(02/15/02)

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2001

/X/ 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 February 25, 2002

Common stock, $1.00 Par Value

35,484,760 Shares

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

 

 

Part I - Financial Information

Page No.

   

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2001

and September 30, 2001

3-4

   

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

5

   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Three months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

6

   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

7

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8-21

   

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

22-33

   
   

Part II Other Information

 
   

Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

34

   

Signatures

35

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2001 (Unaudited) and

September 30, 2001 (Derived from audited financial statements)

(Dollars in thousands)

Dec. 31,

2001

Sept. 30, 2001

Assets

   

Current Assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

$4,127

$ 9,807

Restricted cash equivalents

14

78

Securities available for sale

5,734

6,704

Accounts receivable

902

586

Inventories

1,510

1,674

Notes receivable

25

250

Deferred income taxes

2,315

2,052

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,042

1,108

Total Current Assets

15,669

22,259

     

Derivative asset

194

220

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,548

1,581

Holdings, at equity

38,937

47,197

Total Assets

$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 December 31, 2001 (Unaudited) and

September 30, 2001 (Derived from audited financial statements)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

Dec. 31, 2001

Sept. 30, 2001

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

   
     

Current Liabilities:

   

Line of credit

$ 1,000

$ 5,000

Accounts payable

643

807

Accrued liabilities

1,632

1,945

Accrued liabilities - related parties

101

3

Income taxes payable

28

25

Contingent obligation to common stock

warrant holders

-

288

Net liabilities of discontinued operations

356

358

Total Current Liabilities

3,760

8,426

Long-Term Liabilities:

   

Deferred income taxes and other credits

4,406

8,453

Total Liabilities

8,166

16,879

     

Commitments and Contingencies

   

Minority interests

574

331

     

Shareholders' Equity

   

Common stock, par value $1 per share,

authorized 75,000,000; issued 35,505,010

in December 2001 and September 2001

 

35,505

 

35,505

Paid-in-capital

67,045

65,103

Accumulated deficit

(54,913)

(41,328)

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 in December 2001 and September 2001

(29)

(29)

Total Shareholders' Equity

47,608

54,047

     

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$ 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

 

Dec. 31,

2001

Dec. 31,

2000

   

Revenue:

       

Product Revenue

$ 1,246

$ 1,638

   

Funded research and development

90

-

   

Total revenue

1,336

1,638

Operating costs and expenses:

Cost of product revenue

688

715

Research and product development expenses:

Funded research and product development

expenses

187

-

Unfunded research and product development

expenses

874

446

Total research and product development

expenses

1,061

446

Selling, general and administrative

expenses

1,357

1,521

Operating loss

(1,770)

(1,044)

   

Interest expense

(15)

(717)

   

Loss on derivatives

(26)

(729)

   

Gain on derivatives, Company stock

165

-

   

Impairment losses (Note 8)

(15,433)

-

   

Other expense, net

(82)

(39)

   

Loss from operations before income

taxes, equity in holdings' losses and

minority interests

 

(17,161)

 

(2,529)

Income tax benefit

6,788

982

   

Equity in holdings' losses, net of tax

(3,316)

(4,872)

   

Minority interest in losses of

consolidated subsidiary

104

-

   

Loss before cumulative effect of change

in accounting principle

(13,585)

(6,419)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

for derivative financial instruments,

net of tax

 

-

 

6,110

Net loss

$(13,585)

$ (309)

Earnings (Loss) per Share (Basic and

Diluted):

       

Loss before cumulative effect of change

in accounting principle

$ (.38)

$ (.18)

   

Cumulative effect of accounting change

for derivative financial instruments

-

.17

   

Loss per share

$ (.38)

$ (.01)

   

 

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

Dec. 31,

2001

Dec. 31,

2000

Balance, October 1

$ 35,505

$ 35,437

Issuance of shares - options

-

6

Balance, December 31

$ 35,505

$ 35,443

PAID-IN-CAPITAL

   

Balance, October 1

$ 65,103

$ 54,790

Issuance of shares - options

-

(1)

Plug Power holding, net of taxes

131

349

SatCon holding, net of taxes

1,677

46

MTI MicroFuel Cell investment

46

-

Reclassification of common stock warrants from

liability to equity, net of taxes

75

-

Compensatory stock options issued

13

(52)

Stock option exercises recognized differently for

financial reporting and tax purposes

-

15

Balance, December 31

$ 67,045

$ 55,147

ACCUMULATED DEFICIT

   

Balance, October 1

$(41,328)

$(45,169)

Net income (loss)

(13,585)

(309)

Balance, December 31

$(54,913)

$(45,478)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

UNREALIZED (LOSS) GAIN ON AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES, NET OF TAXES

 

 

Balance, October 1

$(5,204)

$ -

Change in unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale

securities, net of taxes

5,204

14,470

Balance, December 31

$ -

$ 14,470

TREASURY STOCK

   

Balance, October 1

$ (29)

$ (29)

Balance, December 31

$ (29)

$ (29)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

   

Balance, December 31

$ 47,608

$ 59,553

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

   

Net loss

$(13,585)

$ (309)

Other comprehensive income:

   

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available for

sale securities, net of tax

5,204

14,470

Total comprehensive (loss) income

$ (8,381)

$ 14,161

 

 

 

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

 

Dec. 31,

2001

Dec. 31,

2000

Operating Activities

   

Net loss

$(13,585)

$ (309)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used

   

by operations:

Cumulative effect of accounting change for derivative

financial instruments (gross)

-

(9,986)

Loss on derivatives

26

729

Gain on derivatives, Company stock

(165)

-

Impairment losses

15,433

-

Loss on warrant issued by subsidiary

98

-

Minority interest

(104)

-

Depreciation and amortization

128

120

Equity in losses of equity holdings (gross)

5,485

7,962

Deferred income taxes and other credits

(9,034)

(202)

Stock option compensation

13

(52)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(316)

(240)

Inventories

164

(217)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

52

42

Accounts payable

(164)

275

Income taxes

3

-

Accrued liabilities - related parties

98

(3)

Accrued liabilities

(313)

248

Net cash used by operations

(2,181)

(1,633)

     

Discontinued Operations:

   

Change in net liabilities/assets

(2)

-

Net cash used by discontinued operations

(2)

-

Net cash used by operating activities

(2,183)

(1,633)

     

Investing Activities

   

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(81)

(34)

Change in restricted cash equivalents, net

64

75

Principal payments from notes receivable

225

22

Net cash provided by investing activities

208

63

     

Financing Activities

   

Net payments under bank line-of-credit

(4,000)

(1,800)

Net borrowings under related party debt

-

3,945

Financing costs

-

(1,160)

Net proceeds from subsidiary stock issuance

295

-

Proceeds from stock option exercises

-

5

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities

(3,705)

990

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(5,680)

(580)

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

9,807

1,552

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$ 4,127

$ 972

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. 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. Revenue Recognition (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.

  1. Reclassification
  2. Certain 2001 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2002 presentation.

  3. 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. During the three months ended December 31, 2001, the Company recognized a gain of $.165 million related to the change in fair value of these warrants.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Derivative Accounting, Company Stock (Continued)

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.

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

    (Dollars in thousands)

    Dec. 31,

    2001

    Sept.30,

    2001

    Finished goods

    342

    $ 272

    Work in process

    479

    693

    Raw materials, components and assemblies

    689

    709

     

    $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

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

   

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.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Holdings, at equity (Continued)

(Dollars in

thousands)

SatCon

Plug Power

 

Balance Sheet

As of Sept.30, 2001

As of

Jun.30, 2001

As of

Dec.31,2001

As of

Sept.30, 2001

Current

assets

$42,466

$44,802

 

$100,565

$111,212

Non-current

assets

26,310

24,621

50,809

53,607

Current

liabilities

12,842

9,302

 

10,199

7,737

Non-current

liabilities

1,423

1,723

 

6,172

6,534

Stockholders'

equity

54,511

58,398

 

135,003

150,548

           
 

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

 

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Results of Operations

Sept.30,

2001

Sept.30,

2000

 

Dec.31,

2001

Dec.31,

2000

Gross Revenues

 

10,015

 

10,261

 

2,505

 

1,480

Gross (loss)

profit

(377)

2,263

(2,207)

(1,143)

Net loss

(9,256)

(2,235)

 

(17,070)

(22,312)

SatCon's Form 10-Q for the three months ended December 29, 2001 included the following information:

(Dollars in

thousands)

Balance Sheet

 

 

As of

Dec. 29, 2001

Current

assets

35,352

   

Non-current

assets

25,183

Current

liabilities

12,132

   

Non-current

liabilities

1,104

   

Stockholders'

equity

47,299

   
       
       

Results of Operations

3 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2001

   

Gross Revenues

 

8,340

Gross profit

687

Net loss

5,397

   

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Holdings, at equity (Continued)

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

Dec. 31, 2001

Twelve months ended Sept.30, 2001

Holdings balance, October 1

$ 36,027

$ 48,372

Share of Plug Power losses gross

(4,069)

(22,101)

Sale of shares

-

(4,708)

Equity adjustment for share of third-party investments in Plug

Power which increased equity

219

14,464

Holdings balance, December 31

$ 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 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:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Three months ended

Dec. 31, 2001

Twelve months ended Sept.30, 2001

Holdings balance, October 1

$11,170

$ 15,984

Share of SatCon losses on one-quarter lag, gross

(727)

(1,938)

Sale of shares

-

(4,296)

Amortization of embedded difference between the Company's basis

and calculated ownership of underlying equity, one-quarter lag

(688)

(2,755)

Impairment loss (see Note 8)

(5,790)

-

Equity adjustment for share of third-party investments in SatCon

which increased equity, one-quarter lag

2,795

4,175

Holdings balance, December 31

$ 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:

 

Dec. 31,

Sept.30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2001

2001

Calculated ownership

$ 4,285

$ 4,704

Embedded difference(goodwill) (Note 16)

2,475

6,466

Carrying value of investment in SatCon

$ 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.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Securities available for sale (Continued)

As of December 31, 2001, securities available for sale consist of Beacon Power common stock. The book basis of Beacon Power common stock includes the following:

(Dollars in thousands)

Capital contributions during 2000 - cash

$ 6,050

Cash-less warrant exercise during 2001

8,500

Stock received as pro rata distribution from SatCon during 2001

827

Impairment loss during the Transition Period (see Note 8)

(9,643)

Securities book basis and market value

$ 5,734

As of December 31, 2001, the Company owns 4,410,797 shares, approximately 10.3%, of Beacon Power common stock.

  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 investee companies, and (3) the Company's intent with respect to the holdings and securities.

During the year, 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 $15.433 million other than temporary

impairment charge for the three months ended December 31, 2001 with respect to its holdings in publicly traded companies. The pre-tax impairment loss recorded for holdings, at equity, was $5.790 million for the impairment of the Company's holdings in SatCon (see Note 6). The pre-tax impairment loss recorded for securities available for sale (common stock of Beacon Power) previously recorded as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss was $9.643 million (see Note 7).

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rates for the three months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 were as follows:

For the three months ended

Dec. 31, 2001 Dec. 31, 2000

Tax rate

(39.55)%

(38.81)%

   

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:

(Dollars in thousands)

For the three months

ended

Dec. 31, 2001 Dec. 31, 2000

Operations before equity in holdings' losses and change in accounting principle

       

Federal

$ 16

$ -

   

State

85

6

   

Deferred

(6,889)

(988)

 

(6,788)

(982)

   

Equity in holdings' losses

       

Federal

-

-

   

State

-

-

Deferred

(2,169)

(3,090)

   
 

(2,169)

(3,090)

   

Total continuing operations

(8,957)

(4,072)

   

Change in accounting principle for equity

method accounting

       

Federal

-

-

   

State

-

-

   

Deferred

-

3,876

   

Total change in accounting principle

-

3,876

   
 

$(8,957)

$ (196)

   

Items charged (credited) directly to stockholders' equity:

       

Increase in additional paid-in capital for

equity holdings, and warrants and

options issued - Deferred

 

$ 1,206

 

$ 263

   

Decrease (increase) in unrealized loss on

available for sale securities -

Deferred

 

3,469

 

9,646

   

Expenses for employee stock options

recognized differently for financial

reporting/tax purposes - Federal

 

-

(15)

   

Increase in additional paid-in-capital

for reclassification of common stock

warrants from liability to equity

49

-

   
 

$ 4,724

$ 9,894

   

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Income Taxes (Continued)
  2. The deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following tax effects relating to temporary differences and carryforwards:

    (Dollars in thousands)

    Dec. 31,

    2001

    Sept. 30,

    2001

    Current deferred tax assets:

       

    Loss provisions for discontinued

    operations

    $ 142

    $ 143

    Bad debt reserve

    277

    277

    Inventory valuation

    27

    27

    Inventory capitalization

    12

    12

    Securities available for sale

    1,344

    956

    Vacation pay

    94

    78

    Warranty and other sale obligations

    33

    29

    Stock options

    237

    232

    Contingent liability warrant holders

    -

    115

    Other reserves and accruals

    149

    183

     

    2,315

    2,052

    Valuation allowance

    -

    -

    Net current deferred tax assets

    $ 2,315

    $ 2,052

    Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities):

       

    Net operating loss

    $ 3,117

    $ 2,360

    Property, plant and equipment

    (82)

    (82)

    Holdings, at equity

    (7,314)

    (10,618)

    Derivatives

    (78)

    (88)

    Other

    201

    201

    Research and development tax credit

    459

    459

    Alternative minimum tax credit

    609

    609

     

    (3,088)

    (7,159)

    Valuation allowance

    (1,144)

    (1,144)

    Other credits

    (174)

    (150)

    Noncurrent net deferred tax liabilities

    and other credits

    $(4,406)

    $(8,453)

  3. Debt

As of December 31, 2001, 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 December 31, 2001, the Company had $1 million outstanding under this line of credit.

As of December 31, 2001, the market value of Plug Power common stock was $8.74 per share which means the amount available on the line of credit was $7.5 million of which $1 million was outstanding, leaving $6.5 million available under the facility.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  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)

Dec. 31,

2001

Dec. 31,

2000

Loss before cumulative effect of

change in accounting principle

$(13,585)

$(6,419)

Basic and Diluted EPS:

   

Common shares outstanding, beginning

of period

35,484,760

35,417,035

Weighted average common shares issued

during the period

-

4,803

Weighted average shares outstanding

35,484,760

35,421,838

Loss per weighted average

share before cumulative effect of change

in accounting principle

 

$ (.38)

 

$ (.18)

At December 31, 2001, options to purchase 3,182,900 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 December 31, 2000, options to purchase 3,171,075 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.

  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

     
     

    Dec. 31, 2001

    Dec. 31, 2000

       

    Plug Power

    $(2,460)

    $(4,272)

       

    SatCon, including

    amortization

    of embedded difference

     

    (856)

     

    (600)

       
     

    $(3,316)

    $(4,872)

       

     

    MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  3. Cash Flows - Supplemental Information
  4. (Dollars in thousands)

    Three months ended

    December 31,

     

    2001

    2000

    Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:

       

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

     

    $ 219

     

    $ 582

    Additional holdings and paid-in-capital resulting from other investors' investments in SatCon Technology Corporation

     

     

    2,795

     

     

    76

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

     

    -

     

    15

    Holdings in Beacon Power Corporation - warrant exercise to convert derivative asset to common stock

     

    -

     

    8,500

    Contingent obligation to common stock

    warrant holders

    (124)

    -

    Additional investment and paid-in-capital

    resulting from other investors'

    investments in MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc.

     

    46

     

    -

  5. 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, non-recurring 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 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

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Segment Information (Continued)

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 Dec. 31, 2001

 

New Energy

Test and Measurement Instrumentation

Other

Reconciling Items

Consolidated Totals

Revenues

$ 90

$ 1,246

$ -

$ -

$ 1,336

Research and product

development expenses

776

285

-

-

1,061

Selling, general and

administrative expenses

586

518

253

-

1,357

Equity in holdings' losses

(5,485)

-

-

2,169

(3,316)

Impairment losses

(15,433)

-

-

-

(15,433)

Segment (loss) profit

(22,394)

(326)

9,031

104

(13,585)

Total assets

47,074

2,529

6,745

-

56,348

Holdings, at equity

38,937

-

-

-

38,937

Securities available for sale

5,734

-

-

-

5,734

Capital expenditures

74

7

-

-

81

Depreciation and amortization

45

38

45

-

128

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2000

     

Revenues

$ -

$ 1,638

$ -

$ -

$ 1,638

Research and product

development expenses

160

286

-

-

446

Selling, general and

administrative expenses

729

515

277

-

1,521

Equity in holdings' losses

(7,962)

-

-

3,090

(4,872)

Segment profit (loss)

395

60

(764)

-

(309)

Total assets

96,522

2,802

4,544

-

103,868

Holdings, at equity

57,052

-

-

-

57,052

Securities available for sale

38,666

-

-

-

38,666

Capital expenditures

20

14

-

-

34

Depreciation and amortization

4

43

73

-

120

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

Three months ended

(Dollars in thousands)

Dec. 31,

2001

Dec. 31,

2000

Corporate and Other (Expenses) Income:

       

Depreciation and amortization

$ (45)

$ (73)

   

Interest expense

(15)

(717)

   

Interest income

29

38

   

Income tax benefit

8,957

196

Other expense, net

105

(208)

   

Total expense

$ 9,031

$ (764)

   

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Related Party Transactions

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 December 31, 2001, the Company has a liability to Dupont for approximately $101 thousand. This liability is included in the financial statement line "Accrued liabilities - related parties."

  1. Subsequent Events

Sales of Holdings

During January 2002, the Company had structured sales of Plug Power and SatCon shares as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Company

 

Number of

Shares

Proceeds

from Sales

Plug Power

300,000

$2,902

SatCon

112,500

680

   

$3,582

  1. Effect of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 141, "Accounting for Business Combinations," and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." These Statements modify accounting for business combinations after June 30, 2001 and will affect the Company's treatment of goodwill and other intangible assets starting with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. SFAS 142 will require 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 consistent with the Statement's criteria. Intangible assets with estimated useful lives will continue to be amortized over those periods. Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indeterminate lives will cease. The Company is currently reviewing this Statement to determine its effect on the Company's financial statements.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Effect of Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

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.

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 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. This Statement specifies how impairment will be measured and how impaired assets will be classified in the financial statements. 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 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.

 

 

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  1. Contingencies (Continued)

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. 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, which may include a one year safe harbor granted

by the Investment Company Act, 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 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 maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of MTI's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

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.

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)

Change in Year-End (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 for the three months ended December 31, 2001 totaled $1.246 million compared to $1.638 million for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $.392 million, or 23.9%. This decrease in sales is primarily the result of decreased sales to OEM customers partially offset by increases in engine balancing and semiconductor sales.

Funded Research and Development Revenue. Funded research and development revenue was $.090 million for the three months ended December 31, 2001. This amount reflects the commencement of billings 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 December 31, 2001 decreased by $.027 million or 3.8% from $.715 million for the same period in the prior year to $.688 million. The decrease was primarily due to decreased sales. Gross profit from product revenue decreased to 44.8% of product revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2001 from 56.3% of product revenue for the same period in the prior year. Gross profits decreased for the three months ended December 31, 2001 due to higher overhead absorption resulting from decreased sales levels.

Funded Research and Product Development Expenses. Funded research and product development expenses were $.187 million for the three months ended December 31, 2001. 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 increased by $.428 million or 96% to $.874 million for the three months ended December 31, 2001 from $.446 million for the same period in the prior year. These increases reflect the Company's commitment to developing its micro fuel cell business.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $.164 million to $1.357 million for the three months ended December 31, 2001 as compared to $1.521 million for the same period in the prior year, a 10.8% decrease. This decrease is primarily the result of reduced expense for incentive

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations (Continued)

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. (Continued)

compensation, since future incentives are expected to be in the form of stock options, partially offset by an increase in labor associated with the expansion of micro fuel cell operations.

Operating Loss. Operating loss increased $.726 million to an operating loss of $1.770 million for the three months ended

December 31, 2001 as compared to $1.044 million for the same period in the prior year, a 69.5% increase. This increase results from increased expenses for administration and research and product development costs at MTI Micro and decreases in gross profits at MTI Instruments.

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle. As of October 1, 2000, the Company recorded a $6.110 million unrealized gain, net of tax, from the adoption of SFAS No.133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."

Derivative Gains(Losses). The Company recorded a $.165 million gain on derivative accounting for Company's own stock during the three months ended December 31, 2001. The Company also recorded net losses of $.026 and $.729 million on derivative accounting for the three months ended December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, 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 December 31, 2001, the Company recorded a $15.433 million charge for impairment losses for other than temporary decline in the value of certain available-for-sale securities ($9.643 million) and equity method investments ($5.790 million).

Interest Expense. Results during the three months ended December 31, 2001 were affected by interest expense of $.015 million compared to $.717 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 December 31, 2001, the Company recorded a $3.316 million loss, net of tax, from the recognition of the Company's proportionate share of losses in equity holdings compared to $4.872 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,

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. (Continued)

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. Equity in holdings' losses for the three months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 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 $4.069 million for the three months ended December 31, 2001 compared to $6.982 million for the three months ended December 31, 2000. The decrease is a combination of Plug Power's reduction in expenses and the result of the Company's decrease in ownership of Plug Power since 2000. Equity in holdings' losses, before taxes, for the three months ended December 31, 2001 also includes our proportionate share of losses from SatCon of $.727 million compared to $.291 million for the three months ended December 31, 2000; and embedded difference (the difference between the carrying value of the Company's holdings and its interest in the underlying equity) amortization of $.688 and $.689 million for the three months ended December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. SatCon is accounted for on a one-quarter lag and includes results of SatCon through September 30, 2001.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense. The tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2001 is (39.55%) compared to the rate for the three months ended December 31, 2000 of (38.81%). 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.

 

 

 

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition

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

 

2001

2000

Change

Inventory

0.42

0.52

(0.10)

Accounts receivable

1.85

1.97

(0.12)

 

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 December 31, 2001 of $1.510 million reflect inventory levels for MTI Instruments required to support expected sales levels in fiscal 2002.

Working capital of $11.909 million at December 31, 2001 reflects a $1.924 million decrease from $13.833 million at September 30, 2001. This decrease primarily reflects debt repayments of $4.0 million coupled with a $.970 million decrease in fair value for the Beacon Power investment and net cash used in operating, investing and financing activities.

At December 31, 2001, cash and cash equivalents were $4.127 million versus $9.807 million at September 30, 2001. Net cash used by operating activities for the three months ended December 31, 2001 amounted to $2.183 million, as compared to $1.633 million in the prior year. Accounts receivable increased due to the timing of sales during the quarter. Accounts receivable totaled $.902 million as of December 31, 2001 as compared to $.586 million as of September 30, 2001, or a 53.9% increase.

As of December 31, 2001, 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 December 31, 2001, the Company had $1 million outstanding under this line of credit.

As of December 31, 2001, the market value of Plug Power common stock was $8.74 per share which means the amount available on the line of credit was $7.5 million of which $1 million was outstanding, leaving $6.5 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

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition (Continued)

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 December 31, 2001.

Capital spending during the first three months of fiscal 2002 was $.081 million, an increase from the comparable period in fiscal 2001 where capital spending totaled $.034 million. Capital spending during fiscal 2002 included furniture, computers, software, manufacturing and laboratory equipment. Total additional capital spending during fiscal 2002 is expected to be approximately $2.050 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, borrowings under its $10 million line of credit, government contract revenues, equity financings, and sale of assets. However, there can be no assurance 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.

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 December 31, 2001, the Company had a net of $6.5 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)

During January 2002, the Company made structured sales of both Plug Power and SatCon common stock as follows:

 

Company

Number of

Shares Sold

Net Proceeds

from Sales

Plug Power

300,000

$2.902 million

SatCon

112,500

.680

   

$3.582

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 December 31, 2001 are as follows:

 

Holdings

Shares Held

Average

Book Basis

Average

Tax Basis

Plug Power

11,994,315

$2.68

$0.96

SatCon

1,300,000

5.20

7.06

Beacon Power

4,410,797

1.30

2.06

As of December 31, 2001, 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. In addition, our shares of Plug Power were subject to an underwriter's lockup prohibiting sale until October 25, 2001. When acquired, each of these securities was unregistered.

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 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.

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition (Continued)

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.

Plug Power's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 has not been filed and is not due until April 1, 2002. Plug Power's most recent Form 10-Q filed for the period ended September 30, 2001 disclosed the following:

Plug Power's cash requirements depend on numerous factors, including 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 fuel cell systems worldwide, to hire and train production staff, develop and expand manufacturing capacity, and continue research and development activities. Plug Power will pursue the expansion of its development through internal growth and strategic acquisitions and

expects 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. In July 2001, Plug Power completed a public equity financing raising $51.6 million in net proceeds after fees and expenses. Simultaneous with the closing of the public financing, Plug Power closed a private equity financing raising an additional $9.6 million in net proceeds. Plug Power believes that its current cash balances, including the recently completed financings are sufficient to fund operations through 2003.

Plug Power financed its operations through September 30, 2001, primarily from the sale of equity, which has provided cash in the amount of $291.5 million. As of September 30, 2001, Plug Power had unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $104.1 million and working capital was approximately $103.5

million. As a result of Plug Power's purchase of real estate from

Mechanical Technology Inc., it has escrowed $5.6 million in cash to collateralize the debt assumed on the purchase.

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

 

 

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition (Continued)

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.

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 December 31, 2001, 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 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 December 31, 2001, 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 December

31, 2001, of the Company's holdings in these companies and

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Market Risk (Continued)

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

$104.830

$10.483

SatCon

6.760

.676

Beacon Power

5.734

.573

Derivatives

.194

.019

New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 141, "Accounting for Business Combinations," and Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." These Statements modify accounting for business combinations after June 30, 2001 and will affect the Company's treatment of goodwill and other

intangible assets starting with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. SFAS 142 will require that goodwill existing at the date of adoption be reviewed for possible impairment and that impairment tests be performed periodically, with impaired assets written-down to fair value. Additionally, existing goodwill and intangible assets must be assessed and classified consistent with the Statement's criteria. Intangible assets with estimated useful lives will continue to be amortized over those periods. Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indeterminate lives will cease. The Company is currently analyzing the impact of these Statements.

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.

In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," which supersedes

Statement 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 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. This Statement specifies how

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

impairment will be measured and how impaired assets will be classified in the financial statements. The Company does not believe this Statement will have a material impact on its financial statements.

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 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

None

(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the transition period ended December 31, 2001. One report on Form 8-K was filed during the quarter ending 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

 

03/01/02

(Date)

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

   

03/01/02

(Date)

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