WHITEFISH, MT / March 24, 2015 / The global market for fuel cells is expected to grow at a 22.6% clip between 2014 and 2020 to reach 664.5 GW in size, according to Grand View Research, due to an increasing shift toward renewable energies. Portable applications dominated the market for the energy sources, accounting for 71.2% of total unit shipments in 2013, driven by military applications and other markets requiring energy on-the-go.
In this article, we’ll take a look at NEAH Power Systems Inc.’s (OTC: NPWZ) innovative power solutions and some recent deals that could generate significant shareholder value over the short- and long-term.
Formira HOD(TM) Integrates with BANTAM
NEAH Power Systems’Â Formira Hydrogen on Demand – Formira HOD(R)Â is a reformer platform for direct on-site generation of hydrogen gas. Using the platform, customers can carry a liquid with a better safety profile and generate hydrogen gas at the point of use rather than carrying around dangerous high-pressure gas cylinders. The improved safety profile is particularly helpful in military and commercial applications with a lot at stake.
In a recent shareholder letter, President & CEO Chris D’Couto indicated that the company has been in regular discussions with leading unmanned aerial systems (“UAS”), automotive, off-grid power, and medical device companies regarding the integration of the Formira(TM) technology to improve the safety and performance of off-grid power systems across a wide array of applications.
The technology received a more recent vote of confidence on March 17th when the company entered into an international partnership agreement with Tectonica Australia. By integratingFormira(TM) with the company’s BANTAM(R) System and other new products developed using its integration expertise, NEAH Power Systems has created yet another promising channel for its innovative technology.
SECFilings.com Executive Interview Series | Chris D’Couto / CEO of Neah Power Systems, (NPWZ) fromTDM Financial on Vimeo.
PowerChip(R) is Validated by DRDO
NEAH Power Systems’Â PowerChip(R)Â is a silicon-based fuel cell is capable of operate without air, which makes it ideal for applications where the quality of surrounding air is unpredictable or unavailable. In addition to these unique properties, the fuel fells have higher power densities, lower costs, and more compact form factors that make them perfect for underwater or other critical air-less applications.
In November 2013, the company announced initial orders from India’s Department of Defense Organization (“DRDO”) estimated to be worth $172,000. Management shipped and completed the testing of these units in February of 2015, which represents a critical milestone in the licensing agreement. In the release, the company hinted toward a potential “significant contract” in the future.
The completion of the DRDO order also represents a critical validation of the technology. With a commercial proof-of-concept in place, the company can leverage the deal when selling the same type of units to other customers across a wide range of industries, including many different private sectors. The combination of the short-term DRDO contract and long-term adoption yields a great opportunity.
Buzzbar(TM) Moves into Production
NEAH Power Systems’ BuzzBar(TM) technology suite is designed to take power inputs from a variety of source – from wall outlets to solar panels – and use it to charge a convenient fuel cell that’s comparable in size to many smartphones. After launching on IndieGoGo as the only compact off-grid recharging solution for USB devices, the company has shipped most of its initial orders and is iterating on the product.
According to its 10-K SEC filing, the company has already presented the product to “Big Box” retailers that have expressed and interest and sent proposals to move the purchasing process along. No official agreements have been announced so far, but the potential for a large consumer distribution agreement creates a big potential catalyst for potential investors and existing shareholders.
Shorai Acquisition Adds Revenue
NEAH Power Systems signed a definitive agreement to acquire Shorai Inc., a leading provider of lithium-ion power sports and starter battery solutions for the consumer motorsport industry. With over $4 million in unaudited 2014 revenue and cash flow positive operations, the acquisition provides shareholders with immediate and likely accretive revenue, as well as product and operational (manufacturing, shipping, distribution, brand recognition) synergies between the companies.
Shorai plans to introduce an exciting new control technology in 2015 to improve their competitive position within the performance lithium-ion battery space. In addition, the firm is nearing production of an all-new product that addresses wider markets in motorcycle, automotive, and military sales channels, which could significantly expand its top-line performance and unlock even more value.
Finally, there are many potential synergies between the companies given the similarity of their product lines. Management anticipates numerous product, operational, and marketing synergies, including cross-marketing opportunities with its Formira(TM) and BuzzBar(TM) product lines. Investors may want to keep a close eye on these developments given the potential to accelerate organic revenue.
Valuation & Looking Ahead
NEAH currently has 12 patents, 4 patents pending, and 8 patent applications covering the Formira HOD®, PowerChip(R) and BuzzBar(R) products. The Company has a strong differentiation in the space for its unique technology, has won various awards including Best of What’s New 2010 Popular Science award and MIT Magazine of Innovation and it has already received funding from the likes of the US Navy and Intel Capital.
NEAH Power Systems trades with a market capitalization of just $7.8 million, despite its promising products and potential near-term catalysts. Last quarter, the company reported $179,261 in revenue, which could expand to reach a quarterly run rate of over $1 million following the Shorai acquisition alone. The company’s high gross margins mean only its fixed costs remain to be covered before profits.
With advanced battery companies like Ultralife Corp. (NASDAQ: UBLI) trading at 0.6x EV/Revenue, energy storage companies like ZBB Energy Corporation (AMEX: ZBB) trading at 1.0x EV/Revenue, and fuel cell companies like Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) trading at nearly 7x EV/Revenue, the company’s modest $9.8 million EV and at least $4 million in revenue suggest it could be undervalued.
In the end, the company has developed stable revenue streams with large potential upside and a near-term cash flow breakeven point. The high margin business could quickly generate significant shareholder value, with its fully-outsourced manufacturing model and customer-funded development.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.neahpower.com.
Legal Disclaimer:
Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Emerging Growth LLC is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. Emerging Growth LLC may from time to time have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may increase or decrease such positions without notice. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. Emerging Growth LLC may be compensated for its services in the form of cash-based compensation or equity securities in the companies it writes about, or a combination of the two. For full disclosure please visit:http://secfilings.com/Disclaimer.aspx.
SOURCE:Â Emerging Growth LLC
