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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INCex32-1.htm
EX-31 - EXHIBIT 31 - BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INCex31-2.htm

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2011


¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the transition period from _______ to _________


Commission File No. 000-19333


Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.

(Name of registrant in its charter)


Colorado

84-1176672

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or formation)

   

(I.R.S. employer identification number)


Box 566 / 1774 Summitview Way

Crestone, Colorado  81131

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

  (212) 758-6622

(Registrants telephone number, including area code) 


Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)


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.

x  Yes   ¨  No


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


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


Large accelerated filer  ¨


Accelerated filer  ¨

Non-accelerated filer    ¨

(Do not check if a smaller

reporting company)


Smaller reporting company  x


SEC 1296 (03-10) Potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

¨  Yes   x  No

 



1


APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY


PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS: Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.   Not applicable.


APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  On February 7, 2012, there were 16,441,551 Common Shares issued and 15,737,242 Common Shares outstanding.





2


BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


FORM 10-Q


TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Page





Item 1.

Financial Statements



5


Consolidated financial statements (unaudited):




  Balance sheets


5


  Statements of operations


6


  Statement of changes in equity (deficit)


7


  Statements of cash flows


8


  Notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements


9-24





Item 2.

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


25





Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


35





Item 4.

Controls and Procedures


35





PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION







Item 1.

Legal Proceedings


35





Item 1A.

Risk Factors


35





Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds


35





Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities


36





Item 4.

(Removed and Reserved)


36





Item 5.

Other Information


36





Item 6.

Exhibits


36






Signatures


37













3


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "predict," "plan," "believe" or "continue" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology.  The expectations reflected in forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4


 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBISIDIARIES


CONSOLDATED BALANCE SHEETS













December 31,

2011



June 30,

2011





   (unaudited)





ASSETS:
















Current assets:








  Cash


$

858,198 


$

1,394,388 


  Prepaid insurance and expenses



9,114 



44,476 


  Subscriptions receivable (Note 7)





200,000 


  Deposits and other receivables



8,862 



11,956 










    Total current assets



876,174 



1,650,820 










  Restricted cash (Note 9)



57,315 



82,315 


  Property and equipment, net (Note 4)



7,670,449 



7,291,899 










    Total assets


$

8,603,938 


$

9,025,034 










LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
















Current liabilities:








  Accounts payable and accrued expenses


$

659,667 


$

1,482,454 


  Deferred compensation (Note 5)



560,954 



81,204 










    Total current liabilities



1,220,621 



1,563,658 










Loan payable (Note 6)



7,754,000 



6,411,568 


Other liabilities (Note 7)



1,009,389 



743,915 


Deferred compensation (Note 5)





181,500 


Deferred rent (Note 9)



34,821 



45,054 










    Total liabilities



10,018,831 



8,945,695 










Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000

  shares authorized; 450 and 28,170 shares issued and outstanding,

  respectively; liquidation  preference of $47,250 and $2,887,425,

  respectively






41,400 






2,521,215 










Deficit :








  Bion's stockholders' equity (deficit):








  Series A Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, no

    shares issued and outstanding








  Series C Convertible Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 60,000 shares

    authorized; 300 and 32,150 shares issued and outstanding, respectively;

    liquidation preference of $31,500 and $3,295,375, respectively





27,550





2,877,425 


  Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 16,437,052

    and 13,730,291 shares issued, respectively; 15,732,743 and 13,025,982

    shares outstanding, respectively










  Additional paid-in capital



88,931,762 



80,197,027 


  Accumulated deficit



(90,502,254)



(85,617,251)










    Total Bions stockholders deficit



(1,542,942)



(2,542,799)










Noncontrolling interest (Note 3)



86,649 



100,923 










    Total deficit



(1,456,293)



(2,441,876)










    Total liabilities and deficit


$

8,603,938 


$

9,025,034 



See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

5

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

(UNAUDITED)







Three Months Ended

December 31,


Six Months Ended

December 31,


2011


2010


2011


2010









Revenue

$                 - 


$                 - 


$                 - 


$                 - 









Operating expenses:








  General and administrative (including stock-based

    compensation (Note 8))


1,025,628 



3,088,192 



4,788,055 



3,879,666 

  Research and development (including stock-based

    compensation (Note 8))


28,360 



51,956 



98,494 



100,957 

      Total operating expenses

1,053,988 


3,140,148 


4,886,549 


3,980,623 









Loss from operations

(1,053,988)


(3,140,148)


(4,886,549)


(3,980,623)









Other expense (income):








  Interest expense

7,215 


4,997 


14,430 


9,122 

  Interest income

(695)


(762)


(1,702)


(2,995)


6,520 


4,235


12,728


6,127

Net loss

(1,060,508)


(3,144,383)


(4,899,277)


(3,986,750)









Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest

1,171 


1,323 


14,274 


3,093 









Net loss attributable to Bion

(1,059,337)


(3,143,060)


(4,885,003)


(3,983,657)

Conversion inducement (Note 8)

(206,678)


-


(755,258)


-

Dividends on preferred stock

(1,875)


(136,637)


(151,425)


(254,774)









Net loss applicable to Bions common stockholders

$(1,267,890)


$   (3,279,697)


$(5,791,686)


$(4,238,431)









Net loss applicable to Bions common stockholders per basic and diluted common share


$         (0.08)



$         (0.27)



$         (0.40)



$         (0.35)









Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:








    Basic and diluted:

15,818,467 


12,178,602 


14,634,645 


12,129,578 



See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

6


 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (DEFICIT)


SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)






Bions Shareholders








Series C Preferred Stock


Common Stock













Shares


Amount



Shares


Amount


Additional

paid-in capital


Accumulated

Deficit


Noncontrolling

Interest


Total

equity/(deficit)


















Balances, July 1, 2011


32,150

$ 2,877,425 


13,730,291

$         - 


$80,197,027 


$(85,617,251)


$100,923 


$(2,441,876)


















  Vesting of options for services


-

-



2,301,106 




2,301,106 


















  Issuance of common stock for services


-

-


87,867 


1,261,318 




1,261,318 


















  Modification  of warrants


-

-


-

-


5,000


-


-


5,000


















  Sale of units


-

-


110,000 


9,526 




9,526 


















  Dividends on Series B preferred stock


-

-



(70,300) 




(70,300) 


















  Dividends on Series C preferred stock


-

-



(81,125)




(81,125) 


















  Conversion inducement


-

-


-

-


(755,258)


-


-


(755,258)


















  Conversion of Series B preferred stock


-

-


1,420,656 


2,469,706 




2,469,706 


















  Conversion of Series C preferred stock


(31,850)

(2,849,875)


1,088,238 


3,594,762




744,887


















  Net loss


-

-




(4,885,003)


(14,274)


(4,899,277)


















Balances, December 31, 2011


300

$27,550


16,437,052

$         -


$88,931,762 


$(90,502,254)


$ 86,649 


$(1,456,293)





See notes to consolidated financial statements


7




BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010 (UNAUDITED)













2011



2010










CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES








  Net loss


$

(4,899,277)


$

(3,986,750)


  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating

   activities:








    Depreciation expense



8,149 



8,424 


    Accrued interest on deferred compensation and other



8,250 



8,250 


    Stock-based compensation



3,567,424 



2,248,641 


    Decrease in  prepaid insurance and expenses



35,362 



2,404 


    Decrease in deposits and other receivables



3,094 



-


   (Decrease) increase  in accounts payable and accrued expenses



(822,787)



1,289,144


    Increase in deferred compensation



290,000 




    Decrease in deferred rent



(10,233)



(16,306)










      Net cash used in operating activities



(1,820,018)



(446,193)










CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES








  Decrease (increase) in restricted cash



25,000 



(25,000) 


  Purchase of property and equipment



(386,699)



(1,561,386)


      Net cash used in investing activities



(361,699)



(1,586,386)










CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES








  Proceeds from the sale of units



475,000 




  Proceeds from sale of common stock



-



223,200


  Proceeds from sale of Series C preferred stock



-



1,231,050 


  Proceeds from loan payable



1,342,432 




  Proceeds from line of credit



-



683,510


  Payment of commissions on Series B and C conversions



(22,355)





  Payment of Series B preferred dividends



(69,175)



(140,850)


  Payment of Series C preferred dividends



(80,375)



(87,305)










      Net cash provided by financing activities



1,645,527 



1,909,605 










Net decrease in cash



(536,190) 



(122,974)










Cash at beginning of period



1,394,388 



1,026,084 










Cash at end of period


$

858,198 


$

903,110 










Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:








  Cash paid for interest, including $89,540 of capitalized interest


$

90,678 


$


  Cash paid for income taxes














Non-cash investing and financing transactions:








  Conversion of Series B preferred  to common stock


$

2,469,706 


$


  Conversion of Series C preferred to common stock



3,594,762 





  Issuance of common stock in exchange for project construction

    services








13,467 


  Issuance of common stock in exchange for services





7,080 


  Series B preferred stock dividends



1,125 



140,850 


  Series C preferred stock dividends



750 



113,924 




See notes to consolidated financial statements






8

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


1.

ORGANIZATION, NATURE OF BUSINESS, GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENTS PLANS:


Organization and nature of business:


Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc. (Bion or We or the "Company") was incorporated in 1987 in the State of Colorado.

Bions patented and proprietary technology provides a comprehensive environmental solution to a significant source of pollution in US agriculture, Confined Animal Feeding Operations ("CAFO's"). Bion's technology produces substantial reductions of both nutrient releases to water and air emissions including ammonia (which is subsequently re-deposited to the ground) from livestock waste streams based upon our research to date. Because Bion's technology reduces the harmful releases and emissions from a CAFO on which it is utilized, the CAFO can potentially increase its herd concentration while lowering or maintaining its level of nutrient releases and atmospheric emissions.

From 2003 through early 2008, the Company primarily focused on completing re-development of its technology platform and business model. As such, during that period we elected not to pursue near- term revenue opportunities such as retrofitting existing CAFO's with our waste management solutions, because we believe such efforts would have diverted scarce management and financial resources and negatively impacted our ability to complete: 1) re-development of our technology for environmentally sound treatment of CAFO waste streams and 2) development of our integrated technology platform in support of large-scale sustainable Integrated Projects (defined below) including renewable energy production.

Bion is now actively pursuing business opportunities in two broad areas 1) retrofit and environmental remediation of existing CAFOs to reduce nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) releases, gaseous emissions (ammonia, greenhouse gases, volatile organic compounds, etc.), and pathogens, hormones and other compounds in order to clean the air and water in the surrounding areas (as described below) and 2) development of "closed loop" Integrated Projects. Bion is pursuing these opportunities within the United States and internationally.

We believe that Bion's technology platform allows the integration of large-scale CAFO's and their end-product users, renewable energy production from the CAFO waste stream, on site utilization of the renewable energy generated and biofuel/ethanol production in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner while reducing the aggregate capital expense and operating costs for the entire integrated complex ("Integrated Projects" or "Projects"). In the context of Integrated Projects, Bion's waste treatment process, in addition to mitigating polluting releases, generates renewable energy from cellulosic portions of the CAFO waste stream, which renewable energy can be utilized by integrated facilities including ethanol plants, CAFO end-product processors (including cheese, ice cream and/or bottling plants in the case of dairy CAFOs and/or slaughter and/or processing facilities in the context of beef CAFOs) and/or other users as a fossil fuel replacement. Bion is presently involved in the very early development stage of Integrated Projects in New York and Pennsylvania and is involved in pre-development evaluations regarding opportunities for Integrated Projects in Nebraska and elsewhere in the Midwest and the North Central United States (dairy and/or beef). Discussions, still in very preliminary stages, have recently commenced regarding development of Integrated Projects to meet specific needs of certain international markets (and regarding licensing our technology for use in overseas locations).




9

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


On September 27, 2008, the Company executed an agreement with Kreider Farms (and its affiliated entities) (collectively "Kreider") to design, construct and operate (through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Bion Services Group, Inc. (Bion Services) and Bion PA-1 LLC (PA-1) a Bion system to treat the waste of 1,200 milking dairy cows (milkers, dry cows and heifers) at the Kreider Dairy, located in Manheim, Pennsylvania. In addition, the agreement provides for a second phase which will treat the wastes from the rest of Kreiders herd and includes renewable energy production from the cellulosic solid wastes from the Phase 1 system together with the waste stream from Kreiders poultry facilities for use at the facilities and/or for market sales. The Kreider projects are owned and operated by Bion through subsidiaries, in which Kreider has the option to purchase a noncontrolling interest. To complete these projects substantial capital (equity and/or debt) has been and will continue to be expended.  Additional funds will be expended for construction, shakedown operations and continuing operations. Upon successful construction and operation of these systems, the Company anticipates that it will earn revenue from the sale of nutrient (and other) environmental credits related to the Kreider system and through sales of renewable energy generated by the Kreider systems.

During January 2009, the Board of Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (Pennvest) approved a loan up to $7.8 million (Pennvest Loan) to PA-1 for development and construction of the Phase 1 System at Kreider.  After substantial unanticipated delays over the previous year, on August 12, 2010 the Company received its permit for construction of the Phase I Kreider System.  Initial construction-related activities, including bidding and ordering of equipment, commenced in October 2010.  The closing/settlement of the Pennvest Loan took place on November 3, 2010, and PA-1 received the initial drawdown/reimbursement from Pennvest pursuant to the Pennvest Loan on January 6, 2011 (Note 6).  Construction of the Phase 1 Kreider System has been completed and a period of system operation shakedown commenced in May 2011.  It is anticipated that the Phase 1 Kreider System will be in full, stabilized operation by the end of the 2012 fiscal year.  During 2011 the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) re-certified the nutrient credits for this project.  It is anticipated that the PADEP will issue final permits for the system and verify its credits over the next six months.  Work continues related to the details of the second phase of the Kreider project.


Going concern and managements plans:


The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has not generated revenues and has incurred net losses (including significant non-cash expenses) of approximately $6,998,000 and $2,976,000 during the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and a net loss of approximately $4,899,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011.  At December 31, 2011, the Company has a working capital deficit and a stockholders deficit of approximately $344,000 and $1,543,000, respectively.  These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability or classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.  The following paragraphs describe managements plans with regard to these conditions.






10

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company sold 14,150 shares of the Companys Series C Preferred shares at $100 per share, which resulted in net proceeds to the Company of $1,231,050, and the Company sold 311,746 shares of its common stock for net proceeds of $813,200.  Also during the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company sold 306,000 units at $2.50 per unit, and received proceeds of $765,000. Each unit consisted of one share of the Companys restricted common stock and one warrant to purchase half of a share of the Companys restricted common stock at $3.00 per share until December 31, 2016.  During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company has sold an additional 110,000 units for proceeds of $275,000.


The Company continues to explore sources of additional financing to satisfy its current operating requirements. While the Company currently does not face a severe working capital shortage, it is not currently generating any revenues. The Company will need to obtain additional capital to fund its operations and technology development, to satisfy existing creditors, to develop Projects and to finish construction and operate the Kreider Farm facilities. The Company anticipates that it will seek to raise from $5,000,000 to $50,000,000 or more (debt and equity) during the next twelve months.  There is no assurance, especially in the extremely unsettled capital markets that presently exist, that the Company will be able to obtain the funds that it needs to stay in business, complete its technology development or to successfully develop its business.


There can be no assurance that funds required during the next twelve months or thereafter will be generated from operations or that those funds will be available from external sources such as debt or equity financings or other potential sources. The lack of additional capital resulting from the inability to generate cash flow from operations or to raise capital from external sources would force the Company to substantially curtail or cease operations and would, therefore, have a material adverse effect on its business. Further, there can be no assurance that any such required funds, if available, will be available on attractive terms or that they will not have a significantly dilutive effect on the Company's existing shareholders.  All of these factors have been exacerbated by the extremely unsettled credit and capital markets presently existing.  

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Principles of consolidation:


The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Bion Integrated Projects Group, Inc. (formerly Bion Dairy Corporation) (Projects Group), Bion Technologies, Inc., BionSoil, Inc., Bion Services ,  PA-1, and Bion PA 2 LLC; and its majority-owned subsidiary, Centerpoint Corporation (Centerpoint) (Note 3).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring entries) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position at December 31, 2011,  the results of operations of the Company for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and cash flows of the Company for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.  Operating results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2012.




11

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


Loss per share:


Basic loss per share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.  Diluted loss per share assumes the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential common stock instruments, such as options or warrants, unless the effect is to reduce the loss per share.    During the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the basic and diluted loss per share is the same, as the impact of potential dilutive common shares is anti-dilutive.


The following table represents the warrants, options and convertible securities excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share:




December 31,

     2011      


December 31,

     2010      



Warrants

6,133,753


5,637,616



Options

5,036,145


3,370,833



Convertible debt

   126,500


   115,500



Convertible preferred stock

     31,500


2,264,016


 


 

The following is a reconciliation of the denominators of the basic loss per share computations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:




Three months ended December 31, 2011

Three months ended December 31, 2010

Six

months ended December 31, 2011

Six

months ended December 31, 2010

Shares issued beginning of period

15,682,975

12,807,281

13,730,291

12,754,830

Shares held by subsidiaries (Note 8)

   (704,309)

   (704,309)

   (704,309)

   (704,309)

Shares outstanding beginning of period

14,978,666

12,102,972

13,025,982

12,050,521

Weighted average shares for fully vested stock bonuses (Note 8)


    390,000


              -


   356,739


              -

Weighted average shares issued during the period


    449,801


      75,630


 1,251,924


      79,057

Basic weighted average shares end of period


15,818,467


12,178,602


14,634,645


12,129,578



Fair value measurements:


Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market.  The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable, with use of the lowest possible level of input to determine fair value.




12

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


Level 1 quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;


Level 2 observable inputs other than Level 1, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-derived prices whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable; and


Level 3 assets and liabilities whose significant value drivers are unobservable.


Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs are based on the Companys market assumptions.  Unobservable inputs require significant management judgment or estimation.  In some cases, the inputs used to measure an asset or liability may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy.  In those instances, the fair value measurement is required to be classified using the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Such determination requires significant management judgment.  


As of December 31, 2011, the Company had the following financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value:



Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Other liabilities (Note 7)

-

$1,009,389

-


The fair value of cash and accounts payable approximates their carrying amounts due to their short-term maturities.  The fair value of the loan payable approximates its carrying amount as it bears interest at rates commensurate with market rates.  The fair value of the redeemable preferred stock approximates its carrying value due to the dividends accrued on the preferred stock which are reflected as part of the redemption value.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements:


The Company has evaluated all newly issued accounting pronouncements and believes such pronouncements do not have a material effect on the Companys financial statements.


3.

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST OF CENTERPOINT CORPORATION:


At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company owns a 58.9% interest in Centerpoint.  


Centerpoint had losses of approximately $2,850 and $3,200, respectively for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively and $34,700 and $7,500 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The noncontrolling interest as of December 31, 2011 was $86,649.


 

 

 

13

 


 

4.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:


Property and equipment consists of the following:




December 31,

2011



June 30,

2011


Project construction in progress

$

7,648,713 


$

7,264,243 


Leasehold improvements


31,336 



31,336 


Furniture


28,932 



28,932 


Computers and office equipment


35,012 



32,783 




7,743,993 



7,357,294 


Less accumulated depreciation


(73,544)



(65,395)



$

7,670,449 


$

7,291,899 



Depreciation expense was $4,065 and $4,163 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $8,149 and $8,424 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  


5.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:


As of December 31, 2011, the Company owed Brightcap Capital Ltd. (Brightcap), for services provided by Dominic Bassani, the Companys Chief Executive Officer (CEO), deferred compensation of $397,750.  Of the $397,750, $150,000 of the deferred compensation was earned by Brightcap from January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009 (2009 Deferred Compensation) and $208,000 was earned by Brightcap from May 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 (2011 Deferred Compensation).  The Company entered into an agreement with Brightcap in June 2009, whereby the 2009 Deferred Compensation earned by Brightcap totaling $150,000, was made due July 1, 2010 and convertible until July 1, 2010 into the Companys restricted common stock, at Brightcaps option, at a price of $1.50 per share, the fair value of the shares at the date of the agreement.  As the conversion price of $1.50 per share approximated the fair value of the shares at the time the conversion agreement was entered into, no beneficial conversion feature existed.  During June 2010, the Company entered into an extension agreement with Brightcap pursuant to which the maturity date and the conversion date of the 2009 Deferred Compensation were extended to July 1, 2011.  As consideration for the extension, an additional $15,000 principal was added to the obligation and the 2009 Deferred Compensation accrues interest commencing July 1, 2010 at 10% per annum.  During June 2011, the Company and Brightcap agreed to extend the maturity date and the conversion date of the 2009 Deferred Compensation until July 1, 2012. As of December 31, 2011, the 2009 Deferred Compensation and accrued interest total $189,750.  Interest expense for each of the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $4,125.  Interest expense for each of the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $8,250.  The 2011 Deferred Compensation owed Brightcap of $208,000 is non-interest bearing.    The Company also owes Mark A. Smith, the Companys President deferred compensation of $133,204 and two other key employees $30,000 as of December 31, 2011.  


Brightcap and Mr. Smith have the right, soley at their election, to utilize their deferred compensation earned from May 1, 2011 forward, to purchase Units at a price of $2.50 per Unit (Note 7).




14

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


6.

LOAN PAYABLE:


As of December 31, 2011, PA-1, the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, owes $7,754,000 under the terms of the Pennvest Loan related to the construction of the Phase 1 System at Kreider Farms.  The Pennvest Loan is structured in phases (pre and post-completion of permitting/commencement of construction) and Pennvests disbursements take the form of reimbursements of qualified sums expended by PA-1.  In connection with the Pennvest Loan, the Company has provided a technology guaranty regarding nutrient reduction performance of the Kreider System which will expire when the Kreider Systems nutrient reduction performance has been demonstrated.  The closing/settlement of the Pennvest Loan took place on November 3, 2010, and as of December 31, 2011, PA-1 has submitted seven requests for drawdowns/reimbursements from Pennvest totaling $7,754,000 of which Pennvest has loaned PA-1 $7,754,000.   PA-1 has been using the proceeds from the Pennvest Loan to reduce its current obligations related to the Kreider project.  The terms of the Pennvest Loan provide for funding of up to $7,754,000 which is to be repaid by interest-only payments for three years, followed by an additional ten-year amortization of principal.  The Pennvest Loan accrues interest at 2.547% for years 1 through 5 and 3.184% for years 6 through maturity.  The Pennvest Loan is collateralized by a pledge of all revenues generated from the Project including, but not limited to, revenues generated from nutrient reduction credit sales and by-product sales. In addition, in consideration for the excess credit risk associated with the project, Pennvest is entitled to participate in the profits from the project calculated on a net cash flow basis, as defined.  For the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company has incurred interest expense related to the Pennvest Loan of $47,883 and $93,527, respectively, of which $45,890 and $89,540 has been capitalized as a cost of the Phase 1 System for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, respectively.  


7.

OTHER LIABILITIES:


During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company entered into subscription agreements to sell Units of its securities for $2.50 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one share (the Share) of the Companys restricted common stock and one warrant (the Warrant) to purchase one half of a Share for $3.00 per Share until December 31, 2016 (collectively the Share and the Warrant are the Units).  As of June 30, 2011, the Company had issued 306,000 Units for total proceeds of $765,000, comprised of $565,000 in cash and $200,000 in subscriptions receivable, which were collected in July 2011.  During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued an additional 110,000 Units for proceeds of $275,000, bringing the total proceeds from the sale of Units through December 31, 2011 to $1,040,000.


The Unit holders, at their election, have the option to participate in the purchase of the Companys securities at the price of the Companys next private offering, by amending their subscription agreement to apply the purchase price to such purchase.  In the event of such election, the Shares issued in the Units will be cancelled, but the Unit holder will keep the Warrants purchased in the Units.


The Company determined that the issuance of Units created a liability due to the option provision. The Company allocated the value of the Shares and the Warrants based upon their relative fair value of the total value of the issuances using the share price of the Shares on the day each of the subscription agreements were entered into and the fair value of the Warrants, which was determined to be $0.20 per Warrant.  As a result, $37,175 ($9,526 during the six months ended December 31, 2011) was allocated to the Warrants, which was recorded as additional paid-in capital and $1,009,389 was allocated to the liability as of December 31, 2011. The liability will become equity once the option to participate in the Companys next private offering is exercised or expires.




15

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


8.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:


Series B Preferred stock:


In March 2009, the Company authorized the issuance of 50,000 shares of Series B Preferred stock; which have a par value of $0.01 per share and are issuable at a price of $100 per share.  The Series B Preferred stock is convertible for three years from the date of issuance at the option of the holder into shares of the Companys common stock calculated by dividing the sum of the $100 per share purchase price plus any accrued and unpaid dividends by $2.00 (the Conversion Rate).  The Series B Preferred stock shall be automatically and mandatorily converted into shares of the Companys common stock at the Conversion Rate upon each occasion (at least 30 calendar days apart) after a date of six months subsequent to the initial issuance of the Series B Preferred stock on which the closing price of the Companys common stock has been equal to or greater than 150% of the Conversion Rate (initially $3.00) for twenty consecutive trading days with a reported average daily trading volume of 10,000 shares or more.  The Series B Preferred stock may be redeemable at the option of the Company after one year from the issuance with 10 days written notice, at a price equal to $100 per share plus any accrued unpaid dividends.  During the 10 day period, the holder may elect to convert the Series B Preferred stock to the Companys common stock at the Conversion Rate.  On the third anniversary of issuance, the Company shall redeem the outstanding Series B Preferred stock at the price of $100 per share plus any accrued unpaid dividends.  The Series B Preferred stock accrues dividends at a rate of 2.5% per quarter (10% per year) and shall be earned and accrued or paid quarterly.  


Because the Series B Preferred stock is redeemable, unless converted, in cash at a fixed price ($100 per share plus accrued unpaid dividends) on a fixed date (the third anniversary of issuance), the Company has classified the Series B Preferred stock outside of stockholders' equity.  Therefore, the Series B Preferred stock has been recorded at its redemption value as temporary equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  Dividends on the Series B Preferred stock are reflected as part of the redemption value with an offset to reduce additional paid-in capital, and are included in the determination of net loss applicable to common stockholders.


During August 2011, 500 shares of Series B Preferred stock plus accrued dividends of $1,250 were converted into 25,625 shares of the Companys common stock and $51,250 was recorded as additional paid in capital.


During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company offered its Series B Preferred stockholders the ability to participate in a Series B Preferred Stock Conversion Subscription Agreement (Series B Conversion Agreement) pursuant to which the Series B Preferred stockholders agreed to convert Series B Preferred shares plus accrued dividends into restricted common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $2.00 per share and receive warrants to purchase restricted common stock of the Company at a price of $3.10 per share until December 31, 2014 at a rate of one warrant per each 10 shares of common stock, (collectively the stock and warrants are the B Conversion Units).  Pursuant to the Series B Conversion Agreement, the Company pays fees to any licensed/registered broker(s)/advisor(s) who assist with the conversion process composed of: a) a cash commission of $0.01 per share of common stock received by the subscribed shareholders, and b) the same number of warrants with the same terms received by the subscribed shareholders.  The initial closing of the Series B Conversion Agreement occurred on September 30, 2011 and subsequent closings occurred on October 24, 2011 and October 31, 2011, pursuant to which a total of 27,220 shares of Series B Preferred stock and accrued dividends of $68,050 were converted into 1,395,031 B Conversion Units, consisting of 1,395,031 shares of common stock and 139,530 warrants. Additionally, the Company issued 121,590 warrants to the brokers.   The Company allocated the value between the restricted common stock and the warrants based upon their relative



16

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


fair value to the total value of the issuances using the share price of the common stock on the day of the Series B Conversion Agreement closing and the fair value of the warrants, which was determined to be $0.10 per warrant.  As a result, $19,402 and $2,410,288 was allocated to the warrants and restricted common stock, respectively, all of which was recorded as additional paid-in capital.  The Company paid commissions of $11,234 related to the Series B Conversion Agreement which resulted in a reduction of additional paid-in capital.   


The Company declared dividends on August 29, 2011 for the Series B Preferred stockholders with a record date of June 30, 2011, totaling $70,425, which were accrued as of June 30, 2011 and $69,175 were paid on September 1, 2011 and $1,250 were converted into common shares.  


At September 30, 2011, the Company accrued dividends of $69,175 for the Series B Preferred stockholders with a record date of September 30, 2011, of which $68,050 were converted per the terms of the Series B Conversion Agreement.  


At December 31, 2011, the Company accrued dividends of $1,125 for the Series B Preferred stockholders with a record date of December 31, 2011.  


Series C Preferred stock:


During December 2009, the Company authorized the issuance of 60,000 shares of Series C Preferred stock, which have a par value of $0.01 per share and are issuable at a price of $100 per share.  The Series C Preferred stock is convertible at the option of the holder at any time from the date of issuance, into shares of the Companys common stock calculated by dividing the sum of the $100 per share purchase price plus any accrued and unpaid dividends by $4.00 (the Conversion Rate), provided the shares have not been redeemed into common shares by the Company at is sole election.  A portion (up to 100% as calculated below) of each share of Series C Preferred stock shall be automatically and mandatorily converted into shares of the Companys common stock at the Conversion Rate  upon each occasion (at least 30 calendar days apart) after a date of six months subsequent to the initial issuance of the Series C Preferred stock on which the closing price of the Companys common stock has been equal or greater than 150% of the Conversion Rate (initially $6.00) for twenty consecutive trading days with a reported average daily trading volume of 10,000 shares or more.   On each occasion for mandatory conversion as set forth above, a sufficient portion of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred stock shall be prorata converted so that the holders of the Series C Preferred stock receive an aggregate number of shares of the Companys restricted common stock equal to 7.5 times the average reported daily volume of trading in the Companys publicly traded common stock for the applicable twenty day period and each outstanding share shall thereafter be proportionately reduced in its rights to represent the effect of the partial conversions.  The Series C Preferred stock accrues dividends at a rate of 2.5% per quarter (10% per year) and shall be earned and accrued or paid quarterly.  


Dividends on the Series C Preferred stock are reflected as part of the redemption value with an offset to reduce additional paid-in capital, and are included in the determination of net loss applicable to common stockholders.


During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company offered its Series C Preferred stockholders the ability to participate in a Series C Preferred Stock Conversion Subscription Agreement (Series C Conversion Agreement) pursuant to which the Series C Preferred stockholders agreed to convert Series C Preferred shares plus accrued dividends into restricted common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $3.00 per share.   The conversion price of $3.00 per share represents a $1.00 per share reduction from the original terms of the Series C



17

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


Preferred stock and due to the limited time in which the Series C stockholders had to subscribe to the Series C Conversion Agreement, the reduction in the conversion price is accounted for as an inducement.  Pursuant to the Series C Conversion Agreement the Company pays fees to any licensed/registered broker(s)/advisor(s) who assist in the conversion process composed of: a) a cash commission of $0.01 per share of common stock received by the subscribed shareholders, and b) one warrant for each 10 shares received by the participating Series C stockholders. Each warrant allows for the purchase of one share of the Companys restricted common stock at $3.10 per share until expiration on December 31, 2014.  The Company had the initial closing of the Series C Conversion Agreement on September 30, 2011, followed by additional closings on October 24, 2011 and October 31, 2011, pursuant to which a total of 31,850 shares of Series C Preferred stock and accrued dividends of $79,625 were converted into 1,088,238 shares of common stock and 102,017 warrants were issued to brokers.   The Company allocated the value between the restricted common stock and the warrants based upon their relative fair value to the total value of the issuances using the share price of the common stock on the day of the Series C Conversion Agreement closing and the fair value of the warrants, which was determined to be $0.10 per warrant.  As a result, $13,498 and $3,592,386 was allocated to the warrants and restricted common stock, respectively, all of which was recorded as additional paid-in capital.  The Company paid commissions of $11,122 related to the Series C Conversion Agreement which resulted in a reduction of additional paid-in capital.   The Company recorded $755,258 related to the conversion inducement of the Series C stock, which is reflected as part of the value of the Series C Preferred stock with an offset to reduce additional paid-in capital, and is included in the determination of net loss applicable to common stockholders .


The Company declared dividends on August 29, 2011 for the Series C Preferred stockholders with a record date of June 30, 2011 totaling $80,375, which were accrued as of June 30, 2011 and were paid on September 1, 2011.


At September 30, 2011, the Company accrued dividends of $80,375 for the Series C Preferred stockholders with a record date of September 30, 2011, of which $76,625 were converted per the terms of the Series C Conversion Agreement.  


At December 31, 2011, the Company accrued dividends of $750 for the Series C Preferred stockholders with a record date of December 31, 2011.


Common stock:


Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by common stockholders.  In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of common stock are entitled to share in all assets remaining after liabilities have been paid in full or set aside and the rights of any outstanding preferred stock have been satisfied. Common stock has no preemptive, redemption or conversion rights.  The rights of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock or any series of preferred stock the Company may designate in the future.  


Centerpoint holds 704,309 shares of the Companys common stock.  These shares of the Companys common stock held by Centerpoint are for the benefit of its shareholders without any beneficial interest.  The Company accounts for these shares similar to treasury stock.


During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued 87,867 shares of the Companys restricted common stock at prices ranging from $2.10 to $3.27 per share for consulting services valued at $226,018, in aggregate, to various consultants and an employee.  The Company also expensed $1,035,300 for fully vested stock bonuses that have been earned but not issued.




18

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted Mr. Bassani and Mr. Smith shares of the Companys common stock as bonuses for signing extensions to their employment agreements.  Mr. Bassani will be issued 300,000 shares of the Companys common stock issuable in three tranches of 100,000 shares on each of January 15, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.    Mr. Smith will be issued 90,000 shares of the Companys common shares in two tranches of 45,000 shares on each of January 15, 2013 and 2014, respectively.  The Company recorded non-cash compensation of $795,000 and $240,300 related to the future stock issuances to Mr. Bassani and Mr. Smith, respectively, as the bonuses were fully vested upon grant date during the six months ended December 31, 2011.


Warrants:


As of December 31, 2011, the Company had the following common stock warrants outstanding:



Exercise Price


Number of Shares


Expiration Date



$ 0.75


1,315,000


December 31, 2018



$1.00


   600,000


December 31, 2018



$1.25


     53,324


December 31, 2018



$1.50


     32,292


December 31, 2012



$2.00


     25,000


May 31, 2014



$2.00


   200,000


January 15, 2019



$2.20


     10,000


June 15, 2012



$2.25


       9,000


February 17, 2013



$2.25


   183,000


December 31, 2015



$2.50


   275,000


April 30, 2015



$2.50


   877,500


December 31, 2018



$2.50


   800,000


January 15, 2019



$3.00


     50,000


December 31, 2014



$3.00


   208,000


December 31, 2016



$3.00


   900,000


December 31, 2018



$3.10


   363,137


December 31, 2014



$3.50


   107,500


December 31, 2018



$4.25


   125,000


December 31, 2018





6,133,753





The weighted-average exercise price for the outstanding warrants is $2.12, and the weighted-average remaining contractual life as of December 31, 2011 is 6.35 years.


During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued warrants to purchase 55,000 shares of the Companys common stock in connection with the sale of Units (Note 7).  The Company also issued warrants in connection with the conversions of its Series B and Series C Preferred stock (Note 8).  During the six months ended December 31, 2011, 150,000 warrants issued to a consultant to purchase common shares of the Company at $3.00 per share expired.  The Company elected to extend the expiry date of 50,000 warrants to December 31, 2014 and recorded expense related to the modification of $5,000.


Stock options:


The Companys 2006 Consolidated Incentive Plan (the 2006 Plan), as amended, provides for the issuance of options (or other securities of the Company) to purchase up to 8,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock. Terms of exercise and expiration of options granted under the 2006 Plan



19

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


may be established at the discretion of the Board of Directors, but no option may be exercisable for more than ten years.


In September 2011, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with an employee which vested stock options previously granted to the employee during May 2008, with issuance and vesting contingent upon the signing of new employment agreement.  The new employment agreement also entitled the employee to modifications of stock options resulting in the extension of certain expiry dates which resulted in incremental non-cash compensation expense of $94,820 being recorded for the six months ended December 31, 2011.  


The Company recorded compensation expense related to employee stock options of $319,422 and $1,936,926 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $2,206,286 and $2,032,035 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Company granted 1,400,000 and 1,100,000 options during the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The fair value of the options granted during the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:



Weighted

average

December 31,

2011

Range

December 31,

2011


Weighted

average

December 31,

2010

Range

December 31,

2010

Volatility

84%

61%-88%


96%

95%-102%

Dividend yield

-

-


-

-

Risk-free interest rate

1.37%

0.25%-2.02%


0.81%

0.72%-0.81%

Expected term (years)

4.1

2-4.5


3.46

2.67-3.5


The expected volatility was based on the historical price volatility of the Companys common stock. The dividend yield represents the Companys anticipated cash dividend on common stock over the expected term of the stock options.  The U.S. Treasury bill rate for the expected term of the stock options was utilized to determine the risk-free interest rate.  The expected term of stock options represents the period of time the stock options granted are expected to be outstanding based upon managements estimates.


A summary of option activity under the 2006 Plan for the six months ended December 31, 2011 is as follows:



Options


Weighted-

Average

Exercise Price


Weighted-

Average

Remaining

Contractual Life


Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

Outstanding at July 1, 2011

3,636,145


$2.83 


3.8


$   478,375

   Granted

1,400,000


3.00





   Exercised

-


-





   Forfeited

-


-





   Expired

-


-





Outstanding at December 31, 2011

5,036,145


$2.87 


5.0


$973,125

Exercisable at December 31, 2011

4,167,395


$2.89 


4.7


$823,125







20

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


The following table presents information relating to nonvested stock options as of December 31, 2011:




Options


Weighted Average

Grant-Date Fair Value

Nonvested at July 1, 2011

687,500 


$ 1.74  

   Granted

1,400,000 


1.60

   Vested

(1,218,750)


(1.54)

   Forfeited


-

Nonvested at December 31, 2011

868,750 


$ 1.80  



The total fair value of stock options that vested during the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $1,871,725 and $701,750, respectively.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $734,537 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that will be recorded over a weighted average period of less than two years.


Stock-based compensation charges in operating expenses in the Companys financial statements for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:  




Three months ended December 31, 2011


Three months ended December 31, 2010


Six months ended December 31, 2011


Six months ended December 31, 2010

General and administrative:





  Fair value of stock bonuses expensed

$             -

$    538,183

$  1,035,300

$   539,867

Fair value of stock issued to an employee

24,999

-

49,998

-

  Change in fair value from modification of option terms


-


1,276,203


94,820


1,276,203

  Fair value of stock options expensed

319,422

660,071

2,165,688

755,180

Total

$ 344,421

$ 2,474,457

$  3,345,806

$ 2,571,250






Research and development:





  Fair value of stock options expensed

  $             -

$           652

$       40,598

$           652

Total

$             -

$    652

$       40,598

$    652


9.

OPERATING LEASE:


The Company entered into a non-cancellable operating lease commitment for office space in New York, effective August 1, 2006 and expiring November 30, 2013.  In conjunction with the signing of the lease, the Company provided the lessor with a secured letter of credit.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company has reflected $57,315 as restricted cash related to the secured letter of credit.  The Companys obligations under the lease are partially guaranteed by Mr. Salvatore Zizza, a former officer and director of the Company.  The Company has entered into three separate agreements to sub-lease approximately 100% of the Companys lease obligation, and the tenants have also agreed to reimburse the Company for leasehold improvements and furnishings.  Because the lease contains an escalation clause, the Company is recognizing rent under the straight-line method resulting in an



21

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


average monthly rent expense of $15,820.  The Company is also recognizing the sub-lease rental income from its tenants under the straight-line method, with a monthly average of $17,242.  The difference between the straight-line method, and the actual lease payments has resulted in a deferred rent liability of $34,821 as of December 31, 2011.   Rent expense net of contractual and month-to-month sub-lease rental income, was nil for both the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.


At December 31, 2011, future minimum rental payments due under non-cancelable leases and future minimum rental payments to be received under non-cancelable subleases are:



Fiscal year ended June 30:

Operating lease

payments


Sublease

rentals


Net operating

lease payments

 2012  (remainder of year)

109,088


109,088


-

  2013

225,756


225,756


-

  2014

97,219


97,219


-

Thereafter

-


-


-

Total

$   432,063


$   432,063


$ -   




Effective January 1, 2009, Mr. Zizza entered into a Master Sublease with the Company pursuant to which Mr. Zizza became a sublessee and for a one year initial period, made all payments pursuant to the lease and managed the lease premises.  Rental payments from existing sub-tenants are being deposited into a Company bank account such that Mr.  Zizza utilizes those funds towards the monthly lease payment.  During November 2009, Mr. Zizza exercised his option to continue the Master Sublease for the entire term of the lease.  Mr. Zizza fulfilled his obligations under the Master Sublease during the one-year initial period and in January 2010 he received the funds from the release of the restricted cash securing the Companys letter of credit of $28,658.  Since Mr. Zizza exercised the option to continue the Master Sublease for the entire term of the lease, Mr. Zizza will be entitled to the balance of restricted funds securing the letter of credit of approximately $57,000 if he fulfills his obligations pursuant to the Master Sublease.  


10.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:


Employment and consulting agreements:


Mr. Smith has held the positions of Director, President and General Counsel of Company and its subsidiaries under various agreements and terms since March 2003 and since September 1, 2010 has been paid a monthly salary of $19,000.  During July 2011, the Company entered into an extension agreement whereby Mr. Smith will continue to hold his current position in the Company through a date no later than December 31, 2012.  Commencing January 1, 2012, Mr. Smith will be paid a monthly salary of $20,000.  In addition, Mr. Smith will be issued 90,000 shares of the Companys common stock in two tranches of 45,000 shares on each of January 15, 2013 and 2014, respectively.  The Company expensed $240,300 during the six months ended December 31, 2011 as the future stock issuance was fully vested upon grant date.   As part of the extension agreement, Mr. Smith was also granted 200,000 options, which vested immediately, to purchase common shares of the Company at a price of $3.00 per share and which options expire on December 31, 2019.  The Company expensed $334,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2011 as the options were fully vested upon grant date.


Since March 31, 2005, the Company has had various agreements with Brightcap, through which the services of Mr. Bassani are provided.  On September 30, 2009 the Company entered into an extension



22

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


agreement with Brightcap pursuant to which Mr. Bassani will provide services to the Company through September 30, 2012 for $312,000 annually.  Due to the resignation of the Companys Chief Executive Officer, the Board appointed Mr. Bassani as the Company's CEO effective May 13, 2011.  On July 15, 2011, Mr. Bassani, Brightcap and the Company agreed to an extension/amendment of the existing agreement with Brightcap which provides that Mr. Bassani will continue to provide the services of CEO through June 30, 2013 and will continue to provide full-time services to the Company in other capacities through June 30, 2014 at a salary of $26,000 per month, which salary will be re-evaluated in spring 2012.  In addition Mr. Bassanis convertible deferred compensation was extended to January 15, 2013 and Mr. Bassani will be issued 300,000 shares of the Companys common stock issuable in three tranches of 100,000 shares on each of January 15, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.  During the six months ended December 31, 2011 the Company expensed $795,000 related to the future stock issuances as the bonus was fully vested upon grant date.  Mr. Bassani was also granted 725,000 options, which vested immediately, to purchase shares of the Companys common stock at $3.00 per share which options expire on December 31, 2019.   The Company expensed $1,203,500 during the six months ended December 31, 2011 as the options were fully vested upon grant date.  


Effective September 18, 2006, the Company entered into a four-year employment agreement with Jeremy Rowland whereby Mr. Rowland assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer of Projects at an annual salary of $150,000.  In June 2008, the employment agreement terms were extended through July 1, 2012. Mr. Rowland now serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Companys Services Group subsidiary.


The Company approved an employment agreement contract extension effective January 1, 2011 with Craig Scott whereby Mr. Scott will continue to act as Vice President of Capital Markets and Shareholder Relations through December 31, 2011, at an annual salary of $144,000.  During January 2012, the Company approved an employment agreement contract extension effective January 1, 2012 with Mr. Scott whereby he will continue to act as Vice President of Capital Markets and Shareholder Relations through December 31, 2012, at an annual salary of $144,000. In consideration for his extension agreement, Mr. Scott was granted 75,000 options to purchase shares of the Companys common shares at $2.75 per share with an expiry date of December 31, 2016, 12,500 contingent stock options that will be issued if the Companys stock price exceeds $10 and $20 per share, respectively, and an extension of the expiry dates all his existing warrants and options as of January 1, 2012 until December 31, 2016.


Effective January 1, 2011, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Edward Schafer pursuant to which for a period of three years, Mr. Schafer will provide senior management services to the Company on an approximately 75% full time basis, initially as Executive Vice Chairman and as a director.  Compensation for Mr. Schafers services will initially be at an annual rate of $250,000, which will consist of $150,000 in cash compensation and $100,000 payable in the Companys common stock.  Commencing the month following the first calendar month-end after the Company has completed an equity financing in excess of $3,000,000 (net of commissions and other offering expenses), Mr. Schafers compensation shall be at an annual rate of $225,000, all of which shall be payable in cash.  


Effective February 1, 2011, the Company entered into an employment agreement with James Morris, pursuant to which Mr. Morris will act as Chief Technology Officer of the Company through January 31, 2015 at an annual salary of $150,000 until July 1, 2011, at which time the annual salary was increased to $180,000.  




23

 

BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011


Effective September 27, 2011, the Company entered into an employment agreement with George Bloom, pursuant to which Mr. Bloom, the Companys Chief Engineering Officer, will act as Vice President-Engineering of the Company through January 31, 2016 at an annual salary of $180,000.


In May 2005 the Company declared contingent deferred stock bonuses of 690,000 shares to its key employees and consultants.  The stock bonuses of 492,500 and 197,500 shares are contingent upon the Companys stock price exceeding $10.00 and $20.00 per share, respectively, and the grantees still being employed by or providing services to the Company at the time the target prices are reached.  As of December 31, 2011, 327,500 and 115,000 of these contingent bonus shares, respectively, remain outstanding, to be issued when and if the Companys stock price exceeds $10.00 and $20.00 per share, respectively.  


Effective January 1, 2011 the Company declared a contingent stock bonus of 50,000 shares to Mr. Smith.  The stock bonus is contingent upon the Companys stock price exceeding $10.00 and does not require that Mr. Smith remains employed by the Company.  


Litigation:


The Company currently is not involved in any material litigation.


11.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:


The Company has evaluated events that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2011 for recognition and disclosure in the financial statements and notes to the financial statements.


Issuance of Common Stock


From January 1, 2012 through February 7, 2012 the Company has issued 1,412 shares of the Companys common shares valued at approximately $3,800 to a consultant.

 




24

 


Item 2.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed herein and with the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011


BUSINESS OVERVIEW


For several years, the Company focused on completion of the development of the next generation of its technology which provides a comprehensive environmental solution to a significant source of pollution in U.S. agriculture, Confined Animal Feeding Operations ("CAFO's"). The re-development process is now substantially complete and the initial commercial system, based on our updated technology, has been constructed. Currently, Bion is focused on using applications of its patented waste management technology to pursue two main business opportunities: 1) environmental retrofit and remediation of the waste streams of existing CAFOs in selected markets where government policy supports such efforts (such as the Chesapeake Bay watershed); and 2) development of Integrated Projects which will include large CAFOs, such as large dairies, beef cattle feed lots and hog farms, with Bion waste treatment system modules processing the aggregate CAFO waste stream from the equivalent of 40,000 or more beef and/or dairy cows (or the waste stream equivalent of other species) while recovering cellulosic biomass (to be utilized for renewable energy production) and nutrient rich solids (that can potentially to be marketed as feed and/or fertilizer), integrated with an ethanol plant capable of producing 40 million gallons (or more) of ethanol per year and/or with CAFO end product processors. The Company has been pursuing these opportunities within the United States during the later stages of technology re-development and has recently begun activities to pursue such opportunities internationally.


The Company has commenced actively pursuing the opportunity presented by environmental retrofit and remediation of the waste streams of existing CAFOs. The first commercial activity in this area is an agreement with Kreider Farms ("KF") in Pennsylvania to design, construct and operate a Bion system to treat KF's dairy and poultry waste streams to reduce nutrient releases to the environment while generating marketable nutrient credits and renewable energy. On January 26, 2009 the Board of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (Pennvest) approved a $7.75 million loan to Bion PA 1, LLC (PA-1), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, for the initial stage of Bion's Kreider Farms project. After substantial unanticipated delays, on August 12, 2010 the Company received a permit for construction of the Phase 1 Kreider system.  Construction activities commenced during November 2010.  The closing/settlement of the Pennvest Loan took place on November 3, 2010, and as of December 31, 2011, PA-1 had submitted seven requests for drawdowns/reimbursements from Pennvest totaling $7,754,000 of which Pennvest has loaned PA-1 $7,754,000 and has released all retainage.   Bion has substantially finished the construction of the Phase 1 Kreider System and entered a period of system operational shakedown during May 2011.  It is anticipated that the Phase 1 Kreider System will be in full, stabilized operation by the end of the 2012 fiscal year.  During 2011 the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) re-certified the nutrient reduction credits for this project. It is anticipated that the PADEP will issue final permits for the system and verify its credits over the next six months.  


The Company continues its development work related to the second phase of the Kreider project (Phase 2 Kreider Project) which involves production of renewable energy from the waste of KFs poultry operations and the cellulosic solids recovered by the Phase 1 Kreider dairy System. During May 2011 the PADEP certified the Phase 2 Kreider Project for 559,457 nutrient credits under the old EPAs Chesapeake Bay model.  The Company anticipates that this project will be certified for between 1.5-2 million nutrient reduction credits when it reapplies later this year pursuant to the recently amended EPA Chesapeake Bay model. The Company hopes to have the Phase 2 Kreider Project operational during the 2012 calendar year, and hopes to sell the credits (under a long term contract) during late 2012 or early 2013, subject to verification by the PADEP.




25

 


Additionally, we believe that Bion's technology platform will allow the integration of large-scale CAFO's and their end-product users, renewable energy production from the CAFO waste stream, and on site utilization of the renewable energy generated and biofuel/ethanol production in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner while reducing the aggregate capital expense and operating costs and increasing revenue and profitability for the entire integrated complex ("Integrated Projects" or "Projects"). In the context of Integrated Projects, Bion's waste treatment process, in addition to mitigating polluting releases, will generate renewable energy from cellulosic portions of the CAFO waste stream which renewable energy can be utilized by integrated facilities including ethanol plants, CAFO end-product processors (including cheese, ice cream and/or bottling plants in the case of dairy CAFOs, and/or slaughter and/or processing facilities in the context of beef CAFOs) and/or other users as a  replacement for fossil fuel usage. In addition an integrated ethanol plant's main by-product, called distillers grain, can be added to the feed of the animals in wet form, thereby lowering the capital expenditures, operating, marketing and shipping costs and energy usage of the ethanol production process. In such cases, the ethanol plant would act as a feed mill for the integrated CAFO, thereby reducing the CAFO's feeding costs as well as generating revenue to the ethanol plant, and would also provide a market for the renewable energy that Bion's System produces from the CAFO waste stream. Accordingly, such Bion Integrated Projects can be denominated "closed loop".  Bion, as developer of, and participant in, Integrated Projects, anticipates that it will share in the cost savings and the revenues generated from these activities.


Bion is currently working with local, state and federal officials with regard to regulatory and legislative initiatives, and with such parties and potential industry participants to evaluate sites in multiple states. The Company believes that  its initial Integrated Project will be located in Pennsylvania or upstate New York and anticipates optioning land in one of those areas during the current calendar year or soon thereafter (although locations in other states are also under review). It is possible that one or more Integrated Projects will be developed as joint ventures specifically targeted to meet the growing animal protein demand outside of the United States (including without limitation Asia, Europe and/or the Middle East).  Bion intends to choose sites for additional Projects during the calendar years 2012-2013 to create a pipeline of Projects. Management has a 5-year development target (through calendar year 2017) of approximately 12-24 Integrated Projects.  At the end of that period, Bion projects that 5 or more of these Integrated Projects will be in full operation in 3-5 states (or other locations), and the balance would be in various stages ranging from partial operation to early permitting stage. No Integrated Project has been developed to date.


The Companys audited financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.  The Company has incurred net losses of approximately $6,998,000 and $2,976,000 during the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  At June 30, 2011, the Company had a working capital surplus and a stockholders deficit of approximately $87,000 and $2,543,000, respectively.  The Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2011 includes a "going concern" explanatory paragraph which means that the accounting firm has expressed substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.  The Company has incurred net losses of approximately $4,899,000 and $3,987,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  At December 31, the Company has a working capital deficit and a stockholders deficit of approximately $344,000 and $1,543,000, respectively.  Management's plans with respect to these matters are described in this section and in our consolidated financial statements (and notes thereto), and this material does not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.  There is no guarantee that we will be able to raise funds or raise further capital for the operations planned in the near future.  


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Management has identified the following policies below as critical to our business and results of operations.  Our reported results are impacted by the application of the following accounting policies,



26

 


certain of which require management to make subjective or complex judgments.  These judgments involve making estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact quarterly or annual results of operations.  For all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop exactly as expected, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment.  Specific risks associated with these critical accounting policies are described in the paragraphs below.


Revenue Recognition


While the Company has not recognized any operating revenues for the past two fiscal years, the Company anticipates that future revenues will be generated from the sale of nutrient reduction credits, product sales, technology license fees, annual waste treatment fees and/or direct ownership interests in Integrated Projects.  The Company expects to recognize revenue from the sale of nutrient credits and products when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, when title has passed, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.  The Company expects that technology license fees will be generated from the licensing of Bion's systems.  The Company anticipates that it will charge its customers a non-refundable up-front technology license fee, which will be recognized over the estimated life of the customer relationship.  In addition, any on-going technology license fees will be recognized as earned based upon the performance requirements of the agreement. Annual waste treatment fees will be recognized upon receipt. Revenues, if any, from the Company's interest in Projects will be recognized when the entity in which the Project has been developed recognizes such revenue.


Stock-based compensation


The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 718, which generally requires that share-based compensation transactions be accounted and recognized in the statement of income based upon their grant date fair values.  


THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010


General and Administrative


Total general and administrative expenses were $1,026,000 and $3,088,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   


General and administrative expenses, excluding stock-based compensation charges of $344,000 and $2,474,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $682,000 and $614,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, representing a $68,000 increase.  Salaries and related payroll tax expenses increased from $148,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2010 to $239,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to the hiring of the Companys Executive Vice Chairman effective January 1, 2011 and a business development employee effective March 1, 2011, and higher salaries for certain employees effective July 1, 2011.  Business insurance expenses were $21,000 and $4,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, with the increase being attributable to the Company carrying Directors and Officers insurance and property and liability insurance related to the Kreider project during the current period.  Travel expenses were $47,000 and $27,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and the increase is due to increased travel to Kreider Farms as the project entered the shakedown phase during the summer and fall of 2011, and international travel related to potentially expanding the Companys projects overseas.  Partially offsetting the above increases were decreased legal costs of $83,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 versus $141,000 during the same period in fiscal year 2011.


General and administrative stock-based compensation for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 consist of the following:

 

27

 



Three months ended

December 31,

2011


Three months  ended

December 31,

2010


General and administrative:





  Change in fair value from modification of option terms

$               -  


  $    1,276,000    


  Fair value of stock options expensed under ASC 718

319,000  


660,000    


  Fair value of stock issued to an employee

25,000  


-    


  Fair value of stock bonuses expensed

-  


538,000    


      Total

$  344,000  


$    2,474,000    








Stock-based compensation charges decreased to $344,000 from $2,474,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Compensation expense relating to stock options was $319,000 and $660,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, partially due to nil and 750,000 options being granted during the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Additionally, compensation expense relating to stock options was higher during the three months ended December 31, 2010 due to $1,276,000 of non-cash compensation being recognized due to the modification of a certain key employee and consultant options.  


Research and Development


Total research and development expenses were $28,000 and $52,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.


Research and development expenses, excluding stock-based compensation charges of nil and $1,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $28,000 and $51,000, respectively.  The primary reason for the decrease is due to legal fees decreasing from $26,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2010 to $9,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011.  Legal fees are lower for the three months ended December 31, 2011 due to lower activity regarding patents.  


Research and development stock-based compensation for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 consist of the following:



Three months ended

December 31,

2011


Three months ended

December 31,

2010

Research and development:




  Fair value of stock options expensed under ASC 718

 $        -     


$    1,000           

      Total

$        -     


$   1,000            


Loss from Operations


As a result of the factors described above, the loss from operations was $1,054,000 and $3,140,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.


Other Expense and (Income)


Other expense was $7,000 and $4,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Interest expense increased to $7,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 from $5,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2010.  Interest expense increased due to the interest accrued on the deferred compensation balance as of December 31, 2011, and the non-capitalized interest associated with the Company's loan payable.



28

 


 

 

Net Loss Attributable to the Noncontrolling Interest


The net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest was $1,000 for each of the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  


Net Loss Attributable to Bions Stockholders


As a result of the factors described above, the net loss attributable to Bions stockholders was $1,268,000 and $3,280,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, representing a $0.19 decrease in the net loss per basic and diluted common share to $0.08 from $0.27.  For the three months ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded $207,000 as an inducement offered to its Series C Preferred stockholders to convert their Series C Preferred shares into the Companys restricted common shares at a conversion rate of $3.00 versus the original conversion rate of $4.00.


SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010


General and Administrative


Total general and administrative expenses were $4,788,000 and $3,880,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   


General and administrative expenses, excluding stock-based compensation charges of $3,346,000 and $2,571,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $1,442,000 and $1,309,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, representing a $133,000 increase.  Salaries and related payroll tax expenses increased from $338,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2010 to $468,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to the hiring of the Companys Executive Vice Chairman effective January 1, 2011 and a business development employee effective March 1, 2011, and higher salaries for certain employees effective July 1, 2011.  Business insurance expenses were $43,000 and $5,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, with the increase being attributable to the Company carrying Directors and Officers insurance and property and liability insurance related to the Kreider project during the current period.  Travel expenses were $95,000 and $70,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and the increase is due to increased travel to Kreider Farms as the project entered the shakedown phase during the summer and fall of 2011, and international travel to potentially expand the Companys projects overseas.  Partially offsetting the above increases were decreased legal costs of $216,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 versus $271,000 during the same period in fiscal year 2011, as well as decreased consulting costs of $353,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 compared to $427,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2010, due in part to the hiring of a consultant as a Company employee effective March 1, 2011.  


General and administrative stock-based compensation for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 consist of the following:

 

29

 



Six months ended

December 31,

2011


Six months  ended

December 31,

2010


General and administrative:





  Change in fair value from modification of option terms

$          95,000  


  $    1,276,000    


  Fair value of stock options expensed under ASC 718

2,166,000  


755,000    


  Fair value of stock issued to an employee

50,000  


-    


  Fair value of stock bonuses expensed

1,035,000  


540,000    


      Total

$  3,346,000  


$    2,571,000    








Stock-based compensation charges increased to $3,346,000 from $2,571,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Compensation expense relating to stock options was $2,166,000 and $755,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, partially due to 1,400,000 and 1,100,000 options being granted during the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, with more options being vested upon grant date during the six months ended December 31, 2011.  The Company also recognized general and administrative non-cash compensation expenses of $1,035,000 and $540,000 due to the granting and vesting of stock bonuses during the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The non-cash compensation expense related to stock bonuses was higher during the six months ended December 31, 2011 due to the granting of 390,000 shares in connection with the extension of two key officers employment agreements.  Compensation expense relating to the change in fair value from the modification of option terms was $95,000 and $1,276,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  During the six months ended December 31, 2011 the options of one key employee were modified, versus several key employees and consultants during the six months ended December 31, 2010.  


Research and Development


Total research and development expenses were $98,000 and $101,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.


Research and development expenses, excluding stock-based compensation charges of $41,000 and $1,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $57,000 and $100,000, respectively.  The primary reason for the decrease is due to legal fees decreasing from $39,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2010 to $11,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011.  Legal fees are lower for the six months ended December 31, 2011 due to lower activity regarding patents and the increased use of a different patent attorney.  Salaries and related payroll taxes related to research and development decreased from $57,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2010 to $45,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 due to the redirection of employees time from research and development projects onto the Kreider 1 Project during fiscal year 2012.


Research and development stock-based compensation for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 consist of the following:



Six months ended

December 31,

2011


Six months ended

December 31,

2010

Research and development:




  Fair value of stock options expensed under ASC 718

 $       41,000    


$   1,000        

      Total

$       41,000    


$   1,000        




30


Stock-based compensation expense increased from $1,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2010 to $41,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011.  The stock-based compensation was higher during the six months ended December 31, 2011 due to the granting of options during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 that vested during the six months ended December 31, 2011.  


Loss from Operations


As a result of the factors described above, the loss from operations was $4,887,000 and $3,981,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.


Other Expense and (Income)


Other expense was $13,000 and $6,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Interest expense increased to $14,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 from $9,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2010.  Interest expense increased due to the interest accrued on the deferred compensation balance as of December 31, 2011 and the non-capitalized interest associated with the Companys loan payable.  


Net Loss Attributable to the Noncontrolling Interest


The net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest was $14,000 and $3,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  


Net Loss Attributable to Bions Stockholders


As a result of the factors described above, the net loss attributable to Bions stockholders was $5,792,000 and $4,238,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, representing a $0.05 increase in the net loss per basic and diluted common share to $0.35 from $0.40.  For the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded $755,000 as an inducement offered to its Series C Preferred stockholders to convert their Series C Preferred shares into the Companys restricted common shares at a conversion rate of $3.00 versus the original conversion rate of $4.00.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


The Company's financial statements for the six months ended December 31, 2011 have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.  The Report of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Company's financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2011 includes a "going concern" explanatory paragraph which means that the auditors stated that conditions exist that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.


Operating Activities


As of December 31, 2011, the Company had cash of approximately $858,000. During the six months ended December 31, 2011, net cash used in operating activities was $1,820,000, primarily consisting of cash operating expenses and the pay down of year end accounts payable and accrued expenses related to the KF Project. As previously noted, the Company is currently not generating revenue and accordingly has not generated cash flows from operations.  The Company does not anticipate generating sufficient revenues to offset operating and capital costs for a minimum of two to five years.  While there are no assurances that the Company will be successful in its efforts to develop and construct its Projects and market its Systems, it is certain that the Company will require significant funding from external sources. Given the unsettled state of the current credit and capital markets, there is no assurance the Company will be able to raise the funds it needs on reasonable terms.




31

 


Investing Activities


During the six months ended December 31, 2011 the Company used $387,000 for the final construction and testing during the shakedown period of the KF Project which has been capitalized as property and equipment.    Also during the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Companys requirement to maintain an interest reserve bank account of $25,000 associated with a line of credit the Company utilized as interim financing for the purchase of equipment and payment of construction costs covered under the Pennvest Loan was removed and the funds are no longer restricted.


Financing Activities


During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company received cash proceeds of $475,000 related to the sale of its restricted units, consisting of a common share and a warrant to purchase one half of a common share.  Cash of $1,342,000 was provided from the Pennvest Loan, which funds were utilized by the Company during the six months ended December 31, 2011 to pay vendors for equipment and the construction of the KF Project.  The Company used $69,000 and $80,000 for Series B and Series C preferred dividends payments, respectively, and the Company also paid $22,000 in broker commissions during the conversions of the Series B and Series C preferred shares into common shares of the Company.  


As of December 31, 2011 the Company has debt obligations consisting of deferred compensation of $561,000, a loan payable of $7,754,000 and $1,009,000 of Other Liabilities.  The Company anticipates that the Other Liabilities will be reclassified to equity upon closing of the Companys next financing transaction.  In addition, the Company entered into an 88-month operating lease for office space in New York City in August 2006, with an average monthly lease expense of $15,820. The Company has entered into sub-lease agreements with three separate parties which fully covers the lease expense.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company has 23 months remaining on the lease.


Plan of Operations and Outlook


As of December 31, 2011, the Company had cash of approximately $858,000.  While the Company currently does not face a severe working capital shortage, it is not currently generating any revenues.  The Company will need to obtain additional capital to fund its operations and technology development, to satisfy existing creditors, to develop Projects and to sustain operations at the KF facilities.  In January 2009, the Board of Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority approved a $7.75 million loan to the Company for the initial stage of the KF Project.  The Company received a permit for construction of the KF Project on August 12, 2010. Initial construction commenced during November 2010. The settlement/closing of the Pennvest loan took place on November 3, 2010 and the Company received the initial drawdown/reimbursement from Pennvest on January 6, 2011.  From January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, the Company has received reimbursements of $7,754,000 pursuant to the Pennvest Loan.  


The Company anticipates that it will seek to raise from $5,000,000 to $50,000,000 or more (debt and equity) during the next twelve months, some of which may be in the context of joint ventures for the development of one or more Integrated Projects.  There is no assurance, especially in the extremely unsettled capital markets that presently exist, that the Company will be able to obtain the funds that it needs to stay in business, finance its Projects and other activities, continue its technology development and/or to successfully develop its business.


There can be no assurance that funds required during the next twelve months or thereafter will be generated from operations or that those funds will be available from external sources such as debt or equity financings or other potential sources. The lack of additional capital resulting from the inability to generate cash flow from operations or to raise capital from external sources would force the Company to substantially curtail or cease operations and would, therefore, have a material adverse effect on its business. Further, there can be no assurance that any such required funds, if available, will be available on



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attractive terms or that they will not have a significantly dilutive effect on the Company's existing shareholders.   All of these factors have been exacerbated by the extremely unsettled credit and capital markets presently existing.  


Currently, Bion is focused on using applications of its patented waste management technology to pursue two main business opportunities: 1) development of Integrated Projects which will include large CAFOs, such as large dairies, beef cattle feed lots and hog farms, with Bion waste treatment System modules processing the aggregate CAFO waste stream from the equivalent of 40,000 or more beef and/or dairy cows (or the waste stream equivalent of other species) while producing solids to be utilized for renewable energy production (and potentially to be marketed as feed and/or fertilizer), integrated with an ethanol plant capable of producing 40 million gallons (or more)  of ethanol per year, and/or integrated with CAFO end product processors, and 2) environmental retrofit and remediation of the waste streams of existing CAFOs in selected markets. The Company has been pursuing these opportunities within the United States during the later stages of technology re-development and has recently begun activities to pursue such opportunities internationally as well.


Bion has finished the construction of the Phase 1 Kreider System and entered a period of system operational shakedown during May 2011.  It is anticipated that the Phase 1 Kreider System will be in full, stabilized operation by the end of the 2012 fiscal year.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)  re-certified the nutrient reduction credits for this project and the Company anticipates that these credits will be verified by the PADEP during the next six months and that the Company will be able to  sell these credits (under a long term contract)  during the 2012 calendar year.  


The Company continues its development work related to the second phase of the Kreider project (Phase 2 Kreider Project) which involves production of renewable energy from the waste of KFs poultry operations and the cellulosic solids recovered by the Phase 1 Kreider dairy System. During May 2011 the PADEP certified the Phase 2 Kreider Project for 559,457 nutrient credits under the old EPAs Chesapeake Bay model.  The Company anticipates that this project will be certified for between 1.5-2 million nutrient reduction credits when it reapplies later this year pursuant to the recently amended EPA Chesapeake Bay model. The Company intends to have the Phase 2 Kreider Project operational during the 2012 calendar year, and hopes to sell the credits (under a long term contract) during late 2012 or early 2013 subject to verification by the PADEP.


Bion is currently working with local, state and federal officials with regard to regulatory and legislative initiatives, and with such parties and potential industry participants to evaluate sites in multiple states and anticipates selecting a site for its initial Integrated Project during the 2012 calendar year. The Company anticipates that its initial Integrated Project will be developed in Pennsylvania or upstate New York and anticipates optioning land for the first Integrated Project during the 2012 calendar year or soon thereafter (although  locations other states are also under review). It is possible that one or more Integrated Projects will be developed as joint ventures specifically targeted to meet the growing animal protein demand outside of the United States (including without limitation Asia, Europe and/or the Middle East). In addition, Bion intends to choose sites for additional Projects during the calendar years 2012-2013 to create a pipeline of Projects. Management has a 5-year development target (through calendar year 2017) of approximately 12-24 Integrated Projects.  At the end of that period, Bion projects that 5 or more of these Integrated Projects will be in full operation in 3-5 states (or other locations), and the balance would be in various stages ranging from partial operation to early permitting stage. No Integrated Project has been developed to date.


The Company has also commenced actively pursuing the opportunity presented by environmental retrofit and remediation of the waste streams of existing CAFOs in selected markets. The first commercial activities in this area are the Kreider projects in Pennsylvania.




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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS


We have the following material contractual obligations (in addition to employment and consulting agreements with management and employees):


1)   The Company executed a non-cancelable operating lease for office space in New York City effective August 1, 2006 and extending to November 30, 2013. The average monthly rent expense under the lease is $15,820.  The Company has provided the lessor with a letter of credit in connection with the lease in the amount of $57,315 as of December 31, 2011. The Company's obligations under the lease are partially guaranteed by Salvatore Zizza, former Chairman of Bion Projects.  The Company has entered into sub-leases with non-affiliated parties for approximately 100% of the obligations under the lease.  Effective January 1, 2009, Mr. Zizza entered into a Master Sublease with the Company pursuant to which Mr. Zizza became a sublessee and for a one year initial period, made all payments pursuant to the lease and managed the lease premises.  Rental payments from existing sub-tenants are being deposited into a Company bank account such that Mr.  Zizza utilizes those funds towards the monthly lease payment.  During November 2009, Mr. Zizza exercised his option to continue the Master Sublease for the entire period of the lease.  Mr. Zizza fulfilled his obligations under the Master Sublease during the one year initial period and in January 2010; he received the funds from the release from the Company's letter of credit of $28,658.  Since Mr. Zizza exercised the option to continue the Master Sublease for the entire term of the lease, Mr. Zizza will be entitled to the balance of funds held under the letter of credit of approximately $57,000 if he fulfills his obligations pursuant to the Master Sublease.  


2)   On September 27, 2008, the Company executed an agreement with Kreider Farms (and its affiliated entities) (collectively "Kreider") to design, construct and operate, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Bion Services Group, Inc. ("Bion Services") and  PA-1 , a Bion system to treat the waste of the dairy cows (milkers, dry cows and heifers) at the Kreider Dairy, located in Mannheim, Pennsylvania. In addition, this agreement (as amended and extended)  provides for a second phase which will include treatment of the cellulosic solid wastes from the Phase 1 together with the waste stream from Kreider's poultry facilities to produce renewable energy for Bion's waste treatment facility and/or for market sales. The system will be owned and operated by Bion through PA-1, in which Kreider has the option to purchase a minority interest. Funds were expended over the last year to complete the construction of the Phase 1 Kreider System and substantial capital and operating funds (equity and/or debt) has been and will continue to be expended.  Upon successful completion of shakedown operations of the Phase 1 system, the Company anticipates that it will receive revenue from the sale of nutrient (and other) environmental credits related to the Kreider system, and through sales of renewable energy generated in connection with the second phase (largely poultry manure) of the Kreider project. The $7.75 million loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (Pennvest Loan), together with funds provided by the Company, has provided the funds for construction of  the Phase 1 Kreider System. The Pennvest loan is to be repaid by interest only payments for the first three years, followed by an additional ten-year amortization of principal, and matures in November 2023.  It is anticipated that the Phase 1 Kreider System will be in full, stabilized operation by the end of the 2012 fiscal year.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection re-certified the nutrient credits for this project.


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS


We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as that term is defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.






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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Not applicable.


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.


(a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.


The term "disclosure controls and procedures" is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). This term refers to the controls and procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. Our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, and has concluded that, as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at ensuring that required information will be disclosed on a timely basis in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, as a result of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting discussed in Item 9(A) of our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011.


(b)  Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.


No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

The Company is not involved in any material legal proceedings at this time.


Item 1A.  Risk Factors.


Not applicable.


Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.


During the quarter ended December 30, 2011 the Company sold no shares of restricted common stock not including: a) 20,529 shares issued pursuant to our 2006 Consolidated Incentive Plan (Plan), valued at $ 50,000, in aggregate, to certain consultants and/or employees for services; b) 14,653 shares issued to consultants outside the Plan, valued at $40,000, for services which shares were issued in reliance on the exemption in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933; c) 1,395,031 shares issued pursuant to conversion of 27,220 outstanding shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at $2.00 per share; and d) 1,088,238 shares issued in conversion of 31,850  outstanding  shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock at $3.00 per share. These shares were issued in reliance on the exemptions provided by Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.


           The proceeds were utilized for general corporate purposes.


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Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.


Not applicable.


Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)


Item 5.  Other Information.


Not applicable.


Item 6.  Exhibits.


(a)  Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

 

Exhibit


Description




10.1

 

Bloom Employment Agreement (executed September 30, 2011) (previously filed with Form 8-K dated September 30, 2011)




31.1

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) - Filed herewith electronically




31.2


Certification of Executive Chairman, President and CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) - Filed herewith electronically

 

 

32.1  

Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Filed herewith electronically




32.2


Certification of Executive Chairman, President and CFO pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Filed herewith electronically





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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements 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.




BION ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.







Date:  February 7, 2012

By:

/s/ Mark A. Smith



Mark A. Smith, President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)







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