AUSI Aura Systems Inc (PK)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended May 31, 2023

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

AURA SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

20431 North Sea Circle

Lake Forest, CA 92630

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 643-5300

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: YES ☒   NO ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES ☐   NO ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐   No ☒

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

AURA SYSTEMS, INC.

INDEX

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AURA SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

AURA SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to these unaudited financial statements.

AURA SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to these unaudited financial statements.

AURA SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to these unaudited financial statements.

AURA SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Forward Looking Statements

This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Report, including the statements under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” regarding future events or prospects are forward-looking statements. The words “approximates,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans” “would,” “could,” “should,” “seek,” “may,” or other similar expressions in this Report, as well as other statements regarding matters that are not historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements. We caution investors that any forward-looking statements presented in this Report are based on the beliefs of, assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. Such statements are based on assumptions and the actual outcome will be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control or ability to predict. Although we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future performance and some will inevitably prove to be incorrect. As a result, our actual future results may differ from our expectations, and those differences may be material. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on forward-looking statements to anticipate future results or trends.

Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include the following:

We do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise except to the extent required by law. You should interpret all subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf as being expressly qualified by the cautionary statements in this Report. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Overview

Our business is based on the exploitation of our Axial Flux Induction solution known as the AuraGen^® for commercial and industrial applications and the VIPER for military applications. Our business model consists of two major components: (i) sales and marketing, (ii) design and engineering. Our sales and marketing approaches are composed of direct sales in North America and the use of agents and distributors in other areas. In North America, our primary focus is in (a) mobile exportable power applications, (b) EV applications, (c) U.S. Military applications and (d) industrial applications. The second component of our business model is focused on the design of new products and engineering support for the sales activities described above. The engineering support consists of the introduction of new features for our AuraGen^®/VIPER solution such as higher power/torque solutions, and different input and output voltages (DC and AC input and output versions).

In Fiscal 2020 stockholders of the Company successfully removed Ronald Buschur, William Anderson and Si Ryong Yu from the Company’s Board of Directors and elected Ms. Cipora Lavut, Mr. David Mann and Dr. Robert Lempert as directors of the Company in their stead. See Item 3, Legal Proceedings for more information. Also, in Fiscal 2020, Melvin Gagerman –– Aura’s CEO and CFO since 2006 –– was replaced. In July 2019 Ms. Lavut succeeded Mr. Gagerman as President and Mr. Mann succeeded Mr. Gagerman as CFO. Dr. Lempert was appointed as Secretary of the Company by the Board of Directors also in July 2019. In the second half of Fiscal 2020, the Company began significantly increasing its engineering, manufacturing and marketing activities. From July 8, 2019 through the end of Fiscal year 2022 (February 28, 2022), we shipped more than 140 units to customers (more than a ten-fold increase over Fiscal 2019). Although our operations were impacted in Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic, during these periods we continued to expand our engineering and manufacturing capabilities. See “Item 1. Business. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2022 for information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our operations. Our engineering, research and development costs for the three months ended May 31, 2022 and the three months ended May 31, 2021 were approximately $155,000 and $81,000, respectively. During the three months ended May 31, 2021, we relocated all administrative offices and operations to a new state-of-the-art facility consisting of approximately 18,000 square feet in Lake Forest, California. This new facility is wholly occupied by Aura.

During Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2019, the Company’s engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing activities were reduced while we focused on renegotiating numerous financial obligations. During this time, the Company’s agreements with numerous customers, third party vendors, and organizations and entities material to the operation of the Company business were canceled, delayed or terminated. During Fiscal 2018, the Company successfully restructured in excess of $30 million of debt. Robert Kopple, our former Vice Chairman of the Board, was the only significant unsecured note holder that did not executed formal agreements regarding the restructure of his debt. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2022 filed with the SEC on June 21, 2022 and Part II, Other Information Item 1, contained in this Quarterly Report for information regarding the dispute and settlement with Mr. Kopple regarding these transactions. In March 2022, the Company reached a settlement that resolves the various claims asserted against us by Mr. Kopple and his affiliated entities (collectively the “Kopple Parties”). Under the terms of the settlement, we have agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $10,000 over a period of seven years; $3,000 of which is to be paid within approximately four months of the settlement date, after which, interest will accrue on the unpaid balance at a rate of 6%, compounded annually. All amounts, including all accrued interest, are to be paid no later than eight years from the date of the initial payment. The Kopple Parties have also received seven-year warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,331,664 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.85 per share. The settlement also provides for standard mutual general release provisions and includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including certain increases in the amount payable to the Kopple Parties and the right of such parties to enter judgment against the Company if the Company remains in uncured default in its payment obligations under the settlement.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial conditions and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and disclosures on the date of the financial statements. In preparing our financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements. We use authoritative pronouncements, historical experience and other assumptions as the basis for making judgments. For these key estimates and assumptions, we made appropriate accounting estimates based on the facts and circumstances available as of the reporting date. To the extent that there are significant differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial statements may be materially affected.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In accordance with ASC 606, we recognize revenue, net of discounts, for our generator sets at time of product delivery to the domestic distributor (i.e. point-in-time), which also corresponds to the passage of legal title to the customer and the satisfaction of our performance obligations to the customer.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value, on an average cost basis. We review the components of inventory on a regular basis for excess or obsolete inventory based on estimated future usage and sales. When evidence exists that the net realizable value of inventory is lower than its cost, the difference is recognized as a loss in the period in which it occurs. Once inventory has been written down, it creates a new cost basis for inventory that may not be subsequently written up.

Leases

The Company determines whether a contract is, or contains, a lease at inception. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based upon the estimated present value of unpaid lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement in determining the present value of unpaid lease payments.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company periodically issues stock options and warrants, and shares of common stock to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Recognition of compensation expense for non-employees is in the same period and manner as if the Company had paid cash for services. The Company periodically issues stock options and warrants, and shares of common stock to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Recognition of compensation expense for non-employees is in the same period and manner as if the Company had paid cash for services.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

The Company uses Level 3 inputs for its valuation methodology for the derivative liabilities as their fair values were determined by using a Binomial pricing model. The Company’s derivative liabilities are adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end, with any increase or decrease in the fair value being recorded in the statement of operations.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 global pandemic has negatively affected the global economy, disrupted global supply chains, and created extreme volatility and disruptions to capital and credit markets in the global financial markets. We began to see the impact of COVID-19 during our fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020 with our Chinese joint venture’s manufacturing facilities being required to close and many of our customers suspending their own operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, net sales and production levels during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020, the entirety of Fiscal 2021, Fiscal 2022, Fiscal 2023 and the first quarter of Fiscal 2024 were significantly reduced, thus impacting our results of operations during these quarters. Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic was officially declared to have ended in May 2023, the Company is still experiencing some of its negative effects.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and business disruption, we implemented certain measures to manage costs, preserve liquidity and enhance employee safety.

The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial results and liquidity have been dependent upon a number of factors, including the duration of the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak within the U.S. and globally, the impact on capital and financial markets and the related impact on our customers, especially in the commercial vehicle markets. These factors continue to be outside of our control, are highly uncertain, and cannot be predicted. If the impact continues to linger, then it can further increase the difficulty of planning for operations and may require us to take further actions as it relates to costs and liquidity. These and other potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have adversely impacted our results for the entirety of Fiscal 2021, Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2023, the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, and could be impactful for the balance of Fiscal 2024.

Going Concern

During the three-month period ended May 31, 2023, the Company reported a net loss of approximately $1,141 and used cash in operating activities of approximately $797. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the financial statements are issued. In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company’s February 28, 2023, financial statements, raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

In the event the Company is unable to generate profits and is unable to obtain financing for its working capital requirements, it may have to curtail its business further or cease business altogether. Substantial additional capital resources will be required to fund continuing expenditures related to our research, development, manufacturing and business development activities. The Company’s continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis, to retain its current financing, to obtain additional financing, and ultimately to attain profitability.

During the next twelve months we intend to continue to attempt to increase the Company’s operations and focus on the sale of our AuraGen®®/VIPER products both domestically and internationally and to add to our existing management team. In addition, we plan to source new suppliers for manufacturing operations, rebuild the engineering and sales teams, and to the extent appropriate, utilize third party contractors to support the operation. We anticipate being able to obtain new sources of funding to support these actions in the upcoming fiscal year.

Results of Operations

Three months ended May 31, 2023 compared to three months ended May 31, 2022

Net revenue was approximately $10 for the three-months ended May 31, 2023 (“Fiscal Q1 2024”) compared to approximately $6 for the three-months ended May 31, 2022 (“Fiscal Q1 2023”). Revenues continue to be negatively impacted by both the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a generally low level of resources. We cannot project with confidence the timing or amount of revenue that we can expect despite improvements in the pandemic being under more control globally including a successful rollout of the vaccine programs. To increase revenues which were impacted by the economic effects of the pandemic, the Company needs to augment its marketing and sales efforts substantially. As the Company’s focus has been on new product engineering and development, the current limited resources prevent executing the increased selling efforts in the near term.

Cost of goods sold was approximately $15 in Fiscal Q1 2024 compared to approximately $13 in Fiscal Q1 2023. This resulted in a gross loss of approximately $5 or a gross margin loss of 49%, and approximately $7 gross loss and a gross margin loss of 113%, in Fiscal Q1 2024 and Fiscal Q1 2023, respectively. The gross loss and related gross margin loss for both the three-month periods were largely influenced by the low volume of shipments in each quarter which reduced our ability to fully absorb fixed operating costs.

Engineering, research and development expenses were approximately $207 in Fiscal Q1 2024, compared to approximately $167 in the Fiscal Q1 2023, or an increase of 24%. Fiscal Q1 2024 includes a higher engineering staff level and a concentrated effort to optimize the Company’s several new designs of its generators and motors. Fiscal Q1 2023 reflects the Company’s initial efforts to increase its development program, including costs for engineering several new designs, as well as increased testing of its new electronic control unit (“ECU”).

Selling, general and administration (“SG&A”) expenses decreased by approximately $342 or 40% to approximately $508 in the Fiscal Q1 2024 period from approximately $850 in the Fiscal Q1 2023 period. The decrease during Fiscal Q1 2024 was principally attributed to lower legal costs of $332 almost exclusively related to the settlement of the Kopple litigation in the FQ1 2023 period.

Interest expense in Fiscal Q1 2024 increased approximately $347 or 427%, to approximately $428 from approximately $81 in the Fiscal Q1 2023 period due principally to the settlement of the Kopple litigation which resulted in the conversion of the Kopple notes payable into a new note. The new note did not accrue interest until January 2023, so FQ1 2023 included no Kopple-based interest. In Fiscal Q1 2024, $87 of interest was accrued on the unpaid balance of the restructured Kopple note, and in addition, the Company recorded $260 of extension and forbearance fees, which are being categorized as interest.

Other income in the Fiscal Q1 2024 period was approximately $7 which represents the favorable change in the fair value of the derivative warrant liability for the three-months, measured as of May 31, 2023. Comparatively, the revaluation of the derivative warrant liability in Fiscal Q1 2023, measured as of May 31, 2022, resulted in a favorable change in the fair value of approximately $553 for the three-month period.

Net loss for the three-month period of Fiscal Q1 2024 increased by approximately $589, to a loss of approximately $1,141 from a net loss of approximately $552 in the three-month period of Fiscal Q1 2023. This was attributed to (i) a significantly lower net gain related to derivative liability valuation of approximately $546 and (ii) higher interest expense of approximately $347, which were partially offset by (i) a decreased operating loss of $304 principally attributable to the lower legal expenses related to the Kopple settlement.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the three-month period ended May 31, 2023, we recorded a net loss of approximately $1,141 and used cash in operations of approximately $797 and at May 31, 2023, had a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $20.5 million. These conditions raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least one year from the date of issuance of these financial statements. In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in their report on the Company’s February 28, 2023, audited financial statements, raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The net loss of approximately $1,141 in Fiscal Q1 2024 as compared to the Fiscal Q1 2023 net loss of approximately $552 was due to Fiscal Q1 2023 having a significantly higher non-cash benefit from the change in fair value of the derivative warrant liability and Fiscal Q1 2024 having substantially higher interest expense related to the Kopple restructured note, partially offset by a decreased operating loss, as noted above. A significant factor in both periods contributing to the negative operating cash flows is the low level of operating activities caused principally by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may be required to raise additional capital and our access to and cost of financing will depend on, among other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, and our future prospects.

At May 31, 2023, we had cash of approximately $50, compared to cash of approximately $15 at February 28, 2023. Subsequent to May 31, 2023, the Company issued 787,880 shares of common stock in exchange for cash proceeds of approximately $260. Working capital deficit at May 21, 2023 was a $14.1 million deficit as compared to an $13.7 million deficit at February 28, 2023. At May 31, 2023 and February 28, 2023, we had no accounts receivable.

Prior to Fiscal 2020, in order to maintain liquidity, we relied upon external sources of financing, principally equity financing and private indebtedness. We have no bank line of credit and will require additional debt or equity financing to fund ongoing operations. Based on a cash flow analysis performed by management, we estimate that we will need an additional $6 million to maintain existing operations for Fiscal 2024 and increase the volume of shipments to customers. We cannot assure the reader that additional financing will be available nor that the commercial targets will be met in the amounts required to keep the business operating. The issuance of additional shares of equity in connection with such financing could dilute the interests of our existing stockholders, and such dilution could be substantial. If we cannot raise the needed funds, we will also be forced to make further substantial reductions in our operating expenses, which could adversely affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a company.

In March 2022, the Company reached a settlement with the Kopple Parties that resolves all claims asserted against the Company without any admission, concession or finding of any fault, liability or wrongdoing on the part of the Company. Under the terms of the settlement, we have agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $10,000 over a period of seven years; $3,000 of which was originally to be paid in June 2022, and subsequently extended to August 1, 2023, Beginning in January 2023, interest began to accrue on the unpaid balance at a rate of 6%, compounded annually. All amounts, including all accrued interest and deferred forbearance fees, are to be paid no later than eight years from the date of the initial payment. The Kopple Parties have also received seven-year warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,331,664 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.85 per share. The settlement also provides for standard mutual general release provisions and includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including certain increases in the amount payable to the Kopple Parties and the right of such parties to enter judgment against the Company if the Company remains in uncured default in its payment obligations under the settlement. As of the date of this report, the Company has not yet paid the full $3,000 installment due to Kopple; having only made a partial payment of $150 in June 2022.

We consider the transactions described above with Mr. Kopple to be related party transactions.

See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and “Part IV, Item 15, Notes 9 and 17 to the Financial Statements” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 26, 2023 for information regarding the dispute and settlement with Mr. Kopple regarding these transactions.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure under this Item 3.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our President and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(f). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of May 31, 2023.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2023, not previously identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 and issued on May 26, 2023 which have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

We are subject to the legal proceedings and claims discussed below as well as certain other legal proceedings and claims that have not been fully resolved and that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Our management evaluates our exposure to these claims and proceedings individually and in the aggregate and evaluates potential losses on such litigation if the amount of the loss is estimable and the loss is probable. However, the outcome of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Company is subject to significant uncertainty. Although management considers the likelihood of such an outcome to be remote, if one or more of these legal matters were resolved against the Company for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s financial statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.

In 2017, the Company’s former COO was awarded approximately $238 in accrued salary and related charges by the California labor board. In August 2021, the Company reached a settlement by which the Company agreed to pay approximately $330, representing the principal award plus accrued interest. As of the time of this filing, the Company has paid approximately $277 toward the settlement amount. The remaining balance of approximately $53 is to be paid no later than September 1, 2023 and accrues interest of 10% per annum until paid.

Between July 2017 and March 2022, the Company was engaged in litigation with a former director, Robert Kopple, relating to more than $13,000 and the current equivalent of the approximately 23 million warrants, exercisable for seven years at a price of $0.10 per share, which Mr. Kopple and his affiliated entities (collectively the “Kopple Parties”) claimed should have been originally issued to them pursuant to various agreements with the Company entered to between 2013-2016. In March 2022, the Company reached a settlement with the Kopple Parties that resolved all claims asserted against the Company without any admission, concession or finding of any fault, liability or wrongdoing on the part of the Company. Under the terms of the settlement, the Company agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $10,000 over a period of seven years, including $3,000 initial payment to be paid in June 2022. $150 was paid in June 2022, and the balance of the initial payment of $2,850 was extended to August 1, 2023, In exchange for the extension, the Company was required to pay $195 in extension and forbearance fees in cash and $530 in accrued forbearance fees. Beginning in January 2023, interest accrues on the unpaid balance at a rate of 6%, compounded annually. All amounts, including all accrued interest and deferred fees, are to be paid no later than eight years from the date of the initial payment. The Kopple Parties have also received seven-year warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,331,664 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.85 per share. The settlement also provides for standard mutual general release provisions and includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including certain increases in the amount payable to the Kopple Parties and the right of such parties to enter judgment against the Company if the Company remains in uncured default in its payment obligations under the settlement. As of the date of this report, the Company has not yet paid the full $3,000 installment due to Kopple, having made an initial payment of $150 in June 2022. (See Part I, Note 5 to the Financial Statements).

On March 26, 2019, various stockholders of the Company controlling a combined total of more than 27.5 million shares delivered a signed written consent to the Company removing Ronald Buschur as a member of the Company’s Board and electing Cipora Lavut as a director of the Company.  On March 27, 2019, those same stockholders delivered a further signed written consent to the Company removing William Anderson and Si Ryong Yu as members of the Company’s Board and electing Robert Lempert and David Mann as directors of the Company. These written consents represented a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock as of March 26, 2019, and March 27, 2019, respectively. Because of Aura’s refusal to recognize the legal effectiveness of the consents, on April 8, 2019, the stockholders filed suit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware pursuant to Section 225 of the Delaware General Corporations Law, seeking an order confirming the validity of the consents and declaring that Aura’s Board consists of Ms. Lavut, Mr. Mann, Dr. Lempert, Mr. Douglas and Mr. Diaz-Versón, Jr. On July 8, 2019 the Court of Chancery entered final judgment in favor of the stockholder plaintiffs, confirming that (a) Ronald Buschur, Si Ryong Yu and William Anderson had been validly removed by the holders of a majority of the Company’s outstanding stock acting by written consent (b) Ms. Lavut, Mr. Mann and Dr. Lempert had been validly elected by the holders of a majority of the Company’s outstanding stock acting by written consent, and (c) the Company’s Board of Directors validly consists of Cipora Lavut, David Mann, Robert Lempert, Gary Douglas and Salvador Diaz-Versón, Jr. As a result of prior management’s unsuccessful opposition to this stockholders’ action filed in the Court of Chancery, such stockholders may be potentially entitled to recoup their litigation costs from the Company under Delaware’s corporate benefit doctrine and/or other legal provisions. To date, no final determination has been made as to the amount of recoupment, if any, to which such stockholders may be entitled.

In June 2022, Melvin Gagerman, the Company’s former CEO and CFO whose employment with Aura was permanently terminated in July 2019, brought suit against the Company for repayment of an allegedly unsecured demand promissory note in the principal amount of $82 which he claims was entered into in April 2014 and bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum. Despite the fact that, based on Gagerman’s allegations, the note was issued during a period when he was the Company’s CEO, CFO, Corporate Secretary and Chairman of Aura’s Board of Directors, Gagerman has stated that he does not possess a copy of the alleged promissory note. The Company disputes that any amount is presently owed to Gagerman and has filed a cross-complaint against him for, among things, conversion, violation of California Business& Professions Code §17200, and various breaches of fiduciary duty that the Company believes Gagerman committed against Aura, including without limitation, Gagerman’s actions in opposing the valid 2019 stockholder consent action.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company’s Fiscal 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K issued on May 26, 2023.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the three-months ended May 31, 2023, we issued 2,586,362 shares of common stock for cash proceeds of approximately $853. The proceeds from the sale were used for general working capital purposes.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. Other Information.

None.

ITEM 6. Exhibits

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

29