10-Q 1 final0302.htm MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INC. - FORM 10-Q 03/31/02 (02/15/02)

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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 March 31, 2002

/ / Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934

For the period from to

Commission File Number 0-6890

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York

14-1462255

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

431 New Karner Road, Albany, New York 12205

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(518) 533-2200

Registrant's 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. Yes X No___

Class

Outstanding at May 10, 2002

Common stock, $1.00 Par Value

35,527,260 Shares

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

 

 

Part I - Financial Information

Page No.

   

Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2002, December 31, 2001 and September 30, 2001

3-4

   

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001

5

   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001

6

   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001

7

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8-22

   

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

23-34

   
   

Part II Other Information

 
   

Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

35

   

Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

35

   

Signatures

36

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 (Unaudited) and

September 30, 2001 (Derived from audited financial statements)

(Dollars in thousands)

Mar. 31, 2002

Dec. 31,

2001

Sept. 30,

2001

Assets

     

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

$5,134

$4,127

$ 9,807

Restricted cash equivalents

14

14

78

Securities available for sale

2,250

5,734

6,704

Accounts receivable

605

902

586

Inventories

1,605

1,510

1,674

Notes receivable

-

25

250

Deferred income taxes

3,734

2,315

2,052

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,292

1,042

1,108

Total Current Assets

14,634

15,669

22,259

       

Derivative asset

27

194

220

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,498

1,548

1,581

Holdings, at equity

32,679

38,937

47,197

Total Assets

$48,838

$56,348

$71,257

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 (Unaudited) and

September 30, 2001 (Derived from audited financial statements)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

Mar. 31,

2002

Dec. 31, 2001

Sept. 30,

2001

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

     
       

Current Liabilities:

     

Line of credit

$ 1,000

$ 1,000

$ 5,000

Accounts payable

431

643

807

Accrued liabilities

1,822

1,632

1,945

Accrued liabilities - related parties

133

101

3

Income taxes payable

31

28

25

Contingent obligation to common stock

warrant holders

-

-

288

Net liabilities of discontinued

operations

356

356

358

Total Current Liabilities

3,773

3,760

8,426

Long-Term Liabilities:

     

Deferred income taxes and other credits

2,207

4,406

8,453

Total Liabilities

5,980

8,166

16,879

       

Commitments and Contingencies

     

Minority interests

453

574

331

       

Shareholders' Equity

     

Common stock, par value $1 per share,

authorized 75,000,000; issued

35,529,360 in March 2002 and 35,505,010

in December and September 2001

 

 

35,529

 

 

35,505

 

 

35,505

Paid-in-capital

67,074

67,045

65,103

Accumulated deficit

(60,169)

(54,913)

(41,328)

42,434

47,637

59,280

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:

     

Unrealized loss on available for sale

securities, net of tax

-

-

(5,204)

       

Common stock in treasury, at cost,

20,250 shares

(29)

(29)

(29)

Total Shareholders' Equity

42,405

47,608

54,047

Total Liabilities and Shareholders'

Equity

$ 48,838

$ 56,348

$ 71,257

 

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

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Three months ended

 

Mar. 31,

2002

Mar. 31,

2001

   

Revenue:

       

Product revenue

$ 590

$ 1,657

   

Funded research and development

172

-

   

Total revenue

762

1,657

Operating costs and expenses:

Cost of product revenue

412

749

Research and product development expenses:

Funded research and product development

expenses

345

-

Unfunded research and product development

expenses

1,023

1,217

Total research and product development

expenses

1,368

1,217

Selling, general and administrative

expenses

1,635

1,625

Operating loss

(2,653)

(1,934)

   

Interest expense

(12)

(598)

   

Loss on derivatives

(167)

(51)

   

Gain on sale of holdings

2,241

5,551

   

Impairment losses (Note 7)

(5,282)

-

   

Other income (expense), net

9

(633)

   

(Loss) income from operations before income

taxes, equity in holdings' losses and

minority interests

 

(5,864)

 

2,335

Income tax benefit (expense)

2,353

(931)

   

Equity in holdings' losses, net of tax

(1,866)

(4,162)

   

Minority interest in losses of

consolidated subsidiary

121

-

   

Net loss

$ (5,256)

$ (2,758)

Loss per Share (Basic and Diluted):

       

Loss per share

$ (.15)

$ (0.08)

   

 

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

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Three months ended

 

COMMON STOCK

Mar. 31,

2002

Mar. 31,

2001

Balance, January 1

$ 35,505

$ 35,443

Issuance of shares - options

24

33

Balance, March 31

$ 35,529

$ 35,476

PAID-IN-CAPITAL

   

Balance, January 1

$ 67,045

$ 55,147

Issuance of shares - options

(6)

(10)

Plug Power holding, net of taxes

83

(17)

SatCon holding, net of taxes

(86)

1,301

Compensatory stock options

13

13

Stock option exercises recognized differently for

financial reporting and tax purposes

25

84

Balance, March 31

$ 67,074

$ 56,518

ACCUMULATED DEFICIT

   

Balance, January 1

$(54,913)

$(45,478)

Net loss

(5,256)

(2,758)

Balance, March 31

$(60,169)

$(48,236)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:

UNREALIZED LOSS ON AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES, NET OF TAXES

 

 

Balance, January 1

$ -

$ 14,470

Change in unrealized loss on available for sale

securities, net of taxes

-

(11,021)

Balance, March 31

$ -

$ 3,449

TREASURY STOCK

   

Balance, January 1

$ (29)

$ (29)

Balance, March 31

$ (29)

$ (29)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

   

Balance, March 31

$ 42,405

$ 47,178

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:

   

Net loss

$ (5,256)

$ (2,758)

Other comprehensive loss:

   

Change in unrealized loss on available for

sale securities, net of tax

-

(11,021)

Total comprehensive loss

$ (5,256)

$(13,779)

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Three months ended

 

Mar. 31,

2002

Mar. 31,

2001

Operating Activities

   

Net loss

$(5,256)

$(2,758)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used

   

by operations:

Loss on derivatives

167

51

Impairment losses

5,282

-

Minority interest

(121)

-

Depreciation and amortization

129

890

Gain on sale of holdings

(2,241)

(5,551)

Equity in losses of equity holdings (gross)

3,115

6,922

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

5

-

Deferred income taxes and other credits

(3,591)

(1,835)

Stock option compensation

13

13

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

297

(653)

Inventories

(95)

(268)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(264)

(204)

Accounts payable

(213)

(48)

Income taxes

3

4

Accrued liabilities - related parties

32

106

Accrued liabilities

190

452

Net cash used by operations

(2,548)

(2,879)

     

Discontinued Operations:

   

Change in net liabilities/assets

-

(21)

Net cash used by discontinued operations

-

(21)

Net cash used by operating activities

(2,548)

(2,900)

     

Investing Activities

   

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(70)

(191)

Proceeds from sale of holdings

3,582

7,059

Change in restricted cash equivalents, net

-

117

Principal payments from notes receivable

25

169

Net cash provided by investing activities

3,537

7,154

     

Financing Activities

   

Net payments under related party debt

-

(2,500)

Proceeds from stock option exercises

18

23

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

18

(2,477)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

1,007

1,777

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

4,127

972

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$ 5,134

$ 2,749

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

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Basis of Presentation
  2. In the opinion of management the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal, recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001.

    Change in Year-End

    On February 13, 2002, the Company changed its fiscal year-end from September 30 to December 31, effective with the calendar year beginning January 1, 2002. A three-month transition period from October 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001 (the "Transition Period") precedes the start of the 2002 fiscal year. "2001" refers to fiscal periods in the year ended September 30 and the Transition Period refers to the three months ended December 31, 2001. This new fiscal year makes the Company's annual and quarterly reporting periods consistent with those used by Plug Power Inc. and permits the Company to continue to account for its holdings in Plug Power on a timely basis.

  3. Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, "Revenue Recognition." Product revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery of the product to the customer or distributor has occurred, at which time title generally is passed to the customer or distributor, and the Company has determined that collection of a fixed fee is probable, all of which occur upon shipment of the product. If the product requires installation to be performed by the Company, all revenue related to the product is deferred and recognized upon the completion of the installation. The Company provides for a warranty reserve at the time the product revenue is recognized.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

The Company performs funded research and development for government agencies under cost reimbursement contracts, which generally require

the Company to absorb up to 50% of the total costs incurred. Cost reimbursement contracts provide for the reimbursement of allowable costs. Such contracts require the Company to deliver research and tangible developments in fuel cell technology, and system design and prototype fuel cell systems for test and evaluation by the government agency. Revenues are recognized in proportion to the costs incurred.

Included in accounts receivable are billed and unbilled work-in-progress on cost reimbursed government contracts. Total estimated cost to complete a contract in excess of the awarded contract amounts are charged to operations during the period such costs are estimated. While the Company's accounting for these contract costs are subject to audit by the sponsoring agency, in the opinion of management, no material adjustments are expected as a result of such audits. Cost of product revenue includes material, labor and overhead. Costs incurred in connection with funded research and development arrangements are included in funded research and product development expenses.

Derivative Accounting, Company Stock

The Company accounts for derivatives potentially settled in the Company's own stock in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue EITF 00-19, "Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company's Own Stock." The Standard requires freestanding contracts that are settled in a company's own stock, including common stock warrants, to be designated as an equity instrument, asset or a liability. Under the provisions of EITF 00-19, a contract designated as an asset or a liability must be carried at fair value, with any changes in fair value recorded in the results of operations. A contract designated as

an equity instrument must be included within equity, and no fair value adjustments are required. In accordance with EITF 00-19, the Company determined that outstanding warrants as of June 30, 2001 to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock issued to

SatCon Technology Corporation should be designated as a liability. Effective June 30, 2001, the fair value of all such warrants were reclassified from equity to liabilities with subsequent changes in the fair value included in the results of operations.

The classification of these warrants is reassessed periodically. As a result of the amendment to the SatCon warrant agreements on December 28, 2001, requiring the Company to settle the warrants, when

exercised, in common stock, the warrants were reclassified from liability to equity and further changes in the fair value of the warrants are no longer reported in results of operations.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS

No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. This statement affects the Company's treatment of goodwill and other intangible assets. The statement requires that goodwill existing at the date of adoption be reviewed for possible impairment and that impairment tests be periodically repeated, with impaired assets written down to fair value. Additionally, existing goodwill and intangible assets must be assessed and classified within the Statement's criteria. Intangible assets with finite useful lives will continue to be amortized over those periods. Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indeterminable lives will cease.

As a result of the adoption of the Statement, the Company will no longer amortize the goodwill associated with its equity holdings in SatCon. The Company will continue to regularly evaluate its holdings in SatCon to determine if any declines in value of holdings are other than temporary and record impairment losses, when appropriate (see Note 7).

The Company recorded expense related to the amortization of goodwill associated with its holdings in SatCon of $0 and $688 thousand, during the three months ended March 31, 2002 and March 31, 2001, respectively. The Company has no intangible assets.

The Pro Forma effects of the Company adopting the provisions of SFAS No. 142 would be as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2002

Three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2001

Reported net loss

$(5,256)

$(2,758)

Add back goodwill amortization, net of taxes

-

413

Adjusted net loss

$(5,256)

$(2,345)

Basic and Diluted Loss per Share:

   

Reported net loss

$( 0.15)

$( 0.08)

Goodwill amortization

-

0.01

Adjusted net loss

$( 0.15)

$( 0.07)

Goodwill by reporting segment consists of the following:

Reporting Unit

(dollars in 000's)

Balance as of

Mar. 31, 2002

New Energy

$463

Test and Measurement Instrumentation

-

 

$463

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," which supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of", and the accounting and reporting provisions of APB No. 30. This Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and was adopted as of January 1, 2002. This Statement specifies how impairment will be measured and how impaired

assets will be classified in the financial statements. The Company's adoption of this Statement did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

  1. Reclassification

Certain 2001 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2002 presentation.

  1. Inventories
  2. Inventories consist of the following at:

    (Dollars in thousands)

    Mar. 31,

    2002

    Dec. 31,

    2001

    Sept.30,

    2001

    Finished goods

    $ 332

    $ 342

    $ 272

    Work in process

    489

    479

    693

    Raw materials, components and assemblies

    784

    689

    709

     

    $1,605

    $1,510

    $1,674

  3. Holdings, at Equity

The principal components of the Company's holdings, at equity consist of the following:

 

 

 

Holding

 

Recorded

Book Value

($ in millions)

Quoted

Market Price

per Nasdaq

Calculated

Market Value

per Nasdaq

($ in millions)

 

 

Ownership

 

 

Shares

March 31, 2002

         

Plug Power

$28.820

$10.37

$121.270

23.20%

11,694,315

SatCon Technology

Corporation

3.859

$ 3.25

3.859

7.18%

1,187,500

Total

$32.679

 

$125.129

   

December 31, 2001

         

Plug Power Inc.

$32.177

$ 8.74

$104.830

23.83%

11,994,315

SatCon Technology

Corporation

6.760

$ 5.20

6.760

7.86%

1,300,000

Total

$38.937

 

$111.590

   

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Holdings, at Equity (Continued)

 

 

Holding

 

Recorded

Book Value

($ in millions)

Quoted

Market Price

per Nasdaq

Calculated

Market Value

per Nasdaq

($ in millions)

 

 

Ownership

 

 

Shares

September 30, 2001

         

Plug Power Inc.

$36.027

$ 9.62

$115.385

23.9%

11,994,315

SatCon Technology Corporation

11.170

$ 4.86

6.318

8.05%

1,300,000

 

$47.197

 

$121.703

   

Summarized below is financial information for Plug Power and SatCon, as derived from published financial reports. Plug Power's fiscal year ends December 31 and SatCon's fiscal year ends September 30. Our holdings in SatCon are accounted for on a one-quarter lag.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

SatCon

_______________________________________

Plug Power

________________________________________

 

Balance Sheet

As of

Dec. 29,

2001(1)

As of

Sept. 30,

2001(2)

As of

Jun. 30,

2001(1)

As of

Mar. 31,

2002(1)

As of

Dec. 31,

2001(2)

As of

Sept. 30,

2001(1)

Current

assets

$35,352

$42,466

$44,802

$ 90,489

$100,565

$111,212

Non-current

assets

25,183

26,310

24,621

48,840

50,809

53,607

Current

liabilities

12,131

12,842

9,302

8,999

10,199

7,737

Non-current

liabilities

1,105

1,423

1,723

6,121

6,172

6,534

Stockholders'

equity

47,299

54,511

58,398

124,209

135,003

150,548

 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Results of

Operations

Dec. 29,

2001(1)

Dec. 31,

2000(1)

Mar. 31,

2002(1)

Mar. 31,

2001(1)

Gross revenues

$ 8,340

$ 9,494

$ 2,904

$ 1,027

Gross profit (loss)

687

1,956

1,213

(944)

Net loss before cumulative

effect of changes in

accounting principles

 

(5,397)

 

(2,990)

 

(11,596)

 

(19,015)

Cumulative effect

of changes in accounting

principles

 

-

 

(1,022)

 

-

 

-

Net loss

(5,397)

(4,012)

(11,596)

(19,015)

(1) derived from unaudited financial information

(2) derived from audited financial statements

 

SatCon's May 13, 2002 press release on second quarter results and accomplishments for the three months ended March 30, 2002 included the following information:

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Holdings, at Equity (Continued)

(Dollars in

thousands)

 

Balance Sheet

As of

Mar. 30,

2002(1)

Current assets

$29,608

Non-current assets

22,549

Current liabilities

11,586

Non-current liabilities

1,050

Stockholders' equity

39,521

Results of

Operations

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30,

2002(1)

Gross revenues

$10,300

Gross profit

871

Net loss

(4,997)

(1) derived from unaudited financial information

Plug Power Inc.

The following is a roll forward of the Company's accounting for holdings in Plug Power:

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2002

Three months ended

Dec. 31, 2001

Twelve months ended

Sept.30, 2001

Holdings balance, beginning of period

$32,177

$ 36,027

$ 48,372

Share of Plug Power losses gross

(2,691)

(4,069)

(22,101)

Sale of shares

(805)

-

(4,708)

Equity adjustment for share of third-party

investments in Plug Power which increased equity

139

219

14,464

Holdings balance, end of period

$28,820

$ 32,177

$ 36,027

There is no difference between the carrying value of the Company's holdings in Plug Power and its interest in the underlying equity at March 31, 2002, December 31, 2001 or September 30, 2001.

SatCon Technology Corporation

The following is a roll forward of the Company's accounting for holdings in SatCon:

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Holdings, at Equity (Continued)

SatCon Technology Corporation

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2002

Three months ended

Dec. 31, 2001

Twelve months ended

Sept.30, 2001

Holdings balance, beginning of period

$6,760

$11,170

$ 15,984

Share of SatCon losses on one-quarter lag,

gross

(424)

(727)

(1,938)

Sale of shares

(536)

-

(4,296)

Amortization of embedded difference between

the Company's basis and calculated
ownership of underlying equity, one-quarter
lag (Note 2)

 

-

 

(688)

 

(2,755)

Impairment loss (Note 7)

(1,798)

(5,790)

-

Equity adjustment for other equity activity

(143)

2,795

4,175

Holdings balance, end of period

$3,859

$ 6,760

$11,170

The difference between the carrying value of the Company's holdings in SatCon and its interest in the underlying equity (on a one-quarter lag basis) consists of the following:

 

Mar. 31,

Dec. 31,

Sept.30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2002

2001

2001

Calculated ownership

$3,396

$ 4,285

$ 4,704

Embedded difference (goodwill) (Note 2)

463

2,475

6,466

Carrying value of investment in SatCon

$3,859

$ 6,760

$11,170

  1. Securities Available for Sale

Securities available for sale are classified as current assets. Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses) are charged to Other Comprehensive Income.

Securities available for sale consist of Beacon Power common stock. The book basis roll forward of Beacon Power common stock is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Mar.31, 2002

Dec.31,

2001

Sept.30,

2001

Capital contributions during 2000 - cash

$ 6,050

$ 6,050

$ 6,050

Cash-less warrant exercise during 2001

8,500

8,500

8,500

Stock received as pro rata distribution from

SatCon during 2001

827

827

827

Impairment loss during the Transition Period

ended December 31, 2001

(9,643)

(9,643)

-

Impairment loss during 2002 (see Note 7)

(3,484)

-

-

Securities book basis

2,250

5,734

15,377

Fair value adjustment

-

-

(8,673)

Securities at market value

$ 2,250

$ 5,734

$ 6,704

The Company's ownership of Beacon Power common stock is as follows:

 

Mar.31, 2002

Dec.31, 2001

Sept.30, 2001

Shares

4,410,797

4,410,797

4,410,797

Percentage

10.3%

10.3%

10.3%

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Impairment Losses

The Company regularly reviews its holdings and securities available for sale to determine if any declines in value of those holdings are other than temporary. The Company assesses whether declines in the value of its holdings and securities in publicly traded companies, measured by comparison of the current market price of the securities to the carrying value of the Company's holdings and securities, are considered to be other than temporary based on factors that include (1) the length of time carrying value exceeds fair market value, (2) the Company's assessment of the financial condition and the near term prospects of the companies, and (3) the Company's intent with respect to the holdings and securities.

The slowing economy has had a negative impact on the equity value of companies in the new energy sector. In light of these circumstances and based on the results of the reviews described above, the Company recorded a $5.282 million other than temporary impairment charge for the three months ended March 31, 2002 with respect to its holdings in publicly traded companies. The pre-tax impairment loss recorded for holdings, at equity, was $1.798 million for the impairment of the Company's holdings in SatCon (see Note 5). The pre-tax impairment loss recorded for securities available for sale (common stock of Beacon Power) previously recorded as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss was $3.484 million (see Note 6).

  1. Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

For the three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2002 Mar. 31, 2001

Tax rate

(40.11)%

(39.9)%

Income tax (benefit) expense consists of the following:

(Dollars in thousands)

For the three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2002 Mar. 31, 2001

Operations before equity in holdings' losses

   

Federal

$ -

$ -

State

(11)

6

Deferred

(2,342)

925

 

(2,353)

931

Equity in holdings' losses

   

Federal

-

-

State

-

-

Deferred

(1,249)

(2,761)

 

(1,249)

(2,761)

Total operations

$(3,602)

$(1,830)

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Income Taxes (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

For the three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2002 Mar. 31, 2001

     

Items charged (credited) directly to stockholders' equity:

   

Increase in additional paid-in capital

for equity holdings, and warrants and

options issued - Deferred

 

$ (2)

 

$ 856

Decrease (increase) in unrealized loss on

available for sale securities -

Deferred

-

(7,347)

Expenses for employee stock options

recognized differently for financial

reporting/tax purposes - Federal

 

(25)

 

(84)

 

$ (27)

$(6,575)

The deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following tax effects relating to temporary differences and carryforwards:

(Dollars in thousands)

Mar. 31,

2002

Dec. 31,

2001

Sept. 30,

2001

Current deferred tax assets:

     

Loss provisions for discontinued

operations

$ 142

$ 142

$ 143

Bad debt reserve

277

277

277

Inventory valuation

42

27

27

Inventory capitalization

12

12

12

Securities available for sale

2,738

1,344

956

Vacation pay

101

94

78

Warranty and other sale obligations

31

33

29

Stock options

242

237

232

Contingent liability warrant holders

-

-

115

Other reserves and accruals

149

149

183

 

3,734

2,315

2,052

Valuation allowance

-

-

-

Net current deferred tax assets

$ 3,734

$ 2,315

$ 2,052

(Dollars in thousands)

Mar. 31,

2002

Dec. 31,

2001

Sept. 30,

2001

Net operating loss

$ 3,178

$ 3,117

$ 2,360

Property, plant and equipment

(82)

(82)

(82)

Holdings, at equity

(5,243)

(7,314)

(10,618)

Derivatives

(11)

(78)

(88)

Other

201

201

201

Research and development tax credit

459

459

459

Alternative minimum tax credit

609

609

609

 

(889)

(3,088)

(7,159)

Valuation allowance

(1,144)

(1,144)

(1,144)

Other credits

(174)

(174)

(150)

Noncurrent net deferred tax liabilities

and other credits

$(2,207)

$(4,406)

$(8,453)

The deferred tax assets are expected to be realized based on the Company's expectations that its current business strategy, of selling

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Income Taxes (Continued)

appreciated equity holdings, represents a tax planning strategy that will enable the Company to generate sufficient taxable income with the appropriate character (capital). Consequently, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be sufficient to fully offset these future deductions.

  1. Debt

As of March 31, 2002, the Company had a $10 million Credit Agreement with KeyBank, N.A. dated as of August 10, 2001 ("the $10 million Credit Agreement"). As of March 31, 2002, the Company had $1 million outstanding under this line of credit.

As of March 31, 2002, the market value of Plug Power common stock was $10.37 per share which means the amount available on the line of credit was $10 million of which $1 million was outstanding, leaving $9 million available under the facility.

  1. Earnings per Share

The amounts used in computing earnings per share ("EPS") and the effect on income and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive securities are as follows:

 

For the three months

ended

(Dollars in thousands)

Mar. 31,

2002

Mar. 31,

2001

Loss

$(5,256)

$(2,758)

Basic and Diluted EPS:

   

Common shares outstanding, beginning

of period

35,484,760

35,422,335

Weighted average common shares issued

during the period

24,350

26,222

Weighted average shares outstanding

35,509,110

35,448,557

Loss per weighted average share

$ (.15)

$ (.08)

At March 31, 2002, options to purchase 3,175,050 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $.54 to $21.92 per share and warrants to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock at $12.56 per share were outstanding but were not included in the computation of EPS-assuming dilution because the Company incurred a loss during this period and inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

At March 31, 2001, options to purchase 3,158,075 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $.54 to $21.92 per share and warrants to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock at $12.56 per share were

outstanding but were not included in the computation of EPS-assuming dilution because the Company incurred a loss during this period and inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  1. Equity in Holdings' Losses, Net of Tax
  2. The Company's holdings' losses, net of tax, accounted for under the equity method is as follows:

     

    Three months ended

     

    Mar. 31, 2002

    Mar. 31, 2001

    Plug Power

    $(1,612)

    $(3,435)

    SatCon, including amortization of goodwill in 2001

    (254)

    (727)

     

    $(1,866)

    $(4,162)

  3. Cash Flows - Supplemental Information

(Dollars in thousands)

Three months ended

March 31,

 

2002

2001

Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:

   

Additional holdings and paid-in-capital resulting from other investors' investments in Plug Power Inc.

 

$ 139

 

$ (29)

Change in holdings and paid-in-capital resulting from other equity activity in SatCon Technology Corporation

 

(143)

 

2,168

Additional paid-in-capital resulting from stock option exercises treated differently for financial reporting and tax purposes

 

25

 

84

  1. Segment Information

The Company operates in two business segments, New Energy and Test and Measurement Instrumentation. The New Energy segment is currently focused on commercializing direct methanol micro fuel cells. The Test and Measurement Instrumentation segment develops, manufactures, markets and services sensing instruments and computer-based balancing systems for aircraft engines.

The Company evaluates performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes, accounting changes, unusual items and interest income and expense. Inter-segment sales are not significant.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company's reportable segments is shown in the following table. The "Other" column

includes corporate related items and items like income taxes or unusual items, which are not allocated to reportable segments. The

"Reconciling Items" column includes minority interest in consolidated subsidiary and income tax allocation to equity in holdings' losses. In addition, segments' noncash items include any depreciation and amortization in reported profit or loss. The New Energy segment figures include the Company's activities related to micro fuel cell

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Segment Information (Continued)

operations, the Company's holdings in Plug Power, SatCon and Beacon Power and the results of the Company's equity method of accounting for certain holdings. SatCon results are accounted for on a one-quarter

lag except for sale of stock which is affected as of the date of sale. The results for Plug Power and SatCon are derived from their published quarterly and annual financial statements.

(Dollars in thousands)

Three months ended Mar. 31, 2002

 

New Energy

Test and Measurement Instrumentation

Other

Reconciling Items

Consolidated Totals

Revenues

$ 172

$ 590

$ -

$ -

$ 762

Research and product

development expenses

1,102

266

-

-

1,368

Selling, general and

administrative expenses

783

501

351

-

1,635

Equity in holdings' losses

(3,115)

-

-

1,249

(1,866)

Impairment losses

(5,282)

-

-

-

(5,282)

Segment (loss) profit

(8,119)

(670)

3,412

121

(5,256)

Total assets

36,681

2,255

9,902

-

48,838

Holdings, at equity

32,679

-

-

-

32,679

Securities available for sale

2,250

-

-

-

2,250

Capital expenditures

30

-

40

-

70

Depreciation and amortization

46

36

47

-

129

Three months ended Mar. 31, 2001

     

Revenues

$ -

$ 1,657

$ -

$ -

$ 1,657

Research and product

development expenses

874

343

-

-

1,217

Selling, general and

administrative expenses

728

459

438

-

1,625

Equity in holdings' losses

(6,922)

-

-

2,760

(4,162)

Segment (loss) profit

(3,034)

44

232

-

(2,758)

Total assets

71,942

3,046

6,237

-

81,225

Holdings, at equity

50,761

-

-

-

50,761

Securities available for sale

20,300

-

-

-

20,300

Capital expenditures

136

18

37

-

191

Depreciation and amortization

9

45

836

-

890

The following table presents the details of "Other" segment (loss) profit:

Three months ended

(Dollars in thousands)

Mar. 31,

2002

Mar. 31,

2001

Corporate and Other Income (Expenses):

       

Depreciation and amortization

$ (47)

$ (836)

   

Interest expense

(12)

(598)

   

Interest income

26

21

   

Income tax benefit

3,602

1,830

Other expense, net

(157)

(185)

   

Total income

$ 3,412

$ 232

   

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Related Party Transactions

During the three months ended March 31, 2002, First Albany Companies Inc. ("FAC") sold 349,530 shares of the Company's common stock in the public markets. FAC now owns approximately 32.1% of the Company's common stock.

In July 2001, MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. ("MTI Micro"), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company ("Dupont"), a minority shareholder in MTI Micro, to undertake a research and development program funded by the Advanced Technology Program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology ("NIST"). As the program administrator, MTI Micro submits all bills from Dupont to NIST for payment.

In connection with NIST billings, as of March 31, 2002, the Company has a liability to Dupont for approximately $133 thousand. This liability is included in the financial statement line "Accrued liabilities - related parties."

  1. Subsequent Events

Sales of Holdings

From April 1 through May 10, 2002, the Company sold Plug Power and SatCon common stock as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Company

 

Number of

Shares

Proceeds

from Sales

Plug Power

261,000

$2,801

SatCon

55,000

148

   

$2,949

 

NYSERDA Award

On April 25, 2002, the Company announced that its subsidiary, MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc., received an award of $500,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The award, matched by a similar commitment from MTI Micro, will help fund a yearlong research program to advance the development and commercialization of direct methanol micro fuel cell technology.

The NYSERDA award will also augment and support a $9.3 million research and development program that is a joint effort of MTI MicroFuel Cells and DuPont. In August 2001, the two companies received an award of $4.6 million for the program from the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) of the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST).

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Effect of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 requires the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable

estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company does not believe the adoption of this Statement will have a material impact on its financial statements.

  1. Contingencies

Our equity holdings and securities available for sale may constitute investment securities under the Investment Company Act. In general, a company may be deemed to be an investment company if it owns investment securities with a value exceeding 40% of its total assets, subject to certain exclusions and exemptions. Investment companies are subject to registration under, and compliance with, the Investment Company Act unless a particular exemption or safe harbor provision applies. If we were to be deemed an investment company, we would become subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act. As a consequence, we would be prohibited from engaging in certain businesses or issuing certain securities, certain of our contracts might be voidable, and we might be subject to civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.

Until fiscal 2001, the Company qualified for a safe harbor exemption under the Investment Company Act based upon the level of ownership of shares of Plug Power and influence over its management or policies.

However, since we sold some of our shares of Plug Power during fiscal 2001, this safe harbor exemption is no longer available.

On December 3, 2001, we made an application to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requesting that they either declare that we are not an investment company because we are primarily engaged in another business or exempt us from the provisions of the Investment Company Act for a period of time. This application is pending. If our application is not granted, we will have to find another safe harbor or exemption that we can qualify for or become an investment company subject to the regulations of the Investment Company Act.

If we were deemed to be an investment company and could not find another safe harbor or exemption and failed to register as an investment company, the SEC could require us to sell our interests in

Plug Power, SatCon and Beacon, until the value of our holdings is

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Contingencies (Continued)

reduced below 40% of total assets. This could result in sales of our

holdings in quantities of shares at depressed prices and we may never realize anticipated benefits from, or may incur losses on, these sales.

Further, we may be unable to sell some holdings due to contractual or legal restrictions or the inability to locate a suitable buyer. Moreover, we may incur tax liabilities when selling assets.

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors, which have affected the Company's earnings during the periods included in the accompanying, consolidated statements of income.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

MTI's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon MTI's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires MTI to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, MTI evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, inventories, bad debts, holdings, derivative instruments, income taxes, contingencies and litigation. MTI bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

MTI believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

MTI recognizes revenue from product sales in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition." Product revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable, delivery of the product to the customer has occurred and we have determined that collection of the fee is probable. Title to the product generally passes upon shipment of the product as the products are shipped FOB shipping point. We provide for a warranty reserve at the time the product revenue is recognized.  We perform funded research and development and product development for government agencies under cost reimbursement contracts. Cost reimbursement contracts provide for the reimbursement of allowable costs. Revenue from reimbursement contracts is recognized as services are performed. In these contracts, we receive periodic progress payments and retain the rights to the intellectual property developed in government contracts. All payments made to MTI for work performed on contracts with agencies of the U.S. government are subject to audit and adjustment by the Department of Commerce. Adjustments are recognized in the period made. Any losses incurred in performing funded research and development projects are recognized as funded research and development expenses as incurred.

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (Continued)

MTI writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

MTI holds minority interests in companies having operations or technology in areas within its strategic focus, all of which are publicly traded and have highly volatile share prices. MTI records a holding impairment charge when it believes a holding has experienced a decline in value that is other than temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying holdings could result in significant losses and an inability to recover the carrying value of the holdings, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

MTI records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. While MTI has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event MTI were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should MTI determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. The deferred tax assets are expected to be realized based on the Company's expectations that its current business strategy, of selling appreciated equity holdings, represents a tax planning strategy that will enable the Company to generate sufficient taxable income with the appropriate character (capital). Consequently, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be sufficient to fully offset these future deductions.

Results of Operations

Change in Year-End. On February 13, 2002, the Company changed its fiscal year-end from September 30 to December 31, effective with the calendar year beginning January 1, 2002. A three-month transition period from October 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001 (the "Transition Period") precedes the start of the 2002 fiscal year. "2001" refers to fiscal periods in the year ended September 30 and the Transition Period refers to the three months ended December 31, 2001. This new fiscal year makes the Company's annual and quarterly

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations (Continued)

reporting periods consistent with those used by Plug Power Inc. and permits the Company to continue to account for its holdings in Plug Power on a timely basis.

Product Revenue. Product revenue at MTI Instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2002 totaled $.590 million compared to $1.657 million for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $1.067 million, or 64.4%. This decrease is primarily the result of decreased sales to OEM customers of $.677 million, PBS customers of $.142 million and semiconductor customers of $.124 million. These reductions reflect the overall downturn in markets served by MTI Instruments.

Funded Research and Development Revenue. Funded research and development revenue was $.172 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002. This amount reflects billings and amounts to be billed under the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) contract to research and develop a micro fuel cell for use in portable electronics.

Cost of Product Revenue. Cost of product revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2002 decreased by $.337 million or 45.0% from $.749 million for the same period in the prior year to $.412 million. The decrease was primarily due to decreased sales. Gross profit from product revenue decreased to 30.2% of product revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2002 from 54.8% of product revenue for the same period in the prior year. Gross profits decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2002 due to higher overhead absorption resulting from decreased sales levels during 2002.

Funded Research and Product Development Expenses. Funded research and product development expenses were $.345 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002. The costs are attributable to funded research and product development expenses from the NIST ATP Program.

Unfunded Research and Product Development Expenses. Unfunded research and product development expenses decreased by $.194 million or 15.9% to $1.023 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002 from $1.217 million for the same period in the prior year. This decrease reflects a $.077 million reduction in product development costs at MTI Instruments due to reduced spending on development projects reaching the product introduction phase and MTI Micro's accumulation of costs under funded government contracts in 2002.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $.010 million to $1.635 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002 as compared to $1.625 million for the same period in the prior year, an 0.6% increase.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations (Continued)

Operating Loss. Operating loss increased $.719 million to an operating loss of $2.653 million for the three months ended

March 31, 2002 as compared to $1.934 million for the same period in the prior year, a 37.2% increase. This increase results primarily from decreases in gross profits at MTI Instruments.

Gain on Sale of Holdings. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2002 include a $2.241 million gain on the sale of holdings and the prior year results include a $5.551 gain.

Derivative Losses. The Company recorded net losses of $.167 million and $.051 million on derivative accounting for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Changes in derivative fair values, calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model, are recorded on a quarterly basis.

Impairment Losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2002, the Company recorded a $5.282 million charge for impairment losses for other than temporary decline in the value of certain available-for-sale securities ($3.484 million) and equity method investments ($1.798 million).

Interest Expense. Results during the three months ended March 31, 2002 were affected by interest expense of $.012 million compared to $.598 million for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in expense for the three month period results from decreases in the amount of debt outstanding and prime interest rate since last year.

Equity in Holdings' Losses, Net of Tax. In the three months ended March 31, 2002, the Company recorded a $1.866 million loss, net of tax, from the recognition of the Company's proportionate share of losses in equity holdings compared to $4.162 million, net of tax, for the comparable period in the prior year.

Equity in holdings' losses results from the Company's minority ownership in certain companies, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting,

the Company's proportionate share of each company's operating losses and amortization of the Company's net excess investment over its equity in each company's net assets is included in equity in

holdings' losses. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," effective January 1, 2002, the Company will no longer amortize the goodwill associated with its equity holdings in SatCon. Equity in holdings' losses for the three months

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations (Continued)

Equity in Holdings' Losses, Net of Tax.

ended March 31, 2002 and 2001 includes the results from the Company's minority ownership in Plug Power and SatCon. The Company expects these companies to continue to invest in development

of their products and services, and to recognize operating losses, which will result in future charges recorded by the Company to reflect its proportionate share of such losses.

Equity in holdings' losses includes a loss, before taxes, from Plug Power of $2.691 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002 compared to $5.712 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001. The decrease is a combination of Plug Power's reduction in net losses for 2002 compared to 2001 and the result of the Company's decrease in ownership of Plug Power since 2001. Equity in holdings' losses, before taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2002 also includes our proportionate share of losses from SatCon of $.424 million compared to $.521 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001; and embedded difference (the difference between the carrying value of the Company's holdings and its interest in the underlying equity) amortization of $0 and $.689 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. SatCon is accounted for on a one-quarter lag and includes results of SatCon through December 29, 2001.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense. The tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2002 is (40.11%) compared to the rate for the three months ended March 31, 2001 of (39.9%). These tax rates are primarily due to losses generated by operations, availability of net operating losses and changes in deferred tax liabilities associated with the accounting for holdings in and recognition of the Company's proportionate share of losses from Plug Power and SatCon and its investment in derivatives and marketable securities. Further, as a result of ownership changes in 1996, the availability of net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income will be limited pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.

Financial Condition

Inventory and accounts receivable turnover ratios and their changes for the three months ended December 31 are as follows:

 

2002

2001

Change

Inventory

0.26

0.48

(0.22)

Accounts receivable

1.53

1.71

(0.18)

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition (Continued)

The change in the inventory turnover ratio is the result of sales reduction and inventory levels for new semi-conductor products.

The change in the accounts receivable turnover ratio is the result of sales reduction.

Inventories at March 31, 2002 of $1.605 million reflect inventory levels for MTI Instruments required to support expected sales levels in fiscal 2002.

Working capital of $10.861 million at March 31, 2002 reflects a $1.048 million decrease from $11.909 million at December 31, 2001. This decrease reflects $2.548 million net cash used in operating activities and a $3.484 million decrease in the fair value for Beacon Power holdings offset by $3.582 million in proceeds from sale of holdings and a $1.419 million increase in deferred income tax asset.

At March 31, 2002, cash and cash equivalents were $5.134 million versus $4.127 million at December 31, 2001. Net cash used by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2002 amounted to $2.548 million, as compared to $2.879 million in the prior year. Accounts receivable decreased due to the timing and reduction of sales during the quarter. Accounts receivable totaled $.605 million as of March 31, 2002 as compared to $.902 million as of December 31, 2001, or a 32.9% decrease.

As of March 31, 2002, the Company had a $10 million Credit Agreement with KeyBank, N.A. dated as of August 10, 2001 ("the $10 million Credit Agreement"). As of March 31, 2002, the Company had $1 million outstanding under this line of credit.

As of March 31, 2002, the market value of Plug Power common stock was $10.37 per share which means the amount available on the line of credit was $10 million of which $1 million was outstanding, leaving $9 million available under the facility.

The $10 million Credit Agreement requires the Company to meet certain covenants, including maintenance of a debt service reserve account

(equal to 3 months of interest payments on outstanding debt), minimum Plug Power share price and pledge additional collateral and maintain

an additional collateral value, if required, based on the Plug Power share price falling below $10 per share. Additional collateral consisting of 500,000 shares of SatCon common stock was pledged in August 2001, when the market value of Plug Power common stock fell below $10 per share. Although the price of Plug Power stock has fluctuated since that date, the Company has not requested that the additional collateral be released. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2002.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition (Continued)

Capital spending during the first three months of fiscal 2002 was $.070 million, a decrease from the comparable period in 2001 where capital spending totaled $.191 million. Capital spending during fiscal 2002 included furniture, computers, software and laboratory equipment. Total additional capital spending during fiscal 2002 is expected to be approximately $2.332 million for computers, furniture, facilities fit-up, laboratory and manufacturing equipment.

The Company anticipates that it will be able to meet the liquidity needs of its operations for the next year from current cash resources, government contract revenues, equity financings, sale of assets and borrowings under its $10 million line of credit. However, there can be no assurance as to the future stock prices or performance of Plug Power, SatCon or Beacon, or that the Company will not require additional financing within this time frame or that any additional financing will be available to the Company on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.

On April 25, 2002, the Company announced that its subsidiary, MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc., received an award of $500,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The award, matched by a similar commitment from MTI Micro, will help fund a yearlong research program to advance the development and commercialization of direct methanol micro fuel cell technology.

The NYSERDA award will augment and support the $9.3 million research and development program that is a joint effort of MTI MicroFuel Cells and DuPont. The Company's share of the Advanced Technology Program awarded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is $3.3 million. The Company began incurring costs under this program during December 2001. The award is to carry out a three-year, $9.3 million cost-shared program to research and develop a micro fuel cell for use in portable electronics.

As of March 31, 2002, the Company had a net of $9 million of available borrowing capacity under its $10 million Credit Agreement. If the market value of Plug Power common stock falls below $8 per share the facility is reduced to $5 million and if the value falls below $7 per share the facility is reduced to zero. Further, proceeds from the sale of assets are subject to fluctuations in the market value of Plug Power, SatCon and Beacon as well as securities laws and other agreements detailed below.

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition (Continued)

From April 1 through May 10, 2002, the Company sold Plug Power and SatCon common stock as follows:

Company

Number of

Shares Sold

Net Proceeds

from Sales

Plug Power

261,000

$2.801 million

SatCon

55,000

.148

   

$2.949

The future sale of holdings in Plug Power, SatCon and Beacon Power will generate taxable income or loss which is different from book income or loss due to the tax bases in these assets being significantly different from their book bases and the small available

net federal operating loss carryforwards available to offset income. Book and tax bases as of March 31, 2002 are as follows:

 

Holdings

Shares Held

Average

Book Basis

Average

Tax Basis

Plug Power

11,694,315

$2.46

$0.96

SatCon

1,187,500

3.25

7.06

Beacon Power

4,410,797

.51

2.06

As of March 31, 2002, the Company has holdings in Plug Power, SatCon and Beacon Power securities. Each of these securities is currently traded on the Nasdaq National Market and is therefore subject to market conditions. When acquired, each of these securities was unregistered.

On March 20, 2002, Beacon Power filed a Form 8-K with the SEC stating that Beacon Power had received notification from Nasdaq that, because the closing price of its common stock had been below $1.00 for 30 consecutive days, it would be delisted from the National Market System on June 11, 2002 unless it closed at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of l0 consecutive trading days before then. Beacon further stated that if it is faced with having its stock delisted, it plans to apply to transfer its stock to the Nasdaq Small Cap Market. To qualify for this move, Beacon Power will have to meet the requirements for continued inclusion in the Small Cap Market. Beacon Power expects to satisfy all these requirements that are in its control. The minimum share price of $1.00 (which the Small Cap Market also requires) is not within the control of Beacon Power, however, but Beacon Power would have a grace period until at least September 9, 2002 in which to comply with this requirement.

In February 2000, SatCon registered the securities acquired by the Company on a Form S-3. The stock in Plug Power and Beacon Power are

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition (Continued)

considered "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144 and may be sold in the future without registration under the Securities Act

subject to compliance with the provisions of Rule 144. Generally, restricted securities that have been owned for a period of at least one year may be sold immediately after an IPO, subject to the volume limitations of Rule 144. However, because of our ownership position and our appointment of directors to both Plug Power's and Beacon Power's Board of Directors, we are considered an "affiliate" of those

companies and therefore are subject to the volume limitation of Rule 144, even if we have held the securities for two years or more.

The Rule 144 limitations, as currently in effect, limit our sales of either Plug Power or Beacon Power stock within any three-month period

to a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the company, or the average weekly trading volume of the common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of such sale is filed, subject to certain restrictions.

As disclosed in Plug Power's Form 10-Q filed for the period ended March 31, 2002, Plug Power's cash requirements depend on numerous factors, including completion of its product development activities, ability to commercialize its fuel cell systems, market acceptance of its systems and other factors. Plug Power expects to devote substantial capital resources to continue its development programs directed at commercializing its fuel cell systems for worldwide use, hire and train its production staff, develop and expand its manufacturing capacity and begin production activities and expand its research and development activities. Plug Power expects to pursue the expansion of its operations through internal growth and strategic acquisitions and expects that such activities will be funded from existing cash and cash equivalents, issuance of additional equity or debt securities or additional borrowings subject to market and other conditions. The failure to raise the funds necessary to finance its future cash requirements or consummate future acquisitions could adversely affect its ability to pursue its strategy and could negatively affect its operations in future periods. Plug Power anticipates incurring substantial additional losses over at least the next several years and believes that its current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances will provide sufficient capital to fund operations for at least the next twelve months.

Plug Power has financed its operations through March 31, 2002, primarily from the sale of equity, which has provided cash in the

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition (Continued)

amount of $292.2 million. As of March 31, 2002, Plug Power had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $84.7 million and working capital of $81.5 million. As a result of Plug Power's purchase of real estate, it has escrowed an additional $5.3 million in cash to collateralize the debt assumed on the purchase. Since inception, net cash used in operating activities has been $161.3 million and cash used in investing activities has been $63.4 million.

As disclosed in SatCon's Form 10-Q filed for the period ended December 29, 2001:

Since inception, SatCon has financed its operations and met its capital expenditure requirements primarily through the sale of private equity securities, public security offerings, borrowings on its line of credit and capital equipment leases.

SatCon anticipates that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities available at December 29, 2001, combined with its ability to implement and achieve necessary cost reductions and operational efficiencies, will

be sufficient to fund operations through December 2002 based on current estimates and expectations. However, there can be no assurance that SatCon will not require additional financings within this time frame or that any additional financing, if needed, will be available to SatCon on terms acceptable to it, if at all.

On May 13, 2002, SatCon issued a press release on its second quarter results and accomplishments for the three months ended March 31, 2002. SatCon disclosed that it is in the process of restructuring its business, which will result in annual savings in excess of $6 million, or approximately 15% of its cost bases, excluding materials. This is in addition to cash conservation steps, which SatCon initiated last quarter and which helped reduce its cash usage rate from $8 million in the first quarter to $5 million in the second quarter.

Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of changes in value of a financial instrument caused by fluctuations in interest rates and equity prices.

At March 31, 2002, the Company had variable rate debt totaling $1 million. Interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value of the debt but do impact future earnings and cash

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Market Risk (Continued)

flows. The earnings and cash flow impact for the next year resulting from a one-percentage point increase in interest rates would be approximately $.010 million, holding other variables (debt level) constant.

The Company has performed a sensitivity analysis on its holdings of Plug Power, SatCon and Beacon Power common stock and its derivative financial instruments (warrants to purchase SatCon common stock). The sensitivity analysis presents the hypothetical change in fair value of our holdings held by the Company at March 31, 2002, which

are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Market risk is estimated as the potential change in fair value resulting from an immediate hypothetical one-percentage point parallel shift in the yield curve.

The fair values of the Company's holdings in marketable securities have been based on quoted market prices and its derivative financial instruments based on estimates using valuation techniques.

The Company's holdings in Plug Power and SatCon are accounted for on the equity method, holdings in Beacon Power are accounted for at fair value, and derivative financial instruments are accounted for at estimated values. The fair market and estimated values, at March

31, 2002, of the Company's holdings in these companies and

derivatives and the calculated impact of a market price decrease of ten percent, is as follows:

(Dollars

in millions)

Holdings/Derivatives

Estimated Fair

Market Value

10% Market

Decrease

Plug Power

$121.270

$12.127

SatCon

3.859

.386

Beacon Power

2.249

.225

Derivatives

.027

.003

New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." Statement No. 143 requires the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated

asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Statement No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company does not believe this Statement will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Statement Concerning Forward Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q contains and incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. You can identify forward-looking statements through our use of the words

"expect," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "could," "may," "will," and other similar words, whether in the negative or the affirmative. Statements containing these, or similar words, are our predictions, expectations, plans and intentions of what may occur in the future.

All statements that are not historical fact should be deemed to be

forward-looking statements. We believe it is important to

communicate our future expectations to our investors; however, our

actual results may be very different from the predictions, expectations, plans and intentions we have shared with our investors. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those stated and implied by our forward-looking statements. Such risks include, among others, our need to raise additional financing, difficulties in

developing new technologies, risks related to developing DMFC's, market acceptance of DMFC's, our dependence on the success of our

portfolio companies, our history of losses, the historical volatility of our stock price, the risk we may become an inadvertent investment company, conflicts of interest between us, First Albany Companies Inc. and our portfolio companies and general market conditions. These and other risks are set forth in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference. We do not intend to update any information in any forward-looking statements we make.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual Meeting") held on March 7, 2002, the Company's shareholders approved the following:

  1. To elect the following directors for the terms of office noted:

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Term

Number of Votes For

% Cast

Against/ Withheld

Broker Non-Votes

GEORGE C. McNAMEE

3 Yr.

27,855,314

78.5%

172,797

-

E. DENNIS O'CONNOR

3 Yr.

27,884,150

78.6%

143,961

-

The other directors, whose terms of office as directors continued after the Annual Meeting are: Dale Church, Edward Dohring, David Eisenhaure, Alan Goldberg, Dr. Walter Robb and Dr. Beno Sternlicht.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits

None

(b) One report on Form 8-K dated February 13, 2002 was filed during the quarter ended March 31, 2002 regarding the Company changing its year-end from September 30 to December 31, effective January 1, 2002.

 

 

SIGNATURE

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.

 

Mechanical Technology Incorporated

 

05/13/02

(Date)

s/William P. Acker Dr. William P. Acker President and Chief Technology Officer

   

05/13/02

(Date)

s/Cynthia A. Scheuer Cynthia A. Scheuer Vice President and Chief Financial Officer