Acceleware® Ltd. (“Acceleware” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: AXE), a
leading innovator of transformative technologies targeting the
decarbonization of industrial heating, today announced its
financial and operating results for nine months ended September 30,
2023 (all figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted).
Acceleware’s quarter end results reflect contributions from the
Company’s two business units, radio frequency (“RF”) heating for
industrial applications using the Company’s proprietary Clean Tech
Inverter (“CTI”) including enhanced oil recovery (“RF XL”), and
high-performance computing ("HPC”) scientific software. This news
release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited
interim condensed financial statements and the accompanying notes
for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and management’s
discussion and analysis (“MDA”) thereto, together with the audited
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, notes
and MD&A thereto, all of which are available on Acceleware’s
website at www.acceleware.com or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
HIGHLIGHTS
In the three months ended September 30, 2023
(“Q3 2023”), encouraged by positive results to date, the Company
worked closely with industry partners to determine the most
appropriate next steps in the workover. Several options were
analyzed that could allow for demonstration of RF XL in an
operational environment, and each was ranked by probability of
success. During Q3 2023, a refined configuration of RF XL was
finalized including many upgraded components, improved deployment
tools, and modified operational procedures based on experience to
date. Please refer to the RF XL Pilot Update section below for more
information, and to the MDA for a complete RF XL Pilot update.
|
Three Months Ended |
Nine Months Ended |
|
Sept. 30, 2023 |
|
Sept. 30, 2022 |
|
Sept. 30, 2023 |
Sept. 30, 2022 |
Revenue |
$ |
62,467 |
$ |
53,282 |
|
$ |
235,421 |
$ |
255,237 |
Comprehensive loss |
|
1,272,006 |
|
1,000,346 |
|
|
2,663,121 |
|
3,796,255 |
Gross R&D
expenditures |
|
798,544 |
|
592,443 |
|
|
2,188,545 |
|
4,454,625 |
RF XL Pilot deferred
revenue |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
1,200,000 |
Cash flows from financing |
|
909,401 |
|
(3,801 |
) |
|
1,209,829 |
|
2,180,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company had cash on hand of $0.3 million
(December 31, 2022 - $1.1 million), up to $4.4 million of amounts
committed but not yet received from government grants and three
major oil-sands producers (December 31, 2022 - $1.4 million), and
negative working capital, excluding cash, of $2.9 million (December
31, 2022 - $1.8 million).
The Company actively manages its cash flow
requirements with a combination of cash generated from operations,
external funding, and capital-raising activities. On December 3,
2022, the Company signed a promissory note payable for $678,774,
bearing interest at 9.45% per annum and secured with a general
security agreement over the Company’s assets. The principal and
accrued interest amount of the promissory note is included in
working capital. As at September 30, 2023, $746,849 of principal
and accrued interest remains outstanding and the counterparty has
agreed to amended terms. Repayment is expected on or about December
31, 2023 and the interest rate was increased to 11.85% per annum
beginning July 1, 2023.
In addition, recent highlights during the three
months ended September 30, 2023, included:
- On November 6, 2023, Acceleware
announced non-dilutive, non-repayable funding from the Clean
Resource Innovation Network (“CRIN”) of up to $3 million for the RF
XL Pilot. The funding will be paid upon completion of certain
milestones and is reimbursement for costs incurred between January
1, 2022 and March 31, 2024. This funding is intended to accelerate
clean technology development and commercialization for the oil and
gas industry. No amounts have been received as of November 21,
2023.
- On August 21, 2023 Acceleware
closed a non-brokered private placement of units which consisted of
one common share of the Company and one common share purchase
warrant. The Company distributed a total of 1,949,036 units at a
price of $0.23 per unit for total gross proceeds of $448,278. The
proceeds will be used to fund a portion of the RF XL Pilot workover
and for general corporate purposes.
- On August 2, 2023, Acceleware
successfully concluded an Exploring Innovations project with the
International Minerals Innovation Institute (“IMII”), which
validated the potential to use RF energy from Acceleware’s CTI to
dry potash and other mineral commodities. IMII subsequently
announced that it had invited Acceleware to submit a proposal for
subsequent project phases which could lead to the development of a
commercial scale drying platform. Acceleware has submitted a
proposal and awaits approval from IMII.
RF XL PROJECT UPDATE
The Acceleware team re-commenced on-site
workover operations on August 8, 2023 after completion in the first
half of 2023 of extensive design, procurement, shop testing and
de-risking of repaired parts, upgraded components, run-in-hole
procedures, and deployment tooling. While challenges were
encountered in redeploying upgraded components subsurface, to the
best of the Company's management's knowledge, the RF XL Pilot has
demonstrated greater success than any radio frequency pilot to
date. The Company has met with its industry partners to develop and
discuss options to resume testing. Technical plans and next steps
for resuming operations were designed following these collaborative
discussions. Each alternative plan has a range of probability, cost
and timeline for deployment. Although the challenge in resuming
operations results in additional cost and time, the updated
technical plans allow Acceleware to deploy upgraded components to
improve operations or address known concerns. Acceleware remains
encouraged by the operation of the RF XL Pilot, in particular no
known operability concerns of the RF XL technology itself.
Acceleware is looking to proceed with the option
that has the highest probability of success and lowest risk, backed
by the most partner support. Upon successful completion of these
final workover steps, RF XL components and DTS will be reassembled,
and heating operations will resume. Completion of the remaining
workover tasks is expected to result in increased power injected
into the reservoir, and in turn a meaningful increase in reservoir
temperature within a few months of resuming heating. The final
timing and cost of the workover remains dependent on financing,
partner investment, availability of rigs, weather conditions at
site, supply chain availability, delivery timing, and the
successful deployment of repairs and components.
Using the most likely scenarios moving forward,
Acceleware estimates a range of net cost for the RF XL Pilot of
between $30 million and $33 million. Net cost includes estimated
gross costs of between $31 million and $35 million offset by an
estimated $1.0 million to $2.0 million in proceeds from the sale of
produced oil. Estimated proceeds from the sale of produced oil have
been determined for the economic life of the RF XL Pilot well.
There is uncertainty in the cost estimate stemming from the number
of alternatives being studied, each with its own cost profile.
There is also uncertainty in estimating proceeds from the sale of
produced oil due to fluctuating oil prices and simulated production
volumes. Operating and maintenance cost estimates remain subject to
fluctuating commodity prices, in particular electricity, supply
chain disruption costs and any additional unforeseen mechanical or
electrical engineering costs that could still potentially be
encountered in a complex, commercial scale pilot program of this
nature. While the RF XL Pilot heating phase was planned for at
least six months, this period will be extended in light of the
workover to allow Acceleware to capture additional information on
the operation of the technology and its efficiency.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Overall spending in the three months ended
September 30, 2023 (“Q3 2023”) remained conservative as the Company
continued to determine thoughtful and cost-conscious final steps in
the workover for the RF XL Pilot. A workover program began in late
2022 and continues to date. Construction work on the RF XL Pilot
was completed in early March 2022, followed by commencement of
operations which continued throughout most of 2022 until operations
were paused for the workover. RF XL Pilot expenses as at September
30, 2023 were approximately $28.0 million (December 31, 2022 -
$25.9 million). The remaining cash committed but not yet received
from SDTC, ERA, and CRIN including holdbacks receivable was $3.5
million as at September 30, 2023 (December 31, 2022 – $1.0 million
receivable from SDTC, ERA, and Alberta Innovates) and amounts
committed but not yet received or receivable from three major
oil-sands producers were $1.4 million as at September 30, 2023
(December 31, 2022 – $1.4 million).
QUARTER IN REVIEW
Revenue of $0.1 million was generated in the
three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $0.1 million in
the three months ended September 30, 2022 (“Q3 2022”) and $0.1
million in the previous quarter ended June 30, 2023 (“Q2 2023”).
Revenue in Q3 2023 included software and maintenance revenue.
Revenue was slightly stronger in Q3 2023 in the HPC segment for
FDTD software compared to Q3 2022 and Q2 2023 but was lower for
seismic software due to less demand. There continues to be
variability in the RF Heating segment for revenue related to
services in applying CTI to industrial heating. While interest has
increased in the intelligent electric heating service offering,
there was no revenue in Q3 2023. Acceleware did not receive any
data revenue payments during Q3 2023, Q3 2022 or Q2 2023 for the RF
XL Pilot. These payments, when historically received, were recorded
in deferred revenue. Data revenue equal to the amount recorded in
deferred revenue will be recognized as revenue at the end of the RF
XL Pilot or when the data contracts are terminated, whichever is
earlier.
Total comprehensive loss for Q3 2023 was $1.3
million compared to a comprehensive loss of $1.0 million for Q3
2022 and a comprehensive loss of $1.1 million for Q2 2023.
Comprehensive loss in all periods was impacted by changes in value
of the derivative financial instruments embedded within the
convertible debenture. These fluctuations are driven primarily by
the fluctuation in the Company’s share price. Additionally,
comprehensive loss was higher for higher interest costs related to
current liabilities funding the Company’s working capital and
fluctuating levels of R&D spending and government assistance
for R&D activities.
Gross R&D expenses incurred in Q3 2023 were
$0.8 million compared to $0.6 million in Q3 2022 and $0.6 million
in Q2 2023. R&D spending was higher in Q3 2023 compared to Q3
2022 and Q2 2023 due to on-site workover activities. Government
assistance received in Q3 2023 was $0.1 million and nil in Q3 2022
and Q2 2023. The Government of Alberta’s Innovation Employment
Grant (“IEG”) to support research and development was effective
January 1, 2021 and provides a grant of up to 20% of eligible
R&D expenses incurred in Alberta. This new grant effectively
replaced Alberta’s 10% scientific research and experimental
development refundable tax credit that was eliminated as at
December 31, 2019. The Company met the eligibility criteria,
claimed eligible R&D expenditures for 2021 and 2022 and
received and recognized $0.4 million in Q1 2023 and $0.1 million in
Q3 2023. In Q3 2022 and Q2 2023 there was $nil million government
assistance received and recognized related to the RF XL Pilot.
Government assistance offsets gross R&D costs.
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses
incurred in Q3 2023 were $0.6 million compared to $0.5 million in
Q3 2022 and $0.5 million in Q2 2023. There were higher non-cash
payroll related costs incurred in Q3 2023 due to the timing of
option grants, higher professional fees and lower salaries as the
Company continues to prioritize cost control given uncertain
economic conditions.
YEAR TO DATE IN REVIEW
Revenue of $0.2 million was generated from the
Company’s software, maintenance and services revenue streams for
the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $0.3 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Although revenue is
more diversified in 2023 with a significant contribution from
services revenue, revenue was lower due to lower demand for HPC
software and maintenance revenue. Services revenue relates to RF
simulation and experimental studies paid by customers interested in
applying CTI for their industrial heating needs. Industries outside
heavy oil have also become interested in utilizing CTI for
industrial heating, including mining, agriculture, and hydrogen.
Acceleware did not receive any non-refundable milestone cash
payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared
to $1.2 million received during the nine months ended September 30,
2022. When received, these payments are recorded in deferred
revenue.
Total comprehensive loss for the nine months
ended September 30, 2023 was $2.7 million compared to $3.8 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 due to lower R&D
spending for the RF XL Pilot. There are fluctuations in both
periods related to changes in fair value of the derivative
financial instruments embedded in the convertible debentures and
interest expense due to short- and long-term debt financing.
Gross R&D expenses for the nine months ended
September 30, 2023 were $2.2 million compared to $4.5 million
incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 due to
lower cost R&D activity on the RF XL Pilot during the nine
months ended September 30, 2023. There was a significant amount of
non-recurring installation costs for the RF XL Pilot incurred in
the early part of 2022. Federal and provincial government
assistance of $0.6 million was recognized in the nine months ended
September 30, 2023 compared to $1.3 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2022 as the ERA and SDTC and Alberta Innovates
grants for the RF XL Pilot near completion.
G&A expenses incurred during the nine months
ended September 30, 2023 were $1.4 million compared to $1.5 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 a decrease of $0.1
million primarily due to lower salaries as the Company continues to
prioritize cost management, partially offset by higher non-cash
payroll related costs for option grants.
As at September 30, 2023, Acceleware had
negative working capital of $2.6 million (December 31, 2022 –
negative working capital of $0.6 million) including cash and cash
equivalents of $0.3 million (December 31, 2021 – $1.1 million). The
decrease in working capital is attributable to the timing of
receipt and recognition of government and partner funding and
related R&D spending. During the nine-months ended September
30, 2023, Acceleware submitted the first claim for reimbursement
under the new $3 million CRIN grant funding agreement noted above.
No amounts have been received as of November 21, 2023. Increasing
the deficit is deferred revenue of $4,350,000 as at September 30,
2023 (December 31, 2022 – $4,350,000). Despite receiving
non-refundable cash payments for these amounts, the milestone
payments have not met all requirements for revenue recognition
under IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. These amounts
will be recognized as revenue and increase shareholders’ equity
when RF XL Pilot heating is complete or the data revenue contracts
are terminated, whichever is earlier.
In the interests of matching cash requirements
with a combination of cash generated from operations, external
funding, and capital raising activities, the Company actively
manages its cash flow and investments in new products. Acceleware
intends to maximize cash generated from operations through several
initiatives which include continuing to focus on higher gross
margin software products that are marketed through a combination of
direct and reseller models; minimizing operating expenses where
possible; and limiting capital expenditures. As the Company
continues to develop its RF Heating technology, new R&D
investments will be financed through a combination of internal cash
flow from the HPC business, project funding agreements, government
assistance and external financing, when available.
ABOUT ACCELEWARE:
Acceleware (www.acceleware.com) is an innovator
of clean-tech decarbonization technologies comprised of two
business units: Radio Frequency Heating Technology and Seismic
Imaging Software.
Acceleware is piloting RF XL, its patented
low-cost, low-carbon production technology for heavy oil and oil
sands that is materially different from any heavy oil recovery
technique used today. Acceleware’s vision is that electrification
of heavy oil and oil sands production can be made possible through
RF XL, supporting a transition to much cleaner energy production
that can quickly bend the emissions curve downward. With clean
electricity, Acceleware’s RF XL technology could eliminate
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with heavy oil and oil
sands production. RF XL uses no water, requires no solvent, has a
small physical footprint, can be redeployed from site to site, and
can be applied to a multitude of reservoir types. Acceleware is
also actively developing partnerships for RF heating of other
industrial applications using the Company’s proprietary CTI.
Acceleware and Saa Dene Group (co-founded by Jim
Boucher) have created Acceleware | Kisâstwêw to raise the profile,
adoption, and value of Acceleware technologies. The shared vision
of the partnership is to improve the environmental and economic
performance of the energy sector by supporting ideals that are
important to Indigenous peoples, including respect for land, water,
and clean air.
The Company’s seismic imaging software solutions
are state-of-the-art for high fidelity imaging, providing the most
accurate and advanced imaging available for oil exploration in
complex geologies. Acceleware is a public company listed on
Canada’s TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol
“AXE”.
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION AND OTHER ADVISORIES
This news release contains “forward-looking
information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation.
Forward-looking information generally means information about an
issuer’s business, capital, or operations that are prospective in
nature, and includes disclosure about the issuer’s prospective
financial performance or financial position.
The forward-looking information in this press
release can be identified by terms such as “believes”, “estimates”,
“plans”, “potential”, and “will”, and includes information about,
the expected commercialization of RF XL, the expected cost of
the RF XL Pilot, the amount of, and realized price for the oil
produced at the RF XL Pilot, the timing of the execution
of the RF XL Pilot, and the anticipated economic and
societal benefits of the RF XL technology. Acceleware assumes
that current cost estimates are accurate, simulations of oil
production at the RF XL Pilot are accurate, the price realized for
oil produced at the RF XL Pilot remain at or near current levels,
current timelines will not be delayed by either internal or
external causes, that research and development effort
including the commercial-scale test plans will result in
commercial-ready products, and that future capital raising
efforts will be successful.
Actual results may vary from the forward-looking
information in this press release due to certain material risk
factors. These risk factors are described in detail in Acceleware’s
continuous disclosure documents, which are filed on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca.
Acceleware assumes no obligation to update or
revise the forward-looking information in this press release,
unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities
legislation.
This news release does not constitute an offer
to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities
described in this release in the United States. The securities have
not been and will not be registered under the United States
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or
any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the
United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S.
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption
from such registration is available.
DISCLAIMER
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation
Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the
TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
For more information:Geoff ClarkTel: +1 (403)
249-9099geoff.clark@acceleware.com
Acceleware Ltd.435 10th Avenue SECalgary, AB,
T2G 0W3CanadaTel: +1 (403) 249-9099www.acceleware.com
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