The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 – Nature of Business and Presentation of Financial Statements
Description of the Company
374Water Inc. (the “Company”, “374Water”, “We”, or “Our”) is a Delaware corporation which was formed in September 2005 as PowerVerde, Inc. At that time, the Company was focused on developing, commercializing and marketing a series of unique electric generating power systems designed to produce electrical power with zero emissions or waste byproducts, based on a pressure-driven expander motor and related organic rankine cycle technology.
On April 16, 2021, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger”) with 374Water Inc., a privately held company based in Durham, North Carolina, (“374Water Private Company”) and 374Water Acquisition Corp., a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of PowerVerde.
Following the Merger, 374Water offers a disruptive technology that transforms all wet wastes such as sewage sludge, biosolids, food waste, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and forever chemicals (e.g., PFAS) into recoverable resources by focusing on waste as a valuable resource for water, energy, and minerals. We are pioneers in a new era of waste management that supports a circular economy and enables organizations to achieve their environment, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Our vision is a world without waste and our mission is to help create and preserve a clean and healthy environment that sustains life.
Presentation of Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information. It is management’s opinion that the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of 374Water Inc. (“374 Water," “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 16, 2023.
The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or for future periods. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 374Water Inc., 374Water Systems Inc, and 374Water Sustainability Israel LTD, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of 374 Water. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company held $2,696,107 and $1,182,412 in cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company held marketable securities as of March 31, 2023 as noted in the following table:
| | Adjusted Cost | | | Unrealized Losses | | | Fair Value | | | Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | Current Marketable Securities | | | Non-Current Marketable Securities | |
Cash | | $ | 9,153,161 | | | | — | | | $ | 9,153,161 | | | $ | 9,153,161 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Level 2: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities | | $ | 1,960,761 | | | $ | 8,049 | | | $ | 1,952,712 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,952,712 | | | | — | |
Total | | $ | 11,113,922 | | | $ | 8,049 | | | $ | 11,105,873 | | | $ | 9,153,161 | | | $ | 1,952,712 | | | | — | |
The Company held marketable securities as of December 31, 2022 as noted in the following table:
| | Adjusted Cost | | | Unrealized Losses | | | Fair Value | | | Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | Current Marketable Securities | | | Non-Current Marketable Securities | |
Cash | | $ | 4,046,937 | | | | — | | | $ | 4,046,937 | | | $ | 4,046,937 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Level 2: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury securities | | $ | 1,963,432 | | | $ | 18,968 | | | $ | 1,944,464 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,944,464 | | | | — | |
Total | | $ | 6,010,369 | | | $ | 18,968 | | | $ | 5,991,401 | | | $ | 4,046,937 | | | $ | 1,944,464 | | | | — | |
Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs - Fair value estimates are based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.
The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at an amortized cost basis:
| ∙ | Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity. Investment securities held-to-maturity (“HTM”) are recorded at their initial cost, and any discount or premium amortized over the remaining life of the security. The carrying value of the investment is adjusted for the amortized amount of any discount or premium at each reporting period. |
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivables consist of balances due from service revenues, unbilled accounts receivables which is for revenues earned but not yet billed, and other receivables relating to common stock subscription purchases where the stock has been transferred but the cash has not been received. The Company monitors accounts receivable and provides allowances when considered necessary. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, accounts receivable were considered to be fully collectible but in accordance with the allowance for credit losses, the Company recorded an allowance for bad debt based on a reserve of current and aged receivables. Accordingly, an allowance for doubtful accounts of $191 and $0 was recorded as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivables consist of balances due from sales and service revenues and accrued interest from the investment account.
Unbilled Accounts Receivable
Unbilled accounts receivables consist of balances due from sales and service revenue earned but not yet billed.
Other Accounts Receivable
Other accounts receivables consist of cash due from the investment bank after the sale of common stock that has not cleared the bank yet by the end of the period. The cash is transferred from the investment bank to the Company typically within 3 to 5 days of the sale of common stock.
Accounts receivable allowance for credit losses
The activity related to the accounts receivable allowance for credit losses was as follows:
Name | | Three Months Ending at March 31, 2023 | | | Three Months Ending at March 31, 2022 | |
Beginning balance | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Current period provision | | | 191 | | | | — | |
Write-offs | | | — | | | | — | |
Ending Balance | | $ | 191 | | | $ | — | |
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The majority of our inventory is raw materials and work in progress. Net realizable value is the value of an asset that can be realized upon the sale of the asset, less a reasonable estimate of the costs associated with either the eventual sale or the disposal of the asset in question. We utilize third-party suppliers to produce our products. Costs associated with fabrication, and other costs associated with the manufacturing of products, are recorded as inventory. We periodically evaluate the carrying value of our inventories in relation to estimated forecasts of product demand, which takes into consideration the life cycle of product releases. When quantities on hand exceed estimated sales forecasts, we perform an analysis to determine if a write-down for such excess inventories is required. Once inventory has been written down, it creates a new cost basis for inventory. Inventories are classified as current assets in accordance with recognized industry practice.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method and an estimated useful life of three years. Expenses for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation expense related to property and equipment was as follows:
| | Period Ended March 31, | |
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | |
Depreciation | | $ | 9,525 | | | $ | 235 | |
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are subject to amortization, and any impairment is determined in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” Intangible assets are stated at historical cost and amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company uses a straight-line method of amortization unless a method that better reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up can be reliably determined. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there was no impairment.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses an estimate of the undiscounted cash flows over the remaining life of its long-lived assets, or related group of assets where applicable, in measuring whether the assets to be held and used will be realizable. Recoverability of assets held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the future undiscounted expected net cash flows to be generated by the asset. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no impairments.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Deposits with financial institutions are insured, up to certain limits, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Company’s cash deposits often exceed the FDIC insurance limit; however, all deposits are maintained with high credit quality institutions and the Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The financial condition of financial institutions is periodically reassessed, and the Company believes the risk of any loss is minimal. The Company believes the risk of any loss on cash due to credit risk is minimal. Furthermore, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral.
Significant customers and suppliers are those that account for greater than 10% of the Company’s revenues and purchases. Our customer revenue for one customer made up over 90% of revenue for the period ended March 31, 2023 and year ended December 31, 2022. In 2023 and 2022, the Company purchased a substantial portion of manufacturing services from one third party vendor, Merrell Bros Fabrication, LLC.
Revenue Recognition
The Company follows the revenue standards of Codification (ASC) Topic 606: “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The core principle of this Topic is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized in accordance with that core principle by applying the following five steps: 1) identify the contracts with a customer; 2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation using the input method.
The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied over time over the life of the contract. The Company's revenue arrangements consist of a single performance obligation to transfer services. Revenue is recognized over time by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation using specific milestones. These milestones within the contract are assigned revenue recognition percentages, based on overall expected cost-plus margin estimates of those milestones compared to the total cost of the contract. Contract revenues are recognized in the proportion that contract costs incurred bear to total estimated costs. This method is used because management considers the input method to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. Contract costs include all direct material and labor and subcontractor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs, and depreciation. General, selling, and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.
We also record as revenue all amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling costs and record the actual shipping costs as a component of cost of revenues. Reimbursements received from customers for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as revenues, with related costs recorded as cost of revenues. We present revenues net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities.
Revenues for the period ended March 31, 2023 in the amount of $793,458 was generated from the sale of the AirSCWO system and $8,000 was generated from the sale of treatability services.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 in the amount of $2,952,020 was generated from the sale of the AirSCWO system and $63,501 was generated from the sale of treatability services.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company has accounted for stock-based compensation under the provisions of ASC Topic 718 – “Stock Compensation” which requires the use of the fair-value based method to determine compensation for all arrangements under which employees and others receive shares of stock or equity instruments (stock options and common stock purchase warrants). The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses assumptions for expected volatility, expected dividends, expected term, and the risk-free interest rate. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of peer companies and other factors estimated over the expected term of the stock options. The expected term of options granted is derived using the “simplified method” which computes expected term as the average of the sum of the vesting term plus the contract term. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the period of the expected term.
Income Tax Policy
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method prescribed by ASC 740 - Income Taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This topic also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. There were no uncertain tax positions as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Research and Development Costs
The Company’s research and development costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Such expenditures amounted to $355,905 and $185,653 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Earnings (loss) per share is computed in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share” Basic weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the years ended March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include the shares of the Company issued and outstanding during such periods, each on a weighted average basis. The basic weighted average number of shares common stock outstanding excludes common stock equivalent incremental shares, while diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding includes such incremental shares. However, as the Company was in a loss position for all periods presented, basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are the same, as the inclusion of the incremental shares would be anti-dilutive. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were the following potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from diluted net loss per share because their effect would be antidilutive: options for 13,025,000 shares of common stock and 1,250,000 warrants.
Financial Instruments
The Company carries cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, at historical costs. The respective estimated fair values of these assets and liabilities approximate carrying values / useful lives of equipment and intangible assets due to their current nature.
Foreign Currency Translation
All assets and liabilities of the Companies’ locations whose accounts are denominated in foreign currency are translated into United States dollars at appropriate year-end current exchange rates. All income and expense accounts of those locations are translated at the average exchange rate for each period. The foreign currency translation amounts for the period ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022 are included in accumulated comprehensive income on the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in the accompanying financial statements include the fair value of equity-based compensation, revenue, fair value of intangible assets, useful lives of intangible assets, capital raise transactions, and valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available for sale debt securities. For assets held at amortized cost basis, Topic 326 eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and, instead, requires an entity to reflect its current estimate of all expected credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net amount expected to be collected. For available for sale debt securities, credit losses should be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP, however Topic 326 will require that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. This ASU affects entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has completed its assessment on the impact of the adoption of the ASU on its financial statements, disclosure requirements and methods of adoption and noted that there is no impact at this time for our HTM investments and noted a small adjustment for the allowance for bad debt which has been recorded as of March 31, 2023.
The Company considers the applicability and impact of all recently issued accounting pronouncements. Recent accounting pronouncements not specifically identified in our disclosures are either not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Note 3 – Liquidity, Capital Resources and Going Concern
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had working capital of $13,966,018 compared to working capital of $7,060,511 at December 31, 2022. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $9,490,325. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company had a net loss of $1,640,343 and used $3,178,476 of net cash in operations for the period.
The Company believes it has sufficient cash-on-hand (including its marketable securities described in Note 2 above) for the Company to meet its financial obligations as they come due at least the next 12 months from the date of the report.
Note 4 – Inventory
Inventory consists of:
Name | | Balance at March 31, 2023 | | | Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
Raw materials | | $ | 533,925 | | | $ | 755,218 | |
Work-in-process | | | 1,254,094 | | | | 905,492 | |
Total | | $ | 1,788,019 | | | $ | 1,660,710 | |
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company noted no inventory impairment and there were no inventory write downs recorded.
Note 5 – Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are recorded at cost and consist of the License Agreement with Duke University. The Company issued Duke University a small number of shares of common stock estimated to have a fair value of $1,073,529 as consideration for granting the Company the license based on the Company’s common stock market price on the date the License Agreement was executed (see Note 9). Intangible assets are comprised of the following as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Name | | Estimated Life | | Balance at December 31, 2022 | | | Additions | | | Amortization | | | Balance at March 31, 2023 | |
License agreement | | 17 Years | | $ | 964,965 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 15,787 | | | $ | 949,178 | |
Patents | | 20 Years | | | 85,057 | | | | 2,705 | | | | 1,123 | | | | 86,639 | |
Total | | | | $ | 1,050,022 | | | $ | 2,705 | | | $ | 16,910 | | | $ | 1,035,817 | |
Name | | Estimated Life | | Balance at December 31, 2021 | | | Additions | | | Amortization | | | Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
License agreement | | 17 Years | | $ | 1,028,114 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 63,149 | | | $ | 964,965 | |
Patents | | 20 Years | | | 34,742 | | | | 52,292 | | | | 1,977 | | | | 85,057 | |
Total | | | | $ | 1,062,856 | | | $ | 52,292 | | | $ | 65,126 | | | $ | 1,050,022 | |
Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, was $16,910 and $16,458, respectively.
Estimated future amortization expense as of March 31, 2023:
| | March 31, | |
| | 2023 | |
2023 | | $ | 50,827 | |
2024 | | | 67,769 | |
2025 | | | 67,769 | |
2026 | | | 67,769 | |
2027 | | | 67,769 | |
Thereafter | | | 713,914 | |
Intangible assets, Net | | $ | 1,035,817 | |
Note 6 – Revenue
The following is a summary of our revenues by type for the period ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022:
Name | | Balance at March 31, 2023 | | | % | | | Balance at March 31, 2022 | | | % | |
Equipment revenue | | $ | 793,458 | | | | 99 | % | | $ | 273,231 | | | | 100 | % |
Service revenue | | | 8,000 | | | | 1 | % | | | — | | | | — | % |
Total | | $ | 801,458 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 273,231 | | | | 100 | % |
Unearned Revenue
The following is a summary of our unearned revenue activity for the period ended March 31, 2023 and year ended December 31, 2022:
Name | | Balance at March 31, 2023 | | | Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
Unearned revenue at beginning of year | | $ | 200,109 | | | $ | — | |
Billings deferred | | | 5,000 | | | | 1,467,189 | |
Recognition of prior unearned revenue | | | — | | | | (1,267,080 | ) |
Unearned revenue at end of year | | $ | 205,109 | | | $ | 200,109 | |
Unbilled Accounts Receivable
The following is a summary of our unbilled accounts receivable activity for the period ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022:
Name | | Balance at March 31, 2023 | | | Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
Unbilled accounts receivable at beginning of year | | $ | 918,164 | | | $ | — | |
Services performed but unbilled | | | 793,458 | | | | 918,164 | |
Services billed | | | (39,168 | ) | | | — | |
Unbilled accounts receivable at end of year | | $ | 1,672,454 | | | $ | 918,164 | |
Note 7 – Stockholder’ Equity
The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 preferred stock shares and 200,000,000 common stock shares both with a par value of $0.0001.
Preferred Stock
On October 30, 2020, the Company designated 1,000,000 shares as Series D Convertible Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.0001.
On April 16, 2021, the Company closed on a private placement of 440,125 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock'') with a par value of $0.0001, yielding gross proceeds of $6,551,691 (the “Private Placement”) and settlement of a $50,000 liability for Preferred Stock shares. The Private Placement proceeds will be used for working capital, primarily for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of 374Water’s Air SCWO systems. The Preferred Stock has a stated value of $15 per share, is convertible into common stock at $0.30 per share and has voting rights based on the underlying shares of common stock. Upon liquidation of the Company, the Preferred Stockholders have a liquidation preference before any assets can be distributed to common stockholders. All of the Preferred Stock were sold pursuant to an exemption from registration requirements under Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. On September 29, 2021, 412,853 shares of Preferred Stock were converted into 20,642,667 shares of common stock. On January 12, 2022, the Company converted the remaining 27,272 shares of Preferred Stock to 1,363,149 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2023, there were no shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
Common Stock
The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the directors’ election. There is no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. The holders of common stock are entitled to any dividends that may be declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for payment of dividends subject to the prior rights of holders of preferred stock and any contractual restrictions the Company has against the payment of dividends on common stock. In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and have no right to convert their common stock into any other securities. As of March 31, 2023, there were 128,840,421 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
In December 2022, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with an underwriter pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock from time to time through the underwriter as its sales agent. Sales of common stock, if any, will be made at market prices by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company has no obligation to sell any shares of common stock under the equity distribution agreement, and may at any time suspend offers under the equity distribution agreement, in whole or in part, or terminate the equity distribution agreement.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, a total of 2,137,876 shares of common stock have been sold pursuant to the equity distribution agreement resulting in a total of $8.35 million in proceeds, net of $0.11 million of commission fees and $0.05 million of accounting and legal fees. As of March 31, 2023, $91.5 million remained available under the Company’s at-the-market public facility, subject to various limitations.
Stock-based compensation
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company recorded stock-based compensation of $214,924 and $97,558, respectively, related to common stock issued or vested options to employees and various consultants of the Company. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, $189,283 was charged as general and administrative expenses and $25,641 as research and development expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, $93,868 was charged as general and administrative expenses and $3,690 as research and development expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Stock Options
Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is summarized as follows:
| | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | |
Options outstanding at December 31, 2022 | | | 12,752,000 | | | $ | 0.62 | | | $ | 28,543,370 | | | | 5.09 | |
Granted | | | 273,000 | | | | 3.09 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Exercised | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Expired/forfeit | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Options outstanding at March 31, 2023 | | | 13,025,000 | | | | 0.67 | | | $ | 52,705,860 | | | | 4.93 | |
Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 is summarized as follows:
| | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | |
Options outstanding at December 31, 2021 | | | 12,300,000 | | | $ | 0.37 | | | $ | 30,504,000 | | | | 5.62 | |
Granted | | | 360,000 | | | | 3.33 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Exercised | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Expired/forfeit | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Options outstanding at March 31, 2022 | | | 12,660,000 | | | | 0.45 | | | $ | 45,576,000 | | | | 5.39 | |
Total unrecognized compensation associated with these unvested options is approximately $2,213,723 which will be recognized over a period of four years.
The fair value of these options granted were estimated on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
| | March 31, 2023 | | | March 31, 2022 | |
Dividend yield | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
Expected life | | 5.45 – 5.79 Years | | | 5.65 – 5.75 Years | |
Expected volatility | | 35.24 – 35.88 | % | | 37.73 – 39.18 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | | 3.58 – 3.97 | % | | 1.44 – 2.12 | % |
Stock Warrants
As of March 31, 2023, there were 1,250,000 warrants outstanding which relate to the Series 1 offering executed in December 2021, where investors were offered a warrant for every two common shares purchased during the offering at an exercise price of $2.50 per share. The intrinsic value of all outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2023 was $2,775,000 based on the market price of our common stock of $4.72 per share, which was the Company’s closing per share common stock price as reported on Nasdaq as of March 31, 2023.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, no warrants were issued or exercised. As of March 31, 2023, there are 1,250,000 outstanding warrants.
A summary of warrant activity during the three months ended March 31, 2023, is as follows:
| | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | |
Balance at December 31, 2022 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 2.50 | | | $ | 450,000 | | | | 1.96 | |
Issued | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Exercised | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Balance at March 31, 2023 | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 2.50 | | | $ | 2,775,000 | | | | 1.72 | |
Note 8 - Related Party Transactions
In 2021, the Company entered into an agreement to fabricate and manufacture the AirSCWO systems with Merrell Bros. Holding Company. As part of the agreement, the Company appointed Terry Merrell to its board of directors. As of March 31, 2023, Merrell Bros. or their affiliates own stock in excess of 5% of the outstanding common stock. As of March 31, 2023, the Company incurred $535,201 in related party expenses, of which $514,399 was related to the manufacturing of the AirSCWO systems. As of March 31, 2023, there is an accrual of $446,081 in related party expenses, of which $432,582 related to the manufacturing of the AirSCWO systems.
Note 9 - Commitments
The patented technology underlying 374Water’s supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) units, which was developed principally through the efforts of Messrs. Nagar and Deshusses at the facilities of Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (“Duke”), where Dr. Deshusses is a professor. The SCWO technology is licensed to 374Water pursuant to a worldwide license agreement with Duke executed on April 16, 2021 (the “License Agreement”). In connection with the License Agreement, 374Water also executed an equity transfer Agreement with Duke pursuant to which Duke received a small number of common stock in the Company (See Notes 5 and 7). Under the terms of the License Agreement, the Company is required to make royalty payments based on a percentage of licensed product sales, as defined in the License Agreement which is triggered by the sale of licensed products. Further, the Company is also required to pay royalties on a percentage of sublicensing fees. The Company will reimburse Duke for any ongoing patent expenses incurred. During the three-month period ending March 31, 2023, the Company has not incurred any expenses in connection with this License Agreement. The Company may terminate the license agreement anytime by providing Duke 60 days’ written notice.
Note 10 - Subsequent Events
From April 1, 2023 through May 5, 2023, we raised approximately $717,835 in net proceeds through an at-the-market equity offering of 152,285 shares of common stock. Pursuant to the at-the-market equity offering, we may issue up to $100 million of common stock, less the amounts already raised.