FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL INC - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Commission File No. 001-31540
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 91-1922863 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
#206 – 920 Hillside Ave | ||
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada | V8T 1Z8 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Office) | Zip Code |
Registrant's telephone number, including Area Code: (250) 477-9969
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock, $0.001 par value | NYSE MKT |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 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 þ No o
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 o
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 Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | o | Accelerated filer | o |
Non-accelerated filer | o | Smaller reporting company | þ |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act): o Yes þ No
As of June 30, 2015 the aggregate market value of the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates was $17,550,237 based on the closing price for shares of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE MKT for that date.
As of March 30, 2016, the Company had 11,427,991 issued and outstanding shares of common stock.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (“Annual Report”), including the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those statements relating to development of new products, our financial condition and our ability to increase distribution of our products. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plans,” “intends,” or other similar terminology. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is anticipated or forecasted in these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to generate or obtain sufficient working capital to continue our operations, changes in demand for our products, the timing of customer orders and deliveries and the impact of competitive products and pricing. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable and achievable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that our actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason, after the date of this Annual Report.
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PART I
Item 1. Description of Business
We were incorporated as Flexible Solutions Ltd., a British Columbia corporation on January 26, 1991. On May 12, 1998, we merged Flexible Solutions Ltd. into Flexible Solutions International, Inc., a Nevada corporation. In connection with this merger, we issued 7,000,000 shares of common stock to the former shareholders of Flexible Solutions Ltd. in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Flexible Solutions Ltd.
In June 2004 we purchased 52 U.S. and 139 International patents, as well as a 56,780 sq. ft. manufacturing plant near Chicago, Illinois from the bankruptcy estate of Donlar Corporation (“Donlar”) for $6.15 million. The patents we acquired from Donlar relate to water-soluble chemicals (“TPAs”) which prevent corrosion and scaling in water pipes used in the petroleum, chemical, utility and mining industries. TPAs are also used to enhance fertilizers and improve crop yields and as additives for household laundry detergents, consumer care products and pesticides.
We operate through a number of wholly-owned subsidiaries which are mentioned in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included as part of this report. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to our business include the operations of these subsidiaries.
Our website is www.flexiblesolutions.com
Our Products
HEATSAVR®/ECOSAVR
Our studies indicate that approximately 70% of the energy lost from a swimming pool occurs through water evaporation. HEATSAVR® is a chemical product for use in swimming pools and spas that forms a thin, transparent layer on the water’s surface. The transparent layer slows the evaporation of water, allowing the water to retain a higher temperature for a longer period of time and thereby reducing the energy required to maintain the desired temperature of the water. We have received reports from our commercial customers documenting energy savings of between $2,400 to $6,000 per year when using HEATSAVR®.
ECOSAVR® is a patented, disposable dispenser designed for the residential pool and spa market. ECOSAVR® is made of molded plastic in the form of a ten-inch long colorful fish that is filled with enough HEATSAVR® to cover the surface of a 400 sq. ft. swimming pool for about one month. The HEATSAVR® solution inside the ECOSAVR® escapes into the water and rises to the surface to form a transparent layer on the water’s surface. Once the ECOSAVR® is empty the dispenser is removed and replaced.
In outdoor pools, the HEATSAVR® also provides convenience compared to pool blankets. Pool blankets are plastic covers which are cut to the size and shape of the surface of the pool or spa. Pool blankets float on the surface and, like the HEATSAVR®, reduce energy costs by inhibiting water evaporation. However, it is often inconvenient to use conventional pool blankets because a pool blanket must be removed and stored before the pool can be used. Pool blankets do not provide any energy savings when not on the pool. Conversely, HEATSAVR® eliminates the need to install, remove and store the blanket and works 24 hours a day. In addition, the use of HEATSAVR® in an indoor pool results in even greater energy savings since indoor pool locations use energy not only to heat the pool water, but also to air condition the pool environment. By slowing the transfer of heat and water vapor from the pool to the atmosphere of the pool enclosure, less energy is required to maintain a pool at the desired temperature and there is a reduced load on the air-conditioning system.
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HEATSAVR® retails for between $250 and $300 per four gallon case in the United States. ECOSAVR® has a suggested retail price of $13.00 in the United States. We market our HEATSAVR® and ECOSAVR® products to homeowners with swimming pools and spas as well as operators of swimming pools and spas in hotels, motels, schools, and municipal and private recreational facilities.
We also manufacture and sell products which automatically dispense HEATSAVR® into commercial size swimming pools or spas at the rate of one ounce per 400 sq. ft. of water surface per day.
We have 18 non-exclusive distributorships in Canada and the United States for the sale of bulk HEATSAVR® (without the ECOSAVR® dispenser) and exclusive distributorships in Australia, Chile, Korea, Argentina, South Africa, Taiwan, and parts of Eastern and Western Europe. We support our distributors and seek additional market opportunities by annually attending the major pool industry trade shows in the United States. We also advertise in trade magazines and maintain a website which has information about our products.
WATERSAVR®
This product utilizes our HEATSAVR technology to reduce water evaporation in reservoirs, potable water storage tanks, livestock watering ponds, aqueducts, canals and irrigation ditches. WATERSAVR may also be used for lawn and turf care and potted and bedding plants.
WATERSAVR® is sold in granulated form and can be applied by hand, by fully automated scheduled metering, or by an automatic dispenser.
Tests have indicated that WATERSAVR®:
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Reduces daily water evaporation as much as 54%
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Reduces monthly water evaporation as much as 37%
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Is odorless
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Has no effect on invertebrates or vertebrates
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Has no anticipated effect on any current drinking water treatment processes and
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Is biodegradable
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We have one full-time employee and one part-time employee who are involved in the sales and marketing of WATERSAVR®.
TPAs (thermal polyaspartate biopolymers)
TPAs for Oilfields. TPAs are used to reduce scale and corrosion in various “topside” water systems. They are used in place of traditional phosphate and other products when biodegradability is required by environmental regulations. We have the ability to custom manufacture TPAs depending on the specific water conditions associated with any oil well.
TPAs for the Agricultural Industry. TPAs have the ability to reduce fertilizer crystallization before, during and after application and can also prevent crystal formation between fertilizer and minerals present in the soil. Once crystallized, fertilizer and soil minerals are not able to provide plant nourishment. As a result, in select conditions the use of TPAs either blended with fertilizer or applied directly to crops can increase yields significantly. TPAs are designated for crop nutrient management programs and should not be confused with crop protection and pesticides or other agricultural chemical applications. Depending on the application, TPA products are marketed under a variety of brands including Amisorb, LYNX, MAGNET, AmGro and VOLT. Markets of significance include potatoes, sugar beets, cotton, tomatoes, almonds and other high value per acre crops.
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TPAs for Irrigation. The crystallization prevention ability of TPAs can also be useful in select irrigation conditions. By reducing calcium carbonate scale propagation, TPAs can prevent early plugging of drip irrigation ports, reduce maintenance costs and lengthen the life of equipment. TPAs compete with acid type scale removers, but have the advantage of a positive yield effect on the plant, as well as an easier deployment formulation with liquid fertilizers when used as part of a “fertigation” program. Our TPAs for drip irrigation scale prevention are at an early stage of commercialization and will be marketed and sold through the same channels as TPAs used by the agricultural industry.
TPAs for Detergent. In detergents, TPAs are a biodegradable substitute for poly-acrylic acid. In select markets, the use of this substitute outweighs the added cost of TPAs, which has allowed for the continued growth of this TPA product line. However, to increase penetration of this market beyond specialty detergent manufacturers, we will need to decrease the cost of this product or wait for legislative intervention regarding biodegradability of detergent components. In the meantime, we are researching various methods to reduce production costs.
TPAs for Personal Care Products. TPAs can also be used in shampoo and cosmetic products for increased hydration that improves the feel of the core product to consumers. TPA’s may also be used as an additive to toothpaste with the documented effect of reducing decay bacteria adhesion to tooth enamel and presumed reduction in total decay. We do not currently sell TPAs for use in personal care products.
Principal Customers
The table below presents our revenue resulting from purchases by our major customers for the periods presented.
Year Ended December 31,
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2015
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2014
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Company A
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$ | 4,854,764 | $ | 4,871,939 | ||||
Company B
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$ | 4,144,707 | $ | 4,027,144 | ||||
Company C
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$ | 1,421,694 | $ | 1,317,387 |
Customers with balances greater than 10% of our receivable balances as of each of the fiscal year ends presented are shown in the following table:
Year Ended December 31,
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2015
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2014
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Company A
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$ | 814,848 | $ | 1,135,336 | ||||
Company B
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$ | 281,816 | $ | 361,025 | ||||
Company D
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- | $ | 272,752 | |||||
Company E
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$ | 202,157 | - |
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Competition
HEATSAVR® and ECOSAVR™
Although we are aware of two other companies that manufacture products that compete with HEATSAVR® and ECOSAVR®, we believe our products are more effective and safer. We maintain fair pricing equal to or lower than our competitors and protect our intellectual property carefully. Our products are expected to maintain or increase market share in the competitive pool market.
HEATSAVR® also competes with plastic pool blanket products. However, we believe that HEATSAVR® is more effective and convenient than pool blankets.
WATERSAVR®
Ultimate Products (Aust) Pty Ltd. of Australia has a product called Aquatain that directly competes with WATERSAVR®. We believe our WATERSAVR® product is superior for the following reasons: it is safer, much less expensive and has much better test data. Aquatain has not expended the capital to test for environmental effects on insects and other aquatic life whereas WATERSAVR® has recognized third party environmental safety documentation.
As water conservation is an important priority throughout the world, numerous researchers are working to develop solutions that may compete with, or be superior to, WATERSAVR.
TPAs
Our TPA products have direct competition with Lanxess AG (spun out of Bayer AG), a German manufacturer of TPAs, which uses a patented process different from ours. We have cross-licensed each other’s processes and either company can use either process for the term of the patents involved. We believe that Lanxess has approximately the same production capacity and product costs as we do. We believe that we can compete effectively with Lanxess by offering excellent customer service in oilfield sales, superior distributor support in the agricultural marketplace and flexibility due to our relative size. In addition, we intend to continue to seek market niches that are not the primary targets of Lanxess.
Our TPA products face indirect competition from other chemicals in every market in which we are active. For purposes of oilfield scale prevention, phosphonates, phosphates and molibdonates provide the same effect. For crop enhancement, increased fertilizer levels or reduced concentrations can serve as a substitute for TPAs. In irrigation scale control, acid washes are our prime competitor. In detergent, poly-acrylic acid is most often used due to price advantage. Notwithstanding the above, we believe our competitive advantages include:
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Biodegradability compared to competing oil field chemicals;
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Cost-effectiveness for crop enhancement compared to increased fertilizer use;
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Environmental considerations, ease of formulation and increased crop yield opportunities in irrigation scale markets; and
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Biodegradability compared to poly-acrylic acid for detergents.
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Manufacturing
Our HEATSAVR® and ECOSAVR® products and dispensers are made from chemicals, plastic and other materials and parts that are readily available from multiple suppliers. We have never experienced any shortage in the availability of raw materials and parts for these products and we do not have any long term supply contracts for any of these items. We manufacture these products in our plant in Taber, Alberta, Canada.
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Our WATERSAVR® products are manufactured by a third party. We are not required to purchase any minimum quantity of this product.
Our 56,780 sq. ft. facility in Peru, Illinois manufactures our TPA products. Raw materials for TPA production are sourced from various manufacturers throughout the world and we believe they are available in sufficient quantities for any increase in sales. Raw materials are, however, derived from crude oil and are subject to price fluctuations related to world oil prices.
In November 2007, we purchased a building and 3.3 acres of land in Taber, Alberta, Canada. The price paid was CDN$1,325,000 and was financed by cash of $660,000 and an interest free mortgage that was paid in June 2008. The building has been renovated and can be used for various industrial purposes. It was operated as a fermentation facility for the production of aspartic acid, a key ingredient in TPAs. Aspartic acid made in Taber was then shipped to our plant in Illinois for finishing. In February 2014 we suspended production of aspartic acid at our Taber plant. The suspension was due to the fact that since construction of the plant began in 2008, economic conditions in Alberta and worldwide have changed significantly. In particular, plant operating costs have risen and the price of aspartic acid derived from oil is less than forecast. The future use of the facility has not been determined.
Government Regulations
HEATSAVR® and ECOSAVR®
Chemical products for use in swimming pools are covered by a variety of governmental regulations in all countries where we sell these products. These regulations cover packaging, labeling, and product safety. We believe our products are in compliance with these regulations.
WATERSAVR®
Our WATERSAVR® product is subject to regulation in most countries, particularly for agricultural and drinking water uses. We do not anticipate that governmental regulations will be an impediment to marketing WATERSAVR® because the components in WATERSAVR® have historically been used in agriculture for many years for other purposes. Nevertheless, we will need to obtain approval to sell WATERSAVR® in the United States for agricultural and drinking water uses. We have received National Sanitation Foundation approval for the use of WATERSAVR® in drinking water in the United States.
TPAs
In the oil field and agricultural markets we have received government approval for all TPAs currently sold. In the detergent market, there are currently no regulatory requirements for use of TPAs in detergent formulations. For personal care products such as shampoo and toothpaste, there are various regulatory bodies, including the National Sanitation Foundation and the United States Food and Drug Administration, which regulate TPA use. If we begin to market our TPA products for personal care use, we will need to satisfy applicable regulatory requirements.
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Proprietary Rights
Our success is dependent, in part, upon our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets and nondisclosure agreements to protect our proprietary technology. We currently hold many U.S. and International patents which expire at various dates up to 2032. We also have applied to extend some of these patents to other countries where we operate. There can be no assurance that our foreign patent applications will be granted or that any issued patent will be upheld as valid or prevent the development of competitive products, which may be equivalent to or superior to our products. We have not received any claims alleging infringement of the intellectual property rights of others, but there can be no assurance that we may not be subject to such claims in the future.
Research and Development
We spent $95,265 during the year ended December 31, 2015 and $134,981 during year ended December 31, 2014 on research and development. This work relates primarily to the development of our water and energy conservation products, as well as new research in connection with our TPA products.
Employees
As of December 31, 2015 we had 29 employees, including one officer, ten sales and customer support personnel, and eighteen manufacturing personnel. None of our employees is represented by a labor union and we have not experienced any work stoppages to date.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking information based on our current expectations. Because our actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements made by us, this section includes a discussion of important factors that could affect our future operations and result in a decline in the market price of our common stock.
We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and may not sustain profitability in the future.
We have in the past experienced operating losses and negative cash flow from operations and we currently have an accumulated deficit. If our revenues decline, our results of operations and liquidity may be materially and adversely affected. If we experience slower than anticipated revenue growth or if our operating expenses exceed our expectations, we may not be profitable. We may not remain profitable in future periods.
Fluctuations in our operating results may cause our stock price to decline.
Given the nature of the markets in which we operate, we cannot reliably predict future revenues and profitability. Changes in competitive, market and economic conditions may cause us to adjust our operations. A high proportion of our costs are fixed, due in part to our sales, research and development and manufacturing costs. Thus, small declines in revenue could disproportionately affect our operating results. Factors that may affect our operating results and the market price of our common stock include:
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demand for and market acceptance of our products;
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competitive pressures resulting in lower selling prices;
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adverse changes in the level of economic activity in regions in which we do business;
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adverse changes in the oil and gas industry on which we are particularly dependent;
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changes in the portions of our revenue represented by various products and customers;
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delays or problems in the introduction of new products;
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the announcement or introduction of new products, services or technological innovations by our competitors;
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variations in our product mix;
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the timing and amount of our expenditures in anticipation of future sales;
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increased costs of raw materials or supplies; and |
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changes in the volume or timing of product orders.
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Our operations are subject to seasonal fluctuation.
The use of our swimming pool products increases in summer months in most markets and results in our sales from January to June being greater than in July through December. Markets for our WATERSAVR® product are also seasonal, depending on the wet versus dry seasons in particular countries. We attempt to sell into a variety of countries with different seasons on both sides of the equator in order to minimize seasonality. Our TPA business is the least seasonal, however there is a small increase in the spring related to inventory building for the crop season in the United States and a small slowdown in December as oilfield customers run down stock in advance of year end, but otherwise, little seasonal variation. We believe we are able to adequately respond to these seasonal fluctuations by reducing or increasing production as needed.
Interruptions in our ability to purchase raw materials and components may adversely affect our profitability.
We purchase certain raw materials and components from third parties pursuant to purchase orders placed from time to time. Because we do not have guaranteed long-term supply arrangements with our suppliers, any material interruption in our ability to purchase necessary raw materials or components could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our WATERSAVR® product has not proven to be a revenue producing product and we may never recoup the cost associated with its development.
The marketing efforts of our WATERSAVR® product may result in continued losses. We introduced our WATERSAVR® product in June 2002 and, to date, we have delivered quantities for testing by potential customers, but only a few customers have ordered the product for commercial use. This product can achieve success only if it is ordered in substantial quantities by commercial customers who have determined that the water saving benefits of the product exceed the costs of purchase and deployment of the product. We can offer no assurance that we will receive sufficient orders of this product to achieve profits or cover the additional expenses incurred to manufacture and market this product. We expect to spend $200,000 on the marketing and production of our WATERSAVR® product in fiscal 2016.
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If we do not introduce new products in a timely manner, our products could become obsolete and our operating results would suffer.
Without the timely introduction of new products and enhancements, our products could become obsolete over time, in which case our revenue and operating results would suffer. The success of our new product offerings will depend upon several factors, including our ability to:
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accurately anticipate customer needs;
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innovate and develop new products and applications;
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successfully commercialize new products in a timely manner;
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price our products competitively and manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes and on time; and
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differentiate our products from our competitors’ products.
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In developing any new product, we may be required to make a substantial investment before we can determine the commercial viability of the new product. If we fail to accurately foresee our customers’ needs and future activities, we may invest heavily in research and development of products that do not lead to significant revenues.
We are dependent upon certain customers.
Among our current customers, we have identified three that are sizable enough that the loss of any one would be significant. Any loss of one or more of these customers could result in a substantial reduction in our revenues.
Economic, political and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect our sales.
Revenues from shipments made outside of the United States accounted for approximately 75% of our revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015, 75% in the year ended December 31, 2014 and 73% in the year ended December 31, 2013. Since we sell our products worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. We anticipate that revenues from international operations will continue to represent a sizable portion of our total revenue. Accordingly, our future results could be harmed by a variety of factors, including:
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changes in foreign currency exchange rates;
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changes in a country or region’s political or economic conditions, particularly in developing or emerging markets;
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longer payment cycles of foreign customers and difficulty of collecting receivables in foreign jurisdictions;
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trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements;
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differing tax laws and changes in those laws;
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difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations;
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differing laws regarding protection of intellectual property; and
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differing regulatory requirements and changes in those requirements.
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We are subject to credit risk and may be subject to substantial write-offs if one or more of our significant customers default on their payment obligations to us.
We currently allow our major customers between 30 and 45 days to pay for each sale. This practice, while customary, presents an accounts receivable write-off risk in that if one or more of our significant customers defaulted on their payment obligations to us, such write-off, if substantial, would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our products can be hazardous if not handled, stored and used properly; litigation related to the handling, storage and safety of our products would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Some of our products are flammable and must be stored properly to avoid fire risk. Additionally, some of our products may cause irritation to a person’s eyes if they are exposed to the concentrated product. Although we label our products to warn of such risks, our sales could be reduced if our products were considered dangerous to use or if they are implicated in causing personal injury or property damage. We are not currently aware of any circumstances in which our products have caused harm or property damage to consumers. Nevertheless, litigation regarding the handling, storage and safety of our products would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our failure to comply with environmental regulations may create significant environmental liabilities and force us to modify our manufacturing processes.
We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the use, storage, handling and disposal of chemicals. Under such laws, we may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of these substances that have been used by our consumers or in our operations. Such laws may impose liability without regard to whether we knew of, or caused, the release of such substances. Any failure by us to comply with present or future regulations could subject us to substantial fines, suspension of production, alteration of manufacturing processes or cessation of operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our failure to protect our intellectual property could impair our competitive position.
While we own certain patents and trademarks, some aspects of our business cannot be protected by patents or trademarks. Accordingly, in these areas there are few legal barriers that prevent potential competitors from copying certain of our products, processes and technologies or from otherwise entering into operations in direct competition with us. In particular, we have been informed that our former exclusive agent for the sale of our products in North America is now competing with us in the swimming pool and personal spa markets. As a former distributor, they were given access to many of our sales, marketing and manufacturing techniques.
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Our products may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, and resulting claims against us could be costly and prevent us from making or selling certain products.
Third parties may seek to claim that our products and operations infringe on their patents or other intellectual property rights. We may incur significant expense in any legal proceedings to protect our proprietary rights or to defend infringement claims by third parties. In addition, claims of third parties against us could result in awards of substantial damages or court orders that could effectively prevent us from making, using or selling our products in the United States or abroad.
A claim for damages could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks, particularly with respect to our consumer swimming pool and consumer TPA products. There are many factors beyond our control that could lead to liability claims, including the failure of our products to work properly and the chance that consumers will use our products incorrectly or for purposes for which they were not intended. There can be no assurance that the amount of product liability insurance that we carry will be sufficient to protect us from product liability claims. A product liability claim in excess of the amount of insurance we carry could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ongoing success is dependent upon the continued availability of certain key employees.
Our business would be adversely affected if the services of Daniel B. O’Brien ceased to be available to us because we currently do not have any other employee with an equivalent level of expertise in and knowledge of our industry. If Mr. O’Brien no longer served as our President and Chief Executive Officer, we would have to recruit one or more new executives, with no real assurance that we would be able to engage a replacement executive with the required skills on satisfactory terms. The market for skilled employees is highly competitive, especially for employees in the fields in which we operate. While our compensation programs are intended to attract and retain qualified employees, there can be no assurance that we will be able to retain the services of all our key employees or a sufficient number to execute our plans, nor can there be any assurances that we will be able to continue to attract new employees as required.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties.
We lease 1,100sq.ft. in Victoria, British Columbia that is used for administration and sales at $1,121 per month, effective to October 2016. We also have a 6,400 sq. ft. facility in Naperville, Illinois which we use for offices and laboratories at a cost of $5,440 per month with a lease effective to December 2020. We own a 56,780 sq. ft. facility in Peru, Illinois which is used to manufacture our TPA line of products as well as a building and 3.3 acres of land in Taber, Alberta, Canada. Our building in Taber has been renovated and can be used for various industrial purposes. In February 2014, we decided to stop aspartic acid production at the Taber facility. The future use of the facility has not been determined.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities.
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “FSI”. The following is the range of high and low closing prices for our common stock for the periods indicated:
High | Low | |||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2015 | ||||||||
First Quarter | $ | 1.70 | $ | 1.06 | ||||
Second Quarter | 2.86 | 1.16 | ||||||
Third Quarter | 2.09 | 0.93 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter | 1.00 | 0.66 |
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Year Ended December 31, 2014 | ||||||||
First Quarter | $ | 1.25 | $ | 0.61 | ||||
Second Quarter | 0.90 | 0.55 | ||||||
Third Quarter | 1.94 | 0.62 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter | 1.40 | 0.95 |
As of December 31, 2015 we had approximately 2,000 shareholders.
Our common stock also trades on the Frankfurt stock exchange under the symbol “FXT.”
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock and it is not anticipated that any dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. Our board of directors intends to follow a policy of retaining earnings, if any, to finance our growth. The declaration and payment of dividends in the future will be determined by our directors in light of conditions then existing, including our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.
None of our officers or directors, nor any of our principal shareholders purchased, on our behalf, any shares of our common stock from third parties either in a private transaction or as a result of purchases in the open market during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015.
As of March 30, 2016 we had 11,427,991 outstanding shares of common stock. The following table lists additional shares of our common stock, including shares issuable upon the exercise of options which have not yet vested, which may be issued as of March 30, 2016:
12
Number of Shares | Note Reference | |||||||
Shares issuable upon exercise of options granted to our officers, directors, employees, consultants, and third parties | 835,000 | A | ||||||
A. Options are exercisable at prices ranging from $0.75 to $2.45 per share. See Item 11 of this report for more information concerning these options.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Not applicable.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
Results of Operations
We have two product lines.
The first is a chemical (“EWCP”) used in swimming pools and spas. The product forms a thin, transparent layer on the water’s surface. The transparent layer slows the evaporation of water, allowing the water to retain a higher temperature for a longer period of time thereby reducing the energy required to maintain the desired temperature of the water. A modified version of EWCP can also be used in reservoirs, potable water storage tanks, livestock watering pods, canals, and irrigation ditches for the purpose of reducing evaporation.
The second product, biodegradable polymers (“TPAs”), is used by the petroleum, chemical, utility and mining industries to prevent corrosion and scaling in water piping. TPAs can also be used to increase biodegradability in detergents and in the agriculture industry to increase crop yields by enhancing fertilizer uptake.
Material changes in line items in our Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period last year, are discussed below:
Item | Increase (I) or Decrease (D) | Reason | ||
Sales | ||||
EWCP products | D | Flood waters in Texas reduced need for Watersavr. | ||
BPCA products
|
I
|
Increased uptake from new and existing customers and new agriculture products.
|
||
Gross Profit, as a % of sales
|
I
|
Lower oil prices reduced aspartic acid costs.
|
||
Wages, administrative salaries and benefits
|
D
|
Reduced since the Taber plant is not in operation.
|
||
Office and miscellaneous
|
D
|
Reduced since the Taber plant is not in operation.
|
||
Consulting
|
D
|
Reduced since the Taber plant is not in operation.
|
||
Professional fess
|
D
|
Reduced litigation resulted in reduced professional fees.
|
||
Research
|
D
|
Costs for the prior period were associated with research into and regulatory compliance for new nitrogen conservation product.
|
||
Utilities
|
D
|
Reduced since the Taber plant is not in operation.
|
13
The factors that will most significantly affect future operating results will be:
●
|
the sale price of crude oil which is used in the manufacture of aspartic acid we import from China. Aspartic acid is a key ingredient in our BCPA product ;
|
●
|
activity in the oil and gas industry, as we sell our TPA product to oil and gas companies; and
|
●
|
drought conditions, since we also sell our TPA product to farmers.
|
Other than the foregoing we do not know of any trends, events or uncertainties that have had, or are reasonably expected to have, a material impact on our revenues or expenses.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Our material sources and <uses> of cash during the year ended December 31, 2015 were:
Cash provided by operations
|
$ | 2,736,651 | ||
Long term deposits
|
$ | (4,697 | ) | |
Net purchases of equipment
|
$ | (59,030 | ) | |
Repayment of short term line of credit
|
$ | (550,000 | ) | |
Repayment of loans
|
$ | (343,661 | ) | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
|
$ | 8,000 | ||
Exchange rate changes
|
$ | (36,042 | ) |
Our material sources and <uses> of cash during the year ended December 31, 2014 were:
Cash provided by operations
|
$ | 1,062,198 | ||
Equipment purchases
|
$ | (24,535 | ) | |
Repayment of short term line of credit
|
$ | (650,000 | ) | |
Repayment of loans
|
$ | (1,135,043 | ) | |
Proceeds received from loan
|
$ | 1,005,967 | ||
Exchange rate changes
|
$ | (79,158 | ) |
In 2007, we began construction of a plant in Taber, AB, Canada. The plant came on line during 2012 and we began depreciating the plant and related equipment effective January 2012.
14
In February 2014 we suspended production of aspartic acid at our Taber plant. The suspension was due to the fact that since construction of the plant began in 2008, economic conditions in Alberta and worldwide have changed significantly. In particular, plant operating costs have risen and the price of aspartic acid derived from oil is less than forecast.
Although we continue to believe in the technical and economic viability of using sugar to produce aspartic acid, we are unable to fund the equipment and personnel increases needed to reach break-even levels on our own. As a result, a partner is required to build on the technical successes achieved to date, complete development, and reach profitable production levels.
The suspension of the operations at the Taber plant has saved us approximately $800,000 per year in plant operating costs and general and administrative expenses.
We have sufficient cash resources to meets our future commitments and cash flow requirements for the coming year. As of December 31, 2015 our working capital was $6,411,236 and we have no substantial commitments that require significant outlays of cash over the coming fiscal year.
We are committed to minimum rental payments for property and premises aggregating approximately $342,053 over the term of two leases, the last expiring on December 31, 2020.
Commitments in the next five year are as follows:
2016
|
$ | 73,733 | ||
2017
|
$ | 65,280 | ||
2018
|
$ | 66,480 | ||
2019
|
$ | 67,680 | ||
2020
|
$ | 68,880 |
Other than as disclosed above, we do not anticipate any material capital requirements for the twelve months ending December 31, 2016.
Other than as disclosed in Item 7 of this report, we do not know of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in, or that are reasonable likely to result in, our liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way.
Other than as disclosed in Item 7 of this report, we do not know of any significant changes in our expected sources and uses of cash.
We do not have any commitments or arrangements from any person to provide us with any equity capital.
See Note 2 to the financial statements included as part of this report for a description of our significant accounting policies.
Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates
Allowances for Product Returns. We grant certain of our customers the right to return product which they are unable to sell. Upon sale, we evaluate the need to record a provision for product returns based on our historical experience, economic trends and changes in customer demand.
15
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Receivable. We evaluate our accounts receivable to determine if they will ultimately be collected. This evaluation includes significant judgments and estimates, including an analysis of receivables aging and a review of large accounts. If, for example, the financial condition of a customer deteriorates resulting in an impairment of its ability to pay or a pattern of late payment develops, an allowance may be required.
Provisions for Inventory Obsolescence. We may need to record a provision for estimated obsolescence and shrinkage of inventory. Our estimates would consider the cost of inventory, the estimated market value, the shelf life of the inventory and our historical experience. If there are changes to these estimates, provisions for inventory obsolescence may be necessary.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
We have evaluated recent accounting pronouncements issued since January 1, 2015 and determined that the adoption of these recent accounting pronouncements will not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Not applicable.
16
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, MNP LLP
|
F-1
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
|
F-2
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
|
F-3
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
|
F-4
|
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
|
F-5
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-6
|
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Flexible Solutions International Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2015. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 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 audit 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 the Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Vancouver, Canada | Chartered Professional Accountants |
March 30, 2016
F-2
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at December 31
(U.S. Dollars)
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Assets
|
||||||||
Current
|
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$ | 2,498,738 | $ | 747,517 | ||||
Accounts receivable (see Note 3)
|
1,954,877 | 2,322,373 | ||||||
Inventories (see Note 4)
|
3,275,476 | 3,467,438 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses
|
243,342 | 123,511 | ||||||
Total current assets
|
7,972,433 | 6,660,839 | ||||||
Property, equipment and leaseholds, net (see Note 5)
|
3,791,109 | 4,764,900 | ||||||
Patents (see Note 6)
|
100,623 | 137,404 | ||||||
Long term deposits (see Note 7)
|
10,169 | 4,425 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset (see Note 10)
|
2,268,296 | 2,667,286 | ||||||
Total Assets
|
$ | 14,142,630 | $ | 14,234,854 | ||||
Liabilities
|
||||||||
Current
|
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$ | 826,315 | $ | 815,141 | ||||
Deferred revenue
|
40,451 | 44,593 | ||||||
Income taxes payable
|
293,238 | 140,842 | ||||||
Short term line of credit (Note 8)
|
200,000 | 750,000 | ||||||
Current portion of long term debt (see Note 9)
|
201,193 | 358,214 | ||||||
Total current liabilities
|
1,561,197 | 2,108,790 | ||||||
Long term debt (see Note 9)
|
553,282 | 754,475 | ||||||
Total liabilities
|
2,114,479 | 2,863,265 | ||||||
Stockholders’ Equity
|
||||||||
Capital stock (see Note 13)
|
||||||||
Authorized
|
||||||||
50,000,000 common shares with a par value of $0.001 each
|
||||||||
1,000,000 preferred shares with a par value of $0.01 each
|
||||||||
Issued and outstanding:
|
||||||||
13,177,991 (2014: 13,169,991) common shares
|
13,178 | 13,170 | ||||||
Capital in excess of par value
|
16,317,225 | 16,227,121 | ||||||
Other comprehensive income
|
(1,205,798 | ) | (267,552 | ) | ||||
Accumulated Deficit
|
(3,096,454 | ) | (4,601,150 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders’ Equity
|
12,028,151 | 11,371,589 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
|
$ | 14,142,630 | $ | 14,234,854 |
Commitments and Subsequent events (See Notes 15 and 16)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-3
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Years Ended December 31
(U.S. Dollars)
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Sales
|
$ | 15,898,547 | $ | 15,907,849 | ||||
Cost of sales
|
9,696,544 | 10,767,624 | ||||||
Gross profit
|
6,202,003 | 5,140,225 | ||||||
Operating Expenses
|
||||||||
Wages
|
1,532,252 | 1,560,440 | ||||||
Administrative salaries and benefits
|
715,773 | 782,856 | ||||||
Advertising and promotion
|
34,445 | 36,047 | ||||||
Investor relations and transfer agent fee
|
125,917 | 208,799 | ||||||
Office and miscellaneous
|
308,016 | 366,995 | ||||||
Insurance
|
292,460 | 299,545 | ||||||
Interest expense
|
55,770 | 94,890 | ||||||
Rent
|
127,916 | 169,461 | ||||||
Consulting
|
131,714 | 225,424 | ||||||
Professional fees
|
172,414 | 287,750 | ||||||
Travel
|
109,051 | 138,884 | ||||||
Telecommunications
|
34,473 | 31,046 | ||||||
Shipping
|
20,660 | 30,328 | ||||||
Research
|
95,265 | 134,981 | ||||||
Commissions
|
122,868 | 121,351 | ||||||
Bad debt expense
|
- | 865 | ||||||
Currency exchange
|
(55,892 | ) | (75,406 | ) | ||||
Utilities
|
28,434 | 65,191 | ||||||
Total operating expenses
|
3,851,536 | 4,479,447 | ||||||
Operating income
|
2,350,467 | 660,778 | ||||||
Loss on sale of equipment
|
(45,249 | ) | - | |||||
Interest income
|
2,963 | - | ||||||
Income before income tax
|
2,308,181 | 660,778 | ||||||
Income taxes (Note 10)
|
||||||||
Deferred income (expense) tax recovery
|
(38,157 | ) | 164,611 | |||||
Income tax expense
|
(765,328 | ) | (422,044 | ) | ||||
Net income for the year
|
$ | 1,504,696 | $ | 403,345 | ||||
Other comprehensive loss
|
(938,246 | ) | (596,238 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income (loss)
|
566,450 | (192,893 | ) | |||||
Income per share (basic and diluted) (Note 11)
|
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.03 | ||||
Weighted average number of common shares (basic)
|
13,173,827 | 13,169,991 | ||||||
Weighted average number of common shares (diluted)
|
13,307,021 | 13,169,991 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-4
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For Years Ended December 31
(U.S. Dollars)
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Operating activities
|
||||||||
Net income
|
$ | 1,504,696 | $ | 403,345 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
|
||||||||
Stock based compensation
|
82,112 | 91,168 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
578,338 | 789,733 | ||||||
Deferred tax expense (recovery)
|
38,157 | (164,611 | ) | |||||
Changes in non-cash working capital items:
|
||||||||
Decrease (Increase) in accounts receivable
|
349,470 | (341,439 | ) | |||||
Decrease (Increase) in inventories
|
125,047 | (441,490 | ) | |||||
(Increase) Decrease in prepaid expenses
|
(127,946 | ) | (1,441 | ) | ||||
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable
|
38,523 | 271,103 | ||||||
Increase (Decrease) in taxes payable
|
152,396 | 422,044 | ||||||
(Decrease) Increase deferred revenue
|
(4,142 | ) | 33,786 | |||||
Cash provided by operating activities
|
2,736,651 | 1,062,198 | ||||||
Investing activities
|
||||||||
Long term deposits
|
(4,697 | ) | - | |||||
Net purchase of property and equipment
|
(59,030 | ) | (24,535 | ) | ||||
Cash used in investing activities
|
(63,727 | ) | (24,535 | ) | ||||
Financing activities
|
||||||||
Repayment of short term line of credit
|
(550,000 | ) | (650,000 | ) | ||||
Loan repayment
|
(343,661 | ) | (1,135,043 | ) | ||||
Proceeds received from loan
|
- | 1,005,967 | ||||||
Proceeds of issuance of common stock
|
8,000 | - | ||||||
Cash used in financing activities
|
(885,661 | ) | (779,076 | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
|
(36,042 | ) | (79,157 | ) | ||||
Inflow of cash
|
1,751,221 | 179,430 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
|
747,517 | 568,087 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, ending
|
$ | 2,498,738 | $ | 747,517 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
|
||||||||
Income taxes paid
|
785,000 | - | ||||||
Interest paid
|
55,770 | 96,220 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-5
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
(U.S. Dollars)
Capital in
|
Accumulated
|
Other
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Excess of
|
Earnings
|
Comprehensive
|
Stockholders’
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Par Value
|
Par Value
|
(Deficiency)
|
Income (Loss)
|
Equity
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2013
|
13,169,991 | $ | 13,170 | $ | 16,135,953 | $ | (5,004,495 | ) | $ | 328,686 | $ | 11,473,314 | ||||||||||||
Translation adjustment
|
— | — | — | — | (596,238 | ) | (596,238 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income
|
— | — | — | 403,345 | — | 403,345 | ||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income
|
— | — | — | — | — | (192,893 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation
|
— | — | 91,168 | — | — | 91,168 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2014
|
13,169,991 | $ | 13,170 | $ | 16,227,121 | $ | (4,601,150 | ) | $ | (267,552 | ) | $ | 11,371,589 | |||||||||||
Translation adjustment
|
— | — | — | — | (938,246 | ) | (938,246 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income
|
— | — | — | 1,504,696 | — | 1,504,696 | ||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income
|
— | — | — | — | — | 566,450 | ||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued | 8,000 | 8 | 7,992 | — | — | 8,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation
|
— | — | 82,112 | — | — | 82,112 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2015
|
13,177,991 | $ | 13,178 | $ | 16,317,225 | $ | (3,096,454 | ) | $ | (1,205,798 | ) | $ | 12,028,151 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-6
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015 and 2014
(U.S. Dollars)
1. Basis of Presentation.
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Flexible Solutions International, Inc. (the “Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Flexible Fermentation Ltd. (“Flexible Ltd.”), NanoChem Solutions Inc. (“NanoChem”), Flexible Solutions Ltd., Flexible Biomass LP, and FS Biomass Inc. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company was incorporated May 12, 1998 in the State of Nevada and had no operations until June 30, 1998.
Flexible Solutions International, Inc. and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market specialty chemicals which slow the evaporation of water. One product, HEATSAVR®, is marketed for use in swimming pools and spas where its use, by slowing the evaporation of water, allows the water to retain a higher temperature for a longer period of time and thereby reduces the energy required to maintain the desired temperature of the water in the pool. Another product, WATERSAVR®, is marketed for water conservation in irrigation canals, aquaculture, and reservoirs where its use slows water loss due to evaporation. In addition to the water conservation products, the Company also manufactures and markets water-soluble chemicals utilizing thermal polyaspartate biopolymers (hereinafter referred to as “TPAs”), which are beta-proteins manufactured from the common biological amino acid, L-aspartic. TPAs can be formulated to prevent corrosion and scaling in water piping within the petroleum, chemical, utility and mining industries. TPAs are also used as proteins to enhance fertilizers in improving crop yields and can be used as additives for household laundry detergents, consumer care products and pesticides.
2. Significant Accounting Policies.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States applicable to a going concern and reflect the policies outlined below.
(a) Cash and Cash Equivalents.
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of less than three months at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions.
(b) Inventories and Cost of Sales
The Company has three major classes of inventory: finished goods, work in progress and raw materials. In all classes, inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Cost of sales includes all expenditures incurred in bringing the goods to the point of sale. Inventory costs and costs of sales include direct costs of the raw material, inbound freight charges, warehousing costs, handling costs (receiving and purchasing) and utilities and overhead expenses related to the Company’s manufacturing and processing facilities.
(c) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when management estimates collectibility to be uncertain. Accounts receivable are continually reviewed to determine which, if any, accounts are doubtful of collection. In making the determination of the appropriate allowance amount, the Company considers current economic and industry conditions, relationships with each significant customer, overall customer credit-worthiness and historical experience.
F-7
(d) Property, Equipment and Leaseholds.
The following assets are recorded at cost and depreciated using the methods and annual rates shown below:
Computer hardware
|
30% Declining balance
|
|
Furniture and fixtures
|
20% Declining balance
|
|
Manufacturing equipment
|
20% Declining balance
|
|
Office equipment
|
20% Declining balance
|
|
Boat
|
20% Declining balance
|
|
Building and improvements
|
10% Declining balance
|
|
Technology
|
20% Declining balance
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
Straight-line over lease term
|
Property and equipment are written down to net realizable value when management determines there has been a change in circumstances which indicates its carrying amount may not be recoverable. No write-downs have been necessary to date.
(e) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.
In accordance with FASB Codification Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 360), the Company reviews long-lived assets, including, but not limited to, property and equipment, patents and other assets, for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of assets may not be recoverable. The carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for impairment by evaluating operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying assets. If the expected future cash flows of an asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment measurement is indicated. Impairment charges are recorded to the extent that an asset’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. There were no impairment charges during the periods presented.
(f) Foreign Currency.
The functional currency of three of the Company’s subsidiaries is the Canadian Dollar. The translation of the Canadian Dollar to the reporting currency of the Company, the U.S. Dollar, is performed for assets and liabilities using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense transactions are translated using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising on conversion of the Company’s financial statements from the subsidiary’s functional currency, Canadian Dollars, into the reporting currency, U.S. Dollars, are excluded from the determination of income and are disclosed as other comprehensive income (loss) in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Foreign exchange gains and losses relating to transactions not denominated in the applicable local currency are included in operating income if realized during the year and in comprehensive income (loss) if they remain unrealized at the end of the year.
(g) Revenue Recognition.
Revenue from product sales is recognized at the time the product is shipped since title and risk of loss is transferred to the purchaser upon delivery to the carrier. Shipments are made F.O.B. shipping point. The Company recognizes revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery to the carrier has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and there are no significant remaining performance obligations. When significant post-delivery obligations exist, revenue is deferred until such obligations are fulfilled. To date there have been no such significant post-delivery obligations.
F-8
Since the Company’s inception, product returns have been insignificant; therefore, no provision has been established for estimate product returns.
Deferred revenues consist of products sold to distributors with payment terms greater than the Company’s customary business terms due to lack of credit history or operating in a new market in which the Company has no prior experience. The Company defers the recognition of revenue until the criteria for revenue recognition have been met, and payments become due or cash is received from these distributors.
(h) Stock Issued in Exchange for Services.
The Company’s common stock issued in exchange for services is valued at estimated fair market value based upon trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the dates of the stock transactions. The corresponding expense of the services rendered is recognized over the period that the services are performed.
(i) Stock based Compensation.
The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments, in accordance with FASB Codification Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, (ASC 718). Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, the Company recognizes share-based compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period of the award.
The fair value at grant date of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the stock option vesting period based on the estimated number of stock options that are expected to vest. Shares are issued from treasury upon exercise of stock options.
(j) Comprehensive Income.
Other comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income, but are excluded from net income as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. The Company’s other comprehensive income is primarily comprised of unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses.
(k) Income Per Share.
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated giving effect to the potential dilution of the exercise of options and warrants. Common equivalent shares, composed of incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants, are included in diluted net income per share to the extent that these shares are dilutive. Common equivalent shares that have an anti-dilutive effect on net income per share have been excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
F-9
(l) Use of Estimates.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and would impact the results of operations and cash flows.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed at each period end. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates include assumptions and estimates relating to the asset impairment analysis, share-based payments and warrants, valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, determination of useful lives of property, plant and equipment, and the valuation of inventory.
(m) Financial Instruments.
The fair market value of the Company’s financial instruments comprising cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and short term line of credit were estimated to approximate their carrying values due to immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The Company maintains cash balances at financial institutions which at times, exceed federally insured amounts. The Company has not experienced any material losses in such accounts.
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange and interest rate risk to the extent that market value rate fluctuations materially differ from financial assets and liabilities, subject to fixed long-term rates.
(n) Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
In August 2009, an update was made to Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value.” This update permits entities to measure the fair value of liabilities, in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available, using a valuation technique that uses a quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset, quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets or the income or market approach that is consistent with the principles of Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Effective upon issuance, the Company has adopted this guidance with no material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs described below, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value.
●
|
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
|
●
|
Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
|
F-10
●
|
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity which is significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
|
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and short term line of credit for all periods presented approximate their respective carrying amounts due to the short term nature of these financial instruments.
(o) Contingencies
Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company's management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company's legal counsel evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.
If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company's financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potential material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.
Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed. Legal fees associated with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
(p) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance so that the assets are recognized only to the extent that when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
Per FASB ASC 740 “Income taxes”, it is the Company’s policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At December 31, 2015, the Company believes it has appropriately accounted for any unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized benefit is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company’s effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected. Interest and penalties associated with the Company’s tax positions are recorded as Interest Expense.
F-11
(q) Risk Management
The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its account receivables. The amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are net of allowances for doubtful accounts, estimated by the Company’s management based on prior experience and the current economic environment. The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to the financial instruments. Credit exposure is minimized by dealing with only credit worthy counterparties. Accounts receivable for the Company’s three primary customers totaled $1,298,821 (66%) at December 31, 2015 (2014 - $1,769,113 or 76%).
The credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is limited because the Company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions.
The Company is not exposed to significant interest rate risk to the extent that the long term debt maintained from the foreign government agencies is subject to a fixed rate of interest.
In order to manage its exposure to foreign exchange risks, the Company is closely monitoring the fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates and the impact on the value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
(r) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) and the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”) issued substantially converged final standards on revenue recognition. The FASB's Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), was issued in three parts: (a) Section A,“Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)and Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40),” (b) Section B,“Conforming Amendments to Other Topics and Subtopics in the Codification and Status Tables” and (c) Section C, “Background Information and Basis for Conclusions.” The standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The new revenue recognition guidance becomes effective for the Company on December 15, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance in the ASU. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on determining when and how to disclose going -concern uncertainties in the financial statements. The new guidance requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the Company does not believe this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.
F-12
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, an update to its accounting guidance related to share-based compensation. The guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition, and therefore shall not be reflected in determining the fair value of the award at the grant date. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." This update improves targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and reduces the number of consolidation models. This update is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” Under this ASU, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
3. Accounts Receivable
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Accounts receivable
|
$ | 1,990,283 | $ | 2,363,492 | ||||
Allowances for doubtful accounts
|
(35,406 | ) | (41,119 | ) | ||||
$ | 1,954,877 | $ | 2,322,373 |
4. Inventories
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Completed goods
|
$ | 1,162,571 | $ | 1,449,640 | ||||
Work in progress
|
10,466 | 1,216 | ||||||
Raw materials
|
2,102,439 | 2,019,582 | ||||||
$ | 3,275,476 | $ | 3,467,438 |
F-13
5. Property, Equipment and Leaseholds
2015
|
Accumulated
|
2015
|
||||||||||
Cost
|
Depreciation
|
Net
|
||||||||||
Buildings
|
$ | 4,766,282 | $ | 2,774,306 | $ | 1,991,976 | ||||||
Computer hardware
|
88,026 | 82,811 | 5,215 | |||||||||
Furniture and fixtures
|
29,147 | 20,774 | 8,373 | |||||||||
Office equipment
|
17,214 | 16,054 | 1,160 | |||||||||
Manufacturing equipment
|
5,074,079 | 3,770,819 | 1,303,260 | |||||||||
Trailer
|
12,474 | 11,630 | 844 | |||||||||
Boat
|
34,400 | 3,440 | 30,960 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvements
|
29,604 | — | 29,604 | |||||||||
Technology
|
98,701 | 78,961 | 19,740 | |||||||||
Land
|
399,977 | — | 399,977 | |||||||||
$ | 10,549,904 | $ | 6,758,795 | $ | 3,791,109 |
2014
|
Accumulated
|
2014
|
||||||||||
Cost
|
Depreciation
|
Net
|
||||||||||
Buildings
|
$ | 5,065,433 | $ | 2,653,287 | $ | 2,412,146 | ||||||
Computer hardware
|
97,124 | 89,083 | 8,041 | |||||||||
Furniture and fixtures
|
25,548 | 21,906 | 3,642 | |||||||||
Office equipment
|
20,537 | 18,807 | 1,730 | |||||||||
Manufacturing equipment
|
5,710,354 | 3,864,204 | 1,846,150 | |||||||||
Trailer
|
14,882 | 13,444 | 1,438 | |||||||||
Technology
|
117,758 | 64,767 | 52,991 | |||||||||
Land
|
438,762 | — | 438,762 | |||||||||
$ | 11,490,398 | $ | 6,725,498 | $ | 4,764,900 |
Amount of depreciation expense for 2015: $562,471 (2014: $771,385) and is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
6. Patents
2015
Cost
|
Accumulated
Amortization
|
2015
Net
|
||||||||||
Patents
|
$ | 191,698 | $ | 91,075 | $ | 100,623 |
2014
Cost
|
Accumulated
Amortization
|
2014
Net
|
||||||||||
Patents
|
$ | 228,597 | $ | 91,193 | $ | 137,404 |
F-14
Decrease in 2015 cost was due to currency conversion. 2015 cost in Canadian dollars - $265,102 (2014 - $265,102 in Canadian dollars).
Amount of amortization for 2015: $15,867 (2014: $18,348) and is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Estimated amortization expense over the next five years is as follows:
2016
|
$ | 14,640 | ||
2017
|
14,640 | |||
2018
|
14,640 | |||
2019
|
14,640 | |||
2020
|
14,640 |
7. Long Term Deposits
The Company has reclassified certain security deposits to better reflect their long term nature. Long term deposits consist of damage deposits held by landlords and security deposits held by various vendors.
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Long term deposits
|
$ | 10,169 | $ | 4,425 |
8. Short-Term Line of Credit
In April 2015, the Company signed a new agreement with Harris Bank to renew the expiring credit line. The revolving line of credit is for an aggregate amount of up to the lesser of (i) $3,000,000, or (ii) 75% of eligible domestic accounts receivable and certain foreign accounts receivable plus 40% of inventory. The loan has an annual interest rate of 3.75%.
The Revolving Line of Credit contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including the following: compliance with laws, provision of financial statements and periodic reports, payment of taxes, maintenance of inventory and insurance, maintenance of operating accounts at the Bank, the Bank’s access to collateral, formation or acquisition of subsidiaries, incurrence of indebtedness, dispositions of assets, granting liens, changes in business, ownership or business locations, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, making investments or distributions and affiliate transactions. The covenants also require that the Company maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying financial assets to the sum of qualifying financial obligations. As of December 31, 2015, Company was in compliance with all loan covenants.
To secure the repayment of any amounts borrowed under the Revolving Line of Credit, the Company granted the Bank a security interest in substantially all of the assets of NanoChem Solutions Inc., exclusive of intellectual property assets.
Short-term borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Line as of December 31, 2015 were $200,000 (2014 - $750,000).
F-15
9. Long Term Debt
(a) Flexible Solutions Ltd. had received a non-interest bearing loan from the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (“AAFC”). Eligible for up to $1,000,000 in Canadian funds, the Company had borrowed $910,801 in Canadian funds (US$658,054) as of December 31, 2015 on an unsecured basis (2014 - CDN$910,801; US$785,106). The final loan payment was made in 2015. The amount due at December 31, 2015 was nil (2014: CDN$182,160 ; US$157,021).
(b) Flexible Solutions Ltd. has also received a 5% simple interest loan from Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (“AFSC”). Eligible for up to $2,000,000 in Canadian funds, the Company had originally borrowed $1,491,000 in Canadian funds. The Company was required to make interest payments until May 1, 2010 and then started to pay down the principal in equal payments until April 1, 2015. The borrowing balance as December 31, 2013 was $1,016,056 in Canadian funds (US$955,296). The Company had pledged the assets of the Taber, AB building, including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable as collateral, as well as signed a promissory note guaranteeing the amount of the loan. The Company repaid this loan in full in September 2014.
(c) In September 2014, NanoChem Solutions Inc. signed a US$1,005,967 promissory note with Harris Bank with a rate of prime plus 0.5% to be repaid over 5 years with equal monthly installments plus interest. This money was used to retire the AFSC debt and make the December 2014 payment on the AAFC loan. The balance owing at December 31, 2015 was US$754,475 (2014: $955,668).
The Company has committed to the following repayments:
2016
|
$ | 201,193 | ||
2017
|
$ | 201,193 | ||
2018
|
$ | 201,193 | ||
2019
|
$ | 150,895 |
As of December 31, 2015, Company was in compliance with all loan covenants.
F-16
F-17
Outstanding balance at December 31,
|
2015
|
2014
|
||||||
a) Long term debt - AAFC
|
$ | - | $ | 157,5021 | ||||
c) Long term debt - Harris
|
754,475 | 955,668 | ||||||
Long-term Debt
|
$ | 754,475 | $ | 1,112,689 | ||||
Less: current portion
|
(201,193 | ) | (358,214 | ) | ||||
$ | 553,282 | $ | 754,475 |
10. Income Tax
The provision for income tax expense (benefit) is compromised of the following:
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Current tax, federal
|
$ | 613,691 | $ | 345,547 | ||||
Current tax, state
|
151,637 | 76,497 | ||||||
Current tax, foreign
|
- | - | ||||||
Current tax, total
|
765,328 | 422,044 | ||||||
Deferred income tax, federal
|
77,365 | (64,746 | ) | |||||
Deferred income tax, state
|
19,116 | (14,333 | ) | |||||
Deferred income tax, foreign
|
(58,324 | ) | (85,532 | ) | ||||
Deferred income tax, total
|
38,157 | (164,611 | ) | |||||
Total
|
$ | 803,485 | $ | 257,433 |
F-18
The following table reconciles the income tax benefit at the U.S. Federal statutory rate to income tax benefit at the Company's effective tax rates.
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Income (loss) before taxes
|
2,308,181 | 660,780 | ||||||
US statutory tax rates
|
39.12 | % | 38.62 | % | ||||
Expected income tax (recovery)
|
902,845 | 255,193 | ||||||
Non-deductible items
|
39,872 | (162,602 | ) | |||||
Change in estimates
|
12,336 | (38,696 | ) | |||||
Change in enacted tax rate
|
(158,840 | ) | - | |||||
Option expired during the year
|
35,688 | 44,917 | ||||||
Functional currency adjustments
|
- | - | ||||||
Foreign tax rate difference
|
(40,393 | ) | 172,818 | |||||
Change in valuation allowance
|
11,977 | (14,197 | ) | |||||
Total income taxes (recovery)
|
803,485 | 257,433 | ||||||
Current income tax expenses (recovery)
|
765,328 | 422,044 | ||||||
Deferred tax expenses (recovery)
|
38,157 | (164,611 | ) | |||||
Total income taxes (recovery)
|
803,485 | 257,433 |
Deferred taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are comprised of the following:
Canada
|
2015
|
2014
|
||||||
Non capital loss carryforwards
|
1,068,935 | 1,407,088 | ||||||
Patents
|
36,070 | 35,480 | ||||||
Fixed assets
|
809,404 | 780,396 | ||||||
Financial instruments
|
- | (6,045 | ) | |||||
1,914,409 | 2,216,919 | |||||||
Valuation Allowance
|
- | - | ||||||
Net Deferred tax asset (liability)
|
1,914,409 | 2,216,919 | ||||||
USA
|
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Fixed Assets
|
353,907 | 429,631 | ||||||
Stock-Based Compensation
|
206,648 | 215,429 | ||||||
560,556 | 645,060 | |||||||
Deferred tax asset not recognized
|
206,669 | 194,692 | ||||||
Net Deferred tax asset
|
353,886 | 450,368 |
F-19
The Company has non-operating loss carryforwards of approximately $3,959,018 (2014 - $5,628,353) which may be carried forward to apply against future year income tax for Canadian income tax purposes, subject to the final determination by taxation authorities, expiring in the following years:
Expiry
|
Loss
|
|||
2027
|
322,794 | |||
2028
|
543,345 | |||
2029
|
748,420 | |||
2030
|
781,632 | |||
2031
|
900,002 | |||
2032
|
588,509 | |||
2033
|
74,316 | |||
2034
|
- | |||
Total
|
3,959,018 |
As at December 31, 2015, the Company has no net operating losses carryforward available for US tax purposes.
Accounting for uncertainty for Income Tax
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the interpretation for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes which was an interpretation of the accounting standard accounting for income taxes. This interpretation created a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This interpretation clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.
As at December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets did not reflect a liability for uncertain tax positions, nor any accrued penalties or interest associated with income tax uncertainties. The Company has no income tax examinations in progress.
11. Income Per Share
We present both basic and diluted income per share on the face of our consolidated statements of operations. Basic and diluted income per share are calculated as follows:
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Net income
|
$ | 1,504,696 | $ | 403,345 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic
|
||||||||
Basic
|
13,173,827 | 13,169,991 | ||||||
Diluted
|
13,307,021 | 13,169,991 | ||||||
Net income per common share:
|
||||||||
Basic and Diluted
|
$ | 0.11 | $ | 0.03 |
Certain stock options whose terms and conditions are described in Note 12, “Stock Options” could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. Those anti-dilutive options are as follows.
F-20
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Anti-dilutive options
|
552,000 | 949,000 |
There were no preferred shares issued and outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014.
12. Stock Options.
The Company adopted a stock option plan ("Plan"). The purpose of this Plan is to provide additional incentives to key employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries in order to help attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of responsibility and otherwise promote the success of the Company’s business. It is intended that options issued under this Plan constitute non-qualified stock options. The general terms of awards under the option plan are that 100% of the options granted will vest the year following the grant. The maximum term of options granted is 5 years.
The Company may issue stock options and stock bonuses for shares of its common stock to provide incentives to directors, key employees and other persons who contribute to the success of the Company. The exercise price of all incentive options are issued for not less than fair market value at the date of grant.
The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Number of shares
|
Exercise price
per share
|
Weighted average exercise price
|
||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013
|
1,164,000 | $ | 1.21 - $2.45 | $ | 1.73 | |||||||
Granted
|
227,000 | $ | 1.00 – 1.21 | $ | 1.01 | |||||||
Cancelled or expired
|
(265,000 | ) | $ | 1.00 – 2.25 | $ | 1.91 | ||||||
Balance, December 31, 2014
|
1,126,000 | $ | 1.21 - $2.45 | $ | 1.54 | |||||||
Granted
|
317,000 | $ | 0.75 - 1.05 | $ | 0.89 | |||||||
Cancelled or expired
|
(245,000 | ) | $ | 1.05 – 2.22 | $ | 1.72 | ||||||
Exercised
|
8,000 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | |||||||
Balance, December 31, 2015
|
1,190,000 | $ | 0.75 – 2.45 | $ | 1.34 | |||||||
Exercisable, December 31, 2015
|
1,032,000 | $ | 1.00 – 2.45 | $ | 1.43 |
The weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding options is 1.98 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2015 is $418,330.
The fair value of each option grant is calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:
Expected life – years
|
3.0 | % | 3.0 | % | ||||
Interest rate
|
0.78 – 1.16 | % | 0.78 | % | ||||
Volatility
|
58-77 | % | 58 | % | ||||
Dividend yield
|
-- | % | -- | % | ||||
Weighted average fair value of options granted
|
$ | 0.36-.37 | $ | 0.36 |
F-21
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted 100,000 (2014 – 100,000) stock options to consultants and has applied ASC 718 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which resulted in additional expenses of $26,533 (2014 - $29,026). Options granted in other years resulted in additional expenses of $3,348 (2014 – $13,375). During the year ended December 31, 2015, employees were granted 217,000 (2014 – 127,000) stock options, which resulted in additional expenses of $47,788 (2014 – $25,223). Options granted in other years resulted in additional expenses in the amount of $4,591 for employees during the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 - $23,543). There were 8,000 employee stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 – nil).
As of December 31, 2015, there was approximately $47,514 of compensation expense related to non-vested awards. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1 year.
13. Capital Stock.
The Company issued 8,000 shares upon the exercise of employee stock options in July 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not issue any stock.
14. Segmented, Significant Customer Information and Economic Dependency.
The Company operates in two segments:
(a) Energy and water conservation products (as shown under the column heading “EWCP” below), which consists of a (i) liquid swimming pool blanket which saves energy and water by inhibiting evaporation from the pool surface, and (ii) food-safe powdered form of the active ingredient within the liquid blanket and which is designed to be used in still or slow moving drinking water sources.
(b) Biodegradable polymers (“BCPA’s”), used by the petroleum, chemical, utility and mining industries to prevent corrosion and scaling in water piping. This product can also be used in detergents to increase biodegradability and in agriculture to increase crop yields by enhancing fertilizer uptake.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies. The Company evaluates performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes, not including nonrecurring gains and losses and foreign exchange gains and losses.
The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different, but synergistic products and services. They are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.
F-22
Year ended December 31, 2015:
EWCP
|
BCPA
|
Consolidated
|
||||||||||
Sales
|
$ | 687,828 | $ | 15,210,719 | $ | 15,898,547 | ||||||
Interest expense
|
1 | 55,769 | 55,770 | |||||||||
Depreciation
|
384,909 | 193,429 | 578,338 | |||||||||
Income tax expense (recovery)
|
- | 765,328 | 765,328 | |||||||||
Segment profit (loss)
|
(1,054,344 | ) | 2,559,040 | 1,504,696 | ||||||||
Segment assets
|
2,211,931 | 1,679,801 | 3,891,732 | |||||||||
Expenditures for segment assets
|
(244,358 | ) | 303,388 | 59,030 |
Year ended December 31, 2014:
EWCP
|
BCPA
|
Consolidated
|
||||||||||
Sales
|
$ | 872,766 | $ | 15,035,083 | $ | 15,907,849 | ||||||
Interest expense
|
30,053 | 64,837 | 94,890 | |||||||||
Depreciation
|
599,279 | 190,454 | 789,733 | |||||||||
Income tax expense (recovery)
|
- | 422,044 | 422,044 | |||||||||
Segment profit (loss)
|
(1,499,350 | ) | 1,902,695 | 403,345 | ||||||||
Segment assets
|
3,332,463 | 1,569,841 | 4,902,304 | |||||||||
Expenditures for segment assets
|
6,156 | 18,379 | 24,535 |
Sales by territory are shown below:
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Canada
|
$ | 404,880 | $ | 404,483 | ||||
United States and abroad
|
15,493,667 | 15,503,366 | ||||||
Total
|
$ | 15,898,547 | $ | 15,907,849 |
The Company’s long-lived assets (property, equipment, leaseholds and patents) are located in Canada and the United States as follows:
2015
|
2014
|
|||||||
Canada
|
$ | 2,211,348 | $ | 3,331,879 | ||||
United States
|
1,680,384 | 1,570,424 | ||||||
Total
|
$ | 3,891,732 | $ | 4,902,304 |
Three customers accounted for $10,421,165 (66%) of sales made in 2015 (2014 - $10,216,470 or 64%).
F-23
15. Commitments.
The Company is committed to minimum rental payments for property and premises aggregating approximately $342,053 over the term of two leases, the last expiring on December 31, 2020.
Commitments in the next five year are as follows:
2016
|
$ | 73,733 | ||
2017
|
$ | 65,280 | ||
2018
|
$ | 66,480 | ||
2019
|
$ | 67,680 | ||
2020
|
$ | 68,880 |
16. Subsequent Events.
On January 6, 2016, the Company repurchased 1,750,000 shares at $0.90 per share. The shares were returned to the treasury and cancelled.
F-24
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance of reaching our desired disclosure control objectives.
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our 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. As defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer and implemented by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our 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 may deteriorate.
In connection with the preparation of our annual financial statements, management has undertaken an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or the 2013 COSO Framework. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of those controls.
17
Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
||
Daniel B. O’Brien
|
59
|
President, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and a Director
|
||
John H. Bientjes
|
63
|
Director
|
||
Dale Friend
|
61
|
Director
|
||
Robert Helina
|
50
|
Director
|
||
Tom Fyles
|
64
|
Director
|
Daniel B. O’Brien has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, as well as a director since June 1998. He has been involved in the swimming pool industry since 1990, when he founded our subsidiary, Flexible Solutions Ltd. From 1990 to 1998 Mr. O’Brien was also a teacher at Brentwood College where he was in charge of outdoor education.
John H. Bientjes has been a director since February 2000. Since 1984, Mr. Bientjes has served as the manager of the Commercial Aquatic Supplies Division of D.B. Perks & Associates, Ltd., located in Vancouver, British Columbia, a company that markets supplies and equipment to commercial swimming pools which are primarily owned by municipalities. Mr. Bientjes graduated in 1976 from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Commerce.
Dale Friend has been a director since December 2002. She has a diversified background in the area of accounting and her experience has been primarily in business, offering a wide range of accounting knowledge. Ms. Friend has worked for a number of companies in their accounting departments, including Telus, Novas Capital Corp. and DB Perks & Associates. She is currently working as contract accountant for Delcor Holdings, which is a privately held investment company.
Robert T. Helina has been a director since October 2011. Mr. Helina has been involved in the financial services industry for over 25 years which has given him extensive knowledge in business, economics and finance. His specially is in Corporate Finance and Capital Markets. Mr. Helina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity Western University.
18
Thomas M. Fyles has been a director since August 2012. Since 1979 Dr. Fyles has been a chemistry professor at the University of Victoria (Assistant Professor 1979-1984/Associate Professor 1984-1992/and Professor with Tenure since 1992) Dr. Fyles received his Bachelor of Science degree (with honors) from the University of Victoria in 1974 and his Ph.D. in chemistry from York University in 1977. Dr. Fyles was a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. J.M. Lehn, Institut Le Bel, Universite Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France, between September 1977 and July 1979.
Directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual meeting of our stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. All executive offices are chosen by the board of directors and serve at the board’s discretion.
John Bientjes, Dale Friend, Robert Helina and Thomas Fyles are independent directors as that term is defined in section 803 of the listing standards of the NYSE MKT.
Our Audit Committee, consisting of John Bientjes, Dale Friend and Robert Helina, all of whom are independent directors and have strong financial backgrounds, facilitates and maintains open communications with our board of directors, senior management and our independent auditors. Our Audit Committee also serves as an independent and objective party which monitors our financial reporting process and internal control system. In addition, our Audit Committee reviews and appraises the efforts of our independent auditors. Our Audit Committee meets periodically with management and our independent auditors. John Bientjes meets the SEC’s definition of an audit committee financial expert. Each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” as that term is defined in Section 803 of the listing standards of the NYSE MKT.
Our Compensation Committee, consisting of John Bientjes, Dale Friend and Robert Helina, establishes salary, incentive and other forms of compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and administers our Stock Option Program. None of our officers participated in deliberations of the compensation committee concerning executive officer compensation. During the year ended December 31, 2015, no director was also an executive officer of another entity, which had one of our executive officers serving as a director of such entity or as a member of the compensation committee of such entity.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and our Principal Accounting Officer, as well as our other senior management and financial staff. Interested persons may obtain a copy of our Code of Ethics from our website at www.flexiblesolutions.com.
19
We believe our directors benefit us for the following reasons:
Name | Reason | |
Daniel B. O’Brien |
Long standing relationship with us.
|
|
John J. Bientjes
|
Long standing relationship with us.
|
|
Dale Friend
|
Long standing relationship with us.
|
|
Robert Helina
|
Corporate finance experience.
|
|
Dr. Thomas Fyles
|
Scientific expertise.
|
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows in summary form the compensation earned by (i) our Chief Executive Officer and (ii) by each other executive officer who earned in excess of $100,000 during the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2015.
Name and Principal Position | Fiscal Year | Salary (1) | Bonus (2) | Restricted Stock Awards (3) | Options Awards (4) | All Other Annual Compensation (5) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Daniel B. O’Brien
|
2015
|
$ | 616,295 | -- | -- | $ | 2,870 | -- | $ | 619,165 | ||||||||||||||||
President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
|
2014
|
$ | 624,950 | -- | -- | $ | 6,415 | -- | $ | 631,365 |
(1)
|
The dollar value of base salary (cash and non-cash) earned.
|
(2)
|
The dollar value of bonus (cash and non-cash) earned.
|
(3)
|
During the periods covered by the table, the value of the shares of restricted stock issued as compensation for services to the persons listed in the table.
|
(4)
|
The value of all stock options granted during the periods covered by the table.
|
(5)
|
All other compensation received that we could not properly report in any other column of the table.
|
During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company determined that Daniel B. O’Brien, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, was underpaid. Accordingly, the Company increased Mr. O’Brien’s annual salary to twice that which was paid to the highest paid employee of the Company. The Company expects that Mr. O’Brien’s salary for the year ending December 31, 2016 will again be twice the annual salary paid to the Company’s highest paid employee, excluding Mr. O’Brien.
20
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
In August 2014 we adopted a Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan which authorizes the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of our common stock to persons that exercise options granted pursuant to the Plan. Our employees, directors and officers, and consultants or advisors are eligible to be granted options pursuant to the Non-Qualified Plan.
The Plan is administered by our Compensation Committee. The Committee is vested with the authority to determine the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of the options, the exercise price and expiration date of the options, and when, and upon what conditions options granted under the Plan will vest or otherwise be subject to forfeiture and cancellation.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 we issued 317,000 options pursuant to the Non-Qualified Plan.
Stock Option Program
Prior to August 2014 we had a Stock Option Program which involved the issuance of options, from time to time, to our employees, directors, officers, consultants and advisors. Options were granted by means of individual option agreements. Each option agreement specified the shares issuable upon the exercise of the option, the exercise price, the expiration date and other terms and conditions of the option.
Options granted had terms of between one and five years after the date of grant and had exercise prices equal to the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant.
As a result of the adoption of our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan in August 2014, all future options have been granted pursuant to the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
Summary
The following table shows the weighted average exercise price of the outstanding options granted pursuant to our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and our Stock Option Program as of December 31, 2015, our most recently completed fiscal year.
Plan Category
|
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
|
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
|
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected
in Column (a))
|
|||||||||
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
||||||||||
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan | 317,000 | $ | 0.89 | 1,183,000 | ||||||||
Stock Option Program | 873,000 | $ | 1.50 | Not Applicable | ||||||||
Total | 1,190,000 | $ | 1.34 | 1,183,000 |
21
Our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and all grants made pursuant to our Stock Option Program have been approved by our shareholders.
As of December 31, 2015 options to purchase 317,000 shares of our common stock were outstanding under our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan. The exercise price of these options varies between $0.75 and $1.05 per share and expire at various dates between on December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2015 options to purchase 837,000 shares of our common stock were outstanding under our Stock Option Program. The exercise price of these options varies between $1.00 and $2.45 per share. The options expire at various dates between April 16, 2015 and December 31, 2018.
The following tables show, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the options granted to the persons named below. All options were granted pursuant to our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
Options Granted | |||||||||||
Name | Grant Date | Options Granted (#) | Exercise Price Per Share | Expiration Date | |||||||
John Bientes | 01/01/15 | 5,000 | $ | 1.05 | 12/31/19 | ||||||
Dale Friend | 01/01/15 | 5,000 | $ | 1.05 | 12/31/19 | ||||||
Robert Helina | 01/01/15 | 5,000 | $ | 1.05 | 12/31/19 | ||||||
Thomas Fyles | 01/01/15 | 5,000 | $ | 1.05 | 12/31/19 |
No options were exercised by executives during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.
Director Compensation
We reimburse directors for any expenses incurred in attending board meetings. We also compensate directors $2,500 annually and grant our directors options to purchase shares of our common stock each year that they serve.
Our directors received the following compensation in 2015:
Name | Paid in Cash | Stock Awards (1) | Option Awards (2) | |||||||||
Robert N. O’Brien
|
-- | -- | -- | |||||||||
John H. Bientjes
|
$ | 2,500 | -- | $ | 2,455 | |||||||
Dale Friend
|
$ | 2,500 | -- | $ | 2,455 | |||||||
Robert Helina
|
$ | 2,500 | -- | $ | 2,455 | |||||||
Tom Fyles
|
$ | 2,500 | -- | $ | 2,455 |
(1)
|
The fair value of stock issued for services computed in accordance with ASC 718 on the date of grant.
|
(2)
|
The fair value of options granted computed in accordance with ASC 718 on the date of grant.
|
22
The terms of outstanding options granted to our directors are shown below:
Name | Option Price | No. of Options | Expiration Date | ||||||
John H. Bientjes | $ | 1.50 | 5,000 | January 1, 2016 | |||||
John H. Bientjes
|
$ | 2.22 | 5,000 |
January 1, 2017
|
|||||
John H. Bientjes
|
$ | 1.21 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2017
|
|||||
John H. Bientjes
|
$ | 1.00 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2018
|
|||||
John H. Bientjes
|
$ | 1.05 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2019
|
|||||
Dale Friend
|
$ | 1.50 | 5,000 |
January 1, 2016
|
|||||
Dale Friend | $ | 2.22 | 5,000 | January 1, 2017 | |||||
Dale Friend
|
$ | 1.21 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2017
|
|||||
Dale Friend
|
$ | 1.00 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2018
|
|||||
Dale Friend
|
$ | 1.05 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2019
|
|||||
Robert Helina
|
$ | 2.45 | 5,000 |
September 22, 2016
|
|||||
Robert Helina
|
$ | 2.22 | 5,000 |
January 1, 2017
|
|||||
Robert Helina
|
$ | 1.21 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2017
|
|||||
Robert Helina
|
$ | 1.00 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2018
|
|||||
Robert Helina
|
$ | 1.05 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2019
|
|||||
Thomas Fyles
|
$ | 1.21 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2017
|
|||||
Thomas Fyles
|
$ | 1.00 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2018
|
|||||
Thomas Fyles
|
$ | 1.05 | 5,000 |
December 31, 2019
|
|||||
Estate of Dr. Robert N. O’Brien
|
$ | 1.50 | 30,000 |
January 1, 2016
|
Daniel B. O’Brien and Robert N. O’Brien were not compensated for serving as directors during 2015.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The following table shows the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 30, 2016 by (i) each stockholder who is known by us to own beneficially more than five percent of our outstanding common stock, (ii) each of our officers and directors, and (iii) by all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
Share (1) | Percentage Ownership | |||||||
Daniel B. O’Brien
|
4,521,900 | 34.30 | % | |||||
2614 Queenswood Dr. | ||||||||
Victoria, BC | ||||||||
Canada V8N 1X5 | ||||||||
John Bientjes
|
35,000 | 0.30 | % | |||||
#1-230 West 13th Street North | ||||||||
Vancouver, B.C. | ||||||||
Canada V7M 1N7 | ||||||||
Dale Friend
|
20,000 | 0.20 | % | |||||
3009 E. Kent Ave. | ||||||||
Vancouver, BC | ||||||||
Canada V5S 4P6 | ||||||||
Robert Helina
|
25,000 | 0.20 | % | |||||
933 Seymour Street, Suite 1101 | ||||||||
Vancouver, BC V6B 6L6 | ||||||||
Canada | ||||||||
Dr. Thomas Fyles
|
15,000 | 0.10 | % | |||||
Box 3065 | ||||||||
Victoria, BC | ||||||||
Canada V8W 3V6 | ||||||||
All officers and directors as a group (5 persons)
|
4,616,900 | 35.10 | % |
23
(1)
|
Includes shares which may be acquired on the exercise of the stock options, all of which were exercisable as of March 30, 2016, listed below.
|
Name
|
No. of Options
|
Exercise Price
|
Expiration Date
|
||||||
John Bientjes
|
5,000 | $ | 2.22 |
January 1, 2017
|
|||||
5,000 | $ | 1.21 |
December 31, 2017
|
||||||
5,000 | $ | 1.00 |
December 31, 2018
|
||||||
5,000 | $ | 1.05 |
December 31, 2019
|
||||||
Dale Friend
|
5,000 | $ | 2.22 |
January 1, 2017
|
|||||
5,000 | $ | 1.21 |
December 31, 2017
|
||||||
5,000 | $ | 1.00 |
Decembe 31, 2018
|
||||||
5,000 | $ | 1.05 |
December 31, 2019
|
||||||
Robert Helina
|
5,000 | $ | 2.45 |
September 22, 2016
|
|||||
5,000 | $ | 2.22 |
January 1, 2017
|
||||||
5,000 | $ | 1.21 |
December 31, 2017
|
||||||
5,000 | $ | 1.00 |
December 31, 2018
|
||||||
5,000 | $ | 1.05 |
December 31, 2019
|
||||||
Dr. Thomas Fyles
|
5,000 | $ | 1.21 |
December 31, 2017
|
|||||
5,000 | $ | 1.00 |
December 31, 2018
|
||||||
5,000 | $ | 1.05 |
December 31, 2019
|
24
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, Director Independence.
Our former director, Dr. Robert N. O’Brien, developed substantially all of our products relating to our energy and water conservation products and assigned the patent rights to these products to us. We had no agreement with Dr. O’Brien requiring him to conduct any research and development activities for us. Dr. O’Brien did not receive any salary or royalties from us for any research and development activities. Dr. O’Brien passed away on March 23, 2015 and was the father of our Chief Executive Officer, Daniel B. O’Brien.
Item 14.
|
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
|
MNP, LLP, Chartered Accountants, examined our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Audit Fees
MNP was paid $58,970 and $76,700 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for professional services rendered in the audit of our annual financial statements and for the reviews of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during these fiscal years.
Tax Fees
MNP was paid $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for professional services rendered for the preparation and filing of our income tax returns for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
All Other Fees
MNP was not paid any other fees for professional services during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
Rules adopted by the SEC in order to implement requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require public company audit committees to pre-approve audit and non-audit services. Our Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of all audit, audit-related and tax services, and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent auditors. The policy provides for an annual review of an audit plan and budget for the upcoming annual financial statement audit, and entering into an engagement letter with the independent auditors covering the scope of the audit and the fees to be paid. Our Audit Committee may also from time-to-time review and approve in advance other specific audit, audit-related, tax or permissible non-audit services. In addition, our Audit Committee may from time-to-time give pre-approval for audit services, audit-related services, tax services or other non-audit services by setting forth such pre-approved services on a schedule containing a description of, budget for, and time period for such pre-approved services. The policies require our Audit Committee to be informed of each service and the policies do not include any delegation of our Audit Committee’s responsibilities to management. Our Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated will report any pre-approval decisions to our Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
During the year ended December 31, 2015 our Audit Committee approved all of the fees paid to MNP. Our Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of all non-audit services by MNP is compatible with maintaining MNP’s independence. During the year ended December 31, 2015, none of the total hours expended on our financial audit by MNP were provided by persons other than MNP’s full-time permanent employees.
Item 15.
|
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
|
Number
|
Description
|
3.1
|
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant. (1)
|
3.2
|
Bylaws of the Registrant. (1)
|
21.1
|
Subsidiaries. (2)
|
Consent of Independent Accountants.
|
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
31.2
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
32.1
|
Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 and §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
(1)
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form 10-SB filed with the Commission on February 22, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
|
(2)
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on January 22, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
|
25
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
March 30, 2016 | Flexible Solutions International, Inc. | ||
By:
|
/s/ Daniel B. O’Brien | ||
Name: | Daniel B. O’Brien | ||
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
|
/s/ Daniel B. O’Brien
Daniel B. O’Brien
|
President, Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and a Director
|
March 30, 2016
|
|
/s/ John H. Bientjes
John H. Bientjes
|
Director
|
March 30, 2016
|
|
/s/ Dale Friend
Dale Friend
|
Director
|
March 30, 2016
|
|
/s/ Robert T. Helina
Robert T. Helina
|
Director
|
March 30, 2016
|
|
/s/ Thomas Fyles
Thomas Fyles
|
Director
|
March 30, 2016
|
26