AEMETIS, INC - Annual Report: 2007 (Form 10-K)
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
x
ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For
the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
Commission
file number: 000-51354
(Name
of
Small Business Issuer in its charter)
Nevada
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84-0925128
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|
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(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S.
Employer Identification Number)
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20400
Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 700
Cupertino,
California 95014
Issuer's
telephone number: (408)
213-0940
Securities
registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities
registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common
Stock, Par Value $.001
(Title
of
class)
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined
in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
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 x No
o
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.
See definition of " large accelerated filer," or a smaller reporting company
in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large
accelerated filer o Accelerated
filer o Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller
reporting company x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
o
No
x
The
aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by
non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $49,402,915 as of June 29,
2007 based on the average bid and asked price on the Over-The-Counter
Bulletin Board reported for such date. This calculation does not reflect a
determination that certain persons are affiliates of the registrant for any
other purpose.
The
registrant’s revenues for fiscal year end December 31, 2007 were $0.
The
number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock
on March
15, 2008 was 84,557,462 shares.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions
of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(the "Proxy Statement"), to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form
10-K.
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Page
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PART
I
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Special
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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1
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Item
1. Business
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1
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Item
1A. Risk Factors
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8
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Item
2. Properties
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17
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Item
3. Legal Proceedings
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17
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Item
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
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18
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PART
II
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Item
5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters
and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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19
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Item
6. Selected Financial Data - As a Smaller Reporting Company this
item is
not required
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Item
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
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21
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Item
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk -
As a
Smaller Reporting Company, this item is not required
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Item
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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26
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Item
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
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26
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Item
9A(T). Controls and Procedures
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27
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Item
9B. Other Information
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27
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PART
III
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Item
10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
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27
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Item
11. Executive Compensation
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28
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Item
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and
Related Stockholder Matters
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28
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Item
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director
Independence
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28
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Item
14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
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28
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Item
15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
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29
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Index
to Financial Statements
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F-0
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SIGNATURES
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SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD—LOOKING STATEMENTS
On
one or
more occasions, we may make forward-looking statements in this Annual Report
on
Form 10-K regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets,
intentions or beliefs about future events. Words or phrases such as
“anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,”
“intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” “will likely result,”
“will continue” or similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are only our predictions and involve numerous
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those listed
below and those business risks and factors described elsewhere in this report
and our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on related
subjects in our subsequent annual and periodic reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and Proxy Statements on
Schedule 14A.
Unless
the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company”
and “the Company” refer specifically to AE Biofuels, Inc.
Item
1. Business
History
AE
Biofuels, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated as Marwich II, Ltd. under the
laws of the State of Colorado on August 16, 1983 to engage in the acquisition
of
assets and properties which management believed had good business potential.
In
the course of its business the Company acquired a number of real estate and
promissory note properties.
The
Company subsequently sold its properties, ceased active business operations
and
was administratively dissolved by the Colorado Secretary of State effective
January 1, 1991. On October 13, 2004, articles of reinstatement were filed
with
the Colorado Secretary of State and the Company became current in its reporting
obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”).
On
June
23, 2006, the Company and American Ethanol entered into an Agreement and
Plan of
Merger, which agreement was amended and restated on July 19, 2007 (the “Merger
Agreement”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company agreed to
reincorporate into the State of Nevada (the “Reincorporation”) by means of a
merger with and into Marwich II, Ltd., a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary (“Marwich-Nevada”) and subject to the Reincorporation, American
Ethanol agreed to merge with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marwich-Nevada
with
American Ethanol as the surviving corporation (the “Reverse Merger”).
On
December 7, 2007, we completed the Reincorporation and the Reverse Merger
and
issued to the former shareholders of American Ethanol 84,114,998 shares of
our
common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of American Ethanol
common stock, 6,487,491 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock in exchange
for
all of the issued and outstanding shares of American Ethanol’s Series B
Preferred Stock, and assumed options and warrants exercisable for 4,229,000
shares of common stock and 748,074 shares of Series B Preferred Stock,
respectively. The Company then changed its name to AE Biofuels,
Inc.
For
accounting purposes, the Reverse Merger was treated as a reverse acquisition
with American Ethanol as the acquirer and the Company as the acquired party.
As
a result, the business and financial information included in this report
is the
business and financial information of AE Biofuels, Inc. and its subsidiaries
on
a consolidated basis.
1
General
We
are a
developer of next-generation ethanol and biodiesel plants. Currently, we,
through our subsidiary Sutton Ethanol, LLC, own one site in Nebraska, planned
for approximately 110 million gallons of annual ethanol production and, through
our subsidiary Danville Ethanol Inc., own one site in Illinois permitted for
approximately 110 million gallons of annual ethanol production. We also have
rights to acquire four additional ethanol plant sites in Illinois, three of
which are fully permitted for approximately 110 million gallons of annual
ethanol production.
In
addition, we are constructing an integrated cellulose/starch ethanol
demonstration plant in Butte, Montana. The Butte facility is expected to
be
fully operational in the second calendar quarter of 2008, and its primary
purpose is to optimize our patent-pending enzyme ethanol process for commercial
implementation. Finally, we have constructed a 50 million gallon per annum
biodiesel facility in the port city of Kakinada, State of Andhra Pradesh,
on the
east coast of India.
Biofuels
Market
U.S.
ethanol production has grown from 1.1 billion gallons per year in 1996 to
nearly
6.5 billion gallons per year in 2007, according the Renewable Fuels Association.
The
Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007,
signed
into law by President Bush on December 19, 2007, significantly raised the
renewable fuel standard (RFS) for the U.S. domestic market. The new RFS requires
the annual production of 36 billion gallons of alternative fuels by the year
2022. Of that amount, 21 billion gallons must be from “advanced” biofuels such
as cellulosic ethanol. Biodiesel consumption in the U.S. grew from 25 mm
gallons
per year in 2004 to over 250 mm gallons per year in 2006, a ten-fold increase,
according to Emerging Markets Online. The new RFS mandates the production
of 1
billon gallons per year of biomass based biodiesel by 2012. Similar biofuel
mandates have emerged in a number of countries across the globe, resulting
in a
predictable, long-term market for these products.
Current
world commodity pricing has created some disruption in the ability to acquire,
on a cost-effective basis, various feedstocks for the production of both
corn-based ethanol and biodiesel. Due to a variety of economic factors, we
anticipate that commodity markets will continue to be unpredictable for the
foreseeable future.
Emerging
ethanol technologies should significantly reduce feedstock pricing risk as
they
are commercially implemented in the coming months and years. On the biodiesel
front, vertical integration (owning feedstock assets, for instance) should
also
help mitigate risk in the long term.
AE
Biofuels is responding to ever-changing market conditions by implementing
strategies that take advantage of these trends.
Strategy
Our
goal
is to be a leader in the production of renewable fuels to address growing
renewable and high-octane fuel requirements, and reduce U.S. and worldwide
dependence on petroleum-based energy sources in an environmentally responsible
manner.
We
have
acquired two ethanol plant sites in the U.S. (Sutton, Nebraska and Danville,
Illinois) and have options for four other ethanol plant sites in Illinois.
All
ethanol plant sites are permitted for an annual capacity of 110 million gallons
per year. We also own 74% of a biodiesel plant in Kakinada, India with a
nameplate capacity of 50 million gallons annually, and have identified
additional potential biodiesel plant sites in India. In addition to the
biodiesel plant in India, we are currently expanding our facility in Kakinada
to
include a refinery that will refine the glycerin byproducts into pharmaceutical
grade glycerin, which is in strong demand in both India and abroad.
In
2007,
we acquired patent-pending enzyme technology that, when commercialized, is
expected to allow us to differentiate our position in the marketplace by
utilizing both traditional (corn) and non-food source feedstocks (grasses,
corn
stover etc.) By using a variety of feedstocks, we mitigate our exposure to
fluctuations in the commodity markets. In addition, this new cellulose
technology is expected to significantly reduce our energy and water requirements
in the production of ethanol, resulting in improved operating margins. Our
Butte, Montana cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant is expected to be fully
operational in the second calendar quarter of 2008.
In
addition to the production of biodiesel and refinement of glycerin, AE Biofuels
is currently exploring opportunities to acquire feedstock producing assets,
as
well as crushing and oil refining facilities. The Company believes that
long-term access to a reliable supply of feedstock will reduce its exposure
to
unpredictable commodities markets.
We
also
expect to implement disciplined risk management practices with respect to
commodity acquisition and logistics.
We
believe that by implementing these strategies we can reduce costs and create
a
more predictable business, while capturing the benefits of scale to ensure
long-term competitiveness.
2
Current
Biodiesel Projects
Universal
Biofuels Private, Ltd.
We,
through our subsidiary, Universal Biofuels Private, Ltd., have constructed
a
biodiesel manufacturing facility with a nameplate capacity of 50 million
gallons
per annum in Kakinada, State of Andhra Pradesh, Republic of India for the
production of biodiesel and glycerin byproducts. We are evaluating various
feedstock agreements in order to fully utilize the facility. We are also
expanding our facility to add a glycerin refinery that will produce
pharmaceutical-grade glycerin. The glycerin refinery is expected to be fully
operational by the third quarter of 2008.
We
intend
to market and export biodiesel to U.S. and European customers through marketing
agreements with various sources in these countries. The pharmaceutical-grade
glycerin and other glycerin byproducts will be marketed primarily to
pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers in India and abroad.
Additional
Biodiesel Sites
Our
goal
is to develop multiple biodiesel sites with a total capacity of 300 million
gallons per year. We are currently evaluating additional greenfield sites
in
India with the goal of constructing biodiesel production facilities each
capable
of producing 50 million gallons of biodiesel per year.
Current
Ethanol Projects
Cellulosic Ethanol Technology
In
February 2007, we acquired 51% of Energy Enzymes, Inc., a cellulosic ethanol
technology company. We will acquire the remaining 49% of Energy Enzymes for
no
additional cash consideration upon meeting certain development milestones.
Energy Enzymes has developed patent-pending ambient temperature enzymes which
eliminates the up-front “cooking” process that is necessary in traditional
starch ethanol production. This enzyme technology is designed to reduce
operating and capital costs for both cellulosic ethanol and starch ethanol
plants and provides a platform to integrate the two processes.
We
have
begun construction of an integrated cellulose and starch ethanol demonstration
facility in Butte, Montana. The plant will use the Energy Enzyme technology
to
optimize process conditions for multiple feedstocks for commercial
implementation. Non-food ethanol feedstocks used by the facility are expected
to
include switch grass, grass seed straw, small grain straw, and corn stalks
alone
and in combination with a variety of traditional starch and sugar sources.
The
9,000 square foot facility is expected to be fully operational in the second
calendar quarter of 2008. In addition, we are currently evaluating sites
for
large-scale commercial facility construction.
Proposed
Ethanol Plant Sites
Outlined
below is a brief profile of each of our proposed ethanol plant
sites:
We
have
acquired options to purchase land in various locations in Illinois. The terms
of
these options are typically from one to three years and provide that we have
the
right to acquire the land for a set price per acre subject to the satisfaction,
in our sole discretion, of our due diligence. The table below lists the
locations in which we have acquired options as of the date of this
Report.
3
Location
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Approximate
Acreage
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Annual
ethanol capacity
(in millions
of gallons
per
year)
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Ethanol
Plant
Permitting
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Nebraska
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Sutton,
Clay County*
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200
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110
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Permit
in Revision
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|||||||
Illinois
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||||||||||
Danville,
Vermilion County**
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175
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110
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Permit
Granted
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Gilman,
Iroquois County
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204
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110
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Permit
Granted
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||||||
Allen
Station, Mason County
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107
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110
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Permit
Granted
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|||||||
Stillman
Valley, Ogle County
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200
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110
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Permit
Granted
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Gridley,
McLean County
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107
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110
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Permit
in Process
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*We
acquired this property in 2006.
**We
acquired this property in March 2007.
The
aggregate purchase price of all land currently under option, if all options
are
exercised, is approximately $10.1 million. Currently, we are evaluating each
site as to the adequacy of utilities, zoning, subsurface structures and the
like
and the exercise of any option will be dependent upon the result of our analysis
of these and other factors. We recently filed for air permit extensions for
all
of our Illinois sites.
Benefit
of Alternative Fuels
The
increased use of ethanol and biodiesel will expand U.S. fuel supplies while
easing an overburdened refining industry. While no new oil refineries have
been
built in the U.S. since the 1970s, nearly 100 ethanol production facilities
and
95 biodiesel facilities have been built during this time, adding critical
volume
to the fuel market.
Other
factors influencing the outlook for ethanol and biodiesel production are:
Policy
and legislative support, strong petroleum prices and outlook, MTBE transition,
production capacity and import expansion, increasing feedstock yields, and
technological innovation.
Biodiesel
currently receives tax credits equal to one penny per percent of biodiesel
in
fuel blends made from agricultural products like vegetable oils, and one-half
penny per percent for recycled oils. Ethanol currently receives a Federal
excise
tax exemption of 51 cents per gallon, which has recently been extended to
year
2010. In addition, as of the date of this report, 17 states also offer tax
and
other financial incentives to encourage ethanol and biodiesel production
and
support agricultural markets.
Another
key factor fueling the growth in ethanol production has been the phase-out
of
MTBE use in reformulated gasoline. Historically, MTBE was the primary oxygenate
used in reformulated gasoline. However, reflecting recent evidence that MTBE
poses an unacceptable contamination risk to groundwater supplies, many states
are seeking ways to reduce or eliminate the use of MTBE from the gasoline
supply. MTBE production volume has begun to shift to fuel ethanol as the
next
most competitive high octane oxygenate substitute, primarily as a result
of
MTBE’s adverse environmental impacts.
Rising
petroleum prices have made ethanol and biodiesel relatively more attractive
economically to refiners and blenders resulting in the substitution of ethanol
and biodiesel for petroleum based products. Additionally, there are a number
of
legislative initiatives that are playing pivotal roles in defining the future
of
ethanol and biodiesel.
4
Manufacturing
Process
Biodiesel
Biodiesel
is an ethyl or methyl ester of fatty acids made from edible or non-edible oils
and animal fatty acids used as a fuel additive to reduce harmful emissions
and
particulates and reduce the production of greenhouse gasses. It can be produced
by refining oil-based feedstock such as palm oil, jatropha (ratanjyot), pongamia
(karanja), grains, groundnut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, crude palm oil,
rapeseed oil, used vegetable oils, sugarcane juice, molasses, cereals, cellulose
biomass and from sources such as herbaceous and woody plants, agricultural
and
forestry residues and a large portion of municipal solid and industrial
waste.
Corn
Based Ethanol
Ethanol,
or ethyl alcohol, is a fuel additive used to reduce harmful emissions and to
enhance octane. It is produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates found in
grains and by the extraction and processing of cellulose found in biomass.
Although ethanol can be produced from a number of different sources, including
grains such as corn, sorghum and wheat, sugar by-products, rice hulls, cheese
whey, potato waste, brewery waste, beverage waste, forestry by-products and
paper wastes, approximately 90% of ethanol in the U.S. today is produced from
corn. Corn is the primary source for ethanol because corn produces large
quantities of relatively cheap carbohydrates, which convert into glucose more
efficiently than other kinds of biomass. However, biomass inputs such as wheat
grass, switch grass, corn stover, woody biomass, and other non-food inputs
are
increasingly being adopted, through various technologies, as alternatives to
corn.
Byproducts:
Biodiesel
Glycerin.
The
crude glycerin that is recovered from the separation phase of the biodiesel
refining process is further purified. Included in our investment in our Kakinada
biodiesel plant is $2.5 million to upgrade the biodiesel production facility
to
enable us to produce, market and sell pharmaceutical grade glycerin in India,
where there is currently strong demand. Glycerin is a bonding agent used by
both
pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies.
Byproducts:
Ethanol
Distillers
Grains.
Distiller Grains with Solubles (DGS) are a high protein, high-energy livestock
and animal feed supplement produced as a by-product of ethanol production.
DGS
are considered a “middle protein” with a protein content of around 28 percent.
Due to differing ages and methods of ethanol plants and production, the nutrient
content of DGS varies from plant to plant. DGS are marketed in two primary
forms: Wet (WDGS) and Dry (DDGS). WDGS come directly off the manufacturing
operations and contain roughly two-thirds moisture (water) by weight. While
attractive in this form to local livestock feeding operations, it is expensive
and cumbersome to transport long distances. Most DGS production is dried for
improved handling and transportability. North American DGS production has
increased from 300,000 tons in the 1970s to approximately 2.6 million tons
in
2000 with an expected increase to 25.0 million tons by 2016 according to the
Renewable Fuels Association. DDGS growth will continue with the anticipated
build-out capacity of ethanol.
In
a dry
grind ethanol process, a bushel of corn produces between 15 and 17 pounds of
DDGS, thus a 100 million gallon plant will annually produce approximately
320,000 tons of DDGS. Successful marketing and disposal of DDGS is important
to
a plant’s success. In order to capture a higher netback price for DDGS, the cost
of transportation of the DDGS product is also important. A plant’s ability to
sell DDGS to local markets reduces transportation costs, thus increasing the
netback revenue of the product.
Federal,
State and Local Incentives
There
are
currently a number of legislative initiatives that are playing pivotal roles
in
the future of ethanol and biodiesel. These current or pending legislative
initiatives are not the only critical policy issues in ethanol, but they are
the
legislation most likely to define the future expansion in ethanol.
Volumetric
Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC)
Simplifying
the tax collection system, a user excise tax levied on both gasoline and ethanol
blended fuels is collected at 18.4 cents per gallon; and all excise taxes levied
on diesel and biodiesel blended fuels are collected at 24.4 cents per gallon.
The most important portion of the VEETC for ethanol was the extension of the
Ethanol Tax Incentive related to federal taxes that are not collected on sales
of ethanol, which expires after December 31, 2010. The current effective level
of the incentive is 51 cents per gallon of waived federal taxes for ethanol
greater than 90 proof.
Heartland,
Habitat, Harvest and Horticulture (4-H) Act of 2007
On
October 4, 2007, the Senate Finance Committee approved the Heartland, Habitat,
Harvest and Horticulture (4-H) Act of 2007. This Act extends the federal
biodiesel tax incentive, which currently expires on December 31, 2008, through
December 31, 2010 and extends the Biodiesel Small Producer Tax Credit through
December 31, 2012.
5
MTBE
Ban
As
mentioned earlier, MTBE was the primary oxygenate used in reformulated gasoline
blends and marketed in much of the U.S. because it burns cleanly, is a good
source of octane, is relatively inexpensive and can be blended with gasoline
at
the refinery and transported through existing pipelines. However, with the
emergence of concerns with groundwater contamination, the use of MTBE in
gasoline is being re-examined and several states have banned the use of MTBE
in
gasoline. Due to its high mobility in ground water and its resistance to
biodegradation, MTBE has been detected in an increasing number of public and
private water supplies at levels giving rise to concern about possible acute
and
chronic health effects. As a result, MTBE production volume has begun to shift
to fuel ethanol as the next most competitive high octane oxygenate
substitute.
Energy
Policy Act of 2005
On
August
8, 2005, President Bush signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (the
“2005
Act”), which contains a comprehensive energy policy, mandating that renewable,
domestically produced fuels serve a larger role in meeting our nation's energy
needs. Pursuant to the 2005 Act, it was mandated that the consumption of
fuel-based ethanol be increased to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012.
Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007
On
December 19, 2007, President Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007 (the “2007 Energy Bill”), which improves vehicle fuel
economy and reduces U.S. dependence on oil. Key provisions of this energy policy
are:
· |
The
2007 Energy Bill puts in place a landmark renewable fuel standard
(RFS).
The new RFS requires that 36 billion gallons of alternative fuels
must be
sold each year in the U.S. by 2022. Of that amount, 21 billion gallons
must be from advanced biofuels, such as cellulose ethanol, meeting
minimum
greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction
targets.
|
· |
The
RFS is critical to encouraging the research and development, production
and use of clean-burning, renewable fuels. This legislation will
provide
market security for hundreds of small and emerging companies that
are
working to diversify the United States fuel
options.
|
· |
The
Energy Bill also targets market parity by exempting biofuels from
fuel
exclusivity contracts, which are agreements between fuel providers
and
fuel retailers which agree to sell only the product supplied by the
particular fuel supplier. These types of contracts have been used
to
dissuade fuel retailers from offering renewable fuels such as ethanol
and
biodiesel. These contracts are anti-competitive, inhibit biofuel
market
growth and fuel diversification, and will be prohibited by the
Act.
|
· |
The
2007 Energy Bill also includes more than $700 million in grants for
advanced biofuels production and
infrastructure.
|
Many
Midwestern states offer production incentives, grants and tax incentives for
those companies who build ethanol facilities within their state. We have focused
our initial efforts on two Midwestern states due to the economic merit of
building ethanol plants in these regions. In addition to the raw value of these
locations, these states have been, and continue to be, very supportive of
ethanol production and the congruent economic development opportunities these
plants provide to the states, cities and towns in which they are built. The
Company plans to take advantage of the available state, county and local
incentives at each specific site location.
SALES
AND MARKETING
The
overall goal of our ethanol and biodiesel marketing strategy will be to capture
the highest netback price (net price received after transportation costs) while
adequately managing price risk and volatility. We plan to coordinate our
marketing and sales across multiple plants in a given region, which will allow
us to aggregate product volume and better optimize transportation and logistics
and thereby giving us greater market and pricing influence.
We
plan
to contract with established marketing service providers who bring the required
depth, resources and relationships to support our marketing objectives.
Typically, the scope of the marketing service relationship includes management
of the outbound transportation and logistics, risk management and account
receivables along with the marketing and sales responsibilities. We are
currently in the process of reviewing and qualifying candidates.
COMPETITION
Competition
from other ethanol and biodiesel plants
6
We
will
compete with numerous other ethanol and biodiesel plants that produce the same
product. The majority of ethanol plants in the U.S. are independent plants
producing 20-50 million gallons of ethanol per year. Most ethanol plants are
located in areas of high feedstock and/or livestock concentration. The number
of
ethanol plants and the amount of ethanol production has increased significantly
since the Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandate.
We
will
compete on the inbound side for the feedstock and on the outbound side for
ethanol and DDG markets and biodiesel and glycerin markets. We will seek to
become a large volume operator with multiple production facilities, which will
enable us to leverage our scale and geographic diversity to operate at a lower
unit cost level while still generating the liquidity required, attracting and
retaining the right resources and funding continuing improvement as well as
research and development activities.
Competition
from import markets
The
transition from MTBE, along with the building enthusiasm for ethanol-blended
fuels, has resulted in what is viewed as a short-term supply challenge. There
has been an increase in ethanol imports to meet this short-term supply
gap.
While
there is a $0.54 per gallon import tariff on ethanol today, some large ethanol
producers in the U.S. have found ways to by-pass this tariff by importing
ethanol from countries participating in free trade agreements that offer duty
free options such as the Caribbean Basis Initiative (CBI).
There
are
pending legislative efforts proposing to close this loophole. In the meantime,
the CBI allows several Central American countries to send ethanol to the U.S
without incurring the $0.54 per gallon import tariff. Duty-free ethanol from
CBI
is currently capped at 7% of the total amount of U.S. ethanol produced from
the
previous year, or 60 million gallons, whichever is greater. The CBI countries
have never come close to meeting this cap. In 1996, CBI countries reached 76.8%
of the cap for U.S. ethanol imports. Since 1996, imports form CBI countries
have
fallen from this high point and have leveled out at lower levels of their
allotted importation cap. The current production levels can be attributed to
a
lack of adequate feedstock supply, but the supplies are now becoming more
readily available.
Environmental
matters
Our
plants will be subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws
and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into
the
air, water and ground; the generation, storage, handling, use, transportation
and disposal of hazardous materials; and the health and safety of our employees.
These laws, regulations and permits also can require expensive pollution control
equipment or operational changes to limit actual or potential impacts to the
environment. A violation of these laws and regulations or permit conditions
can
result in substantial fines, natural resource damage, criminal sanctions, permit
revocations and/or facility shutdowns. We do not anticipate a material adverse
effect on our business or financial condition as a result of our efforts to
comply with these requirements. We do not expect to incur material capital
expenditures for environmental controls in this or in the succeeding fiscal
year.
There
is
a risk of liability for the investigation and cleanup of environmental
contamination at each of the properties that we own or operate and at off-site
locations where we may arrange for the disposal of hazardous substances. If
these substances have been or are disposed of or released at sites that undergo
investigation and/or remediation by regulatory agencies, we may be responsible
under CERCLA or other environmental laws for all or part of the costs of
investigation and/or remediation and for damage to natural resources. We may
also be subject to related claims by private parties alleging property damage
and personal injury due to exposure to hazardous or other materials at or from
these properties. Some of these matters may require us to expend significant
amounts for investigation and/or cleanup or other costs. We do not currently
believe that we have any material environmental liabilities relating to
contamination at or from our facilities or at off-site locations where we have
transported or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances.
In
addition, new laws, new interpretations of existing laws, increased governmental
enforcement of environmental laws or other developments could require us to
make
additional significant expenditures. Continued government and public emphasis
on
environmental issues can be expected to result in increased future investments
for environmental controls at ongoing operations. Present and future
environmental laws and regulations (and related interpretations) applicable
to
operations, more vigorous enforcement policies and discovery of currently
unknown conditions may require substantial capital and other expenditures.
Our
air emissions are subject to the federal Clean Air Act, the federal Clean Air
Act Amendments of 1990 and similar state and local laws and associated
regulations. The U.S. EPA has promulgated National Emissions Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants, or NESHAP, under the federal Clean Air Act that could
apply to facilities that we own or operate if the emissions of hazardous air
pollutants exceed certain thresholds. If a facility that we operate is
authorized to emit hazardous air pollutants above the threshold level, then
we
will be required to comply with the NESHAP related to our manufacturing process
and would be required to come into compliance with another NESHAP applicable
to
boilers and process heaters. New or expanded facilities would be required to
comply with both standards upon start-up if they exceed the hazardous air
pollutant threshold. In addition to costs for achieving and maintaining
compliance with these laws, more stringent standards may also limit our
operating flexibility. Because other domestic ethanol manufacturers will have
similar restrictions, however, we believe that compliance with more stringent
air emission control or other environmental laws and regulations is not likely
to materially affect our competitive position.
7
The
hazards and risks associated with producing and transporting our products,
such
as fires, natural disasters, explosions, abnormal pressures, blowouts and
pipeline ruptures also may result in personal injury claims or damage to
property and third parties. As protection against operating hazards, we maintain
insurance coverage against some, but not all, potential losses. Our coverage
includes physical damage to assets, employer’s liability, comprehensive general
liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation. We believe that our
insurance is adequate and customary for our industry, but losses could occur
for
uninsurable or uninsured risks or in amounts in excess of existing insurance
coverage. We do not currently have pending material claims for damages or
liability to third parties relating to the hazards or risks of our
business.
See
“Risk
Factors— Risks Relating to Ethanol and Biodiesel Industry — Plant sites may have
unknown environmental problems that could be expensive and time consuming to
correct, which may delay or halt plant construction and delay our ability to
generate revenue.”
EMPLOYEES
We
have
12 full time employees as of March 30, 2008 and additional contracted
services for management, plant operation, engineering, construction and
marketing. All of these employees are located in the U.S. None of our employees
is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have had no labor-related
work stoppages, and we believe we have positive relations with our
employees.
We
intend
to operate the company so that it is scalable, such that increases in production
capacity will require only an incremental addition of operating resources.
We
have not yet commenced production activities and have limited operating history,
which makes it difficult to evaluate our financial position and our business
plan.
We
are a
company in the development stage and have limited business operations.
Accordingly, there is limited prior operating history by which to evaluate
the
likelihood of our success or our ability to exist as a going concern. We may
never begin or complete construction of an ethanol production facility, our
biodiesel plant in India, although completed, has not begun production or,
if we
do complete the construction of an ethanol facilities or start biodiesel
production in our India facility, we may not be able to generate sufficient
revenues to become profitable.
We
will need to obtain a significant amount of additional debt and equity capital
to complete the development and completion of our planned ethanol and biodiesel
plants, which we may not be able to obtain on acceptable terms or at
all.
As
of
December 31, 2007, we had approximately $510,000 in cash on hand in our domestic
entities and $2,845,000 held in offshore subsidiaries including marketable
securities. Additional funding will be needed to meet ongoing working capital
needs as well as to meet ongoing obligations with respect to the construction
of
our planned ethanol and biodiesel plants. Based on our internal projections,
we
currently estimate that the cost to develop and construct our proposed U.S.
ethanol plants is approximately $240 million per plant and the cost to develop
and construct our proposed biodiesel plants in India is approximately $30
million per plant. In addition, once these plants have been constructed, we
will
have to fund the start-up operations of these plants until the plants generate
sufficient cash flow from their operations, if ever. We have acquired four
sites
and have options to acquire four additional sites in the U.S. on which we
propose to construct ethanol and/or biodiesel plants. If all of these sites
are
purchased and developed, the development and construction costs for these
additional facilities are anticipated to exceed $1.5 billion. Additionally,
we
may encounter unforeseen costs that could also require us to seek additional
capital. Further, we have been operating at a loss and expect to increase our
operating expenses significantly as we expand our operations and begin
anticipated plant construction.
Although
we have raised approximately $31.8 million to date through the sales of our
preferred stock, any future equity or other fundraising may not be successful.
Our auditors have included an explanatory paragraph in their audit opinion
with
respect to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006, which includes a material uncertainty related to
our
ability to continue as a going concern.
The
full
and timely development and implementation of our business plan and growth
strategy will require significant additional resources, and we may not be able
to obtain the funding necessary to implement our growth strategy on acceptable
terms or at all. An inability to obtain such funding could slow down or prevent
us from executing on our plan to construct ethanol and biodiesel plants.
Furthermore, our construction strategy may not produce material revenues even
if
successfully funded. We intend to explore a number of options to secure
alternative sources of capital, including the issuance of senior secured debt,
subordinated debt, and additional equity, including preferred equity securities
or other equity securities. We have not yet identified the sources for the
additional financing we require and we do not have firm commitments from any
third parties to provide this financing. We might not succeed, therefore, in
raising additional equity capital or in negotiating and obtaining additional
and
acceptable financing when we need it or at all. Our ability to obtain additional
capital will also depend on market conditions, national and global economies
and
other factors beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will be able
to
implement or capitalize on various financing alternatives or otherwise obtain
required working capital, the need for which is substantial given our operating
loss history and our business and development plan. The terms of any future
debt
or equity funding that we may obtain in the future may be unfavorable to us
and
to our shareholders. Our failure to manage our growth effectively could prevent
us from achieving our goals.
8
Our
auditor's opinion expresses substantial doubt about our ability to continue
as a
"going concern.”
Our
independent auditor’s reports on our December 31, 2007 and 2006 financial
statements included herein states that recurring losses from operations raise
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we are
unable to develop our business and to generate sufficient revenues, we may
have
to discontinue operations or cease to exist, which would be detrimental to
the
value of your investment. We can make no assurances that our business operations
will develop and provide us with significant cash to continue
operations.
Our
auditors identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. Failure to achieve and maintain
effective internal control over financial reporting could result in our failure
to accurately report our financial results.
In
connection with our audit of our financial statements, our external
auditors, BDO Seidman, LLP advised us that we had control deficiencies in
our internal controls over financial reporting as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006. The control deficiencies related to the fact
that our accounting resources did not include enough people with the
detailed knowledge, experience and training in the selection and application
of
certain accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(GAAP) to meet our financial reporting needs. These control deficiencies
contributed to material weaknesses in internal control with respect to
segregation of duties, accounting for revenue recognition, stockholders equity
and share-based compensation and acquisitions as well as financial statement
presentation and disclosures. A "material weakness" is a control deficiency
or
combination of control deficiencies that results in more than a remote
likelihood that a material misstatement in the financial statements or related
disclosures will not be prevented or detected. During fiscal 2008,
Management began the remediation process by hiring consultants with
the necessary accounting knowledge, experience and training to meet the needs
of
our organization. In preparation for the Reverse Merger, we engaged
a consultant experienced in accounting and financial reporting who assisted
us
in preparing our financial statements. We have hired a consultant who is acting
as our corporate controller with specific responsibilities for external
financial reporting, internal control, revenue recognition and purchase
accounting. We expect to incur significant additional costs in the future.
While
we expect to complete the process of bringing our internal control documentation
into compliance with SOX Section 404 as quickly as possible, we cannot at this
time estimate how long it will take to complete the process or the ultimate
cost. We expect such costs to be significant.
We
envision a period of rapid growth that may impose a significant burden on our
administrative and operational resources which, if not effectively managed,
could impair our growth.
Our
strategy envisions a period of rapid growth that may impose a significant burden
on our administrative and operational resources. The growth of our business,
and
in particular, the construction of our planned ethanol and biodiesel production
facilities, will require significant investments of capital and management's
close attention. In addition to our plans to construct ethanol and biodiesel
production facilities, we may seek to enter into significant marketing
agreements, and other similar agreements with companies that currently, or
expect to, produce ethanol or biodiesel. Our ability to effectively manage
our
growth will require us to substantially expand the capabilities of our
administrative and operational resources and to attract, train, manage and
retain qualified management, technicians and other personnel; we may be unable
to do so. In addition, our failure to successfully manage our growth could
result in our sales not increasing commensurately with capital investments.
If
we are unable to successfully manage our growth, we may be unable to achieve
our
goals.
We
plan to fund a substantial majority of the construction costs of our planned
ethanol and biodiesel production facilities through the issuance of a
significant amount of debt, resulting in substantial debt service requirements
that could harm our financial condition.
We
plan
to fund a substantial portion of the construction costs of our planned ethanol
and biodiesel production facilities through the issuance of a significant amount
of debt. As a result, our capital structure is expected to contain a significant
amount of debt. Debt levels and debt service requirements could have important
consequences to us, which could reduce the value of your investment,
including:
9
· |
limiting
our ability to borrow additional amounts for operating capital or
other
purposes and causing us to be able to borrow additional funds only
on
unfavorable terms;
|
· |
reducing
funds available for operations and distributions because a substantial
portion of our cash flow will be used to pay interest and principal
on
debt;
|
· |
making
us vulnerable to increases in prevailing interest
rates;
|
· |
placing
us at a competitive disadvantage because we may be substantially
more
leveraged than some of our
competitors;
|
· |
subjecting
all or substantially all of our assets to liens, which means that
there
may be no assets left for our shareholders in the event of a liquidation;
and
|
· |
limiting
our ability to adjust to changing market conditions, which could
increase
our vulnerability to a downturn in our business as a result of general
economic conditions.
|
If
we are
unable to pay our debt service obligations, we could be forced to reduce or
eliminate dividends to our shareholders, if they were to commence, and/or reduce
or eliminate needed capital expenditures. It is possible that we could be forced
to sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity capital or refinance or
restructure all or a portion of our debt on substantially less favorable terms.
In the event that we were unable to refinance all or a portion of our debt
or
raise funds through asset sales, sales of equity or otherwise, we may be forced
to liquidate.
If
we fail to finalize critical agreements, such as design-build agreements,
ethanol, biodiesel and by-product marketing agreements, and utility supply
agreements, or the terms of such critical agreements are unfavorable compared
to
what we currently anticipate, our projects may fail or be harmed in ways that
significantly reduce our profitability.
To
date,
we have not signed definitive binding construction agreements with any
Engineering Procurement Contracts (EPC) firm in the United States to design
and
build our planned ethanol or biodiesel plants. Nor have we entered into any
by-product marketing agreements, feedstock agreements or utility supply
agreements with respect to either our planned ethanol or biodiesel plants.
If we
are unable to enter into these critical agreements or the definitive versions
of
those agreements, documents, plans or proposals contain terms or conditions
that
vary significantly from the terms and conditions currently expected by us,
we
may not be able to operate profitably.
We
will be dependent on our engineering procurement and construction (EPC) firm
and
our process engineering firms, and their subsidiaries and affiliates for
expertise in the design, construction and operation of ethanol and biodiesel
plants and any loss of these relationships could cause delay and added expense,
placing us at a competitive disadvantage.
The
number of engineering and construction firms in the U.S. and India with the
necessary expertise to design and build ethanol and biodiesel plants and their
available capacity is limited. We will be dependent on our relationships with
our EPC firms, and their subsidiaries, affiliates and employees. Any loss of,
or
damage to, these relationships, particularly during the construction and
start-up period for the plant(s), may significantly delay or even prevent us
from commencing operations and result in the failure of our business. The time
and expense of locating new consultants and contractors would result in
unforeseen expenses and delays. Unforeseen expenses and delays may reduce our
ability to generate revenue and profitability and significantly damage our
competitive position in the ethanol and biodiesel industry.
10
We
may be unable to protect our intellectual property, which could negatively
affect our ability to compete.
We
rely
on a combination of trademark, trade name, confidentiality agreements, and
other
contractual restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property
rights. We also enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees,
consultants, and corporate partners, and control access to and distribution
of
our confidential information. These measures may not preclude the disclosure
of
our confidential or proprietary information. Despite efforts to protect our
proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain
and use our proprietary information. Monitoring unauthorized use of our
confidential information is difficult, and we cannot be certain that the steps
we take to prevent unauthorized use of our confidential information,
particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect proprietary
rights as fully as in the U.S., will be effective.
On
February 23, 2006, our wholly owned subsidiary American Ethanol, Inc. registered
as a corporation in the State of Nevada under the trade name American Ethanol,
Inc. On March 1, 2006, we filed an “Intent to Use” Trademark application for the
name American Ethanol with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Another
company in Santa Maria, California registered as a California corporation under
the name American Ethanol, Inc. in November 2005 and incorporated in the State
of Delaware under the name of American Ethanol, Inc. This company has also
filed
“Use” trademark applications with the USPTO for the names American Ethanol and
America’s Ethanol. These trademark applications predate our trademark
application and therefore if upheld may prohibit us from using the trademark
American Ethanol. In addition, their use of the trade name American Ethanol,
Inc. in California predates our use of the trade name in Nevada. As a result,
we
may be obligated to change our subsidiary’s trade name as well, and may be
subject to damages for trademark and trade name infringement.
We
will be required to hire and retain skilled technical and managerial
personnel.
Personnel
qualified to operate and manage ethanol and biodiesel plants are in demand.
Our
success depends in large part on our ability to attract, train, motivate and
retain qualified management and highly-skilled employees, particularly
managerial, technical, sales, and marketing personnel, technicians, and other
critical personnel. Any failure to attract and retain the required highly
trained managerial and technical personnel that are integral to production
and
development and technical support teams may have a negative impact on the
operation of our plants, which would have a negative impact on revenues. There
can be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain skilled persons
and the loss of skilled technical personnel would adversely affect
us.
We
are dependent upon our officers for management and direction and the loss of
any
of these persons could adversely affect our operations and
results.
We
are
dependent upon our officers for implementation of our proposed expansion
strategy and execution of our business plan. The loss of any of our officers
could have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations and
financial position. We do not maintain “key person” life insurance for any of
our officers. The loss of any of our officers could delay or prevent the
achievement of our business objectives.
Increases
in site or plant construction costs may require us to raise additional capital
resulting in a dilution of your investment.
We
anticipate that EPC firms will construct our proposed plants for a fixed
contract price, based on the plans and specifications in the anticipated
design-build agreement. The estimated cost of construction of plants is based
on
preliminary discussions, and there is no assurance that the final cost of one
or
more of our plants will not be higher. There is no assurance that there will
not
be design changes or cost overruns associated with the construction of plants.
Shortages of steel, concrete or other building materials or labor could affect
the final cost and final completion date of the project. In addition, specific
site conditions at any plant site may increase construction costs. For example,
a proposed site’s proximity or access to natural gas, electricity and water will
affect construction costs and the greater the distance to natural gas pipelines
and electric power lines, or if we are required to drill deeper than anticipated
wells to access the required quantity and quality of water, the construction
costs of a site could substantially increase. Any significant increase in the
estimated construction cost of the plant could require us to raise additional
capital, which would dilute your ownership in the company.
Construction
delays could result in devaluation of our shares if the production and sale
of
ethanol, biodiesel and their byproducts are similarly
delayed.
Construction
projects often involve delays for a number of reasons including delays in
obtaining permits, delays due to weather conditions, or other events. In
addition, an EPC firm’s or any other company’s involvement in the construction
of a number of other plants while constructing our plant could cause delays
in
the construction schedule. Also, any changes in interest rates or the credit
environment or any changes in political administrations at the federal, state
or
local level that result in policy changes towards ethanol, biodiesel or any
of
our projects could also cause construction and operation delays. If it takes
longer to construct any one or more of our plants than is anticipated, our
ability to generate revenues could be impaired and make it difficult for us
to
meet our debt service obligations.
11
Defects
in plant construction could result in the delay of ethanol or biodiesel
production, which could delay our ability to generate revenues and result in
a
devaluation of our securities.
There
is
no assurance that defects in materials and/or workmanship in a plant will not
occur. Under the expected terms of design-build agreements, we expect that
the
EPC firm would warrant that the material and equipment furnished to build the
plant will be new, of good quality, and free from material defects in material
or workmanship at the time of delivery. Though we expect the design-build
agreement to require the EPC firm to correct all defects in material or
workmanship for a period of time after substantial completion of the plant,
material defects in material or workmanship may still occur. Such defects could
delay the commencement of operations of the plant, or, if such defects are
discovered after operations have commenced, could cause us to halt or
discontinue the plant’s operation. Halting or discontinuing plant operations
could delay our ability to generate revenues.
Any
operational disruption could result in a reduction in sales volumes and could
cause us to incur substantial losses.
If
we are
able to complete the construction of our plants, our operations may be subject
to significant interruption if any of our facilities experiences a major
accident or is damaged by severe weather or other natural disasters. In
addition, our operations may be subject to labor disruptions and unscheduled
downtime, or other operational hazards inherent in our industry, such as
equipment failures, fires, explosions, abnormal pressures, blowouts, pipeline
ruptures, transportation accidents and natural disasters. Some of these
operational hazards may cause personal injury or loss of life, severe damage
to
or destruction of property and equipment or environmental damage, and may result
in suspension of operations and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.
Our insurance may not cover or be adequate to fully cover the potential
operational hazards described above.
We
may be sued or become a party to litigation, which could require significant
management time and attention and result in significant legal expenses and
may
result in an unfavorable outcome, which could have a material adverse effect
on
our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows.
We
may be
subject to a number of lawsuits from time to time arising in the ordinary course
of our business. The expense of defending ourselves against such litigation
may
be significant. The amount of time to resolve these lawsuits is unpredictable
and defending ourselves may divert management’s attention from the day-to-day
operations of our business, which could adversely affect our business, results
of operations and cash flows. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in such
litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and cash flows.
Risks
related to ethanol and biodiesel industry
Our
financial performance will be dependent on prices for feedstock and commodities,
which are subject to and determined by market forces outside our
control.
Our
results of operations and financial condition will be significantly affected
by
the cost and supply of feedstocks such as corn and palm oil, and other
commodities such as natural gas and electricity. The price of feedstock is
influenced by weather conditions and other factors affecting crop yields, farmer
planting decisions and general economic, market and regulatory factors. These
factors include government policies and subsidies with respect to agriculture
and international trade, and global and local demand and supply. The
significance and relative effect of these factors on the price of feedstock
is
difficult to predict. Any event that tends to negatively affect the supply
of
feedstock, such as adverse weather or crop disease, could increase feedstock
prices and potentially harm our business. In addition, we may also have
difficulty, from time to time, in physically sourcing feedstock on economical
terms due to supply shortages. Such a shortage could require us to suspend
operations until feedstocks are available at economical terms, which would
have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
position. The price we pay for feedstock at a facility could increase if an
additional ethanol or biodiesel production facility is built in the same general
vicinity.
The
availability and price of feedstock will significantly influence our financial
performance. We may purchase feedstock in the cash market and hedge price risk
through futures contracts and options to reduce short-term exposure to price
fluctuations. There is no assurance that our hedging activities will
successfully reduce the risk caused by price fluctuation, which may leave it
vulnerable to high feedstock prices. Hedging activities themselves can result
in
costs because price movements in feedstock contracts are highly volatile and
are
influenced by many factors that are beyond our control. We may incur such costs
and they may be significant.
Generally,
higher feedstock prices will usually produce lower profit margins. This is
especially true if market conditions do not allow us to pass through increased
feedstock costs to our customers. There is no assurance that we will be able
to
pass through higher feedstock prices because we presently have no operational
plants or customers. If a period of high feedstock prices were to be sustained
for some time, such pricing may reduce our ability to generate revenues because
of the higher cost of operations.
12
We
will
rely upon third parties for the supply of natural gas and electricity, which
is
consumed in the manufacture of biofuels. The prices for and availability of
natural gas and electricity are subject to volatile market conditions. These
market conditions often are affected by factors beyond our control such as
higher prices resulting from colder than average weather conditions and overall
economic and political conditions. Significant disruptions in the supply of
natural gas or electricity could impair our ability to manufacture ethanol
or
biodiesel. Furthermore, increases in natural gas or electricity prices or
changes in natural gas or electricity costs relative to natural gas costs paid
by competitors may adversely affect our results of operations and financial
position.
We
may depend on others for sales of our products, which may place us at a
competitive disadvantage and reduce profitability.
We
expect
to hire third-party marketing firms to market some or all of the ethanol and
biodiesel we plan to produce. We may also hire third-party firms to market
the
by products of ethanol and biodiesel production such as distillers’ grains and
glycerin. As a result, we expect to be dependent on any brokers that we engage.
There is no assurance that we will be able to enter into contracts with any
brokers on terms that are favorable to us. If the broker breaches the contract
or does not have the ability, for financial or other reasons, to market all
of
the biofuels we produce, we may not have any readily available means to sell
our
products. Our lack of a sales force and reliance on third parties to sell and
market our products may place us at a competitive disadvantage. Our failure
to
sell all of our products may result in less income from sales, reducing our
revenue stream.
The
ethanol and biodiesel production and marketing industry is extremely
competitive. Many of our competitors have greater financial and other resources
than we do and one or more of these competitors could use their greater
resources to gain market share at our expense.
The
ethanol and biodiesel production and marketing industry is extremely
competitive. Many of our significant competitors in the ethanol production
and
marketing industry, such as Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Cargill, have
substantially greater production, financial, research and development, personnel
and marketing resources than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able
to
compete more aggressively than we could and sustain that competition over a
longer period of time. Our lack of resources relative to many of our significant
competitors may cause us to fail to anticipate or respond adequately to new
developments and other competitive pressures. This failure could reduce our
competitiveness and cause a decline in our market share, sales and
profitability.
Declines
in the prices of ethanol, distillers’ grains, biodiesel and glycerin will have a
significant negative impact on our financial
performance.
Our
revenues will be greatly affected by the price at which we can sell our ethanol,
distillers’ grains, biodiesel and glycerin. These prices can be volatile as a
result of a number of factors. These factors include the overall supply and
demand, the price of gasoline, level of government support, and the availability
and price of competing products. For instance, the price of ethanol tends to
increase as the price of gasoline increases, and the price of ethanol tends
to
decrease as the price of gasoline decreases. Any lowering of gasoline prices
will likely also lead to lower prices for ethanol, which may decrease our
ethanol sales and reduce revenues.
The
prices of ethanol and biodiesel have recently been higher than their 10-year
average. We expect these prices to be volatile as supply from new and existing
ethanol and biodiesel plants increases to meet increased demand. Increased
production of ethanol and biodiesel may lead to lower prices. The increased
production of ethanol could have other adverse effects. For example, the
increased production could lead to increased supplies of by-products from the
production of ethanol, such as distillers’ grains. Those increased supplies
could outpace demand, which would lead to lower prices for those by-products.
Also, the increased production of ethanol and biodiesel could result in
increased demand for the relevant feedstock such as corn and palm oil. This
could result in higher prices for such feedstock creating lower profits. There
can be no assurance as to the price of biodiesel, ethanol, distillers’ grains or
glycerin in the future. Any downward changes in the price of biodiesel, ethanol,
distillers’ grains and/or glycerin may result in less income, which would
decrease our profitability.
Competition
from the advancement of alternative fuels may lessen the demand for biodiesel
and ethanol and negatively impact our profitability.
Alternative
fuels, gasoline oxygenates and ethanol production methods are continually under
development. A number of automotive, industrial and power generation
manufacturers are developing alternative clean power systems using fuel cells
or
clean burning gaseous fuels. The emerging fuel cell industry offers a
technological option to address increasing worldwide energy costs, the long-term
availability of petroleum reserves and environmental concerns. Fuel cells have
emerged as a potential alternative to certain existing power sources because
of
their higher efficiency, reduced noise and lower emissions. Fuel cell industry
participants are currently targeting the transportation, stationary power and
portable power markets in order to decrease fuel costs, lessen dependence on
crude oil and reduce harmful emissions. If the fuel cell and hydrogen industries
continue to expand and gain broad acceptance, and hydrogen becomes readily
available to consumers for motor vehicle use, we may not be able to compete
effectively. This additional competition could reduce the demand for ethanol
and
biodiesel, which would negatively impact our profitability.
13
As
domestic ethanol and biodiesel production continues to grow, ethanol and
biodiesel supply may exceed demand causing prices to
decline.
The
number of ethanol and biodiesel plants being developed and constructed in the
U.S. continues to increase at a rapid pace. The recent passage of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 included a renewable fuels mandate that we expect will
further increase the number of domestic ethanol and biodiesel production
facilities. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) recently announced a plan to add
approximately 500 million gallons per year of additional ethanol production
capacity in the U.S. ADM is currently the largest ethanol producer in the U.S.
and controls a significant portion of the ethanol market. ADM’s plan to produce
an additional 500 million gallons of ethanol per year will weaken our position
in the ethanol industry and cause a significant increase in domestic ethanol
supply. As these plants begin operations, we expect domestic ethanol and
biodiesel production to significantly increase. If the demand for ethanol and
biodiesel does not grow at the same pace as increases in supply, we would expect
the price for ethanol and/or biodiesel to decline. Declining ethanol and/or
biodiesel prices will result in lower revenues and may reduce or eliminate
our
profitability.
Ethanol
and biodiesel imported from other countries may be a less expensive alternative
to ethanol and biodiesel produced by us, which would cause us to lose market
share and adversely affect profitability.
Brazil
is
currently the world’s largest producer and exporter of ethanol. Ethanol imported
from Brazil and other countries may be a less expensive alternative to
domestically produced ethanol if tariffs presently protecting U.S. ethanol
producers are reduced or eliminated. Competition from ethanol imported from
Brazil and other countries may affect our ability to sell ethanol
profitably.
In
addition, ethanol produced or processed in certain countries in Central America
and the Caribbean region is eligible for tariff reduction or elimination upon
importation to the U.S. under a program known as the Caribbean Basin Initiative.
Large ethanol producers, such as Cargill, have expressed interest in building
dehydration plants in participating Caribbean Basin countries, such as El
Salvador, which would convert ethanol into fuel-grade ethanol for shipment
to
the U.S. Ethanol imported from Caribbean Basin countries may be a less expensive
alternative to domestically produced ethanol. Competition from ethanol imported
from Caribbean Basin countries may affect our ability to sell our ethanol
profitably.
Changes
and advances in ethanol and biodiesel production technology could require us
to
incur costs to update our planned ethanol and biodiesel plants or could
otherwise hinder our ability to compete in the biofuels industry or operate
profitably.
Advances
and changes in ethanol and/or biodiesel production technology may make the
production technologies installed in any of our plants less desirable or
obsolete. These advances may also allow competitors to produce biofuels at
a
lower cost than we can. If we are unable to adopt or incorporate technological
advances, our biofuels production methods and processes could be less efficient
than our competitors, which could cause our plants to become uncompetitive
or
completely obsolete. If competitors develop, obtain or license technology that
is superior to ours or that makes our technology obsolete, we may be required
to
incur significant costs to enhance or acquire new technology so that our
Biofuels production remains competitive. Alternatively, we may be required
to
seek third-party licenses, which could also result in significant expenditures.
We cannot guarantee or assure that third-party licenses will be available or,
once obtained, will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms.
These costs could negatively impact our financial performance by increasing
our
operating costs and reducing our net income.
Plant
sites may have unknown environmental problems that could be expensive and time
consuming to correct, which may delay or halt plant construction and delay
our
ability to generate revenue.
We
may
encounter hazardous conditions at or near each of our planned facility sites
that may delay or prevent construction of a particular facility. If we encounter
a hazardous condition at or near a site, work may be suspended and we may be
required to correct the condition prior to continuing construction. The presence
of a hazardous condition would likely delay or prevent construction of a
particular facility and may require significant expenditure of resources to
correct the condition. If we encounter any hazardous condition during
construction, estimated sales and profitability may be adversely
affected.
Risks
related to regulation and governmental action
A
change in government policies favorable to ethanol or biodiesel may cause demand
for ethanol or biodiesel to decline.
Growth
and demand for ethanol and biodiesel may be driven primarily by federal and
state government policies, such as state laws banning Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether (MTBE) and the national renewable fuels standard. The continuation of
these policies is uncertain, which means that demand for ethanol or biodiesel
may decline if these policies change or are discontinued.
Federal
tax incentives for ethanol and biodiesel production may be eliminated in the
future, which could hinder our ability to operate at a profit and adversely
affect our business.
14
The
ethanol and biodiesel industry and our business are assisted by various federal
tax incentives, including those included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The
provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 likely to have the greatest impact
on
the ethanol industry is the creation of a 7.5 billion-gallon Renewable Fuels
Standard (RFS). The RFS will begin at 4 billion gallons in 2006, increasing
to
7.5 billion gallons by 2012. The RFS helps support a market for ethanol that
might disappear without this incentive. The elimination or reduction of tax
incentives to the ethanol industry could increase ethanol prices and thereby
reduce the market for ethanol, which could reduce our revenues by making it
more
costly or difficult for us to produce and sell ethanol. If the federal tax
incentives are eliminated or sharply curtailed, we believe that a decreased
demand for ethanol will result, which could result in the failure of our
business.
Another
important provision involves an expansion in the definition of who qualifies
as
a small ethanol producer. Historically, small ethanol producers were allowed
a
10-cents-per-gallon production income tax credit on up to 15 million gallons
of
production annually. The size of the plant eligible for the tax credit was
limited to 30 million gallons. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 the size
limitation on the production capacity for small ethanol producers increases
from
30 million to 60 million gallons. This tax credit may foster additional growth
in ethanol plants of a size similar to our proposed plants and increase
competition in this particular plant size category.
Similarly,
there is a $1.00 per gallon tax credit allowed for the production of biodiesel.
If U.S. federal energy policy changes, or if the tax credit were eliminated,
it
could have a negative impact on our biodiesel business. The U.S. Congress is
currently debating such a proposal, and is expected to vote on revised energy
policies in the fall of 2007. Any reduction or elimination of current tax
credits could have a negative impact on us and our business.
Changes
in environmental regulations or violations of the regulations could be expensive
and reduce our ability to become profitable.
We
are
and will continue to be subject to extensive air, water and other environmental
regulations and will need to obtain a number of environmental permits to
construct and operate our plants. In addition, it is likely that senior debt
financing will be contingent on our ability to obtain the various environmental
permits that we will require. If for any reason, any of these permits are not
granted, construction costs for the plants may increase, or the plants may
not
be constructed at all. Additionally, any changes in environmental laws and
regulations, both at the federal and state level, could require us to invest
or
spend considerable resources in order to comply with future environmental
regulations. The expense of compliance could be significant enough to reduce
profits.
Our
lack of business diversification could result in the devaluation of our
securities if we do not generate revenue from our primary products or such
revenues decrease.
We
expect
that our business will consist of ethanol, biodiesel, distillers’ grains and
glycerin production and sales. We currently have no other lines of business
or
other sources of revenue if we are unable to complete the construction and
operation of our proposed plants. Our lack of business diversification could
cause you to lose all or some of your investment if we are unable to generate
revenues by the production and sales of ethanol, biodiesel, distillers grains
and glycerin, since we do not have any other lines of business or alternative
revenue sources.
Risks
related to our stock
There
can be no assurance that a liquid public market for our common stock will
continue to exist.
Although
our shares of common stock are eligible for quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board
electronic over-the-counter trading system, a very limited number of shares
trade on a regular basis and there may not be a significant market in such
stock. There can be no assurance that a regular and established market will
be
developed and maintained for our common stock. There can also be no assurance
as
to the strength or liquidity of any market for our common stock or the prices
at
which holders may be able to sell their shares.
It
is likely that there will be significant volatility in the trading
price.
Market
prices for our common stock will be influenced by many factors and will be
subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in our operating
results and other factors. Because our business plan is to own and operate
ethanol and biodiesel plants, factors that could affect our future stock price,
and create volatility in our stock price, include the price and demand for
ethanol and biodiesel, the price and availability of oil and gasoline, the
political situation in the Middle East, U.S. energy policies, federal and state
regulatory changes that affect the price of ethanol or biodiesel, and the
existence or discontinuation of legislative incentives for renewable fuels.
Our
stock price will also be affected by the trading price of the stock of our
competitors, investor perceptions of us, interest rates, general economic
conditions and those specific to the ethanol or biodiesel industry, developments
with regard to our operations and activities, our future financial condition,
and changes in our management.
15
Risks
relating to low priced stocks.
Although
our common stock currently is quoted and traded on the OTC Bulletin Board
(although there has been only limited trading since May 2006 when trading on
the
OTCBB began), the price at which the stock will trade in the future cannot
currently be estimated. If our common stock trades below $5.00 per share,
trading in the common stock may be subject to the requirements of certain rules
promulgated under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”),
which require additional disclosure by broker-dealers in connection with any
trades involving a stock defined as a penny stock (generally, any non-Nasdaq
equity security that has a market price share of less than $5.00 per share,
subject to certain exceptions) and a two business day “cooling off period”
before broker and dealers can effect transactions in penny stocks. For these
types of transactions, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability
determination for the purchaser and have received the purchaser’s written
consent to the transaction prior to the sale. The broker-dealer also must
disclose the commissions payable to the broker-dealer, current bid and offer
quotations for the penny stock and, if the broker-dealer is the sole
market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s
presumed control over the market. These, and the other burdens imposed upon
broker-dealers by the penny stock requirements, could discourage broker-dealers
from effecting transactions in our common stock which could severely limit
the
market liquidity of our common stock and the ability of holders of our common
stock to sell it.
We
do not intend to pay dividends.
We
have
not paid any cash dividends on any of our securities since inception and we
do
not anticipate paying any cash dividends on any of our securities in the
foreseeable future.
Members
of our management hold a substantial amount of our common stock, which will
enable these shareholders to exercise influence over many matters requiring
shareholder approval and may have the effect of delaying, preventing or
deterring a change in control, which could deprive you of an opportunity to
receive a premium for your securities as part of a sale of the company and
may
affect the market price of our stock.
Cagan
McAfee Capital Partners (“CMCP”), Eric A. McAfee and Laird Q. Cagan, in the
aggregate, beneficially own approximately 32.67% of our capital stock on a
fully
diluted, as converted basis. Mr. Cagan and Mr. McAfee are equal co-owners and
Managing Directors of CMCP. In addition, the other members of our Board of
Directors and management, in the aggregate, beneficially own approximately
11.3%
of our common stock. As a result, these shareholders, acting together, will
be
able to influence many matters requiring shareholder approval, including the
election of directors and approval of mergers and other significant corporate
transactions. See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management.” The interests of these shareholders may differ from yours and this
concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing or
deterring a change in control, and could deprive you of an opportunity to
receive a premium for your securities as part of a sale of the company and
may
affect the market price of our securities.
Future
sales of our securities, or the perception in the markets that these sales
may
occur, could depress our stock price.
We
have
issued and outstanding approximately (i) 84 million shares of common stock;
(ii)
6.5 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock; and (iii) options and warrants
grants of 4.2 million shares of common stock and .75 million shares of Series
B
Preferred Stock. These securities will be eligible for public sale only if
registered under the Securities Act or if the shareholder qualifies for an
exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities
Act,
or other applicable exemption. Our officers, directors and holders of
substantially all of our capital stock have not entered into any lock-up
agreements restricting their ability to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose
of
any of their shares. The market price of our capital stock could drop
significantly if the holders of these shares sell them or are perceived by
the
market as intending to sell them. These factors also could make it more
difficult for us to raise capital or make acquisitions through the issuance
of
additional shares of our common stock or other equity securities.
We
are
obligated to register the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of
the
Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock for sale to the public
after the Reverse Merger. We have yet to register these shares. In addition,
these security holders will have the right to include their securities in any
public offering we may undertake in the future or demand that we register some
or all of their shares for sale to the public. The registration or sale of
any
of these securities could cause the market price of our securities to drop
significantly. If the registration statement is not been filed timely, the
Company will be required to make pro rata payments to each eligible stock
investor as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, in the amount equal to
0.5%
of the aggregate purchase price paid by such investor for the preferred stock
for each thirty (30) day period or pro rata for any portion thereof following
the date by which or on which such Registration Statement should have been
filed
or effective, as the case may be. Payments shall be in full compensation to
the
investors, and shall constitute the investor's exclusive remedy for such events.
The amounts payable as liquidated damages shall be paid in shares of common
stock.
16
Corporate
Office.
Our
corporate headquarters is located at 20400 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 700,
Cupertino, California. The Cupertino facility office space consists of 6,134
rentable square feet. We occupy this facility under a sublease that commenced
October 8, 2007 and ends on September 30, 2009. The base rent for this facility
is $15,948.40 per month for the term of the sublease, plus 29.8% of the
sublessor’s share of operating expenses of the property.
India
Plant.
We own
approximately 32,000 square meters of land in Kakanada, India. The property
is
located 7.5 kilometer from the local seaport having connectivity through a
pipe
line to the port jetty. The pipe line facilitates the importing of raw materials
and exporting finished product. On this site, we built a biodiesel plant with
a
50 million gallon nameplate capacity, that is currently ready for
commissioning.
Nebraska
Office.
We
lease approximately 1,000 square feet of office space in Lincoln, Nebraska
for a
monthly rental of $1,395. This lease has options to renew, and we have exercised
the first of these options that extend the rental through June, 2008. The second
rental option extends the lease through June 2009.
Butte
Pilot Plant.
We
lease approximately 9,000 square feet of industrial building space in Butte,
Montana to house our demonstration facility for a monthly rental of $3,750
until October 15, 2008 when the monthly rental increases to $4,500. This lease
expires in October 2009. This property includes an option to purchase the land
and building at the renewal date and at the lease termination date.
Texas
Office.
We
lease approximately 750 square feet of office space in Spring, Texas (near
Houston) for a monthly rental of $800. This lease is a 12 month least expiring
in August, 2008.
A
list of
domestic properties that we have acquired and property that we have the right
to
acquire for planned future plant development is set forth below:
Location
|
Ownership
|
|
Approximate
Acreage
|
|
Annual
ethanol
capacity
(in
millions
of gallons
per
year)
|
Ethanol
Plant
Permitting
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Nebraska
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Sutton,
Clay County*
|
Fee
Simple
|
200
|
110
|
Permit
in Revision
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
Illinois
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Danville,
Vermilion County**
|
Fee
Simple
|
175
|
110
|
Permit
Granted
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
Gilman,
Iroquois County
|
Option
|
204
|
110
|
Permit
Granted
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Allen
Station, Mason County
|
Option
|
107
|
110
|
Permit
Granted
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
Stillman
Valley, Ogle County
|
Option
|
200
|
110
|
Permit
Granted
|
|||||||||
Gridley,
McLean County
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
110
|
|
|
Permit
in Process
|
*We
acquired this property in 2006.
**We
acquired this property in March 2007.
We
believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our current and reasonably
anticipated future needs.
Item
3. Legal Proceedings.
Mr.
McAfee is a founding shareholder or principal investor in 12 publicly traded
companies and approximately 20 private companies. Mr. McAfee served as the
vice
chairman of the Board of Directors of Verdisys, Inc., a publicly traded company,
in 2003. To resolve potential litigation and to provide resolution of any
issues, Mr. McAfee and the Commission entered into a settlement agreement under
which Mr. McAfee neither admitted nor denied causing any action by Verdisys,
Inc. to fail to comply with Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5
and
agreed to a payment of $25,000.
17
On
July
18, 2007, Logibio Albany Terminal, LLC filed a complaint against American
Ethanol, Sutton Ethanol and Eric McAfee, the Company’s chairman, in the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The complaint sought
a declaratory judgment and damages for alleged fraud and interference with
business expectancy. American Ethanol filed a complaint against Logibio and
Amit
Bhandari, its owner, in New York. The complaint sought a declaratory judgment
and damages for alleged fraud and breach of contract. This claim was settled
in
October 2007 by mutual agreement of the parties with no payments or costs to
either party.
Item
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Marwich
II, Ltd.
A
special
meeting of the stockholders of Marwich II, Ltd., a Colorado corporation was
held
on November 19, 2007 in Cupertino, California to consider and vote upon the
following proposals:
(i) |
the
reincorporation of Marwich II, Ltd. from the State of Colorado to
the
State of Nevada by way of a merger with and into the Company’s
wholly-owned subsidiary, Marwich II, Ltd., a Nevada corporation
(“Marwich-Nevada”) and the adoption thereby of Marwich-Nevada’s Articles
of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized shares of capital
stock from 100,000,000 to 465,000,000, with 65,000,000 shares of
capital
stock designated as “blank check” preferred stock (the “Reincorporation”);
|
(ii) |
to
direct the Marwich-Colorado board of directors to cause Marwich-Colorado,
as the sole shareholder of Marwich-Nevada, to approve the principal
terms
of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July
19,
2007, by and among Marwich-Colorado, Marwich-Nevada, AE Biofuels,
Inc., a
Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Marwich-Nevada
(“Merger
Sub”) and American Ethanol, Inc. ("American Ethanol"), and the merger
between the parties (the “Merger”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be
merged with and into American Ethanol.
|
(iii) |
to
direct the Marwich-Colorado board of directors to cause Marwich-Colorado,
as the sole shareholder of Marwich-Nevada, to approve an amendment
to the
Articles of Incorporation of Marwich-Nevada to change the name of
the
company to AE Biofuels, Inc. upon the consummation of the
Merger.
|
The
proposal was approved and the results of the voting are as follows:
Votes
For
|
Votes
Against
|
Abstain
|
3,343,200
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
American
Ethanol, Inc.
A
special
meeting of the stockholders of American Ethanol, Inc., a Nevada corporation
was
held on November 19, 2007 in Cupertino, California to consider and vote upon
the
following proposals:
(i) |
to
approve the principal terms of the Amended and Restated Agreement
and Plan
of Merger, dated July 19, 2007, by and among Marwich II, Ltd., a
Colorado
corporation, Marwich II, Ltd., a Nevada corporation, AE Biofuels,
Inc., a
Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Marwich-Nevada
(“Merger
Sub”) and American Ethanol, Inc. ("American Ethanol"), and the merger
between the parties (the “Merger”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be
merged with and into American Ethanol.
|
(ii) |
to
direct the Marwich-Colorado board of directors to cause Marwich-Colorado,
as the sole shareholder of Marwich-Nevada, to approve an amendment
to the
Articles of Incorporation of Marwich-Nevada to change the name of
the
company to AE Biofuels, Inc. upon the consummation of the
Merger.
|
The
proposal was approved and the results of the voting are as follows:
Votes
For
|
Votes
Against
|
Abstain
|
76,069,090
|
-0-
|
583,334
|
18
Item
5. Market For Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
Market
Information
Our
common stock has been traded on the OTC Bulletin Board over-the-counter market
since December 2007 under the symbol "AEBF" when the ticker symbol was changed
to reflect the company name change. Prior to December 2007, our stock traded
on
the OTC Bulletin Board over-the-counter market since May 2006 under the symbol
“MWII”. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for our
common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board over-the-counter market from June 1,
2006
under both ticker symbols. The source of these quotations are Yahoo.com/Finance.
The bid prices are inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, markdown or
commission, and may not reflect actual transactions.
Quarter
Ending
|
High
Bid
|
Low
Bid
|
June
30, 2006
|
18.00
|
15.50
|
September
30, 2006
|
39.00
|
11.50
|
December
31, 2006
|
17.50
|
10.10
|
March
31, 2007
|
16.00
|
11.75
|
June
30, 2007
|
14.99
|
7.50
|
September
30, 2007
|
13.50
|
10.00
|
December
31, 2007
|
15.00
|
6.10
|
Shareholders
of Record
As
of
December 31, 2007, there were 133 holders of record of our common stock, not
including holders who hold their shares in street name.
Dividends
We
have
never paid cash dividends on our preferred or common stock. We intend to keep
future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business, and we do
not
anticipate that any cash dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future.
Our
future payment of dividends will depend on our earnings, capital requirements,
expansion plans, financial condition and other relevant factors. Our retained
earnings deficit currently limits our ability to pay dividends.
Securities
Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
2007
Stock Plan
American
Ethanol adopted the 2007 Stock Plan on July 17, 2007 and we assumed American
Ethanol’s 2007 Stock Plan and all of the options issued and outstanding under
the 2007 Stock Plan upon the consummation of the Reverse Merger on December
7,
2007 which will continue to be governed by their existing terms.
Share
Reserve.
We have
reserved 4,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the 2007 Equity
Incentive Plan. In general, to the extent that awards under the 2007 Stock
Plan
are forfeited or lapse without the issuance of shares, those shares will again
become available for awards. All share numbers described in this summary of
the
2007 Stock Plan (including exercise prices for options and stock appreciation
rights) are automatically adjusted in the event of a stock split, a stock
dividend, or a reverse stock split.
Administration.
Either
the board or any committee of our board of directors may administer the 2007
Stock Plan. The administrator of the 2007 Stock Plan has the complete discretion
to make all decisions relating to the plan and outstanding awards.
19
Eligibility.
Employees, members of our board of directors who are not employees and
consultants are eligible to participate in our 2007 Stock Plan.
Types
of
Award. Our 2007 Stock Plan provides for the following types of awards:
· |
incentive
and nonstatutory stock options to purchase shares of our common stock;
and
|
· |
stock
purchase rights.
|
Options
and Stock Purchase Rights.
The
exercise price for options granted under the 2007 Stock Plan may not be less
than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the option grant
date.
Optionees may pay the exercise price by using:
· |
cash;
|
· |
promissory
note;
|
· |
other
shares of the Company’s common stock, provided such shares were acquired
directly from the Company; have been owned by the Optionee for more
than
six months on the date of surrender, and have a Fair Market Value
on the
date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares
as
to which such Option shall be exercised;
|
· |
consideration
received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented
by
the Company in connection with the Plan; or
|
· |
any
combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
|
Options
and stock purchase rights vest at the time or times determined by the
administrator. In most cases, they will vest over a four-year period following
the date of grant. Options and stock purchase rights also expire at the time
determined by the administrator, but in no event more than 10 years after they
are granted. They generally expire earlier if the participant’s service
terminates earlier.
Change
in Control.
In the
event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation, or a change
in control, each outstanding option and stock purchase right shall be assumed
or
an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation. In the event
that
the successor corporation in a merger or change in control refuses to assume
or
substitute for the option or stock purchase right, then the optionee shall
fully
vest in and have the right to exercise the option or stock purchase right as
to
all of the Optioned Stock, including shares as to which it would not otherwise
be vested or exercisable.
A
change
in control includes:
· |
a
merger or consolidation after which our own stockholders own less
than 50%
of the surviving corporation or its parent;
|
· |
a
sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of
our
assets;
|
· |
an
acquisition of 50% or more of our outstanding stock by any person
or
group, other than a person related to us (such as a holding company
owned
by our stockholders or a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities
under an employee benefit plan of ours or of our parent or of a subsidiary
of ours).
|
Amendments
or Termination.
Our
board of directors may amend or terminate the 2007 Stock Plan at any time.
If
our board of directors amends the plan, it does not need to ask for stockholder
approval of the amendment unless required by applicable law. The 2007 Stock
Plan
will continue in effect for 10 years from its adoption date, unless our board
of
directors decides to terminate the plan earlier.
The
following table provides information about our equity compensation plan as
of
December 31, 2007:
Plan
category
|
(a)
Number of securities
to be issued
upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
(b)
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
(c)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
|
|||||||
Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders(1)
|
-0-
|
|||||||||
Equity
compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
2,224,000
|
$
|
2.84
|
2,016,000
|
||||||
Total
|
2,224,000
|
$
|
2.84
|
2,016,000
|
(1)
We
will seek approval of the 2007 Stock Option Plan through the 2008
Proxy.
20
The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with the AE Biofuels, Inc.
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere
in
this report. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that
reflect the plans, estimates and beliefs of AE Biofuels. Inc. The actual results
could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those
discussed below and elsewhere in this Report, particularly in “Risk Factors.”
All references to years relate to the calendar year ended December 31 of the
particular year.
Overview
The
audited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AE Biofuels,
Inc. (“AE Biofuels”), a Nevada corporation, and its subsidiaries. We are in the
business of developing next-generation ethanol and biodiesel plants. We have
not
yet commenced production operations and do not have a long operational
history.
AE
Biofuels, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated as Marwich II, Ltd. under the
laws of the State of Colorado on August 16, 1983 to engage in the acquisition
of
assets and properties which management believed had good business potential.
In
the course of its business the Company acquired a number of real estate and
promissory note properties.
The
Company subsequently sold its properties, ceased active business operations
and
was administratively dissolved by the Colorado Secretary of State effective
January 1, 1991. On October 13, 2004, articles of reinstatement were filed
with
the Colorado Secretary of State and the Company became current in its reporting
obligations under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
American
Ethanol was originally incorporated in California on September 12, 2001 as
Great
Valley Ventures LLC, although no operating agreement was adopted and no capital
was contributed until November 29, 2005. From November 2005 through December
2005, Great Valley commenced activities with the addition of key advisors,
management, and additional founding shareholders. On January 12, 2006, Great
Valley Ventures was renamed American Ethanol, LLC. On February 23, 2006,
American Ethanol, LLC merged into American Ethanol, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
Accordingly, AE Biofuels consolidated financial statements include the assets,
liabilities and operations of the predecessor LLC as if the merger had taken
place on November 29, 2005, the date of the LLC’s inception. AE Biofuels is in
the development stage with its efforts being principally devoted to acquiring
real estate, permitting of ethanol plants, constructing new plants, securing
feedstock sources, developing new plant processes, engineering manufacturing
systems, and equity raising activities.
On
June
23, 2006, American Ethanol acquired 88.3% of the outstanding common stock of
Marwich II, Ltd., a Colorado corporation pursuant to a stock purchase agreement
between American Ethanol and the principal shareholders of the Company.
Marwich-Colorado was a shell company and had no current operations. Also on
June
23, 2006, American Ethanol entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with
Marwich-Colorado pursuant to which American Ethanol agreed to merge into
Marwich-Colorado. On July 19, 2007, Marwich-Colorado, Marwich II, Ltd., a Nevada
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Marwich-Colorado (“Marwich-Nevada”),
AE Biofuels, Inc., a Nevada corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of
Marwich-Nevada (“Merger Sub”), and American Ethanol entered into an Amended and
Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Amended Merger Agreement”). The
Amended Merger Agreement superseded the Agreement and Plan of Merger entered
into on June 23, 2006.
Pursuant
to the Amended Merger Agreement, Marwich-Colorado agreed to reincorporate into
the State of Nevada (the “Reincorporation”) and, subject to the Reincorporation,
American Ethanol agreed to merge with Merger Sub with American Ethanol being
the
surviving corporation (the “Reverse Merger’). The Reincorporation and Reverse
Merger were consummated on December 7, 2007. In connection with the Reverse
Merger, Marwich-Nevada issued to the former shareholders of American Ethanol
84,114,998 shares of its common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding
shares of American Ethanol common stock, 6,487,491 shares of our Series B
Preferred Stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of
American Ethanol Series B Preferred Stock and assumed options and warrants
exercisable for 4,229,000 shares of our common stock and 748,074 shares of
our
Series B Preferred Stock, respectively. The Company then changed its name to
AE
Biofuels, Inc. As a result, American Ethanol became our wholly owned subsidiary
and the former stockholders of American Ethanol became the controlling
stockholders of the Company.
Company
Organization
AE
Biofuels, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary American Ethanol, Inc.,
owns
entities created to transact business for plant or functional purposes. Through
our subsidiary International Biodiesel, Inc., we own International Biofuels,
Ltd, a Mauritius corporation and its 74% interest in the subsidiary Universal
Biofuels Private Ltd, an India company. Universal Biofuels Private Ltd. holds
as
its primary asset a biodiesel plant with the nameplate capacity of 50
million gallons annually in Kakinada, India. Two subsidiaries hold
future plant development assets and include Sutton Ethanol, LLC (“Sutton) and
Danville Ethanol Inc,. Biofuels Marketing was acquired by us on September 1,
2007, as a marketing organization whose purpose is to acquire feedstock and
sell
the commodities related to our ethanol and biodiesel plants. Energy Enzymes
LLC
is held as a 51% owned joint venture for the development of next-generation
cellulosic ethanol. The 49% interest in Energy Enzymes is held by Renewable
Technology Corporation (“RTC”).
21
On
January 17, 2007, we entered into a joint venture agreement with E85 to develop
the land owned by Sutton Ethanol, LLC using property contributed by us
to the joint venture. The joint venture began development of the property,
principally by hiring the services of contractors and engineering firms. On
August 14, 2007 by mutual consent of the parties the joint venture was
terminated. Upon termination, the contract with the principal engineering
services firm was terminated, and the property was returned to us.
On
March
27, 2008, the Board of Directors approved the following company
structure:
Revenues
Revenues.
No
revenues were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2007. We engaged in
the
purchase and resale of biodiesel fuel for approximately $740,000 during the
year
ended December 31, 2006.
Expenses
Expenses.
For the
period from November 29, 2005 (inception) through December 31, 2007, the Company
was considered a development stage enterprise under the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 7 Development
Stage Enterprises.
We have
been devoting substantially all of our efforts to the establishment of biodiesel
and ethanol plants and securing feedstocks to operate those plants. We will
remain a development stage company until principal operations have commenced
and
significant revenues have been generated from those operations.
Research
and Development Expenses
During
2007, we formed a joint venture with Renewable Technology Corporation (RTC)
for
the purpose of developing next-generation ethanol production processes. Under
this joint venture agreement in 2007, we acquired 51% of Energy Enzymes, Inc.
and have subsequently funded the salaries and expenses for their small team
of
scientists to optimize cellulosic ethanol technology for large-scale commercial
implementation. For the year ended December 31, 2007, this team incurred
consulting costs of $240,000 for their participation and an additional $17,760
in related spending for office space, travel and subscriptions.
General
and Administrative Expenses
Principal
areas of spending for general and administrative spending are in the areas
of
employee compensation, travel, professional services, and the impairment of
an
asset. The most significant item was a write-off of engineering costs associated
with the potential development of the Sutton property in the amount of
approximately $5,114,000 included as miscellaneous expense. This write-off
was
offset by a gain of approximately $8,000,000 (see discussion of “other income”
below) during the year ended December 31, 2007.
22
We
summarize out spending into eight components as follows:
2007
|
2006
|
||
%
|
%
|
||
Salaries,
wages and compensation
|
22%
|
32%
|
|
Supplies
and services
|
6%
|
14%
|
|
Repair
and maintenance
|
0%
|
0%
|
|
Taxes,
insurance, rent and utilities
|
2%
|
2%
|
|
Professional
services
|
26%
|
36%
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
0%
|
0%
|
|
Travel
and entertainment
|
5%
|
10%
|
|
Miscellaneous
expense
|
39%
|
6%
|
|
Total
|
100%
|
100%
|
The
single largest component of general and administrative expense is professional
services, which include legal, accounting, financial advisory, board
compensation, security filings, and transfer agent fees along with associated
non-cash stock compensation expense. For the year ended December 31, 2007,
we
spent approximately $3,451,477 on professional services including a non-cash
stock compensation charge of approximately $304,612 for stock grants to key
consultants and advisors. For the year ended December 31, 2006, we spent
approximately $2,329,000 on professional services of which none was for stock
based compensation. On an inception to date basis, we spent $5,694,902 on
professional services, including $304,612 of stock compensation.
The second
largest component of general and administrative expense is employee
compensation, including related stock compensation. For the year ended December
31, 2007, the number of employees grew slightly from 10 employees in January
2007 to 12 employees in December 2007. Compensation expense grew from
approximately $2,025,784 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2006 to
approximately $3,281,932 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2007. The increase
was principally driven by the non-cash, stock compensation of approximately
$969,888 during 2007 compared to the stock compensation of $363,460 recorded
during 2006. On an inception to date basis, we spent $5,307,717 on employee
compensation, including approximately $1,310,897 of stock compensation.
The
third
largest component of general and administrative expense is supplies and
services, which includes project spending on permits, site inspections and
option write-offs. This category also includes the miscellaneous expenditures
for office supplies, computer equipment, networking services, etc. Of the
approximately $900,591 spent in this category for the 12 months ended December
31, 2007, costs of expired land options comprises approximately $445,124, costs
of site inspections comprises approximately $166,487 and costs to obtain permits
comprises approximately $127,482. This compares to spending of $915,000 for
the
year ended December 31, 2006. On an inception to date basis, we have spent
$1,815,000 on services related to obtaining suitable sites and administrative
supplies.
During
2007, the sales and marketing organization was developed through the acquisition
of Biofuels Marketing. The Company incurred costs for two employees. Since
the
Company did not record any sales, these costs are considered start-up costs
and
accordingly included in general and administrative. At such time as the Company
generates revenues, these costs will be captured as sales and marketing
activities.
Other
Income / Expense
In
the
fourth quarter of 2007, we tested the supply chain for the Kakinada plant
through a purchase and resale of feedstocks for approximately $9,352,000, of
which approximately $6,128,000 was resold to the co-investor in this project.
Sales were made at prevailing market rates. Our net profit on this transaction
was $76,000 and is included as other income, net.
The
Company entered into two agreements with E85, the first one to sell the Wahoo
Ethanol LLC and its plant site, and the second one to develop a corn based
ethanol plant on the Sutton land in a joint venture with E85. Other income
of
approximately $9,061,000 consists of the gain of approximately $855,000 for
the
sale of the Wahoo site and a gain of approximately $8,206,000 from the
dissolution of the joint venture with E85 and the repurchase of the shares
of
the American Ethanol and E85 joint venture from E85.
During
2006, we purchased currency forward contracts to offset the currency risk of
converting US dollars into India Rupees, prior to the use of these funds for
the
construction of our India plant. A gain on foreign currency exchange in the
amount of $544,774 was recorded in 2007, and a loss on foreign currency exchange
in the amount of $46,820 was recorded in 2006. As of December 31, 2007, we
did
not have any currency forward contracts.
Liquidity
Through
December 31, 2007, we have raised approximately $32,000,000 (net of expenses)
through the sale of equity; $2,000,000 from the sale of our subsidiary, Wahoo
Ethanol, LLC; and $8,206,000 million pursuant to the repurchase of our interest
in Sutton Ethanol, LLC. At December 31, 2007 we had approximately $510,000
in
cash and cash equivalents held in our domestic entities and $2,845,000 held
as
short term marketable securities in offshore subsidiaries. The funds that we
have raised to date have been used for the development of our 50 million gallon
biodiesel facility in India (approximately $15,400,000 million), a land
acquisition in Illinois for development of an ethanol facility (approximately
$2,300,000), and a land acquisition and improvements in Nebraska for development
of an ethanol facility (approximately $11,000,000), four land options in
Illinois and Nebraska for possible future development of ethanol facilities
(approximately $610,000), and operating expenses.
We
will
need significantly more cash to implement our plan to build our next-generation
ethanol plants and continue to develop biodiesel facilities in India. We intend
to raise these funds through the sale of additional equity either in AE Biofuels
or one of our subsidiaries, joint ventures, construction loans, long-term debt
financings and operating cash flows. We estimate the construction costs of
a 110
million gallon per year (“MMGY”) ethanol plant at today’s cost to be
approximately $240 million with an additional $36 million required for working
capital. We estimate that the cost to develop a biodiesel facility in India
is
approximately $30 million with an additional $6 million required for working
capital. Therefore, we must raise a significant amount of capital to meet our
plan and goals. We contracted with Desmet Bellastra India Put. Ltd. to build
a
glycerin plant in Kakinada, India. At December 31, 2007 we had construction
contracts outstanding for $1.85 million that will be funded with cash in our
India subsidiary.
23
Due
to
the risk factors discussed earlier in this document there can be no assurance
that we will be successful in raising the additional funds necessary to carry
out management’s plans for the future. Management estimates that it will need to
obtain additional debt or equity funds for each ethanol facility it builds,
plus
cash to continue its development efforts. The Company today is spending
approximately $550,000 per month to cover its general and administrative costs.
Funds available at December 31, 2007 are only sufficient to cover approximately
one month of our domestic operating costs. Subsequent
to December 31, 2007, we borrowed $1,700,000 as project financing to the Energy
Enzyme Subsidiary from Laird Cagan, a director and related party, in order
to fund the development of this project and meet current
obligations.
Critical
Accounting Policies
Our
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations
are
based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared
in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of
America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make
estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of
the financial statements and the reported amount of net sales and expenses
for
each period. The following represents a summary of our critical accounting
policies, defined as those policies that we believe are the most important
to
the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and that
require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a
result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are
inherently uncertain.
Impairment
of Intangible and Long-Lived Assets
Our
intangible asset was derived from the acquisition of Biofuels Marketing on
September 1, 2007. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business
Combinations”,
we allocated the respective purchase prices to the tangible assets, liabilities
and intangible asset acquired based upon their estimated fair values. The
principal asset was an intangible asset consisting of a customer list. All
of
the capitalizable costs of this acquisition were allocated to this customer
list
as the value of the remaining tangible and intangible assets were negligible.
This customer list is being amortized over 18 months, its estimated useful
life.
Our
long-lived assets are primarily associated with our plant in Kakinada, India.
This production facility was constructed with our partner, Acalmar Oils and
Fats, during 2007. The first phase of the plant is currently operational and
we
are evaluating various feedstock agreements in order to fully utilize the
facility. We will expand operations in Kakinada, India to include a
pharmaceutical-grade glycerin processing facility, which is expected to be
fully
operational by the third quarter of 2008. Costs for building the plant remain
in
construction-in-progress at December 31, 2007, and will be reclassified once
the
plant is fully operational and placed in service.
We
evaluate impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No.
144, “Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”
We
assess the impairment of long-lived assets, including property and equipment
and
purchased intangibles subject to amortization, when events or changes in
circumstances indicate that these assets have been impaired and we accordingly
write them down to their new fair value. Forecasts of future cash flows are
critical judgments in this process and are based on our experience and knowledge
of our operations and the industries in which we operate and are critical to
our
impairment assessments. These forecasts could be significantly affected by
future changes in market conditions, the economic environment, and capital
spending decisions of our customers and inflation. For the year ended December
31, 2007 we recognized an impairment of approximately $5,114,000 due to
non-recoverable engineering costs associated with the development efforts at
our
Sutton site.
Stock-Based
Compensation
Stock-Based
Compensation Expense. Effective
January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No.123, “Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation,”
for
the recognition of stock-based compensation cost in its statement of operations.
The fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of the grant
using
the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation method. This fair value was amortized as
compensation expense, on a straight line basis, over the requisite service
periods of the awards, which was generally the vesting period.
24
Effective
January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of
SFAS No.123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based
Payment”
(“SFAS
123(R)”), where the fair value of each option is adjusted to reflect only those
shares that are expected to vest. Our implementation of SFAS 123(R) used
the modified-prospective-transition method where the compensation cost related
to each unvested option as of January 1, 2006, was recalculated and any
necessary adjustment was reported in the first quarter of adoption.
We
made
the following estimates and assumptions in determining fair value:
· |
Valuation
and amortization method —
We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the
Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula and a single option award
approach. This fair value is then amortized on a straight-line basis
over
the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the
vesting period.
|
· |
Expected
Term —
The expected term represents the weighted-average period that our
stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. We applied the
“Simplified Method” as defined in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107.
|
· |
Expected
Volatility —
The Company’s expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of
the comparable companies’ stock.
|
· |
Expected
Dividend —
The Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model calls for a single expected
dividend yield as an input. The Company currently pays no dividends
and
does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable
future.
|
· |
Risk-Free
Interest Rate —
The Company bases the risk-free interest rate on the implied yield
currently available on United States Treasury zero-coupon issues
with an
equivalent remaining term.
|
Given
the
absence of an active market for our common stock as a private company prior
to
the Reverse Merger, our board of directors, the members of which we believe
had
extensive business, finance or venture capital experience, were required to
estimate the fair value of our common stock for purposes of determining exercise
prices for the options it granted. Our board of directors determined the
estimated fair value of our common stock, based in part on an analysis of
relevant metrics, including the following:
|
•
|
the
prices for our convertible preferred stock sold to outside investors
in
arm’s-length transactions;
|
|
•
|
the
rights, preferences and privileges of that convertible preferred
stock
relative to those of our common stock;
|
|
•
|
our
operating and financial performance;
|
|
•
|
the
hiring of key personnel;
|
|
•
|
the
introduction of new products;
|
|
•
|
our
stage of development and revenue growth;
|
|
•
|
the
fact that the option grants involved illiquid securities in a private
company;
|
|
•
|
the
risks inherent in the development and expansion of our
operations; and
|
|
•
|
the
likelihood of achieving a liquidity event, such as an initial public
offering or a sale of us, for the shares of common stock underlying
the
options given prevailing market conditions.
|
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
July
2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109”
("FIN 48"), which is a change in accounting for income taxes. FIN 48
specifies how tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are to be recognized,
measured, and derecognized in financial statements; requires certain disclosures
of uncertain tax matters; specifies how reserves for uncertain tax positions
should be classified on the balance sheet; and provides transition and
interim-period guidance, among other provisions. FIN 48 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and as a result, is
effective for us on January 1, 2007. Adoption of FIN 48 did not have a
material impact on our financial postion or results of operations.
25
In
September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair
Value Measurements”
(“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework and
gives guidance regarding the methods used in measuring fair value, and expands
disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is applicable whenever
another accounting pronouncement requires or permits assets and liabilities
to
be measured at fair value. SFAS 157 does not expand or require any new fair
value measures, however the application of this statement may change current
practice. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007 and as a result, is effective for our fiscal year
beginning January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial statements.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including
an
Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”
("SFS
159"). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option may
be
elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with few exceptions. SFAS 159
also
establishes presentation and disclosure requirement to facilitate comparisons
between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar
assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 159, we do not expect that it will have a material effect on
the
Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business
Combinations”
(“SFAS
141R”). This statement changes the accounting for acquisition transaction costs
by requiring them to be expensed in the period incurred, and also changes the
accounting for contingent consideration, acquired contingencies and
restructuring costs related to an acquisition. SFAS 141R is effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The
effect of adoption of SFAS 141R will have on the Company’s financial statements
will depend on the nature and size of acquisitions we complete after we adopt
SFAS 141R.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling
Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No.
51”
(“SFAS
160”). This statement will change the accounting and reporting for minority
interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and
classified as a component of equity. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years
beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The
effect of adoption of SFAS 160 will have on the Company’s financial
statements will depend on the nature and size of acquisitions we complete after
we adopt SFAS 160.
Item
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Financial
Statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on
page
F-0 of this Report.
Item
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure.
None
Item
9A(T). Controls and Procedures.
(a)
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:
Under the reporting requirements of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, this
Form 10-K report would normally include Management's assessment of the
effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2007. Management is not including an assessment in
this report because management believes that such an
assessment as of December 31, 2007 is not meaningful and
may, in fact, be misleading to our investors.
On
December 7, 2007, the Reverse Merger between Marwich II,
Ltd. (a publicly traded "shell" corporation that had no operating
activities) and American Ethanol, Inc. (a private "development stage" company)
was completed and the Company changed its name to AE Biofuels,
Inc. For accounting purposes, the Reverse Merger was treated as a reverse
acquisition with American Ethanol as the acquirer and Marwich II,
Ltd. as the acquired party. As a result, the business and financial
information included in this report is substantially the business and financial
information of American Ethanol on a consolidated basis.
However, the internal controls over financial
reporting on which Management would be required to attest are those
controls that were in place as of December 31, 2007 for Marwich
II, Ltd., the shell company and, as such, are not sufficient with
respect to the combined company created as a result of the Reverse Merger.
As a result, management does not believe that such an assessment is
meaningful.
(b)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: This annual report
does
not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting
firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Smaller
Reporting Company rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
26
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The
Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system
of
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Exchange Act of 1943, as amended) that is designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the
Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's
rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation,
controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the
Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management,
including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial
officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate
to
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based
upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
have concluded that as of December 31, 2007 our disclosure controls and
procedures were not effective.
In
connection with our audit of our financial statements, our external
auditors, BDO Seidman, LLP advised us that we had control deficiencies in
our internal controls over financial reporting as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006. The control deficiencies related to the fact
that our accounting resources did not include enough people with the
detailed knowledge, experience and training in the selection and application
of
certain accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(GAAP) to meet our financial reporting needs. These control deficiencies
contributed to material weaknesses in internal control with respect to
segregation of duties, controls over financial reporting at the India
subsidiary, stockholders equity and share-based compensation, acquisitions
as
well as financial statement presentation and disclosures. A "material weakness"
is a control deficiency or combination of control deficiencies that results
in
more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement in the financial
statements or related disclosures will not be prevented or detected. During
fiscal 2008, Management began the remediation process by hiring
consultants with the necessary accounting knowledge, experience and training
to
meet the needs of our organization.
Changes
in Internal Controls
As
described above, the Company was previously a publicly traded "shell"
corporation that had no operating activities, and upon consummation of the
Reverse Merger, the Company's legacy ICFR and management were entirely
supplanted by those of American Ethanol, a private “development stage” company
which was a private company that did not have to perform an assessment of ICFR.
Accordingly, as a result of the Merger, all of the ICFR during the fiscal
quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably
likely to materially affect, the Company's ICFR have changed, and the controls,
processes and systems in place at the Company prior to the Merger should no
longer be relied upon.
Item
9B. Other Information.
None.
PART
III
Certain
information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from the Company’s
definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company’s 2008
Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).
Item
10. Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The
information required by this Item with respect to the Company’s directors is
incorporated by reference to the information in the section entitled “Election
of Directors” in the Proxy Statement. The information required by this Item with
respect to the Company’s executive officers is incorporated by reference from
the Proxy Statement under the heading “Executive Officers.” The information
required by this Item with respect to disclosure of any known late filing
or
failure by an insider to file a report required by Section 16 of the Exchange
Act is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement. The
information regarding our corporate governance is incorporated by reference
to
the section entitled “Corporate Governance” in the Proxy Statement.
Corporate
Governance
Our
board
of directors formed its committees and adopted its corporate governance
charters
and policies at the February 21, 2008 meeting. At this meeting, the board
adopted a Corporate Governance Guideline and formed two committees, a
governance, compensation and nominating committee and an audit committee.
Charters were approved for both committees. In addition, a Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics, and an Insider Trading policy were adopted. Copies
of these
policies are available on our corporate web site at www.aebiofuels.com.
We will
disclose amendments to, or waivers from, our policies on our corporate
web site
at www.aebiofuels.com.
Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy
Our
board
of directors adopted a code of ethics on February 21, 2008 that applies
to all
of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive
officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer.
The code
of ethics addresses, among other things, honesty and ethical conduct, conflicts
of interest, compliance with laws, regulations and policies, including
disclosure requirements under the federal securities laws, confidentiality,
trading on inside information, and reporting of violations of the
code.
Insider
Trading Policy
Our
board
of directors adopted an insider trading policy on February 21, 2008 that
applies
to all of its directors, officers and employees including our principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting
officer
that applies to all trading except the exercise of stock options for cash
under
our stock option plan and the purchase of shares under an employee stock
purchase plan, should we adopt such a plan. The insider trading policy
addresses
trading on material nonpublic information, tipping, confidentiality, 10b5-1
programs, disciplinary actions, trading windows, pre-clearance of trades,
prohibition against short swing profits and individual responsibilities
under
the policy.
27
Item 11.
|
The
information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
information in the section entitled “Executive Compensation and Other Matters”
in the Proxy Statement.
Item 12.
|
The
information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
information in the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management” and “Board of Directors Meetings and Committees” in the
Proxy Statement.
The
information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
information in the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.
The
information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
information in the section entitled “Ratification of Appointment of Independent
Auditors” in the Proxy Statement.
28
Item
15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Index
to
Exhibits
Exhibit
|
Description
|
|||
2.1
|
Agreement
and Plan of Merger by and between Marwich II, Ltd. and American Ethanol,
Inc. dated as of June 23, 2006 (1)
|
|
||
2.2
|
Amended
and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger By and Among Marwich II,
Ltd.,
a
Colorado corporation, Marwich II Ltd., a Nevada corporation, AE Biofuels,
Inc., a Nevada corporation and American Ethanol, Inc., a Nevada
corporation dated as of July 19, 2007 (2)
|
|
||
2.3
|
Agreement
and Plan of by and between Marwich II, Ltd., a Colorado corporation
, and
Marwich II, Ltd., a Nevada corporation dated July 19, 2007 (2)
|
|
||
3.1
|
Articles
of Incorporation (3)
|
|
||
3.2
|
Bylaws
(3)
|
|
||
3.3
|
Certificate
of Designation of Series
B Preferred Stock (3)
|
|
||
3.4
|
Certificate
of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (3)
|
|
||
4.1
|
Specimen
Common Stock Certificate (3)
|
|
||
4.2
|
Specimen
Series B Preferred Stock Certificate (3)
|
|
||
4.3
|
Form
of Common Stock Warrant (3)
|
|
||
4.4
|
Form
of Series B Preferred Stock Warrant (3)
|
|
||
10.1
|
2007
Stock Plan (3)
|
|
||
10.2
|
2007
Stock Plan form of Stock Option Agreement (3)
|
|
||
10.3
|
Amended
and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 28, 2007
(3)
|
|
||
10.4
|
Executive
Chairman Agreement, dated January 30, 2006 with Eric A. McAfee (3)
|
|
||
10.5
|
Amended
Executive Employment Agreement, dated June 1, 2007, with Surendra
Ajjarapu
(3)
|
|
||
10.6
|
Executive
Employment Agreement, dated January 12, 2006, with William J. Maender
(3)
|
|
||
10.7
|
Executive
Employment Agreement, dated May 22, 2007 with Andrew Foster (3)
|
|||
10.8
|
Sublease,
dated August 20, 2007, by and between Navio Systems, Inc. and American
Ethanol, Inc. (3)
|
|
||
10.9
|
First
Addendum to Sublease, dated September 6, 2007 by and between Navio
Systems, Inc. and American Ethanol, Inc. (3)
|
|
||
10.11
|
Engagement
Letter, dated August 7, 2006 by and between American Ethanol, Inc.
and
Chadbourn Securities, Inc. (3)
|
|
||
14
|
Code
of Ethics
|
|||
21.1
|
Subsidiaries
of the Registrant (3)
|
|
||
24
|
Power
of Attorney (see signature page)
|
|||
31.1
|
Rule
13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Executive Officer
|
|||
31.2
|
Rule
13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Financial Officer
Certification
by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
|||
32.1
|
Certification
by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|
|||
32.2
|
Rule
13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Financial Officer
Certification
by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
footnotes
1.
|
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26,
2006.
|
2.
|
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20,
2007.
|
3.
|
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13,
2007.
|
29
AE
BIOFUELS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
Consolidated
Financial Statements
As
of December 31, 2007 and 2006
Index
To Financial Statements
|
Page
Number
|
|||
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
F-1
|
|||
Consolidated
Financial Statements
|
||||
Consolidated
balance sheets
|
F-2
|
|||
Consolidated
statements of operations
|
F-3
|
|||
Consolidated
statements of cash flows
|
F-4
|
|||
Consolidated
statements stockholders' equity
|
F-5
|
|||
Notes
to consolidated financial statements
|
F-6
– F-24
|
|
F-0
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board
of
Directors and Stockholders
AE
Biofuels, Inc.
Cupertino,
California
We
have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AE Biofuels, Inc. and
subsidiaries (collectively “the Company”) (a development stage company) as of
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations
and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for years then
ended and for the period from November 29, 2005 (inception) through December
31,
2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over
financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control
over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In
our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of AE Biofuels, Inc. at
December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows
for the years then ended and for the period from November 29, 2005 (inception)
through December 31, 2007,
in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of
America.
As
discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective on
January 1, 2006 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123(R) Share-Based
Payment.
As
discussed in Notes 1 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, on
January 1, 2007, the Company changed its method of accounting for uncertain
income tax positions in accordance with the guidance provided in the Financial
Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109
.
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company
will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated
financial statements, the Company is a development stage company with a business
plan to develop, acquire, construct, operate and sell fuel grade ethanol and
biodiesel from ethanol and biodiesel production facilities primarily located
in
the Midwestern United States and India. The Company has experienced operating
losses and negative cash flows since inception. To date the Company has been
dependent upon proceeds from the sale of preferred stock and proceeds from
the
sale or dissolution of subsidiaries. These factors raise substantial doubt
about
the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in
regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements
do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
/s/
BDO
Seidman, LLP
San
Jose,
CA
March
31,
2008
F-1
AE
BIOFUELS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
December
31, 2007
|
|
December
31, 2006
|
|||||
Assets
|
|||||||
Current
assets:
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
|
720,402
|
$
|
1,213,134
|
|||
Marketable
securities
|
2,635,892
|
-
|
|||||
Accounts
receivable
|
3,447,039
|
-
|
|||||
Accounts
receivable - Related party
|
6,127,727
|
-
|
|||||
Prepaid
expenses
|
58,872
|
348,869
|
|||||
Other
current assets
|
674,235
|
-
|
|||||
Total
current assets
|
13,664,167
|
1,562,003
|
|||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
19,585,087
|
14,727,918
|
|||||
Intangible
assets
|
233,334
|
||||||
Other
assets
|
68,488
|
1,073,872
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
33,551,076
|
$
|
17,363,793
|
|||
Liabilities
and Stockholders' equity
|
|||||||
Current
liabilities:
|
|||||||
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
9,985,639
|
$
|
528,800
|
|||
Income
taxes payable
|
36,750
|
||||||
Short
term borrowings (related party)
|
-
|
1,250,000
|
|||||
Unrealized
losses on foreign currency forward contracts
|
-
|
46,820
|
|||||
Current
portion of long term debt
|
-
|
35,714
|
|||||
Total
current liabilities
|
10,022,389
|
1,861,334
|
|||||
Long
term debt
|
-
|
205,357
|
|||||
Commitments
and Contingencies (Notes 8, 14 and 18)
|
|||||||
Minority
interest in JV
|
-
|
- | |||||
Stockholders'
equity:
|
|||||||
Series
B Preferred Stock, $.001 par value - 40,000,000
|
6,487
|
2,828
|
|||||
authorized;
6,487,491 and 2,828,996 shares issued and
|
|||||||
outstanding,
respectively (aggregate liquidation
|
|||||||
preference
of $19,462,473 and $8,486,988, respectively)
|
|||||||
Series
A Preferred Stock, $.001 par value - 10,000,000
|
-
|
5,000
|
|||||
authroized;
0 and 4,999,999 shares outstanding, respectively
|
|||||||
(liquidation
preference of $14,999,997)
|
|||||||
Common
Stock - , $.001 par value 400,000,000 authorized
|
84,557
|
74,710
|
|||||
84,557,462
and 74,710,000 shares issued and outstanding,
|
|||||||
respectively
|
|||||||
Additional
Paid-in Capital
|
33,707,953
|
21,972,363
|
|||||
Deficit
Accumulated during the Development Stage
|
(11,995,395
|
)
|
(6,951,198
|
)
|
|||
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive income
|
1,725,085
|
193,399
|
|||||
Total
stockholders' equity
|
23,528,687
|
15,297,102
|
|||||
Total
liabilities and stockholders' equity
|
$
|
33,551,076
|
$
|
17,363,793
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements
F-2
AE
BIOFUELS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
AND
FROM NOVEMBER 29, 2005 (INCEPTION) TO DATE
For
the year ended
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2007
|
|
December
31, 2006
|
Inception
to Date
|
|||||||
Sales
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
744,450
|
$
|
744,450
|
||||
Cost
of goods sold
|
-
|
735,000
|
735,000
|
|||||||
Gross
profit
|
-
|
9,450
|
9,450
|
|||||||
Research
and Development
|
257,761
|
-
|
257,761
|
|||||||
General
and Administrative Expenses
|
14,650,742
|
6,163,724
|
20,814,466
|
|||||||
Operating
loss
|
(14,908,503
|
)
|
(6,154,274
|
)
|
(21,062,777
|
)
|
||||
Other
income / (expense)
|
||||||||||
Interest
income net of expense
|
97,749
|
-
|
97,749
|
|||||||
Other
income net of expenses
|
188,316
|
-
|
188,316
|
|||||||
Gain
from sale of subsidiaries
|
9,061,141
|
-
|
9,061,141
|
|||||||
Gain
(loss) on foreign currency exchange
|
544,774
|
(46,820
|
)
|
497,954
|
||||||
Income
related to 50/50 joint venture
|
50,910
|
132,013
|
182,923
|
|||||||
Loss
before income taxes
|
(4,965,613
|
)
|
(6,069,081
|
)
|
(11,034,694
|
)
|
||||
Income
taxes
|
(78,584
|
)
|
-
|
(78,584
|
) | |||||
Net
loss
|
$
|
(5,044,197
|
)
|
$
|
(6,069,081
|
)
|
$
|
(11,113,278
|
)
|
|
Loss
per common share
|
||||||||||
Basic
and Dilutive
|
(0.07
|
)
|
(0.08
|
)
|
(0.15
|
)
|
||||
Weighted
average shares outstanding
|
||||||||||
Basic
and Dilutive
|
75,259,519
|
74,018,141
|
74,638,830
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements
F-3
AE
BIOFUELS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
AND
FROM NOVEMBER 29, 2005 (INCEPTION) TO DATE
For
the year ended
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2007
|
December
31, 2006
|
Inception
to Date
|
||||||||
Operating
activities:
|
||||||||||
Net
loss
|
$
|
(5,044,197
|
)
|
$
|
(6,069,081
|
)
|
$
|
(11,113,278
|
)
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile Net loss to
|
||||||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
|
||||||||||
Stock
based compensation
|
1,274,500
|
363,460
|
1,637,960
|
|||||||
Expired
land options
|
445,124
|
-
|
445,124
|
|||||||
Amortization
and Depreciation
|
69,775
|
-
|
69,775
|
|||||||
Gain
on sale of subsidiary
|
(854,695
|
)
|
-
|
(854,695
|
)
|
|||||
Loss
on impairment of assets
|
5,114,236
|
-
|
5,114,236
|
|||||||
Gain
on disolution of joint venture
|
(8,206,446
|
) | - |
(8,206,446
|
) | |||||
Losses
on forward currency forward contracts
|
(482,974
|
)
|
46,820
|
(436,154
|
) | |||||
Changes
in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|||||||||
Accounts
receivable
|
(8,933,275
|
)
|
-
|
(8,933,275
|
)
|
|||||
Prepaid
expenses
|
288,072
|
|
(348,869
|
)
|
(60,797
|
)
|
||||
Other
assets
|
416,767
|
-
|
416,767
|
|||||||
Accounts
payable
|
8,846,132
|
528,800
|
9,374,932
|
|||||||
Other
Liabilities
|
(55,245
|
)
|
-
|
(55,245
|
)
|
|||||
Income
taxes payable
|
34,963
|
-
|
34,963
|
|||||||
Net
cash used in operation activities
|
(7,087,263
|
)
|
(5,478,870
|
)
|
(12,566,133
|
)
|
||||
Investing
activities:
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Purchase
of property, plant and equipment
|
(12,117,355
|
)
|
(14,727,918
|
)
|
(26,841,103
|
)
|
||||
Purchases
of marketable securities
|
(2,459,292
|
)
|
-
|
(2,459,292
|
) | |||||
Cash
restricted by letter of credit
|
(500,000 | ) | - | (500,000 | ) | |||||
Purchase
of Marwich II, Ltd., net of losses
|
-
|
(662,406
|
)
|
(662,406
|
)
|
|||||
Exchange
rate gain
|
-
|
(193,399
|
)
|
(193,399
|
)
|
|||||
Additions
to other assets and intangibles
|
|
|
(1,073,872
|
)
|
(1,073,872
|
)
|
||||
Refund
of property expenditures
|
2,775,000
|
-
|
2,775,000
|
|||||||
Return
of assets from disolution of joint venture
|
8,206,446
|
|
-
|
8,206,446
|
|
|||||
Sale
of Wahoo facility
|
2,000,000
|
-
|
2,000,000
|
|||||||
Net
cash used in investing acivities
|
(2,095,201
|
)
|
(16,657,595
|
)
|
(18,748,626
|
)
|
||||
Financing
activities:
|
||||||||||
(Payments
of) proceeds from short term borrowings
|
(1,250,000
|
)
|
1,250,000
|
-
|
||||||
Proceeds
from long-term debt
|
-
|
|
250,000
|
250,000
|
||||||
Payments
on long-term debt
|
(241,071
|
) |
(8,929
|
)
|
(250,000
|
)
|
||||
Proceeds
from settlement
|
200,000
|
-
|
200,000
|
|||||||
Refund
of investment
|
(90,000
|
)
|
-
|
(90,000
|
)
|
|||||
Proceeds
from sale of preferred stock, net of offering costs
|
10,056,154
|
21,854,358
|
31,910,512
|
|||||||
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
8,675,083
|
23,345,429
|
32,020,512
|
|||||||
Effect
of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
14,649
|
-
|
14,649
|
|||||||
Net
cash increase (decrease) for period
|
(492,732
|
)
|
1,208,964
|
720,402
|
||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
1,213,134
|
4,170
|
-
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of period
|
$
|
720,402
|
$
|
1,213,134
|
$
|
720,402
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements
F-4
AE
BIOFUELS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
Membership
Units
|
Series
B Preferred Stock (3)
|
|
Series
A Preferred Stock (1)
|
Common
Stock (2)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Units
|
|
Dollars
|
|
Shares
|
Dollars
|
|
Shares
|
Dollars
|
|
Shares
|
|
Dollars
|
Paid-in
Capital in excess of Par
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
|
Accum.
Other Comprehensive Income
|
Total
Stockholders
Equity
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
November 29, 2005 (date of inception)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale
of members’ units during 2005
|
53,320,000
|
$
|
4,170
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
4,170
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
-
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2005
|
53,320,000
|
4,170
|
4,170
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion
of units to common shares
|
(53,320,000
|
)
|
(4,170
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
53,320,000
|
53,320
|
(49,150
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale
and grant of founder’s shares to advisor's and strategic
partners
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12,692,000
|
12,692
|
26,038
|
-
|
-
|
38,730
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale
of founder's shares to executives
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,400,000
|
4,400
|
6,600
|
-
|
-
|
11,000
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued for acquisitions
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,752,000
|
3,752
|
484,248
|
-
|
-
|
488,000
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued to an outside director
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
200,000
|
200
|
25,800
|
-
|
-
|
26,000
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued to an employee
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
160,000
|
160
|
20,640
|
-
|
-
|
20,800
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale
of Preferred Series A convertible stock net of issuance
expenses
|
-
|
-
|
4,999,999
|
5,000
|
-
|
-
|
14,110,719
|
-
|
-
|
14,115,719
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss
on purchase of subsidiaries
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(882,117
|
)
|
-
|
(882,117
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued to a director and advisors
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
186,000
|
186
|
278,814
|
-
|
-
|
279,000
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale
of Preferred Series B convertible stock net of issuance
expenses
|
2,828,996
|
2,828
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,693,401
|
-
|
-
|
7,696,229
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation
expense related to options issued to employees
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
37,659
|
-
|
-
|
37,659
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase
of shares in Marwich II, Ltd. net of acquired losses for current
year
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(662,406
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
(662,406
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
loss from start up operations
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6,069,081
|
)
|
-
|
(6,069,081
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
193,399
|
193,399
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
-
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
at December 31, 2006
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
2,828,996
|
$
|
2,828
|
4,999,999
|
$
|
5,000
|
74,710,000
|
$
|
74,710
|
$
|
21,972,363
|
$
|
(6,951,198
|
)
|
$
|
193,399
|
$
|
15,297,102
|
||||||||||||||||
Sale
of Series B preferred net
of offering costs $1,009,331
|
3,688,495
|
3,689
|
10,052,465
|
10,056,154
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited
shares of former employee
|
(800,000
|
)
|
(800
|
)
|
800
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Addition
Paid in Capital from settlement
|
200,000
|
200,000
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued to consultant as compensation
|
5,000
|
5
|
14,995
|
15,000
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock
based compensation
|
1,259,500
|
1,259,500
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Refund
of Investment
|
(30,000
|
)
|
(30
|
)
|
(89,970
|
)
|
(90,000
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued in connection with business combination
|
200,000
|
200
|
299,800
|
300,000
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fireign
currency translation adjustment
|
1,531,686
|
1,531,686
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
loss from start up operations
|
(5,044,197
|
) |
(5,044,197
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion
of Series A Shareholders
|
(4,999,999
|
)
|
(5,000
|
)
|
9,999,998
|
10,000
|
(5,000
|
) |
-
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merger
of shares formerly Marwich II
|
442,464
|
442
|
3,000
|
3,442
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
at December 31, 2007
|
|
6,487,491
|
$
|
6,487
|
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
84,557,462
|
$
|
84,557
|
33,707,953
|
$
|
(11,995,395
|
)
|
$
|
1,725,085
|
$
|
23,528,687
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements
F-5
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
1. Nature
of Activities and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies.
Nature
of Activities.
These
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AE Biofuels, Inc.,
a
Nevada corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, American Ethanol, Inc.
(“American”), a Nevada corporation, Sutton Ethanol, LLC (“Sutton”), a Nebraska
limited liability company, Illinois Valley Ethanol, LLC (“Illinois Valley”), an
Illinois limited liability company, Biofuels Marketing, a Delaware corporation,
International Biodiesel, Inc., a Nevada corporation and its subsidiaries
International Biofuels, Ltd, a Mauritius corporation and its subsidiary
Universal Biofuels Private Ltd, an India company, Danville Ethanol Inc, an
Illinois corporation and Energy Enzymes LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, collectively, (“AE Biofuels” or “the Company”).
The
Company’s purpose is to develop, acquire, construct, operate and sell fuel grade
ethanol and biodiesel from ethanol and biodiesel production facilities primarily
located in the United States and India. The Company is a development stage
company and as such, does not expect to generate any meaningful revenue until
its plants are completely constructed and operational, or operational plants
have been acquired. Since inception the Company has engaged in fund raising
through the sale of stock, purchased or acquired options to purchase land for
development of ethanol plants in the United States, completed construction
of a
biodiesel manufacturing and glycerin refining facility in Kakinada, India
through a joint venture between International Biodiesel, Inc., its wholly owned
subsidiary Universal Biofuels Private, Ltd., a Mauritius corporation and
Acalmar, an India corporation and started ground work for an ethanol facility
in
Sutton, Nebraska as well as started construction of a glycerin refining
operation.
AE
Biofuels, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated as Marwich II, Ltd. under the
laws of the State of Colorado on August 16, 1983 to engage in the acquisition
of
assets and properties which management believed had good business potential.
In
the course of its business the Company acquired a number of real estate and
promissory note properties.
The
Company subsequently sold its properties, ceased active business operations
and
was administratively dissolved by the Colorado Secretary of State effective
January 1, 1991. On October 13, 2004, articles of reinstatement were filed
with
the Colorado Secretary of State and the Company became current in its reporting
obligations under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
American
Ethanol was originally formed in California on September 12, 2001 as Great
Valley Ventures LLC, however, no operating agreement was adopted and no capital
was contributed until November 29, 2005. Between September 2001 and November
2005 the Company had no operations and engaged in no activities. From November
2005 through December 2005, the Company commenced development activities with
the addition of key advisors, management, and additional founding shareholders.
On January 12, 2006, the company was renamed American Ethanol, LLC. On February
23, 2006, American Ethanol, LLC merged into American Ethanol, Inc., a Nevada
corporation.
On
June
23, 2006, the Company acquired 88.3% of the outstanding common stock of Marwich
II, Ltd. (“Marwich”) pursuant to a stock purchase agreement between the Company
and the principal shareholders of Marwich. Marwich was a shell company, whose
shares are traded on the OTC Bulletin Board and had no current operations.
On
December 7, 2007, American Ethanol merged with and into Marwich and (i) each
issued and outstanding share of American Common Stock (including Common Stock
issued upon conversion of American Series A Preferred Stock, which automatically
converted into two Common Stock shares for each share of Series A Preferred
Stock immediately prior to the closing of the Merger) and Series B Preferred
Stock (also convertible into common stock at the holders discretion) converted
into Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, of Marwich, and (ii) each issued
and outstanding warrant and/or option exercisable for common stock of American
assumed and converted into a warrant and/or option exercisable for common stock
of Marwich. Marwich then changed its name to AE Biofuels, Inc.
Principles
of Consolidation.
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its
subsidiaries. All material inter-company accounts and transactions are
eliminated in consolidation.
Use
of Estimates.
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of
the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could different from those estimates. The Company’s most
significant estimate relates to impairment of long-lived assets and the
valuation of equity instruments such as options and warrants.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments.
The
carrying amounts of cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable
and accounts payable approximate their respective fair values due to their
short-term maturities.
Reclassifications.
Certain
prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net loss or deficit
accumulated during the development stage.
F-6
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
1.
Nature
of Activities and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(contd.)
Revenue
recognition.
The
Company recognizes revenue when products are shipped and services are rendered,
the price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably
assured.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents.
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Marketable
Securities -
The
Company’s short-term investments consist primarily of short term time deposits
in India banks, which represented funds available for plant completion and
current operations. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities
, these
short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are carried
at
fair market value. These securities had stated maturities beyond three months
but were priced and traded as short-term instruments. Available-for-sale
securities are marked-to-market based on quoted market values of the securities,
with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses on
sales of available-for-sale securities are computed based upon the initial
cost
adjusted for any other-than-temporary declines in fair value. The cost of
investments sold is determined on the specific identification
method.
Property,
Plant and Equipment.
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation
after assets are placed in service and are comprised primarily of land acquired
for development of production facilities, and the biodiesel plant in India.
The
estimated useful life of this plant is expected to be 20 years, once placed
in
service. Estimated useful lives for office equipment and computers is 3 years
and the useful life of machinery and equipment is 7 years. Depreciation
is provided using the straight line method over the assets useful
life.
Intangible
Assets.
Intangible assets are carried at initial fair value less accumulated
amortization over the estimated useful life. Amortization is computed over
the
estimated useful lives of the underlying assets using a method that
reflects their utilization pattern.
Stock
splits.
On
February 28, 2006 and on May 18, 2006, the Company’s board of directors declared
a two-for-one stock split. All share amounts have been retroactively adjusted
to
reflect the stock splits.
Research
and Development. Research
and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Income
Taxes. The
Company recognizes income taxes in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”
(“SFAS 109”),
using an asset and liability approach. This approach requires the recognition
of
taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and
liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns.
The measurement of current and deferred taxes is based on provisions of enacted
tax law.
SFAS 109
provides for recognition of deferred tax assets if the realization of such
assets is more likely than not to occur. Otherwise, a valuation allowance is
established for the deferred tax assets which may not be realized.
The
Company is subject to income tax audits by the respective tax authorities in
all
of the jurisdictions in which it operates. The determination of tax liabilities
in each of these jurisdictions requires the interpretation and application
of
complex and sometimes uncertain tax laws and regulations. The recognition and
measurement of current taxes payable or refundable and deferred tax assets
and
liabilities requires that the Company make certain estimates and judgments.
Changes to these estimates or a change in judgment may have a material impact
on
the Company’s tax provision in a future period.
Effective
January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB
Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - on interpretation on FASB Statement No. 109”
("FIN 48") which
requires a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition
and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
The Company records a liability for the difference between the benefit
recognized and measured pursuant to FIN 48 and the tax position taken or
expected to be taken on its tax return. To the extent that the Company’s
assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded
in
the period in which the determination is made. With the adoption of FIN 48,
the Company also began reporting tax-related interest and penalties as a
component of income tax expense.
Long -
Lived Assets. The
Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets with finite lives
in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 144, Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal ofLong-Lived
Assets, (“SFAS 144”) which requires recognition of impairment of long-lived
assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable based on estimated undiscounted cash flows, the impairment loss
would be measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the assets
and its fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash
flows.
F-7
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
Net
Loss Per Share. Basic
loss per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing loss
attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding for the period, net of shares subject to repurchase. Diluted
loss per share reflects the potential dilution of common stock equivalents
such
as options and warrants, to the extent the impact is dilutive. As the Company
incurred net losses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and on a
cumulative basis potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the
diluted net loss per share computations as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
The weighted-average number of potentially dilutive shares excluded from the
diluted net loss per share calculation for 2007, 2006 and on a cumulative basis
was 3,505,491, and 2,953,204 and 6,765,118, respectively.
Comprehensive
Loss. Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income
("SFAS 130"), requires that an enterprise report, by major components
and
as a single total, the change in its net assets from non-owner sources.
Translation
of Foreign Currencies. Assets
and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries that operate in a local currency
environment, where that local currency is the functional currency, are
translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance
sheet date; with the resulting translation adjustments directly recorded to
a
separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Income and expense
accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Gains and
losses from foreign currency transactions are recorded in other income (loss),
net. The functional currency is the local currency for all
non-U.S. subsidiaries.
Restricted
Stock.
The
Company has granted restricted stock awards, restricted by a service condition,
with vesting periods of up to 3 years. Restricted stock awards are valued
using
the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of the date grant. The
Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight line basis over the
requisite service period of the award. The remaining unvested shares are
subject
to forfeitures and restrictions on sale, or transfer, up until the vesting
date.
Stock-Based
Compensation Expense
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions
of SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based
Payment”
(“SFAS
123(R)”), requiring us to recognize expense related to the fair value of our
stock-based compensation awards adjusted to reflect only those shares that
are
expected to vest. Our implementation of SFAS 123(R) used the
modified-prospective-transition method where the compensation cost related
to
each unvested option as of January 1, 2006, was recalculated and any
necessary adjustment was recorded in the first quarter of adoption.
We
made
the following estimates and assumptions in determining fair value:
· |
Valuation
and amortization method —
We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the
Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula and a single option award
approach. This fair value is then amortized on a straight-line basis
over
the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the
vesting period.
|
· |
Expected
Term —
The expected term represents the weighted-average period that our
stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. We applied the
“Simplified Method” as defined in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 and 110.
|
· |
Expected
Volatility —
The Company’s expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of
comparable public companies.
|
· |
Expected
Dividend —
The Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model calls for a single expected
dividend yield as an input. The Company currently pays no dividends
and
does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable
future.
|
· |
Risk-Free
Interest Rate —
The Company bases the risk-free interest rate on the implied yield
currently available on United States Treasury zero-coupon issues
with an
equivalent remaining term.
|
F-8
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
1. Nature
of Activities and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(contd.)
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
July
2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109”
(“FIN 48”), which is a change in accounting for income taxes. FIN 48
specifies how tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are to be recognized,
measured, and derecognized in financial statements; requires certain disclosures
of uncertain tax matters; specifies how reserves for uncertain tax positions
should be classified in the balance sheet; and provides transition and
interim-period guidance, among other provisions. FIN 48 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Adoption of Fin 48 did not
have a material impact on our financial position or results of
operations.
In
September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair
Value Measurements”
(“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework and
gives guidance regarding the methods used in measuring fair value, and expands
disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is applicable whenever
another accounting pronouncement requires or permits assets and liabilities
to
be measured at fair value. SFAS 157 does not expand or require any new fair
value measures, however the application of this statement may change current
practice. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007 and as a result, is effective for our fiscal year
beginning January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial statements.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including
an
Amendment of FASB statement No. 115”
("SFAS19") . This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option may
be
elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with few exceptions. SFAS 159
also
establishes presentation and disclosure requirement to facilitate comparisons
between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar
assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 159, we do not expect that it will have a material effect on
the
Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business
Combinations”
(“SFAS
141R”). This statement changes the accounting for acquisition transaction costs
by requiring them to be expensed in the period incurred, and also changes the
accounting for contingent consideration, acquired contingencies and
restructuring costs related to an acquisition. SFAS 141R is effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The
effect of adoption of SFAS 141R will have on the Company’s financial statements
will depend on the nature and size of acquisitions we complete after we adopt
SFAS 141R.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling
Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No.
51”
(“SFAS
160”). This statement will change the accounting and reporting for minority
interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests, classified
as a component of equity and accounted for at fair value. SFAS 160 is effective
for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The
effect of adoption of SFAS 160 will have on the Company’s financial statements
will depend on the nature and size of acquisitions we complete after we adopt
SFAS 160.
2.
Ability
to Continue as a Going Concern.
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis,
which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities
in
the normal course of business. The Company has experienced losses and negative
cash flow since inception and currently has an accumulated deficit. These
factors raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going
concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on
several factors.
The
Company has had minimal revenues and has incurred losses due to start up costs
from inception through December 31, 2007. The Company has raised approximately
$31.8 million dollars to date through the sale of preferred stock. An additional
$2 million of cash has been generated through the sale of its subsidiary, Wahoo
Ethanol, LLC, with an additional $8 million through the dissolution of the
Sutton Ethanol Joint venture. The Company will have to raise significantly
more
capital and secure a significant amount of debt to complete its business plan
and continue as a going concern. In addition, the recent increase in feedstock
prices has significantly decreased the margin available to ethanol and biodiesel
producers on each gallon produced. The Company has no ethanol or biodiesel
plants in operation as of December 31, 2007. Management plans to begin
operations of its biodiesel facility and glycerin refinery in India and begin
importing biodiesel for sale in the U.S. during 2008. Although the biodiesel
plant will provide some cash flow it will be insufficient to allow development
of the ethanol facilities noted above.
Management
believes that it will be able to raise additional capital through equity
offerings and debt financings. Should the Company not be able to raise enough
equity or debt financings it may be forced to sell proposed plant sites to
other
ethanol producers to generate cash to continue the Company’s business plan. The
Company’s goal is to raise additional funds needed to construct and operate
ethanol and biodiesel facilities through public stock offerings and debt
financings.
F-9
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
3. Marketable
Securities.
The
Company’s marketable securities consist of fixed interest bank time deposits
which generally have maturities to the Company of 120 days and as a result
could
not be classified as cash and cash equivalents and accordingly have been
classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. At December 31,
2007, there were only nominal differences between cost and fair value of these
instruments and as a result no fair value changes have been recorded to
accumulated other comprehensive income. During 2007 there were no realized
gains
or losses on these securities.
4. Property,
Plant and Equipment.
Property,
plant and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
December
31,
2007
|
|
December
31,
2006
|
|
||
Land
|
|
$
|
3,734,623
|
|
$
|
1,956,995
|
|
Furniture
and fixtures
|
|
|
52,747
|
|
|
-0-
|
|
Construction
in progress
|
|
|
15,800,752
|
|
|
12,770,923
|
|
Total
gross property, plant & equipment
|
|
|
19,588,122
|
|
|
14,727,918
|
|
Less
accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(3,035
|
)
|
|
-0-
|
|
Total
net property, plant & equipment
|
|
$
|
19,585,087
|
|
$
|
14,727,918
|
|
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded $3,035 in depreciation.
Since
the Company did not have any equipment in service during 2006, no depreciation
expense was recorded for that period. The company determined that certain
construction in progress costs associated with the repurchase of assets from
the
Sutton Joint Venture were impaired and an amount of $5,114,236 was recognized
as
a loss on impairment, during 2007.
In
January and February 2007 the Company canceled orders for equipment and services
included in property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2006 and received
a
refund of previously advanced funds of $2,775,000, which was been credited
to
such account.
As
of
December 31, 2007, the Company had paid approximately $15.3 million of the
Company’s $15.5 million funding commitment to its subsidiary, International
Biofuels, inc. for plant construction costs.
F-10
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
5. Other
Assets.
Other
assets consists of payments for land options for possible future ethanol plants,
Web domain names purchased by the Company, purchased customer lists, prepaid
expenses, deposits and contract lease prepayments.
|
|
December
31,
2007
|
|
December
31,
2006
|
|
||
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Letter
of Credit securing material purchases
|
$
|
500,000
|
$
|
-0-
|
|||
Land
options
|
|
164,536
|
|
-0-
|
|
||
Interest
receivable
|
|
|
9,699
|
|
|
-0-
|
|
|
|
$
|
674,235
|
|
$
|
-0-
|
|
Long
Term
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
options
|
|
$
|
-0-
|
|
$
|
515,500
|
|
Domain
names
|
|
|
46,098
|
|
|
28,000
|
|
Deposits
|
22,390
|
-0-
|
|||||
Contract
lease prepayments
|
|
|
-0-
|
|
|
530,372
|
|
|
|
$
|
68,488
|
|
$
|
1,073,872
|
|
Land
options in the amount of $445,125 were expensed during the year ended December
31, 2007, as they either expired or were considered impared.
6. Intangible
Assets.
Intangible
assets consist of purchased customer lists (acquired in 2007 in connection
with
the Biofuels Marketing Acquisition discussed in Note 12), which will be
amortized over an estimated useful life of 18 months. As of December 31, 2007,
intangible assets had a cost basis of $233,334. For the year ended December
31,
2007, the Company recorded $66,666 in amortization.
7. Debt.
On
November 16, 2006, the Company entered into a short-term loan agreement with
one
of its directors pursuant to which the Company borrowed $1,000,000 at 10%
interest per annum for a period of nine months or until funds were raised
through a private placement sufficient to repay the loan amount. On December
28,
2006 the Company borrowed an additional $250,000 under the same terms and
conditions from the same director. The note was repaid in full on August 16,
2007.
F-11
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
8. Operating
Leases
The
Company has non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office space and
a
research and development facility in Butte, Montana. These leases expire at
various dates through October 14, 2009. The Butte, Montana facility contains
provisions for purchase of the land and building underlying the lease at the
end
of each lease year. Expense for operating leases totaled $101,331 in 2007 and
$48,874 in 2006.
Future
minimum operating lease payments as of December 31, 2007, are:
|
Rental Payments
|
|||
2008
|
$
|
257,850
|
||
2009
|
188,536
|
|||
Thereafter
|
-0-
|
|||
|
$
|
446,386
|
9. Stockholders
Equity.
The
Company is authorized to issue up to 400,000,000 shares of common stock,
$0.001 par value and 65,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value.
Convertible
Preferred Stock
The
following is a summary of the authorized, issued and outstanding convertible
preferred stock:
Shares
Issued and Outstanding
|
||||||||||
Authorized
|
December
31,
|
|||||||||
Shares
|
2007
|
2006
|
||||||||
Series A
|
5,000,000
|
-
|
4,999,999
|
|||||||
Series B
|
40,000,000
|
6,487,491
|
2,828,996
|
|||||||
Undesignated
|
20,000,000
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
|
||||||||||
|
65,000,000
|
6,487,491
|
7,828,995
|
Our
Articles of Incorporation authorize our board to issue up to 65,000,000 shares
of preferred stock, $0.001 par value, in one or more classes or series within
a
class upon authority of the board without further stockholder approval.
Significant
terms of the designated preferred stock are as follows:
Voting.
Holders
of our Series B preferred stock are entitled to the number of votes equal to
the
number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Preferred Stock held
by such holder could be converted as of the record date. Cumulative voting
with
respect to the election of directors is not allowed. Currently each share of
Series B preferred stock is entitled to one vote per share of Series B preferred
stock. In addition, without obtaining the approval of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding preferred stock, the Company cannot:
|
·
|
Increase
or decrease (other than by redemption or conversion) the total number
of
authorized shares of Series B preferred
stock;
|
|
·
|
Effect
an exchange, reclassification, or cancellation of all or a part of
the
Series B preferred stock, including a reverse stock split, but excluding
a
stock split;
|
|
·
|
Effect
an exchange, or create a right of exchange, of all or part of the
shares
of another class of shares into shares of Series B preferred stock;
or
|
|
·
|
Alter
or change the rights, preferences or privileges of the shares of
Series B
preferred stock so as to affect adversely the shares of such
series.
|
F-12
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
Dividends.
Holders
of all of our shares of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive
non-cumulative dividends payable in preference and prior to any declaration
or
payment of any dividend on common stock as may from time to time be declared
by
the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose at the
rate of 5% of the original purchase price of such shares of preferred stock.
No
dividends may be made with respect to our common stock until all declared
dividends on the preferred stock have been paid or set aside for payment to
the
preferred stock holders. To date, no dividends have been declared.
Liquidation
Preference.
In the
event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of
the Company, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive, prior and in preference to any payment to the holders of the common
stock, $3.00 per share plus all declared but unpaid dividends (if any) on the
Series B Preferred Stock. If the Company’s assets legally available for
distribution to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are insufficient
to
permit the payment to such holders of their full liquidation preference, then
the Company’s entire assets legally available for distribution are distributed
to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock in proportion to their
liquidation preferences. After the payment to the holders of the Series B
Preferred Stock of their liquidation preference, the Company’s remaining assets
legally available for distribution are distributed to the holders of the common
stock in proportion to the number of shares of common stock held by them. A
liquidation, dissolution or winding up includes (a) the acquisition of the
Company by another entity by means of any transaction or series of related
transactions to which the Company is party (including, without limitation,
any
stock acquisition, reorganization, merger or consolidation but excluding any
sale of stock for capital raising purposes) that results in the voting
securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto failing to
represent immediately after such transaction or series of transactions (either
by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity or the entity that controls such surviving entity) a majority
of the total voting power represented by the outstanding voting securities
of
the Company, such surviving entity or the entity that controls such surviving
entity, or (b) a sale, lease or other conveyance of all or substantially all
of
the assets of the Company.
Conversion.
Holders
of Series B Preferred Stock have the right, at their option at any time, to
convert any shares into common stock. Each share of preferred stock will convert
into one share of common stock, at the current conversion rate. The conversion
ratio is subject to adjustment from time to time in the event of certain
dilutive issuances and events, such as stock splits, stock dividends, stock
combinations, reclassifications, exchanges and the like. In addition, at such
time as the Registration Statement covering the resale of the shares of common
stock is issuable, then all outstanding Series B Preferred Stock shall be
automatically converted into common stock at the then effective conversion
rate.
Registration
Rights Agreement liquidating damages for certain common and Series B Preferred
Stock holder. Certain
holders of shares of our common stock (including holders of Warrants exercisable
for common stock) and holders of shares of our Series B Preferred Stock
(including holders of Warrants exercisable for Series B Preferred Stock) are
entitled to have their shares of common stock (including common stock issuable
upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock) registered under the Securities
Act
within but no later than 30 days after the Reverse Merger Closing date, December
7, 2007, pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in a
Registration Rights Agreement entered into among the Company and such holders.
Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in these
shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act.
To
date,
the registration statement has not been filed, therefore the Company is required
to make pro rata payments to each eligible stock investor as liquidated damages
and not as a penalty, in the amount equal to 0.5% of the aggregate purchase
price paid by such investor for the preferred stock for each thirty (30) day
period or pro rata for any portion thereof following the date by which or on
which such Registration Statement should have been filed or effective, as the
case may be. Payments shall be in full compensation to the investors, and shall
constitute the investor's exclusive remedy for such events. The amounts payable
as liquidated damages shall be paid in shares of common stock.
Series
A Conversion.
In
December 2007, in connection with the Reverse Merger, American Ethanol converted
all Series A Preferred Stock into common stock of AE Biofuels, Inc. at a
two-for-one ratio.
Common
Stock
During
2007, the Company reacquired 800,000 shares from its former CEO (under the
terms
of a repurchase agreement) upon his voluntary termination.
F-13
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
The
Company issued 200,000 shares in fiscal 2007, for the purchase of Biofuels
Marketing, Inc. As discussed in Note 11, 100,000 of these shares are subject
to
vesting based on the continued employment of one key employee.
10. Private
Placement of Preferred Stock and Warrants
In
connection with the sale of our Series A and B Preferred Stock, we issued to
our
placement agent warrants to purchase a number of shares of our Common Stock
representing up to 8% of the shares of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock
sold. The warrants are exercisable for a period of seven years from the date
of
issuance, have a net exercise provision and are transferable. The shares of
the
Company’s common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants must be included
in any Registration Statement filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Further, subject to certain conditions, the Company has
indemnified the placement agents and affiliated broker-dealers against certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
A
summary
of warrant activity for placement warrants for 2007 and 2006 is as
follows:
Number
of
Warrants
|
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
|
Warrants
Exercisable
|
Remaining
Term
(years)
|
||||||||||
Outstanding,
December 31, 2005
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||
Granted
|
1,020,653
|
$ |
1.82
|
||||||||||
Exercised
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Outstanding,
December 31, 2006
|
1,020,653
|
1.82
|
1,020,000
|
6.7
|
|||||||||
Granted
|
527,421
|
3.00
|
|||||||||||
Exercised
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Outstanding,
December 31, 2007
|
1,548,074
|
$ |
3.00
|
1,548,074
|
6.1
|
The
warrants are considered equity instruments. Since
they were issued as a cost of the issuance of the Series A and B preferred
stock, the fair value of these warrants has effectively been netted against
the
preferred stock sale proceeds.
One
member of AE Biofuels’ board of directors and a significant shareholder of the
Company is a registered representative of the placement agent. He received
a
portion of the compensation paid to the placement agent and received 976,721
of
the warrants issued from the Series A and B financing.
Warrants
In
July
2007, we issued 1,200,000 revocable warrants to Thames Advisory, Ltd. and paid
$200,000 in consulting fees in exchange for potentially raising a $200 million
debt facility. The warrants are earned on the percentage of the offering that
is
successfully raised before June 30, 2008. To date no warrants have been earned
and none are exercisable since no fundraising has occurred.
In
February 2007, we issued 5,000 warrants to a consultant as compensation for
services rendered. These warrants are immediately exercisable at $3.00 per
share.
F-14
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
11.
Stock- Based Compensation
Common
Stock Reserved for Issuance
AE
Biofuels authorized the issuance of 4,000,000 shares under the 2007 Stock Plan
for stock option awards, which includes both incentive and non-statutory stock
options. These options generally expire ten years from the date of grant and
are
exercisable at any time after the date of the grant. Shares issued upon exercise
prior to vesting are subject to a right of repurchase, which lapses according
to
the vesting schedule of the original option.
The
following is a summary of options granted under the 2007 Stock Plan:
Options
Outstanding
|
||||||||||
Shares
Available
|
Number
|
Weighted-Average
|
||||||||
For
Grant
|
of
Shares
|
Exercise
Price
|
||||||||
Balance
as of December 31, 2006
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Authorized
(2007 plan inception)
|
4,000,000
|
|||||||||
Granted
|
(1,984,000
|
)
|
1,984,000
|
$ |
3.00
|
|||||
Exercised
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Canceled
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Balance
as of December 31, 2007
|
2,016,000
|
1,984,000
|
$ |
3.00
|
The
weighted average remaining contractual term is 9.78 years at December 31, 2007.
The aggregate intrinsic value of the shares outstanding at December 31, 2007
is
$18,848,000. The
aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based
on
the excess of the Company’s closing stock price of $12.50 as of
December 31, 2007 over the options holders’ strike price, which would have
been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their
options as of that date. The weighted average grant fair value of these awards
is $1.13.
Included
in the table above are 517,000 options issued to consultants in November
2007.
These options had an exercise price of $3.00 and generally vest over 3 years.
At
December 31, 2007 the weighted average remaining contractual term was 4.9
years.
The Company recorded expense of $296,071 which reflects the fair value valuation
and periodic fair value remeasurement of outstanding consultant options under
Emerging Issues Take Force, or EIFT, No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity
Instruments That are issued to Other Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction
with Selling, Goods or Services,” (“EITF 96-18”). The valuation using the
Black-Scholes model is based upon the current market value of our common
stock
and other current assumptions, including the expected term (contractual term
for
consultant options). The Company records the expense related to consultant
options using the accelerated expense pattern prescribed in EITF
96-18.
Options
vested and exercisable at December 31, 2007 and 2006 were 817,000 and 12,500,
with weighted average exercise prices of $2.85 and $1.50,
respectively.
Non-Plan
Stock Options
In
Fiscal
2006, 290,000 stock options were issued outside of any stock option plan, of
which 50,000 were forfeited during 2007. For the remaining 240,000 options
outstanding as of December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual
term is 8.14 years. The grant date fair value of this award is
$.25.
F-15
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
Valuation
and Expense Information under SFAS 123(R)
The
weighted-average fair value calculations for options granted within the period
are based on the following weighted average assumptions:
Fiscal
Year Ended
December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
|
|||||||
Risk-free
interest rate
|
3.01
to 5.00
|
%
|
5.00
|
%
|
|||
Expected
volatility
|
61.9
|
%
|
53.6
|
%
|
|||
Expected
life (years)
|
3.31
|
3.75
|
|||||
Weighted
average fair value per share of common stock
|
$
|
0.47
|
$
|
0.13
|
The
Company incurred stock compensation expense of $1,274,500 and $363,460 in fiscal
2007 and 2006, respectively, for options granted to our general &
administrative employee and consultants. Therefore all stock option expense
was
classified as general and administrative expense. Stock compensation expenses
to
consultants for 2007 and 2006 was $296,071 and 0 respectively.
As
of
December 31, 2007 and 2006, there was $696,048 and $60,058, respectively,
of total unrecognized compensation expenses under FAS 123R, net of estimated
forfeitures, related to stock options that the Company will amortize over the
next four fiscal years.
In
January 2006, the Company issued employees 4,400,000 shares of common stock
at
$.0025 per share in the form of restricted stock awards in connection with
employment agreements under restricted unit purchase agreements. These shares
were issued as an incentive to retain key employees and officers and will
vest
over 3 years.
The
following table summarizes the Company’s repurchase rights under these
agreements:
Number
of Shares
|
Weighted
Average Grant Date Fair Value
|
||||||
Repurchasable
shares of January 1, 2006
|
4,400,000
|
.0025
|
|||||
Vested
|
(1,550,000
|
)
|
(.0025
|
)
|
|||
Forfeited
|
–
|
–
|
|||||
Repurchasable
shares of December 31, 2006
|
2,850,000
|
.0025
|
|||||
Vested
|
(950,000
|
)
|
(.0025
|
)
|
|||
Forfeited
|
(800,000
|
)
|
(.0025
|
)
|
|||
Repurchasable
shares of December 31, 2007
|
1,100,000
|
.0025
|
12.
Acquisitions,
Divestitures and Joint Ventures.
Private
Company Acquisitions.
On
February 1, 2006 American Ethanol, Inc. acquired all of the membership interests
in three development stage companies: Wahoo Ethanol LLC, Sutton Ethanol LLC
and
Illinois Valley Ethanol LLC in exchange for an aggregate of 3,752,000 shares
valued at $488,000 of American common stock. The transaction was accounted
for
as a dividend to stockholders. Wahoo and Sutton were 100% owned by two
individuals who also owned 25.5% of the original founder’s common stock of
American. As a part of the purchase of Wahoo and Sutton, American paid these
two
individuals $400,000 which represents their capital contributions to these
companies. The founders of these two companies subsequently became the President
and Executive Vice President of American. Subsequent to the purchase of Wahoo,
American settled a preacquisition outstanding claim by one of Wahoo’s former
advisors for $133,000. This settlement was paid by American
Ethanol.
E85
Joint Venture.
On
January 17, 2007, American Ethanol, Inc. received a $5 million advance from
E85,
Inc., a Delaware corporation pursuant to a signed Memorandum of Understanding
between the parties. E85, Inc. is an entity primarily owned by Mr. C.
Sivasankaran, the founder and Chairman of Siva Limited, Sterling Infotech,
and
other businesses.
Subsequently,
on March 1, 2007, American Ethanol entered into various agreements, including
a
Joint Development Agreement, with E85, Inc. The transactions caused no dilution
to American Ethanol shareholders, and no shares or warrants were issued. Terms
of the agreement included binding terms related to funding the expected $200
million construction of American Ethanol’s Sutton, Nebraska ethanol plant, as
well as non-binding terms related to funding three additional ethanol
plants.
The
American Ethanol agreements with E85 included the following terms:
|
·
|
American
Ethanol agreed to sell all of its interest in and to its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Wahoo Ethanol, LLC, to E85 for the purchase price of
$2
million, resulting in a gain on sale to American of
$854,000.
|
F-16
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
|
·
|
American
Ethanol, through its wholly owned subsidiary Sutton Ethanol, LLC,
was
currently developing an ethanol production facility to be located
near
Sutton, Nebraska, which had a permitted production capacity of
approximately 115 million gallons per year (the "Sutton Project").
E85
agreed to acquire a 50% membership interest in Sutton Ethanol, LLC
for a
total equity contribution of $58 million, of which $24 million was
funded
on March 26, 2007 and American Ethanol agreed to make an additional
equity
contribution to Sutton Ethanol, LLC of $34 million. American Ethanol
would
retain a 50% membership interest in Sutton Ethanol,
LLC.
|
F-17
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
12.
Acquisitions,
Divestitures and Joint Ventures (contd.).
|
·
|
In
addition, American Ethanol would have the lead responsibility to
negotiate, on behalf of Sutton Ethanol, LLC the terms and conditions
of a
turnkey, engineering, procurement and construction contract ("EPC
Contract") with a suitable qualified construction contractor
("Contractor"), which EPC Contract would have terms and conditions
sufficient to allow the Sutton Project to obtain, on commercially
reasonable terms, non-recourse construction and term loan financing
in an
amount of approximately $100,000,000 (the "Financing"), including,
without
limitation, a completion guarantee from the Contractor that would
be
backed by a performance bond. E85 would assist American Ethanol in
such
negotiations as reasonably requested by American Ethanol. In addition,
American Ethanol would have the lead responsibility to negotiate,
on
behalf of Sutton Ethanol, LLC, the terms and conditions of the Financing.
E85 would assist American Ethanol in such negotiations as reasonably
requested by American Ethanol.
|
|
·
|
E85
and American Ethanol agreed that American Ethanol would enter into
a
management agreement with Sutton Ethanol, LLC to manage the operation
of
the Sutton ethanol facility on such terms and conditions as are consistent
with an arms length management agreement for ethanol facilities of
a
similar type and size.
|
|
·
|
E85
and American Ethanol agreed that American Ethanol or its biofuels
marketing subsidiary would enter into an exclusive marketing agreement
with Sutton Ethanol, LLC to market ethanol and any other products
from the
Sutton ethanol facility for a fee to American Ethanol of one percent
(1.0%) of gross sales, and on such terms and conditions as are consistent
with arms length marketing agreements for ethanol facilities of a
similar
type and size; and
|
|
·
|
The
parties recited their intent to pursue the development and construction
of
three additional ethanol facilities on terms and conditions substantially
similar to those for the Sutton
Project.
|
|
·
|
In
addition, American Ethanol, Inc. entered into the following credit
facilities with Siva Limited, a Bermuda corporation, an affiliated
entity
of E85, Inc:
|
|
·
|
Siva
Limited agreed to loan American Ethanol up to $4.5 million for the
purpose
of investing in American Ethanol’s International Biofuels subsidiary for
the continued construction of a 50 million gallon biodiesel facility.
If
the note is repaid prior to thirty days from the date of the advance,
no
interest would be due. If the note was not fully paid in that time
period,
interest would accrue at the rate of 2.5% per month and the note
shall
mature 12 months from the date of closing. Interest was payable quarterly.
The loan was secured by a pledge by American Ethanol of 6% of the
membership units of Sutton Ethanol,
LLC
|
|
·
|
Siva
Limited agreed to loan American Ethanol $32 million for the purpose
of
funding American Ethanol’s remaining equity contribution to Sutton
Ethanol, LLC. If the funds are borrowed, the loan would bear interest
at
the rate of 15% per annum, and would be due and payable on December
30,
2007. Interest was payable quarterly. The loan was secured by a pledge
by
American Ethanol of 35% of the membership units of Sutton Ethanol,
LLC.
American Ethanol was not obligated to borrow under this
facility.
|
In
connection with the agreements with E85 and Siva Limited described above, an
affiliate of Siva Limited purchased from Janikiram Ajjarapu all 8,100,000 shares
of common stock of American Ethanol held by Mr. Ajjarapu, a former officer
and
director of American Ethanol.
Prior
to
American Ethanol acquisition of the Sutton and Wahoo membership interest, Geneva
Capital was engaged to perform certain consulting services in exchange for
cash
and stock in the company. In June, 2006, Geneva Capital brought action against
Sutton and Wahoo claiming breach of contract under these agreements. Janikiram
Ajjarapu and American Ethanol agreed to settle this litigation with Geneva
Capital, releasing American Ethanol from any liability related to this
litigation. In addition, American Ethanol received a reimbursement of legal
expenses in the amount of $200,000 which was recorded as additional paid in
capital. The settlement and stock sale transaction, subject to final closing
conditions, closed in March 2007.
F-18
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
12. Acquisitions,
Divestitures and Joint Ventures (contd.).
On
August
14, 2007 by mutual agreement of the parties American and E-85 dissolved their
joint venture. American purchased E-85’s 50% interest in the Sutton JV for $16
million in cash which they borrowed on a short term basis from the JV. As part
of this repurchase American terminated its design contract with Delta T and
was
required to write off approximately $5.2 million in design work previously
done
by Delta T and its contractors and carried in construction in progress of the
JV. This $5.2 million is included as an expense of the company as of December
31, 2007. To compensate American for this loss, American was allowed to retain
the remaining $8 million invested in the JV by E-85. This $8 million gain has
been included in the statement of operations as gain from sale of subsidiary.
All previous agreements between American and E-85, including the loan facilities
with Siva Limited, were terminated as of the date of the repurchase of the
Sutton shares.
Public
Company Acquisition.
On June
23, 2006 American Ethanol acquired approximately 88.3% of the outstanding common
stock of Marwich from three principal shareholders and directors of Marwich
for
$675,000. The purchase price, net of current year expenses, ($662,406) was
accounted for as a reduction of Additional Paid in Capital as a step in a
reverse merger transaction. In connection with this transaction, the three
directors of Marwich resigned from the board and two members of American’s
management, were named as directors of Marwich. Also on June 23, 2006, American
Ethanol entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (subsequently amended
and
restated on July 19, 2007) with Marwich pursuant to which American Ethanol
would
merge with and into Marwich and (i) each issued and outstanding share of
American Ethanol Common Stock (including Common Stock issued upon conversion
of
American Ethanol Series A Preferred Stock, which will automatically convert
into
Common Stock immediately prior to the closing of the Merger) and Series B
Preferred Stock will be converted into Series B Preferred Stock which is
convertible into common stock at the holder’s discretion on a one for one basis,
respectively, of Marwich, and (ii) each issued and outstanding option and
warrant exercisable for common stock of American Ethanol will be assumed and
converted into an option or warrant exercisable for common stock of Marwich.
The
Merger is subject to the approval of both American’s and Marwich’s shareholders
and certain other conditions. Upon the effectiveness of the Merger, Marwich
would change its name to AE Biofuels, Inc. The 3,343,200 shares of Marwich
purchased by American Ethanol will be retired upon the completion of the Merger.
On
December 7, 2007, the Merger was completed and the former shareholders of
American Ethanol were issued 84,114,998 shares of AE Biofuels, Inc. common
stock
in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of American Ethanol common stock,
6,487,491 shares of AE Biofuels, Inc. Series B Preferred Stock in exchange
for
all of the issued and outstanding shares of American Ethanol’s Series B
Preferred Stock, and assumed options and warrants exercisable for 4,229,000
shares of common stock and 748,074 shares of Series B Preferred Stock,
respectively. For accounting purposes, the Reverse Merger was treated as a
reverse acquisition with American Ethanol as the acquirer and the Company as
the
acquired party.
Marketing
Company Acquisition.
On
September 1, 2007, American Ethanol purchased the assets of Biofuels Marketing,
a Nevada corporation, in exchange for 200,000 shares of American Ethanol stock
valued at $3.00 per share. Of the shares issued, 50% are contingent upon the
continued employment of Sanjeev Gupta and will be accounted for as compensation
expense as earned. Total compensation expense recorded to date under this award
was $50,000. Of the purchase price, $300,000 was assigned to the primary
asset acquired, which was a customer list, which is being amortized over 18
months. Amortization expense to date is $66,666.
India
Company Formation.
On July
14, 2006 the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, International Biofuels,
Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, International Biodiesel, Ltd., LLC, a
Mauritius incorporated company, entered into a joint venture biodiesel project
agreement with Acalmar Oils & Fats Limited, an Indian company. The purpose
of the joint venture is to build an approximate 50 MMGY biodiesel production
facility adjacent to the existing palm oil plant in Kakinada, India with such
fuel being exported from India to the U.S. for sale. By the terms of the
agreement the Company will contribute approximately $15.4 million and Acalmar
will contribute its edible palm oil facility in India to the joint venture
through a leasing arrangement. The Company will own through its subsidiary
a 74%
interest in the venture while Acalmar will own 26% once the final payments
under the agreement are made. At December 31, 2006 the Company had advanced
the
joint venture $3,380,000 toward the construction of the biodiesel facility
and
during the year ended December 31, 2007 contributed an additional $11,930,000
(a
total of $15,280,000).
Subsequent
to December 31, 2007, the Company agreed to purchase Acalmar’s 26% interest in
the joint venture and as of June 30, 2008 the Company will own 100% of the
India
venture. For the year ended December 31, 2007, Universal Biofuels Pvt.Ltd.
contributed income of $594,295 to the consolidated income, principally from
foreign currency exchange gains and interest income. This income is not subject
to U.S. Federal Taxation until it is repatriated.
F-19
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
13. Land options and purchases.
AE
Biofuels and its subsidiary American Ethanol, Inc., has acquired options to
purchase land in various locations in Nebraska and Illinois. The terms of these
options are typically from one to two years and provide that AE Biofuels, Inc.
has the right to acquire the land for a set price per acre subject to the
satisfaction, in AE Biofuels' sole discretion, of its due diligence. The
following lists the locations in which American Ethanol has acquired options
on
land as of the date of this Report.
On
March
2, 2006, Wahoo purchased two parcels of land in Wahoo, Nebraska. The total
purchase price was $1,359,590. These parcels were subsequently sold to
E85.
On
March
17, 2006, Sutton purchased land for its plant location in Sutton, Nebraska
for
the price of $597,406.
On
February 20, 2006, AE Biofuels entered into an option agreement to purchase
approximately 180 acres of land for a plant location in Grand Island, Nebraska.
American paid $100,000 for this option which expires March 17, 2007. Subsequent
to December 31, 2007, American extended these options for an additional six
months at a cost of $25,000. This property was released and option cost of
$125,000 was recognized as an expense.
On
March
3, 2006, AE Biofuels entered into two option agreements to purchase
approximately 396 acres of land for a plant location in Webster County,
Nebraska. American paid $100,000 for the options which expire March 1, 2007.
American exercised its right to extend these options for a period of one year
and paid an additional $3,600 in March 2007 for such extension. This property
was released and option cost of $104,625 was recognized as an
expense.
On
April
11, 2006, Illinois Valley entered into an option agreement to purchase
approximately 363 acres of land in Dwight, Illinois. AE Biofuels paid $150,000
for this option which expired September 15, 2006. This property was released
and
option cost of $150,000 was recognized as an expense.
On
April
27, 2006, AE Biofuels entered into an option agreement to purchase approximately
145 acres of land for a plant location in Burt County, Nebraska. AE Biofuels
paid $50,000 for the option which expired July 1, 2006. AE Biofuels elected
not
to exercise this option and recorded a $50,000 expense in July 2006 for the
cost
of the unexercised option.
On
May
13, 2006, AE Biofuels acquired through assignment 4 options to purchase
approximately 175 acres of land for a plant location in Danville, Illinois.
AE
Biofuels paid $50,000 for these options which were exercised in December 2006
and the purchase, totaling $2,319,995 closed on March 13, 2007 and is held
by
Danville Ethanol, LLC.
On
June
1, 2006, AE Biofuels acquired an option to purchase approximately 204 acres
of
land for a plant site in Gilman, IL. AE Biofuels paid $15,000 for this option
which expires on June 1, 2008.
On
August
8, 2006, the Company acquired an option to purchase approximately 400 acres
of
land for a plant site in Red Cloud, NE for a cost of $100,000. The option
expired on August 8, 2007 and option costs of $100,000 was recognized as
expense.
On
August
14, 2006, the Company acquired an option for 373 acres of land in Litchfield,
IL. The Company paid $18,000 for such option and it expires August 1, 2008.
During 2007, $18,000 was recognized as an expense for this option.
On
September 30, 2006, the Company acquired an option for 183 acres in Burt County,
NE. The Company paid $147,500 for the option. This option expired July 1, 2007
and the option cost of $147,500 was recognized as an expense.
On
October 14, 2006, the Company acquired an option for 200 acres known as Stillman
Valley in Ogle County, IL. The Company paid $35,000 for the option and it
expires on August 1, 2008.
On
October 15, 2006, the Company acquired an option to purchase approximately
186
acres of land for a plant site in Gridley, IL. The cost of this option was
$74,500 and it expires on October 15, 2009.
On
June
1, 2006, AE Biofuels acquired through assignment an option to purchase
approximately 200 acres in Mason County, Illinois. No cash was paid in exchange
for the option, which expires April 15, 2008; provided, however, that if AE
Biofuels decides to exercise the option, it will issue to the landowner 200,000
shares of AE Biofuels Common Stock. AE Biofuels has the right to extend the
term
of the option to February 14, 2009.
F-20
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
The
aggregate purchase price of all land currently under option, if all options
are
exercised, is $10,114,230. Currently, AE Biofuels is evaluating each site as
to
the adequacy of utilities, zoning, subsurface structures and the like and the
exercise of any option will be dependent upon the result of American Ethanol’s
analysis of these and other factors.
Currently,
AE Biofuels is evaluating each site as to the adequacy of utilities, zoning,
subsurface structures and the like and the exercise of any option will be
dependent upon the results of American Ethanol’s analysis of these and other
factors.
14. Commitments.
Third
Party Contracts:
The
Company engaged a third party in January 2006 for administrative, paralegal
and
staff support for $15,000 a month for three years. The Company also amended
an
arrangement with two individuals for financial advisory and management
consulting services in January 2006 in the amount of $180,000 plus $10,000
per
month (for a one year minimum) and 2,120,000 shares of common
stock.
Construction
Contracts: The Company
contracted with Desmet Bellastra India Put. Ltd. to build a glycerin plant
in
Kakinada, India. At December 31, 2007 construction contracts were outstanding
for $1.85 million that will be funded with cash in our India
subsidiary.
15. Related
party transactions.
A
number
of related party transactions occurred during 2007 and 2006, and are summarized
below:
A
director and significant shareholder of the Company loaned the Company
$1,250,000 in two transactions in November and December 2006. The loans are
short term notes with a term of nine months from the date of issue (November
16,
2006 for $1,000,000 and December 28, 2006 for $250,000) and carry a 10% per
annum interest rate. The Company repaid $750,000 in principal plus accrued
interest during the three months ended March 31, 2007. During the three months
ended September 30, 2007, the Company borrowed an additional $575,000 from
this
individual under the same terms. The monies were used by the Company to pay
operating expenses and to meet payment deadlines to our International Biofuels
operation in India. The amounts owed under this obligation were repaid and
as of
December 31, 2007 nothing is owed.
Chadbourn
Securities has acted as one of the Company’s placement agents with respect to
the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock offerings throughout 2006
and 2007. One of the Company’s directors and shareholders is an agent of
Chadbourn and receives payments from Chadbourn related to the sale of stock
along with other non-related parties. During 2007 the Company paid $314,602
in
fees and issued warrants exercisable for 195,388 shares of the Company’s Series
B Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share in connection with
the
Company’s Series B Preferred Stock offering. During 2006, the Company paid
$911,981 in fees and issued warrants exercisable for 800,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 and warrants exercisable
for 226,320 shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock at an exercise
price of $3.00 per share in connection with the Company’s Series A and Series B
Preferred Stock offerings.
The
Company and Eric A. McAfee, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board, are parties to an agreement pursuant to which the Company pays
Mr.
McAfee a monthly fee of $10,000 per month for services rendered to the Company
as a director and officer. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
the
Company paid Mr. McAfee $120,000 and $110,000, respectively, pursuant to this
agreement.
The
Company and CM Consulting are parties to an agreement pursuant to which the
Company rents 20 hours per month of time on an aircraft owned by CM Consulting
until February, 2008. The Company paid an upfront fee of $360,000 starting
February 2006 for 24 months of usage. For the year ended December 31, 2007
and
2006, the Company expensed $180,000 and $150,000 of this rental fee,
respectively. CM Consulting is 50% owned by Eric McAfee, a director, officer
and
significant shareholder of the Company.
Cagan
McAfee Capital Partners is owned by two directors of the Company and provides
office services and advisory services under an advisory agreement with the
Company. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company paid Cagan McAfee
Capital Partners $180,000 for advisory services and $180,584 for office services
and travel expenses.
The
Industrial Company (TIC) and Delta-T are companies involved in the design and
construction of ethanol plants in the United States. In January 2006 they became
strategic partners and founding shareholders of the Company. In 2006 the Company
paid TIC and Delta-T approximately $7.5 million for services related to the
design and initial construction work on the Company’s Sutton Ethanol, LLC
ethanol plant facility. In August 2007 the Company and TIC terminated their
relationship, wrote off approximately $5.2 million in design work and
construction in progress. TIC and Delta-T and are no longer a considered a
strategic partner of the Company.
During
October and December, we sold $6,127,727 of commodities to our joint venture
partner, Acalmar Oils and Fats, Ltd. Amounts due from Alcamar Oils and Fats,
Ltd. have been presented on the balance sheet as Accounts receivable - related
party. These sales were made at prevailing market rates.
F-21
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
16. Income
Tax
The
Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. This return includes
all
corporate companies 80% or more owned by the Company as well as the Company’s
pro-rata share of taxable income from pass-through entities in which Company
holds an ownership interest. State tax returns are filed on a consolidated,
combined or separate basis depending on the applicable laws relating to the
Company and its subsidiaries.
Components
of tax expense consist of the following:
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Current:
|
|||||||
Federal
|
$
|
33,664
|
$
|
-0-
|
|||
State
and local
|
19,421
|
-0-
|
|||||
Foreign
|
25,499
|
-0-
|
|||||
|
78,584
|
-0-
|
|||||
Deferred:
|
|
|
|||||
Federal
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
|||||
State
and local
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
|||||
Foreign
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
|||||
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
|||||
Income
tax expense
|
$
|
78,584
|
$
|
-0-
|
U.S.
loss
and foreign income before income taxes are as follows:
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
United
States
|
$
|
(5,585,407
|
)
|
$
|
(6,069,081
|
)
|
|
Foreign
|
619,794
|
0
|
|||||
Income
before income taxes
|
$
|
(4,965,613
|
)
|
$
|
(6,069,081
|
)
|
Income
tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory U.S.
Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as a result of the
following:
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Income
tax expense at the federal statutory rate of 26%
|
$
|
(1,313,509
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
||
Increase
(decrease) resulting from:
|
|
|
|||||
Net
gain on sale of subsidiary
|
(805,212
|
)
|
-
|
||||
Non-deductible
other costs
|
5,232
|
-
|
|||||
Stock
Compenstion
|
331,880
|
|
-
|
|
|||
Foreign
Income
|
(154,754
|
)
|
-
|
|
|||
Return
to provision
|
50,198 | ||||||
Valuation
Allowance
|
1,964,749
|
-
|
|
||||
Income
tax expense
|
$
|
78,584
|
$
|
-
|
The
components of the net deferred tax asset or liability are as
follows:
December 31,
|
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
(In
thousands)
|
|||||||
Deferred
tax assets:
|
|||||||
Organization
and start-up costs
|
$
|
4,733,550
|
$
|
2,276,589
|
|||
Equity
based compensation
|
185,024
|
224,750
|
|||||
Loss
on purchase of subsidiary
|
9,323
|
364,315
|
|||||
Other,
net
|
(6,603
|
)
|
0
|
||||
Total
gross deferred tax assets
|
4,921,294
|
2,862,474
|
|||||
Less
valuation allowance
|
(4,921,294
|
)
|
(2,862,474
|
)
|
|||
Deferred
tax assets - long term, net
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
-0-
|
F-22
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
Based
on
our evaluation of current and anticipated future taxable income, we believe
it
is more likely than not that insufficient taxable income will be generated
to
realize the net deferred tax assets, and accordingly, a valuation reserve has
been set against these net deferred tax assets.
We
do not
provide for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of our foreign
subsidiaries, as we consider these to be permanently reinvested in the
operations of such subsidiaries. At December 31, 2007, these
undistributed earnings totaled approximately $598,000. If some of these
earnings were distributed, some countries may impose withholding taxes. In
addition, as foreign taxes have previously been paid on these earnings, we
would
expect to be entitled to a U.S. foreign tax credit that would reduce the U.S.
taxes owed on such distribution. As such, it is not practicable to
determine the net amount of the related unrecognized U.S. deferred tax
liability.
We
adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”
(“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007, and there was no impact to our
financial statements. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in
income tax positions. FIN 48 provides that the tax affects from an
uncertain tax position can be recognized in our financial statements only if
the
position is more-likely-than-not of being sustained on audit, based on the
technical merits of the position. Tax positions that meet the recognition
threshold are reported at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to
be
realized. This determination requires a high degree of judgment and
estimation. We periodically analyze and adjust amounts recorded for our
uncertain tax positions, as events occur to warrant adjustment, such as when
the
statutory period for assessing tax on a given tax return or period expires
or if
tax authorities provide administrative guidance or a decision is rendered in
the
courts. Most of our unrecognized tax benefits would affect our effective
tax rate if recognized. Furthermore, we do not reasonably expect the total
amounts of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease
within the next 12 months.
As
of December 31, 2007, our unrecognized tax benefits
were not significant.
We
conduct business globally and, as a result, one or more of our subsidiaries
file
income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and
foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to
examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such major
jurisdictions as India, Mauritius, and the United States. With few exceptions,
we incorporated in 2006 and we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state
and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before
2006.
In
many
cases the Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain
subject to examination by tax authorities. The following describes the open
tax
years, by major tax jurisdiction, as of December 31, 2007:
United
States — Federal
|
|
2005
- present
|
United
States — State
|
|
2005
- present
|
India
|
|
2006
- present
|
Mauritius
|
|
2006
- present
|
We
file a
U.S. Federal income tax return and tax returns in nine U.S. states, as well
as
in two foreign jurisdictions. Currently, our U.S. Federal income tax
returns dating back to 2005 are open to possible examination. Penalties and
interest are classified as general and administrative expenses.
F-23
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
17. Subsequent
Events.
On
January 23, 2008, International Biofuels, Ltd (IBL) and Acalmar Oils and Fats,
Ltd. (Acalmar) entered into a Termination Agreement where IBL agreed to pay
$900,000 in cash to obtain Acalmar’s interest in Universal Biofuels Pvt. Ltd.
Acalmar was relieved of its obligation to fund any additional capital as part
of
this agreement. Acalmar will continue to manage the interest of AE Biofuels'
subsidiary under the Operating and Maintenance Agreement.
On
February 8 and 26, 2008, Laird Cagan, a director and related party, provided
project financing to the Energy Enzymes subsidiary in the amount of $500,000
at
a 10% interest per annum due and payable on December 31, 2008. Additional
borrowings were made under this loan arrangement in the amount of $300,000
on
February 26, 2008, in the amount of $300,000 on March 14, 2008,
and in
the amount of $600,000 on March 27, 2008.
18. Contingent
Liabilities.
On
July
18, 2007, Logibio Albany Terminal, LLC filed a complaint against American
Ethanol, Sutton Ethanol and Eric McAfee, the Company’s chairman, in the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The complaint sought
a declaratory judgment and damages for alleged fraud and interference with
business expectancy. The complaint claimed that defendants falsely claimed
a
fifty percent ownership interest in Logibio Albany Terminal, misrepresented
its
ability to provide financing for plaintiff, and interfered with plaintiff’s
attempts to obtain financing from third parties.
The
complaint alleged approximately $6.9 million in incidental losses related to
break up fees associated with one financier’s decision not to provide financing
and the alleged difference between the terms of potential financing and actual
financing received. Counsel for Logibio informed counsel for American Ethanol
that financing had closed and, therefore, additional damage claims of lost
ability to obtain financing are moot. This claim was settled in October 2007
by
mutual agreement of the parties with no payments or costs to either
party.
The
Company is aware that a shareholder, the Cordillera Fund, LP, asserts that
it is
entitled under Nevada dissenters' rights statutes to transfer 583,334 shares
of
Series B Preferred stock of American Ethanol, Inc. to the Company and to
receive
in exchange the fair market value for such shares from the Company. The Company
has requested that the Cordillera Fund, LP, submit all factual information
it
may have that could support its assertion, but to date has received no such
submission.
The
Company believes based upon their interpretation of the facts surrounding
this
matter and Nevada law that they have meritorious defenses against any claims
by
the Cordillera Fund, LP for dissenters rights. However any ultimate outcome
of
this matter is highly uncertain and difficult to predict at this early
stage.
F-24
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Date:
March 28, 2008
AE
Biofuels, Inc.
|
||
/s/ Eric A. McAfee | ||
________________________________________ | ||
Eric
A. McAfee
|
||
Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
||
KNOW
ALL
PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Eric A. McAfee and William J. Maender, and each of
them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with full power of
substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to
this
report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or
their
substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has
been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
|
Title
|
Date
|
|||||
/s/
Eric A. McAfee
|
Chairman/Chief
Executive Officer
|
March
28, 2008
|
|||||
Eric
A. McAfee
|
(Principal
Executive Officer and Director)
|
||||||
/s/William
J. Maender
|
Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary
|
March
28, 2008
|
|||||
William
J. Maender
|
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
||||||
/s/
Laird Q. Cagan
|
Director
|
March
28, 2008
|
|||||
Laird
Q. Cagan
|
|||||||
/s/
Michael Peterson
|
Director
|
March
28, 2008
|
|||||
Michael
Peterson
|
|||||||
/s/
Harold Sorgenti
|
Director
|
March
28, 2008
|
|||||
Harold
Sorgenti
|
|||||||
/s/
Surendra Ajjarapu
|
President
and Director
|
March
28, 2008
|
|||||
Surendra
Ajjarapu
|