Driveitaway Holdings, Inc. - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number 000-52883
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
| 14-1708544 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
| (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) |
| Identification No.) |
701 Market Street, Suite 113
St. Augustine, FL 32095
(904) 824-3133
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No þ.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No þ.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ¨ No þ.
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants 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. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ¨ | Accelerated filer | ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ | Smaller reporting company | þ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ.
As of March 31, 2016, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, based on the $0.15 closing price of the registrants common stock as reported on the OTC bulletin board on that date, was approximately $1.8 million. For purposes of this computation, all officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed to be an admission that such officers, directors or 10% beneficial owners are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.
At December 12, 2016, there 12,100,409 shares of common stock of the registrant outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. | 21 | |
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Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. | 28 | |
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. | 35 | |
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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. | 36 | |
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Unless the context otherwise requires, when we use the words the Company, Creative Learning, we, us, our or our Company in this Form 10-K, we are referring to Creative Learning Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (the Report) includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words believes, estimates, anticipates, expects, intends, plans, may, will, potential, projects, predicts, continue, or should, or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. There can be no assurance that actual results will not materially differ from expectations. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they:
| · | discuss future expectations; |
| · | contain projections of future results of operations or financial condition; or |
| · | state other “forward-looking” information. |
We believe it is important to communicate our expectations to our stockholders. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or over which we have no control. The risk factors and cautionary language discussed in this Form 10-K provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described by us in our forward-looking statements, including among other things:
| · | the operating and financial results of and our relationships with our franchisees; |
| · | actions taken by our franchisees that may harm our business; |
| · | incidents that may impair the value of our brand; |
| · | our failure to successfully implement our growth strategy; |
| · | changing economic conditions; |
| · | our need for additional financing; |
| · | risks associated with our franchisees; and |
| · | litigation and regulatory issues; and |
| · | our failure to comply with current or future laws or regulations. |
You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual future results to differ materially from those projected or contemplated in the forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements included herein attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to above. Except to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations, we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in this Form 10-K could have a material adverse effect on us.
PART I
ITEM 1.
Creative Learning Corporation, operating under the trade names of Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios®, offers educational and enrichment programs to children ages 3 to 13+ through its franchisees. The Companys business model is to sell franchise territories and collect a one-time franchise fee and subsequent monthly royalty fees from each territory. Through the Companys franchise business model, which includes a proprietary curriculum and marketing strategy plus a proprietary franchise management tool, the Company provides a wide variety of programs designed to enhance students problem solving and critical thinking skills. At September 30, 2016, the Company had 710 Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios® franchises, 28 Bricks 4 Kidz® master franchises, and 20 Bricks 4 Kidz® sub-franchises operating in 38 countries.
Company Background
The Company was formed in March 2006 under the name B2 Health, Inc. to design, manufacture and sell chiropractic tables and beds. The Company generated only limited revenue and essentially abandoned its business plan in March 2008. In July 2010, the Companys name was changed to Creative Learning Corporation (CLC).
On July 2, 2010 the Company acquired BFK Franchise Company, LLC (BFK), a Nevada limited liability company formed in May 2009, under a Stock Exchange Agreement with the members of BFK for 9,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock. BFK offers a franchise concept known as Bricks 4 Kidz®, a mobile business operated by franchisees within a specific geographic territory offering project-based programs designed to teach principles and methods of engineering to children ages 3-13+. BFK began selling franchises in July 2009.
On September 14, 2012, the Company formed CI Franchise Company LLC (CI) as a wholly owned subsidiary for the purpose of offering a second franchise concept known as Challenge Island®, a service business within a defined exclusive territory, pursuant to which franchisees provide unique challenge-based programs designed to foster critical and creative thinking skills, problem solving methodology, and core STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) principles in children between the ages of 6 and 12. CI began selling franchises during the 2013 fiscal year. On December 9, 2015, the Company sold the assets and liabilities of the CI business to a third party. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
On January 26, 2015 the Company formed SF Franchise Company, LLC (SF) as a wholly owned subsidiary for the purpose of offering a third franchise concept known as Sew Fun Studios®. Sew Fun Studios® is a mobile business operated by franchisees within a specific geographic territory offering creative project-based activities, classes and programs in fashion and interior design and sewing to children and adults.
On July 22, 2015 and with immediate effect, the Companys Board of Directors removed Brian Pappas as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Also on July 22, 2015, the Board took a series of actions to reconstruct the management of the Company. On that day, the Board with immediate effect: (i) elected Charles (Chuck) Grant as Chairman of the Board, (ii) elected two additional new independent directors, JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton, Esq. and Michael Gorin, (iii) named Rod Whiton interim Chief Executive Officer, (iv) named Michelle Cote President, and (v) placed Brian Pappas on paid administrative leave. Mr. Pappas employment at the Company was subsequently terminated on October 2, 2015. On April 6, 2016, Dan ODonnell resigned as the Companys Chief Operating Officer and from the Companys Board of Directors.
The Companys new management at the board and executive levels has implemented numerous changes and reforms since late July 2015 as discussed herein: including under Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
1
BFK
BFK franchises, which conduct business under the trade name BRICKS 4 KIDZ®, offer programs designed to teach principles and methods of engineering to children between the ages of 3 and 13 using LEGO® plastic bricks and other LEGO® products through classes, field trips, and other organized activities that are designed to enhance and enrich the traditional school curriculum, trigger young childrens lively imaginations and build self-confidence. BFKs programs foster creativity and provide a unique atmosphere for students to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills by designing and building machines, catapults, pyramids, race cars, buildings and numerous other systems and devices using LEGO® bricks and other LEGO® products. The Company may provide training and corporate franchisee support to all franchisees and recognizes revenue from the sale of its franchises when all initial training, pursuant to the terms of the franchise agreements, is completed.
BFK franchises are mobile models, with activities scheduled in locations such as preschools, elementary and middle schools, camps, birthday parties, community centers and churches.
At September 30, 2016, BFK had 650 operating franchise territories, 28 master franchises, and 20 sub-franchises operating in 43 states, the District of Columbia and 38 foreign countries including Puerto Rico. The following table details franchise activity:
BFK |
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September 30, 2014 |
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| 584 |
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Additions |
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| 123 |
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Deletions |
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| (28 | ) |
September 30, 2015 |
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| 679 |
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Additions |
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| 19 |
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Deletions |
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September 30, 2016 |
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| 698 |
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Current BFK Programs
In-school workshops. One-hour classes during school hours. Classes are correlated to the typical science curriculum for a particular grade level. Teacher guides, student worksheets, and step-by-step instruction are provided.
After-school classes. One hour, one day a week class held after school.
Pre-school classes. Classes can be held in pre-schools for children of pre-school ages.
Classes for home-schooled children. Classes can be held in the home of one of the parents of a home-schooled child.
Camps. Normally three hours per day for five days. Camps can take place at schools or at other child-related venues. Children use LEGO® bricks to explore various science and math concepts while working in an open, friendly environment. The material covered each session varies depending on students ages, experience, and skill level. A new project is built each week. Architectural concepts are taught while assembling buildings, castles and other structures. Instructional content includes concepts of friction, gravity and torque, scale, gears, axles and beams. The children work and play with programmable LEGO® bricks along with electric motors, sensors, system bricks, and LEGO® Technic pieces (i.e. gears, axles, and beams).
Birthday parties. In the home of the birthday child.
Special events. Activities with LEGO® bricks can be held in various locations including church centers, lodges, child-related venues, private schools, pre-schools, etc. Program can include parents, grandparents and all children in the family.
2
BFK Franchise Program
BKF sells franchises both domestically and internationally. International sales can be a single franchise or a master franchise, where the master franchisee operates a franchise in the territory, and is also able to develop, sell and manage sub-franchises in the territory under the master franchise agreement. BFK does not offer master franchises in the United States.
Under a franchise agreement, a franchisee pays a one-time, non-refundable franchise fee upon the execution of the franchise agreement. Domestically, there can be variations on the franchise fees depending on the size or territories being purchased, and other factors of the territory. The typical sized, domestic, single territory franchise fee is $25,900. If the franchisee is granted an additional geographic area to increase the size of their territory, then the franchisee must pay an additional fee in the amount of $10,000. If the franchisee is in good standing and is granted a second or additional franchise, then the franchisee must pay a franchise fee in the amount of $18,000 for each additional franchise.
International franchise fees vary and are set relative to the potential of the franchised territories. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, BFK sold five master franchises at an average price of approximately $126,000. In the case of a master franchise, BFK receives a percentage of the franchise fee paid to the master franchisee by any sub-franchisee operating in the master franchisees territory. During the 2016 fiscal year, the average international franchise fees were as follows: First Territories: $28,000; Second Territories: $10,000; and Master Agreements: $126,000.
The Company uses a network of franchise advertising and promotion media to contact prospective franchisees. When a potential contact is received, the initial information relating to a buyer is passed to a franchise sales broker to initiate contact with the potential new franchisees. The responsibility of the sales broker is to thoroughly vet the potential franchisee for compatibility with the franchise concept, among other things. As part of the process of vetting potential franchisees, the Company requires all prospective franchisees to complete a Request for Consideration form. Upon completion of the process the sales broker is paid a commission typically ranging from 20% to 30% of the franchise fee. Prior to the change in Company management in July 2015, sales brokers included brokers that were related-parties (friends and relatives of former CEO Brian Pappas) as well as independent brokers. Beginning in or about late July 2015, the Company terminated all related-party brokers and now any brokers that are used must be independent.
The franchisee is granted an exclusive territory and a license to use the Bricks 4 Kidz® name, trademarks and course materials in the franchised territory. The franchisee is required to conform to certain standards of business practices and comply with all applicable laws. Each franchise is run as an independent business and, as such, is responsible for its operation, including employment of adequate staff.
In October 2015, the Company revised its form of franchise agreement to address common franchise issues consistent with best practices.
The term of the franchise is for ten years. BFK has the right to terminate any franchisee in the event of the franchisees bankruptcy, a default under the franchise agreement, or other events. The franchisee has the right to renew the franchise for an additional ten years if, at the time of renewal, the franchisee is in good standing and pays a renewal fee in the amount of $5,000. The Company was suspended from selling franchises in the United States for a portion of the 2016 fiscal year.
Franchise Disclosure Document
Under federal law, the Company is required to (a) prepare a franchise disclosure document (FDD) including federally mandated information, (b) provide each prospective franchisee with a copy of the FDD, and (c) wait 14 calendar days before entering into a binding agreement with the prospective franchisee or collecting any payment from any prospective franchisee. Federal law does not regulate the franchise relationship or require any filing or registration on the part of a franchisor. The Company is also required to comply with certain state regulations in connection with the offer and sale of franchises, including the requirement of the Company to submit the FDD for registration with a number of states before offering or selling franchises within those states. The list of states requiring registration of the FDD are: California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. In these states, state regulatory agencies review the FDD to confirm compliance with state statutory requirements. These state agencies can deny registration if they determine that the FDD fails to meet state statutory requirements. If a state denies the issuance of an effective registration, a franchisor is prohibited from offering or selling franchises in that state. See "--Government Regulation" below for more information.
3
Royalty and Marketing Fees
The Company invoices all applicable franchisees a royalty fee on a monthly basis. Every U.S. franchisee, upon signing a franchise agreement, has authorized and provided the required banking information to allow the electronic collection of all fees. Approximately three days after the invoice has been issued to the franchisee, an ACH draft (automatic deduction from the franchisee bank account) for the royalty fee withdrawal is processed through the Companys banking system.
Based upon the number of franchise territories owned and the length of time the franchisee has been in operations, historically, domestic and international franchisees were required to pay BFK a royalty fee amounting to 7% of gross receipts reported in the Franchise Management Tool (FMT). BFK also received a percentage of royalty payments received by master franchisees from their sub-franchisees. Franchisees were billed monthly for their 7% royalty payments, based upon gross receipts, due to the Company. The franchisees were required to pay the Company a minimum royalty fee per each franchise territory they own. Billing of the minimum royalty fee amount to each franchisee took place every 12 weeks and the minimum amount was calculated by comparing the amounts between the regular royalties billed for the prior 12 weeks to the 12 week minimum royalty payment due to the Company, per the franchise agreement. The 12-week minimum royalty payment due to the Company was $1,500 for the first franchise territory owned (equating to a minimum average fee of $500 per month) and $750 for the second franchise territory owned (equating to a minimum average fee of $250 per month). The minimum amount due for the third franchise territory was $1,500 and the fourth franchise territory was $750. After the end of each 12-week period, franchisees are required to pay to the Company the amount, if any, by which the minimum royalty exceeds the sum of the royalties paid over the 12-week period.
Beginning October 1, 2015, the Company adopted a flat-fee approach, eliminating the previous approach based upon revenue collections by the franchisee. The Company made the change to a flat-fee approach for a variety of reasons, including without limitation: to better enable franchisees to manage their cash flow; to enrich relations with our franchisees by being responsive to their needs; to facilitate the Companys ability to collect minimum fees across the board; and to make the companys fee structure more attractive to new potential franchisees.
On September 30, 2016, the Company implemented a new royalty fee structure for all new franchise sales. Sales in progress were grandfathered in under the previous royalty structure. The new royalty structure is the greater of 7% of gross sales or $500 per month.
On October 1, 2015, the Company commenced implementation of the following royalty fee structure, which is disclosed in the table below:
Time Period During the Initial Term of Franchise Agreement | Royalty Fees Amount (U.S. Dollars) (per month) |
October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016 | $400 USD |
October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017 | $425 USD |
October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018 | $450 USD |
October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 | $475 USD |
October 1, 2019 and for the remainder of the initial term of the Franchise Agreement | $500 USD |
If any franchisee owns and operates more than one territory, the royalty fees payable to the Company for the second territory and each additional territory shall be as follows:
Time Period During the Initial Term of Franchise Agreement | Royalty Fees Amount (U.S. Dollars) (per month) |
October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016 | $200 USD |
October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017 | $225 USD |
October 1, 2017 and for the remainder of the initial term of the Franchise Agreement | $250 USD |
4
Each franchisee has been given the option to amend their franchise agreement contract and elect this new royalty fee structure. At August 12, 2016, less than 2% of franchisees have formally rejected the new royalty fee program and 7% of franchisees have not yet communicated their decision regarding the new program. Any franchisees which do not elect the new royalty fee structure will remain subject to the historic royalty structure described above.
BFK administers a marketing fund for domestic and Canadian franchisees for the purpose of building national brand awareness. The marketing fund expenditures are funded with BFK collecting a 2% marketing fee, based upon gross receipts reported in the FMT, from domestic and Canadian franchisees. The respective franchisees are typically invoiced the middle of each month for the prior months receipts. These marketing fee and expenses are accounted for separately and are not reported as revenue or expenses for BFK. The collections of these funds are done using the Companys ACH program, as agreed to by each franchisee in their Franchise Agreement. The Marketing Fund is segregated into a separate bank account.
BFK Competition
Although BFK pioneered the LEGO® modeling-based curriculum for after school programs, we believe there are at least two other companies franchising a model similar to that of Bricks 4 Kidz®, Engineering 4 Kids and Snapology. In addition, Play-Well Teknologies offers after-school classes, camps and birthday parties using LEGO® bricks. Vision Education and Media offers after school classes using LEGO® bricks in the New York metropolitan area. In addition, several other small businesses around the country offer after-school classes and vacation camps using LEGO® bricks. These classes and camps are typically held in elementary schools, middle schools and community colleges.
Sew Fun Studios
The Company is in the process of revising SFs form of franchise agreement to address common franchise issues consistent with best practices. SF expects to file state-required registrations or amended or renewed registrations during the 1st quarter of fiscal year 2017. Franchises sold under this franchise concept operate businesses offering creative project-based activities, classes and programs in fashion and interior design and sewing to children and adults at locations such as elementary and middle schools, camps, social events, community centers and churches. At September 30, 2016, SF has granted 12 developmental franchises in locations and states that do not require registration and is operating in five states, with one franchisee in Canada, and one in Puerto Rico. When the Company finalizes the disclosure document and it is accepted by the regulatory states, we expect that general sales of franchises will begin in those regulatory states.
Franchising Process
Initial contact between a potential franchisee and the Company may result from a potential franchisee contacting the Company, either by phone or electronically. Potential franchisees may also be introduced to the Company by brokers and/or other parties, and the Company may pay commissions and consulting fees to the brokers. The Company has discontinued its previous practice of introducing franchisee candidates to third party financing sources to cover franchising expenses, as well as, paying commissions and consulting fees to the Companys directors, officers and employees and their family members. See Item 11, Executive Compensation Summary Compensation Table and Item 13, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
After initial contact, one of the Companys franchise consultants interviews each prospective franchisee (the candidate) to determine whether the candidate may make a successful franchisee. If the franchise consultant determines that the candidate may make a successful franchisee, the candidate submits a request for consideration (RFC). The Company reviews the RFC and if the RFC is approved, the franchise consultant continues the vetting process, which focuses on financial and other factors.
Upon receipt of the RFC, the candidate is emailed a copy of the Companys franchise disclosure document. The franchise consultant reviews the franchise disclosure document with the candidate and answers any questions concerning the franchise and the franchise agreement. The Company does not provide projections of a franchises financial model or performance to prospective franchisees.
5
Assuming the candidate has cleared the initial vetting process and remains interested in operating one of the Companys franchises, the candidate is invited to attend a discovery day held at the Companys headquarters, or in some instances at another location, during which representatives of the Company and the candidate meet face to face. If the Company decides that the candidate meets its objectives for the franchise, the required disclosure waiting period has expired and the candidate wants to move forward and become a franchisee, the parties execute a franchise agreement.
The Company will sell a franchise for a particular territory only when the Company believes that there is a reasonable chance for a franchise to succeed in that territory. If a franchisee is not successful, the Company may terminate the franchise agreement by providing notice to the franchisee or repurchasing the franchise from the franchisee. Until the Company provides a notice of termination or repurchases the franchise, the Company considers the franchise to be active. During fiscal years 2015 and 2014, the termination rate for active franchises was approximately three percent and two percent, respectively.
Government Regulation
The offer and sale of franchises is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) and some state governments.
In 1979, the Federal Trade Commission promulgated what became known as the FTC Franchise Rule. The FTC Franchise Rule requires that the franchisor provide a franchise disclosure document (FDD) to each prospective franchisee prior to execution of a binding franchise agreement or payment of money by the prospective franchisee. The FTC Franchise Rule does not regulate the franchise relationship or require any filing or registration on the part of a franchisor.
However, the FTC Franchise Rule does not preempt state law and, as a result, states are not prohibited from imposing additional requirements on franchisors. For example, the following states require franchisors to register with the state prior to the offer and sale of franchises in the state, and to provide all prospective franchisees with a registered FDD prior to the offer and sale of a franchise in the state: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin (the Franchise Registration States). The registration process is not uniform in each Franchise Registration State. Most Franchise Registration States require the franchisor to submit an application, which includes a FDD, in order to register to sell franchises within that state. Many, but not all, of the state regulatory agencies in the Franchise Registration States review the franchisors registration application, the FDD, the proposed franchise agreement and any other agreements franchisees must sign, the financial condition of the franchisor, and other material information provided by the franchisor in its application. These state agencies have the authority to deny a franchisors application for registration and prohibit the franchisor from offering or selling franchises in the state.
In addition, there are numerous states that have laws that regulate the relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee after the sale of the franchise.
Under the FTC Franchise Rule, the FTC has the authority to seek civil penalties against a franchisor for violations of the FTC Franchise Rule. Each of the Franchise Registration States has similar authority to seek penalties for violations of their state franchise registration and disclosure laws. Violations may include offering or selling an unregistered franchise, failing to timely provide the disclosure document to a prospective franchisee or making misrepresentations in the FDDs. Additionally, officers of the franchisor may have personal liability if they had knowledge of or participated in the violations.
There is no direct, private right of action for a violation of the FTC Franchise Rule. However, most of the Franchise Registration States provide for a private right of action for a violation of the states franchise registration and disclosure law. Remedies available under these laws typically include damages, rescission of the franchise agreement and attorneys fees.
6
As of January 29, 2016, the Company had temporarily suspended domestic franchise offers and sales of Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios® franchises in compliance with FTC Franchise Rule, Section 436.7(a) due to delay in completion of the Companys FY2015 consolidated audited financial statements. In turn, this delayed completion of the Companys 2016 FDDs for the Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios® franchise offerings. The Company restarted selling efforts of Bricks 4 Kidz in September of 2016 and expects that offer and sales efforts will resume for Sew Fun Studios® in December 2016 in approximately 70% of the states in which Sew Fun Studios® currently sells franchises immediately upon completion of the FDD, and in the rest of the states upon either filing or approval of the renewal applications, based upon the applicable rules of each such state. In a number of these states, the Company did not have active franchise offer and sales efforts even before the temporary suspension. This temporary suspension of domestic franchise offer and sales did not affect the Companys international franchise offer and sales activity or its royalty fee collections from existing franchisees.
Recent Developments
On December 9, 2016, Brian Pappas, through his controlled company Fran Ventures, LLC, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a preliminary consent statement on Schedule 14A asking the shareholders of the Company to remove the current members of the Board of Directors and to replace them with three individuals proposed by Mr. Pappas. As a result, shareholders may have received, or may receive in the future, consent solicitation materials from Fran Ventures and/or Mr. Pappas seeking their written consent to remove the current Board members and elect the three individuals proposed by Mr. Pappas.
On December 16, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had determined that the consent solicitation commenced by Mr. Pappas and FranVentures is not in the best interests of all of the Companys stockholders. The Company intends to file with the SEC a preliminary consent revocation statement in connection with the consent solicitation being conducted by Mr. Pappas and FranVentures, which will explain in more detail the Boards reasons for opposing Mr. Pappas attempt to gain control of the Company.
General
The Companys offices, consisting of approximately 4,500 square feet, are located in an office/condo complex at 701 Market, Suite 113, St. Augustine, FL 32095. The Company owns three of the office condominiums and rent one additional unit.
At September 30, 2016 the Company had 9 employees on a full time basis.
Available Information
We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Our corporate website is www.creativelearningcorp.com. The information in this website is not a part of this report.
7
ITEM 1A.
Ownership of our securities involves a high degree of risk. Holders of our securities should carefully consider the following risk factors and the other information contained in this Form 10-K, including our historical financial statements and related notes included herein. The following discussion highlights some of the risks that may affect future operating results. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, which we currently deem immaterial or which are similar to those faced by other companies in our industry or businesses in general, may also impair our businesses operations. If any of the following risks or uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected in a material way. This could cause the trading prices of our common stock to decline, perhaps significantly, and you may lose part or all of your investment. Please see Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our financial results are affected by the operating and financial results of and our relationships with our franchisees.
A substantial portion of our revenues come from royalties, which have been generally based on a percentage of our franchisees revenues. As a result, our financial results have been largely dependent upon the operational and financial results of our franchisees. Negative economic conditions, including inflation, increased unemployment levels and the effect of decreased consumer confidence or changes in consumer behavior, could materially harm our franchisees financial condition, which would cause our royalty and other revenues to decline and materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition as a result. In addition, if our franchisees fail to renew their franchise agreements, these revenues may decrease, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In part to support franchisee growth and financial planning and to enrich relations with our franchisees, the Company altered its royalty fee structure beginning and effective October 1, 2015, changing it to a fixed monthly charge on an escalating scale over five years.
Our franchisees could take actions that harm our business.
Our franchisees are independent third party business owners who are contractually obligated to operate in accordance with the operational and other standards set forth in the franchise agreement. We cannot be certain that our franchisees will have the business acumen or financial resources necessary to operate successful franchises in their approved territories. In addition, certain state franchise laws may limit our ability to terminate, not renew or modify these franchise agreements. As independent business owners, the franchisees oversee their own daily operations. As a result, the ultimate success and quality of any franchise rests with the franchisee. If franchisees do not successfully operate in a manner consistent with required standards and comply with local laws and regulations, franchise fees and royalties paid to us may be adversely affected and our brand image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Moreover, although we believe we generally maintain positive working relationships with our franchisees, disputes with franchisees could damage our brand image and reputation and our relationships with our franchisees, generally.
Our success depends substantially on the value of our brand.
Our success is substantially dependent upon our ability to maintain and enhance the value of our brand, the customers of our franchisees connection to our brand and a positive relationship with our franchisees. Brand value can be severely damaged even by isolated incidents, particularly if the incidents receive considerable negative publicity or result in litigation. Some of these incidents may relate to the way we manage our relationships with our franchisees, our growth strategies, our development efforts or the ordinary course of our, or our franchisees’, businesses. Other incidents that could be damaging to our brand may arise from events that are or may be beyond our ability to control, such as:
| · | actions taken (or not taken) by one or more franchisees or their employees relating to health, safety, welfare or otherwise; |
| · | data security breaches or fraudulent activities associated with our and our franchisees’ electronic payment systems; |
| · | litigation and legal claims; |
| · | third-party misappropriation, dilution or infringement of our intellectual property; and |
| · | illegal activity targeted at us or others. |
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Consumer demand for our products and services and our brand’s value could diminish significantly if any such incidents or other matters erode consumer confidence in us or our products or services, which would likely result in fewer sales of our products and services and, ultimately, lower royalty revenue, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to successfully implement our growth strategy, our ability to increase our revenues and net income could be adversely affected.
Our growth strategy relies in large part upon new business development by existing and new franchisees. Our franchisees face many challenges in growing their businesses, including:
| · | availability and cost of financing; |
| · | securing required domestic or foreign governmental permits and approvals; |
| · | trends in new geographic regions and acceptance of our products and services; |
| · | competition with competing franchise systems; |
| · | employment, training and retention of qualified personnel; and |
| · | general economic and business conditions. |
In particular, because the majority of our business development is funded by franchisee investment, our growth strategy is dependent on our franchisees (or prospective franchisees) ability to access funds to finance such development. If our franchisees (or prospective franchisees) are not able to obtain financing at commercially reasonable rates, or at all, they may be unwilling or unable to invest in business development, and our future growth could be adversely affected.
Our growth strategy also relies on our ability to identify, recruit and enter into franchise agreements with a sufficient number of qualified franchisees. In addition, our ability and the ability of our franchisees to successfully expand into new markets may be adversely affected by a lack of awareness or acceptance of our brand as well as a lack of existing marketing efforts and operational execution in these new markets. To the extent that we are unable to implement effective marketing and promotional programs and foster recognition and affinity for our brand in new markets, our franchisees may not perform as expected and our growth may be significantly delayed or impaired. In addition, franchisees may have difficulty securing adequate financing, particularly in new markets, where there may be a lack of adequate history and brand familiarity. Our franchisees business development efforts may not be successful, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our planned growth could place strains on our management, employees, information systems and internal controls, which may adversely impact our business.
Our planned future growth may place significant demands on our administrative, operational, financial and other resources. Any failure to manage growth effectively could seriously harm our business. To be successful, we will need to continue to implement management information systems and improve our operating, administrative, financial and accounting systems and controls. We will also need to train new employees and maintain close coordination among our executive, accounting, finance, legal, human resources, risk management, marketing, technology, sales and operations functions. These processes are time-consuming and expensive, increase management responsibilities and divert management attention, and we may not realize a return on our investment in these processes. Our failure to successfully execute on our planned expansion could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Changing economic conditions, including unemployment rates, may reduce demand for our products and services.
Our revenues and other financial results are subject to general economic conditions. Our revenues depend, in part, on the number of dual-income families and working single parents who require child development or educational services. A deterioration of general economic conditions, including a soft housing market and/or rising unemployment, may adversely impact us because of the tendency of out-of-work parents to diminish or discontinue utilization of these services. Finally, there can be no assurance that demographic trends, including the number of dual-income families in the work force, will continue to lead to increased demand for our products and services.
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We may require additional financing to execute our business plan and fund our other liquidity needs.
We currently have no revolving credit facility or other committed source of recurring capital. Unless we are able to increase our revenues or decrease our operating expenses from recent historical run-rate levels, we expect that we may need to obtain additional capital during fiscal year 2017 to fund our planned operations. If our cash flows from operations do not meet or exceed our projections, we may need to pursue one or more alternatives, such as to:
| · | reduce or delay planned capital expenditures or investments in our business; |
| · | seek additional financing or restructure or refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness at or before maturity; |
| · | sell assets or businesses; |
| · | sell additional equity; or |
| · | curtail our operations. |
Any such actions may materially and adversely affect our future prospects. In addition, we cannot ensure that we will be able to raise additional equity capital, restructure or refinance any of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
We are subject to a variety of additional risks associated with our franchisees.
Our franchise business model subjects us to a number of risks, any one of which may impact our royalty revenues collected from our franchisees, may harm the goodwill associated with our brand, and may materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Bankruptcy of franchisees. A franchisee bankruptcy could have a substantial negative impact on our ability to collect payments due under such franchisees franchise agreement(s). In a franchisee bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee may reject its franchise agreement(s) pursuant to Section 365 under the U.S. bankruptcy code, in which case there would be no further royalty payments from such franchisee, and we may not ultimately recover those payments in a bankruptcy proceeding of such franchisee in connection with a damage claim resulting from such rejection.
Franchisee changes in control. Our franchises are operated by independent business owners. Although we have the right to approve franchise owners, and any transferee owners, it can be difficult to predict in advance whether a particular franchise owner will be successful. If an individual franchise owner is unable to successfully establish, manage and operate its business, the performance and quality of its service could be adversely affected, which could reduce its sales and negatively affect our royalty revenues and brand image. Although our franchise agreements prohibit changes in control of a franchisee without our prior consent as the franchisor, a franchise owner may desire to transfer a franchise. In addition, in any transfer situation, the transferee may not be able to successfully operate the business. In such a case the performance and quality of service could be adversely affected, which could also reduce its sales and negatively affect our royalty revenues and brand image.
Franchisee insurance. Our franchise agreements require each franchisee to maintain certain insurance types and levels. Losses arising from certain extraordinary hazards, however, may not be covered, and insurance may not be available (or may be available only at prohibitively expensive rates) with respect to many other risks. Moreover, any loss incurred could exceed policy limits and policy payments made to franchisees may not be made on a timely basis. Any such loss or delay in payment could have a material adverse effect on a franchisees ability to satisfy its obligations under its franchise agreement or other contractual obligations, which could cause a franchisee to terminate its franchise agreement and, in turn, negatively affect our operating and financial results.
Some of our franchisees are operating entities. Franchisees may be natural persons or legal entities. Our franchisees that are operating companies (as opposed to limited purpose entities) are subject to business, credit, financial and other risks, which may be unrelated to the operation of their franchise businesses. These unrelated risks could materially and adversely affect a franchisee that is an operating company and its ability to service its customers and maintain its operations while making royalty payments, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
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Franchise agreement termination; nonrenewal. Each franchise agreement is subject to termination by us as the franchisor in the event of a default, generally after expiration of applicable cure periods, although under certain circumstances a franchise agreement may be terminated by us upon notice without an opportunity to cure. Our right to terminate franchise agreements may be subject to certain limitations under any applicable state relationship laws that may require specific notice or cure periods despite the provisions in the franchise agreement. The default provisions under the franchise agreements are drafted broadly and include, among other things, any failure to meet operating standards and actions that may threaten the licensed intellectual property. Moreover, a franchisee may have a right to terminate its franchise agreement in certain circumstances.
In addition, each franchise agreement has an expiration date. Upon the expiration of a franchise agreement, we or the franchisee may, or may not, elect to renew the franchise agreement. If the franchise agreement is renewed, the franchisee will receive a successor franchise agreement for an additional term. Such option, however, is contingent on the franchisees execution of our then-current form of franchise agreement (which may include increased royalty revenues, advertising fees and other fees and costs), the satisfaction of certain conditions and the payment of a renewal fee. If a franchisee is unable or unwilling to satisfy any of the foregoing conditions, the expiring franchise agreement will terminate upon expiration of its term. Our right to elect to not renew a franchise agreement may be subject to certain limitations under any applicable state relationship laws that may require specific notice periods or good cause for non-renewal despite the provisions in the franchise agreement.
Franchisee litigation; effects of regulatory efforts. We and our franchisees are subject to a variety of litigation risks, including, but not limited to, customer claims, personal injury claims, litigation with or involving our relationship with franchisees, litigation alleging that the franchisees are our employees or that we are the co-employer of our franchisees employees, employee allegations against the franchisee or us of improper termination and discrimination, landlord/tenant disputes and intellectual property claims, among others. Each of these claims may increase costs, reduce the execution of new franchise agreements and affect the scope and terms of insurance or indemnifications we and our franchisees may have. In addition, we and our franchisees are subject to various regulatory enforcement actions regarding among other things franchise and employment laws, such as: failure to comply with franchise registration and disclosure requirements; the provision to prospective franchisees of business projections; efforts to categorize franchisors as the co-employers of their franchisees employees; legislation to categorize individual franchised businesses at large employers for the purposes of various employment benefits; and other legislation or regulations that may have a disproportionate impact on franchisors and/or franchised businesses. These changes may impose greater costs and regulatory burdens on franchising, and negatively affect our ability to sell new franchises.
Franchise agreements and franchisee relationships. Our franchisees develop and operate their business under terms set forth in our franchise agreements. These agreements give rise to long-term relationships that involve a complex set of mutual obligations and mutual cooperation. We have a standard set of franchise agreements that we typically use with our franchisees, but various franchisees have negotiated specific terms in these agreements. Furthermore, we may from time to time negotiate terms of our franchise agreements with individual franchisees or groups of franchisees (e.g., a franchisee association). We seek to have positive relationships with our franchisees, based in part on our common understanding of our mutual rights and obligations under our agreements, to enable both the franchisees business and our business to be successful. However, we and our franchisees may not always maintain a positive relationship or always interpret our agreements in the same way. Our failure to have positive relationships with our franchisees could individually or in the aggregate cause us to change or limit our business practices, which may make our business model less attractive to our franchisees or our members.
While our franchisee revenues are not concentrated among one or a small number of parties, the success of our business is significantly affected by our ability to maintain contractual relationships with franchisees in profitable stores. A typical franchise agreement has a ten-year term. If we fail to maintain or renew our contractual relationships on acceptable terms, or if one or more significant franchisees were to become insolvent or otherwise were unwilling to pay amounts due to us, our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
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Our business is subject to various laws and regulations and changes in such laws and regulations, or failure to comply with existing or future laws and regulations, could adversely affect our business.
We are subject to the FTC Franchise Rule promulgated by the FTC that regulates the offer and sale of franchises in the United States and that requires us to provide to all prospective franchisees certain mandatory disclosure in a FDD. In addition, we are subject to state franchise sales laws in 14 states that regulate the offer and sale of franchises by requiring us to make a franchise filing or obtain franchise registration prior to our making any offer or sale of a franchise in those states and to provide a FDD to prospective franchisees in accordance with such laws. We are also subject to franchise laws in certain provinces in Canada, which, like the FTC Franchise Rule, require presale disclosure to prospective franchisees prior to the sale of a franchise. We must also comply with international laws, including franchise laws, in the countries where we have franchise operations or conduct franchise offer and sales activities. Failure to comply with such laws may result in a franchisees right to rescind its franchise agreement and damages, and may result in investigations or actions from federal or state franchise authorities, civil fines or penalties, and stop orders, among other remedies. We are also subject to franchise relationship laws in approximately 24 states that regulate many aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship, including renewals and terminations of franchise agreements, franchise transfers, the applicable law and venue in which franchise disputes must be resolved, discrimination and franchisees right to associate, among others. Our failure to comply with such franchise relationship laws could result in fines, damages, restitution and our inability to enforce franchise agreements where we have violated such laws. Our non-compliance with federal and state franchise laws could result in liability to franchisees and regulatory authorities (as described above), inability to enforce our franchise agreements, required rescission of franchise agreements and a reduction in our anticipated royalty revenue, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operating.
We and our franchisees are also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, and various other laws in the United States and foreign countries governing such matters as minimum-wage requirements, overtime and other working conditions. A significant number of our and our franchisees employees are paid at rates related to the U.S. federal minimum wage, and past increases in the U.S. federal minimum wage have increased labor costs, as would future increases. Any increases in labor costs might result in our and our franchisees inadequately staffing stores. Such increases in labor costs and other changes in labor laws could affect franchisee performance and quality of service, decrease royalty revenues and adversely affect our brand.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting in 2015 fiscal year.
Maintaining effective internal controls over financial reporting is necessary for us to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis. In connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2015, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting specifically related to identifying and accounting for related party arrangements, which led to the restatement of our historical financial results to disclose these related party transactions. In an effort to remediate the identified material weakness and other deficiencies and enhance our internal control over financial reporting, beginning in January 2015, we engaged an outside accounting firm with public company reporting experience to assist with our technical accounting issues. Further, in April 2015, two new independent directors were added to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors formed an audit committee which consists of three directors, as of the date of this report each of whom qualify as independent as defined in Section 803(A)(1) of the NYSE MKT Company Guide and two of whom meet the qualifications of being financial experts. The Companys efforts here are further addressed in Part II, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures -- Managements Remediation Initiatives. We are in the process with a new board and management of reviewing the Companys accounting controls and, where necessary to remediate any identified material weaknesses or other deficiencies as well as to address any other Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. For example, the Company has implemented new policies barring the payment of commissions or consulting fees to employees, a delegation of authority policy, and other enhancements. The Company has also retained outside operational and financial consultants with meaningful Sarbanes-Oxley experience. We expect to continue to incur costs associated with implementing other appropriate processes and internal controls, which could include costs and fees for additional audit and consulting services, which could negatively affect our financial condition and operating results.
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During each of the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and our principal executive officer and principal financial officer determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such dates. Furthermore, during the quarter ended June 30, 2015, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, including insufficient segregation of duties over authorization, review and recording of transactions, internal review and approval of financial reporting responsibilities and processes, insufficient technical accounting expertise, lack of central information technology system and controls, and lack of institutional controls and competency. Consequently, as of August 15, 2016, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) and concluded that, because of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure lapse described above and in Item 9A of our Form 10-K filed on September 13, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective for FY 2015. Due to the remediation efforts discussed in Item 9A, our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of September 30, 2016
If additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control are discovered or occur in the future, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results, or report them within the required timeframes, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to restate our financial results in the future, which could cause investors and others to lose confidence in our financial statements, limit our ability to raise capital and could adversely affect our reputation, results of operations and consolidated financial condition.
We have engaged in a number of related party transactions which may have violated provisions of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act (implementing Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) prohibits a company such as ours, which has a class of securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, from directly or indirectly extending or maintaining credit or arranging for the extension of credit in the form of a personal loan to or for any of our directors or executive officers.
As described elsewhere in this report, we entered into a number of related party transactions with entities affiliated with or controlled by certain of our executive officers. For example, on October 23, 2013, we made a non-interest bearing loan in the amount of $125,000 to MC Logic, LLC, which is wholly-owned by Michelle Cote, our President and Secretary and a director and founder of the Company. MC Logic repaid the loan on December 30, 2013. Shortly prior to the replacement of Brian Pappas as Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Pappas caused the Company to issue a Sew Fun Studios local territory to MC Logic (owned by Michelle Cote) to assist in the development and possible improvement of that franchise concept. MC Logic was granted the territory with no franchise fee, royalty fee obligation, or marketing fee obligation. After completing all of the training, development, and signatory requirements necessary to become operational, the franchise became active on July 10, 2015. The Company entered into an arrangement with MC Logic under which it will begin paying the standard Sew Fun Studios royalty fee for this territory beginning on June 1, 2016. In addition, in July 2013, we made a loan of $70,000 to AudioFlix, Inc., a company owned by Brian Pappas, our director and then-chief executive officer. In late July 2015, the Board of Directors resolved that all outstanding funds due on the loan had to fully paid by July 31, 2015. AudioFlix did repay the note including all interest due in August 2015. Although we have sought and received full repayment of both of these loans, they could still be deemed to be in violation of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act. Such violations, including violations of other laws under former management of which we are not aware, could subject us to civil sanctions, including injunctive remedies and monetary penalties, as well as criminal sanctions. The imposition of any of such sanctions on us may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The markets for our services are competitive and we may be unable to compete successfully.
The markets for our services are competitive, and we may be subject to increased competition in our markets in the future. We expect existing competitors and new entrants into the markets where we do business to constantly revise and improve their business models in light of challenges from us or other companies in the industry. If we cannot respond effectively to advances by our competitors, our business and financial performance may be adversely affected. Increased competition may result in new products and services that fundamentally change our markets, reduce prices, reduce margins or decrease our market share. We may be unable to compete successfully against current or future competitors, some of whom may have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing, sales and other resources than we do.
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Our quarterly revenues and operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly in the future.
Our quarterly revenues and operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, although we expect that our new royalty fee structure, which was effective October 1, 2015, may reduce these fluctuations. These fluctuations may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. We base our planned operating expenses in part on expectations of future revenues, and our expenses are relatively fixed in the short term. If revenues for a particular quarter are lower than we expect, we may be unable to proportionately reduce our operating expenses for that quarter, which would harm our operating results for that quarter. In future periods, our revenue and operating results may be below the expectation of analysts and investors, which may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Factors that are likely to cause our revenues and operating results to fluctuate include those discussed elsewhere in this section.
We have a limited operating history, which may make it difficult to evaluate its business and prospects.
We commenced our current business operations in July 2010, upon our acquisition of BFK. Accordingly, we have a limited operating history for operations upon which you can evaluate the viability and sustainability of our business and its acceptance by consumers. These circumstances may make it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects.
We rely upon trademark, copyright and trade secret laws and contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary rights, and if these rights are not sufficiently protected, our ability to compete and generate revenues could be harmed.
We rely on a combination of trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, and contractual restrictions, such as confidentiality agreements and licenses, to establish and protect our proprietary rights. The steps taken by us to protect our proprietary information may not be adequate to prevent misappropriation of our technology. Our proprietary rights may not be adequately protected because:
| · | laws and contractual restrictions may not prevent misappropriation of our technologies or deter others from developing similar technologies; and |
| · | policing unauthorized use of our products and trademarks is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and we may be unable to determine the extent of any unauthorized use. |
The laws of certain foreign countries may not protect the use of unregistered trademarks or other proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. As a result, international protection of our image may be limited and our right to use our trademarks and other proprietary rights outside the United States could be impaired. Other persons or entities may have rights to trademarks that contain portions of our marks or may have registered similar or competing marks for digital signage in foreign countries. There may also be other prior registrations of trademarks identical or similar to our trademarks in other foreign countries. Our inability to register our trademarks or other proprietary rights or purchase or license the right to use the relevant trademarks or other proprietary rights in these jurisdictions could limit our ability to penetrate new markets in jurisdictions outside the United States.
Litigation may be necessary to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, to enforce these rights or to defend against claims by third parties alleging that we infringe, dilute or otherwise violate third-party trademark or other intellectual property rights. Any litigation or claims brought by or against us, whether with or without merit, or whether successful or not, could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Any intellectual property litigation or claims against us could result in the loss or compromise of our intellectual property rights, could subject us to significant liabilities, require us to seek licenses on unfavorable terms, if available at all or prevent us from manufacturing or selling certain products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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We may face intellectual property infringement claims that could be time-consuming, costly to defend and result in its loss of significant rights.
Other parties may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us, and our products and services may infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties. We may also initiate claims against third parties to defend our intellectual property. Intellectual property litigation is expensive and time-consuming and could divert managements attention from our core business. If there is a successful claim of infringement against us, we may be required to pay substantial damages to the party claiming infringement, develop non-infringing technology or enter into royalty or license agreements that may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Our failure to develop non-infringing technologies or license the proprietary rights on a timely basis could harm our business. Also, we may be unaware of filed patent applications that relate to our products. Parties making infringement claims may be able to obtain an injunction, which could prevent us from operating portions of our business or using technology that contains the allegedly infringing intellectual property. Any intellectual property litigation could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We depend on key executive management and other key personal, and may not be able to retain or replace these individuals or recruit additional personnel, which could harm our business.
The Company is actively recruiting additional experienced senior management. Because of the intense competition for these employees and because of other risk factors identified in this report, we may be unable to retain our management team and other key personnel and may be unable to find qualified replacements. All of our key employees are employed on an at will basis and we do not have key-man life insurance covering any of our employees. The loss of the services of any of our executive management members or other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, as we may not be able to find suitable individuals to replace such personnel on a timely basis or without incurring increased costs, or at all.
Any long-term indebtedness we may incur could adversely affect our business and limit our ability to expand our business or respond to changes, and we may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt service obligations.
We currently have no outstanding debt, other than the current liabilities reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We may incur indebtedness in the future. Any long-term indebtedness we may incur and the fact that a substantial portion of our cash flow from operating activities could be needed to make payments on this indebtedness could have adverse consequences, including the following:
| · | reducing the availability of our cash flow for our operations, capital expenditures, future business opportunities, and other purposes; |
| · | limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate, which would place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that may have less debt; |
| · | limiting our ability to borrow additional funds; |
| · | increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and |
| · | failing to comply with the covenants in our debt agreements could result in all of our indebtedness becoming immediately due and payable. |
Our ability to borrow any funds needed to operate and expand our business will depend in part on our ability to generate cash. Our ability to generate cash is subject to the performance of our business as well as general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond our control. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities or if future borrowings are not available to us in amounts sufficient to enable us to fund our liquidity needs, our operating results, financial condition, and ability to expand our business may be adversely affected. Moreover, our inability to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations in the future would require us to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity, sell assets, delay capital expenditures or seek additional equity.
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We could be subject to changes in tax rates, the adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and other foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are subject to the examination of our income tax returns, payroll taxes and other tax matters by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities and governmental bodies. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes and payroll tax accruals. There can be no assurances as to the outcome of these examinations. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical tax provisions and payroll accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements in the period or periods for which that determination is made. Our effective income tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, changes in tax laws, the outcome of income tax audits, and any repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. taxes.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The concentration of our capital stock ownership with insiders will likely limit your ability to influence corporate matters.
As of December 8, 2016, our executive officers and directors and affiliated persons and entities collectively, beneficially owned approximately 33% of our outstanding common stock. In addition, as of that date Brian Pappas, our former Chief Executive Officer and a former director, beneficially owned approximately 17% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these persons and entities have the ability to exercise control over most matters that require approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. Corporate action might be taken even if other stockholders oppose them. This concentration of ownership might also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company that other stockholders may view as beneficial.
Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require substantial financial and management resources.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls and, if and when we are no longer a smaller reporting company, will require that we have such system of internal controls audited. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties and/or Stockholder litigation. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports could harm our business. Furthermore, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation of adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our securities.
Provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may discourage or delay an acquisition that stockholders may consider favorable, which could decrease the value of our common stock.
Our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, and Delaware corporate law contain provisions that could make it harder for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions include those that: authorize the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series without a stockholder vote. In addition, in certain circumstances, Delaware law also imposes restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding common stock.
We have not paid cash dividends to our shareholders and currently have no plans to pay future cash dividends.
We plan to retain earnings to finance future growth and have no current plans to pay cash dividends to shareholders. Any indebtedness that we incur in the future may also limit our ability to pay dividends. Because we have not paid cash dividends, holders of our securities will experience a gain on their investment in our securities only in the case of an appreciation of value of our securities. You should neither expect to receive dividend income from investing in our securities nor an appreciation in value.
ITEM 1B.
Not applicable.
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ITEM 2.
The Companys offices, consisting of approximately 4,500 square feet, are located in an office/condominium complex in St. Augustine, Florida. The Company owns three of the office condominiums and rents two additional units. We believe this facility is adequate to meet our current needs.
ITEM 3.
From time to time, the Company has been and may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, and other factors.
The Company was involved in arbitration with Sew Fun, LLC (SFLLC), from which the Company previously purchased intellectual property to establish a new sewing franchise concept. In 2015 the Company and SFLLC entered into a settlement agreement which provided for a payment of $106,000 in stock (which was granted in 2014) and $85,000 in cash (which was accrued in 2015 and paid subsequent to year end) as well as agreements on trademarks and license usage. The prior owner of SFLLC has a suit outstanding with a claim for an additional $42,000, which the Company is contesting. The Court denied the Companys Motion to Dismiss and both sides have filed for summary judgment, each of which the Court has denied. No amount has been accrued for this additional claim.
In February 2015, the Company was sued for defamation by a former officer of the Company in relation to the Companys statements in an SEC Form 8-K filing that the employee had been terminated. The pertinent 8-K filing occurred prior to the ascension to the Board any of the companys current directors. The former officer alleged that the claimed misstatement in the SEC filing was false, was maliciously designed to injure the plaintiff in retribution for his having reported problems and pressed for changes at the company, and injured the reputation of the individual. The former officer seeks lost wages and income, compensatory damages, other damages and requests that a replacement Form 8-K be filed. The case is in the discovery phase. The company is in settlement negotiations with the plaintiff.
On October 2, 2015, the Company filed suit against its former Chief Executive Officer Brian Pappas, Christine Pappas, its former Human Resources officer, and an independent company controlled by Mr. Pappas named Franchise Ventures. The lawsuit seeks return of company emails and other electronic materials in the possession of the defendants, company control over the process by which the companys documents are identified and a court judgment that the property is the Companys. Mr. and Mrs. Pappas have returned certain company documents that they have identified, but other issues remain.
In April, 2015, the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a subpoena to Creative Learning Corporation seeking a variety of documents. The documents sought include without limitation materials regarding Brian Pappas, certain members of Mr. Pappas family, other company employees, board members and third-parties, company books and accounting procedures as well as other material regarding company affairs. In or about that time, it came to the attention of the Company that the SEC had initiated an investigation into possible violations of the securities laws by the Company and/or its officers, directors and/or others as of at least January 14, 2014. In late April 2015, the Companys Board elected two new independent directors, and created an Audit Committee, which included the two new directors. In addition, in July 2015, the Board removed Brian Pappas as Chief Executive Officer. The Company has taken a number of steps to address compliance issues regarding its books and records. The Company is fully cooperating with the staff of the SEC in this matter.
17
On March 7, 2016, Franchise Ventures (FV), a company operated by Brian Pappas, filed suit in state court in St. Johns County, Florida against the Company and its affiliate BFK Franchise Company, LLC (collectively the Company) alleging breach of contract and seeking a declaratory judgment. The complaint does not state an amount of damages. FV claims that the Company has an ongoing contractual obligation to pay FV compensation in the form of commissions and other payments per the original LLC operating agreement under which BFK LLC was formed (BFK Operating Agreement). FV acknowledges that the Company terminated the LLC operating agreement and stopped paying FV in October 2015. FVs complaint seeks recovery of compensation allegedly due after the termination date. Although the complaint is unclear, it appears to allege that the Company has no right ever to terminate the operating agreement. The Company contends that neither FV nor Mr. Pappas had any continuing right to franchise sales commissions under the BKF LLC operating agreement after FV ceased serving as managing member of BFK LLC when the Company acquired it. The Company further contends that: (a) the terms of the BFK Operating Agreement clearly provide that FV was owed compensation strictly for providing BFK LLC services as its managing member; (b) FVs term as managing member of BFK LLC ended when CLC acquired it and CLC supplanted FV as the sole managing member of BFK LLC; and (c) in any event, under the terms of the BFK Operative Agreement, CLC had the full right to terminate the BKF LLC operating agreement on October 1, 2015, thereby eviscerating any conceivable legal rights FV might assert under that agreement thereafter. The Company contends that neither FV nor Mr. Pappas had any continuing right to franchise sales commissions under the BKF LLC operating agreement after FV ceased serving as managing member of BFK LLC when the Company acquired it on July 2, 2010. On October 27, 2016, plaintiff FranVentures filed a motion seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a claim alleging that the Company had entered into an oral contract or one implied by the parties conduct. The amended complaint does not address the Companys position that even if a contract had been in place it had been terminated. The Court denied the Companys motion to dismiss FVs complaint, and discovery continues. The Company intends to vigorously litigate FranVentures complaint against the company.
On June 23, 2016, the Company filed a counterclaim against its FV, which also included a complaint against former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Brian Pappas and also named Christine Pappas as a defendant. The counterclaim and complaint seeks redress for losses and expenditures caused by alleged fraud, conversion of company assets, and breaches of fiduciary duty that the Company alleges that defendants perpetrated upon CLC, including assertions regarding actions by Brian Pappas that the Company alleges occurred while Pappas was serving as the Chief Executive Officer of CLC and a member of its board of directors. The counterclaim and/or complaint alleges the following:
a.
First, Pappas defrauded CLC, converted company assets and breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty by causing CLC to pay his company, FranVentures, more than $1,000,000 by falsely asserting that the funds were due under a contractual provision that Pappas knew had expired when CLC acquired BFK Franchise Company, LLC (BFK). After CLC stopped payments to FV in October 2015, Pappas sued CLC, claiming that CLC had to pay FV under that contract in perpetuity that is, Pappas took the position that CLC never could stop paying his company even though he knew that there was no legal basis for his claims.
b.
Second, to conceal the foregoing fraud scheme, Pappas made and caused to be made material false statements and material omissions regarding the transaction to CLC independent directors as well as in CLCs filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
c.
Third, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to CLC by repeatedly engaging in self-dealing and causing CLC to enter into several transactions with, and to make payments to or on behalf of, several members of his family, including his wife and brother, which transactions and payments were not disclosed to or approved by CLCs board of directors and were not in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
i.
In particular, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty by causing CLC to engage in repeated financial transactions with brother, Jeff Pappas including: (i) causing CLC to pay Jeff Pappas and/or his company approximately $560,000 in commissions and retainer payments from in or about 2010 to in or about 2015 including for handling CLC franchise sales, knowing or having reason to know that Jeff Pappas would and did do so in a reckless manner that exposed CLC to regulatory risk, liability, financial loss and reputational damage; and (ii) causing CLC to provide various financial benefits to Jeff Pappas to the financial detriment of CLC, including causing CLC to make loans and extensions of credit to Jeff Pappas and his company totaling approximately $40,000 in or about 2011-12 and thereafter causing CLC to write-off these loans and credit extensions as bad debt prior to their due date, notwithstanding that Pappas was during the same time causing CLC to pay retainer and commission payments to Jeff Pappas and his companies of at least $89,000. Pappas intentionally paid his brother these sums instead of setting off Jeff Pappas debt against the commissions and retainers purportedly owed to him.
18
ii.
Pappas also breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty by causing CLC to pay at least $95,000 in charges incurred by Pappas and his wife, Christine Pappas, on a CLC American Express credit card from in or about 2013 to in or about July 2015 without maintaining at the time, and thereafter in 2016 refusing to provide, proper and adequate business records and documentation for those expenditures. As a result, CLC is unable to verify that these expenditures were incurred for a proper business purpose and cannot deduct these payments as business expenses.
d.
Fourth, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to CLC by causing CLC to expend hundreds of thousands of dollars to respond to an investigation of Pappas and the Company the SEC initiated in early 2015 while Pappas was CLCs CEO and Chairman of the Board as a result of Pappas misconduct detailed above, including CLCs transactions with and payments to FV and Pappas family members, public disclosures relating to these transactions that Pappas caused the Company to make, inadequate internal corporate and financial controls, and other issues.
e.
Fifth, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to CLC by causing CLC liability for restitution and rescission payments, as well as state penalties and costs, in connection with an investigation conducted by the State of Virginia, alleging that Pappas committed fraud in relation to sales of Challenge Island franchises in Virginia, and that he thereafter caused an attempt to cover-up this fraud by taking further illegal actions. CLC has since divested itself of Challenge Island.
f.
Sixth, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to CLC by failing to implement adequate internal financial and corporate controls, thereby concealing his other misconduct and permitting Pappas to control and dominate CLC, misappropriate the Companys assets, and repeatedly engage in fraud and self-dealing to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.
g.
Seventh, Pappas misconduct described above was a material cause of the substantial delay and difficulty of the Companys independent auditors in performing the audit of the Companys financial statements for the 2015 fiscal year, which required the Company to suspend its domestic franchise sales on February 1, 2016 continuing until the date of this Complaint, causing financial loss to the Company.
On October 27, 2016, Brian Pappas filed a motion to amend the complaint to add a claim alleging that the Company slandered him by virtue of a press release issued on or about August 1, 2016, in which the Company reported to shareholders on steps it had taken and improvements it had implemented. The Company intends to vigorously litigate this matter as well.
On October 7, 2016, a franchisee filed a demand for arbitration against the Companys affiliate BFK Franchise Company, LLC alleging that BFK had engaged in contract breaches and fraud in relation to numerous franchise agreements signed by Brian Pappas, Managing Director, or Dan ODonnell, VP Operations between September 22, 2012 and November 1, 2015, with all but 1 of the agreements executed by or before March 2, 2015. The arbitration demands allegations include that misstatements and misrepresentations were made at or about the time of the purchase of the franchises. The complaint also assails other items such as the above-referenced SEC investigation, the Companys settlements with the State of Virginia, Virginias investigation and settlement with Brian Pappas as a result of his conduct and actions during the time he served as Managing Director of BFK Franchise Co, and CEO of CLCN, and self-dealing by corporate officers including commissions paid to officers upon sale of each new franchise.
ITEM 4.
Not applicable.
19
PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market Price for Equity Securities
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC bulletin board under the symbol CLCN. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for our common stock as quoted on the OTC bullet board for the periods indicated. The market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Quarter Ending |
| High |
|
| Low |
| ||
09/30/16 |
| $ | 0.23 |
|
| $ | 0.11 |
|
06/30/16 |
| $ | 0.22 |
|
| $ | 0.13 |
|
03/31/16 |
| $ | 0.32 |
|
| $ | 0.13 |
|
12/31/15 |
| $ | 0.32 |
|
| $ | 0.32 |
|
09/30/15 |
| $ | 0.32 |
|
| $ | 0.25 |
|
06/30/15 |
| $ | 0.55 |
|
| $ | 0.55 |
|
03/31/15 |
| $ | 1.10 |
|
| $ | 1.09 |
|
12/31/14 |
| $ | 1.50 |
|
| $ | 1.36 |
|
09/30/14 |
| $ | 2.70 |
|
| $ | 1.92 |
|
06/30/14 |
| $ | 3.04 |
|
| $ | 1.55 |
|
03/31/14 |
| $ | 1.81 |
|
| $ | 1.55 |
|
12/31/13 |
| $ | 1.90 |
|
| $ | 1.51 |
|
At November 22, 2016, the Company had 11,936,309 outstanding shares (12,001,409 shares issued less 65,100 shares held by the Company as treasury) of common stock and 133 shareholders of record.
Dividends
Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by the Companys Board of Directors. The Companys Board of Directors is not restricted from paying any dividends but is not obligated to declare a dividend. No dividends have ever been declared and it is not anticipated that dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. Any indebtedness the Company incurs in the future may also limit its ability to pay dividends. Investors should not purchase the Companys common stock with the expectation of receiving cash dividends.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None
Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
We did not purchase any of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
ITEM 6.
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
20
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. All information presented herein is based on the Companys fiscal year, which ends September 30. Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years, quarters, months or periods refer to the Companys fiscal years ended in September and the associated quarters, months and periods of those fiscal years.
Overview
The Company experienced a year of modest growth in the number of operating franchises, at the end of fiscal year 2016 compared to fiscal year 2015, expanding from 691 operating franchises to 710 operating franchises within the two continuing brands. The reduction in the growth rate of franchises sold in fiscal year 2015 resulted in a decrease in franchise sale fees by approximately $2,471,360, in a year-to-year comparison. The decrease in the number of franchise sales was highlighted during the second quarter of the current fiscal year when the company suspended its domestic sales and prior to ramping up international sales effort. A consistent and compliant franchise agreement and franchise disclosure document was developed, implemented and is being registered with state agencies. An additional change was the termination of all past related-party sales brokers, as part of new managements increased focus upon enhancing shareholder value and its new anti-nepotism policy. A new sales broker program has been developed that both trains and commits any person representing the Company to consistent and ethical standards.
The Companys Revenue decreased to $3,238,359 in fiscal year 2016 from $5,709,719 in the prior year, a decrease of $2,471,360 (-43%), primarily due to lower Initial Franchise sales, as Franchise sales were suspended for part of the period, and due to lower Royalties Fees, as we changed the Royalty model. Operating Expenses decreased to $5,507,323 in fiscal year 2016 from $6,079,226 in the prior year, a decrease of $571,903 due to significant decreases in commissions of $636,616, salaries $432,760, advertising $441,173, office expense $80,732, bad debt expense $218,281, and other general and administrative expenses $146,789 year over year, offset by significant increases in professional fees of $1,531,254 year over year. The Net loss increased to a loss of 1,818,077 in fiscal year 2016 from a loss of $456,940 the prior year, a change of $1,361,137, primarily due to the lower Franchise fee revenues.
On December 9, 2015, the Company completed the sale of the Challenge Island business to the prior owner of the business, pursuant to an asset sale and purchase agreement entered into on that date. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of January 29, 2016, the Company temporarily suspended domestic franchise offer and sales of Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios® franchises in compliance with FTC Franchise Rule, Section 436.7(a) due to delay in completion of the Companys FY2015 consolidated audited financial statements. In turn, this delayed completion of the Companys 2016 FDDs for the Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios® franchise offerings. The Company restarted sales efforts in September of 2016. It expects to resume sales effort of Sew Fun Studios® in December of 2016 in 70% of the states in which Sew Fun Studios® currently sell franchises immediately upon completion of the FDD, and in the rest of the states upon either filing or approval of the renewal applications, based upon the applicable rules of each such state. In a number of these states, the Company did not have active franchise offer and sales efforts even before the temporary suspension. This temporary suspension of domestic franchise offer and sales does not affect the Companys international franchise offer and sales activity or its royalty fee collections from existing franchisees.
21
Results of Operations
The following table represents the Companys franchise sales activity for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
|
| Franchises Sold |
| |||||
Franchise Activity |
| Fiscal Years Ended |
| |||||
|
| September 30, |
| |||||
Creative Learning Corporation |
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
BFK Franchise Company LLC |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
(a) US First Territories |
|
| 4 |
|
|
| 59 |
|
(b) US Second Territories |
|
| 2 |
|
|
| 38 |
|
Total US |
|
| 6 |
|
|
| 97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
International First Territories |
|
| 6 |
|
|
| 16 |
|
International Second Territories |
|
| 2 |
|
|
| 6 |
|
Master FA Agreements |
|
| 5 |
|
|
| 4 |
|
Master Sub-franchise |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Total International |
|
| 13 |
|
|
| 26 |
|
Total BFK |
|
| 19 |
|
|
| 123 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SF Franchise Company LLC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US First Territories |
|
| |
|
|
| 10 |
|
US Second Territories |
|
| |
|
|
| 1 |
|
International Territories |
|
| |
|
|
| 1 |
|
Total SF |
|
| |
|
|
| 12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Franchises Sold for Continuing Operations |
|
| 19 |
|
|
| 135 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CI Franchise Company LLC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US First Territories |
|
| |
|
|
| 13 |
|
US Second Territories |
|
| |
|
|
| 3 |
|
Total US |
|
| |
|
|
| 16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Master FA Agreements |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Total International |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Total CI |
|
| |
|
|
| 16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Franchises Sold for Discontinued Ops. |
|
| |
|
|
| 16 |
|
(a) | US First Territory is the original territory purchased with the Franchise Agreement, for example, the franchisee would be charged $25,900 for the first territory. |
(b) | Second Territory is a secondary territory purchased in addition to the territory purchased with the Franchise Agreement, for example, the franchisee would be charged $10,000 for a second territory. |
Material changes of items in the Companys Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the prior year are discussed below.
22
Franchise Fees, Royalty Fees and Creative Center Sales
|
| Fiscal Year Ended |
| |||||||||||||||
|
| Increase/ |
| (rounded to $1,000) |
|
| Change |
| ||||||||||
Item Description |
| Decrease |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| ||||
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Franchise Fees |
| Decrease |
| $ | 932,000 |
|
| $ | 2,860,000 |
|
| $ | (1,928,000 | ) |
|
| -67 | % |
Royalty Fees |
| Increase |
| $ | 2,306,000 |
|
| $ | 2,846,000 |
|
| $ | (540,000 | ) |
|
| -19 | % |
Creative Center Sales |
| Decrease |
| $ | 597 |
|
| $ | 4,000 |
|
| $ | (3,403 | ) |
|
| -85 | % |
Total Revenue |
|
|
| $ | 3,238,597 |
|
| $ | 5,710,000 |
|
| $ | (2,471,403 | ) |
|
| -43 | % |
Contributing to the decline in franchise fees of approximately $2,471,000, or 43%, was the drop in sales due to the suspension of US Sales from January of 2016 through September of 2016. Domestic franchise sales were down $1,816,000 due to the company suspending sales from January 2016 through September 2016. The change in royalty income is due to the new royalty model and an unusually high royalty period in the 4th quarter of the 2015. Excluded from the franchise and royalty revenues are payments made by franchisees directly to Leap Ahead Learning Company (Leap Ahead) for set-up and monthly support of a FMT. The set-up fee is approximately $250 and the monthly support fee is approximately $75 which amounts reflect support services provided to the franchisees pursuant to the franchise agreements. Leap Ahead, the developer of the FMT, is wholly owned by Dan ODonnell, who was a director and executive officer of the Company until April 6, 2016. In or about April 2016, the Company executed a new contract with Leap Ahead to replace the pre-existing agreement. The new contract has negligible cost impact and provides the Company significantly enhanced operational security. In addition, all domestic franchisees that wish to accept credit card payments must be set-up for processing credit cards through a third-party service provider, authorize.net. Leap Ahead receives a monthly administrative fee of $7.95 for each franchisee using the credit card processing services of authorize.net. Leap Ahead is the broker and administrator on behalf of authorize.net. Please see Item 13 of this report, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence, for more information regarding the Companys relationship with this entity. The Company is in discussions regarding the development and implementation of a new FMT, which may or may not replace the current tool entirely or in part. If a new franchise reporting tool is implemented, each franchisee will be required to transfer their credit card processing service to a new processing organization. This transfer process would be facilitated by the new franchise reporting entity.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the comparable periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were approximately $5,507,000 and $6,079,000, respectively. There was a net decrease in total operating expenses of approximately $607,000, or 10.0%, for the comparable periods.
|
| Increase/ |
| (rounded to $1,000) |
|
| Change |
| ||||||||||
Item Description |
| Decrease |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| ||||
Total Operating Expenses |
| Increase |
| $ | 5,507,000 |
|
| $ | 6,079,000 |
|
| $ | (572,000 | ) |
|
| -9.4 | % |
The changes in operating expenses are explained as follows:
Commissions and Consulting Fees
|
| Increase/ |
| (rounded to $1,000) |
|
| Change |
| |||||||||||
Item Description |
| Decrease |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| |||||
Operating expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Consulting and Commissions |
| Decrease |
| $ | 537,000 |
|
| $ | 1,174,000 |
|
| $ | (637,000 | ) |
|
| -54 | % |
The Company paid commissions and consulting fees for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of approximately $537,000 and $1,174,000 respectively, a decrease of approximately $637,000, or 54%. The payments for commissions and consulting fees declined primarily as a result of the reduction in the sales of new franchises during fiscal 2016. In most cases, the commission paid to a sales broker was 25% of the franchise fee. In addition, during part of fiscal 2015 a 5% commission was paid to FranVentures, LLC (related party) for each new BFK franchise and a $500 fixed commission was paid to MC Logic, LLC (related party) for each new BFK franchise. These additional related party charges were discontinued in the third quarter of 2015.
23
Franchise Training Payments
|
| Increase/ |
| (rounded to $1,000) |
|
| Change |
| ||||||||||
Item Description |
| Decrease |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| ||||
Operating expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Franchise training & expenses |
| Decrease |
| $ | 207,000 |
|
| $ | 367,000 |
|
| $ | (160,000 | ) |
|
| -44 | % |
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company paid franchise training and expense fees of approximately, $207,000 and $367,000, respectively, a decrease of approximately $160,000, or 44%. The net reduction in franchise training and expense fees is partially due to the reduction in the number of franchises sold during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The decrease resulted in fewer start up materials and supplies provided to franchises and decreased field visits, partially offset by increased expenses related to a promotional t-shirt program and an increase in printed brochures and materials. These expenses also contain a fixed element related to the number of new franchises and a variable element associated with new programs distributed to active franchises.
Payroll Expense
|
| Increase/ |
| (rounded to $1,000) |
|
| Change |
| ||||||||||
Item Description |
| Decrease |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| ||||
Operating expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Salaries and payroll expenses |
| Decrease |
| $ | 888,000 |
|
| $ | 1,321,000 |
|
| $ | (433,000 | ) |
|
| -33 | % |
The Company paid salaries and payroll expenses for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of approximately, $888,000 and $1,321,000, respectively, a decrease of approximately $433,000, or 33%. The decrease in total payroll expenses reflects the decrease in the Companys staff levels during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, with average full time employees of approximately 13 and 9 during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.
Advertising Expenses
|
| Increase/ |
| (rounded to $1,000) |
|
| Change |
| ||||||||||
Item Description |
| Decrease |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| ||||
Operating expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Advertising expenses |
| Decrease |
| $ | 435,000 |
|
| $ | 876,000 |
|
| $ | (441,000 | ) |
|
| -50 | % |
The Company paid advertising expenses for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of approximately $435,000 and $876,000, respectively, a decrease of approximately $441,000, or 50%. The decrease related to the decline in lead advertising. The company slowed lead advertising during fiscal 2016 to evaluate its effectiveness and due to the suspension of US Franchise sales during fiscal 2016.
Professional Fees
|
| Increase/ |
| (rounded to $1,000) |
|
| Change |
| ||||||||||
Item Description |
| Decrease |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| ||||
Operating expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Professional fees |
| Increase |
| $ | 2,584,000 |
|
| $ | 1,053,000 |
|
| $ | 1,531,000 |
|
|
| 145 | % |
The Company paid professional fees for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of approximately $2,584,000 and $1,053,000, respectively, an increase of approximately $1,531,000, or 145%. A large portion of the increase in professional fees is related to issues that resulted from the prior managements decisions. Professional fees legal rose by $1.4 million related to predominantly SEC related matters, Franchise regulatory matters and corporate governance matters related to prior management. In addition, professional fees accounting increased by approximately $100,000 related to the filing the 2015 Form 10-K.
24
Other Operating Expenses
|
| Increase/ |
| (rounded to $1,000) |
|
| Change |
| ||||||||||
Item Description |
| Decrease |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| ||||
Operating expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Other operating expenses |
| Decrease |
| $ | 855,000 |
|
| $ | 1,289,000 |
|
| $ | (434,000 | ) |
|
| -34 | % |
The Company paid other operating expenses for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of approximately $855,000 and $1,289,000, respectively, a decrease of approximately $434,000, or 34%. During the comparable periods, the net decrease in operating expenses was composed of a decrease in bad debt of $218,000 and lower general and administrative expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Companys primary source of liquidity is from cash generated through operations. From January of 2016 through August 2016, the Company was not able to sell franchises in the United States at the same time the Company had significant professional fees and regulatory cash outlays which put adverse pressure on the Companys liquidity. The Company believes its US sales will rebound after resuming sales in the US, and its cash outlays related to professional fees and regulatory functions will return to traditional levels for a similar business.
Cash funds are used for ongoing operating expenses, the purchase of equipment, property improvement, and software development. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased property and equipment totaling approximately $69,076, and no intangible property. The Company used cash during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 to make payments of $55,000 on a legal settlement reached in 2014.
At September 30, 2016, the Companys liabilities, recorded on the balance sheet, consisted primarily of trade payables of approximately $171,000; accrued payroll of approximately $15,844; customer based deposits and unearned revenue of approximately $188; the franchisee funded marketing fund of approximately $147,227; and, accrued expenses of approximately $347,000 (see footnote 7).
As of January 29, 2016, the Company temporarily suspended domestic franchise offer and sales of Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios® franchises in compliance with FTC Franchise Rule, Section 436.7(a) due to delay in completion of the Companys FY2015 consolidated audited financial statements. In turn, this has delayed completion of the Companys 2016 FDDs for the Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios® franchise offerings. The Company restarted selling efforts of Bricks 4 Kidz in September of 2016 and expects that offer and sales efforts will resume for Sew Fun Studios® in December of 2016 in approximately 70% of the states in which Sew Fun Studios® previously sold franchises immediately upon completion of the FDD, and in the rest of the states upon either filing or approval of the renewal applications, based upon the applicable rules of each such state. In a number of these states, the Company did not have active franchise offer and sales efforts even before the temporary suspension. This temporary suspension of domestic franchise offer and sales did not affect the Companys international franchise offer and sales activity or its royalty fee collections from existing franchisees. Notwithstanding the current suspension, Sew Fun Studios® can receive and answer from prospective franchisees generalized questions that do not amount to offer and sale activity, e.g., the Companys history, the types of courses the Sew Fun Studios® offer, the location of the Companys securities filings, etc. The Company notes that it is the practice of Sew Fun Studios® to complete all franchise sales on a single day each month. These sales are the result of weekly franchise submissions to the Companys headquarters. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Companys average weekly Bricks 4 Kidz® franchise submissions for domestic sales averaged just over 1 new franchisee per week.
The Company is dependent upon both franchise sales and royalty fees to continue current business operations and liquidity.
The Company used $2,124,000 in cash for operations, investing and financing activities in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.
Historically, an additional source of liquidity has been the issuance of the Companys common stock.
25
Contractual Obligations
The Company entered into a Business Lease with Village Square at Palencia in July 2014, to lease unit 103B, Office Space 2, located at 701 Market Street, St. Augustine, Florida. On January 28, 2016, the Company provided a 60-day notice of termination for this lease that was accepted by the landlord. The fees and penalty for early termination was $2,000. The Company vacated the suite by March 31, 2016.
The Company entered into a Business Lease with Village Square at Palencia in July 2014, to lease unit 114 located at 701 Market Street, St. Augustine, Florida. The contract period began July 1, 2014 and ends June 15, 2019. The monthly rent is $1,425.
The following table summarizes the Companys contractual obligations at September 30, 2016:
Obligation |
| 2016 |
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2018 |
|
| 2019 |
|
| Total |
| |||||
Commercial Lease (Suite 114) |
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 12,113 |
|
| $ | 63,413 |
|
Commercial Lease (Suite 103B) |
|
| 5,700 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 5,700 |
|
|
| $ | 22,800 |
|
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 12,113 |
|
| $ | 69,113 |
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on the Companys financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.
Related Party Transactions
Refer to Part III, Item 13 of this Form 10-K for disclosure regarding certain related party transactions.
Critical Accounting Policies
General
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We describe in this section certain critical accounting policies that require us to make significant estimates, assumptions and judgments. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate is made and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its most significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. For further information on the critical accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
26
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis after services have been performed under contract terms and in accordance with regulatory requirements, the service price to the client is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Since these franchises are primarily a mobile concept and do not require finding locations or construction, the franchisees can begin operations as soon as they complete training. The franchise fees are fully collectible and nonrefundable as of the date of the signing of the franchise agreement, but the franchise fees are not recognized as revenue until initial training has been completed and when substantially all of the services required by the franchise agreement have been fulfilled by the Company in accordance with ASC Topic 952-605 Revenue Recognition-Franchisor. Royalties are recognized in the period earned. Changes in franchise agreement terms and types of services provided can have an impact on the recording of revenue in a period.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Methodology
The Company evaluates the collectability of trade accounts and note receivables based on a combination of factors. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts and notes as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience and periodically adjusts this estimate when the Company becomes aware of a specific customers inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. For the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately, $218,000, and $165,000, respectively.
Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment and Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
At least annually, the Company evaluates property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets for potential impairment indicators. The Companys judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market conditions and operational performance, among other factors. Future events could cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that assets associated with a particular operation are impaired. Evaluating for impairment also requires the Company to estimate future operating results and cash flows which require judgment by management. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on the Companys financial condition and results of operations.
Income Taxes
The net deferred tax assets primarily relate to temporary differences in profitable U.S. federal and state jurisdictions. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider future taxable income in the various jurisdictions as well as carryforward periods and restrictions on usage. The estimation of future taxable income in these jurisdictions and our resulting ability to utilize deferred tax assets can significantly change based on future events, including our determinations as to feasibility of certain tax planning strategies. Thus, recorded valuation allowances may be subject to material future changes. As a matter of course, we may be audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. We recognize the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns in our Income Tax Provision when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by these tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement. At September 30, 2016 we had no unrecognized tax benefits. We evaluate unrecognized tax benefits, including interest thereon, on a quarterly basis to ensure that they have been appropriately adjusted for events, including audit settlements, which may impact our ultimate payment for such exposures.
Share-based compensation
The Company has a share-based compensation plan which authorizes the granting of various equity-based incentives including stock options to employees and nonemployee directors. The expense for these equity-based incentives is based on their fair value at date of grant and generally amortized over their vesting period. The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using a closed-form pricing model. The pricing model requires assumptions, which impact the assumed fair value, including the expected life of the stock option, the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility of the Companys stock over the expected life and the expected dividend yield. The Company uses historical data to determine these assumptions and if these assumptions change significantly for future grants, share-based compensation expense will fluctuate in future years.
27
Litigation accruals
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims primarily related to competitors, customers, employees, franchisees, government agencies, intellectual property, shareholders and suppliers. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. The Company does not believe that any such matter currently being reviewed will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) has been discussed in several recent ASU including ASU 2016-12, 2016-11, 2016-10 and 2016-8. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The new revenue standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new revenue standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which is intended to improve and simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new standard, income tax benefits and deficiencies are to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and the tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity should also recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. Excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. In regards to forfeitures, the entity may make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within that reporting period, however early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on our financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The guidance requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The guidance becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively as of October 1, 2015 and reclassified $90,741 and $81,583 from deferred costs to long-term deferred tax liability in September of 2016 and September of 2015, respectively.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Our consolidated financial statements and related notes required by this item are set forth as a separate section of this Report. See Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Effective as of July 6, 2016, the Company engaged Hancock, Askew & Co., LLP as the Companys new independent registered public accounting firm. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and through July 6, 2016, the date of Hancock, Askew & Co., LLPs engagement, the Company did not consult with Hancock, Askew & Co., LLP regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.
28
ITEM 9A.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures are procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and is communicated to management, including the Companys Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on that evaluation, the Companys Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, because of the material weakness in the Companys internal control over financial reporting described below, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2015. The internal controls over financial reporting were not effective until the 4th fiscal quarter of 2016 when the remediation initiatives described below were fully implemented. Our Disclosure Committee met on December 1, 2016 and concluded the Companys internal controls over financial reporting were effective on September 30, 2016.
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of the Companys Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer and effected by the Companys Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
| (i) | pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; |
| (ii) | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and |
| (iii) | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures my deteriorate.
Management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting throughout FY2016 based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway commission, or the COSO Framework. Managements assessment included an evaluation of the design of the Companys internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of those controls.
Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Companys internal control over financial reporting throughout FY2015 was not effective, as a result of a material weakness primarily related to a lack of sufficient personnel with appropriate training and expertise in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the lack of senior management leadership in the area, and the absence of board independence and the ability of the Audit Committee to function fully effectively until late July 2015. As a result of this material weakness, the Company (i) did not report the granting of a franchise, at no cost, to a related party, (ii) did not properly classify a guarantee on stock value that should have been recorded as a reduction in additional paid in capital.
29
Managements Remediation Initiatives
In an effort to remediate the identified material weaknesses and other deficiencies and enhance the Companys internal control over financial report, changes were made in the board of directors and management team. A new independent board was appointed, with the chairman being from outside the Companys operating management team. Additional new independent board members were appointed in late July 2015, at which time a new interim CEO was appointed to direct the operations of the Company, replacing Brian Pappas. As of late July 2015, the board was comprised of seven members, four of whom are independent members possessing diverse professional experience including backgrounds varying from executive management, finance, auditing and franchise law. This improved the business acuity of the board. As of January 27, 2016, the number of board members was reduced to six with the resignation of Mr. Pappas, leaving four independent members and two from current company management. In addition, the Company appointed a new Chief Financial Officer on July 5, 2016. These major changes were designed to facilitate the Companys ability to change and improve policies and practices. Since late July 2015, the Company has taken numerous other significant steps in remediation, including (1) terminated all corporate relationships employees, consultants and contractors that appeared to be the result of nepotism; (2) instituted a business approach designed to align the incentives of company employees with enhancement of shareholder value (see points 1 and 5 of this paragraph); (3) made changes in management and organizational structure including replacement of the CEO; (4) implementation of new corporate policies including without limitation a code of ethics, an insider trading policy, terminating the payment of commissions to company executives; (5) took corporate action to terminate the payment of commissions to Brian Pappas on new franchisee sales; (6) evaluating the development of a new Franchise Management Tool to improve systemic operations with franchisees; (7) retention of legal counsel with expertise in numerous issues central to company operations including without limitation SEC matters (including financial reporting), franchising law, corporate governance, trademark, litigation to represent the Company; (8) implementation of a new company electronic mail system under complete company control; (9) formulated new board committees to facilitate independent review and oversight of company activities (including executive, compensation and audit committees); (10) implemented policies barring brokers from participating in discussions regarding financing in relation to franchise sales; (11) outside franchise counsel conducted compliance training of company staff; (12) actively recruiting additional experienced senior management; (13) stricter controls related to disbursements; (14) implementing a more thorough review process around all aspects of financial reporting and (15) retaining individuals with the requisite background to better insure accurate and timely financial reporting. In addition to the foregoing, the Company intends to continue to aggressively address the issue of internal controls going forward as well.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm as such attestation is not required for smaller reporting filers such as us pursuant to applicable SEC rules.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Except as described under Managements Remediation Initiatives above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
Not applicable.
30
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Directors and Executive Officers
Our directors and executive officers and their ages at December xx, 2016, are listed in the following table. On October 21, Rick Adler, who had served as our Controller, resigned.
Name |
| Age |
| Title |
Rod Whiton |
| 45 |
| Interim Chief Executive Officer |
Michelle Cote |
| 47 |
| President |
Christian Miller |
| 43 |
| Chief Financial Officer |
Rick Alder |
| 66 |
| Controller |
Charles Grant |
| 65 |
| Chairman of the Board |
Joseph Marucci |
| 66 |
| Director |
JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton |
| 38 |
| Director |
Michael Gorin |
| 74 |
| Director |
Rod Whiton was appointed as CLCs interim Chief Executive Officer on July 22, 2015. Mr. Whiton is a professional investor. Most recently, Mr. Whiton has invested in and serves on the board of directors of ThirdParent Inc., a private company specializing in Internet safety for teens and kids. Mr. Whiton was an early investor in CLC, investing in an initial private placement by the Company.
Michelle Cote founded Bricks 4 Kidz® in June 2008 after developing curriculum and running after-school classes, camps and birthday parties using LEGO® since early 2008. She co-founded BFK in May 2009, and became a director of CLC when it acquired BFK in July 2010 and resigned from the Board in October of 2016. Ms. Cote was appointed President of CLC in July 2015. Prior to co-founding BFK, Ms. Cote worked for an architectural firm in St. Augustine, Florida. Ms. Cote received her B.A. degree from Flagler College in St. Augustine in 1991 with a major in Spanish/Latin American studies and graduated Cum Laude.
Christian Miller joined CLC in July 2016 as the Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Miller served as President of Miller Home Health Agency, Inc., a home health agency he co-founded, from May 2013 through July 2016. Prior to that, he served as Corporate Controller at Pinova Holdings, Inc., a specialty chemical manufacturer, from April 2012 through May 2013, as Controller at Pilot Pen Corporation of America from September 2008 through April 2012, and in various positions, including Director of Accounting and Reporting, at Trailer Bridge, Inc. Mr. Miller holds a Masters of Business Administration from Jacksonville University, and an Accounting Degree from Florida State University.
Charles Grant has served as a director of CLC since April 2015, and as Chairman of the Board since July 2015. Mr. Grant has been the managing director of CKG partners, an independent consulting and investment firm providing service to both public and private companies, since 2013. From 2002 to 2013, Mr. Grant was the President and Chief Executive Officer of SP Industries, a private equity-backed designer, manufacturer and marketer of laboratory, research and process equipment, glassware, precision glass components, and configured-to-order manufacturing equipment. From 2002 to 2011, Mr. Grant was also Chairman of SP Industries Board of Directors. Mr. Grant received a B.S./B.A. degree from Northeastern University in 1973 and a M.B.A. from Columbia University in 1985. Mr. Grant is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the States of Connecticut and New Jersey, and is a certified Global Management Accountant.
Joseph Marucci has served as a director of CLC since April 2015. Mr. Marucci has been an independent consultant to both public and private companies since 2010 and the managing director of SWFMC LLC, an independent consulting firm, since 2015. Between 1972 and 1985, Mr. Marucci was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). From 1985 to 2010, Mr. Marucci was a PwC partner serving in a variety of locations and responsibilities.
JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton has served as a director of CLC since July 2015. Ms. Kenny-Charlton is an attorney with Marks & Klein LLP and the owner of Kenny Law LLC. Ms. Kenny-Charlton concentrates her practice in commercial transactions, general corporate, and franchise, licensing and distribution law. Ms. Kenny-Charlton is a member of the International Franchise Association and was named a Legal Eagle (2013, 2014 and 2015) by the Franchise Times for her work in the field of franchise law. Ms. Kenny-Charlton is a graduate of Villanova University School of Law and holds a B.A. from Villanova University.
31
Michael Gorin has served as a director of CLC since July 2015. Mr. Gorin has served in various capacities at Aeroflex Incorporated, a producer of test equipment, RF and microwave integrated circuits, components and systems used for wireless communications that was acquired by Cobham plc in 2014. Mr. Gorin served as President and Chief Financial Officer of Aeroflex from 1988 through 2004 and Vice Chairman in 2005 before retiring, as a director from 1990 through 2005, and as a consultant from 2006 through 2009. Before joining Aeroflex, Mr. Gorin was a partner at Arthur Andersen & Co. and was a managing partner for the small business division. Mr. Gorin has previously served as a director and audit committee member for public companies, including Limco-Piedmont Inc. and National RV Holdings Inc. Mr. Gorin holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from Hofstra University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.
Board Structure
CLCs Board of Directors has concluded that each of the following directors, constituting a majority of the Board of Directors, is independent, as defined in Section 803 of the listing standards of the NYSE MKT: Charles Grant, Joseph Marucci, JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton and Michael Gorin.
In December 2015, the Company established an Executive Committee which is currently composed of the following board members: Charles Grant, Michael Gorin and JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton.
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee which is currently composed of the following board members: Charles Grant, Joseph Marucci and Michael Gorin.
In December 2015, the Company established a Compensation Committee which is currently composed of the following board members: JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton, Joseph Marucci and Michelle Cote. Prior to that, compensation decisions were made by the full Board of Directors. Ms. Cote is no longer on the board and therefore no longer a member of the Compensation Committee.
The following Company directors are considered financial expert as that term is defined in the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission: Charles Grant and Joseph Marucci.
Director Nominees
Our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the selection of persons to be nominated to serve on our board of directors. The Board does not have a formal policy on Board candidate qualifications. The Board may consider those factors it deems appropriate in evaluating director nominees made either by the Board or stockholders, including judgment, skill, strength of character, experience with businesses and organizations comparable in size or scope to the Company, experience and skill relative to other Board members, and specialized knowledge or experience. Depending upon the current needs of the Board, certain factors may be weighed more or less heavily. In considering candidates for the Board, the directors evaluate the entirety of each candidates credentials and do not have any specific minimum qualifications that must be met. Diversity, as such, is not a criterion that the Board considers. The directors will consider candidates from any reasonable source, including current Board members, stockholders, professional search firms or other persons. The directors will not evaluate candidates differently based on who has made the recommendation.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to its principal executive, financial and accounting officers and persons performing similar functions, as well as all directors and employees of the Company. A copy of the Code of Ethics is filed as an exhibit to this report.
32
Communication with the Board of Directors
Our stockholders and other interested parties may send written communications directly to the board of directors or to specified individual directors, including the Chairman or any other non-management directors, by sending such communications to our corporate headquarters. Such communications will be reviewed by our outside legal counsel and, depending on the content, will be:
| · | forwarded to the addressees or distributed at the next scheduled board meeting; |
| · | if they relate to financial or accounting matters, forwarded to the audit committee or distributed at the next scheduled audit committee meeting; |
| · | if they relate to executive officer compensation matters, forwarded to the compensation committee or discussed at the next scheduled compensation committee meeting; |
| · | if they relate to the recommendation of the nomination of an individual, forwarded to the full Board or discussed at the next scheduled Board meeting; or |
| · | if they relate to our operations, forwarded to the appropriate officers of our company, and the response or other handling of such communications reported to the board of directors at the next scheduled board meeting. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our outstanding common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock. Based solely upon a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company, and on written representations from the reporting persons, the Company believes that all required reports were filed on time with the SEC during fiscal 2016. However, in November 2016 Rod Whiton, our interim Chief Executive Officer, filed a Form 3 that should have been filed within ten days of his becoming an executive officer on July 22, 2015.
ITEM 11.
The following identifies the elements of compensation for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 with respect to our named executive officers, which term is defined by Item 402 of the SECs Regulation S-K to include (i) all individuals serving as our principal executive officer at any time during fiscal year 2016, (ii) our two most highly compensated executive officers other than the principal executive officer who were serving as executive officers at September 30, 2016 and whose total compensation (excluding nonqualified deferred compensation earnings) exceeded $100,000, and (iii) up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided pursuant to the foregoing item (ii) but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an executive officer of the Company at September 30, 2016. Our named executive officers for fiscal year 2016 are Rod Whiton, who has served as our Interim Chief Executive Officer since July 22, 2015, Brian Pappas, who served as our Chief Executive Officer until his removal on July 22, 2015, Michelle Cote, who has served as our President since July 22, 2015, Dan ODonnell, who served as our Chief Operating Officer and Director until his resignation on April 6, 2016, and Christian Miller, who has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 5, 2016.
The Company has not entered into employment agreements with any of the named executive officers. The Company does not provide its officers or employees with pension, stock appreciation rights, long-term incentive or other plans. The Company does not have a defined benefit, pension, profit sharing plan but does offer a 401(k) plan.
33
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the compensation paid or accrued to the Companys named executive officers during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| All Other |
|
|
|
| |||
Name and |
| Fiscal |
|
| Salary |
|
| Compensation |
|
|
|
| |||
Principal Position |
| Year |
|
| (1) |
|
| (5) |
|
| Total |
| |||
Rod Whiton |
| 2016 |
|
| $ | |
|
| $ | |
|
| $ | |
|
Interim Chief Executive Officer |
| 2015 |
|
| $ | |
|
| $ | |
|
| $ | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michelle Cote |
| 2016 |
|
| $ | 88,000 |
|
| $ | 1,500 |
|
| $ | 89,500 |
|
President |
| 2015 |
|
| $ | 102,000 |
|
| $ | 47,840 |
|
| $ | 149,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christian Miller (2) |
| 2016 |
|
| $ | 24,635 |
|
| $ | |
|
| $ | 24,635 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
| 2015 |
|
| $ | |
|
| $ | |
|
| $ | |
|
(1) | The dollar value of base salary (cash and non-cash) earned. |
(2) | Christian Miller became the CFO in July of 2016. |
|
|
|
|
(5) | All other compensation: In January 2014 the Company established a 401(k) plan and instituted a dollar for dollar Company match of employee contributions, up to 4% of employee wages. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 the Company contributed: $-0- and $8,166 respectively to the 401(k) account of Ms. Cote In addition, Ms. Cote also received commissions and consulting fees indirectly through entities controlled by such named executive officers, which entities have been established for tax and liability purposes. See Item 13, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. Approximately 14% of 2015 compensation for Ms. Cote represents commissions and consulting fees through entities controlled by such named executive officers, as follows: |
| (a) Michelle Cote for payments made to MC Logic, LLC (100% owned by Michelle Cote); and |
| (b) |
Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End
The following table shows information regarding outstanding equity awards (consisting of option awards) held by each of the Companys named executive officers as of September 30, 2016.
|
| Option Awards |
| ||||||||||||
Name |
| Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
|
| Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
|
| Option Exercise Price ($) |
|
| Option Expiration Date |
| |||
Rod Whiton |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
Brian Pappas |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
Michelle Cote |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
Dan ODonnell |
|
| 25,000 |
|
|
| |
|
| $ | 0.60 |
|
| 12/31/15 |
|
|
|
| 20,000 |
|
|
| |
|
| $ | 1.55 |
|
| 12/31/16 |
|
Director Compensation
The Company does not compensate its directors that are classified as not independent. The Company has approved a policy of compensating its independent directors as follows: $1,000 for each in-person Board or committee meeting attended; $500 for each telephonic Board or committee meeting attended; and, if they are required to travel to attend Board or committee meetings, the Company reimburses their reasonable travel expenses. The independent directors have not been compensated for their services in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.
34
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
For a portion of the fiscal year 2015, the Company did not have a Compensation Committee, and compensation decisions were made by the full Board of Directors, including the Companys executive officers who serve on the Board (Michelle Cote, who served on the Board of Directors until October 18, 2016, Dan ODonnell, until his resignation in April 2016, and, until his removal in July 2015, Brian Pappas). Dan ODonnell served on the Board of Directors of AudioFlix, Inc., a company managed and controlled by Brian Pappas, from its inception until his resignation on November 30, 2015 (approximately two years). During that period, Dan ODonnell was not actively involved in the management or oversight of AudioFlix, Inc.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table shows, as of December 8, 2016, information with respect to those persons owning beneficially 5% or more of the Companys common stock and the number and percentage of outstanding shares owned by each Director and named executive officer and by all current executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each owner has sole voting and investment powers over their shares of common stock, and the address of each owner listed is c/o the Company, 701 Market Street, Suite 113, St. Augustine, Florida 32095.
|
|
|
|
| Percent of |
| ||
|
| Shares |
|
| Outstanding |
| ||
Name |
| Owned |
|
| Shares |
| ||
Brian Pappas |
|
| 1,851,679 |
|
|
| 15.7 | % |
Michele Cote |
|
| 1,401,700 |
|
|
| 11.7 | % |
Rod Whiton |
|
| 498,501 |
|
|
| 4.2 | % |
Joseph Marucci |
|
| 55,083 |
|
|
| 0.5 | % |
Michael Gorin |
|
| 43,000 |
|
|
| 0.4 | % |
Charles Grant |
|
| |
|
|
| 0.0 | % |
JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton |
|
| |
|
|
| 0.0 | % |
All officers and directors as a group (total excluding B Pappas) |
|
| 1,998,284 |
|
|
| 16.7 | % |
(1) | 1,838,429 shares are held of record by FranVentures, LLC, a limited liability company managed by Mr. Pappas, and 13,250 shares are held by him directly. This information is based solely on the Schedule 13D filed by Mr. Pappas on 10/27/16. |
(2) | Shares are held of record by Cote Trading Company, LLC, a limited liability company controlled by Ms. Cote. |
35
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
During the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred the following related party consulting fees and commissions:
|
| Commissions and Consulting |
| |||||
|
| Fiscal Year Ending |
| |||||
|
| September 30 |
| |||||
Related Party |
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
FranVentures, LLC (owned by Brian Pappas)(1) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 142,358 |
|
MC Logic, LLC (owned by Michelle Cote)(2) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 43,000 |
|
Leap Ahead Learning Company (owned by Dan O'Donnell)(3) |
| $ | 2,275 |
|
| $ | 38,000 |
|
Bottom Line Group (4) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 156,752 |
|
Jeffery Ball and J. Ball Group LLC (5) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 86,255 |
|
Jacqueline Pappas-Ball (6) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 6,072 |
|
|
| $ | 2,275 |
|
| $ | 472,437 |
|
(1)
| Brian Pappas, is a former director and former chief executive officer of the Company. Mr. Pappas is the Managing Director and a minority owner of FranVentures, LLC. FranVentures, LLC received a 5% commission on BFK franchise sales by the Company prior to April 8, 2015. There was no related party payable at September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. Not included above are travel and expense charges for Mr. Pappas for the twelve months ending September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively of approximately $-0- and $35,400. The wife of Mr. Pappas, Chris Pappas, was the human resources and payroll manager for the Company with compensation for the fiscal periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively of approximately $-0- and $48,000. At August 6, 2015, Mrs. Pappas was no longer employed by the Company and did not receive compensation subsequent to her leaving employment with the Company. Not included above are expense reimbursements for Mrs. Pappas for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of approximately $-0- and $3,000, respectively. Also see note receivable from related party (Note 2). Payments made to FranVentures, LLC (related party) during fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, were processed as follows: (1) payments reported through the Companys accounts payable system, requiring a Form 1099, of approximately $76,000, which monthly payments were discontinued April 15, 2015 and (2) payments reported through the Companies payroll system and reported on Form W-2, with all appropriate federal and state deductions, of approximately $66,000.
|
(2) | MC Logic, LLC (MC Logic) is 100% owned by Michelle Cote, who is the Companys President and Secretary and a former director and founder of the Company. Not included above are travel and expense reimbursements paid of approximately $-0- and $4,600, respectively for the twelve month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There was no related party payable at September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company made a non-interest bearing loan in the amount of $125,000 to MC Logic. Later in that same quarter, management determined that the loan could be deemed a violation of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act and Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and immediately sought repayment in full of the loan. MC Logic promptly repaid the entire amount of the loan before the end of the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2013. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2015, the Company has recorded a related party receivable of $7,500 which resulted from activities that occurred in 2016. The receivable is a net amount due resulting from pre-approved activities at an MC Logic Sew Fun Franchise location, which involved using the space for initial evaluation of a potential new franchise concept and for the Companys use of the location to consider taking the Sew Fun franchise as a company store. During this time, MC Logic had been reimbursed for expended funds and had tendered to the Company certain revenues. The Company later changed strategy, resulting in the reversal of reimbursements to MC Logic and the return of revenues to MC Logic. The net result was $10,217.73 due from MC Logic. MC Logic paid the balance in June of 2016. In addition, the Company has entered into an arrangement with MC Logic under which MC Logic has agreed to pay the standard Sew Fun Studios monthly royalty fee due for this territory effective June 1, 2016, and MC Logic is current on those payments as of September 30, 2016.
Payments made to MC Logic, LLC (related party) during fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, were processed as follows: (1) payments reported through the Companys accounts payable system, requiring a Form 1099, of approximately $24,000, which payments were discontinued April 15, 2015 and (2) payments reported through the Companies payroll system and reported on Form W-2, with all appropriate federal and state deductions, of approximately $19,000 in 2015 and $1,500 in 2016, which payments were discontinued effective January 1, 2016. |
36
(3) | Leap Ahead Learning Company is 100% owned by Dan ODonnell, who was a director and the Chief Operating Officer of the Company until his resignation on April 6, 2016. Until April 15, 2015, the Company had paid Leap Ahead Learning $5,000 per month for consulting services provided through Mr. O'Donnell. Not included above are travel and expense reimbursements paid of approximately $4,000 and $79,000, respectively for the twelve month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The related party payable was approximately $2,275 and $-0-, respectively at September 30, 2016 and 2015.
Payments made to Leap Ahead Learning Company (related party) during fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, were processed as follows: (1) payments reported through the Companys accounts payable system, requiring a Form 1099, of approximately $38,000, which monthly payments were discontinued April 15, 2015, and (2) the base pay of Mr. ODonnell was adjusted to include the consulting fee and reported on Form W-2, with all appropriate federal and state deductions, of approximately $27,500 in 2015 and $30,000 in 2016 .
|
(4) | Bottom Line Group is owned by Jeff Pappas, a brother to Brian Pappas. The Business Consulting and Development Agreement between Bottom Line Group and the Company was terminated on September 25, 2015. Bottom Line Group served as one of the Companys brokers in the sale of franchises. Payments to Bottom Line Group include commissions and consulting fees reflected in the table above. Not included above are travel and expense reimbursements paid of approximately $-0- and $23,000, respectively for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There was no related party payable at September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. Not included in the related party schedule above are payments made to Michael Pappas (son to Jeff Pappas). The Business Consulting and Development Agreement between Michael Pappas and the Company has been terminated effective September 26, 2015. Payments made to Michael Pappas in the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2014 were approximately $-0- and $15,700, respectively. Payments made to Bottom Line Group (related party) during fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, were processed as follows: (1) consulting payments reported through the Companys accounts payable system, requiring a Form 1099, of approximately $63,000, and (2) commission payments reported through the Companys accounts payable system requiring a Form 1099, of approximately $93,000. The business consulting and development agreement with Bottom Line Group, LLC was terminated on September 25, 2015.
|
(5) | J. Ball Group LLC is owned by Jeffery Ball, a son-in-law to Brian Pappas. The Independent Contractor Agreement between Jeffrey Ball and J Ball Group, LLC and the Company was terminated on September 30, 2015. The J Ball Group LLC served as one of the Companys brokers in the sale of franchises. Payments reflected in the table above include commissions and consulting fees. Not included above are travel and expense reimbursements paid of approximately $-0- and $12,700, respectively for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There was no related party payable at September 30, 2016 or 2015. In January 2015, Jeffery Ball formed J. Ball Group LLC, which in these financial statements and disclosures have been presented as one business activity with amounts paid to either entity combined. Payments made to Jeffery Ball and J. Ball Group, LLC (related party) during fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, were processed as follows: (1) consulting payments reported through the Companys accounts payable system, requiring a Form 1099, of approximately $31,000, and (2) commission payments reported through the Companys accounts payable system requiring a Form 1099, of approximately $55,000. The independent contractor agreement with Jeffery Ball and J Ball Group, LLC was terminated on September 30, 2016.
|
(6) | Jacqueline Pappas-Ball, is a daughter to Brian Pappas. The consulting relationship between Jacqueline Pappas-Ball and the Company was ended on September 30, 2015. Ms. Pappas-Ball provided social media marketing and development. She also provided support in the development of photo and video presentation for the social media environment. Payments reflected in the table above include consulting fees. Not included above are expense reimbursements paid of approximately $-0- and $500 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. Payments made to Jacqueline Pappas-Ball (related party) during fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, were processed as consulting payments reported through the Companys accounts payable system, requiring a Form 1099, of approximately $6,000. The working relationship with Ms. Pappas-Ball was ended during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015. On January 5, 2016, the Company established a new policy that no company employee, employees friends or employees family members will be paid commissions or consulting fees. Any extenuating or existing circumstances must be approved by Board of Directors, Independent Members. |
37
In addition, all franchisees pay fees directly to Leap Ahead for set-up and monthly support of a FMT. The set-up fee is a one-time charge of $250 for domestic and Canadian franchisees and a range of $250 to $3,000 for international franchisees. The monthly support fee, for all franchisees, is $75 which amounts reflect support services provided to the franchisees pursuant to the franchise agreements. In addition, all domestic franchisees that wish to accept credit card payments must be set-up for processing credit cards through a third-party servicer, authorize.net. Leap Ahead receives a monthly administrative fee of $7.95 for each franchisee using the credit card processing services of authorize.net. Leap Ahead is the broker and administrator on behalf of authorize.net. Leap Ahead, the developer of the FMT, is wholly owned by Dan ODonnell, who was a director and the Chief Operating Officer of the Company until his resignation on April 6, 2016.
Shortly prior to the replacement of Brian Pappas as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Pappas caused the Company to issue a Sew Fun Studios local territory to MC Logic (owned by Michelle Cote) to assist in the development and possible improvement of that franchise concept. MC Logic was granted the territory with no franchise fee, royalty fee obligation, or marketing fee obligation. This territory was one of the original 12 granted at the start of the business concept. After completing all of the training, development, and signatory requirements necessary to become operational, the franchise became active on July 10, 2015. The Company has entered into an arrangement with MC Logic under which MC Logic has agreed to pay the standard Sew Fun Studios monthly royalty fee due for this territory effective June 1, 2016, and MC Logic is current on those payments.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Hartley Moore Accountants previously served as the Companys independent registered public accountants for the year ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 until their resignation in June of 2016.
In July 2016, Hancock, Askew & Co., LLP was hired as new accountants. No Fees were paid to Hancock, Askew & Co., LLP in 2015.
The following table shows the fees billed aggregate to the Company for the period shown:
|
|
|
| Fiscal Year End |
| |||||
|
|
|
| September 30, |
| |||||
Firm |
| Service |
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Hartley Moore Accountants |
| Audit Related Fees |
| $ | 109,980 |
|
| $ | 107,000 |
|
Hall & Company (merged with Hartley Moore in 2016) |
| Audit Related Fees |
| $ | 21,000 |
|
|
| |
|
Hancock Askew & Co., LLP |
| Audit Related Fees |
| $ | 182,787 |
|
| $ | |
|
Silberstein Ungar PLLC |
| Audit Related Fees |
| $ | 3,800 |
|
| $ | 27,077 |
|
BF Borgeers CPA PC |
| Audit Related Fees |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 2,916 |
|
KLA, P.C. |
| Tax Fees |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 3,875 |
|
|
|
|
| $ | 317,567 |
|
| $ | 140,868 |
|
Audit fees represent amounts invoiced for professional services rendered for the audit of the Companys annual financial statements, including the Form 10-K report, and the reviews of the quarter ending financial statements included in the Companys Form 10-Q reports. Prior to contracting with Hartley Moore Accountants to render audit or non-audit services, each engagement was approved by the Companys directors.
38
PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
(1)
Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statements:
| · | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; |
| · | Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015; |
| · | Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015; |
| · | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015; |
| · | Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015. |
(3)
Exhibits
The accompanying Index to Exhibits is incorporated herein by reference.
39
Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Creative Learning Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Creative Learning Corporation as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Creative Learning Corporation's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 audits 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 Creative Learning Corporation as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Respectfully submitted,
Savannah, Georgia
December 21, 2016
F-1
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
| September 30, |
| |||||
|
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash |
| $ | 276,685 |
|
| $ | 2,450,609 |
|
Restricted cash (marketing fund) |
|
| 162,447 |
|
|
| 248,777 |
|
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $218,000 and $165,000, respectively |
|
| 240,640 |
|
|
| 407,270 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
| 120,000 |
|
|
| 11,278 |
|
Notes receivables - current portion, less allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $26,000 |
|
| 16,595 |
|
|
| 97,794 |
|
Income tax receivable |
|
| 424,938 |
|
|
| 254,527 |
|
Assets of discontinued operations |
|
| |
|
|
| 57,199 |
|
Total Current Assets |
|
| 1,241,305 |
|
|
| 3,527,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes receivables - net of current portion |
|
| 60,150 |
|
|
| 86,670 |
|
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of approximately $188,000 and $134,000, respectively |
|
| 299,320 |
|
|
| 283,955 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
| 100,504 |
|
|
| 100,504 |
|
Deposits |
|
| 1,425 |
|
|
| 11,425 |
|
Deferred tax assets, net |
|
| 343,444 |
|
|
| 81,583 |
|
Total Assets |
| $ | 2,046,148 |
|
| $ | 4,091,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable - related party |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 240 |
|
Accounts payable - other |
|
| 171,828 |
|
|
| 119,113 |
|
Payroll accruals |
|
| 15,844 |
|
|
| 36,490 |
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
| 346,623 |
|
|
| 428,058 |
|
Unearned revenue |
|
| 188 |
|
|
| 35,900 |
|
Accrued marketing fund |
|
| 147,227 |
|
|
| 248,777 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
| 5,000 |
|
|
| 19,982 |
|
Liabilities classified as held for sale |
|
| |
|
|
| 9,016 |
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
| 686,710 |
|
|
| 897,576 |
|
Commitments and Contingencies - Note 8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Creative Learning Corporation stockholders' equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; -0- None issued and outstanding |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 12,001,409 issued and outstanding |
|
| 1,200 |
|
|
| 1,200 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
| 2,534,554 |
|
|
| 2,534,554 |
|
Treasury Stock 65,100 shares and 15,100 shares, respectively (cost method) |
|
| (34,626 | ) |
|
| (18,126 | ) |
(Accumulated Deficit) / Retained earnings |
|
| (1,141,690 | ) |
|
| 676,387 |
|
Total Stockholders Equity |
|
| 1,359,438 |
|
|
| 3,194,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
| $ | 2,046,148 |
|
| $ | 4,091,591 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-2
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Operations
|
| For The Fiscal Years Ended |
| |||||
|
| September 30, |
| |||||
|
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Initial franchise fees |
| $ | 931,638 |
|
| $ | 2,860,165 |
|
Royalties fees |
|
| 2,306,124 |
|
|
| 2,845,472 |
|
Merchandise Sales |
|
| 597 |
|
|
| 4,082 |
|
|
|
| 3,238,359 |
|
|
| 5,709,719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Franchise consulting and commissions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related parties |
|
| |
|
|
| 472,437 |
|
Other |
|
| 537,109 |
|
|
| 701,288 |
|
Franchise training and expenses |
|
| 207,399 |
|
|
| 366,615 |
|
Salaries and payroll taxes |
|
| 888,477 |
|
|
| 1,321,237 |
|
Advertising |
|
| 435,221 |
|
|
| 876,394 |
|
Professional fees |
|
| 2,583,949 |
|
|
| 1,052,695 |
|
Office expense |
|
| 34,202 |
|
|
| 114,934 |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
| 87,837 |
|
|
| 306,118 |
|
Depreciation |
|
| 53,711 |
|
|
| 41,301 |
|
Other general and administrative expenses |
|
| 679,418 |
|
|
| 826,207 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
| 5,507,323 |
|
|
| 6,079,226 |
|
Loss from operations |
|
| (2,268,964 | ) |
|
| (369,507 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income - net |
|
| 3,323 |
|
|
| 6,581 |
|
Legal settlements |
|
| (126,750 | ) |
|
| (84,897 | ) |
Other income |
|
| 23,144 |
|
|
| 6,528 |
|
Total other income (expense) |
|
| (100,283 | ) |
|
| (71,788 | ) |
Loss before benefit from income taxes |
|
| (2,369,247 | ) |
|
| (441,295 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit from income taxes |
|
| 560,398 |
|
|
| 129,317 |
|
Net loss from continuing operations |
|
| (1,808,849 | ) |
|
| (311,978 | ) |
Discontinued operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment loss on assets held for sale |
|
| |
|
|
| (27,606 | ) |
Operating loss from discontinued operations |
|
| (12,087 | ) |
|
| (207,556 | ) |
Income tax benefit |
|
| 2,859 |
|
|
| 90,200 |
|
Loss from discontinued operations |
|
| (9,228 | ) |
|
| (144,962 | ) |
Net Loss |
| $ | (1,818,077 | ) |
| $ | (456,940 | ) |
Net loss per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations |
| $ | (0.15 | ) |
| $ | (0.03 | ) |
Discontinued operations |
| $ | (0.00 | ) |
| $ | (0.01 | ) |
Total |
| $ | (0.15 | ) |
| $ | (0.04 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
|
| 12,001,409 |
|
|
| 11,952,252 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-3
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
| For the Fiscal Years Ended |
| |||||
|
| September 30, |
| |||||
|
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net Loss |
| $ | (1,818,077 | ) |
| $ | (456,940 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from discontinued operations |
|
| 9,228 |
|
|
| 144,962 |
|
Depreciation |
|
| 53,711 |
|
|
| 41,301 |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
| 87,837 |
|
|
| 306,119 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
| (261,861 | ) |
|
| (77,636 | ) |
Stock issued for services |
|
| |
|
|
| 15,120 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash |
|
| 86,330 |
|
|
| (71,923 | ) |
Accounts receivable |
|
| 43,962 |
|
|
| (393,477 | ) |
Prepaid expenses |
|
| (108,722 | ) |
|
| (7,928 | ) |
Notes receivable |
|
| 89,684 |
|
|
| (133,709 | ) |
Deposits |
|
| 10,000 |
|
|
| |
|
Accounts payable - related parties |
|
| (240 | ) |
|
| (41,994 | ) |
Accounts payable - 3rd parties |
|
| 52,715 |
|
|
| (221,064 | ) |
Payment of legal settlement |
|
| |
|
|
| (55,000 | ) |
Accrued liabilities |
|
| (81,435 | ) |
|
| 434,358 |
|
Unearned revenue |
|
| (35,712 | ) |
|
| 35,900 |
|
Payroll accruals |
|
| (20,646 | ) |
|
| 6,417 |
|
Accrued marketing |
|
| (48,684 | ) |
|
| 71,923 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
| (14,982 | ) |
|
| (76,755 | ) |
Income tax receivable |
|
| (167,552 | ) |
|
| (151,959 | ) |
Net cash used in operating activates |
|
| (2,124,444 | ) |
|
| (632,285 | ) |
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations |
|
| 19,596 |
|
|
| (12,093 | ) |
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of property and equipment |
|
| (69,076 | ) |
|
| (7,870 | ) |
Repayment of loan from related party - AudioFlix LLC |
|
| |
|
|
| 70,000 |
|
Net cash (used in) provided in investing activities |
|
| (69,076 | ) |
|
| 62,130 |
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
| |
|
|
| (18,126 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
| |
|
|
| (18,126 | ) |
Net change in cash |
|
| (2,173,924 | ) |
|
| (600,374 | ) |
Cash, beginning of period |
|
| 2,450,609 |
|
|
| 3,050,983 |
|
Cash, end of period |
| $ | 276,685 |
|
| $ | 2,450,609 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of 85,000 shares on February 18, 2015 for Sew Fun Mediation |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 106,250 |
|
Acquisition of treasury stock in connection with disposition of CI |
| $ | 16,500 |
|
| $ | |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-4
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Retained |
|
|
|
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Additional |
|
| Earnings / |
|
|
|
| |||||||
|
| Treasury Stock |
|
| Common Stock |
|
| Paid-in |
|
| (Accumulated |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||
|
| Shares |
|
| Value |
|
| Shares |
|
| Par Value |
|
| Capital |
|
| Deficit) |
|
| Total |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Balance, October 1, 2014 |
|
| |
|
| $ | |
|
|
| 11,869,409 |
|
| $ | 1,187 |
|
| $ | 2,361,897 |
|
| $ | 1,133,327 |
|
| $ | 3,496,411 |
|
Purchase agreements stock issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 25,000 |
|
|
| 3 |
|
|
| 44,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 45,000 |
|
Mediated settlement stock issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 85,000 |
|
|
| 8 |
|
|
| 106,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 106,250 |
|
Advisory fee stock issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 12,000 |
|
|
| 1 |
|
|
| 15,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 15,120 |
|
Compensatory stock issuances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10,000 |
|
|
| 1 |
|
|
| 6,299 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6,300 |
|
Treasury stock (cost) |
|
| (15,100 | ) |
|
| (18,126 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (18,126 | ) |
Net loss for the year ended September 30, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (456,940 | ) |
|
| (456,940 | ) |
Balance, September 30, 2015 |
|
| (15,100 | ) |
|
| (18,126 | ) |
|
| 12,001,409 |
|
|
| 1,200 |
|
|
| 2,534,554 |
|
|
| 676,387 |
|
|
| 3,194,015 |
|
Treasury stock (cost) |
|
| (50,000 | ) |
|
| (16,500 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (16,500 | ) |
Net loss for the year ended September 30, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1,818,077 | ) |
|
| (1,818,077 | ) |
Balance, September 30, 2016 |
|
| (65,100 | ) |
| $ | (34,626 | ) |
|
| 12,001,409 |
|
| $ | 1,200 |
|
| $ | 2,534,554 |
|
| $ | (1,141,690 | ) |
| $ | 1,359,438 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
(1) Nature of Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Organization
Creative Learning Corporation (CLC), formerly B2 Health, Inc., was incorporated March 8, 2006 in the State of Delaware. BFK Franchise Company LLC (BFK) was formed in the State of Nevada on May 19, 2009. Effective July 2, 2010, CLC was acquired by BFK in a transaction classified as a reverse acquisition. CLC concurrently changed its name from B2 Health, Inc. to Creative Learning Corporation. BFK and CLC are hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Company".
In addition to the accounts of CLC and BFK, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CLCs subsidiaries, BFK Development Company LLC (BFKD), Sew Fun Franchise Company LLC (SF), and SF LLC (Sew Fun Studios).
The organizational documents for BFK Development Company LLC, Sew Fun Franchise Company LLC, and SF LLC do not specify a termination date. Each of the above listed LLCs has a single member, controlled 100% by the Company.
CLC operates wholly owned subsidiaries BFK and SF under the trade names Bricks 4 Kidz® and Sew Fun Studios respectively, that offer children's enrichment and education franchises. BFK Franchisees operated in 698 territories in 43 states and 38 countries. SF Franchisees operated in 11 territories in 5 states and 2 countries.
Until December 2015, CLC operated the wholly-owned subsidiary CI Franchise Company, LLC (CI) under the trade name Challenge Island®. The Company sold the CI concept on December 9, 2015, and as a result the Company is reporting CI as Discontinued Operations in the consolidated financial statements - see Note 12.
Basis of Presentation
This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist the reader in understanding and evaluating the Companys financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representation of the Companys management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity.
The Company uses the accrual basis of accounting and is presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The information reflects all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods set forth herein.
The Company has franchisees in 38 countries. International franchise fees vary and are set relative to the potential of the franchised territories. In addition, the Company awards master agreements outside of the US and Canada. The royalty structure is the same for both our US and International franchisees. We recognize our revenue from foreign operations in US Dollars. We do not have international subsidiaries.
The Company operates multiple franchise concepts but all concepts are managed centrally as one segment based upon the Companys organizational structure, the way in which the operations and investments are managed and evaluated by the COO as well as the lack of availability of discrete financial information at a lower level. The Companys COO reviews revenue by franchise concept but operating expenses such as rent, overhead and management salaries and other corporate expense are not allocated among the franchise concepts and net income is measured at the Company wide level to allocate resources and assess the Companys overall performance. The Company shares common, centralized support functions, including finance, human resources, legal, information technology, and corporate marketing, all of which report directly to the COO. Accordingly, decision-making regarding the Companys overall operating performance and allocation of Company resources is assessed on a consolidated basis. As such, the Company operates as one reporting segment.
F-6
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal year
The Company operates on a September 30 fiscal year-end.
Related Parties
The company has been involved in transactions with related parties. A party is considered to be related to the Company if the party directly or indirectly or through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. A party which can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or if it has an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests is also a related party.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant estimates and assumptions made by management include allowance for doubtful accounts, allowance for deferred tax assets, depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, recoverability of long lived assets and fair market value of equity instruments. Actual results could differ from those estimates as the current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less when acquired, to be cash equivalents. We had no cash equivalents at September 30, 2016 and 2015.
The Company has restricted cash of approximately $162,000 and $249,000, respectively at fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 associated with marketing funds collected from the franchisees. Per the franchise agreements, a marketing fund of 2% of franchisees gross cash receipts is collected by the Company and held to be spent on the promotion of the brand (see Note 6).
The Company maintains cash balances which at times exceed the federally insured limit of $250,000. The Company believes there is no significant risk with respect to these deposits.
Accounts and Note Receivables
The Company reviews accounts and notes receivable periodically for collectability and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts and records bad debt expense when deemed necessary. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts and notes that is based on historical trends, customer knowledge, any known disputes, and considers the aging of the accounts receivable balances combined with managements estimate of future potential recoverability. Receivables and notes are written off against the allowance after all attempts to collect a receivable have failed. The Company believes its allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 2016 and 2015 are adequate, but actual write-offs could exceed the recorded allowance. During the year ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, the values of accounts written-off to the reserve were approximately $89,000 and $155,000, respectively.
F-7
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
Long-Lived Assets
The Companys long-lived assets consist of property and equipment, and intangible assets. The Company tests for impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Impairment evaluations involve managements estimates on asset useful lives and future cash flows. Actual useful lives and cash flows could be different from those estimated by management which could have a material effect on our reporting results and financial positions. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. However, there can be no assurances that demand for the Companys products or services will continue, which could result in an impairment of long-lived assets in the future.
In Connection with the Sale of CI, in 2015 the Company recorded a loss on assets held for sale (see Note 12 Assets Held for Sale).
Property, Equipment and Depreciation
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Expenditures for additions and improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recorded in the year of disposal.
Fixed Assets |
| Useful Life |
Equipment |
| 5 years |
Furniture and Fixtures |
| 5 years |
Property Improvements |
| 15-40 years |
Software |
| 3 years |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the relative short-term maturity of these items and current payment, expected. These fair value estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, nor does it utilize derivative instruments. Note receivable are recorded at par value less allowance for uncollectible notes. The carrying amount is consistent with fair value based upon similar notes issued to other franchisees.
ASC 825, Financial Instruments, clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. It also requires disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant levels of inputs as follows:
| Level 1: | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| Level 2: | Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability. |
| Level 3: | Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. |
The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
F-8
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
The carrying value of financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value is measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Financial assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value when a significant event occurs. The Company had no financial assets or liabilities carried and measured on a recurring basis during the reporting periods. Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value each time a financial statement is prepared.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis after services have been performed under contract terms and in accordance with regulatory requirements, the service price to the client is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured
Since the Companys franchises are primarily a mobile concept and do not require finding locations or construction, the franchisees can begin operations as soon as they complete training. The franchise fees are fully collectible and nonrefundable as of the date of the signing of the franchise agreement, but the franchise fees are not recognized as revenue until initial training has been completed and when substantially all of the services required by the franchise agreement have been fulfilled by the Company in accordance with ASC Topic 952-605 Revenue Recognition-Franchisor. Royalties are recognized as earned on a monthly basis.
At September 30, 2016 and 2015 the Company had approximately $200 and $36,000, respectively, in unearned revenue for franchise fees collected but not yet earned per the revenue recognition policy.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of approximately $435,000 and $876,000, respectively.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes and deferred income taxes are determined using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. On a periodic basis, the Company assesses the probability that its net deferred tax assets, if any, will be recovered. If after evaluating all of the positive and negative evidence, a conclusion is made that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be recovered, a valuation allowance is provided by a charge to tax expense to reserve the portion of the deferred tax assets which are not expected to be realized.
The Company reviews its filing positions for all open tax years in all U.S. federal and state jurisdictions where the Company is required to file.
When there are uncertainties related to potential income tax benefits, in order to qualify for recognition, the position the Company takes has to have at least a more likely than not chance of being sustained (based on the positions technical merits) upon challenge by the respective authorities. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Otherwise, the Company may not recognize any of the potential tax benefit associated with the position. The Company recognizes a benefit for a tax position that meets the more likely than not criterion at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon its effective resolution. Unrecognized tax benefits involve managements judgment regarding the likelihood of the benefit being sustained. The final resolution of uncertain tax positions could result in adjustments to recorded amounts and may affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
The Companys policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had no accrual for interest or penalties at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and has not recognized interest and/or penalties during the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, since there are no material unrecognized tax benefits. Management believes no material change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will occur within in the next twelve months.
F-9
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
The tax years subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions include the years 2013 and forward by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and the years 2012 and forward for various states.
Net earnings (loss) per share
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if stock options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted during the period. Dilutive securities having an anti-dilutive effect on diluted earnings per share are excluded from the calculation.
Stock-based compensation
The Company accounts for employee stock awards for services based on the grant date fair value of the instrument issued and those issued to non-employees are recorded based on the grant date fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument, whichever is more reliably measurable. Stock Awards are expensed over the service period.
Recent accounting pronouncements
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) has been discussed in several recent ASU including ASU 2016-12, 2016-11, 2016-10 and 2016-8. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The new revenue standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new revenue standard on its consolidated financial statements and feels the adoption of the standard will not materially affect its financial statements.
In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which is intended to improve and simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new standard, income tax benefits and deficiencies are to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and the tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity should also recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. Excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. In regards to forfeitures, the entity may make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within that reporting period, however early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on our financial statements and feels the adoption of the standard will not materially affect its financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The guidance requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The guidance becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively as of October 1, 2015 and reclassified $90,727 and $78,988 from deferred costs to long-term deferred tax liability in September of 2016 and 2015, respectively.
F-10
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
(2) Related Party Transactions
During the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred the following related party consulting fees and commissions:
|
| Commissions and Consulting |
| |||||
|
| Fiscal Year Ending |
| |||||
|
| September 30 |
| |||||
Related Party |
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
FranVentures, LLC (owned by Brian Pappas)(1) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 142,358 |
|
MC Logic, LLC (owned by Michelle Cote)(2) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 43,000 |
|
Leap Ahead Learning Company (owned by Dan O'Donnell)(3) |
| $ | 2,275 |
|
| $ | 38,000 |
|
Bottom Line Group (4) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 156,752 |
|
Jeffery Ball and J. Ball Group LLC (5) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 86,255 |
|
Jacqueline Pappas-Ball (6) |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 6,072 |
|
|
| $ | 2,275 |
|
| $ | 472,437 |
|
(1)
| Brian Pappas, is a director and former chief executive officer of the Company. Mr. Pappas is the Managing Director and a minority owner of FranVentures, LLC. FranVentures, LLC received a 5% commission on BFK franchise sales by the Company prior to April 8, 2015. There was no related party payable at September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. Not included above are travel and expense charges for Mr. Pappas for the twelve months ending September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively of approximately $-0- and $35,400. The wife of Mr. Pappas, Chris Pappas, was the human resources and payroll manager for the Company with compensation for the fiscal periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively of approximately $-0- and $48,000. At August 6, 2015, Mrs. Pappas was no longer employed by the Company and did not receive compensation subsequent to her leaving employment with the Company. Not included above are expense reimbursements for Mrs. Pappas for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of approximately $-0- and $3,000, respectively. Also see note receivable from related party. |
(2) | MC Logic, LLC (MC Logic) is 100% owned by Michelle Cote, who is the Companys President and Secretary and a former director and founder of the Company. Not included above are travel and expense reimbursements paid of approximately $-0- and $4,600, respectively for the twelve month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There was no related party payable at September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company made a non-interest bearing loan in the amount of $125,000 to MC Logic. Later in that same quarter, management determined that the loan could be deemed a violation of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act and Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and immediately sought repayment in full of the loan. MC Logic promptly repaid the entire amount of the loan before the end of the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2013. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2015, the Company has recorded a related party receivable of $7,500 which resulted from activities that occurred in 2016. The receivable is a net amount due resulting from pre-approved activities at an MC Logic Sew Fun Franchise location, which involved using the space for initial evaluation of a potential new franchise concept and for the Companys use of the location to consider taking the Sew Fun franchise as a company store. During this time, MC Logic had been reimbursed for expended funds and had tendered to the Company certain revenues. The Company later changed strategy, resulting in the reversal of reimbursements to MC Logic and the return of revenues to MC Logic. The net result was $10,217.73 due from MC Logic. MC Logic paid the balance in June of 2016. In addition, the Company has entered into an arrangement with MC Logic under which MC Logic has agreed to pay the standard Sew Fun Studios monthly royalty fee due for this territory effective June 1, 2016, and MC Logic is current on those payments as of September 30, 2016. |
(3) | Leap Ahead Learning Company is 100% owned by Dan ODonnell, who was a director and the Chief Operating Officer of the Company until his resignation on April 6 2016. Until April 15, 2015, the Company had paid Leap Ahead Learning $5,000 per month for consulting services provided through Mr. O'Donnell. Not included above are travel and expense reimbursements paid of approximately $4,000 and $79,000, respectively for the twelve month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The related party payable was approximately $2,275 and $-0-, respectively at September 30, 2016 and 2015. |
F-11
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
(4) | Bottom Line Group is owned by Jeff Pappas, a brother to Brian Pappas. The Business Consulting and Development Agreement between Bottom Line Group and the Company was terminated on September 25, 2015. Bottom Line Group served as one of the Companys brokers in the sale of franchises. Payments to Bottom Line Group include commissions and consulting fees reflected in the table above. Not included above are travel and expense reimbursements paid of approximately $-0- and $23,000, respectively for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There was no related party payable at September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. Not included in the related party schedule above are payments made to Michael Pappas (son to Jeff Pappas). The Business Consulting and Development Agreement between Michael Pappas and the Company has been terminated effective September 26, 2015. Payments made to Michael Pappas in the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2014 were approximately $-0- and $15,700, respectively. |
(5) | J. Ball Group LLC is owned by Jeffery Ball, a son-in-law to Brian Pappas. The Independent Contractor Agreement between Jeffrey Ball and J Ball Group, LLC and the Company was terminated on September 30, 2015. The J Ball Group LLC served as one of the Companys brokers in the sale of franchises. Payments reflected in the table above include commissions and consulting fees. Not included above are travel and expense reimbursements paid of approximately $-0- and $12,700, respectively for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There was no related party payable at September 30, 2016 or 2015. In January 2015, Jeffery Ball formed J. Ball Group LLC, which in these financial statements and disclosures have been presented as one business activity with amounts paid to either entity combined. |
(6) | Jacqueline Pappas-Ball, is a daughter to Brian Pappas. The consulting relationship between Jacqueline Pappas-Ball and the Company was ended on September 30, 2015. Ms. Pappas-Ball provided social media marketing and development. She also provided support in the development of photo and video presentation for the social media environment. Payments reflected in the table above include consulting fees. Not included above are expense reimbursements paid of approximately $-0- and $500 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively. |
In addition, all franchisees pay fees directly to Leap Ahead Learning Company for set-up and monthly support of a FMT. The set-up fee is a one-time charge of $250 for domestic and Canadian franchisees and a range of $250 to $3,000 for international franchisees. The monthly support fee, for all franchisees, is $75 which amounts reflect support services provided to the franchisees pursuant to the franchise agreements. In addition, all domestic franchisees that wish to accept credit card payments must be set-up for processing credit cards through a third-party servicer, authorize.net. Leap Ahead Learning Company receives a monthly administrative fee of $7.95 for each franchisee using the credit card processing services of authorize.net. Leap Ahead Learning Company is the broker and administrator on behalf of authorize.net. Leap Ahead Learning Company, the developer of the FMT, is wholly owned by Dan ODonnell, who was a director and the Chief Operating Officer of the Company until his resignation on April 6, 2016.
Shortly prior to the replacement of Brian Pappas as Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Pappas caused the Company to issue a Sew Fun Studios local territory to MC Logic (owned by Michelle Cote) to assist in the development and possible improvement of that franchise concept. MC Logic was granted the territory with no franchise fee, royalty fee obligation, or marketing fee obligation. This territory was one of the original 12 granted at the start of the business concept. After completing all of the training, development, and signatory requirements necessary to become operational, the franchise became active on July 10, 2015. The Company has entered into an arrangement with MC Logic under which MC Logic has agreed to pay the standard Sew Fun Studios monthly royalty fee due for this territory effective June 1, 2016, and MC Logic is current on those payments
F-12
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
(3) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
|
| September 30, |
| |||||
Description |
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Depreciable Fixed Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Equipment |
| $ | 71,889 |
|
| $ | 50,330 |
|
Furniture and Fixtures |
|
| 83,427 |
|
|
| 81,510 |
|
Property Improvements |
|
| 233,615 |
|
|
| 233,615 |
|
Software |
|
| 98,307 |
|
|
| 21,813 |
|
Total Depreciable Fixed Assets |
|
| 487,238 |
|
|
| 387,268 |
|
Accumulated Depreciation |
|
| (187,918 | ) |
|
| (134,207 | ) |
Total Net Depreciable Fixed Assets |
|
| 299,320 |
|
|
| 253,061 |
|
Non-depreciable Fixed Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Work In Progress (1) |
|
| |
|
|
| 30,894 |
|
Total Net Fixed Assets |
| $ | 299,320 |
|
| $ | 283,955 |
|
(1) | This is website development and was completed in 2016. |
Depreciation expense totaled approximately $54,000 and $41,000, respectively, for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
(4) Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets consist of purchased franchise rights and trademarks.
(5) Notes and Other Receivables
In July 2013, the Company loaned $70,000 to a related party company owned by Brian Pappas, AudioFlix, Inc. (AudioFlix), in the form of a convertible note at 6% interest, with monthly interest only payments and fully due and payable not before July 1, 2015. The note was personally guaranteed by Brian Pappas and was convertible up to the maturity date to unrestricted shares in AudioFlix for any unpaid balance at $0.35 per share. Management subsequently determined the note could be deemed a violation of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act and Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and sought repayment of the note in full. On July 31, 2015, the Company, through legal counsel, issued a formal demand to pay the note and interest due. Full payment of the note plus interest was received by the Company on August 12, 2015 (principal of $70,000 and interest of $8,400).
At September 30, 2016 and 2015 respectively, the Company held certain notes receivable totaling approximately $102,000 and $210,000 respectively for extended payment terms of franchise fees. The notes were generally non-interest bearing notes with monthly payments, payable within one to two years.
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2018 |
|
| 2019 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| Thereafter |
|
| Total |
| |||||||
Payment schedule for Notes Receivable |
| $ | 42,176 |
|
| $ | 20,000 |
|
| $ | 12,950 |
|
| $ | 12,950 |
|
| $ | 12,950 |
|
| $ | 1,300 |
|
| $ | 102,326 |
|
(6) Accrued Marketing Fund
Per the terms of the franchise agreements, the Company collects 2% of franchisees gross revenues for a marketing fund, managed by the Company, to allocate towards national branding of the Companys concepts to benefit the franchisees.
The marketing fund amounts are accounted for as a liability on the balance sheet and the actual collections are deposited into a marketing fund bank account. Expenses pertaining to the marketing fund activities are paid from the marketing fund and reduce the liability account.
F-13
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
At September 30, 2016 and 2015, the accrued marketing fund liability balances were approximately $147,000 and $249,000 respectively.
(7) Accrued Liabilities
The Company had accrued liabilities at September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2015 as follows:
|
| September 30, |
| |||||
Accrued Liabilities |
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Accrued Audit Fees |
| $ | 13,753 |
|
| $ | 8,581 |
|
Accrued Legal Fees |
|
| 131,504 |
|
|
| 213,130 |
|
Accrued Legal Settlements |
|
| 17,000 |
|
|
| 101,897 |
|
Accrued State Regulatory Settlement |
|
| 149,366 |
|
|
| 104,450 |
|
Accrued Other |
|
| 35,000 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| $ | 346,623 |
|
| $ | 428,058 |
|
The Company accrued $149,366 for state regulatory settlements, which included $35,500 in state penalties and costs and $113,866 in reimbursement of 5 franchisees.
(8) Common Stock Issuances
On November 11, 2014, the Company issued 25,000 shares of CLC common stock valued at $45,000 to Kidsplorations, LLC, as part of a purchase agreement for CI. (See Note 12).
On January 26, 2015, the Companys board of directors approved a plan pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-18 to purchase 100,000 shares of its common stock in the secondary market. At September 30, 2016 the Company has purchased 15,100 shares of CLC common stock at a cumulative cost of approximately $18,000. The value of the treasury stock, based upon cost, is recorded in the equity section of the condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015.
On February 18, 2015, the Company issued 85,000 shares of CLC common stock to Sew Fun, LLC (SFLLC) as part of a mediated settlement agreement. This settlement terminated the Letter of Intent between CLC and SFLLC, dated October 25, 2012, regarding the purchase and sale of assets between the parties effective December 17, 2012. CLC was relieved of any obligation to pay any sums to SFLLC after January 1, 2015 (See note 10). In November 2015, Sew Fun filed a grievance regarding the market value of the stock received in the mediated settlement agreement. The Company accrued approximately $85,000 as the value for the subsequent settlement, and on November 23, 2015, the funds were paid by the Company.
On March 25, 2015, the Company issued 4,000 shares of CLC common stock as an advisory fee valued at $5,040 ($1.26 market value per share) to The Brewer Group, Inc. (the Brewer Group) for an agreement for business development and marketing services. The $5,040 was charged to consulting expense during the month of March 2015.
On May 1, 2015, the Company issued 8,000 shares of CLC common stock as an advisory fee valued at $10,080 ($1.26 market value per share) to the Brewer Group for an agreement for business development and marketing services. The $10,080 was charged to accrued liability during the month of May, 2015. The issuances of stock on March 25, 2015 and May 1, 2015, completed the advisory fee agreement between the Brewer Group and the Company.
On June 18, 2015 the Company issued 10,000 shares of CLC common stock as a commission for selling master franchises. The shares were valued at the stock value as of the date of issue, which totaled $6,300.
F-14
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
(9) Stock Options and Warrants
The following are activity of options:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
| Weighted |
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average |
|
| Average |
|
| Aggregate |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| Number of |
|
| Exercise |
|
| Remaining |
|
| Intrinsic |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| Shares |
|
| Price |
|
| Life |
|
| Value |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Outstanding October 1, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 120,000 |
|
|
| 1.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted Fiscal Year 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding September 30, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 120,000 |
|
|
| 1.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted Fiscal Year 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited shares |
|
|
|
|
|
| (100,000 | ) |
|
| 1.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and Exercisable at September 30, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 20,000 |
|
|
| 1.55 |
|
| 3 Months |
|
|
| |
|
As of December 1, 2016, 10,000 options are remain outstanding. No additional stock based compensation is to be recognized on these stock options.
(10) Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments
The following table summarizes the Companys contractual lease obligations at September 30, 2016:
Obligation |
| 2017 |
|
| 2018 |
|
| 2019 |
|
| Total |
| ||||
Commercial Lease (Suite 114) |
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 12,113 |
|
| $ | 46,313 |
|
Commercial Lease (Suite 103B) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 17,100 |
|
| $ | 12,113 |
|
| $ | 46,313 |
|
Rent expense was approximately $26,000 and $29,000, respectively, for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
Litigation
From time to time, the Company has been and may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, and other factors.
The Company was involved in arbitration with Sew Fun, LLC (SFLLC), from which the Company previously purchased intellectual property to establish a new sewing franchise concept. In 2015 the Company and SFLLC entered into a settlement agreement which provided for a payment of $106,000 in stock (which was granted in 2014) and $85,000 in cash (which was accrued in 2015 and paid subsequent to year end) as well as agreements on trademarks and license usage. The prior owner of SFLLC has a suit outstanding with a claim for an additional $42,000, which the Company is contesting. The Court denied the Companys Motion to Dismiss and both sides have filed for summary judgment, each of which the Court has denied. No amount has been accrued for this additional claim.
F-15
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
In February 2015, the Company was sued for defamation by a former officer of the Company in relation to the Companys statements in an SEC Form 8-K filing that the employee had been terminated. The pertinent 8-K filing occurred prior to the ascension to the Board any of the companys current directors. The former officer alleged that the claimed misstatement in the SEC filing was false, was maliciously designed to injure the plaintiff in retribution for his having reported problems and pressed for changes at the company, and injured the reputation of the individual. The former officer seeks lost wages and income, compensatory damages, other damages and requests that a replacement Form 8-K be filed. The case is in the discovery phase. The company is in settlement negotiations with the plaintiff.
On October 2, 2015, the Company filed suit against its former Chief Executive Officer Brian Pappas, Christine Pappas, its former Human Resources officer, and an independent company controlled by Mr. Pappas named Franchise Ventures. The lawsuit seeks return of company emails and other electronic materials in the possession of the defendants, company control over the process by which the companys documents are identified and a court judgment that the property is the Companys. Mr. and Mrs. Pappas have returned certain company documents that they have identified, but other issues remain.
In April, 2015, the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a subpoena to Creative Learning Corporation seeking a variety of documents. The documents sought include without limitation materials regarding Brian Pappas, certain members of Mr. Pappas family, other company employees, board members and third-parties, company books and accounting procedures as well as other material regarding company affairs. In or about that time, it came to the attention of the Company that the SEC had initiated an investigation into possible violations of the securities laws by the Company and/or its officers, directors and/or others as of at least January 14, 2014. In late April 2015, the Companys Board elected two new independent directors, and created an Audit Committee, which included the two new directors. In addition, in July 2015, the Board removed Brian Pappas as Chief Executive Officer. The Company has taken a number of steps to address compliance issues regarding its books and records. The Company is fully cooperating with the staff of the SEC in this matter.
On March 7, 2016, Franchise Ventures (FV), a company operated by Brian Pappas, filed suit in state court in St. Johns County, Florida against the Company and its affiliate BFK Franchise Company, LLC (collectively the Company) alleging breach of contract and seeking a declaratory judgment. The complaint does not state an amount of damages. FV claims that the Company has an ongoing contractual obligation to pay FV compensation in the form of commissions and other payments per the original LLC operating agreement under which BFK LLC was formed (BFK Operating Agreement). FV acknowledges that the Company terminated the LLC operating agreement and stopped paying FV in October 2015. FVs complaint seeks recovery of compensation allegedly due after the termination date. Although the complaint is unclear, it appears to allege that the Company has no right ever to terminate the operating agreement. The Company contends that neither FV nor Mr. Pappas had any continuing right to franchise sales commissions under the BKF LLC operating agreement after FV ceased serving as managing member of BFK LLC when the Company acquired it. The Company further contends that: (a) the terms of the BFK Operating Agreement clearly provide that FV was owed compensation strictly for providing BFK LLC services as its managing member; (b) FVs term as managing member of BFK LLC ended when CLC acquired it and CLC supplanted FV as the sole managing member of BFK LLC; and (c) in any event, under the terms of the BFK Operative Agreement, CLC had the full right to terminate the BKF LLC operating agreement on October 1, 2015, thereby eviscerating any conceivable legal rights FV might assert under that agreement thereafter. The Company contends that neither FV nor Mr. Pappas had any continuing right to franchise sales commissions under the BKF LLC operating agreement after FV ceased serving as managing member of BFK LLC when the Company acquired it on July 2, 2010. On October 27, 2016, plaintiff FranVentures filed a motion seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a claim alleging that the Company had entered into an oral contract or one implied by the parties conduct. The amended complaint does not address the Companys position that even if a contract had been in place it had been terminated. The Court denied the Companys motion to dismiss FVs complaint, and discovery continues. The Company intends to vigorously litigate FranVentures complaint against the company.
F-16
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
On June 23, 2016, the Company filed a counterclaim against its FV, which also included a complaint against former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Brian Pappas and also named Christine Pappas as a defendant. The counterclaim and complaint seeks redress for losses and expenditures caused by alleged fraud, conversion of company assets, and breaches of fiduciary duty that the Company alleges that defendants perpetrated upon CLC, including assertions regarding actions by Brian Pappas that the Company alleges occurred while Pappas was serving as the Chief Executive Officer of CLC and a member of its board of directors. The counterclaim and/or complaint alleges the following:
a.
First, Pappas defrauded CLC, converted company assets and breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty by causing CLC to pay his company, FranVentures, more than $1,000,000 by falsely asserting that the funds were due under a contractual provision that Pappas knew had expired when CLC acquired BFK Franchise Company, LLC (BFK). After CLC stopped payments to FV in October 2015, Pappas sued CLC, claiming that CLC had to pay FV under that contract in perpetuity that is, Pappas took the position that CLC never could stop paying his company even though he knew that there was no legal basis for his claims.
b.
Second, to conceal the foregoing fraud scheme, Pappas made and caused to be made material false statements and material omissions regarding the transaction to CLC independent directors as well as in CLCs filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
c.
Third, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to CLC by repeatedly engaging in self-dealing and causing CLC to enter into several transactions with, and to make payments to or on behalf of, several members of his family, including his wife and brother, which transactions and payments were not disclosed to or approved by CLCs board of directors and were not in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
i.
In particular, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty by causing CLC to engage in repeated financial transactions with brother, Jeff Pappas including: (i) causing CLC to pay Jeff Pappas and/or his company approximately $560,000 in commissions and retainer payments from in or about 2010 to in or about 2015 including for handling CLC franchise sales, knowing or having reason to know that Jeff Pappas would and did do so in a reckless manner that exposed CLC to regulatory risk, liability, financial loss and reputational damage; and (ii) causing CLC to provide various financial benefits to Jeff Pappas to the financial detriment of CLC, including causing CLC to make loans and extensions of credit to Jeff Pappas and his company totaling approximately $40,000 in or about 2011-12 and thereafter causing CLC to write-off these loans and credit extensions as bad debt prior to their due date, notwithstanding that Pappas was during the same time causing CLC to pay retainer and commission payments to Jeff Pappas and his companies of at least $89,000. Pappas intentionally paid his brother these sums instead of setting off Jeff Pappas debt against the commissions and retainers purportedly owed to him.
ii.
Pappas also breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty by causing CLC to pay at least $95,000 in charges incurred by Pappas and his wife, Christine Pappas, on a CLC American Express credit card from in or about 2013 to in or about July 2015 without maintaining at the time, and thereafter in 2016 refusing to provide, proper and adequate business records and documentation for those expenditures. As a result, CLC is unable to verify that these expenditures were incurred for a proper business purpose and cannot deduct these payments as business expenses.
d.
Fourth, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to CLC by causing CLC to expend hundreds of thousands of dollars to respond to an investigation of Pappas and the Company the SEC initiated in early 2015 while Pappas was CLCs CEO and Chairman of the Board as a result of Pappas misconduct detailed above, including CLCs transactions with and payments to FV and Pappas family members, public disclosures relating to these transactions that Pappas caused the Company to make, inadequate internal corporate and financial controls, and other issues.
e.
Fifth, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to CLC by causing CLC liability for restitution and rescission payments, as well as state penalties and costs, in connection with an investigation conducted by the State of Virginia, alleging that Pappas committed fraud in relation to sales of Challenge Island franchises in Virginia, and that he thereafter caused an attempt to cover-up this fraud by taking further illegal actions. CLC has since divested itself of Challenge Island.
f.
Sixth, Pappas breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to CLC by failing to implement adequate internal financial and corporate controls, thereby concealing his other misconduct and permitting Pappas to control and dominate CLC, misappropriate the Companys assets, and repeatedly engage in fraud and self-dealing to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.
F-17
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
g.
Seventh, Pappas misconduct described above was a material cause of the substantial delay and difficulty of the Companys independent auditors in performing the audit of the Companys financial statements for the 2015 fiscal year, which required the Company to suspend its domestic franchise sales on February 1, 2016 continuing until the date of this Complaint, causing financial loss to the Company.
On October 27, 2016, Brian Pappas filed a motion to amend the complaint to add a claim alleging that the Company slandered him by virtue of a press release issued on or about August 1, 2016, in which the Company reported to shareholders on steps it had taken and improvements it had implemented. The Company intends to vigorously litigate this matter as well.
On October 7, 2016, a franchisee filed a demand for arbitration against the Companys affiliate BFK Franchise Company, LLC alleging that BFK had engaged in contract breaches and fraud in relation to numerous franchise agreements signed by Brian Pappas, Managing Director, or Dan ODonnell, VP Operations between September 22, 2012 and November 1, 2015, with all but 1 of the agreements executed by or before March 2, 2015. The arbitration demands allegations include that misstatements and misrepresentations were made at or about the time of the purchase of the franchises. The complaint also assails other items such as the above-referenced SEC investigation, the Companys settlements with the State of Virginia, Virginias investigation and settlement with Brian Pappas as a result of his conduct and actions during the time he served as Managing Director of BFK Franchise Co, and CEO of CLCN, and self-dealing by corporate officers including commissions paid to officers upon sale of each new franchise.
(11) Income Taxes
Components of Deferred Taxes are:
|
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Depreciation timing difference |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 2,595 |
|
Allowance for bad debt |
|
| 87,542 |
|
|
| 68,870 |
|
Charitable contributions |
|
| 180 |
|
|
| 180 |
|
Impairment of assets held for sale |
|
| |
|
|
| 9,938 |
|
Benefit from net operating loss carryover |
|
| 525,283 |
|
|
| |
|
Total gross deferred tax asset |
|
| 613,004 |
|
|
| 81,583 |
|
Less: Valuation allowances |
|
| (262,642 | ) |
|
| |
|
Total deferred tax asset |
|
| 350,362 |
|
|
| 81,583 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation timing difference |
|
| (6,919 | ) |
|
| |
|
Total deferred liability |
|
| (6,919 | ) |
|
| |
|
Net deferred tax asset |
| $ | 343,444 |
|
| $ | 81,583 |
|
The Company has recorded various deferred tax assets and liabilities as reflected above. In assessing the ability to realize the deferred tax assets, management considers, whether it is more likely than not, that some portion, or all of the deferred tax assets and liabilities will be realized. The ultimate realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future years. In the judgement of management and based upon projected future earnings, the company established a valuation allowance of $262,642 in the fourth quarter of 2016.
F-18
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
The components of the provisions for income taxes for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
|
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Current: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Federal |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
| $ | (176,492 | ) |
| $ | (31,082 | ) |
Discontinued operations |
|
| (2,287 | ) |
|
| (75,937 | ) |
Total |
|
| (178,779 | ) |
|
| (107,019 | ) |
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations |
|
| (121,988 | ) |
|
| (20,599 | ) |
Discontinued operations |
|
| (615 | ) |
|
| (14,263 | ) |
Total |
|
| (122,603 | ) |
|
| (34,862 | ) |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations |
|
| (298,480 | ) |
|
| (51,681 | ) |
Discontinued operations |
|
| (2,902 | ) |
|
| (90,200 | ) |
Total Current Tax |
|
| (301,382 | ) |
|
| (141,881 | ) |
Deferred: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional deferred tax related to book tax differences |
|
| (524,516 | ) |
|
| (77,636 | ) |
Valuation allowance on net operating loss carryover |
|
| 262,642 |
|
|
| |
|
Total Tax Provision |
| $ | (563,256 | ) |
| $ | (219,517 | ) |
A reconciliation of the provisions for income taxes for the fiscal years ended September 2016 and 2015 as compared to statutory rates is as follows:
|
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||||||||||
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
|
| Amount |
|
| % |
| ||||
Provision at statutory rates |
| $ | (789,534 | ) |
|
| 34.00 | % |
| $ | (230,008 | ) |
|
| 34.00 | % |
State income tax, net of federal benefit |
|
| (84,294 | ) |
|
| 3.63 | % |
|
| (24,557 | ) |
|
| 3.63 | % |
Non-Deductible items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penalties |
|
| 48,165 |
|
|
| -2.07 | % |
|
| 24,624 |
|
|
| -3.64 | % |
Meals & Entertainment |
|
| 1,440 |
|
|
| -0.06 | % |
|
| 8,073 |
|
|
| -1.19 | % |
Other permanent items |
|
| (1,674 | ) |
|
| 0.07 | % |
|
| 2,351 |
|
|
| -0.35 | % |
Valuation allowance on net operating loss carryover |
|
| 262,641 |
|
|
| -11.31 | % |
|
| |
|
|
| 0.00 | % |
Total income tax provision |
| $ | (563,256 | ) |
|
| 24.26 | % |
| $ | (219,517 | ) |
|
| 32.45 | % |
(12) Assets Held For Sale
In September 2015, management committed to a plan to sell the CI concept because it was not a strategic fit with the Companys existing BFK franchise brand.
The Company executed a purchase and sale agreement on December 9, 2015. The sale included substantially all of the assets of the CI business, which were sold on an as is where is basis, with no Company representations or warranties surviving the consummation of the sale. The purchase price for the assets consisted of the transfer to the Company of 50,000 shares of the Companys common stock that had been held by the purchaser, reversal of an accrual to issue 25,000 shares of the Companys common stock and the assumption of certain liabilities related to the acquired assets.
F-19
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
The following table lists the assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale of CI at September 30, 2015 and the operating loss on the assets held for sale for September 30, 2016 and 2015.
|
| As of |
| |
CI Franchise Company LLC |
| 09/30/15 |
| |
Assets of discontinued operations |
|
|
| |
Cash |
|
| 24,032 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
| 16,667 |
|
Notes receivable |
|
| 16,500 |
|
Total Assets of discontinued operations |
|
| 57,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities of discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
| 9,016 |
|
Total Liabilities of discontinued operations |
|
| 9,016 |
|
|
| FY ended |
|
| FY ended |
| ||
Operating Loss on discontinued operations |
| 09/30/16 |
|
| 09/30/15 |
| ||
Revenue |
| $ | 10,785 |
|
| $ | 355,843 |
|
Advertising and promotion |
|
| (7,635 | ) |
|
| (128,561 | ) |
Bad debt |
|
| |
|
|
| (73,118 | ) |
Commissions and consulting |
|
| |
|
|
| (240,201 | ) |
Franchisee expense |
|
| |
|
|
| (67,409 | ) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
| (15,237 | ) |
|
| (54,110 | ) |
Operating Loss on discontinued operations |
| $ | (12,087 | ) |
| $ | (207,556 | ) |
(13) Earnings Per Share
The following table sets for the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
|
| Fiscal Years Ended |
| |||||
|
| September 30, |
| |||||
|
| 2016 |
|
| 2015 |
| ||
Net loss attributed to common stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from continuing operations |
| $ | (1,808,849 | ) |
| $ | (311,978 | ) |
Net loss from discontinued operations |
|
| (9,185 | ) |
|
| (144,962 | ) |
Net loss |
| $ | (1,818,077 | ) |
| $ | (456,940 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations |
| $ | (0.15 | ) |
| $ | (0.03 | ) |
Discontinued operations |
|
| (0.00 | ) |
|
| (0.01 | ) |
Total |
| $ | (0.15 | ) |
| $ | (0.04 | ) |
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
|
| 12,001,409 |
|
|
| 11,952,252 |
|
Potentially dilutive shares were excluded as the items were anti-dilutive as of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015.
F-20
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2016 and 2015
(14) Subsequent Events
On December 9, 2016, Brian Pappas, through his controlled company FranVentures, LLC, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a preliminary consent statement on Schedule 14A asking the shareholders of the Company to remove the current members of the Board of Directors and to replace them with three individuals proposed by Mr. Pappas. As a result, shareholders may have received, or may receive in the future, consent solicitation materials from FranVentures and/or Mr. Pappas seeking their written consent to remove the current Board members and elect the three individuals proposed by Mr. Pappas.
On December 16, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had determined that the consent solicitation commenced by Mr. Pappas and FranVentures is not in the best interests of all of the Companys stockholders. The Company intends to file with the SEC a preliminary consent revocation statement in connection with the consent solicitation being conducted by Mr. Pappas and FranVentures, which will explain in more detail the Boards reasons for opposing Mr. Pappas attempt to gain control of the Company.
F-21
SIGNATURES
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.
CREATIVE LEARNING CORPORATION |
| |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Rod Whiton |
|
| Rod Whiton Interim Chief Executive Officer |
|
By: | /s/ Christian Miller |
|
| Christian Miller Chief Financial Officer |
|
Date: December 22, 2016
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Rod Whiton and Christian Miller, jointly and severally, his attorney-in-fact, each with the full power of substitution, for such person, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might do or could do in person hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute, 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 date indicated.
Signature |
| Title |
| Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Rod Whiton |
| Interim Chief Executive Officer |
| December 22, 2016 |
Rod Whiton |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Christian Miller |
| Chief Financial Officer |
| December 22, 2016 |
Christian Miller |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles Grant |
| Director |
| December 22, 2016 |
Charles Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton |
| Director |
| December 22, 2016 |
JoyAnn Kenny-Charlton |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael Gorin |
| Director |
| December 22, 2016 |
Michael Gorin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joe Marucci |
| Director |
| December 22, 2016 |
Joe Marucci |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibits |
| Description |
|
|
|
3.1.1 |
| Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys registration statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-145999). |
|
|
|
3.1.2 |
| Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.2 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010). |
|
|
|
3.2 |
| Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Companys registration statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-145999). |
|
|
|
10.1 |
| Agreement relating to the acquisition of BFK Franchise Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2010). |
|
|
|
21* |
| Subsidiaries of the Company. |
|
|
|
31.1* |
| Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer. |
|
|
|
31.2* |
| Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer. |
|
|
|
32.1** |
| Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer. |
|
|
|
32.2** |
| Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer. |
|
|
|
101.INS* |
| XBRL Instance Document |
|
|
|
101.SCH* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
|
|
|
101.CAL* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
101.DEF* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
101.LAB* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
101.PRE* |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.