Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: I would like your view on a company called Quantum Fuel System Technologies Worldwide Inc. Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Quantum Fuel System Technologies Worldwide Inc., $0.84, symbol QTWW on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 97.6 million; Market cap: $82.2 million), makes advanced propulsion systems that power automobiles. Its products include gasoline-electric hybrid engines, fuel cells and batteries that can store large amounts of electricity. The company has also developed technology that lets engines run on alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and natural gas. In 2002, Quantum entered into a 10-year strategic alliance with General Motors. As part of the deal, Quantum issued shares to GM, but did not did not receive cash in return. Instead, it recorded the $16.5-million market value of these shares as an intangible asset and amortized it over the deal’s 10-year term. But GM’s recent bankruptcy forced Quantum to write off the shares’ remaining value of $5.8 million. As well, Quantum gets roughly 60% of its sales from GM; this high level of dependence is a major risk factor. In August 2007, the company formed a joint venture…