EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 895665
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 895665_10-K_2021_0001493152-21-007519.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Please see “Our Future Business” below regarding material information and updates that in many material respects superseded and modify the following general business description.
Superconductor Technologies Inc (“STI”) is a leading company in developing and commercializing high temperature superconductor (“HTS”) materials and related technologies. Superconductivity is the unique ability to conduct electricity with little or no resistance when cooled to “critical” temperatures. HTS materials are a family of elements that demonstrate superconducting properties at temperatures significantly warmer than previous superconducting materials. Electric currents that flow through conventional conductors encounter resistance. This resistance requires power to overcome and generates heat. HTS materials can substantially improve the performance characteristics of electrical systems, reduce power loss, and lower heat generation providing extremely high current carrying density and zero resistance to direct current.
We were established in 1987 shortly after the discovery of HTS materials. Our stated objective was to develop products based on these materials for the commercial marketplace.
After analyzing the market opportunities available, we decided to develop products for the utility and telecommunications industries.
Our initial product was completed in 1998 and we began delivery to a number of wireless network providers. In the following 13 years, we continued to refine and improve the platform, with the primary focus on improving reliability, increasing performance and runtime, and most importantly, removing cost from the manufacturing process of the required subsystems. Our cost reducing efforts led to the invention of our proprietary, high-yield and high throughput HTS material deposition manufacturing process.
In early 2018, we announced the concentration of our future Conductus wire product development efforts on NGEM to capitalize on several accelerating energy megatrends. This refined focus is very synergistic with our program with the Department of Energy (DOE) award for the development of superconducting wire to enable NGEM.
On January 28, 2020, we announced a cost reduction plan for the purpose of aligning our personnel needs and capital requirements as we explored strategic alternatives previously announced. We have maintained operations of our Sapphire Cryocooler cryogenics initiatives while ceasing additional manufacturing of our HTS Conductus® wire. The plan also included a 70% employee workforce reduction.
Subsequent to the announcement on January 28, 2020 about our cost reduction plan, we started the process of selling, in separate transactions, assets that we deemed non-essential going forward. The latest such transaction entered into on March 5th, when considered in combination with the prior transactions since January 28, 2020, may be deemed a material definitive purchase agreement for sales of various production, R&D, and testing equipment and selected intellectual property related primarily to our superconducting wire initiative. The aggregate sales prices of the post January 28th transactions was approximately $1,075,000, all sold to purchasers having no affiliation with us.
As a result of these sales, we no longer have the ability to resume HTS wire operations without significant new investments and restructured operations and a new HTS wire business plan, neither of which we currently intend to pursue, as we instead focus our efforts on completing the Merger (as defined below).
Our Future Business
On February 26, 2020, we entered into a definitive merger agreement with Allied Integral United, Inc. (which will change its name to, and is therefore referred herein as, “Clearday”), a privately-held company dedicated to delivering next generation longevity care and wellness services, whereby our wholly-owned subsidiary will merge with and into Clearday in a stock-for-stock transaction with Clearday (the “Merger”), with Clearday surviving and becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary, which will then change its name to Clearday, Inc (the “Merger Agreement”).
As previously disclosed, on May 12, 2020, the Merger Agreement was amended by the parties to (i) add a covenant that the parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause STI to at all times remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (or higher tier) and that if STI ceases to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market then the parties shall (including after the closing of the Merger) use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause STI to become listed on either the Nasdaq Capital Market or the NYSE MKT as promptly as reasonably possible, (ii) remove the conditions to closing the Merger that Nasdaq must determine that all listing deficiencies have been cured and determine to approve the listing of STI’s common stock on the Nasdaq and remove any other provisions in the Merger Agreement of like effect, (iii) extend the “outside date” for the Merger to close until the close of business on September 21, 2020 and (iv) require a customary tax representation letter from STI as a closing condition
As previously disclosed, due to our failure to comply with its listing conditions, the Nasdaq Stock Market notified us that it intended to complete the delisting of our common stock by filing a Form 25 Notification of Delisting with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which it did on February 2, 2021. Our common stock is no longer listed on a National Securities Exchange. Our stock trades on the OTC QB Market.
As also previously disclosed, we announced that, although the “outside date” of our Merger Agreement with Clearday has expired, both the Company and Clearday intended to finalize an amendment to the Merger Agreement or enter into a new merger agreement and proceed with the merger. Clearday has informed us that the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq would not be a condition to the closing of the merger. The parties are negotiating a new merger agreement (instead of an extension to the Merger Agreement) that would result in a similar all stock reverse acquisition of us, however there is no assurance that the parties will complete such negotiation successfully or conclude the merger or any transaction at all.
On February 3, 2021, Clearday paid us $120,000 as a good faith, non-refundable, payment to provide us cash flow support as we negotiate a new merger agreement.
As discussed below, on February 26, 2021, we also obtained a Paycheck Protection Program loan of approximately $468,000. We believe these funds will be sufficient to conclude a merger with Clearday, if one can be negotiated and our shareholders approve the transaction by the third quarter of 2021. There is no assurance that this will occur and indeed there are significant risks that it will not occur.
If a merger is consummated with Clearday, of which there is no assurance, the merged company will focus on the development of Clearday’s non-residential daily care service model as well as the continued operation of Clearday’s existing Memory Care America residential memory care facilities. As part of plans to develop and expand its assortment of innovative, non-residential daily care services, Clearday intends to leverage our existing Cryogenic Cooler as an enabling technology for one of its service offerings in the healthcare market.
If a merger is not consummated with Clearday in the near future, we will likely be required to liquidate or declare bankruptcy, in which case there would likely be no payments to common stock holders.
Our Proprietary Technology
Our development efforts over the last 30 years have yielded an extensive patent portfolio as well as critical trade secrets, unpatented technology and proprietary knowledge. We have an extensive patent portfolio in addition to critical trade secrets, unpatented technology and proprietary knowledge. In June 2016, we were awarded U.S. Patent No. 9,362,025 from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) further protecting our unique capabilities for improving the performance of our Conductus superconducting wire in applications that utilize the advantages for operating in the presence of high magnetic field. In February 2017 we were awarded two patents from the USPTO: U.S. Patent No. 9,564,258, associated with U.S. Patent No. 9,362,025, providing additional protection for the foundation from which we will build high performance wire for our customers, and U.S. Patent No. 9,567,661 protecting the system design developed by STI to improve monitoring efficiency when evaporating materials in vacuum. In July 2017, EU patent 2188495 (08797906.8) was granted, this patent follows the U.S. Patent granted by U.S. 8,607,560. This patent is focused on METHOD FOR CENTERING RECIPROCATING BODIES AND STRUCTURES MANUFACTURED THEREWITH, related to our Sapphire Cryocooler. Our current patents expire at various dates from 2020 to 2034. We enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with our employees, suppliers and consultants to protect our proprietary information.
We have sold most of patents related to our HTS wires business subsequent to January 28, 2020, but retain patents related to our Sapphire Cryocooler technology.
Other Assets and Investments
As mentioned in above, On January 28, 2020, we announced a cost reduction plan for the purpose of aligning our personnel needs and capital requirements as we explored strategic alternatives previously announced, while ceasing additional manufacturing of our HTS Conductus® wire and ceasing work on our DOE contract.
In 2007, we formed a joint venture with Hunchun BaoLi Communication Co. Ltd. (“BAOLI”) for the purpose of manufacturing and selling our SuperLink interference elimination solution in China. The joint venture was subsequently terminated prior to our joint venture partner and us providing our capital and technology contributions and our obligations were terminated.
Licenses
We grant licenses for our technology to other companies. We have granted licenses to, among others, (1) Bruker for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance application, (2) General Dynamics for government applications, (3) Star Cryoelectronics for Superconducting Quantum Interference Device applications and (4) Theva for network infrastructure wireless electronic devices.
Government Contracts
For 2020, 2019 and 2018, government related contracts accounted for 95%, 99% and 100%, respectively, of our revenues.
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing process involved the operation of sophisticated production equipment and material handling by production technicians. We purchased inventory components and manufacture inventory based on existing customer purchase requests, and to a lesser extent, on sales forecasts. Our Austin, Texas facility addressed our growth expectations for our superconducting wire initiative. The opening of that facility coincided with the delivery of our first superconducting wire production equipment in early 2012.
On January 28, 2020, we announced we were ceasing manufacturing of our Conductus wire.
Historically, a number of components used in our products were available from only a limited number of outside suppliers due to unique designs, as well as certain quality and performance requirements. We did not have guaranteed supply arrangements with any of these suppliers, did not maintain an extensive inventory of parts or components and customarily purchase sole or limited source parts and components pursuant to purchase orders. Our reliance on sole or limited source suppliers involved certain risks and uncertainties, many of which were beyond our control, and some of which were set out in our public filings, including in particular the “Risk Factors” included in Item 1A of this Report.
Marketing and Sales
We utilized a direct selling model due to the concentrated customer base for superconducting wire.
Competition
We faced competition in various aspects of our technology and product development. Our products competed on the basis of performance, functionality, reliability, pricing, quality and compliance with industry standards. Our primary competitors include American Superconductor (AMSC), SuperPower (Furukawa), SuNam, Bruker, Shanghai Superconductor, BASF, SuperOx, Fujikura, Sumitomo, Shanghai Creative Superconductor Technologies Co., Ltd (SCSC), Oxolutia, MetOx, THEVA, Showa Cable Systems (SWCC), and Suzhou Advanced Materials Research Institute (SAMRI).
Research and Development
Our 2018 through 2020 research and development activities were focused entirely on developing our Conductus wire product. We spent a total of $178,000, $2.4 million and $2.4 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, on research and development.
Environmental Issues
We used certain hazardous materials in our research, development and manufacturing operations. As a result, we were subject to stringent federal, state and local regulations governing the storage, use and disposal of such materials. Current or future laws and regulations could require substantial expenditures for preventative or remedial action, reduction of chemical exposure, waste treatment or disposal. Although we believe that our safety procedures for the handling and disposing of hazardous materials complied with the standards prescribed by state and federal regulations, there is always the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. To date, we have not incurred substantial expenditures for preventive action with respect to hazardous materials or for remedial action with respect to any hazardous materials accident.
Corporate Information
Our facilities and principal executive offices are located at 15511 W State HWY 71, Suite 110-105, Austin, TX 78738 and our telephone number will be (512) 650-7775. We were incorporated in Delaware on May 11, 1987. Additional information about us is available on our website at www.suptech.com. The information on our web site is not incorporated herein by reference.
Employees and Human Capital
Between January 28, 2020 and March 5, 2020, we sold substantially all of our assets, and reduced the number of our employees to three. Our three executive officers are our only current employees, and we do not plan to either expand or reduce our headcount. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we believe that our employee relations are good.
Backlog
Our commercial backlog consisted of accepted product purchase orders with scheduled delivery dates during the next twelve months. We had no commercial backlog at December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following section includes some of the material factors that may adversely affect our business and operations. This is not an exhaustive list, and additional factors could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. This discussion of risk factors includes many forward-looking statements. For cautions about relying on such forward looking statements, please refer to the section entitled “Forward Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Report immediately prior to Item 1.
We have included disclosures throughout this Report, including Risk Factors, that relate to our business as it was conducted prior to the planned Merger and asset disposition described above. Readers are cautioned that both historical and forward looking disclosures, as well as Risk Factors, regarding our business must be read in conjunction with the information regarding the planned Merger and asset dispositions, because some disclosures regarding historical operations may not be indicative of future or current operations and plans. In particular, but without limitation, the reference to our historical business operations regarding our HTS wire should not be viewed as a statement that such operations continue to this day. Please see “Our Future Business” for additional important information.
Overall Risk Related to Our Common Stock
The Clearday Merger is very uncertain. If it fails to occur in the near future, we likely will need to file for bankruptcy protection.
Although we continue to negotiate the merger agreement with Clearday, there remain issues to be resolved, and given the limited time we have to conclude the negotiation, and the lack of any binding obligation on Clearday’s part to consummate a transaction, there is a real possibility we will not be successful. In that event, our only likely option is a bankruptcy filing, in which case the payment to common stock holders would likely be nil. We estimate the outside date for completing our negotiation to be within approximately 30 to 45 days of the filing of this annual report on 10-K, after which time the risk of a failed negotiation materially increases. There is accordingly extremely great risk in investing in our common stock at this time. Indeed, even if we are successful negotiating the merger with Clearday, there will be significant risks associated with our new business.
Even if the Merger is completed, there is no certainty regarding the performance of the combined company. Clearday is a private company with limited financial data. Any financial data of Clearday will only be available to stockholders upon the filing of the registration statement on Form S-4. Completion of the Merger would highly dilute the shares of existing STI stockholders, who, together with STI warrant holders, are collectively expected to own less than 4% of the combined company.
Additionally, the price of our securities may fluctuate significantly due to the market’s reaction to the Merger and general market and economic conditions. An active trading market for our securities may never develop following the Merger or, if developed, it may not be sustained. In addition, the price of our securities following the Merger may vary due to general economic conditions and forecasts, our general business condition and the release of our financial reports.
Risks Related to Our Business
We have a history of losses and may never become profitable.
In each of our last five years, we have experienced significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations. In 2020, we incurred a net loss of $3 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $3.1 million. In 2019, we incurred a net loss of $9.2 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $8.8 million. Our independent registered public accounting firm has included in its audit reports an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Unless we can successfully implement our strategic alternatives plan including, among others, a strategic investment financing which would allow us to pursue our current business plan, a business combination such as our merger with Clearday, or a sale of STI, we will need to raise additional capital during this fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 to maintain our viability.
We may need to raise additional capital or complete a strategic alternative for the company. If we are unable to raise capital, our ability to implement our strategic plan and ultimately our viability as a company could be adversely affected.
At December 31, 2020, we had $1.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. Our current forecast is that our existing cash resources will be sufficient to fund our planned operations into the third quarter of 2021. Our cash resources will not be sufficient to fund our business through the end of the current fiscal year. Therefore we will need to raise additional capital during this fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 to maintain the viability of the Company.
We consummated various asset sales that fundamentally change our risk profile and business opportunities.
In order to enter into a possible Merger with Clearday, we effected certain transactions, including a cost reduction plan that was announced January 28, 2020 and sold, in separate transactions, assets that are not related to the Sapphire Cryocooler product and its related technologies. Accordingly, the risks of and opportunities for us have changed significantly since December 2019. If the proposed Merger is not consummated, we will likely need to seek liquidate or bankruptcy protection. If we were to liquidate or file for bankruptcy protection, the cash distribution to shareholders would be very limited in amount, if any.
We have a $1,600,000 preferred interest in Clearday’s San Antonio headquarters building and such amount does not increase based on interest or other factors. Clearday has advised us that Clearday does not have any plans to sell or market such building, nor are we attempting to sell or market our interest in the building. Accordingly, we cannot rely on funds from our interest in the Clearday San Antonio headquarters to generate cash in the near term, nor can we be certain of the value of such interest if we were to seek to market it.
Our stockholders may not realize a benefit from the merger commensurate with the ownership dilution they will experience in connection with the Merger.
If the combined company is unable to realize the strategic and financial benefits currently anticipated from the Merger, our stockholders will have experienced substantial dilution of their ownership interest without receiving any commensurate benefit. The significant businesses of the combined company will be the Clearday businesses. Significant financial resources, management attention and other resources will be required for Clearday to continue to develop and expand its longevity care and wellness businesses. There can be no assurance that such development and expansion will be successful.
Because the lack of a public market for Clearday’s capital stock makes it difficult to evaluate the fairness of the Merger, Clearday stockholders may receive consideration in the Merger that is greater than or less than the fair market value of Clearday’s capital stock and/or we may issue more securities than the relative fair market value of Clearday’s capital stock thereby diluting the existing stockholders of Superconductor more than the relative fair market values of Superconductor and Clearday prior to the merger.
The outstanding capital stock of Clearday is privately held and is not traded in any public market. The lack of a public market makes it extremely difficult to determine the fair market value of Clearday’s capital stock. Because the percentage of our equity to be issued to Clearday’s shareholders was determined based on negotiations between the parties, it is possible that the value of our securities to be received by Clearday holders will be less than the fair market value of their Clearday capital stock or that we may pay more than fair market value for Clearday’s capital stock.
Our stockholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the Merger, if an agreement is signed, and will exercise significantly less influence over the policies of the combined company following the merger than they now have on our policies.
Our stockholders presently have the right to vote in the election of the Board of Directors and on other matters affecting us. Upon the completion of the Merger, if a new merger agreement is signed, our stockholders will own a significantly smaller percentage of the Superconductor common stock, on a fully diluted basis. As a result, current Superconductor stockholders will have significantly less influence on the management and policies of combined company after the Merger, if a new merger agreement is signed, is consummated than they have now.
If a new merger agreement is signed, our current stockholders will not have the right, even if voting as a single group, to elect any of the directors of Superconductor after the merger and our current Board of Directors before the Merger will not be on the Superconductor Board of Directors after the Merger with the exception of Jeffrey Quiram, and there is no obligation of any stockholder to reelect such director or for the governance and nominating committee of the combined company to nominate such individual for re-election after the merger.
As of December 31, 2020, we had outstanding options exercisable for an aggregate of 7,863 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $255.90 per share and warrants to purchase up to 623,921 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $44.80 per share. While these options and/or warrants are, as of the date of this filing, “out of the money,” if the price of our common stock (adjusted for any stock splits) were to exceed the exercise price of these options or warrants, then it becomes more likely that the holders of such securities will exercise them. In that case, current stockholders of our common stock would, as a group, receive substantially less than the equity stake described above to the extent that the currently “out of the money” options or warrants were to be exercised. We cannot predict if our stock price will rise or if the options or warrants will ever become “in the money”.
We and Clearday could seek to raise capital before the merger, which could be dilutive.
If a new merger agreement is signed, prior to the merger, Superconductor and Clearday will consider whether to issue new shares of common stock to raise equity capital for the combined company. No commitments to raise capital have been entered into or are currently contemplated.
Our executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that may differ from stockholders’ interests.
If a new merger agreement is signed, our stockholders should be aware that directors and executive officers of Superconductor have certain interests in such Merger that may differ from the interests of our stockholders. If a new merger agreement is signed, interests of the directors and executive officers of Superconductor are expected to include, but are not limited to, the treatment in such a Merger of Superconductor equity incentive awards and the benefits of certain specified executives under the officer agreements that provide for settlement of certain change in control or severance payments that Superconductor’s executive officers are, by reason of their respective employment or severance agreements with Superconductor, entitled to receive in cash upon a qualifying termination of employment following the completion of the merger or, in the case of Mr. Quiram, with respect to the closing of a Merger, regardless of any termination. As a result of these interests, the directors and executive officers of Superconductor might be more likely to support and to vote in favor of a Merger than if they did not have these interests.
We and Clearday may become involved in securities litigation or stockholder derivative litigation in connection with the Merger, and this could divert the attention of Superconductor and Clearday management and harm the combined company’s business, and insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all related costs and damages.
Securities litigation or stockholder derivative litigation may follow the announcement of certain significant business transactions, such as the sale of a business division or announcement of a business combination transaction. Superconductor and Clearday may become involved in this type of litigation in connection with a Merger, and the combined company may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Litigation often is expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources, which could adversely affect the business of Superconductor, Clearday and the combined company. Our financial position is such that we may not be able to fully defend and exercise our rights to defend ourselves in any such litigation which may cause us to accept a settlement that would not be acceptable.
Our ability to protect our patents and other proprietary rights is uncertain, exposing us to possible losses of competitive advantage.
Our efforts to protect our proprietary rights may not succeed in preventing infringement by others or ensure that these rights will provide us with a competitive advantage. Pending patent applications may not result in issued patents and the validity of issued patents may be subject to challenge. Third parties may also be able to design around the patented aspects of the products. Additionally, certain of the issued patents and patent applications are owned jointly with third parties. Because any owner or co-owner of a patent can license its rights under jointly-owned patents or applications, inventions made by us jointly with others are not subject to our exclusive control. Any of these possible events could result in losses of competitive advantage.
We depend on specific patents and licenses to technologies, and we will likely need additional technologies in the future that we may not be able to obtain.
We utilize technologies under licenses of patents from others for our products. These patents may be subject to challenge, which may result in significant litigation expense (which may or may not be recoverable against future royalty obligations). Additionally, we may be required to utilize intellectual property rights owned by others and may seek licenses to do so. Such licenses may not be obtainable on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. It is also possible that we may inadvertently utilize intellectual property rights held by others, which could result in substantial claims.
Intellectual property infringement claims against us could materially harm results of operations.
Our products incorporate a number of technologies, including high-temperature superconductor technology, technology related to other materials, and electronics technologies. Our patent positions, and that of other companies using high-temperature superconductor technology, is uncertain and there is significant risk that others, including our competitors or potential competitors, have obtained or will obtain patents relating to our products or technologies or products or technologies planned to be introduced by us.
We believe that patents may be or have been issued, or applications may be pending, claiming various compositions of matter used in our products. We may need to secure one or more licenses of these patents. There can be no assurances that such licenses could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. We may be required to expend significant resources to develop alternatives that would not infringe such patents or to obtain licenses to the related technology. We may not be able to successfully design around these patents or obtain licenses to them and may have to defend ourselves at substantial cost against allegations of infringement of third party patents or other rights to intellectual property. In those circumstances, we could face significant liabilities and also be forced to cease the use of key technology.
Other parties may have the right to utilize technology important to our business.
We utilize certain intellectual property rights under non-exclusive licenses or have granted to others the right to utilize certain intellectual property rights licensed from a third party. Because we may not have the exclusive rights to utilize such intellectual property, other parties may be able to compete with us, which may harm our business.
The recent unprecedented events related to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused significant market disruptions and may have longer-term effects that we and, should the Merger be completed, the combined company cannot predict.
The recent unprecedented events related to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused significant market disruptions and may have longer-term effects that the combined company cannot predict. The equity and other market professionals continue to assess the consequences of the global pandemic and the extent and effectiveness of government responses, the responses of the Federal Reserve Bank and other governmental and non-governmental organizations cannot be predicted. Should the Merger be completed, the COVID-19 pandemic could continue to impact the business of the combined company, particularly with regard to the senior-care business of Clearday.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our stock price is volatile.
The market price of our common stock has been, and is expected to be, subject to significant volatility. The value of our common stock may decline regardless of our operating performance or prospects. Factors affecting our market price include:
● market perception as to a possible Merger and the information provided about Clearday when and if it becomes available, including the risks related to the Clearday business, and the impact on us should the Merger not occur, including bankruptcy;
● our perceived prospects and liquidity with and without the consummation of a Merger;
● the impact of Superconductor’s decision to sell certain assets that are not related to its Sapphire Cryocooler assets as part of its cost reduction plan and plan to sell assets including relating to its Conductus wire initiative;
● variations in our operating results and whether we have achieved key business targets;
● changes in, or our failure to meet, earnings estimates;
● changes in securities analysts’ buy/sell recommendations;
● differences between our reported results and those expected by investors and securities analysts;
● announcements of new contracts by us or our competitors;
● market reaction to any acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic investments announced by us or our competitors; and
● general economic, political or stock market conditions.
Recent events have caused stock prices for many companies, including ours, to fluctuate in ways unrelated or disproportionate to their operating performance. The general economic, political and stock market conditions that may affect the market price of our common stock are beyond our control. The market price of our common stock at any particular time may not remain the market price in the future.
We have a significant number of outstanding warrants and options, and future sales of the shares obtained upon exercise of these options or warrants could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
As of December 31, 2020, we had outstanding options exercisable for an aggregate of 7,863 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $255.90 per share and warrants to purchase up to 623,921 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $44.80 per share. The holders may sell these shares in the public markets from time to time under a registration statement or under Rule 144, without limitations on the timing, amount or method of sale. As our stock price rises, the holders may exercise their warrants and options and sell a large number of shares. This could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Our corporate governance structure may prevent our acquisition by another company at a premium over the public trading price of our shares.
It is possible that the acquisition of a majority of our outstanding voting stock by another company could result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the public trading price for our shares. Provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, each as amended, and of Delaware corporate law could delay or make more difficult an acquisition of our company by merger, tender offer or proxy contest, even if it would create an immediate benefit to our stockholders. For example, our restated certificate of incorporation does not permit stockholders to act by written consent, and our bylaws generally require ninety days advance notice of any matters to be brought before the stockholders at an annual or special meeting.
In addition, our board of directors has the authority to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to determine the terms, rights and preferences of this preferred stock, including voting rights of those shares, without any further vote or action by the stockholders. At December 31, 2020, 1,370,710 shares of preferred stock remained unissued. The rights of the holders of common stock may be subordinate to, and adversely affected by, the rights of holders of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could also make it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock, even at a premium over our public trading price.
Furthermore, our certificate of incorporation also provides for a classified board of directors with directors divided into three classes serving staggered terms. These provisions may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us without action by our stockholders and, therefore, could adversely affect the price of our stock or the possibility of sale of shares to an acquiring person.
We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends on our common stock.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay any cash dividends in the near future. Our current policy is to retain all funds and earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Should the Merger be completed, the combined company does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We leased all of our properties. All of our operations, including our manufacturing facilities, comprising approximately 94,000 square feet, were located in an industrial complex in Austin, Texas that expired in March 31, 2020. We did not be renew this lease as we ceased our Conductus wire manufacturing efforts to pursue our merger with Clearday.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Excluding ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business, we are not currently a party to any legal proceedings that we believe would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation or cash flow.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market for Common Stock
Our common stock trades on the OTC Markets OTCQB under the symbol “SCON”. The following table details the high and low closing prices for the Superconductor Common Stock as reported by OTC Markets OTCQB for the periods indicated.
High Low
Quarter ended December 31, 2020 $ 1.79 $ 0.79
Quarter ended September 26, 2020* $ 5.70 $ 1.40
Quarter ended June 27, 2020 $ 5.80 $ 1.80
Quarter ended March 28, 2020 $ 3.10 $ 1.40
High Low
Quarter ended December 31, 2019 $ 7.90 $ 1.20
Quarter ended September 28, 2019 $ 10.70 $ 4.80
Quarter ended June 29, 2019 $ 18.60 $ 7.00
Quarter ended March 30, 2019 $ 25.80 $ 12.50
* The common stock of Superconductor was delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market, effective September 30, 2020. All high and low closing prices prior to September 30, 2020 were as reported by Nasdaq.
Holders of Record
We had 8 holders of record of our common stock on March 19, 2021. This number does not include stockholders for whom shares were held in a “nominee” or “street” name. We estimate that there are more than 4,000 beneficial owners of our common stock.
Dividends
We have never paid cash dividends and intend to employ all available funds in the development of our business. We have no plans to pay cash dividends in the near future, and, should a Merger be completed, the combined company also does not foresee paying cash dividends
Our ability to declare or pay dividends on shares of our common stock is subject to the requirement that we pay an equivalent dividend on each outstanding share of our Preferred Stock (on an as-converted basis).
Sales of Unregistered Securities
We did not conduct any offerings of equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2020 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
Repurchases of Equity Securities
None.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan Category
Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Number of
securities
remaining
available for future
issuance under
equity
compensation
plans (excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	 7,863 $ 255.90 7,845
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	 - - -
Total	 7,863 $ 255.90 7,845

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes many forward-looking statements. For cautions about relying on such forward looking statements, please refer to the section entitled “Forward Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Report immediately prior to Item 1.
General
We were a leading company in developing and commercializing high temperature superconductor (“HTS”) materials and related technologies. HTS materials can substantially improve the performance characteristics of electrical systems, reducing power loss, lowering heat generation, and decreasing electrical noise. We currently are seeking to negotiate and consummate a merger with Allied Integral United, Inc. (d/b/a Clearday). If we fail to promptly negotiate and consummate such a merger, there is a high chance we will file for bankruptcy protection.
Results of Operations
Compared to 2019
Total revenues decreased by $361,000 or 66%, to $184,000 in 2020 from $545,000 in 2019. Government contract revenues were $174,000 or 95% of total revenue, of our total revenue in 2020 and $540,000 or 99% of total revenues in 2019.
Cost of commercial product revenues includes all direct costs, manufacturing overhead, preproduction process development and provision for excess and obsolete inventories. The cost of commercial product revenues totaled $190,000 for 2020 compared to $3.3 million in 2019. Cost of government product revenues totaled $71,000 for 2020 compared to $303,000 in 2019.
Our cost of commercial product revenues includes both variable and fixed cost components. The variable component consists primarily of materials, assembly and test labor, overhead, which includes equipment and facility depreciation, transportation costs and warranty costs. The fixed component includes test equipment and facility depreciation, purchasing and procurement expenses and quality assurance costs. Given the fixed nature of such costs, the absorption of our production overhead costs into inventory decreases and the amount of production overhead variances charged to cost of sales increases as production volumes decline since we have fewer units to absorb our overhead costs against. Conversely, the absorption of our production overhead costs into inventory increases and the amount of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales decreases as production volumes increase since we have more units to absorb our overhead costs against. As a result, our gross profit margins generally decrease as revenue and production volumes decline due to lower sales volume and higher amounts of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales; and our gross profit margins generally increase as our revenue and production volumes increase due to higher sales volume and lower amounts of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales.
The following is an analysis of our product gross profit margins for 2020 and 2019:
Years Ended December 31,
Dollars in Thousands
Commercial product revenues $ 10 $ 5
Cost of commercial product revenues 3,259
Gross loss $ (180 ) $ (3,254 )
We had a gross loss of $180,000 in 2020 from the sale of our commercial products compared to a gross loss of $3.3 million in 2019. We experienced a gross loss in 2020 and 2019 due to: our manufacturing efforts to bring our Conductus wire production to market; our processes not yet being finalized for high yield manufacturing and; our sales being insufficient to cover our overhead. We were not able to improve our manufacturing processes and increase our yields and have ceased our Conductus wire manufacturing in the first quarter of 2020.
Our 2020 government contract revenues were $174,000 and cost of government contract revenues, which include all direct contract costs and overhead, were $71,000. Since we ceased manufacturing of our Conductus wire, we also concluded our efforts on this contract.
Research and development expenses related to development of new wire products and new wire product manufacturing processes. As such, our research and development efforts concluded in the first quarter of 2020. Research and development expenses totaled $178,000 in 2020 compared to $2.4 million in 2019.
Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $2.7 million in 2020 compared to $3.9 million in 2019, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 31%. The lower expenses in 2020 were primarily the result of reduced operations as we pursue a merger with Clearday.
Other income of $2,000 and $59,000 in 2020 and 2019, respectively, was interest income.
Net loss totaled $3.0 million in 2020, compared to $9.2 million in 2019, a decrease of $6.2 million, or 68%. The decrease in net loss principally resulted from ceased Conductus wire operations.
The net loss available to common stockholders totaled $1.10 per common share in 2020, compared to a net loss of $12.33 per common share in 2019, a decrease of $11.23, or 91%. The decreased loss per common share in 2020 resulted from a greater number of common shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019 and ceased Conductus wire operations.
Compared to 2018
Total revenues decreased by $1,011,000 or 65%, to $545,000 in 2019 from $1,556,000 in 2018. Government contract revenues were $540,000 or 99% of total revenue, of our total revenue in 2019 and $1,556,000 or 100% of total revenues in 2018.
Cost of commercial product revenues includes all direct costs, manufacturing overhead, preproduction process development and provision for excess and obsolete inventories. The cost of commercial product revenues totaled $3.3 million for 2019 compared to $2.2 million in 2018. Cost of government product revenues totaled $0.3 million for 2019 compared to $1.2 million in 2018.
Our cost of commercial product revenues includes both variable and fixed cost components. The variable component consists primarily of materials, assembly and test labor, overhead, which includes equipment and facility depreciation, transportation costs and warranty costs. The fixed component includes test equipment and facility depreciation, purchasing and procurement expenses and quality assurance costs. Given the fixed nature of such costs, the absorption of our production overhead costs into inventory decreases and the amount of production overhead variances charged to cost of sales increases as production volumes decline since we have fewer units to absorb our overhead costs against. Conversely, the absorption of our production overhead costs into inventory increases and the amount of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales decreases as production volumes increase since we have more units to absorb our overhead costs against. As a result, our gross profit margins generally decrease as revenue and production volumes decline due to lower sales volume and higher amounts of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales; and our gross profit margins generally increase as our revenue and production volumes increase due to higher sales volume and lower amounts of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales.
The following is an analysis of our product gross profit margins for 2019 and 2018:
Years Ended December 31,
Dollars in Thousands
Commercial product revenues	 $ 5 $ -
Cost of commercial product revenues	 3,259 2,245
Gross loss	 $ (3,254 ) $ (2,245 )
We had a gross loss of $3.3 million in 2019 from the sale of our commercial products compared to a gross loss of $2.2 million in 2018. We experienced a gross loss in 2019 and 2018 due to: our increased manufacturing efforts to bring our Conductus wire production to market; our processes not yet being finalized for high yield manufacturing and; our sales being insufficient to cover our overhead. We have not been able to improve our manufacturing processes and increasing our yields at lower than optimal capacity and have now ceased our Conductus wire manufacturing.
In June 2017, we finalized negotiations on a $4.5 million DOE contract and have begun work on this government contract. Our first year goals under this contract are to increase current carrying capacity and reduce costs of our Conductus wire. Our 2019 government contract revenues were $545,000 and cost of government contract revenues, which include all direct contract costs and overhead, were $303,000. Since we have ceased manufacturing of our Conductus wire, we have now concluded our efforts on this contract.
Research and development expenses relate to development of new wire products and new wire product manufacturing processes. In 2017, we ceased research and development efforts for our wireless commercial products. Research and development expenses totaled $2.4 million in 2019 compared to $2.4 million in 2018.
Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $3.9 million in 2019 compared to $4.0 million in 2018, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 3%. The lower expenses in 2019 were primarily the result cost reductions.
Other income of $59,000 and $64,000 in 2019 and 2018, respectively, was interest income.
Net loss totaled $9.2 million in 2019, compared to $8.1 million in 2018, an increase of $1.1 million, or 14%. The increase in net loss principally resulted from $1.0 million lower 2019 government revenues.
The net loss available to common stockholders totaled $12.33 per common share in 2019, compared to a net loss of $40.32 per common share in 2018, a decrease of $27.99, or 69%. The decreased loss per common share in 2019 principally resulted from a greater number of common shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow Analysis
As of December 31, 2020, we had net working capital of $1.1 million, including $1.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to net working capital of $429,000 at December 31, 2019, which included $713,000 in cash and cash equivalents. We currently invest our excess cash in short-term, investment-grade, money-market instruments with maturities of three months or less. Our investments have no exposure to the auction rate securities market.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $563,000 from $713,000 at December 31, 2019 to $1,276,000 at December 31, 2020. In 2020, $3.1 million cash was used in operations, while $3.7 million was provided by financing and investing activities.
In 2020, net cash provided by investing activities was $1.2 million from the sale of patents, property and equipment related to our ceased Conductus wire operations. There were no investing activities in 2019.
In 2020, $2.5 million was provided by the sale of warrants issued as part of our October 2019 offering.
In 2019, net cash provided by two financing activities: (1) the May 2019 offering of our common stock, provided gross proceeds of $1.7 million and, after deducting the placement agent fees and our offering expenses, net proceeds of $1.4 million; (2) the October 2019 offering of our common stock and warrants provided gross proceeds of $3.0 million and, after deducting the placement agent fees and our offering expenses, net proceeds of $2.4 million.
Financing Activities
We have historically financed our operations through a combination of cash on hand, equipment lease financings, available borrowings under bank lines of credit and both private and public equity offerings. We made no offerings in 2020, however, $2.5 million was provided by the sale of warrants issued as part of our October 2019 offering mentioned below.
On October 10, 2019 we completed a public offering of an aggregate of 1,183,400 shares of our common stock (or common stock equivalents) and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,183,400 shares of common stock with gross proceeds to us of approximately $3.0 million. The warrants are exercisable for five years at an exercise price equal to the public offering price. The offering was priced at $2.50 per share of common stock. The net proceeds to us from the offering, after deducting the placement agent fees and our estimated offering expenses, was approximately $2.4 million. The placement agent received warrants to purchase 82,838 shares of common stock, at an exercise price of $3.125. In 2020, 978,594 of these warrants were exercised, providing us with proceeds of $2.5 million. Our current forecast is that our existing cash and cash equivalents resources will be sufficient to fund our planned operations into the third quarter of 2021(See “Future Liquidity” below).
On May 23, 2019 we completed a public offering of an aggregate of 170,000 shares of our common stock with gross proceeds to us of $1.7 million. The net proceeds to us from the offering, after deducting the placement agent fees and our estimated offering expenses, was $1.4 million.
On July 30, 2018 we completed a public offering of an aggregate of 257,142 shares of our common stock (or common stock equivalents) and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 257,142 shares of common stock with gross proceeds to us of $9.0 million. The net proceeds to us from the offering, after deducting the placement agent fees and our estimated offering expenses, was $7.98 million.
On March 9, 2018, we completed a registered offering of common stock (and common stock equivalents) with total gross proceeds of approximately $2 million. The net proceeds to us from the registered offering, after deducting the placement agent fees and our estimated offering expenses, was approximately $1.7 million.
We currently intend to use the net proceeds of these offerings for working capital and general corporate purposes. In addition, we may use a portion of any net proceeds to acquire complementary products, technologies, or businesses.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
We have historically incurred various contractual obligations and commercial commitments in our normal course of business. They consisted of the following:
Operating Lease Obligations. Our operating lease obligations consisted of a facility lease in Austin, Texas, as well as several smaller equipment leases.
Patents and Licenses. We entered into a licensing agreement requiring royalty payments ranging from 0.5% to 1.0% of specified product sales. The agreement contains a provision for the payment of guaranteed or minimum royalty amounts. Typically, the licensor can terminate our license if we fail to pay minimum annual royalties.
Purchase Commitments. In the normal course of business, we incur purchase obligations with vendors and suppliers for the purchase of inventory, as well as other goods and services. These obligations are generally evidenced by purchase orders that contain the terms and conditions associated with the purchase arrangements. We are committed to accept delivery of such material pursuant to the purchase orders subject to various contract provisions that allow us to delay receipt of such orders or cancel orders beyond certain agreed upon lead times. Cancellations may result in cancellation costs payable by us.
We have no minimum lease payments under operating leases and license obligations going forward.
Capital Expenditures
We do not plan to invest in fixed assets during 2021.
Future Liquidity
In 2020, we incurred a net loss of $3 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $3.1 million. In 2019, we incurred a net loss of $9.2 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $8.8 million. At December 31, 2020 we had $1.3 million in cash.
Clearday made a good faith payment to us of $120,000 in early February, 2021, which is non-refundable, to assist with our operating expenses as we negotiate a new merger agreement.
On February 26, 2021, we entered into an unsecured note evidencing our loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Loan”) in the principal amount of approximately $0.5 million. Proceeds of our PPP Loan may be used for payroll costs, costs related to certain group health care benefits, rent payments, utility payments, mortgage interest payments, interest payments on other debt obligations. Our current plans are to seek partial loan forgiveness in the amount of approximately $150,000, as permitted under the PPP Loan, and to repay the remainder.
Our cash resources are not sufficient to fund our business through the end of the current fiscal year, however, we believe they are sufficient to fund our operations through approximately August 2021, during which time we intend to pursue merger negotiations and, if they are successful, shareholder approval for a merger with Clearday. There is no assurance that these negotiations will be successful or that shareholder approval will be obtained, in which case we likely will need to seek bankruptcy protection.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has included in their audit reports for 2019 through 2020 an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
As of December 31, 2020, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $297.9 million which expire in the years 2021 through 2038. Of these amounts, $50.8 million resulted from the acquisition of Conductus. We also had $15.6 million of Federal net operating losses from the 2018 and 2019 tax year which do not expire, but are subject to an annual limitation under section 382 as discussed below. Under the Internal Revenue Code change of control limitations, a maximum of $14.2 million will be available for reduction of future taxable income.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding their realization, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes an annual limitation on the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards based on a statutory rate of return (usually the “applicable federal funds rate”, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and the value of the corporation at the time of a “change of ownership” as defined by Section 382. We had changes in ownership in August 1999, December 2002, June 2009, August 2013, December 2016 and May 2019. In addition, we acquired the right to Conductus’ net operating losses, which are also subject to the limitations imposed by Section 382. Conductus underwent seven ownership changes, for purpose of this rule, which occurred in February 1999, February 2001, December 2002, June 2009, August 2013, December 2016 and May 2019. Therefore, our net operating loss carryforwards of $285.9 million which were incurred prior to the 2019 ownership changes, will be subject in future periods to annual limitations of $115,000. Net operating losses released from this limitation and/or incurred by us subsequent to the ownership changes and therefore not subject to this limitation totaled $12.2 million. An additional $115,000 in losses were released from limitation during the year under Section 382.
Market Risk
We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculation purposes. Our money market investments have no exposure to the auction rate securities market.
At December 31, 2020, we had approximately $1 million invested in a money market account yielding approximately 0.1%. Assuming no yield on this money market account and no liquidation of principal for the year, our total interest income would decrease by less than $1,000 per annum.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, recovery of long-lived assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, contract revenue and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we 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. Any future changes to these estimates and assumptions could cause a material change to our reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
On July 24, 2018, we effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock, or the 2018 Reverse Stock Split. As a result of the 2018 Reverse Stock Split, every ten shares of our pre-2018 Reverse Stock Split common stock were combined and reclassified into one share of our common stock. The 2018 Reverse Stock Split did not change the authorized number of shares or the par value of our common stock.
On September 9, 2020, we effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock, or the 2020 Reverse Stock Split. As a result of the 2020 Reverse Stock Split, every ten shares of our pre-2020 Reverse Stock Split common stock were combined and reclassified into one share of our common stock. The 2020 Reverse Stock Split changed the authorized number of shares from 250,000,000 to 25,000,000. The par value of our common stock remained $0.001. Share and per share data included in this Item 7 have been retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the effect of the reverse stock splits. Certain of the information contained in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein present information on our common stock on a pre-reverse stock split basis.
We identified certain critical accounting policies which affect certain of our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2019. We have not made any material changes to these policies.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. We write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable 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.
Our inventory is valued at the lower of its actual cost or net realizable value of the inventory. We review inventory quantities on hand and on order and record, on a quarterly basis, a provision for excess and obsolete inventory and/or vendor cancellation charges related to purchase commitments. If the results of the review determine that a write-down is necessary, we recognize a loss in the period in which the loss is identified, whether or not the inventory is retained. Our inventory reserves establish a new cost basis for inventory and are not reversed until we sell or dispose of the related inventory. Such provisions are established based on historical usage, adjusted for known changes in demands for such products, or the estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements. We recognize all manufacturing preproduction process development expenses as cost of revenues in the period they are incurred. Our business is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product development and rapid product obsolescence that could result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand. Demand for our products can fluctuate significantly. Our estimates of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, and we may understate or overstate the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory.
Commercial product revenues consist of revenue from sales of products, net of trade discounts and allowances. We recognize revenue when evidence of an arrangement exists, contractual obligations have been satisfied, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. At the time revenue is recognized, we provide for the estimated cost of product warranties if allowed for under contractual arrangements and return products. Our warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Should such failure rates or costs differ from these estimates, accrued warranty costs would be adjusted.
We indemnify, without limit or term, our customers against all claims, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, expenses, judgments, settlements and penalties arising from actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any intellectual property relating to our products or other claims arising from our products. We have no known losses and we cannot reasonably develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of payments that might be made under our indemnities because of the uncertainty as to whether a claim might arise and how much it might total.
Government contract revenues are principally generated under research and development contracts. Contract revenues are derived primarily from research contracts with agencies of the United States Government. Credit risk related to accounts receivable arising from such contracts is considered minimal. These contracts may include cost-plus, fixed price and cost sharing arrangements and are generally short-term in nature.
All payments to us for work performed on contracts with agencies of the U.S. Government are subject to adjustment upon audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Based on historical experience and review of current projects in process, we believe that the audits will not have a significant effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Defense Contract Audit Agency has audited us through 2018.
We periodically evaluate the realizability of long-lived assets as events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to recover the carrying amount. Long-lived assets that will no longer be used in our business are written off in the period identified since they will no longer generate any positive cash flows for us. Such evaluation is based on various analyses, including cash flow and profitability projections, as well as alternative uses, such as government contracts or awards. The analyses necessarily involve significant management judgment. In the event the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than net book value of the assets, the carrying value of the assets will be written down to their estimated fair value. Our future cash flows may vary from estimates.
The fair value of our warrant liabilities was determined using the binomial lattice valuation model, including an equal probabilities tree and an early exercise factor. These derivative liabilities were adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end, with any increase or decrease in the fair value recognized in our consolidated statement of operations. These warrants expired on August 9, 2018 and had no value after such date.
Stock-based employee compensation cost is recognized using the fair-value based method for all awards granted. We issue stock option awards and restricted share awards to employees and to non-employee directors under our stock-based incentive plans. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation cost related to restricted share awards is recorded based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date. We recognize compensation expense over the expected service period, generally the vesting period on a straight-line basis from the grant date.
Our valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets is based on our assessments of historical losses and projected operating results in future periods. If and when we generate future taxable income in the U.S. against which these tax assets may be applied, some portion or all of the valuation allowance would be reversed and an increase in net income would consequently be reported in future years.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk.”

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
All information required by this item is listed in the Index to Financial Statements in Part IV, Item 15(a)1 of this Report.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures; Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). As of the end of the period covered by this report we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of that time, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making its assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on these criteria, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, our internal control over financial reporting is effective.
This Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. This Report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information regarding those individuals currently serving as our directors (or nominated to serve as a director) and executive officers as of March 15, 2020:
Name Age Position
Lynn J. Davis (1)(2)(3)(4) Director
David W. Vellequette (1)(2)(3) Director
Julia S. Johnson (1)(2)(3) Director
Jeffrey A. Quiram (4) President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
William J. Buchanan Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Adam L. Shelton Vice President, Product Management and Marketing
(1) Member of our Audit Committee.
(2) Member of our Compensation Committee.
(3) Member of our Governance and Nominating Committee.
(4) Member of our Stock Option Committee.
Each of our directors, including our current nominee, was nominated based on the assessment of our Nominating Committee and our Board that he has demonstrated: an ability to make meaningful contributions to our Board; independence; strong communication and analytical skills; and a reputation for honesty and ethical conduct. Our Board consists of, and seeks to continue to include, persons whose diversity of skills, experience and background are complementary to those of our other directors.
Lynn J. Davis has served on our Board since 2005. He served as President, Chief Operating Officer and director of August Technology, a manufacturer of inspection equipment for the semiconductor fabrication industry from 2005 to 2006. From 2002 to 2004, he was a partner at Tate Capital Partners Fund, LLC, a private investment firm he co-founded. Prior to Tate, Mr. Davis was an employee of ADC Telecommunications for 28 years, serving in 14 management positions, including Corporate President, Group President and Chief Operating Officer. In December 2016, he retired as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Flexsteel Industries Inc., a furniture manufacturer. Mr. Davis holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Iowa State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota. Our Board has determined that Mr. Davis is qualified to serve as a director because he has extensive knowledge in various management roles in the telecommunications industry, including manufacturing, sales and marketing. In addition, as a venture capitalist, Mr. Davis has worked with smaller companies and brings a valuable entrepreneurial approach to management and compensation issues.
David W. Vellequette rejoined our Board in December 2017. Mr. Vellequette previously served on our Board from January 2007 until March 2014. Mr. Vellequette most recently served as senior vice president of finance of Avaya, a global provider of business collaboration and communications solutions, which emerged in December 2017 from a nearly year-long financial restructuring under Chapter 11. Previously, Mr. Vellequette served as Avaya’s senior vice president and chief financial officer from October 1, 2012 through October 23, 2017. From 2005 to 2012, he was chief financial officer of JDS Uniphase, Inc., a telecommunications equipment company. He joined JDS Uniphase as vice president and operations controller in 2004. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Vellequette served as vice president of Worldwide Sales and Service Operations at Openwave Systems, Inc., an independent provider of software solutions for the mobile communications and media industries. Mr. Vellequette began his finance career as an auditor with Ernst & Young. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a CPA. Our Board has determined that Mr. Vellequette is qualified to serve as a director because he has extensive knowledge about public and financial accounting matters.
Julia S. Johnson has served on our Board since October 2018. She is also a board member of Lumentum Inc. (NASDAQ: LITE). Ms. Johnson has been a global technology business leader for 29 years, creating growth and value in product lines and new market segments for the consumer electronics, enterprise, and Fintech/payment markets. Ms. Johnson was the Senior Vice President Product Management and Marketing at Verifone, a global provider of technology that enables electronic payment transactions. Prior to Verifone, Ms. Johnson was Corporate Vice President Product Management at Lenovo, Corporate Vice President Product Management at Google, and Vice President of Product Management at Motorola. She holds a M.S. in Business Administration and a M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also has a B.S. in Math and Physics from Albion College. Our Board has determined that Ms. Johnson is qualified to serve as a director because she has extensive knowledge in business planning and in various management roles.
Jeffrey A. Quiram has served on our Board, and has been our President and Chief Executive Officer, since 2005. From 1991 to 2004, Mr. Quiram served ADC Telecommunications in a variety of management roles, including Vice President of its wireless business unit. Mr. Quiram has a B.S. in Quantitative Methods and Computer Science from College of St. Thomas, and an M.B.A. from University of Minnesota. Our Board has determined that Mr. Quiram is qualified to serve as a director because he has extensive knowledge about product development, business planning, and complex manufacturing. In addition, he has extensive knowledge about our corporate operations and market activities from serving as our Chief Executive Officer.
William J. Buchanan has been our Chief Financial Officer since May 2010. Mr. Buchanan joined us in 1998 and served as our Controller from 2000 to May 2010. For 16 years prior to joining us, he was a self-employed private investor and investment advisor. For the nine years prior to that, he served in various executive and accounting positions with Applied Magnetics Corp and Raytheon Co. Mr. Buchanan holds a B.A. in Economics from California State University, Fresno.
Adam L. Shelton has been our Vice President, Product Management and Marketing since 2006. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Shelton was the Senior Director of Marketing for Motorola. From 2003 to 2005, he was the Senior Director of Marketing for Advanced Fibre Communications (AFC), now Tellabs. Mr. Shelton also held various management and executive management positions with Mahi Networks, ATU Communications and Bell Canada. Mr. Shelton graduated with dean’s honors as a Civil Engineering Technologist from Seneca College in Toronto, Canada.
Corporate Governance Policies and Practices
The following is a summary of our corporate governance policies and practices:
● Our Board has determined that all of our directors, other than Mr. Quiram, are independent as defined by the rules of the SEC and The Nasdaq Stock Market. Our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee each consists entirely of independent directors under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.
● We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all of our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. If we amend any provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer (or any persons performing similar functions), or if we grant any waiver (including an implicit waiver) from any provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer (or any persons performing similar functions), we will disclose those amendments or waivers on our website at www.suptech.com/Investors/Corporate Governance/Amendments and Waivers to the Code of Conduct within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.
● Our Audit Committee reviews and approves all related-party transactions.
● As part of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, we have made a “whistleblower” hotline available to all employees for anonymous reporting of financial or other concerns. Our Audit Committee receives directly, without management participation, all hotline activity reports concerning accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Our Board’s current policy is to separate the role of Chairman of our Board and Chief Executive Officer. Our Board believes that this structure combines accountability with effective oversight. This structure also allows us to benefit from the experience and knowledge of our Chairman, who has been on our Board since 2002, while reflecting the responsibilities and contributions of our Chief Executive Officer. In addition, we believe that the independence of our Chairman provides additional oversight over the decisions of our management and places additional control in the hands of our independent directors.
Our Board is actively involved in overseeing our risk management through our Audit Committee. Under its charter, our Audit Committee is responsible for inquiring of management and our independent auditors about significant areas of risk or exposure and assessing the steps management has taken to minimize such risks. Our Board’s role in risk oversight has not affected our Board’s determination that the separation of roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is most appropriate for our company.
Stockholder Communications with Directors
Stockholders who want to communicate with our Board or with a particular director or committee may send a letter to our Secretary at Superconductor Technologies Inc, 15511 W State Hwy 71, suite 110-105, Austin, TX 78738. The mailing envelope should contain a clear notation indicating that the enclosed letter is a “Board Communication” or “Director Communication.” All such letters should state whether the intended recipients are all members of our Board or just certain specified individual directors or a specified committee. The Secretary will circulate the communications (with the exception of commercial solicitations) to the appropriate director or directors. Communications marked “Confidential” will be forwarded unopened.
Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders
We expect that all of our Board members attend our annual meetings of stockholders in the absence of a showing of good cause for failure to do so. All of the members of our Board attended our 2020 annual meeting of stockholders in person or by telephone.
Board Meetings and Committees
During 2020, each of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of Board meetings and (ii) the total number of meetings of the committees on which the director served.
Board of Directors
Our Board held a total of twenty meetings during 2020. Our Board has three standing committees - an Audit Committee established in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (our “Audit Committee”), a Compensation Committee (our “Compensation Committee”) and a Governance and Nominating Committee (our “Nominating Committee”). Our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee each have a charter, which is available at the “Corporate Governance” section under the “Investors” tab on our website at www.suptech.com.
Audit Committee
The principal functions of our Audit Committee are to hire our independent public auditors, to review the scope and results of the year-end audit with management and the independent auditors, to review our accounting principles and our system of internal accounting controls and to review our annual and quarterly reports before filing them with the SEC. Our Audit Committee met five times during 2020. The current members of our Audit Committee are Messrs. Vellequette (Chairman), Davis and Ms. Johnson.
Our Board has determined that all members of our Audit Committee are “independent” as defined under the rules of the SEC. Our Board has determined that Mr. Vellequette is an “audit committee financial expert.”
Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee reviews and approves salaries, bonuses and other benefits payable to our executive officers and administers our management incentive plan. Our Compensation Committee makes all compensation decisions with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and makes recommendations to our Board regarding non-equity compensation and equity awards to our other named executive officers (set forth below under “Executive Compensation-Summary Compensation Table”) and all other elected officers. In doing so, with respect to named executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, our Compensation Committee generally receives a recommendation from our Chief Executive Officer and other officers as appropriate. Our Chief Executive Officer also generally recommends the number of options or other equity awards to be granted to executive officers, within a range associated with the individual executive’s salary level, and presents this to our Compensation Committee for its review and approval.
Our Compensation Committee uses available data to review and compare our compensation levels to market compensation levels, taking into consideration the other companies’ size, the industry, and the individual executive’s level of responsibility, as well as anecdotal data regarding the compensation practices of other employers. We do not annually benchmark our executive compensation against a defined peer group, since we believe that defining such a group is difficult and would not materially affect our decisions. Our Compensation Committee does not generally hire an outside consulting firm to assist with compensation, as we believe that the value of doing so is exceeded by the costs. No compensation consultant was engaged to provide advice or recommendations on our executive or director compensation for 2020.
Our Compensation Committee also reviews the compensation of directors and recommends to our Board the amounts and types of cash to be paid and equity awards to be granted to our directors.
Our Compensation Committee met one time during 2020. The current members of our Compensation Committee are Messrs. Davis (Chairman), Vellequette and Ms. Johnson. Our Board has determined that all members of our Compensation Committee are “independent” as defined under the rules of the SEC. Our Compensation Committee will only delegate its authority to the extent consistent with our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and applicable laws, regulations and listing standards.
Our Compensation Committee created the Stock Option Committee (our “Stock Option Committee”) consisting of two members-our Compensation Committee Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer. The purpose of our Stock Option Committee is to facilitate the timely granting of stock options in connection with hiring, promotions and other special situations, and therefore our Stock Option Committee meets only periodically as certain events occur. Our Stock Option Committee is empowered to grant options to non-executive employees up to a preset annual aggregate limit. The Stock Option Committee did not meet during 2020. Our Compensation Committee supervises these grants and retains exclusive authority for all executive officer grants and the annual employee grants. The current members of our Stock Option Committee are Messrs. Davis (Chairman) and Quiram.
Governance and Nominating Committee
Our Nominating Committee is responsible for overseeing and, as appropriate, making recommendations to our Board regarding, membership and constitution of our Board and its role in overseeing our affairs. Our Nominating Committee is responsible for proposing a slate of directors for election by the stockholders at each annual meeting and for proposing candidates to fill any vacancies. Our Nominating Committee is also responsible for the corporate governance practices and policies of our Board and its committees. The current members of our Nominating Committee are Messrs. Davis, Vellequette and Ms. Johnson. Our Nominating Committee met one time in 2020. Our Board has determined that all members of our Nominating Committee are “independent” as defined under the rules of the SEC.
Our Nominating Committee manages the process for evaluating current Board members at the time they are considered for re-nomination. After considering the appropriate skills and characteristics required on our Board, the current makeup of our Board, the results of the evaluations, and the wishes of our Board members to be re-nominated, our Nominating Committee recommends to our Board whether those individuals should be re-nominated.
Our Nominating Committee periodically reviews with our Board whether it believes our Board would benefit from adding a new member(s), and if so, the appropriate skills and characteristics required for the new member(s). If our Board determines that a new member would be beneficial, our Nominating Committee solicits and receives recommendations for candidates and manages the process for evaluating candidates. All potential candidates, regardless of their source (including candidates recommended by security holders), are reviewed under the same process. Our Nominating Committee (or its chair) screens the available information about the potential candidates. Based on the results of the initial screening, interviews with viable candidates are scheduled with Nominating Committee members, other members of our Board and senior members of management. Upon completion of these interviews and other due diligence, our Nominating Committee may recommend to our Board the election or nomination of a candidate.
Candidates for independent Board members have typically been found through recommendations from directors or others associated with us. Our stockholders may also recommend candidates by sending the candidate’s name and resume to our Nominating Committee under the provisions set forth above for communication with our Board. No such suggestions from our stockholders were received in time for our Annual Meeting.
Our Nominating Committee has no predefined minimum criteria for selecting Board nominees, although it believes that (i) all directors should share qualities such as: an ability to make meaningful contributions to our board; independence; strong communication and analytical skills; and a reputation for honesty and ethical conduct; and (ii) independent directors should share qualities such as: experience at the corporate, rather than divisional level, in multi-national organizations as large as or larger than us; and relevant, non-competitive experience. Our Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity. However, our Nominating Committee and our Board believe that it is important that we have Board members whose diversity of skills, experience and background are complementary to those of our other Board members. In considering candidates for our Board, our Nominating Committee considers the entirety of each candidate’s credentials. In any given search, our Nominating Committee may also define particular characteristics for candidates to balance the overall skills and characteristics of our Board and our perceived needs. However, during any search, our Nominating Committee reserves the right to modify its stated search criteria for exceptional candidates.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The information contained in this Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing (except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference) and shall not otherwise be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (except to the extent that we specifically request that this information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporate this information by reference).
Our Audit Committee reviews our financial reporting process on behalf of our Board. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls. Our Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management. In addition, our Audit Committee has discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statements on Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 16 “Communications with Audit Committees”.
Our Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from our independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding their communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with them their independence, including whether their provision of other non-audit services to us is compatible with maintaining their independence.
Our Audit Committee discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for the audit. Our Audit Committee meets with them, with and without management present to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluation of our internal controls and the overall quality of our reporting.
Based upon the review and discussions referred to in the foregoing paragraphs, our Audit Committee recommended to our Board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2020 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
David W. Vellequette (Chairman)
Lynn J. Davis
Julia S. Johnson
March 31, 2021

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth for 2020, 2019 and 2018 the base salary and other compensation of our (i) President and Chief Executive Officer and (ii) our other two most highly compensated officers for 2020 (our “named executive officers”):
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
Option
Awards
($)(1)
Non-equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
Total
($)
Jeffrey A. Quiram	 324,450 - - - 13,828 338,278
President, Chief 324,450 - - - 35,153 359,603
Executive Officer, Director	 324,450 - 43,431 - 45,461 413,342
William J Buchanan 209,674 - - - 7,490 217,164
Chief Financial Officer 209,674 - - - 10,581 220,255
209,674 - 24,611 - 7,490 241,775
Adam L. Shelton 247,200 - - - 6,375 253,575
Vice President Product 247,200 - - - 6,975 254,175
Management and Marketing 247,200 - 24,611 - 6,375 278,186
(1)
The Option Awards and Stock Awards amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the options to purchase common stock or shares of restricted common stock (as applicable) calculated in accordance with ASC 718, under the assumptions included in Note 5 to our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2)
The All Other Compensation amounts shown reflect the value attributable to term life insurance premiums, certain tax payments and company 401(k) matching for each named executive officer, if applicable, as well as other perquisites described below. Each named executive officer is responsible for paying income tax on such amounts. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Quiram received $8,138, $29,413 and $39,721 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, for travel expenses from his home in Minnesota, temporary housing near our Santa Barbara and Austin facilities, the use of an automobile, and special indemnity payments to cover the taxes resulting from the payment or reimbursement of such travel and housing expenses.
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
Employment Agreement
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Quiram in 2005, which was amended in 2007. The employment agreement provides for the following:
● Appointment as our President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board;
● A base salary, which was $315,000 per year for 2008-2009 and increased to $324,450 during 2010;
● A bonus of up to 100% of his base salary based upon achievement of annual performance goals to be developed by our Compensation Committee and Mr. Quiram;
● Accelerated vesting of all his equity grants in the event of an “Involuntary Termination” or “Change of Control” (both as defined in his employment agreement);
● A severance payment equal to one year’s salary and continued benefits for one year in the event of “Involuntary Termination”;
● In the event of a “Change of Control,” whether or not he is terminated, Mr. Quiram is entitled to (i) payment of two times his annual base salary, (ii) 24 months of benefits coverage, and (iii) accelerated vesting of all of his outstanding equity grants;
● Payment or reimbursement of travel expenses from his present home in Minnesota and the lease of an apartment for Mr. Quiram near our Santa Barbara headquarters; and a special indemnity payment for any taxes resulting from the payment or reimbursement of such expenses; and
● Lease of an automobile.
Change of Control Agreements
We also have “change of control” agreements with Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Shelton. The change of control agreement generally provides that, if the employee’s employment is terminated within twenty-four months of a “Change of Control” (as defined in the change of control agreements) either (i) by us for any reason other than death, “Cause” or “Disability” (as both terms are defined in the change of control agreements) or (ii) by the employee for “Good Reason” (as defined in the change of control agreements), then the terminated employee will be entitled to severance benefits salary continuation payments and continuation of health/life insurance benefits for 18 months and accelerated vesting for all outstanding unvested stock options and other equity securities held by the employee. Any payments or distributions made to or for the benefit of the named employees under these change of control agreements will be reduced, if necessary, to an amount that would result in no excise taxes being imposed under Internal Revenue Code Section 4999.
Merger Agreement.
As previously disclosed, the “outside date” of the Merger Agreement has passed, which means it can be terminated by either party, although it has not been terminated. The parties are negotiating a new merger agreement. However, the following discussion relates to the Merger Agreement that is currently in effect (although as noted its outside date has passed) because STI believes a similar arrangement would apply to any new merger agreement.
The Merger Agreement contemplates that material changes will be made to the change of control benefits to Mr. Quiram and all other beneficiaries of Change of Control Agreements, subject to their agreeing to such modifications. The following terms are subject to change until all parties have agreed, but the following represents the Company’s current expectations. Generally, in exchange for waivers of their existing entitlements, valued at approximately $1.5 million in cash if there were a change of control and (except for Mr. Quiram) certain terminations of employment, Mr. Quiram and such other beneficiaries are expected to agree that they will instead receive “Stock Consideration” and contingent “Warrant Consideration,” as described below.
“Executive Percentage” means the amount a given officer would receive under his employment or change of control agreement at the Effective Time of the Merger (“Individual CiC Amount”), divided by the Gross CiC Payments.
“Executive Pool” means a number of shares of the Company’s common stock, rounded down to the nearest whole share, determined by dividing $1 million by the official simple average of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market for the three (3) Nasdaq trading days ending immediately prior to the Effective Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement).
“Gross CiC Payments” means the sum of a given Individual CiC Amount plus the amount of Other CiC Amounts.
“Other CiC Amounts” means that amount that the Listed Executives (as defined in the Merger Agreement) other than any given Individual CiC Amount, would be entitled to receive under their individual employment or change in control agreements with the Company as in effect on the date hereof, assuming (if applicable) that they are each terminated without cause at the Effective Time.
“Stock Consideration” means a number of new shares of the Company’s common stock, that are fully vested and not subject to any repurchase or forfeiture rights, determined by multiplying the Executive Percentage (as defined below) by Executive Pool (as defined below), rounded down to the nearest whole share.
“Warrant Consideration” means an amount of cash equal to the Executive Percentage multiplied by 50% multiplied by the Warrant Proceeds.
“Warrant Proceeds” means (a) the gross amount of cash the Company actually receives or received from the proper exercise of any Company warrant to purchase common stock of the Company exercised between February 26, 2020 and the Effective Date, inclusive minus (b) the amount the Board of Directors of the Company, as in effect prior to the Effective Date, sets aside as necessary to pay expenses in order to both satisfy any conditions to closing to the Merger Agreement and pay such other expenses that the Board deems to be prudent or appropriate, in its sole discretion (“Company Expenses”).
It is unlikely that any Warrant Proceeds would be available, given the Company’s cash expenditures.
Non-Equity Incentive Compensation
We maintain a bonus plan for executive officers and selected other members of senior management. Under the plan, our Compensation Committee establishes financial and other pertinent objectives for the period and assigns each executive officer an annual target bonus amount based on a percentage of his or her base salary, which ranges from 20% to 100%. Our Compensation Committee also retains the authority to award discretionary bonuses for performance in other aspects of the business not covered by the established goals. In December 2017, our Compensation Committee decided, based on then-current economic conditions, to not establish financial performance targets under this plan and to not award cash bonuses based on financial objectives going forward. Our Compensation Committee did reserve its right to award discretionary bonuses if appropriate; however no bonuses were awarded for 2020.
Equity Grants
For 2020, we made the no grants of restricted stock awards or options to our named executive officers. See “Merger Agreement” above.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to outstanding options and unvested shares of restricted stock on December 31, 2020:
Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options(#)
Exercisable
(1) Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options(#)
Unexercisable Option
Exercise
Price ($)
Option
Expiration
Date Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)
Jeffrey A Quiram
- 28,440.00 1/25/2021 - -
- 26,280.00 2/9/2022 - -
- 3,780.00 3/7/2023 - -
- 3,180.00 12/5/2023 - -
- 330.00 11/9/2025 - -
3,000 - 19.20 10/16/2028 - -
William J Buchanan - 28,440.00 1/25/2021 - -
- 26,280.00 2/9/2022 - -
- 3,780.00 3/7/2023 - -
- 3,180.00 12/5/2023 - -
- 330.00 11/9/2025 - -
1,700 - 19.20 10/16/2028 - -
Adam L Shelton - 28,440.00 1/25/2021 - -
- 26,280.00 2/9/2022 - -
- 3,780.00 3/7/2023 - -
- 3,180.00 12/5/2023 - -
- 330.00 11/9/2025 - -
1,700 - 19.20 10/16/2028 - -
(1) These options are fully vested.
Non-employee Director Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the compensation paid to our non-employee directors for 2020:
Name Fees earned or
paid in cash
($)
Stock
Awards
($) (1)
Option
Awards
($) (1)
Total
($)
Lynn J. Davis 40,000 - - 40,000
David W. Vellequette 45,000 - - 45,000
Julia S. Johnson 37,500 - - 37,500
(1) The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the options to purchase common stock calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, under the assumptions included in Note 5 to our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As of December 31, 2020: (i) Mr. Davis had 293 options to purchase common stock and no unvested shares of restricted common stock; (ii) Mr. Vellequette and Ms. Johnson each had 250 options to purchase common stock and no unvested shares of restricted common stock.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 15, 2021 by (i) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each of our executive officers named in the table under “Executive Compensation - Summary Compensation Table,” and (iv) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, (i) the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable, and (ii) the address of each person is c/o Superconductor Technologies Inc., 15511 W Hwy 71, Suite 110-105, Austin TX 78738.
Name Number of
Shares (1) Percentage
Ownership
Jeffrey A. Quiram	 3,494 *
William J. Buchanan	 1,937 *
Adam L. Shelton	 1,976 *
Lynn J. Davis	 *
David W. Vellequette	 *
Julia S. Johnson	 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (6 persons)	 8,375 *
* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2021 as follows: Mr. Quiram, 3,322 shares; Mr. Buchanan 1,858 shares; Mr. Shelton, 1,878 shares; Mr. Davis, 293 shares; Mr. Vellequette, 250 shares and Ms. Johnson, 250 shares; and all executive officers and directors as a group, 7,851 shares.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
None.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Our Audit Committee regularly reviews and determines whether specific non-audit projects or expenditures with our independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum LLP, potentially affects its independence. Our Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by Marcum LLP. Pre-approval is generally provided by our Audit Committee for up to one year, as detailed as to the particular service or category of services to be rendered, and is generally subject to a specific budget. Our Audit Committee may also pre-approve additional services of specific engagements on a case-by-case basis.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to us by Marcum LLP for 2020 and 2019, all of which were pre-approved by our Audit Committee:
Year Ended December 31,
Audit fees (1) $ 110,000 $ 175,000
All other fees (2) - 55,000
Total $ 110,000 $ 230,000
(1) Includes fees for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and review of our annual report on Form 10-K and for reviews of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019.
(2) These fees related to services rendered for our registration statements.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
1. Index to Financial Statements. Our consolidated financial statements and the Report of Marcum LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Part IV of this Report on the pages indicated:
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedule Covered by the Foregoing Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
Number
Description of Document
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant as amended through March 1, 2006. (14)
3.2
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, filed March 11, 2013. (18)
3.3
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, filed July 18, 2016. (25)
3.4
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, filed July 19, 2018, effective July 24, 2018. (29)
3.4
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant. (14)
3.5
Amendment adopted March 29, 2010 to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant. (15)
3.6
Amendment adopted October 28, 2013 to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant. (19)
4.1
Form of Common Stock Certificate. (13)
4.2
Form of Series B Preferred Stock Certificate. (24)
4.3
Form of Series C Preferred Stock Certificate. (26)
4.4
Form of Series D Preferred Stock Certificate. (27)
4.5
Form of Series E Preferred Stock Certificate. (38)
4.6
Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Registrant filed November 13, 2007. (12)
4.7
Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Registrant and form of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate. (24)
4.8
Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of Registrant and form of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate. (26)
Number
Description of Document
4.9
Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock of Registrant and form of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate. (27)
4.10
Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock of Registrant. (29)
4.11
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on March 25, 2015, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. (21)
4.12
Form of Placement Agent Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on March 25, 2015. (21)
4.13
Form of Series [A][B] Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued by Registrant on October 14, 2015. (22)
4.14
Form of Placement Agent Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on October 14, 2015. (22)
4.15
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on August 2, 2016. (26)
4.16
Form of Placement Agent Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on August 2, 2016. (26)
4.17
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on December 14, 2016. (27)
4.18
Form of Pre-Funded Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued by Registrant on March 9, 2018. (28)
4.19
Form of Placement Agent Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued by Registrant on March 9, 2018. (28)
4.20
Form of Series A Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued by Registrant on March 9, 2018. (28)
4.21
Registration Rights Agreement dated March 6, 2018. (28)
4.22
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued by Registrant on July 30, 2018. (29)
4.23
Form of Placement Agent Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued by Registrant on July 30, 2018. (29)
4.24
Description of Securities (31)
10.1
Form of Change in Control Agreement dated March 28, 2003. (1)***
10.2
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control Agreement dated as of May 24, 2005. (7)***
10.3
Form of Amendment No. 2 to Change in Control Agreement dated as of December 31, 2006. (9)***
10.4
Patent License Agreement by and between Registrant and Lucent Technologies GRL LLC. (2)**
10.5
License Agreement between Registrant and Sunpower dated May 2, 2005. (3)**
10.6
Employment Agreement between Registrant and Jeffrey Quiram dated as of February 14, 2005. (4)***
10.7
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Registrant and Jeffrey Quiram dated as of December 31, 2006. (9)***
10.8
Equity Incentive Plan As Amended May 25, 2005. (6)***
10.9
Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement for 2003 Equity Incentive Plan. (4)***
10.10
Management Incentive Plan (July 24, 2006). (8)***
10.11
Compensation Policy for Non-Employee Directors dated March 18, 2005. (5)***
10.12
Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement. (20)***
Number
Description of Document
10.13
Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Prologis Texas III LLC dated December 5, 2011. (16)
10.14
First Amendment to Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Prologis Texas III LLC dated August 23, 2012. (17)
10.15
Second Amendment to Lease Agreement between Registrant and Prologis Texas III LLC dated July 18, 2014. (20)
10.16
Agreement between Registrant and Hunchun BaoLi Communication Co., Ltd. (“BAOLI”) dated August 17, 2007. (10)
10.17
First Amendment to Agreement between Registrant and BAOLI dated November 1, 2007. (11)
10.18
Second Amendment to Agreement between Registrant and BAOLI dated January 7, 2008. (11)
10.19
Equity Incentive Plan adopted October 25, 2013, and forms of Award Agreements. (23) ***
10.20
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 26, 2020, by and among Superconductor Technologies Inc., AIU Special Merger Company, Inc. and Allied Integral United, Inc. (30)
10.21
Asset Sales Agreements. (31)
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. (7)
List of Subsidiaries. (32)
23.1
Consent of Marcum, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. (32)
31.1
Statement of CEO Pursuant to 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (32)
31.2
Statement of CFO Pursuant to 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (32)
32.1
Statement of CEO Pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (32) *
32.2
Statement of CFO Pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (32) *
Financials provided in XBRL format. (38)
(1) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2003, filed May 13, 2003.
(2) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed March 11, 2004.
(3) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 2004, filed November 10, 2004.
(4) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed March 16, 2005.
(5) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2005, filed May 6, 2005.
(6) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 27, 2005.
(7) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed March 8, 2006.
(8) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 28, 2006.
(9) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed April 2, 2007.
(10) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2007, filed November 13, 2007.
(11) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed March 27, 2008.
(12) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed February 25, 2008.
(13) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-K filed March 28, 2014.
(14) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed March 17, 2010.
(15) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2010.
(16) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed March 30, 2012.
(17) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2012, filed November 13, 2012.
(18) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2013.
(19) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 31, 2013.
(20) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed March 12, 2015.
(21) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 24, 2015.
(22) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form S-1/A filed October 6, 2015.
(23) Incorporated by reference as Exhibit A to Registrant’s Schedule 14A filed October 31, 2013.
(24) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 13, 2015.
(25) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 18, 2016.
(26) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 2, 2016.
(27) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form S-1/A filed December 6, 2016.
(28) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 9, 2018.
(29) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed July 24, 2018.
(30)
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 3, 2020.
(31) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2020.
(32)
Filed herewith
* Furnished, not filed.
** Confidential treatment has been previously granted for certain portions of these exhibits.
*** This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(b) Exhibits. See Item 15(a) above.