UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM l0-QSB
(Mark One)
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTlON 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006
( ) TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
For the transition period from______ to_____
Commission File Number 33-18582
ITRONICS INC.
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
TEXAS 75-2198369
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
6490 S. McCarran Blvd., Bldg C-23, Reno, Nevada 89509
(Address of principal executive offices)
Issuer's telephone number, including area code: (775)689-7696
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 during the past 90 days. Yes (x) No ( ).
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
As of April 30, 2006, 210,671,731 shares of common stock were outstanding.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes ( ) No (X)
2
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | PAGE |
Item 1. Financial Statements | |
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2006 | |
and December 31, 2005 | 4 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three | |
Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 | 6 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity (Deficit) | |
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and the Year Ended | |
December 31, 2005 | 7 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 | 8 |
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 10 |
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of | |
Operation | 19 |
Item 3. Controls and Procedures | 29 |
PART II- OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | 30 |
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds | 30 |
Item 3 Defaults upon Senior Securities | 32 |
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 32 |
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K | 33 |
Certifications | 35 |
3
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
March 31, 2006 AND DECEMBER 31, 2005
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
March 31, |
December 31, |
|
2006 |
2005 |
|
CURRENT ASSETS | ||
Cash | $ 171,667 |
$ 24,260 |
Accounts receivable, less allowance for | ||
doubtful accounts, 2006, $7,600; 2005, $7,600 | 151,263 |
21,164 |
Marketable securities, available for sale | 89,331 |
91,758 |
Inventories | 689,575 |
592,098 |
Prepaid expenses | 90,756 |
94,447 |
Total Current Assets | 1,192,592 |
823,727 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT | ||
Land | 215,000 |
215,000 |
Building and improvements | 1,167,315 |
1,167,315 |
Design and construction in progress, | ||
manufacturing facility | 154,989 |
153,896 |
Equipment and furniture | 2,310,083 |
2,302,984 |
Vehicles | 200,557 |
200,557 |
Equipment under capital lease-equipment and furniture | 847,105 |
851,952 |
Equipment under capital lease-vehicles | 21,741 |
21,741 |
4,916,790 |
4,913,445 |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 1,960,039 |
1,903,525 |
2,956,751 |
3,009,920 |
|
OTHER ASSETS | ||
Intangibles, net of amortization | 76,500 |
76,500 |
Deferred loan fees, net of amortization | 405,543 |
311,362 |
Deposits | 8,108 |
8,108 |
490,151 |
395,970 |
|
$4,639,494 |
$4,229,617 |
4
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
March 31, |
December 31, |
|
2006 |
2005 |
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||
Accounts payable | $ 453,165 |
$ 437,113 |
Accrued management salaries | 638,194 |
599,900 |
Accrued expenses | 174,133 |
239,130 |
Insurance contracts payable | 33,693 |
13,738 |
Interest payable to officer/stockholders | 13,062 |
13,276 |
Interest payable | 193,327 |
197,708 |
Current maturities of long-term debt | 55,875 |
57,414 |
Current maturities of capital lease obligations | 687,168 |
730,403 |
Current maturities of advances from an officer/stockholder | 161,525 |
161,525 |
Current maturities of capital lease due stockholder | 5,970 |
5,858 |
Current maturities of convertible notes and accrued interest | 3,003,286 |
2,918,559 |
Convertible debt derivative | 3,963,115 |
3,621,220 |
Warrant and option liability | 159,272 |
134,212 |
Other | 36,513 |
35,234 |
Total Current Liabilities | 9,578,298 |
9,165,290 |
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | ||
Long-term debt, less current maturities | 524,681 |
534,607 |
Convertible promissory notes and accrued interest, | ||
less current maturities | - |
- |
Capital lease obligation, shareholder, less current | ||
maturities | 1,819 |
3,319 |
Total Long-Term Liabilities | 526,500 |
537,926 |
10,104,798 |
9,703,216 |
|
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; | ||
authorized 999,500 shares, issued and outstanding | ||
2006, 0 shares; 2005, 0 shares | - |
- |
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; | ||
authorized 1,000,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, | ||
204,671,731 at March 31, 2006; 197,148,179 at | ||
December 31, 2005 | 204,672 |
197,148 |
Additional paid-in capital | 21,842,492 |
21,646,307 |
Accumulated deficit | (28,130,767) |
(27,851,571) |
Common stock to be issued | 567,430 |
573,993 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 47,783 |
(39,889) |
Common stock options outstanding, net | 3,086 |
413 |
(5,465,304) |
(5,473,599) |
|
$4,639,494 |
$ 4,229,617 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||
2006 |
2005 |
|
REVENUES | ||
GOLDn GRO fertilizer | $ 331,811 |
260,174 |
Mining technical services | 20,451 |
24,002 |
Total Revenues | 352,262 |
284,176 |
COST OF REVENUES (exclusive of | ||
depreciation and amortization | ||
shown separately below) | ||
GOLDn GRO fertilizer | 343,218 |
302,338 |
Mining technical services | 15,809 |
22,973 |
Total Cost of Revenues | 359,027 |
325,311 |
Gross Profit (Loss)(exclusive | ||
of depreciation and amortization | ||
shown separately below | (6,765) |
(41,135) |
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 56,514 |
61,755 |
Research and development | 72,376 |
80,736 |
Sales and marketing | 186,025 |
280,837 |
Delivery and warehousing | 17,557 |
18,083 |
General and administrative | 219,160 |
259,635 |
Total Operating Expenses | 551,632 |
701,046 |
Operating (Loss) | (558,397) |
(742,181) |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||
Interest expense | (281,299) |
(167,739) |
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments | 506,269 |
- |
Gain (loss) on sale of investments | 54,231 |
(3,685) |
Total Other Income (Expense) | 279,201 |
(171,424) |
Income (Loss) before
provision for income tax |
(279,196) |
(913,605) |
Provision for income tax | - |
- |
Net Income(Loss) | (279,196) |
(913,605) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||
Unrealized gains (losses)
on securities |
87,672 |
(8,882) |
Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $(191,524) |
$(922,487) |
Weighted average number of shares | ||
Outstanding (1,000s) | 198,959 |
174,495 |
Earnings (Loss) per share, basic | ||
and diluted | $(0.001) |
$(0.005) |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 AND THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
(UNAUDITED)
COMMON STOCK |
ACCUMULATED |
COMMON |
||||||
NUMBER OF |
ADDITIONAL |
COMMON |
OTHER |
STOCK |
||||
SHARES |
PAID-IN |
ACCUMULATED |
STOCK TO |
COMPREHENSIVE |
OPTIONS, |
|||
(1,000s) |
AMOUNT |
CAPITAL |
DEFICIT |
BE ISSUED |
INCOME |
NET |
TOTAL |
|
Balance, Dec. 31, 2004 | 164,864 |
$164,864 |
$19,438,213 |
$(22,944,959) |
$786,426 |
$ (9,568) |
$754 |
$(2,564,270) |
Issue of common stock: | ||||||||
For cash | 12,050 |
12,050 |
590,450 |
- |
(32,500) |
- |
- |
570,000 |
For services | 6,003 |
6,003 |
406,323 |
- |
(9,933) |
- |
- |
402,393 |
For debt conversion | 12,893 |
12,893 |
1,114,209 |
- |
(170,000) |
- |
- |
957,102 |
For asset acquisition | 1,338 |
1,338 |
97,112 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
98,450 |
Net (loss) for the year | ||||||||
ended Dec. 31, 2005 | - |
- |
- |
(4,906,612) |
- |
- |
- |
(4,906,612) |
Other comprehensive | ||||||||
income for the year | ||||||||
ended Dec. 31, 2005 | - |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(30,321) |
- |
(30,321) |
Common stock options | ||||||||
outstanding | - |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(341) |
(341) |
Balance, Dec. 31, 2005 | 197,148 |
197,148 |
21,646,307 |
(27,851,571) |
573,993 |
(39,889) |
413 |
(5,473,599) |
Issue of common stock | ||||||||
For cash | 100 |
100 |
7,400 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
7,500 |
For services | 224 |
224 |
14,299 |
- |
(6,563) |
- |
- |
7,960 |
For debt conversion | 7,200 |
7,200 |
174,486 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
181,686 |
Net (loss) for the | ||||||||
three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2006 | - |
- |
- |
(279,196) |
- |
- |
- |
(279,196) |
Other comprehensive | ||||||||
income for the 3 months | ||||||||
ended March 31, 2006 | - |
- |
- |
- |
- |
87,672 |
- |
87,672 |
Common stock options | ||||||||
outstanding | - |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,673 |
2,673 |
Balance, March 31, 2006 | 204,672 |
$204,672 |
$21,842,492 |
$(28,130,767) |
$ 567,430 |
$ 47,783 |
$ 3,086 |
$(5,465,304) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
7
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||
2006 |
2005 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities | ||
Net income (loss) | $ (279,196) |
(913,605) |
Adjustments to
reconcile net loss to cash used by operating activities: |
||
Depreciation and amortization | 116,162 |
65,442 |
Interest on convertible notes | 139,543 |
99,564 |
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments | (506,269) |
- |
Marketable securities received for services | - |
(2,518) |
(Gain) Loss on investments | (54,231) |
3,685 |
Addition
of silver in solution inventory by offsetting photochemical processing fees |
(8,095) |
(11,520) |
Stock option compensation | 2,673 |
32,934 |
Expenses paid with issuance of common stock | 10,935 |
227,422 |
(Increase) decrease in: | ||
Trade accounts receivable | (130,099) |
(123,918) |
Inventories | (89,382) |
25,642 |
Prepaid expenses and deposits | (16,784) |
(54,764) |
Increase (decrease) in: | ||
Accounts payable | 16,053 |
(22,624) |
Accrued management salaries | 38,294 |
59,672 |
Accrued expenses and contracts payable | (43,763) |
(65,352) |
Accrued interest | (4,595) |
11,565 |
Net cash used by operating activities | (808,754) |
(668,375) |
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||
Acquisition of property and equipment | (3,345) |
- |
Proceeds from sale of investments | 144,329 |
4,230 |
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | 140,984 |
4,230 |
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||
Proceeds from sale of stock | 7,500 |
560,000 |
Proceeds from debt, stockholder | 10,212 |
25,000 |
Proceeds from debt, unrelated | 982,500 |
- |
Debt issuance costs | (118,735) |
- |
Proceeds from receivable/inventory factoring, net | - |
51,327 |
Payments on debt | (66,300) |
(37,960) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 815,177 |
598,367 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 147,407 |
(65,778) |
Cash, beginning of period | 24,260 |
5,180 |
Cash, end of period | $ 171,667 |
$ (60,598) |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005
(UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||
2006 |
2005 |
|
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: | ||
Cash paid during the period for interest | $ 86,703 |
$ 28,555 |
Non-cash financing and investing activities: | ||
Common stock issued to settle: | ||
Accounts payable | - |
3,837 |
Convertible notes and accrued interest | 181,686 |
819,635 |
Common stock issued to acquire: | ||
Equipment | - |
8,900 |
Warrants issued for debt issuance costs | 17,594 |
- |
Fair value of convertible debt derivative | 476,419 |
- |
Fair value of warrant and option liability | (7,466) |
- |
Amounts withheld from proceeds of debt, unrelated: | ||
Deferred loan costs | 17,500 |
- |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
9
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
1. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-QSB and do not include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the results for the interim periods reported. Certain amounts from the prior period have been reclassified to be consistent with the current period presentation.
2. The Company's consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis that it is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company and its subsidiaries have reported recurring losses from operations, including a net loss of $279,196 during the three months ended March 31, 2006, a working capital deficit of $8,385,706, and a stockholders deficit balance of $5,465,304 as of March 31, 2006. These factors indicate the Company and its subsidiaries' ability to continue in existence is dependent upon their ability to obtain additional long-term debt and/or equity financing and achieve profitable operations. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company and its subsidiaries be unable to continue in existence. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 were affected by rainy weather in California and are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
3. In July 2005, the Company arranged callable secured convertible debt (Notes) totaling $3,250,000, bearing interest at 8%, with 3,000,000 five year $0.15 warrants. The Notes were accompanied by a Registration Rights Agreement. During 2005, the Company received $1,726,200, ($2,250,000 net of financing costs and prepaid interest), and issued 2,076,923 warrants. In January and February 2006 the Company received $902,500 ($1,000,000 net of financing costs), and issued 1,423,078 warrants, which included an additional 500,000 five years warrants exercisable at $0.15 per share.
The Notes are convertible into common shares at the lesser of $0.10 or 55% of the market price of the Companys common stock, as defined. Additionally, the Notes are secured by substantially all of the Companys assets. The Notes are further secured by 14,550,558 Company common shares owned by an officer/stockholder.
The Notes have an additional provision that the Company may redeem the debt prior to maturity by paying all outstanding balances plus a 50% prepayment penalty.The Notes are potentially convertible into an unlimited number of common shares. Accordingly, the Company has accounted for the Notes under SFAS 133, EITF 00-19 and DIGs B38 and B39 which require the beneficial conversion feature and the prepayment penalty to be treated as embedded derivatives, to be recorded as a liability equal to the estimated fair value of the embedded
10
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
derivatives. In addition, all non-employee warrants and options that are exercisable during the period that the Notes are outstanding are required to be recorded as liabilities at their fair value. As of March 31, 2006 the Notes were convertible into 140,234,670 common shares and the embedded derivatives had an estimated fair value of $3,963,115. Non-employee warrants and options to acquire a total of 27,822,259 common shares were outstanding and had an estimated fair value of $159,272. The fair value of the conversion feature and the prepayment penalty were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and taking a weighted average value based on various probabilities that the debt would be paid off at specified dates and therefore incurring the prepayment penalty. The warrants and options were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used to value these instruments included assuming the Notes would be converted to common stock in equal amounts on a monthly basis, beginning April 2006, until the estimated full conversion of each Note, assuming all warrants and options would be exercised on their respective expiration dates, using volatility rates ranging from 82% to 101%, and using risk free interest rates ranging from 4.50% to 4.75%. The estimated fair value of the options exceeded the carrying value of the Notes; therefore, the excess was recorded as a loss on derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2005. The estimated fair value of the options declined during the three months ended March 31, 2006, resulting in a gain on derivative instruments of $506,269 reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The fair value of the embedded derivatives, warrants and options will be estimated each reporting period with the change in fair value recorded as gain or loss on derivative instruments. As the Companys common stock is highly volatile, material gains or losses for the change in estimated fair value are likely to occur in future periods.
On July 15, 2005, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Noteholders that required the Company to file a registration statement within 120 days of funding, or use its best efforts to do so. Additionally, because at the inception of the Agreement the Company did not have enough authorized shares to allow the Noteholders to convert the Notes into common stock, the Agreement required the Company to increase the authorized shares prior to October 31, 2005 or use its best efforts to do so. The Agreement specifies penalties of 2% per month for failing to register the shares on a timely basis and 3% per month for failing to increase the authorized shares. The Company completed registration of 50 million shares in February 2006 and increased the authorized shares in March 2006. Because it used its best efforts, the Company has not accrued penalties which would have totaled approximately $250,000 and $335,000, respectively, through March 31, 2006. Additionally, under the terms of the Agreement, the Company is required to register a total of two times the estimated number of shares to allow the Noteholders to convert the outstanding balance, as early as practicable, so it is possible that the 2% per month registration penalty could continue after March 31, 2006 until a new registration statement for the required number of shares is completed.
11
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
During the period of February 15, 2006 to March 31, 2006, the Investors converted a total of $181,686 of the Notes into 7.2 million common shares. Subsequent to March 31, 2006 through May 12, 2006 the Investors converted a total of $177,504 of the Notes into 8.4 million common shares.
4.
As of March 31, 2006 total recorded liabilities of $752,231 including accrued interest to March 31, 2006, were subject to various lawsuits and claims for the collection of the funds due. These include 15 leases totaling $601,103 (reflected in Current Maturities of Capital Lease Obligations) plus $35,720 in additional interest (reflected in Accrued Interest) and two trade payables totaling $98,888 (reflected in Accounts Payable) plus $16,520 in additional interest (reflected in Accrued Interest). The leases are individually secured by specified equipment.The accrued interest noted above was recorded based on our assessment of additional amounts we believe is probable and is related to three cases originally seeking $251,522. The creditors have received judgments in these cases, but have taken no further collection action. The Company will continue to accrue interest until these cases are settled or paid in full.
The Company estimates an additional $11,300 interest may be reasonably possible on one case; however, the Company has not accrued this amount because it does not believe it is probable to be incurred. This estimate is related to one case, seeking $35,210, that was filed in March 2003. No further contact has taken place since then.
The Company has a total of 11 cases, that originally sought $471,655, that we deem to have a remote possibility of incurring an additional unrecorded loss. The Company has negotiated payment agreements on these cases and, as of March 31, 2006, the recorded liability for these cases was $411,736. The Company is current in making the payments related to these respective settlement agreements.
Successful settlement of the above claims is dependent on future financing.
We may become involved in a lawsuit or legal proceeding at any time in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an unexpected adverse result may arise that may adversely affect our business. Certain lawsuits have been filed against us for collection of funds due that are delinquent, as described above. We are not aware of any additional legal proceeding or claims that the Company believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
5. During the three months ended March 31, 2006 all of the Series 2000 Convertible Promissory Notes became due and are now in default. The total principal and interest due at March 31, 2006 is $3,003,286. The Company is formulating a plan to seek extensions of these notes. No collection action has been taken to date.
12
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
In addition to the above leases that are subject to litigation, there are four leases, with a recorded liability of $184,160, that are in default. No payments have been made for an extended period of time, and no collection action or recent contact from the creditors has occurred. As required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the principal balance of the leases that are in default have been classified as current liabilities. During the three months ended March 31, 2006 the Company began paying on one of these leases with a recorded liability of $42,231. It is reasonably possible that additional interest of less than $6,000 could be incurred, but this has not been recorded because the Company does not believe it is probable to be incurred.
6. Following is a summary of finished goods, work in progress, and raw materials inventories as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. The raw material and work in progress balances below include $371,643 and $374,042 in silver bearing unprocessed photochemicals or partially processed materials as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.
March 31, |
Dec. 31, |
|
2006 |
2005 |
|
Finished goods | $29,766 |
$ 53,274 |
Work in progress | 283,282 |
282,373 |
Raw materials | 376,527 |
256,451 |
$689,575 |
$592,098 |
7. The Company has outstanding three categories of warrants and options that may be exercised to acquire common stock; these includes warrants, convertible debt options, and employee options. The following table summarizes warrant and option activity for the period January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006:
Convertible |
Employee |
|||
Warrants |
Debt Options |
Options |
Total |
|
Under option, December 31, 2004 |
20,596,809 |
25,301,659 |
5,995,000 |
51,893,468 |
Granted |
10,943,077 |
118,189,457 |
165,000 |
129,297,534 |
Exercised |
(1,200,000) |
(8,667,737) |
- |
(9,867,737) |
Expired |
(3,026,626) |
- |
(52,000) |
(3,078,626) |
Under option, December 31, 2005 |
27,313,260 |
134,823,379 |
6,108,000 |
168,244,639 |
Granted |
1,496,924 |
34,840,842 |
111,000 |
36,448,766 |
Exercised |
(100,000) |
(7,200,000) |
- |
(7,300,000) |
Expired |
(887,925) |
(22,229,551) |
(6,000) |
(23,123,476) |
Under option, March 31, 2006 |
27,822,259 |
140,234,670 |
6,213,000 |
174,269,929 |
The average price for all warrants and options granted and exercised was $0.0276 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $0.0334 for the year
13
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
ended December 31, 2005. The above warrants and options would dilute future Earnings Per Share (EPS). No diluted EPS is presented as the effect of including these shares is antidilutive.
The 22,229,551 in expired convertible debt options listed above is related to the 2000 Series Convertible Promissory Notes discussed in Note 5 above. If the Company is successful in negotiating extensions of these notes, the convertible options may be renewed and the eventual number of potential options could be significantly higher than the amount that expired.
The following table summarizes the warrants and options outstanding as of March 31, 2006:
Weighted |
|||
Average |
|||
No. of |
Exercise |
Exercise |
|
Expiration Dates |
Shares |
Price |
Price |
Warrants: |
|||
|
100,000 |
$0.075 |
|
|
60,000 |
0.083 |
|
|
3,000,000 |
0.100 |
|
|
37,208 |
0.143 |
|
|
7,475,000 |
0.150 |
|
|
3,740,001 |
0.150 |
|
|
119,300 |
0.171 |
|
|
360,000 |
0.238 |
|
|
10,443,750 |
0.240 |
|
|
1,382,000 |
0.250 |
|
|
935,000 |
0.300 |
|
|
170,000 |
0.375 |
|
Total Warrants |
27,822,259 |
$0.191 |
|
Convertible Debt Options: |
|||
|
140,234,670 |
$0.022 |
$0.022 |
Employee Options: |
|||
|
290,000 |
$0.150 |
|
|
1,600,000 |
0.150 |
|
|
250,000 |
0.200 |
|
|
50,000 |
0.200 |
|
|
1,000,000 |
0.250 |
|
|
3,000,000 |
0.300 |
|
|
17,000 |
0.500 |
|
|
6,000 |
0.900 |
|
Total Employee Options |
6,213,000 |
$0.243 |
|
Total Warrants and Options |
174,269,929 |
$0.057 |
14
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
The 140,230,674 convertible debt options listed above are related to the callable secured convertible debt discussed in Note 3 above. As of March 31, 2006 $3,068,314 of principal and $37,316 in accrued interest were convertible into common stock at the lower of $0.10 per share or 55% of a calculated market price. Consequently, the number of shares and the conversion price can vary up or down materially, depending on the Companys stock price at any point in time.
8. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payments, on January 1, 2006. Accordingly, compensation costs for all share-based awards to employees are measured based on the grant date fair value of those awards and recognized over the period during which the employee is required to perform service in exchange for the award (generally over the vesting period of the award). We have no awards with market or performance conditions. Effective January 1, 2006 and for all periods subsequent to that date, SFAS 123(R) supersedes our previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"). In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 ("SAB 107") relating to SFAS 123(R). The Company has applied the provisions of SAB 107 in its adoption of SFAS 123(R).
The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which provides for certain changes to the method for valuing share-based compensation. The valuation provisions of SFAS 123(R) apply to new awards and to awards that are outstanding at the effective date and subsequently modified or cancelled. Estimated compensation expense for awards outstanding at the effective date will be recognized over the remaining service period using the compensation cost calculated for pro forma disclosure purposes under FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"). Our consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, our consolidated financial statements for prior periods were not restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R).
Share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Share-based compensation expense recognized in our consolidated statement of operations for the first quarter of 2006 included compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma provisions of SFAS 123. For share awards granted prior to 2006, expenses are amortized under the straight-line method prescribed by SFAS 123. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for the first quarter of 2006 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Based on our evaluation of our present employees with unvested options, we estimated no forfeitures.
15
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
Total estimated share-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123R for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 was $2,673 and is included in general and administrative expenses.
Through 2005, we accounted for share-based awards to employees using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB 25 and related interpretations and provided the required pro forma disclosures of SFAS 123. Pro forma adjustments to our consolidated net loss and loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2005 are as follows:
Three Months |
|
Ended March 31, |
|
2005 |
|
Option Compensation Expense: | |
As reported | $ 32,934 |
Adjustment for additional expense | |
for fair value of options | 3,132 |
Pro forma | $ 36,066 |
Net Income (Loss): | |
As reported | $(913,605) |
Adjustment for additional expense | |
for fair value of options | (3,132) |
Pro forma | $(916,737) |
Earnings (Loss) per share, | |
basic and diluted | |
As reported | $(0.005) |
Pro forma | $(0.005) |
9. Following is financial information for each of the Companys segments. No changes have occurred in the basis of segmentation since December 31, 2005.
Reconciliation of segment revenues, gross profit (loss), operating income (loss), other income (expense), and net income (loss) before taxes to the respective consolidated amounts follows:
16
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||
2006 |
2005 |
|
Revenues: | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | $331,811 |
$260,174 |
Mining Technical Services | 20,451 |
24,002 |
Consolidated Revenues | $352,262 |
$284,176 |
Gross Profit (Loss): | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | $(11,407) |
$(42,164) |
Mining Technical Services | 4,642 |
1,029 |
Consolidated Gross Profit (Loss) |
$(6,765) |
$(41,135) |
Operating Income (Loss): | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | $(443,638) |
$(599,858) |
Mining Technical Services | (114,759) |
(142,323) |
Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) |
$(558,397) |
$(742,181) |
Other Income (Expense): | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | $ 224,970 |
$(167,739) |
Mining Technical Services | 54,231 |
(3,685) |
Consolidated Other Income (Expense) |
$279,201 |
$(171,424) |
Net Income (Loss) before taxes: | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | $(218,668) |
$(767,597) |
Mining Technical Services | (60,528) |
(146,008) |
Consolidated Net Income | ||
(Loss) before taxes | $(279,196) |
$(913,605) |
17
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
Identifiable assets by business segment for the major asset classifications and reconciliation to total consolidated assets are as follows:
March 31, |
December 31, |
|
2006 |
2005 |
|
Current Assets: | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | $877,355 |
$659,320 |
Mining Technical Services | 263,105 |
112,085 |
1,140,460 |
771,405 |
|
Property and Equipment, net: | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | 2,856,861 |
2,907,887 |
Mining Technical Services | 99,890 |
102,033 |
2,956,751 |
3,009,920 |
|
Other Assets, net: | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | 114,015 |
114,828 |
Mining Technical Services | 148,514 |
349,735 |
262,529 |
464,563 |
|
Total Assets: | ||
GOLDn GRO Fertilizer | 3,848,231 |
3,682,035 |
Mining Technical Services | 511,509 |
563,853 |
Total Segment Assets | 4,359,740 |
4,245,888 |
Itronics Inc. assets | 25,973,346 |
25,175,867 |
Less: inter-company elimination | (25,693,592) |
(25,192,138) |
Consolidated Assets | $4,639,494 |
$4,229,617 |
18
ITRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
10. The Company holds marketable securities that are available for sale, which consist solely of equity securities. The carrying amount on the balance sheets of these securities is adjusted to fair value at each balance sheet date. The adjustment to fair value is an unrealized holding gain or loss that is reported in Other Comprehensive Income. At present, these unrealized gains or losses are the only component of Accumulated and Other Comprehensive Income. The Company had Accumulated Unrealized Holding Gains of $47,783 at March 31, 2006 and Losses of $39,889 at December 31, 2005. No gains were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2006 or during the year ended December 31, 2005. The table below illustrates the amount of unrealized holding gains and losses included in other comprehensive income, net of tax effects of $0. The reclassification adjustment listed in the below table represents unrealized holding gains and losses transferred into earnings as securities are sold.
Following are the components of Other Comprehensive Income:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||
2006 |
2005 |
|
Unrealized holding gains (losses) | $58,623 |
$(12,122) |
arising during the period |
||
Reclassification adjustment |
29,049 |
3,240 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $87,672 |
$(8,882) |
Following is a summary of gross proceeds and gains and losses from sales of available for sale marketable securities
:Three Months Ended March 31, |
||
2006 |
2005 |
|
Gross proceeds from sale of securities |
$ 144,329 |
$5,947 |
Gross gains from sale of securities |
$ 54,231 |
$ - |
Gross losses from sale of securities |
- |
(6,431) |
Net Gains (Losses) from sale of Securities | $ 54,231 |
$(6,431) |
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operations
Some of the information in this report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate" and "continue," or similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they:
19
- discuss our future expectations;
- contain projections of our future results of operations or of our financial condition; and
- state other "forward-looking" information.
We believe it is important to communicate our expectations. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or over which we have no control. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Results of Operations
We reported consolidated revenues of $352,262 for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to $284,176 for the prior year quarter, an increase of 24%. The increase was due to an increase in GOLDn GRO Fertilizer segment revenue of $71,600, or 28%, which was partially offset by a decrease of $3,600 in Mining Technical Services segment revenues, a decrease of 15%. The consolidated net loss was $279,196, or $0.001 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to a net loss of $913,605, or $0.005 per share, for the comparable 2005 period, a decreased loss of $634,400, or 69%.
To provide a more complete understanding of the factors contributing to the changes in revenues, operating expenses, other income (expense) and the resultant operating income (loss) and net income (loss) before taxes, the discussion presented below is separated into our two operating segments.
GOLDn GRO FERTILIZER
Three months Ended March 31, |
|||
2006 |
2005 |
||
Revenues | |||
Fertilizer | $ 240,069 |
$ 211,234 |
|
Photochemical recycling | 19,397 |
22,181 |
|
Silver | 72,345 |
26,759 |
|
Total Revenue | 331,811 |
260,174 |
|
Gross profit (loss) | (11,407) |
(42,164) |
|
Operating income (loss) | (443,638) |
(599,858) |
|
Other income (loss) | 224,970 |
(167,739) |
|
Net income (loss) before taxes | (218,668) |
(767,597) |
Total segment revenues for the first quarter of 2006 were approximately $331,800, an increase of 28% from the prior year first quarter. Total fertilizer sales for the quarter were $240,100 (330 tons), compared to $211,200 (371 tons) for the 2005 first quarter, an increase of 14% in dollars and a decrease of 11% in tonnage. Sales of bulk Chelated Liquid Micro-nutrients were $202,800 (246 tons) and $190,000 (290 tons) for the first quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively, an increase of 7% in dollars and a decrease of 15% in tonnage. Sales of bulk Chelated Liquid Multi-nutrients were $32,300 (84 tons) and $22,200 (80 tons) for the first quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively, an increase of 45% in dollars and 4% in tonnage. The
20
overall increase was due to price increases of the GOLDn GRO fertilizers and occurred in spite of heavy rains in the Central Valley of California that delayed the start of the spring season until late April. Total photochemical recycling revenue for the quarter decreased nominally on a decreased volume of 16% from the first quarter of 2005. Silver sales increased $45,600, or 170%, from the first quarter of 2005. Sales of all silver or silver bearing products were $71,100 (6,789 ounces) for the quarter, compared to $25,500 (2,994 ounces) for the 2005 first quarter. This is an increase of 179% in dollars and 127% in ounces. The increase is primarily from increased sales of processed silver bullion due to both increased production and to a rapidly increasing silver price.
Cost of sales increased $40,900 due primarily to an increase in raw materials costs resulting from increased sales. The segment recorded a gross loss of $11,400 for the quarter, compared to a gross loss of $42,200 for the first quarter of 2005, a decreased gross loss of $30,800, or 73%.
We have had a significant decrease in used photochemical volume compared to 2004 volumes due to the termination of a major photochemical recycling contract in December 2004. We are continuing our efforts on sales of Photochemical Silver Concentrators in order to replace the revenue and to provide a long term base of used photochemical supply. In 2006 we are anticipating the possibility of rapidly expanding sales of bulk Chelated Liquid Multi-Nutrient fertilizers which use a high proportion of used photochemicals as a raw material. Because of this possibility, we are now aggressively seeking new large scale photochemical recycling customers. Based on 2005 and early 2006 production usage, we estimate that current supplies of photochemical raw material in storage at our manufacturing plant, combined with ongoing receipts of material from other existing customers, is sufficient to meet fertilizer production needs through 2006, depending on fertilizer sales volumes.
Segment operating expenses decreased $125,500 from the first quarter of 2005. This resulted primarily from a decrease in sales and marketing expenses of $85,400 due to reduced corporate marketing and to having one less field agronomist on staff compared to the prior year and to a reduction of general and administrative expenses of $39,500 resulting primarily from reduced option compensation and outside services.
These factors resulted in a 2006 first quarter segment operating loss of $443,600 compared to a loss of $599,900 for the first quarter of 2005, a decreased operating loss of $156,200, or 26%.
Other income (expenses) were $225,000 for the quarter, compared to $(167,700) for the 2005 first quarter, an increased income of $392,700. The increased income is due to a gain on derivative instruments of $506,300, which was partially offset by an increase of $113,600 in interest expense. Both items are related to the 2005 and 2006 borrowing of $3,250,000 in callable secured convertible notes. The gain or loss on derivatives discussed above is calculated each quarter and is subject to material changes, either up or down, based on changes in our stock price, which is highly volatile. This financing and the related accounting treatment are more fully discussed in Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements above.
The changes in operating loss and other expenses resulted in a segment net loss before taxes of $218,700 for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to a loss of $767,600 for the prior year quarter, a decreased loss of $548,900 or 72%.
21
MINING TECHNICAL SERVICES
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||
2006 |
2005 |
||
Revenues | $20,451 |
$24,002 |
|
Gross profit (loss) | 4,642 |
1,029 |
|
Operating income (loss) | (114,759) |
(142,323) |
|
Other income (expense) | 54,231 |
(3,685) |
|
Net income (loss) before taxes | (60,528) |
(146,008) |
Mining technical services revenue was $20,500 for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to $24,000 for the comparable quarter of 2005, a decrease of 15%. The decrease is due to the expiration of the Golden Phoenix Minerals, Inc. consulting contract in March 2005. Cost of sales decreased by $7,200, due primarily to decreases of $2,500 in pass through costs and $5,000 in rent due to the closing of the segments satellite office in May 2005. These factors resulted in a first quarter gross profit for the segment of $4,600 compared to $1,000 for the prior year first quarter, a nominal increase.
In early May 2005 the technical services satellite office was closed due to the winding down of most of the technical service contracts and completion of the majority of the data gathering for the insidemetals.com project, but certain key staff members have been retained. Programming is continuing for insidemetals.com and launch of the website Information Portal occurred in August 2005. Revenues from the website have been nominal to date.
The redirection of Whitney & Whitney, Inc. to reduce emphasis on technical consulting services and to launch an internet information portal is brought about by the fact that Dr. Whitney, our President, has often been the lead person in generating new consulting contracts. Our Presidents increased responsibilities for managing the expanding GOLDn GRO fertilizer segment and overall corporate activities has reduced his time availability to actively participate in the consulting segment. Part of our objective in shifting the focus of the technical services segment is to retain our core professional staff that can provide assistance on possible future technical service contracts as well as perform administrative duties for the GOLDn GRO fertilizer segment, while at the same time adding a potential source of revenue that is not dependent upon labor sales and which can be managed by a professional staff. The information portal also better utilizes the Whitney & Whitney, Inc. library and information resources that are already in existence. For the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 we allocated costs of approximately $50,800 and $62,700, respectively, to the development of the web site. The site was launched in mid-August 2005 and we are now fine-tuning the general presentation of the site, as well as improving the profiled mining company information. We expect this level of spending to continue well into the third quarter of 2006. As improvements to the site are completed and information maintenance becomes routine, we will reduce or redirect staff resources as needed.
Total segment operating expenses for the first quarter of 2006 decreased $24,000, due primarily to decreases in sales and marketing expenses of $9,400 and $11,900 in research and development costs. Sales and marketing decreased primarily to reduced corporate marketing and research and development expenses declined due to lower costs needed to improve the insidemetals.com website after launch in the third quarter of 2005.
22
The combination of these factors resulted in a 2006 first quarter segment operating loss of $114,800, compared to an operating loss of $142,300 for the first quarter of 2005, a decreased operating loss of $27,600, or 19%.
Other income (loss) for the first quarter of 2006 was a gain of $54,200 compared to a loss of $3,700 for the prior year first quarter. This increase in other income is due to increased sales at a profit of common shares of Golden Phoenix Minerals, Inc.
The changes in operating loss and other income resulted in a segment net loss before taxes of $60,500 for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to a loss of $146,000 for the prior year quarter, a decreased loss of $85,500, or 59%.
SUMMARY
On a consolidated basis, the various changes in revenues and operating expenses resulted in a first quarter 2006 operating loss of $558,400, compared to $742,200 for the first quarter of 2005, a decreased operating loss of $183,800, or 25%. Net loss before taxes for the first quarter 2006 was $279,200 compared to $913,600 for the prior year first quarter, a decreased loss of $634,400 or 69%.
Changes in Financial Condition; Capitalization
Cash amounted to $171,700 as of March 31, 2006, compared to $(60,600) as of March 31, 2005. Net cash used for operating activities was approximately $808,800 for the first three months of 2006. The cash used for operating activities during the period was financed primarily by net proceeds of $982,500 from the issuance of callable secured convertible notes, less $118,700 in debt issuance costs.
Total assets increased $409,900 during the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $4,639,500. Current assets increased $368,900 due to increases in cash of $147,400, accounts receivable of $130,100 and inventory of $97,500. The increase in accounts receivable is due to fertilizer sales in late March and the increase in inventory is due to a build up of raw materials in preparation for the spring fertilizer season. Net property and equipment decreased $53,200 due to depreciation and amortization. Other assets increased $94,200 due to an increase in net deferred loan fees related to the callable secured convertible note financing.
Current liabilities increased during the three months ended March 31,2006 by $413,000 and total liabilities increased by $401,600. Total liabilities increased due to the receipt of $1,000,000 in additional callable secured convertible debt financing. Due to the structure of this financing, it is accounted for under derivative accounting rules, resulting in recording the conversion feature of the current and prior year callable secured convertible debt and all outstanding non-employee warrants and options at a combined fair value of $4,122,400, which resulted in a reduction of $506,300 in the excess of fair value of the derivatives over the amount of the debt. In addition, the increase in debt was partially offset by the conversion into common stock of $181,700 in callable secured convertible debt. Changes in current liabilities include increases of $367,000 in derivative instrument liabilities as discussed
23
above, $38,300 in accrued management salaries, and $84,700 in current maturities of convertible notes and accrued interest. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $65,000 in accrued expenses and $43,200 in current maturities of capital lease obligations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During the three months ended March 31, 2006, working capital decreased by $44,100 to a deficit balance of $8,385,700. The decrease is due to the increase in derivative instruments discussed above.
In July 2005 we obtained 8% convertible debt financing for a total of $3.25 million. The final funds from this financing were received in February 2006 after our registration statement was declared effective. This funding will provide for our capital needs through May to June 2006, depending on fertilizer sales growth. We are actively seeking additional financing.
To meet short term cash needs, we have negotiated a 10 day payment period on invoices to our primary distributor, at a cost of 1% of the invoice amount. In prior years, we factored certain inventory items and receivables to help with short term cash needs. The arrangements were with unrelated individuals, carried interest at 2% to 3% per month, and the lenders were secured by a blanket UCC on specified inventory items and on specified invoices. Such arrangements were last utilized in November 2005, and as our working capital needs are increasing to fund sales growth, especially during peak seasons, we are actively seeking new factoring arrangements.
Growth in fertilizer and the related photochemical and silver sales necessary to achieve profitability is subject to a number of uncertainties, including the annual seasonal nature of fertilizer sales related to crop cycles, short term weather patterns in specific markets, the rate of GOLDn GRO fertilizer adoption in existing and new markets, and the availability of funding to support sales growth.
Growth Plans and Implementation
Our Photochemical Fertilizer Division created the GOLDn GRO line of liquid fertilizers. The pioneering development work is complete, field trials have been completed on the first products and other field trials are under way.
The Mining Technical Services Division originally provided typical consulting services which required high level technical personnel, including our President, devoted to each project. To reduce our dependence on our President to generate new consulting contracts, while better utilizing our core professional staff, the division is being reconfigured to focus most of its efforts on a global Internet Information Portal "insidemetals.com". The information portal operates 24 hours per day 7 days per week anywhere in the world where computers and the Internet are available. Anyone with access to the Internet anywhere in the world can subscribe to the service at any time using their credit card to pay the subscription fee.
With the successful completion of the initial pioneering development work by the Photochemical Fertilizer Division, and with the launch of the information portal by the Mining Technical Services Division, we are implementing growth plans for both divisions that are expected to drive expansion well into the future. The status of these plans and their implementation is described for each division.
24
Photochemical Fertilizer Division (Itronics Metallurgical, Inc.)
Our manufacturing plant is presently configured to produce 1.2 million gallons (on a single shift basis) of GOLDn GRO fertilizer annually (about 5,700 tons) and can be expanded to produce 7.2 million gallons of GOLD'n GRO per year, or about 36,000 tons. GOLD'n GRO fertilizer production in 2004 utilized about 5 percent of planned capacity. Planned expansions to achieve the 36,000 ton volume include increasing both dry raw material and liquid storage, increasing tank truck loading capacity, and automation of certain manufacturing functions. Expansion can be achieved incrementally as fertilizer sales continue to grow.
We have developed the following eight-part approach to growth:
1. Increase sales in the established market segments.
2. Develop GOLD'n GRO fertilizer applications for more crops.
3. Expand sales to new territories.
4. Expand the GOLD'n GRO specialty fertilizer product line.
5. Complete development of and commercialize the new glass/tile products.
6. Develop and commercialize environmentally friendly metal leaching reagents for recovery of silver, gold, and other metals.
7. Continue facilities expansion and technology development.
8. Acquire established companies and/or their technologies.
Plans and status of implementing each of the growth categories is explained in more detail in the following sections.
1. Increase sales in established market segments.
We are selling into or developing applications for the three major segments. These are:
a. Specialty Agriculture which includes Avocados, Citrus, Grapes, Fruit and Nut Trees, and Vegetables.
b. Bulk Field Crops which include alfalfa, cereal grains, corn, cotton, and soybeans.
c. The Urban Market, which includes Home Lawn and Garden, Landscape Construction and Maintenance, and Nursery and Greenhouse markets, and Golf Courses.
Our primary focus is to increase bulk GOLDn GRO liquid fertilizer sales as rapidly as possible. This is being achieved by expanding sales in the Specialty Agriculture segment and in the Bulk Field Crops segment. There are on-going small package sales in the Urban Market, but these are small relative to the other two segments.
2. Develop GOLD'n GRO fertilizer applications for more crops.
Based on our experience to date, it takes approximately two to five years to develop a new fertilizer product, which includes regulatory approval. It typically takes another two to four years to achieve market acceptance of successful products, which includes field trials to demonstrate product effectiveness.
25
New product applications are being developed for the dairy cow feed market including young oats, alfalfa, hay, and silage corn. Trials were conducted in 2004. The nutrient content of the alfalfa was improved, in some cases to the highest quality ratings. This benefits the dairy because less nutrient supplements are required for feeding the cows, thus reducing dairy operating expenses. The amount of hay produced per acre increased up to 25 percent. Results of the corn crops are still being evaluated. The dairy cow feed market is large with more than 23 million acres of alfalfa hay being grown in the United States. We anticipate it will take another one to three years to complete development and launch these product applications.
In 2004, we began field trials in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington for applications on onions, potatoes, and winter wheat. In the second quarter of 2005, we began field trials in Rhode Island for lawn, landscape, and nursery application. Also in the second quarter, we started several new trials in California for silage corn applications.
A new GOLD'n GRO base liquid nutrition program is now being marketed. The program is called the "Gallon and a Quart" or "4 to 1" program. It calls for one gallon of GOLDn GRO base liquid for each quart of GOLD'n GRO chelated micro-nutrient used in soil applications. Field demonstrations have shown improved nutrition uptake and crop output under this cost effective program. Marketing of this program over the next two to three years is expected to produce a very substantial increase in the tonnage of GOLD'n GRO fertilizer sales.
3. Expand sales to new territories.
The GOLD'n GRO products are being sold in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, with the majority of our sales in central California. We completed registration of select GOLDn GRO fertilizers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington during the first quarter of 2005; sales development is now underway. Two GOLD'n GRO products are registered in seven northeastern states and all of the products are registered in New York and in New Jersey with a distributor agreement signed for New Jersey. Based on our experience, commercial sales can be generated approximately one year after introductory sales activities are initiated. We are in the process of identifying distributors for New York and the other seven northeastern states. Each new geographic area developed will require the same procedural approach.
The expansion into the Northwest states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington is being managed by one field agronomist, who was transferred from California in 2004. Based on our experience, the cost of maintaining that position ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 per year. The expansion into the Northeast states is being managed by one part time person at an annual cost of approximately $30,000. That person is also the lead person in seeking customers for our Photochemical Silver Concentrators. We plan to increase these spending levels in 2006, depending on sales support requirements.
In general, expansion to new regions of the country will require at least one field agronomist for each region at a cost similar to that for the Northwest region. In addition, each state has varying registration requirements for product labels and costs of registration. Development of product labels is done internally using existing staff. Registration fees for each state vary widely, ranging from $25 to $600 per year, largely depending on how many products are registered in the particular state. For the near term, we anticipate utilizing present staff and management for corporate support of the sales efforts for both existing regions and for the new regions. For the longer term, as we expand we will need to add corporate support personnel, especially a Ph.D. agronomist, to properly support sales efforts.
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Our plan to expand sales in Urban Markets requires the consumer to utilize fertilizer injection equipment. This equipment provides economical, easy use of liquid fertilizers for consumer lawns and gardens. We recently added two types of fertilizer injectors to our "e" store, which is the first step into this market. Additionally, other fertilizer injectors are already available to consumers through irrigation supply stores.
4. Expand the GOLD'n GRO specialty fertilizer product line.
We are developing two new specialty products, a calcium plus magnesium fertilizer named GOLDn GRO 11-0-0+5% Ca (Calcium) and a high magnesium content fertilizer named GOLDn GRO 8-0-0+3% Mg (Magnesium), both targeting foliar and soil application. We registered GOLDn GRO 11-0-0+5% Ca in Nevada in 2005 and completed registration in California in the first quarter of 2006. Sales development is expected to start in the second quarter of 2006. The registration of GOLDn GRO 8-0-0+3% Mg is being delayed to 2007 or 2008 to allow time to complete the introduction of GOLDn GRO 11-0-0+5% Ca in California and to complete registration in Oregon and other states where it will be sold.
We are developing a new category of repellent fertilizers that are expected to be sold at higher profit margins than our other products. The GOLDn GRO Guardian deer repellent fertilizer is an example of this type of specialty fertilizer. The U.S. market for deer repellents is believed to exceed $50 million in annual sales. Products currently in the market have limited effectiveness so management believes there is a real opportunity for a line of systemic products that are effective for several weeks after each application. GOLD'n GRO Guardian small plot tests have shown effectiveness for 8 to 12 weeks as well as excellent wintertime effectiveness.
In the second quarter of 2005 we acquired ownership interest in the GOLDn GRO Guardian trademark, product rights, and the repelling product. We now own 100% of all rights related to GOLDn GRO Guardian. Results of the research of the GOLDn GRO Guardian deer repellent fertilizer has provided a basis for a bird (goose) repellent fertilizer that will be perfected for small plot field trials and registration after the registration of GOLDn GRO Guardian is underway. Currently, this product line is strictly for non-food plant applications.
We believe the users of the GOLDn GRO deer repellent fertilizer will be upscale homeowners, commercial landscapers, and municipal facilities, and wholesale and retail nurseries. The initial sales center will be in Rhode Island.
5. Complete development of and commercialize glass/tile products.
In 2003, we developed and produced glass /tile products proving that the product concept is technically viable. When the development of the glass/ceramic tile product is completed, we will achieve the ability to recycle 100 percent of the photoliquid materials received from customers, including waste that is generated internally during fertilizer production. We have completed preliminary market research for the tile markets, but expect to do much more work to develop a plan to enter this market.
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6. Develop and commercialize metal leaching reagents for recovery of silver, gold, and other metals.
In 2002 and 2003, we initiated efforts to apply our technology to extract silver from photoliquids to the mining sector. This work will be further expanded and a small pilot circuit will be established to chemically process certain categories of silver-bearing solid wastes. The gold mining sector currently uses cyanide and other toxic chemicals in their leaching process. We believe it may be possible to create and adapt new non-toxic leaching reagents and leaching procedures for processing other secondary materials and certain types of mine generated products. The specific markets for leaching reagents in gold and silver mining is large and world wide, but has not yet been studied in detail for market development. Our Technical Services Division maintains an extensive library and database of mines and mining activities worldwide, which provides us ready access to market information as we need it. Much pilot plant work, including one or more field pilot operations, must be completed before quantitative market studies can be completed.
7. Continue facilities expansion and technology development.
As fertilizer sales volume increases, we will need to increase tank truck loading capacity. With the introduction of additional bulk products and increased demand for our products, load out capacity for shipment of three more bulk products is needed. We developed a preliminary construction budget and are seeking financing so that construction can be scheduled. While we believe that we can handle expected growth in 2006 with the existing load-out module, we hope to complete construction on the new load out equipment during the third quarter of 2006.
In the first quarter of 2006 the Company tripled silver recovery capacity. The Company continued to work towards implementing its new iron and sulfur leach process that reduces the amount of solids delivered to its silver refinery by 50%, effectively doubling capacity while reducing refining costs by more than half. Work is underway to size and layout a pilot leaching circuit that is planned to be assembled in the second half of 2006 and to begin operation sometime in the fourth quarter of 2006. Planning also began for a further increase in silver refining capacity which will include an expansion of material drying, sampling, and preparation capacity.
8. Acquire established companies and/or their technologies.
To enhance our operations and market presence, we intend to acquire small established companies or their technologies. In 2005, we completed our acquisition of the GOLDn GRO Guardian technology. We have decided to delay any further acquisitions until additional financing is obtained.
Mining Technical Services Division (Whitney & Whitney, Inc.)
Historically, this division provided consulting services to the mining industry. In August 2005, we launched an Information Portal in the Internet. This division has a two-part approach to growth:
1. Continue to provide consulting services.
2. "e-commerce" Internet Information Portal-"insidemetals.com".
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Plans and status of implementing each of the growth categories is explained in more detail in the following sections.
1. Continue to provide consulting services
During the third quarter of 2004, sales of the Mining Technical Services (Whitney & Whitney, Inc.) division declined due to winding down of on-going projects and delays related to client financing for new projects. Some of the issues related to new client project start up were resolved by the clients during the third quarter of 2004 and the remaining work was completed in early 2005. The technical services satellite consulting office was closed in early May 2005, but certain key staff members have been retained. We intend to continue a low level effort to solicit and perform technical services for mining companies and other businesses or government agencies that have mineral interests or minerals related responsibilities
2. "e-commerce" Internet Information Portal-"insidemetals.com".
In August 2005, we launched the website "insidemetals.com," an Information Portal targeting the companies and individuals interested in the mining and precious metals industry. The website will generate revenue by charging a subscription fee for monthly access to the site. Currently, the site contains an array of information about gold and companies in the gold industry. We intend to add information on other mineral sectors gradually.
We anticipate that mining company professionals, all government agencies with minerals related responsibilities, financial industry investment professionals, and individual investors who have an interest in investing in mining companies but who have limited mineral industry knowledge will benefit from this Information Portal. The market scope for this service is global and is accessible with a "click of a mouse" in all countries of the world through the Internet. Whitney & Whitney, Inc. has contacts throughout the world and expects that the good will generated over a period of more than 25 years will provide market support for this service.
Item 3. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms.
(b) Changes in internal controls. There was no change in our internal controls or in other factors that could affect these controls during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting."
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PART II- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
As of March 31, 2006 total recorded liabilities of $752,231 including accrued interest to March 31, 2006, were subject to various lawsuits and claims for the collection of the funds due. These include 15 leases totaling $601,103 (reflected in Current Maturities of Capital Lease Obligations) plus $35,720 in additional interest (reflected in Accrued Interest) and two trade payables totaling $98,888 (reflected in Accounts Payable) plus $16,520 in additional interest (reflected in Accrued Interest). The leases are individually secured by specified equipment.
The accrued interest noted above was recorded based on our assessment of additional amounts we believe is probable and is related to three cases originally seeking $251,522. The creditors have received judgments in these cases, but have taken no further collection action. We will continue to accrue interest until these cases are settled or paid in full.
We estimate an additional $11,300 interest may be reasonably possible on one case; however, we have not accrued this amount because we do not believe it is probable to be incurred. This estimate is related to one case, seeking $35,210, that was filed in March 2003. No further contact has taken place since then.
We have a total of 11 cases, that originally sought $471,655, that we deem to have a remote possibility of incurring an additional unrecorded loss. We have negotiated payment agreements on these cases and, as of March 31, 2006, the recorded liability for these cases was $411,736. We are current in making the payments related to these respective settlement agreements.
Successful settlement of the above claims is dependent on future financing.
We may become involved in a lawsuit or legal proceeding at any time in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an unexpected adverse result may arise that may adversely affect our business. Certain lawsuits have been filed against us for collection of funds due that are delinquent, as described above. We are not aware of any additional legal proceeding or claims that the Company believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
(c) Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities:
In February 2006, we issued an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock to one accredited investor who exercised a warrant at $0.075 per common share by payment of $7,500.
In March 2006, we issued an aggregate of 2,500 shares of common stock valued at $125 to John W. Whitney, our President, as compensation for services performed on our behalf in his capacity as a director of our company for the fourth quarter of 2005.
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In March 2006, we issued an aggregate of 90,373 shares of common stock valued at $6,000 to Duane H. Rasmussen, our Vice President, as compensation for services performed on our behalf in his capacity as Vice President of our company for the fourth quarter of 2004.
We issued options to purchase an aggregate of 9,000 shares of common stock to Michael C. Horsley, our Controller, on February 1, 2006. The options are exercisable at $0.15 per share and expire three years after grant.
We issued options to purchase an aggregate of 71,000 shares of common stock to six of our employees in January and February 2006. The options are exercisable at $0.15 to $0.20 per share and expire in three to ten years from grant.
Subsequent to March 31, 2006 we will issue an aggregate of 2,500 shares of common stock valued at $150 to John W. Whitney, our President, as compensation for services performed on our behalf in his capacity as a director of our company for the first quarter of 2006.
On July 15, 2005, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with four accredited investors (the "Investors") for an aggregate amount of (i) $3,250,000 in secured convertible notes, and (ii) warrants to purchase 3,000,000 shares of our common stock (the "Financing"). The Financing was completed in four separate closings. The first closing consisted of gross proceeds of $1,250,000 less financing costs and payment of existing debt totaling $383,800 for net proceeds of $866,200. The second closing of the Financing took place after we filed the registration statement required to be filed pursuant to a certain concurrent Registration Rights Agreement. Upon filing of the registration statement, we received gross proceeds of $1,000,000 less financing costs of $140,000 for net proceeds of $860,000. The third and fourth closings of the Financing occurred in January to February 2006 and we received gross proceeds of $1,000,000 less financing costs of $97,500 for net proceeds of $902,500.
The Investors received three year convertible notes (the "Notes") bearing simple interest at 8% per annum. The Notes are convertible into our common stock at a price equal to the lesser of (i) $0.10 or (ii) 55% of the average of the lowest 3 intraday trading prices during the 20 trading day period ending one trading day before the conversion date. Further, the Investors received five year warrants to purchase a total of 3,500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.15 per share.
As part of a finders fee, the Placement Agent for the above Financing, Confin International, was granted a five year warrant to purchase a total of 240,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.15 per share.
All of the above offerings and sales were deemed to be exempt under rule 506 of Regulation D and Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. No advertising or general solicitation was employed in offering the securities. The offerings and sales were made to a limited number of persons, all of whom were accredited investors, business associates of Itronics Inc. or executive officers of Itronics Inc., and transfer was restricted by Itronics Inc. in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. In addition to representations by the above-referenced persons, we have made independent determinations that
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all of the above-referenced persons were accredited or sophisticated investors, and that they were capable of analyzing the merits and risks of their investment, and that they understood the speculative nature of their investment. Furthermore, all of the above-referenced persons were provided with access to our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Except as expressly set forth above, the individuals and entities to whom we issued securities as indicated in this section of the registration statement are unaffiliated with us.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
During the three months ended March 31, 2006 all of the Series 2000 Convertible Promissory Notes became due and are now in default. The total principal and interest due at March 31, 2006 is $3,003,286. We are formulating a plan to seek extensions of these notes. No collection action has been taken to date.
In addition to the leases that are subject to litigation as discussed in Item 1 above, there are four leases, with a recorded liability of $184,160, that are in default. No payments have been made for an extended period of time, and no collection action or recent contact from the creditors has occurred. As required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the principal balance of the leases that are in default have been classified as current liabilities. During the three months ended March 31, 2006 the Company began paying on one of these leases with a recorded liability of $42,231. It is reasonably possible that additional interest of less than $6,000 could be incurred, but this has not been recorded because the Company does not believe it is probable to be incurred.
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On March 31, 2006 we held a special meeting of security holders for the purposes of (1) approval of nominees to the Board of Directors, (2) ratifying the appointment of Cacciamatta Accountancy Corporation as our independent registered public accounting firm, and (3) ratifying an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation increasing the authorized shares of common stock from 250 million to 1 billion common shares. Following is a summary of the results of the vote:
For |
Against |
Abstain |
|
Proposal 1 Directors | |||
John W. Whitney | 157,362,176 |
4,690,457 |
9,856,847 |
Paul H. Durckel | 158,348,526 |
3,704,107 |
9,856,847 |
Howland S. Green | 159,384,791 |
2,667,842 |
9,856,847 |
Proposal 2 - Auditors | 159,754,629 |
10,068,237 |
2,086,614 |
Proposal 3 Authorized Shares | 143,407,177 |
27,004,303 |
1,497,999 |
|
|||
|
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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit 31.1 CERTIFICATION OF PRESIDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION
302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 35
Exhibit 31.2 CERTIFICATION OF CONTROLLER PURSUANT TO SECTION
302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 37
Exhibit 32 CERTIFICATIONS OF PRESIDENT AND CONTROLLER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
OF 2002 39
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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.
ITRONICS INC.
DATED: May 15, 2006 By:/S/JOHN W. WHITNEY
John W. Whitney
President
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated
DATED: May 15, 2006 By:/S/JOHN W. WHITNEY
John W. Whitney
President
(Principal Executive Officer)
DATED: May 15, 2006 By:/S/MICHAEL C. HORSLEY
Michael C. Horsley
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
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