Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
File Number 333-107635
PROSPECTUS
2,272,727 SHARES
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
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We are registering our common stock for resale by the selling stockholders
identified in this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the
sale of shares by the selling stockholders. Our common stock is listed on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol "ATCO." The closing sale price of our
common stock, as reported on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market on August 14, 2003, was
5.80 per share.
The selling stockholders may sell the shares of common stock described in
this prospectus in public or private transactions, on or off the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market, at prevailing market prices, or at privately negotiated prices. The
selling stockholders may sell shares directly to purchasers or through brokers
or dealers. Brokers or dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling stockholders.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk
Factors," beginning on page 3. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission
nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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The date of this prospectus is August 18, 2003.
THE COMPANY
We are a consumer electronics company that develops and markets
proprietary sound reproduction products, components and technologies. Our
primary marketing focus is on providing sound reproduction products and
components to customers and licensing our technologies for customer
applications. Our primary sound technologies are:
o HSS(R), HyperSonic(R) Sound Technology
o LRAD(TM)and HIDA(TM)
o NeoPlanar(TM) Technology
o PureBass(TM), Woofer Technology
HyperSonic Sound (HSS) technology is a new method of sound reproduction.
Sound is generated in an air column using ultrasonic frequencies, those above
the normal range of hearing. Our proprietary electronic process generates an
ultrasonic beam to interact in mid-air producing wide spectrum audio along the
beam. The sound beam has a very high degree of directionality and maintains
sound volume over longer distances than traditional methods of sound
reproduction. We believe HyperSonic Sound has unique features useful in new
sound applications. We are currently shipping production HSS units to customers
worldwide for evaluation in markets including retailing, point-of-purchase
displays, museums, trade show booths, law enforcement, television, expositions,
transportation, government and military.
Our Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) technology is based in part on our
HSS technology but is subject to additional pending patents and distinct
marketing efforts. LRAD employs proprietary techniques to produce variable
intensity directional acoustical sound intended for use primarily in long-range
delivery of directional sound information, effectively a supercharged megaphone.
LRAD is employed as a long-range hailing and warning system with minimal
distraction to others not in the directed beam. One version of this technology,
our High Intensity Directional Acoustics (HIDA) technology, has potential
application as a scaleable nonlethal weapon. Our high intensity directional
technology has been developed in part from sponsored research and development
fees obtained from Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company. LRAD and HIDA
technology-based devices have been successfully demonstrated to various
military, government and commercial parties and commercial deliveries of LRAD
products commenced in May 2003.
NeoPlanar technology is a thin film magnetic speaker that can be produced
as thin as 1/8". We believe the novel films and magnetic materials employed
results in superior sound quality, reduced distortion and greater sound volume
for a given size than traditional planar (flat or thin) magnetic speaker
devices. Our NeoPlanar speaker technology is targeted at the automotive,
multimedia, home, professional and marine speaker markets. We have licensed this
technology on a nonexclusive basis to Harman International Industries
Incorporated for the automotive market and have produced and sold NeoPlanar
speaker components for installation in outside entertainment, luxury yacht and
military ship applications.
Our PureBass extended range woofer was designed to complement our high
performance NeoPlanar technology as well as other loudspeakers including those
used in professional and consumer applications. PureBass employs unique cabinet
construction and vent configurations along with multiple acoustic filters, which
we believe produces improved performance. We believe PureBass minimizes
distortion, provides high output for its size, and results in lower system costs
when compared to conventional woofer systems. It provides a high frequency
interface with upper range satellite speaker systems. We are marketing this
technology as a complement to our NeoPlanar and other flat speaker technologies.
Our objective is to be a leader in developing, marketing and licensing
innovative sound reproduction products and components which address large and
expanding domestic and international consumer, commercial electronics and
military markets. We seek to have our sound products become important
alternatives to conventional loudspeakers in target market segments and to open
new sound applications in market segments not currently served by conventional
sound devices. We believe it is becoming increasingly difficult for
manufacturers to differentiate their sound reproduction products to offer
consumers new choices. We also believe the rapid emergence of flat panel
computer and television monitors and the large computer multimedia market
provide growing opportunities for our products.
We have 33 employees including an innovative engineering and development
team of 15 persons. Each of our four sound technologies is the subject of issued
or pending patents and as of the date of this prospectus we had 28 U.S. patents
issued with 27 pending U.S. patents and others in various stages of preparation
or filing. We also have multiple foreign patents issued or pending. We invest
significant resources in our intellectual property and consider it to be a
significant asset of our company.
2
We have also developed and own other technologies in various stages of
development. Our strategy is to focus on exploiting our sound reproduction
technologies and to license or sell other technologies incubated by our
development team.
The number of shares included in this prospectus is approximately 12.1% of
our common shares outstanding on July 28, 2003. The number of common shares
outstanding does not include 454,547 shares included in this prospectus that are
issuable only upon the exercise of stock purchase warrants.
Our shares trade through the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol
"ATCO." Our address is 13114 Evening Creek Drive South, San Diego, California,
and our telephone number is 858-679-2114. Our Internet site is located at
www.atcsd.com. The information found on our Web site is not part of this
prospectus.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our shares as offered in this prospectus involves a high
degree of risk. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that
we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you
by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference
is considered to be part of this prospectus, and information that we file later
with the SEC will periodically update and supersede this information. In
deciding whether to purchase shares of our common stock, you should carefully
consider the following risk factors, in addition to other information contained
in this prospectus as well as any other documents incorporated by reference into
this prospectus. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from
those discussed here or incorporated by reference. Factors that could cause or
contribute to differences in our actual results include those discussed in this
section, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this prospectus and in other
documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
We have a history of net losses. We expect to continue to incur net losses and
we may not achieve or maintain profitability. Our independent auditors have
raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have incurred significant operating losses and anticipate continued
losses in fiscal 2003. At March 31, 2003, we had an accumulated deficit of
$31,725,995. Due to our net losses and our prior need for additional capital to
sustain operations, our independent auditors noted in their November 19, 2002
report on our annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended September
30, 2002 a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We need to generate additional revenue to be profitable in future periods.
Failure to achieve profitability, or maintain profitability if achieved, may
cause our stock price to decline.
We are an early stage company introducing new products and technologies. If
commercially successful products do not result from our efforts, we may be
unprofitable or forced to cease operations.
Our HSS, NeoPlanar, PureBass and LRAD/HIDA technologies have only
recently been introduced to market and are still being improved. Commercially
viable sound technology systems may not be successfully and timely produced by
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) due to the inherent risks of technology
development, new product introduction, limitations on financing, manufacturing
problems, competition, obsolescence, loss of key technical personnel and other
factors. Our revenues from our sound technology have been limited to date, and
we cannot guarantee significant revenues in the future. The development and
introduction of our sound technology has taken longer than anticipated by
management and could be subject to additional delays. We have also experienced
manufacturing quality control problems with some of our initial commercial HSS
units, and we may not be able to resolve future manufacturing problems in a
timely and cost effective manner. Products employing our sound technology may
not achieve market acceptance. Our various sound projects are high risk in
nature, and unanticipated technical obstacles can arise at any time and result
in lengthy and costly delays or result in a determination that further
exploitation is unfeasible. If we do not successfully exploit our technology,
our financial condition and results of operations and business prospects would
be adversely affected.
Portable consumer products were the primary source of our historical revenues.
You cannot rely on period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations as
an indication of future performance.
We derived most of our historical revenues from the sale of portable
consumer electronics products. We expect future revenues will primarily be
generated from our proprietary sound reproduction and other electronic
technologies, but there can be no assurance we will achieve substantial revenues
from these technologies. If we do not achieve substantial revenues from these
technologies, you may not be able to rely on period-to-period comparisons of our
results of operations as an indication of future performance.
3
We do not have the ability to predict future operating results. Our quarterly
and annual revenues will likely be subject to fluctuations caused by many
factors, any of which could result in our failure to achieve our revenue
expectations.
Our historical revenues derived almost exclusively from portable consumer
products, and we expect a majority of future revenues to be generated from our
sound reproduction technologies. Revenues from our sound reproduction
technologies are expected to vary significantly due to a number of factors. Many
of these factors are beyond our control. Any one or more of the factors listed
below or other factors could cause us to fail to achieve our revenue
expectations. These factors include:
o our ability to develop and license our sound reproduction technologies
or our ability to supply components to customers, distributors or
OEMs;
o market acceptance of and changes in demand for products of our
customers;
o gains or losses of significant customers, distributors or strategic
relationships;
o unpredictable volume and timing of customer orders;
o the availability, pricing and timeliness of delivery of components for
our products and OEM products;
o fluctuations in the availability of manufacturing capacity or
manufacturing yields and related manufacturing costs;
o the timing of new technological advances, product announcements or
introductions by us, by our licensees and by our competitors;
o product obsolescence and the management of product transitions and
inventory;
o production delays by customers, distributors, OEMs or by us or our
suppliers;
o seasonal fluctuations in sales;
o the conditions of other industries, such as military and commercial
industries, into which our technologies may be licensed;
o general consumer electronics industry conditions, including changes in
demand and associated effects on inventory and inventory practices;
and
o general economic conditions that could affect the timing of customer
orders and capital spending and result in order cancellations or
rescheduling.
Some or all of these factors could adversely affect demand for OEM products
incorporating our sound reproduction technologies, and therefore adversely
affect our future operating results.
Most of our operating expenses are relatively fixed in the short term. We
may be unable to rapidly adjust spending to compensate for any unexpected sales
or license revenue shortfalls, which could harm our quarterly operating results.
We do not have the ability to predict future operating results with any
certainty.
Our expenses may vary from period to period, which could affect quarterly
results and our stock price.
If we incur additional expenses in a quarter in which we do not experience
increased revenue, our results of operations would be adversely affected and we
may incur larger losses than anticipated for that quarter. Factors that could
cause our expenses to fluctuate from period to period include:
o the timing and extent of our research and development efforts;
o the extent of marketing and sales efforts to promote our products and
technologies; and
o the timing of personnel and consultant hiring.
Sound reproduction markets are subject to rapid technological change, so our
success will depend on our ability to develop and introduce new technologies.
Technology and standards in the sound reproduction markets evolve rapidly,
making timely and cost-effective product innovation essential to success in the
marketplace. The introduction of products with improved technologies or features
may render our technologies obsolete and unmarketable. If we cannot develop
products in a timely manner in response to industry changes, or if our
technologies do not perform well, our business and financial condition will be
adversely affected. The life cycles of our technologies are difficult to
estimate, particularly those such as HSS and LRAD/HIDA for which there are no
established markets. As a result, our technologies, even if successful, may
become obsolete before we recoup our investment.
4
Our HSS technology is subject to government regulation, which could lead to
unanticipated expense or litigation.
Our HyperSonic Sound technology emits ultrasonic vibrations, and as such
is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. In the event of certain
unanticipated defects in an HSS product, a customer or we may be required to
comply with FDA requirements to remedy the defect and/or notify consumers of the
problem. This could lead to unanticipated expense, and possible product
liability litigation against a customer or us. Any regulatory impediment to full
commercialization of our HSS technology, or any of our other technologies, could
adversely affect our results of operations. For a further discussion of the
regulation of our HSS technology, see Part I, Item 1 of our Annual Report on
Form 10-K, under the heading "Government Regulation."
We may not be successful in obtaining the necessary licenses required for us to
sell some of our products abroad.
Licenses for the export of certain of our products may be required from
government agencies in accordance with various statutory authorities, including
the Export Administration Act of 1979, the International Emergency Economic
Powers Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917 and the Arms Export Control
Act of 1976. We may not be able to obtain the necessary licenses in order to
conduct business abroad. In the case of certain sales of defense equipment and
services to foreign governments, the U.S. Department of State must notify
Congress at least 15 to 30 days, depending on the size and location of the sale,
prior to authorizing these sales. During that time, Congress may take action to
block the proposed sale. Failure to receive required licenses or authorization
would hinder our ability to sell our products outside the United States.
Many potential competitors who have greater resources and experience than we do
may develop products and technologies that make ours obsolete.
Technological competition from other and longer established electronic
and loudspeaker manufacturers is significant and expected to increase. Most of
the companies with which we expect to compete have substantially greater capital
resources, research and development staffs, marketing and distribution programs
and facilities, and many of them have substantially greater experience in the
production and marketing of products. In addition, one or more of our
competitors may have developed or may succeed in developing technologies and
products that are more effective than any of ours, rendering our technology and
products obsolete or noncompetitive.
Commercialization of our sound technologies depends on collaborations with other
companies. If we are not able to maintain or find collaborators and strategic
alliance relationships in the future, we may not be able to develop our sound
technologies and products.
As we do not have the production, marketing and selling resources to
commercialize our products on our own, our strategy is to establish business
relationships with leading participants in various segments of the electronics
and sound reproduction markets to assist us in producing, marketing and selling
products that include our sound technologies.
Our success will therefore depend on our ability to maintain or enter
into new strategic arrangements with partners on commercially reasonable terms.
If we fail to enter into such strategic arrangements with third parties, our
financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and business prospects
will be adversely affected. Any future relationships may require us to share
control over our development, manufacturing and marketing programs or to
relinquish rights to certain versions of our sound and other technologies.
We are dependent on outside suppliers and manufacturers. Our relationships with
two key manufacturers have recently terminated, and our new manufacturer has not
yet produced our products in quantity. Disruptions in supply could adversely
affect us.
We recently terminated our manufacturing relationship with HST, Inc.,
formerly our sub-contract manufacturer of our HSS and NeoPlanar products. In
addition, Amtec Manufacturing, the sole manufacturer of our PureBass subwoofer
units, recently went out of business. We have contracted with Magnotek
Manufacturing to manufacture all three of these products, but Magnotek has not
yet commenced large scale production of our products. Magnotek's production
start-up requirements may cause longer lead times, particularly for larger
orders, which could have a negative impact on our ability to introduce these
technologies in volume. The agreement with Magnotek is non-exclusive and either
party may terminate the agreement on 90 days advance notice. Any loss or
disruption of supply could reduce future revenues, adversely affecting financial
condition and results of operations.
5
Any inability to adequately protect our proprietary technologies could harm our
competitive position.
We are heavily dependent on patent protection to secure the economic
value of our technologies. We have both issued and pending patents on our sound
reproduction technologies and we are considering additional patent applications.
Patents may not be issued for some or all of our pending applications. Claims
allowed from existing or pending patents may not be of sufficient scope or
strength to protect the economic value of our technologies. Issued patents may
be challenged or invalidated. Further, we may not receive patents in all
countries where our products can be sold or licensed. Our competitors may also
be able to design around our patents. The electronics industry is characterized
by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights or positions,
which have resulted in significant and often protracted and expensive
litigation. There is currently no pending litigation against us that questions
our intellectual property rights. Third parties may charge that our technologies
or products infringe their patents or proprietary rights. Problems with patents
or other rights could potentially increase the cost of our products, or delay or
preclude our new product development and commercialization. If infringement
claims against us are deemed valid, we may be forced to obtain licenses, which
might not be available on acceptable terms or at all. Litigation could be costly
and time-consuming but may be necessary to protect our future patent and/or
technology license positions, or to defend against infringement claims. A
successful challenge to our sound technology could have a negative effect on our
business prospects.
If our key employees do not continue to work for us, our business will be harmed
because competition for replacements is intense.
Our performance is substantially dependent on the performance of our
executive officers and key technical employees, including Elwood G. Norris, our
Chairman, and James M. Irish, our CEO. We are dependent on our ability to retain
and motivate high quality personnel, especially highly skilled technical
personnel. Our future success and growth also depend on our continuing ability
to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified technical, managerial
and sales personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we may not
be able to attract, assimilate or retain other highly qualified technical,
managerial or sales personnel in the future. The inability to attract and retain
the necessary technical, managerial or sales personnel could cause our business,
operating results or financial condition to suffer.
We may issue preferred stock in the future, and the terms of the preferred stock
may reduce the value of your common stock.
We are authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in
one or more series. Our board of directors may determine the terms of future
preferred stock without further action by our stockholders. If we issue
additional preferred stock, it could affect your rights or reduce the value of
your common stock. In particular, specific rights granted to future holders of
preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with or sell our
assets to a third party. These terms may include voting rights, preferences as
to dividends and liquidation, conversion and redemption rights, and sinking fund
provisions.
Our Series D and Series E Preferred Stock financings may result in dilution to
our common stockholders. The holders of Series D and Series E Preferred Stock
will receive more common shares on conversion if the market price of our common
stock declines.
Dilution of the per share value of our common shares could result from
the conversion of the outstanding Series D and Series E Preferred Stock. In May
2002, we issued a total of 235,400 shares of our Series D Preferred Stock
185,400 of these shares have been converted into 695,266 common shares, and
50,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock remain outstanding as of July 28,
2003. In March 2003, we issued 343,250 shares of Series E Preferred Stock. 5,000
of these shares have been converted into 15,679 common shares and 338,250 shares
of Series E Preferred Stock remain outstanding as of July 28, 2003.
The holders of our outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock may
convert these shares into shares of our common stock at a conversion price equal
to the lower of $4.50 or 90% of volume-weighted average price of our common
stock for the five trading days prior to conversion. The conversion rate cannot
however be lower than lower than $2.00. The $2.00 floor price may however be
adjusted downward if we sell securities for less than an effective price of
$2.00 per share. As of July 28, 2003, the outstanding 50,000 shares of Series D
Preferred Stock are convertible into an aggregate of 119,369 common shares. In
addition, the Series D Preferred Stock purchasers received warrants to purchase
2.2 common shares for each share of Series D Preferred Stock purchased. The
exercise price of the warrants was initially $4.50 per share, but was reduced to
$3.01 per share as a result of anti-dilution provisions in the warrants. The
exercise price will be subject to further reduction if we sell securities for
less than an effective price of $3.01 per share.
6
The holders of our outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock may
convert these shares into shares of our common stock at a conversion price equal
to the lower of $3.25 or 90% of volume-weighted average price of our common
stock for the five trading days prior to conversion. The conversion rate cannot
however be lower than $3.25 before September 30, 2003, or lower than $2.00 after
such date. As of July 28, 2003, the 338,250 outstanding shares of Series E
Preferred Stock are convertible into an aggregate of 1,066,785 common shares. In
addition, the Series E Preferred Stock purchasers received warrants to purchase
1.5 common shares for each share of Series E Preferred Stock purchased at an
exercise price of $3.25 per share.
Holders of our common stock could experience substantial dilution from the
conversion of the Series D and Series E Preferred Stock and exercise of the
related warrants. As a result of the floating conversion price, the holders of
Series D and Series E Preferred Stock will receive more common shares on
conversion if the price of our common shares declines. To the extent that the
Series D or Series E stockholders convert and then sell their common shares, the
common stock price may decrease due to the additional shares in the market. This
could allow the Series D or Series E stockholders to receive greater amounts of
common stock, the sales of which would further depress the stock price.
Furthermore, the significant downward pressure on the trading price of our
common stock as Series D and Series E Preferred Stock and related warrant
holders convert or exercise these securities and sell the common shares received
could encourage short sales by the holders of Series D and Series E Preferred
Stock and the related warrants, or other stockholders. This would place further
downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. Even the mere
perception of eventual sales of common shares issued on the conversion of the
Series D and Series E Preferred Stock or exercise of the related warrants could
lead to a decline in the trading price of our common stock.
Our stock price is volatile and may continue to be volatile in the future.
Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. The market price
of our common stock has fluctuated significantly to date. In the future, the
market price of our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations
due to general market conditions and in response to quarter-to-quarter
variations in:
o our anticipated or actual operating results;
o developments concerning our sound reproduction technologies;
o technological innovations or setbacks by us or our competitors;
o conditions in the consumer electronics market;
o announcements of merger or acquisition transactions; and
o other events or factors and general economic and market
conditions.
The stock market in recent years has experienced extreme price and volume
fluctuations that have affected the market price of many technology companies,
and that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating
performance of companies.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of common
stock offered by the selling stockholders. An aggregate of 454,547 shares of
common stock offered by this prospectus are issuable only upon the exercise of
stock purchase warrants by the selling stockholders. Upon exercise of the stock
purchase warrants we could receive cash proceeds of up to $3,068,193. There can
be no assurance any of these warrants will be exercised by the selling
stockholders, that any of the underlying shares of common stock will be sold
hereunder or that we will receive any proceeds from the stock purchase warrants.
ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES TO SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
We entered into various purchase agreements, each dated as of July 11,
2003, with the selling stockholders, who paid us an aggregate of $10 million in
gross proceeds in consideration for 1,818,180 shares of our common stock at a
price of $5.50 per share. Each investor also received a warrant to purchase 25%
of the number of shares of common stock purchased at an exercise price of $6.75,
subject to adjustment if we sell securities in the future for less than an
effective price of $6.75 per share. The warrants are exercisable until July 10,
2007, and collectively represent the right to purchase 454,547 shares of common
stock. Each of the selling stockholders that purchased shares and warrants
represented that it had acquired the securities for investment purposes only and
with no present intention of distributing those securities, except in compliance
with all applicable securities laws. In addition, each of the selling
stockholders represented that it qualified as an "accredited investor" as that
term is defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act of 1933.
7
We agreed to give each investor in the offering the first right to
participate in any proposed sale of equity securities by us until July 11, 2004.
This right does not apply to the issuance of securities upon exercise or
conversion of previously outstanding securities, to the grant of options under
company plans, to certain strategic transactions, or to a firm commitment
underwriting that results in net proceeds to us of at least $10 million.
We also agreed to file within thirty days after July 11, 2003, a
registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, to register the
resale by the selling stockholders of the shares purchased and the shares that
may be purchased under the warrants. We also agreed to use our best efforts to
have the registration statement declared effective as soon as possible and in
any event within ninety days after July 11, 2003. Once the registration
statement is effective, we have agreed to use our best efforts to keep it
effective for five years after the date the registration statement is declared
effective, or the earlier date when all of the shares covered by this prospectus
have been sold or may be sold without volume restrictions in accordance with
Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act. If we do not comply with our registration
obligations, we have agreed to pay to each selling stockholder liquidated
damages of up to 0.05% of its investment amount per day that we are out of
compliance with our registration obligations. We have also agree to pay
liquidated damages in that amount during any time that the exercisability of the
warrants is suspended.
8
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
We are registering for resale certain shares of our common stock.
The following table sets forth certain information as of July 18, 2003
with respect to certain stockholders who purchased securities through purchase
agreements dated as of July 11, 2003. This information is based upon information
provided by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders identified below
may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of their
shares of common stock in transactions exempt from the registration requirements
of the Securities Act since the date as of which they provided this information.
The term "selling stockholder" includes the stockholders listed below and
their transferees, pledgees, donees or other successors.
None of the selling stockholders has held any position or office or had
any other material relationship with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates
within the past three years other than as a result of the ownership of our
securities. We may amend or supplement this prospectus from time to time to
update the disclosure set forth in it.
Each of the selling stockholders that is affiliated with a registered
broker-dealer purchased the shares offered by this prospectus in the ordinary
course of business and, at the time of purchase of those shares, did not have
any plans to dispose of those shares.
Common
Stock Total Shares of
Common Underlying Common Maximum Common Stock
Stock Common Beneficially Shares Owned
Acquired In Stock Owned Before Offered After
Selling Stockholder Offering Warrant (1) Offering Hereby Offering
------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----------------
Name Number Number Number Number Number %
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------ -------
Special Situations Technology Fund L.P. (2) 44,637 11,159 55,796 55,796 -- --
Special Situations Technology Fund II L.P. (2) 228,091 57,023 285,114 285,114 -- --
Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P. (2) 113,636 28,409 142,045 142,045 -- --
Special Situations Fund III, L.P. (2) 340,908 85,227 426,135 426,135 -- --
Omicron Master Trust (3) 45,454 11,364 56,818 56,818 -- --
Vertical Ventures Investments, LLC (4) 272,727 68,182 340,909 340,909 -- --
Langley Partners L.P. (5) 45,454 11,364 56,818 56,818 -- --
SDS Merchant Fund L.P. (6) 227,273 56,818 284,091 284,091 -- --
North Sound Legacy Fund LLC (7) 14,318 3,580 17,898 17,898 -- --
North Sound Legacy Institutional Fund LLC (7) 144,773 36,193 180,966 180,966 -- --
North Sound Legacy International Ltd. (7) 159,091 39,773 198,864 198,864 -- --
BayStar Capital II, L.P. (8) 181,818 45,455 227,273 227,273 -- --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
1,818,180 454,547 2,272,727 2,272,727
========= ========= ========= =========
(1) Warrants acquired as of July 11, 2003 in connection with purchases of
common stock by the selling stockholders. The warrants have an exercise
price of $6.75, subject to adjustment if we sell securities in the future
for less than an effective price of $6.75 per share. The warrants are
exercisable until July 10, 2007.
(2) MGP Advisors Limited Partnership, or MGP, is the general partner of Special
Situations Fund III, L.P. AWM Investment Company, Inc., or AWM, is the
general partner of MGP and the general partner of, and investment adviser
to Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P. SST Advisers, L.L.C., or SSTA, is a
general partner of, and investment advisor to, Special
9
Situations Technology Fund, L.P. and Special Situations Technology Fund II,
L.P. Austin W. Marxe and David M. Greenhouse are the principal owners of
MGP, AWM, and SSTA and are principally responsible for the selection,
acquisition, voting and disposition of the portfolio securities by each
investment adviser on behalf of its fund. Each of the foregoing entities
and persons disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares and warrants held
by any of Special Situations Technology Fund, L.P., Special Situations
Technology Fund II, L.P., Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P. and Special
Situations Fund III, L.P.
(3) Omicron Capital, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (Omicron Capital),
serves as investment manager to Omicron Master Trust, a trust formed under
the laws of Bermuda (Omicron), Omicron Capital, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (OCI), serves as general partner of Omicron Capital, and
Winchester Global Trust Company Limited (Winchester) serves as the trustee
of Omicron. By reason of such relationships, Omicron Capital and OCI may be
deemed to share dispositive power over the shares of our common stock owned
by Omicron, and Winchester may be deemed to share voting and dispositive
power over the shares of our common stock owned by Omicron. Omicron
Capital, OCI and Winchester disclaim beneficial ownership of (3) such
shares of our common stock. Omicron Capital has delegated authority from
the board of directors of Winchester regarding the portfolio management
decisions with respect to the shares of common stock owned by Omicron and,
as of April 21, 2003, Mr. Olivier H. Morali and Mr. Bruce T. Bernstein,
officers of OCI, have delegated authority from the board of directors of
OCI regarding the portfolio management decisions of Omicron Capital with
respect to the shares of common stock owned by Omicron. By reason of such
delegated authority, Messrs. Morali and Bernstein may be deemed to share
dispositive power over the shares of our common stock owned by Omicron.
Messrs. Morali and Bernstein disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares
of our common stock and neither of such persons has any legal right to
maintain such delegated authority. Omicron and Winchester are not
"affiliates" of one another, as that term is used for purposes of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or of any other person named in this
prospectus as a selling stockholder. No person or "group" (as that term is
used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or the SEC's Regulation 13D-G)
controls Omicron and Winchester
(4) Mr. Joshua Silverman may be deemed to have voting and investment control of
the securities held by Vertical Ventures Investments, LLC. Mr. Silverman
disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities beneficially owned by
Vertical Ventures Investments, LLC.
(5) Langley Capital, LLC serves as the general partner of Langley Partners,
L.P. Mr. Jeffrey Thorp is the Managing Member of Langley Capital, LLC. Each
of Langley Capital, LLC and Mr. Thorp disclaim beneficial ownership of the
securities beneficially owned by Langley Partners, L.P.
(6) SDS Capital Partners, LLC, of which Steve Derby is the managing member, is
the general partner of SDS Merchant Fund, L.P., and has voting and
investment power over the securities beneficially owned by SDS Merchant
Fund, L.P. Each of SDS Capital Partners, LLC and Mr. Derby disclaim
beneficial ownership of the securities beneficially owned by SDS Merchant
Fund, L.P.
(7) Thomas McAuley is the managing member of North Sound Legacy Fund LLC, North
Sound Legacy Institutional Fund LLC, and North Sound Legacy International
Ltd., and has voting and investment power over the securities beneficially
owned by each such entity. Mr. McAuley disclaims beneficial ownership of
the securities beneficially owned by such entities.
(8) BayStar Capital Management, LLC, of which Steve Derby, Lawrence Goldfarb
and Steven M. Lamar are the managing members, is the general partner of
BayStar Capital II, L.P., and share voting and investment power over the
securities beneficially owned by BayStar Capital II, L.P. Each of BayStar
Capital Management, LLC, Mr. Derby, Mr. Goldfarb and Mr. Lamar disclaim
beneficial ownership of the securities beneficially owned by BayStar
Capital II, L.P.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling stockholders and any of their pledgees, transferees, donees
and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their
common shares on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the
shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or
negotiated prices. The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the
following methods when selling shares:
o ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the
broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
o block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the
shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as
principal to facilitate the transaction;
o purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the
broker-dealer for its account;
10
o an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the
applicable exchange;
o privately negotiated transactions;
o short sales
o broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a
specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
o a combination of any such methods of sale; and
o any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the
Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other
brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions
or discounts from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as
agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be
negotiated. The selling stockholders do not expect these commissions and
discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved.
The selling stockholders may from time to time pledge or grant a security
interest in some or all of the shares owned by them and, if they default in the
performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may
offer and sell those shares from time to time under this prospectus, or under an
amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision
of the Securities Act of 1933 amending the list of selling stockholders to
include the pledgee, transferee, donee or other successors in interest as
selling stockholders under this prospectus.
The selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in
other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees, donees or other
successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of
this prospectus.
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are
involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the
meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any
commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the
resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. Each selling stockholder has
informed us that it does not have any agreement or understanding, directly or
indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock.
We are required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration
of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against
certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
The selling stockholders are subject to the applicable provisions of the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M.
This regulation may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares
by the selling stockholders. The anti-manipulation rules under the Exchange Act
may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling
stockholders and their affiliates. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the
ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the shares to engage in
market-making activities with respect to the particular securities being
distributed for a period of up to five business days before the distribution.
These restrictions may affect the marketability of the shares and the ability of
any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the
shares.
LEGAL MATTERS
Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP will pass upon the validity of
the common stock offered by this prospectus.
EXPERTS
The annual financial statements and schedules incorporated by reference in
this prospectus have been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, independent certified
public accountants, to the extent and for the periods set forth in their report
incorporated herein by reference (which contains an explanatory paragraph
relating to our ability to continue as a going concern), and incorporated herein
in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting in giving said reports.
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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, including the documents that we incorporate by reference,
contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans,
objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts
and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made
through the use of words or phrases like "anticipate," "estimate," "plans,"
"projects," "continuing," "ongoing," "expects," "management believes," "the
Company believes," "the Company intends," "we believe," "we intend" and similar
words or phrases. Accordingly, these statements involve estimates, assumptions
and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from
those expressed in them. Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the factors discussed in this prospectus or
incorporated by reference.
Because the factors discussed in this prospectus or incorporated herein by
reference could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those
expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on behalf of us, you
should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further,
any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made,
and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such
statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New
factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which
will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor 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.
WHERE YOU CAN GET MORE INFORMATION
We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and current reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these
reports, proxy statements and other information at the SEC's public reference
rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, NY and Chicago, IL. You can request copies
of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation
of the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available at the SEC's
website at "http:\\www.sec.gov."
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file
with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with
the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate
by reference the documents listed below:
o Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002 filed
with the SEC on December 23, 2002, as amended by Form 10-K/A filed
with the SEC on January 28, 2003;
o Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended December 31,
2002, March 31, 2003 (as amended by Form 10-Q/A) and June 30, 2003;
o Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 7, 2002,
October 15, 2002, March 6, 2003, May 28, 2003, June 6, 2003 and July
17, 2003; and
o Registration Statement on Form 10-SB, which includes a description of
our common stock.
All documents we file in the future pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering are also incorporated by reference and are an
important part of this prospectus.
You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:
American Technology Corporation
13114 Evening Creek Drive South
San Diego, CA 92128
Attn: Secretary
(858) 679-2114
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We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person to give any
information or to make any representations not contained in this prospectus or
any prospectus supplement. You must not rely on any unauthorized information.
This prospectus is not an offer of these securities in any state where an offer
is not permitted. The information in this prospectus is current as of the date
of this prospectus. You should not assume that this prospectus is accurate as of
any other date.
2,272,727 SHARES
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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The Company ........................................................... 2
Risk Factors .......................................................... 3
Use of Proceeds ....................................................... 7
Issuance of Securities to Selling Stockholders......................... 7
Selling Stockholders .................................................. 9
Plan of Distribution .................................................. 10
Legal Matters ......................................................... 11
Experts ............................................................... 11
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ....................... 12
Where You Can Get More Information .................................... 12
August 18, 2003
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