating decisions and assessing the performance of the Company. Essentially, management evaluates the performance of its segments based primarily on operating results before depreciation and selling, general and administrative costs. Such accounting policies used are the same as those described in Note 2.

 

F-18


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AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Note 16 — Segment Reporting (Continued)

 

The Company’s reportable segments are as follows:

 

    Climate Control Seats (CCS) — variable temperature seat climate control system designed to improve the temperature comfort of automobile passengers.

 

    BSST LLC (BSST) — a subsidiary engaged in a research and development effort to improve the efficiency of thermoelectric devices and to develop, market and distribute products based on this new technology.

 

The table below presents information about the reported product revenues and operating income (loss) of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Asset information by reportable segment is not reported, since management does not produce such information.

 

     CCS

   BSST

    Reconciling
items


    As
Reported


 

2004:

                               

Product revenues

   $ 32,710    $     $     $ 32,710  

Operating income (loss)

     6,473      (198 )     (5,489 )     786  

2003:

                               

Product revenues

   $ 29,042    $     $       $ 29,042  

Operating income (loss)

     3,674      (121 )     (5,107 )     (1,554 )

2002:

                               

Product revenues

   $ 15,271    $     $     $ 15,271  

Operating income (loss)

     430      (1,052 )     (5,546 )     (6,168 )

 

BSST’s operating loss is net of reimbursement for developmental expense of $1,656, $1,147 and nil for the years ended 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Reconciling items include selling, general and administrative costs of $5,414, $5,058 and $5,344, respectively, and depreciation expense of $75, $52 and $209, respectively, for years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

Product revenue by geographic area is as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

North America

   $ 23,613    $ 23,179    $ 10,345

Asia

     9,097      5,863      4,926
    

  

  

     $ 32,710    $ 29,042    $ 15,271
    

  

  

 

In 2004, three customers, two domestic (Bridgewater and Lear) and one foreign (NHK), represented 51%, 15%, and 21%, respectively, of the Company’s product revenues. In 2003, four customers, three domestic (JCI, Bridgewater and Lear) and one foreign (NHK), represented 43%, 25%, 10% and 14%, respectively, of the Company’s product revenues. In 2002, two customers, one domestic (JCI) and one foreign (NHK) represented 56% and 29%, respectively, of the Company’s product revenues.

 

Note 17 — Subsequent Event

 

On March 7, 2005, Big Beaver exercised its 710,301 2002 Private Placement warrants resulting in total proceeds to the Company of approximately $1,421.

 

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Table of Contents

AMERIGON INCORPORATED

 

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

(In thousands)

 

Description


  

Balance at

Beginning of

Period


  

Charged to

Costs and
Expenses


    Charged to
Other
Accounts


   Deductions
from
Reserves


    Balance at
End of
Period


Allowance for Doubtful Accounts                           

Year Ended December 31, 2002

   50    4            54

Year Ended December 31, 2003

   54    14        (13 )   55

Year Ended December 31, 2004

   55    4            59
Allowance for Deferred Income Tax Assets                           

Year Ended December 31, 2002

   23,091    1,835            24,926

Year Ended December 31, 2003

   24,926    453            25,379

Year Ended December 31, 2004

   25,379    (428 )          24,951
Reserve for Inventory                           

Year Ended December 31, 2002

   167    95        (208 )   54

Year Ended December 31, 2003

   54    237        (66 )   225

Year Ended December 31, 2004

   225    10        (115 )   120

 

 

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Amerigon Incorporated

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Amerigon Incorporated and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements 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. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Detroit, Michigan

March 23, 2005

 

F-21


Table of Contents

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.

 

    AMERIGON INCORPORATED     
    By:  

/s/    DANIAL R. COKER      


    
        DANIEL R. COKER     
        Chief Executive Officer     
        Date: March 23, 2005     

 

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 in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel R. Coker and Barry Steele, or any of them, as attorneys-in-fact to sign on his or her behalf, individually, and in each capacity stated below, and to file all amendments and/or supplements to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Signature


  

Capacity


 

Date


/s/    DANIEL R. COKER      


DANIEL R. COKER

  

President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

  March 23, 2005

/s/    BARRY G. STEELE      


BARRY G. STEELE

  

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  March 23, 2005

/s/    OSCAR B. MARX III      


OSCAR B. MARX III

  

Director, Chairman of the Board

  March 23, 2005

/s/    FRANCOIS J. CASTAING      


FRANCOIS J. CASTAING

  

Director

  March 23, 2005

/s/    JOHN W. CLARK      


JOHN W. CLARK

  

Director

  March 23, 2005

/s/    PAUL OSTER      


PAUL OSTER

  

Director

  March 23, 2005

/s/    JAMES J. PAULSEN      


JAMES J. PAULSEN

  

Director

  March 23, 2005