Generation Alpha, Inc. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

or

For the transition period from

Commission File Number: 000-53635

GENERATION ALPHA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(888) 998-8881

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.001 par value

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X]    No [  ]

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 (§ 229.405 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 [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13 (a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [  ] No [X]

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2019, based on the closing sales price of the common stock as quoted on the OTCQB was $2,354,938. For purposes of this computation, all officers, directors, and 5 percent beneficial owners of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed an admission that such directors, officers, or 5 percent beneficial owners are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.

As of April 6, 2020, there were 49,274,297 shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, in the sections captioned “Description of Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere. Any and all statements contained in this Report that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Terms such as “may,” “might,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “project,” “estimate,” “pro forma,” “predict,” “potential,” “strategy,” “anticipate,” “attempt,” “develop,” “plan,” “help,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “expect,” “future,” and terms of similar import (including the negative of any of the foregoing) may be intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements may contain one or more of these identifying terms. Forward-looking statements in this Report may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans or objectives relating to exploration programs, (ii) a projection of income (including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) our future financial performance, including any such statement contained in a discussion and analysis of financial condition by management or in the results of operations included pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii) or (iii) above.

The forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon our current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which we have no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, our inability to obtain adequate financing, insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, our inability to expand our business, the COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to reduce its spread, government regulations, lack of diversification, volatility in the price of gold, increased competition, results of arbitration and litigation, stock volatility and illiquidity, and our failure to implement our business plans or strategies. A description of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements in this Report appears in the section captioned “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because of the risks and uncertainties related to them. We disclaim any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this Report to reflect any new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Readers should read this Report in conjunction with the discussion under the caption “Risk Factors,” our financial statements and the related notes thereto in this Report, and other documents which we may file from time to time with the SEC.

PART I

ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.

This Report contains summaries of the material terms of various agreements executed in connection with the transactions described herein. The summaries of these agreements are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, these agreements, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Overview of Business

We are focused on the research, design, development and manufacturing of advanced, energy efficient indoor horticulture lighting, plant nutrient products, and ancillary equipment. Our vision is to apply the latest advances in high efficiency lighting and controls technology as well as effective manufacturing techniques to deliver highly differentiated lighting and nutrient products with clear benefits at competitive prices to the greenhouse and indoor horticulture markets.

Our subsidiary, Solis Tek, Inc., a California corporation, was formed in June of 2010. Its operations consist of designing, developing and sourcing of a line of Solis Tek Digital Ballasts intended for use in high intensity lighting systems used for horticulture. An electrical ballast is a device intended to limit the amount of current in an electric circuit. A familiar and widely used example is the inductive ballast used in fluorescent lamps, which limits the current through the tube, which would otherwise rise to destructive levels due to the tube’s negative resistance characteristic. Since the commencement of operations, our product line has evolved from digital ballasts to a line of lighting products including a line of specialty ballasts ranging from 400 watts to 1,000 watts with various features, our Lamp Products, a line of reflectors, high intensity lighting accessories and a new line of LED lighting technologies.

Previously, we attempted to expand our operations in cannabis cultivation and processing management services. In 2018, we acquired YLK Partners AZ, LLC, or YLK Partners, an Arizona-based company to provide turn-key services for the management, administration, and operation of a medical marijuana cultivation and processing facility. YLK had a cultivation management services agreement with an Arizona licensee. In 2019, we purchased real property in Phoenix, Arizona for $3,500,000, which property held the approval and authorization for a Conditional Use Permit, which allows the property to be used for the operation of a cultivation and infusion facility, allowing for the cultivation, harvesting, preparation, packaging and storing of medical cannabis, as well as extraction, refinement, infusion, production, preparation, packaging, and storage of manufactured and derivative oils, waxes, concentrates, edible and non-edible products that contain cannabis. Later in 2019, we conveyed the property to our lender in full settlement of the outstanding amounts we borrowed to acquire the property. For various reasons, we decided to abandon the expanded business lines and to re-focus on our core business of lights and nutrients.

Indoor Lighting Industry

Light and plant growth

Light is essential for plant growth. Natural sunlight is the cheapest source available, but for horticulture it is not always attainable in sufficient quantities due to weather and other climate challenges. Therefore, the uses of artificial or alternative light sources have become very common in order to increase production and quality predominantly in indoor or greenhouse environments. Plants have a completely different sensitivity to light spectrum than humans. Every plant has their own sensitivity and receptivity for colors and intensity of light. Using these alternate light sources for plants, effective light recipes are essential to obtain the optimal results in plant production.

Grow lights

A grow light or plant light is an artificial light source, generally an electric light, designed to stimulate plant growth by emitting an electromagnetic spectrum appropriate for photosynthesis. Grow lights are used in applications where there is either no naturally occurring light, or where supplemental light is required. For example, in the winter months when the available hours of daylight may be insufficient for the desired plant growth, lights are used to extend the time the plants receive light.

Grow lights either attempt to provide a light spectrum similar to that of the sun, or to provide a spectrum that is more tailored to the needs of the plants being cultivated. Outdoor conditions are mimicked with varying color, temperatures and spectral outputs from the grow light, as well as varying the lumen output (intensity) and PAR output of the lamps. Depending on the type of plant being cultivated, the stage of cultivation (e.g., the germination/vegetative phase or the flowering/fruiting phase), and the photoperiod required by the plants, specific ranges of spectrum, luminous efficacy and color temperature are desirable for use with specific plants and time periods.

Specially designed artificial light sources can improve diverse growth parameters. These all depends on several factors, like crop, environmental circumstances, light recipe and many more. The following is a list of benefits that can be achieved with specially designed artificial lighting:

Hydroponics

The great majority of our customers are retailers that specialize in Hydroponics and sell our products to Hydroponic enclosed farm and grower operators. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as polite, gravel, expanded clay pebbles or coconut husks.

Some of the reasons why hydroponics is being adapted around the world for plant production are the following:

Our Business Strategy

Due to the expected increase in the number of States where the use of cannabis, both for medical and recreational use is being legalized, we intend to take advantage of what we believe is our premium brand image within the cannabis farming and growing community. We believe that as participation in the cannabis farming industry grows, in order to supply increasing demand caused by legalization, our Solis Tek brand equipment will be sought out by existing and new cannabis farms and commercial businesses. Our strategy is to maintain and increase our market share by expanding our marketing efforts and by introducing new and improved lighting technology to help the industry become more efficient. In addition, we market and sell a line of plant nutrients and fertilizers to help expand our market reach and maximize our revenue potential.

Products

We sell our products primarily to retailers in the United States and international markets who specialize in hydroponic horticulture. Currently, we have approximately 500 retail stores in the United States as well as various ecommerce websites that sell our products. We have four full time sales employees and three wholesale distributors who cover U.S., Canada, Spain and the United Kingdom for both retail customers as well as commercial growers in cannabis legal states and countries.

We believe that almost all of the end users that use our products are using the equipment for the growing of cannabis. However, our products can be, and are used for, the hydroponic and indoor growing of other horticultural products, such as hothouse vegetables, decorative plant nurseries, indoor aquariums, and industrial painting facilities. We intend to continue to expand and improve our products for use in as many applications as possible and to market our products to the entire indoor horticultural industry as well as other industrial applications that require artificial lighting.

Digital Lighting Controller

The Solis Tek Digital Lighting Controller is a temperature monitoring control system which was specifically designed for commercial cultivation. A single controller can run up to 300 lights with 150 lights per zone and contains such features integrated temperature sensors, custom sunrise and sunset modes, data log tracking, and cloud cover simulation. The controller has been rigorously tested in multiple garden environments and has been specifically designed for both commercial grows and large gardens. The data log tracks garden activity and events with options to run up to two independent light zones, each with their own customized sunrise, sunset, and cloud modes. The controller includes high temperature auto-dim and shut off prevention systems to prevent systems overheating.

Ballasts

Ballasts provide the proper starting voltage, operating voltage and current to the lamp to initiate and sustain its arc. High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps have negative resistance, which causes them to draw an increasing amount of current; hence, they require a current-limiting device. The ballast provides the following functions:

It provides starting voltage and, in some cases, ignition pulses. All ballasts must provide some specific minimum voltage to ignite the lamp. In the case of pulse start lamps, an additional high voltage pulse is needed to ionize the gases within the lamp. These pulses are superimposed near the peak starting voltage waveform; it regulates the lamp’s current and power. The ballast limits the current through the lamp once it has started. The ballast’s current is set to a level that delivers the proper power to the lamp. In addition, the ballast regulates the lamp’s current through the range of typical line voltage variations, thereby keeping the lamp’s power fairly stable to maximize the lamp’s life and performance and; it provides appropriate sustaining voltage and current wave shape to achieve the lamp’s rated life. The ballast provides sufficient voltage to sustain the lamp as it ages. Solis Tek ballasts come in a variety of voltage settings to conform to the consumer needs.

Solis Tek Digital Ballasts were designed to work with our exclusive “Ignition Control” sequential lamp ignition, and “SenseSmart”, self- diagnostic safety systems. Solis Tek Digital Ballasts are software based, that makes our ballasts more versatile and enables us to incorporate special features such as sequential ballast ignition technology and SenseSmart technologies that ignites metal halide lamps one at a time based on load stability. Ignition Control is a main feature of our ballasts that comes as a standard feature in all of our ballasts. The exclusive Ignition Control assures that no matter how many lamps are contained in a lighting array attached to one power source, only one lamp will turn on at a predetermined time. This technology (not a randomized ignition startup) detects the voltage and amperage frequencies of the electrical circuit and ignites an array of metal halide or sodium lamps when the load for each lamp is most stable. The use of our technology prevents surges and spikes in electrical environment in which an array of ballasts operates and also prevents the overloading of circuit breakers.

Our SenseSmart self-diagnosing system feature enables our ballasts to internally safety check for over/under voltage, overheating, open circuits, short circuits and more. SenseSmart will recognize an unsafe condition and take pre-determined actions to alleviate the safety issue.

We offer a line of remote ballasts that include: 1000W 120/240V with remote control and timer, 1000W 240V only, and 1000W 277V.

Digital Lamps

Metal halide lamps are a type of HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamp; mercury vapor and high-pressure sodium lamps are also HID lamps. Light is generated by creating an arc between the two electrodes located inside the inner arc tube. The inner arc tube is typically made of quartz, and this is a very harsh environment, with high temperatures approaching 1000°C and pressures of 3 or 4 atmospheres. To start a metal halide lamp, a high starting voltage is applied to the lamp’s electrodes to ionize the gas before current can flow and start the lamp.

Solis Tek Digital Lamps are designed to be specifically tuned and matched with Solis Tek Digital Ballasts. Our lamps feature color enhanced full balanced spectrums, prolonged lamp life, less depreciation of lumen output over time, and precise gas combinations for increased blues, reds, and ultra violet output. Our Lamps emit a full spectrum of light tuned specifically for particular types of plants. As well, our lamps provide ample Ultra Violet light that plants thrive upon. We have designed our lamps using special low iron glass envelopes so as to prevent the blockage of the full spectrum of light that our lamps are designed to provide. Using Solis Tek lamps, growers can expect superior photo-chemical reactions, proper UV balance, advanced HID lamp designed especially for plant growth, plant quality, and plant yield.

We offer a select variety of light color spectrums in High Pressure Sodium (HPS).

LED Technology

In 2018, Solis Tek Digital Lighting launched its propriety LED (light emitting diode) lighting solution called the B9. LED lighting supports sustainable design in several ways. It uses less energy than most other types of lamps, produces less heat, lasts longer (which means less frequent replacement and therefore reduced waste), is mercury-free, and is housed in special semi-conductor “chips” designed for easier configuration, disassembly, and recycling.

In our ongoing research and development program, we have designed and are developing our next generation of high intensity lighting. Our LED technology, unlike other LED lighting sources, uses an advanced UV (Ultra Violet) diode phosphor combination to make our high intensity LED based lighting systems. Our LED systems should be available in the same light spectrums as our current HID lamps. Our design will emit lighting equivalent to the high-pressure sodium spectrum and ultra-violet spectrums and eliminate the inadequacies of current LED offerings to the horticultural industry i.e.: a) low intensity; b) lack of proper spectrum for particular plants; and c) longevity. Our LED “chips” will provide, from one LED, a full spectrum of light that mimics sunlight, as compared to other LED manufacturers of LEDs who provide arrays of several color specific LEDs in an attempt to cover the full light spectrum.

LED lighting produces significantly less heat than conventional HID and HPS lamps, so growers can control their greenhouse climate more accurately. Less heat also means more effective use of light, for example by increasing light levels, extending lighting periods, or by using LED light in greenhouses on warmer days without having to ventilate. Less heat also means you can place the light source closer to plants, reducing light loss.

Plant Nutrients and Fertilizers

We have developed “Terpenez™” which is a proprietary product formulated from all organic botanical extracts and is designed to assist plants with processes associated with oil and resin production. Terpenez is all natural and has organic inputs aimed at enhancing the aromatics of cannabis cultivation.

Terpenez, the first product in our launch into the approximately $32 billion nutrient/additive sector of the greenhouse and growing business, leads a new class of horticultural products aimed at enhancing the cannabis aromatic experience and intensity. It does not contain cannabis derived terpenes within, instead it is made from the finest natural components available and is specifically formulated to assist the cannabis plant with processes associated with oil and resin production and naturally enhances the cannabis plant’s terpene profile. The formula provides essential oil-bearing plants with both precursors (i.e. metabolic building blocks, trace elements, etc.) and readily available bio-identical plant compounds aiming to increase overall essential oil production and intensity. It is the first product of its kind to deliver plant nutrients to cannabis cultivating customers with a fully plant derived 0-0-0 (Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium free) product. Independent bioanalytical testing laboratory analysis was conducted and determined the level of heavy metals to be below the EPA’s detection limit. Terpenez is used to increase the value of cannabis crops through the intensification of oil production, which has results in a significant improvement in flavor and aroma. Terpenez is unique to our family of products in that it is intended for daily use as a nutrient additive to the cannabis grow, and is available through the over 500+ retail hydroponic stores and online retailers throughout the USA and Europe.

Marketing

We currently market our products directly and through distributors, to hydroponic retailers through direct contacts, on-line email advertising, social media, trade magazine advertising, trade show promotions, and cross-promotional offerings. Approximately 2% of our revenues were derived from non-U.S. sources in each of 2019 and 2018.

Manufacturing and Supply

All of our current lighting products are manufactured to our specifications in China. We have three independent lighting manufacturer and suppliers of our ballast, lamp and LED products. We continue to evaluate and upgrade our China manufacturing specifications and relationships and believe that the prices charged by these suppliers are industry-wide competitive.

Our reliance upon manufacturers and suppliers located in China, subjects us to various political, economic, and other risks and uncertainties inherent in importing products from this country, including among other risks, export/import duties, quotas and embargoes; domestic and international customs and tariffs; changing taxation policies; foreign exchange restrictions; and political conditions and governmental regulations. There can be no assurance that if there were an interruption of our supply lines from China, that we would be able to quickly find replacement suppliers of our products domestically, or from other countries, and even if we found replacement suppliers, that we would be able to obtain the products at the quality and prices we currently pay which is why our founders continue to develop alternate relationships in China light and ballast manufacturing.

Our Terpenez nutrient products are formulated in our facility in Upland, CA under the strictest of manufacturing protocols. We intend to develop additional nutrient lines using local state-of-the-art processing labs in southern California under our proprietary formulations. Given the regulatory environment and intense scrutiny and testing required by both State and Federal agencies, we believe staying the course with natural, organic, and heavy-metal free ingredients will allow Zelda to provide substantial growth and opportunity within the industry.

Intellectual Property

We own a number of trademarks and rely on a combination of copyright and trade secrets as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary technology and our brand. We rely on copyright laws to protect copy on our web site, www.solis-tek.com, and all marketing materials.

We own the trademark for our proprietary product “Terpenez”.

From time to time, we may encounter disputes over rights and obligations concerning intellectual property. Also, the efforts we have taken to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient or effective. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights could harm our business, our brand and reputation, or our ability to compete. Also, protecting our intellectual property rights could be costly and time consuming.

Government and Industry Regulation

Cannabis is currently a Schedule I controlled substance and is therefore illegal under federal law. Even in those states in which the use of cannabis has been legalized, its use, possession, or cultivation remains a violation of federal laws. A Schedule I controlled substance is defined as one that has no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of safety for use under medical supervision and a high potential for abuse. The U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) defines Schedule I controlled substances as “the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence.” If the federal government decides to enforce the Controlled Substances Act with respect to cannabis, persons that are charged with distributing, possessing with intent to distribute, or growing cannabis could be subject to fines and terms of imprisonment, the maximum being life imprisonment and a $50 million fine.

As of the date of this report, 33 states and the District of Columbia allow their residents to use medical cannabis. The state laws are in conflict with the federal Controlled Substances Act (the “CSA”), which makes cannabis use and possession illegal on a national level. The Obama administration stated that it is not an efficient use of resources to direct federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those lawfully abiding by state-designated laws allowing the use and distribution of medical cannabis. However, recent statements by the Trump administration, in particular by then Attorney General Jeff Sessions, indicate that this policy may be under review. In March 2015, legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate proposing to change federal law such that states could regulate medical use of cannabis without risk of prosecution. A key component of the proposed Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act (the “CARERS Act”) is to reclassify cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule II, thereby changing the plant from a federally-criminalized substance to one that has recognized medical uses. There is no guarantee that the administration will not change its stated policy regarding the low-priority enforcement of federal laws. Additionally, any new administration could change this policy and decide to enforce the federal laws strongly. Any such change in the federal government’s enforcement of current federal laws could cause significant financial damage to us. We intend to harvest, distribute and sell cannabis, and we may be irreparably harmed by a change in enforcement by the federal government.

Section 537 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 prohibits the expenditure by the Department of Justice of any funds to prevent the implementation of medical marijuana laws by any state or the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico. In United States v McIntosh, the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals held that the operators and growers had standing to challenge federal indictments for violations of the Controlled Substances Act. It is unknown whether future appropriations acts will include similar provisions or whether other circuits will follow the lead of the 9^th Circuit.

DOJ Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole issued a memorandum (the “Cole Memo”) to all United States Attorneys providing updated guidance to federal prosecutors concerning cannabis enforcement under the CSA. The Cole Memo guidance applies to all of DOJ’s federal enforcement activity, including civil enforcement and criminal investigations and prosecutions, concerning cannabis in all states. In January 2018, former Attorney General, Jeff Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo. However, the federal government, to date, has not determined to devote federal government resources to companies operating in states which have passed laws legalizing medical and recreational marijuana use whose businesses are operating in conformity with the provisions of the Cole Memo.

We intend to remain within the guidelines outlined in the Cole Memo (see “The Cole Memo”), however, we cannot provide assurance that the Company is in full compliance with the laws since the repeal of the Cole Memo or with the Cole Memo itself or any other federal laws or regulations.  The Cole Memo reiterates Congress’s determination that cannabis is a dangerous drug and that the illegal distribution and sale of cannabis is a serious crime that provides a significant source of revenue to large-scale criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels. The Cole Memo notes that DOJ is committed to enforcement of the CSA consistent with those determinations. It also notes that DOJ is committed to using its investigative and prosecutorial resources to address the most significant threats in the most effective, consistent, and rational way. In furtherance of those objectives, the Cole Memo provides guidance to DOJ attorneys and law enforcement to focus their enforcement resources on persons or organizations whose conduct interferes with any one or more of the following important priorities (the “Enforcement Priorities”): (a) preventing distribution of cannabis to minors; (b) preventing revenue from cannabis from going to gangs, cartels and other illegal participants; (c) preventing the diversion of cannabis from states where it is legal to states where it is illegal; (d) preventing state-authorized cannabis activity from being a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs; (e) preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis; (f) preventing drugged driving and the exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associated with cannabis use; and (g) preventing the growing of cannabis on public lands and its use or possession on Federal property.

The DOJ may issue in the future supplemental guidance directing that prosecutors also consider the Enforcement Priorities with respect to federal money laundering, unlicensed money transmitter, and BSA offenses predicated on cannabis-related violations of the CSA.

Competition

Our Lighting Products currently face competition from traditional lighting fixture companies, lamp manufacturers and from non-traditional companies focused on LED lighting systems including fixtures and lamps. Lighting companies such as Acuity Brands, Inc., the Cooper Lighting division of Eaton Corporation plc, General Electric Company, Hubbell Incorporated, Philips, OSRAM, Gavita, Nanolux, Sunlight Supply and Hydrofarm are the main competitors in this market. Increasingly, however, other companies (i.e., start-ups) are beginning to emerge in the LED lighting markets in which we compete. We compete on the basis of product features, quality, product availability and price.

Our LED lighting products compete against traditional lighting products using incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, ceramic metal halide or other lighting technology. Our LED lighting products compete against traditional lighting products based upon superior energy savings, extended life, improved lighting quality and lower total cost of ownership. Also, our LED lighting products have a reduced impact on the environment as compared to fluorescent and compact fluorescent technologies that contain mercury.

We will also compete with LED-based products from traditional and non-traditional lamp and fixture companies, some of which are customers for our LED chips and LED components. Our products compete on the basis of color quality and consistency, superior light output, reduced energy consumption, brand and lower total cost of ownership. Within the Zelda nutrient product line, the Terpenez product is unique in its product class. The formula provides essential oil-bearing plants with both precursors (i.e. metabolic building blocks, trace elements, etc.) and readily available bio-identical plant compounds aiming to increase overall essential oil production and intensity. It is the first product of its kind to deliver plant nutrients to cannabis cultivating customers with a fully plant derived 0-0-0 (Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium free) product. Independent bioanalytical testing laboratory analysis was conducted and determined the level of heavy metals to be below the EPA’s detection limit (BDL). Terpenez is used to increase the value of cannabis crops through the intensification of oil production, which has results in a significant improvement in flavor and aroma. With other nutrient lines, products that provide plant growth, and insect and pest protection, are marketed through a plethora of local and regional brands with literally scores of names and claims of value and productivity- none of which compete head on with Terpenez whose lab tested and grower proven track record is beyond compare.

Employees

As of March 31, 2020, we had five full-time employees, employed by us in various capacities, including one executive officer, two sales representatives, one administrative personnel, and one warehouse/nutrient production associate. In addition, from time to time, we employ temporary personnel to meet the business needs.  None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement, and we believe that our relations with our employees are good.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated on March 2, 2007 under the laws of the State of Nevada as Cinjet Inc. On September 1, 2015, we changed our name to Solis Tek Inc. Effective September 25, 2018, we changed our name to Generation Alpha, Inc. Our website address is www.genalphainc.com. The information on our website is not part of this annual report. We have included our website address as a factual reference and do not intend for it to be an active link to our website. 

Item 1A - RISK FACTORS.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

We have incurred significant net losses and cannot assure you that we will achieve or maintain profitable operations, and our auditors have issued a “going concern” audit opinion.

Our net losses were $7,893,656 and $17,074,005 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, we had stockholders’ deficit of $8,624,232. We will need to raise additional working capital to continue our normal and planned operations. We will need to generate and sustain significant revenue levels in future periods in order to become profitable, and, even if we do, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability. We anticipate that our operating expenses will increase in the foreseeable future as we undertake increased technology and production efforts to support our business and increase our marketing and sales efforts to drive an increase in the number of customers and clients utilizing our services. In addition, as a public company, we will incur significant accounting, legal and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. These expenditures will make it necessary for us to continue to raise additional working capital and make it harder for us to achieve and maintain profitability. Our efforts to grow our business may be costlier than we expect, and we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to offset our higher operating expenses. If we are forced to reduce our expenses, our growth strategy could be compromised. We may incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays and other unknown events. Accordingly, substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern and we cannot assure you that we will achieve sustainable operating profits as we continue to expand our infrastructure, restructure our balance sheet, further develop our marketing efforts, and otherwise implement our growth initiatives.

Our independent auditors have indicated in their report on our December 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. A “going concern” opinion indicates that the financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets, or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result if we do not continue as a going concern. Therefore, you should not rely on our consolidated balance sheet as an indication of the amount of proceeds that would be available to satisfy claims of creditors, and potentially be available for distribution to stockholders, in the event of liquidation.

We must raise additional working capital.

At the present time, our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon raising capital from financing transactions. To stay in business, we will need to raise additional working capital through public or private sales of our equity securities, debt financing or short-term loans, or a combination of the foregoing.  In the event that such financing is not procured, we may be forced to curtail our growth plans. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient additional working capital financing from the sale of additional securities when needed to sustain our operations on acceptable terms, or at all. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms or is not available at all, we may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate the development of business opportunities and our operations and our financial condition may be materially adversely affected. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions such as incurring additional debt and could increase our expenses and require that our assets be provided as a security for such debt. Debt financing would also be required to be repaid regardless of our operating results. Equity financing, if obtained, could result in dilution to our then existing stockholders.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, efforts to mitigate or disrupt the pandemic and the related weak, or weakening of, economic or other negative conditions, have impacted our business, and could result in a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, financial condition and financial results.

During March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the rapidly growing coronavirus outbreak to be a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health and economic conditions throughout the United States. As the pandemic continues to grow, consumer fear about becoming ill with the virus and recommendations and/or mandates from federal, state and local authorities to avoid large gatherings of people or self-quarantine have increased. We currently believe we are an “essential” business under relevant federal, state and local mandates. If the classification of what is an “essential” business changes or other government regulations are adopted, we may be required to severely curtail operations, which would significantly and adversely impact our sales and revenue. Also, if we do not respond appropriately to the pandemic, or if customers do not perceive our response to be adequate, we could suffer damage to our reputation and our brand, which could adversely affect our business in the future.

COVID-19 has also impacted our supply chain for products we sell, particularly those products that are sourced from China, which primarily relate to our lighting units. The manufacturers we utilize for production of our products closed down their facilities during the pandemic, and we have been advised that they anticipate resuming operations in the near future. However, we are unable to determine at this time when such manufacturers will be able to produce the backlog of our products. This has directly impacted our ability to sell product directly, although we continue to have product available through third-party sellers, such as Amazon, although sales through such third-party sellers result in smaller profit margins than direct sales.

The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak impacts our business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to the duration, spread, severity and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, the effects of the outbreak on our customers and vendors and the remedial actions and stimulus measures adopted by local and federal governments, and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. Even after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided, we may continue to experience materially adverse impacts to our business as a result of any economic recession or depression that has occurred or may occur in the future. Furthermore, the financial condition of our customers and vendors may be adversely impacted, which may result in a decrease in spending by our customers, and an increase in bankruptcies or insolvencies, or a delay in payments, with respect to our vendors. Either of these events may, in turn, have a material adverse impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.  

We depend on the development of the cannabis industry.

Over the past several years, the cannabis industry has grown significantly as a result of an increase of deregulation at a state level. Our revenues depend greatly on the expenditures made by companies within the cannabis industry. In some instances, companies in these industries are reliant on their ability to raise capital in order to fund their operations. Accordingly, economic factors and industry trends that affect our clients in these industries also affect our business. If companies in these industries were to reduce the number of research and development projects they conduct or outsource, our business could be materially adversely affected.

Competition in our industry is intense.

There are many competitors in the cannabis industry, including many who offer similar products and services as those offered by us. There can be no guarantee that in the future other companies won’t enter this arena by developing services that are in direct competition with us or any acquired subsidiary.  We anticipate the presence as well as entry of other companies in this market space and acknowledge that we may not be able to establish or if established, maintain a competitive advantage. Some of these companies may have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical, sales and marketing resources. This may allow them to respond more quickly than us to market opportunities. It may also allow them to devote greater resources to the marketing, promotion and sale of their products and or services. These competitors may also adopt more aggressive pricing policies and make more attractive offers to existing and potential customers, employees, strategic partners, distribution channels and advertisers. Increased competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and a potential loss of market share.

Our manufacturing is concentrated with two key manufacturers, and if our relationship with either or both of them terminates or is otherwise impaired, we would likely experience increased costs, disruptions in the manufacture and shipment of our products and a material loss of net sales.

We have no long-term contracts with our manufacturers and as a result, our manufacturers could cease to provide products to us with no notice. Two of our manufacturers, Shenzhen Jayo Technologies Co., Ltd. and Zhuhai Relite Co., Ltd, together accounted for approximately 96% of our cost of goods sold in 2019 and 2018. Each of these manufacturers is the sole source supplier for the products that it produces. We purchase from these two manufacturers on a purchase order basis with orders generally filled between 45 and 60 days after our purchase order is placed. A loss of either or both of these manufacturers or other key manufacturers would result in delayed deliveries to our retailers and distributors, would adversely impact our net sales and may require the establishment of new manufacturing relationships. As mentioned earlier, both manufacturers closed down their facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and are expected to resume operations in the near future. Additionally, we cannot be certain that we will not experience operational difficulties with our manufacturers, including reductions in the availability of production capacity, errors in complying with product specifications, insufficient quality control, failures to meet production deadlines, increases in manufacturing costs and increased lead times.

Risk of reliance on suppliers and manufacturers in China for production of our lighting related products.

All of our products are imported from and manufactured in China. For this reason, a major change in the political, economic and/or legal environment, or a natural disaster or health outbreak (such as COVID-19) in China or another center of production, could have an impact on our ability to supply products.

We face business, political, operational, financial and economic risks because a portion of our net sales are generated internationally and substantially all of our products are manufactured outside of the United States.

We face business, political, operational, financial and economic risks inherent in international business, many of which are beyond our control, including: difficulties obtaining domestic and foreign export, import and other governmental approvals, permits and licenses, and compliance with foreign laws, which could halt, interrupt or delay our operations if we cannot obtain such approvals, permits and licenses, and that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations; difficulties encountered by our international distributors or us in staffing and managing foreign operations or international sales, including higher labor costs, which could increase our expenses and decrease our net sales and profitability; transportation delays and difficulties of managing international distribution channels, which could halt, interrupt or delay our operations; longer payment cycles for, and greater difficulty collecting, accounts receivable, which could reduce our net sales and harm our financial results; trade restrictions, higher tariffs, currency fluctuations or the imposition of additional regulations relating to import or export of our products, especially in China, where substantially all of our products are manufactured, which could force us to seek alternate manufacturing sources or increase our expenses, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations; political and economic instability, including wars, terrorism, political unrest, boycotts, curtailment of trade and other business restrictions, any of which could materially and adversely affect our net sales and results of operations; and natural disasters, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

In addition, the outbreak of communicable diseases, such as a new virus known as the Coronavirus (COVID-19), could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect general commercial activity and our business. An outbreak of communicable diseases in the region that we operate or regions from which our customers travel from or through, or the perception that such an outbreak could occur, and the measures taken by the governments of countries affected, including restricting air travel and other means of transportation, imposing quarantines and curfews and requiring the closure of our offices or other businesses, including office buildings, theatres, retail stores and other commercial venues, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Any of these factors could reduce our net sales, decrease our gross margin or increase our expenses. Should we establish our own operations in international territories where we currently utilize a distributor, we will become subject to greater risks associated with operating outside of the United States.

Any shortage of raw materials or components could impair our ability to ship orders of our products in a cost-efficient manner or could cause us to miss the delivery requirements of our retailers or distributors, which could harm our business.

The ability of our manufacturers to supply our products is dependent, in part, upon the availability of raw materials and certain components. Our manufacturers may experience shortages in the availability of raw materials or components, which could result in delayed delivery of products to us or in increased costs to us. Any shortage of raw materials or components or inability to control costs associated with manufacturing could increase the costs for our products or impair our ability to ship orders in a timely cost-efficient manner. As a result, we could experience cancellation of orders, refusal to accept deliveries or a reduction in our prices and margins, any of which could harm our financial performance and results of operations.

Our business could suffer if any of our manufacturers fail to use acceptable labor practices.

We do not control our manufacturers or their labor practices. The violation of labor or other laws by a manufacturer utilized by us, or the divergence of an independent manufacturer’s labor practices from those generally accepted as ethical or legal in the United States, could damage our reputation or disrupt the shipment of finished products to us if such manufacturer is ordered to cease its manufacturing operations due to violations of laws or if such manufacturer’s operations are adversely affected by such failure to use acceptable labor practices. If this were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Exchange rate fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and Non-U.S. currencies may negatively affect our earnings.

Although most of our products imported for our core business are denominated in U.S. dollars, our operating results and cash flows may be subject to fluctuations due to changes in the relative values of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies. These fluctuations could negatively affect our operating results and could cause our revenues and net income or loss to vary from quarter to quarter. Furthermore, to the extent that we increase our revenues in regions, where our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the dollar versus other currencies could make our products less competitive in those foreign markets and collection of receivables more difficult.

We may elect from time to time to make changes to our pricing, service, hiring and marketing decisions that could increase our expenses, affect our revenues and impact our financial results.

Because our expense levels in any given quarter are based, in part, on management’s expectations regarding future revenues, if revenues are below expectations, the effect on our operating results may be magnified by our inability to adjust spending in a timely manner to compensate for a shortfall in revenues. The extent to which expenses are not subsequently followed by increased revenues would harm our operating results and could seriously impair our business.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or are unable to obtain additional equity or debt financing, to meet our working capital requirements, we may have to curtail our business operations sharply or cease business altogether.

Defects or disruptions in the delivery of our service could diminish demand, decrease market acceptance or decrease customer satisfaction of our service and subject us to substantial liability.

We may, from time to time, find defects in our products service may be detected in the future. Any defects with our products could hurt our reputation and may damage our customers’ businesses. If that occurs, customers could elect not to renew, or delay or withhold payment to us, we could lose future sales, or, customers may make warranty or other claims against us, which could result in an increase in our provision for doubtful accounts, an increase in collection cycles for accounts receivable or the expense and risk of litigation.

Our inability to effectively manage our growth could harm our business and materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Our strategy envisions growing our business. We plan to expand our product, sales, administrative and marketing organizations. Any growth in or expansion of our business is likely to continue to place a strain on our management and administrative resources, infrastructure and systems. As with other growing businesses, we expect that we will need to further refine and expand our business development capabilities, our systems and processes and our access to financing sources. We also will need to hire, train, supervise and manage new employees. These processes are time consuming and expensive, will increase management responsibilities and will divert management attention. We cannot assure you that we will be able to:

Our inability or failure to manage our growth and expansion effectively could harm our business and materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly based on customer acceptance of our products. As a result, period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are unlikely to provide a good indication of our future performance.

Management expects that we will experience substantial variations in our net sales and operating results from quarter to quarter due to customer acceptance of our products. If customers do not accept our products, our sales and revenues will decline, resulting in a reduction in our operating income.

Customer interest for our products could also be impacted by the timing of our introduction of new products. If our competitors introduce new products around the same time that we issue new products, and if such competing products are superior to our own, customers’ desire for our products could decrease, resulting in a decrease in our sales and revenues. To the extent that we introduce new products and customers decide not to migrate to our new products from our older products, our revenues could be negatively impacted due to the loss of revenue from those customers. In the event that our newer products do not sell as well as our older products, we could also experience a reduction in our revenues and operating income.

As a result of fluctuations in our revenue and operating expenses that may occur, management believes that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are unlikely to provide a good indication of our future performance.

If we do not successfully generate additional products and services, or if such products and services are developed but not successfully commercialized, we could lose revenue opportunities.

Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to expand our product offerings. To that end we have engaged in the process of identifying new product opportunities to provide additional products to our customers. The process of identifying and commercializing new products is complex and uncertain, and if we fail to accurately predict customers’ changing needs and emerging technological trends our business could be harmed. We may have to commit significant resources to commercializing new products before knowing whether our investments will result in products the market will accept. Furthermore, we may not execute successfully on commercializing those products because of errors in product planning or timing, technical hurdles that we fail to overcome in a timely fashion, or a lack of appropriate resources. This could result in competitors providing those solutions before we do and a reduction in net sales and earnings.

The success of new products depends on several factors, including proper new product definition, timely completion and introduction of these products, differentiation of new products from those of our competitors, and market acceptance of these products. There can be no assurance that we will successfully identify new product opportunities, develop and bring new products to market in a timely manner, or achieve market acceptance of our products or that products and technologies developed by others will not render our products or technologies obsolete or non-competitive.

Our inability to effectively protect our intellectual property would adversely affect our ability to compete effectively, our revenue, our financial condition and our results of operations.

We may be unable to obtain intellectual property rights to effectively protect our technology. Our ability to compete effectively may be affected by the nature and breadth of our intellectual property rights. While we intend to defend against any threats to our intellectual property rights, there can be no assurance that any such actions will adequately protect our interests. If we are unable to secure intellectual property rights to effectively protect our technology, our revenue and earnings, financial condition, or results of operations would be adversely affected.

We may be adversely affected by the financial condition of our retailers and distributors.

Some of our retailers and distributors have experienced financial difficulties in the past. A retailer or distributor experiencing such difficulties will generally not purchase and sell as many of our products as it would under normal circumstances and may cancel orders. In addition, a retailer or distributor experiencing financial difficulties generally increases our exposure to uncollectible receivables. We extend credit to our retailers and distributors based on our assessment of their financial condition, generally without requiring collateral. While such credit losses have historically been within our reserves, we cannot assure you that this will continue to be the case. Financial difficulties on the part of our retailers or distributors could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We will be required to attract and retain top quality talent to compete in the marketplace.

We believe our future growth and success will depend in part on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled managerial, product development, sales and marketing, and finance personnel. There can be no assurance of success in attracting and retaining such personnel. Shortages in qualified personnel could limit our ability to increase sales of existing products and launch new product and service offerings.

Our future success depends on our ability to grow and expand our customer base. Our failure to achieve such growth or expansion could materially harm our business.

To date, our revenue growth has been derived primarily from the sale of our products. Our success and the planned growth and expansion of our business depend on us achieving greater and broader acceptance of our products, expanding our customer base and successfully moving into providing management services. There can be no assurance that customers will purchase our products, that we will continue to expand our customer base or that we will successfully be able to provide management services to other companies in the cannabis space. If we are unable to effectively market or expand our product offerings, we will be unable to grow and expand our business or implement our business strategy. This could materially impair our ability to increase sales and revenue and materially and adversely affect our margins.

Weakened global economic conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.

Our overall performance will depend, in part, on worldwide economic conditions. The United States and other key international economies have been impacted by falling demand for a variety of goods and services, restricted credit, going concern threats to major multinational companies and medium and small businesses, poor liquidity, reduced corporate profitability, volatility in credit, equity and foreign exchange markets and bankruptcies. These conditions affect the rate of information technology spending and could adversely affect our customers’ ability or willingness to purchase our proposed enterprise cloud computing application service, delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions, reduce the value or duration of their subscription contracts, or affect renewal rates, all of which could adversely affect our operating results.

If we experience significant fluctuations in our rate of anticipated growth and fail to balance our expenses with our revenue forecasts, our results could be harmed.

Due to our evolving business model, the unpredictability of new markets that we intend to enter and the unpredictability of future general economic and financial market conditions, we may not be able to accurately forecast our rate of growth. We plan our expense levels and investment on estimates of future revenue and future anticipated rate of growth. As a result, we expect that our revenues, operating results and cash flows may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis.

We may in the future be sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights.

The lighting industry are characterized by the existence of a large number of patents, trademarks and copyrights and by frequent litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. We may receive in the future communications from third parties claiming that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others. We may in the future be, sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights. Our technologies may not be able to withstand any third-party claims against their use. The outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain. Any intellectual property claims, whether with or without merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to resolve, could divert management attention from executing our business plan and could require us to change our technology, change our business practices and/or pay monetary damages or enter into short- or long-term royalty or licensing agreements which may not be available in the future at the same terms or at all. In addition, many of our subscription agreements require us to indemnify our customers for third-party intellectual property infringement claims, which would increase the cost to us of an adverse ruling on such a claim. Any adverse determination related to intellectual property claims or litigation could prevent us from offering our service to others or could otherwise adversely affect our operating results or cash flows or both in a particular quarter.

Supporting a growing customer base could strain our personnel and corporate infrastructure, and if we are unable to scale our operations and increase productivity, we may not be able to successfully implement our business plan.

Our current management and human resources infrastructure is comprised of only one executive officer and one administrative person. Our success will depend, in part, upon the ability of our Management to manage our proposed business effectively. To do so, we will need to hire, train and manage new employees as needed. To manage the expected domestic growth of our operations and personnel, we will need to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls and our reporting systems and procedures. If we fail to successfully scale our operations and increase productivity, we will be unable to execute our business plan.

We are dependent on our CEO, and her loss could harm our business and prevent us from implementing our business plan in a timely manner.

Our success depends substantially upon the continued services of our sole executive officer, Tiffany Davis, our Chief Executive Officer. We do not maintain a key person life insurance policy on our Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of Ms. Davis would have a material adverse effect on our growth, revenues, and prospective business. The loss of any of our personnel, or the inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our research, development or business objectives and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Any employment agreement we enter into will not ensure the retention of the employee who is a party to the agreement. In addition, we have only limited ability to prevent former employees from competing with us. Furthermore, our future success will also depend in part on the continued service of our key management personnel and our ability to identify, hire, and retain additional personnel. We experience intense competition for qualified personnel and may be unable to attract and retain the personnel necessary for the development of our business. Moreover, competition for personnel with the technical skills that we seek is extremely high and is likely to remain high. Because of this competition, our compensation costs may increase significantly. 

Failure to manage growth properly could seriously harm our business.

We have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant growth in our business. If we do not effectively manage our growth, the quality of our business may suffer, which could negatively affect our reputation and demand for our offerings. Our growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a significant strain on our managerial, administrative, operational, and financial resources and our infrastructure. Our future success will depend, in part, upon the ability of our senior management to manage growth effectively. Among other things, this will require us to: implement additional management information systems; further develop our operating, administrative, legal, financial, and accounting systems and controls; hire additional personnel; develop additional levels of management within our company; locate additional office space; maintain and improve coordination among our engineering, product, operations, legal, finance, sales, marketing, and customer service and support organizations; and manage our expanding international operations.

Moreover, as our sales increase, we may be required to concurrently deploy our business infrastructure at multiple additional locations and/or provide increased levels of customization. As a result, we may lack the resources to deploy our products on a timely and cost-effective basis. Failure to accomplish any of these requirements could impair our ability to deliver our products in a timely fashion, fulfill existing customer commitments or attract and retain new customers.

Our ability to grow our business may depend on developing a positive brand reputation and member loyalty.

Establishing and maintaining a positive brand reputation and nurturing customer loyalty is critical to attracting new customers. We expect to expend reasonable but limited resources to develop, maintain and enhance our brand in the near future. In addition, nurturing customer loyalty will depend on our ability to provide high-quality products which we may not do successfully. If we are unable to maintain and enhance our brand reputation and customer loyalty, our ability to attract new marketplace participants will be harmed.

Our business is dependent on state laws pertaining to the cannabis industry.

The Federal Controlled Substances Act, or CSA, classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance and makes cannabis use and possession illegal on a national level. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that it is the Federal Government that has the right to regulate and criminalize cannabis, even for medical purposes, and thus federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis preempts state laws that legalize its use. As of the date of this Annual Report, thirty-three (33) states and the District of Columbia allow their residents to use medical cannabis, of which eleven (11) states and the District of Columbia have legalized the recreational use of cannabis.  While some states have either approved ballot measures or approved legislation to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use, continued expansion of such ‘recreational use’ is not well defined at this time and any continued development of the cannabis industry will be dependent upon continued new legislative authorization of cannabis at the state, and perhaps the federal level. Any number of events or occurrences could slow or halt progress all together in this space. While progress within the cannabis industry channel is currently encouraging, growth is not assured. While there appears to be ample public support for favorable legislative action, numerous factors may impact or negatively affect the legislative process(s) within the various states we have business interests in. Any one of these factors could slow or halt use of cannabis, which would negatively impact our business up to possibly causing us to discontinue operations as a whole.

The cannabis industry faces significant opposition, and any negative trends will adversely affect our business operations.

We are substantially dependent on the continued market acceptance, and the proliferation of consumers, of medical and recreational cannabis. We believe that with further legalization, cannabis will become more accepted, resulting in a growth in consumer demand. However, we cannot predict the future growth rate or future market potential, and any negative outlook on the cannabis industry may adversely affect our business operations.

Large, well-funded business sectors may have strong economic reasons to oppose the development of the cannabis industry. For example, medical cannabis may adversely impact the existing market for the current “cannabis pill” sold by mainstream pharmaceutical companies. Should cannabis displace other drugs or products, the medical cannabis industry could face a material threat from the pharmaceutical industry, which is well-funded and possesses a strong and experienced lobby. Any inroads the pharmaceutical or any other potentially displaced, industry or sector could make in halting or impeding the cannabis industry could have a detrimental impact on our business.

RISKS RELATED TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK

Our officers, directors and principal shareholders will own a controlling interest in our voting stock and investors will not have any voice in our management.

As of April 6, 2020, our officers, directors and principal shareholders, in the aggregate, beneficially own or control the votes of approximately 64.4% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, will have the ability to control substantially all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including:

As a result of their ownership and positions, our directors, executive officers and principal shareholders collectively are able to influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. In addition, sales of significant amounts of shares held by our directors, executive officers or principal shareholders, or the prospect of these sales, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Management’s stock ownership may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.

There is minimal active liquid trading market for our common stock.

Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB. However, there is relatively small active trading market in our common stock, and we cannot give an assurance that a more active trading market will develop. If a more active market for our common stock develops, there is a significant risk that our stock price may fluctuate dramatically in the future in response to any of the following factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as:

Our board of directors has the authority to issue up to 20 million shares of “blank check” preferred stock. The issuance of any preferred stock may adversely affect the holders of common stock.

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock with designations, rights and preferences determined from time to time by its Board of Directors. Accordingly, our Board of Directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the common stock. In the event of issuance, the preferred stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of our company. Although we have no present intention to issue any shares of our authorized preferred stock, there can be no assurance that we will not do so in the future.

Future issuance of our Common Stock could dilute the interests of existing shareholders.

We may issue additional shares of our Common Stock in the future. The issuance of a substantial amount of Common Stock could have the effect of substantially diluting the interests of our shareholders. In addition, the sale of a substantial amount of Common Stock in the public market, either in the initial issuance or in a subsequent resale by the target company in an acquisition which received such Common Stock as consideration or by investors who acquired such Common Stock in a private placement could have an adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.

We do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

We anticipate that we will retain all future earnings and other cash resources for the future operation and development of our business and we do not intend to declare or pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Future payment of cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account many factors, including our operating results, financial condition and capital requirements. Corporations that pay dividends may be viewed as a better investment than corporations that do not.

If we fail to comply with the rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 related to accounting controls and procedures, or if we discover material weaknesses and deficiencies in our internal control and accounting procedures, our stock price could decline significantly and raising capital could be more difficult.

If we fail to comply with the rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 related to disclosure controls and procedures, or, if we discover material weaknesses and other deficiencies in our internal control and accounting procedures, our stock price could decline significantly and raising capital could be more difficult. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. If material weaknesses or significant deficiencies are discovered or if we otherwise fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal control, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to helping prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our common stock could drop significantly.

Management has identified material weaknesses in the design and effectiveness of our internal controls, which, if not remediated could affect the accuracy and timeliness of our financial reporting and result in misstatements in our financial statements.

In connection with the preparation of our Report on Form 10-K, an evaluation was carried out by management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as of December 31, 2019. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019 conducted as part of our annual audit and preparation of our annual financial statements, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. Management determined that at December 31, 2019, we had material weaknesses that relate to: (i) the lack of an independent audit committee; (ii) failure to have the Board of Directors review and approve significant transactions; (iii) an insufficient number of personnel appropriately qualified to perform control design, execution and monitoring activities; (iv) an insufficient number of personnel with an appropriate level of U.S. GAAP knowledge and experience and ongoing training in the application of U.S. GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements commensurate with our financial reporting requirements; (v) inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives; and (vi) lack of written documentation of our key internal control policies and procedures over financial reporting.

These material weaknesses could result in a misstatement to the accounts and disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. If we do not remediate the material weaknesses or if other material weaknesses are identified in the future, we may be unable to report our financial results accurately or to report them on a timely basis, which could result in the loss of investor confidence and have a material adverse effect on our stock price as well as our ability to access capital and lending markets.

Our common stock is subject to the “Penny Stock” rules of the SEC and the trading market in our securities will be limited, which makes transactions in our common stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in our common stock.

Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions.  For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require: (a) that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks; and (b) the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.

In order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must: (a) obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person and (b) make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.

The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form: (a) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and (b) confirms that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction.  Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules.  This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our common stock.

Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker or dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions.  Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.

FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a shareholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.

In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. The FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.

ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.

Effective January 1, 2020, our principal executive offices and warehouse are located at 1689-A Arrow Rt., Upland, CA 91786. We occupy a 2,974 square foot facility pursuant to a four-year lease with an independent party ending on January 31, 2023, pursuant to which we pay $2,825 per month in rental charges.

Prior to January 1, 2020, our principal executive offices and warehouse was located at 853 Sandhill Avenue, Carson, California, 90746. On December 31, 2019, we abandoned our operating lease in Carson, California. The Carson lease is for a 17,640 square foot facility pursuant to a five-year lease ending on June 30, 2023, pursuant to which we pay $15,000 per month in rental charges. We remain obligated under our Carson, California lease, until such time the landlord releases us from our lease agreement. As of the date of this report, we have not been released from the lease agreement.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Other than disclosed below, we know of no material, existing or pending legal proceedings against our company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial stockholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.

Employment Matters

On September 27, 2019, Dennis Forchic (the “Plaintiff”) filed a breach of contract case against the Company in the Los Angeles Superior Court of Los Angeles, California, under case number 19STCV34592, alleging that the Company wrongfully terminated the Plaintiff’s employment agreement on February 5, 2018. The Plaintiff claims damages of $646,000 for unpaid severance, unpaid reimbursed expenses, and unpaid health benefits. In addition, the Plaintiff claims damages for failing to compensate Plaintiff for 3,000,000 stock options which vested on termination. On March 3, 2020, the Plaintiff was awarded a default judgment against the Company in the amount of $646,000, plus post judgment interest, as well as the vesting of options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.

On or about June 25, 2018, a former employee filed a lawsuit in the San Diego Super Court, State of California against us.  The case is Matthew Geschke v. Solis Tek, Inc., Case No. 37-2018-00031350-CU-OE-NC.  In this action, the plaintiff seeks to enjoin the proposed transaction in which Multiband would acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company.  The plaintiff alleges we breached his employment agreement by terminating him, as well as making claims of breaching the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and failure to pay wages upon termination.  We deny the material allegations of this complaint and intend to vigorously defend this action.

Lease Abandonment

On February 15, 2019, MSCP, L.L.C (“MSCP”), filed suit in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa, Case No. CV2019-001613 against the Company and YLK. The case arises from YLK’s alleged breach of a certain lease agreement dated May 19, 2018 (the “Lease”), for the lease of certain real property located at 4301 W. Buckeye Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85043 (the “Premises”), between MSCP and YLK, which the Company guaranteed. MSCP filed the lawsuit after YLK provided a notice of termination for, amongst other reasons, MSCP’s failure to disclose various material information regarding code, safety, structural and other issues in the Premises that rendered the Premises unsuitable for use, unless the Company undertook significant and extraneous costs that were not contemplated under the Lease to remedy said issues in and outside of the Premises. MSCP’s complaint alleged counts for breach of lease and waste and breach of guaranty. MSCP is seeking compensatory damages, rents and other charges due under the lease, and attorney’s fees and costs. The Company just recently filed its answer denying the allegations as well as having filed counterclaims for fraud in the inducement, negligent misrepresentation, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, rescission of contract, unjust enrichment and punitive damages. On December 12, 2019, MSCP was awarded a default judgement against the Company in the amount of $1,487,000, which is recorded as a charge to operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. No payments were made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

Breach of Contract 

On June  12, 2019, DPA, Inc., or DPA, filed suit in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa, Case No. CV2019-008265 against the Company. The plaintiff alleges the Company breached an agreement to pay DPA for architectural design services related to a facility in Arizona and has requested a judgment for $251,923 plus interest, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying balance sheet. On September 18, 2019, DPA was awarded judgment against the Company for $251,923 plus interest at 18% per annum from June 6, 2019 until paid.

On August 7, 2019, Rose Law Group PC (“RLG”) filed a breach of contract case against the Company in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, County of Maricopa, Case No. CV2019-008484 against the Company. RLG alleges breach of a contract to pay RLG for legal representation, and requested a judgment for $143,836, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying balance sheet. On October 17, 2019, RLG was awarded judgment against the Company for $150,256 plus interest at 12% per annum until paid.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

 
PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Price Range of Common Stock

Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB Market under the trading symbol “GNAL”. Prior to September 26, 2018, our common stock was quoted on the OTCQB Market under the trading symbol “SLTK”. Trading in stocks quoted on the OTC Markets is often thin and is characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices due to many factors that may have little to do with a company’s operations or business prospects.

The following quotations reflect the high and low bids for our common stock based on inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not represent actual transactions.

Fiscal Year 2019

Fiscal Year 2018

Holders of Common Stock

As of April 6, 2020, there were approximately 51 shareholders of record holding a total of 49,274,297 shares of Common Stock. Because many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders. The holders of the Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Holders of the Common Stock have no preemptive rights and no right to convert their Common Stock into any other securities. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock.

Dividend Policy

We have never paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings to fund ongoing operations and future capital requirements of our business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board deems relevant.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Repurchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

We did not purchase any of our registered securities during the period covered by this Annual Report.

ITEM 6 – SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not required under Regulation S-K for “smaller reporting companies.” 

ITEM 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report.

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations is based on the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. You should read this discussion and analysis together with such financial statements and the related notes thereto.

Business Overview

We are focused on the research, design, development and manufacturing of advanced, energy efficient indoor horticulture lighting, plant nutrient products, and ancillary equipment. Our vision is to apply the latest advances in high efficiency lighting and controls technology as well as effective manufacturing techniques to deliver highly differentiated lighting and nutrient products with clear benefits at competitive prices to the greenhouse and indoor horticulture markets.

Our subsidiary, Solis Tek, Inc., a California corporation, was formed in June of 2010. Its operations consist of designing, developing and sourcing of a line of Solis Tek Digital Ballasts intended for use in high intensity lighting systems used for horticulture. An electrical ballast is a device intended to limit the amount of current in an electric circuit. A familiar and widely used example is the inductive ballast used in fluorescent lamps, which limits the current through the tube, which would otherwise rise to destructive levels due to the tube’s negative resistance characteristic. Since the commencement of operations, our product line has evolved from digital ballasts to a line of lighting products including a line of specialty ballasts ranging from 400 watts to 1,000 watts with various features, our Lamp Products, a line of reflectors, high intensity lighting accessories and a new line of LED lighting technologies.

Previously, we attempted to expand our operations in cannabis cultivation and processing management services. In 2018, we acquired YLK Partners AZ, LLC, or YLK Partners, an Arizona-based company to provide turn-key services for the management, administration, and operation of a medical marijuana cultivation and processing facility. YLK had a cultivation management services agreement with an Arizona licensee. In 2019, we purchased real property in Phoenix, Arizona for $3,500,000, which property held the approval and authorization for a Conditional Use Permit, which allows the property to be used for the operation of a cultivation and infusion facility, allowing for the cultivation, harvesting, preparation, packaging and storing of medical cannabis, as well as extraction, refinement, infusion, production, preparation, packaging, and storage of manufactured and derivative oils, waxes, concentrates, edible and non-edible products that contain cannabis. Later in 2019, we conveyed the property to our lender in full settlement of the outstanding amounts we borrowed to acquire the property. For various reasons, we decided to abandon the expanded business lines and to re-focus on our core business of lights and nutrients.

Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018

Revenue and Cost of Goods Sold

Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $1,965,163 and $3,348,288, respectively, a decrease of $1,383,125, or 41%. The decrease was due to two significant factors during the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the prior year period. Those factors were: 1) a failed expansion of operations into cannabis cultivation and processing management services, which diverted resources and management attention; and 2) stagnation of the cannabis industry in terms of new markets and granting of new cultivation licenses, which resulted in few new companies obtaining licenses to legally grow cannabis, which ultimately resulted in a lack of orders for our lights.

Specific reasons to beset our revenue included a change of message and direction. We had previously been a retail driven company servicing our 500+ hydro-stores targeting the home and hobbyist growers. While we continue to service those valued retail customers, we have repositioned a segment of our sales force to nationwide commercial cultivation account managers and have re-programed the sales team, changed pricing and changed marketing strategies. Our recent shift to convert to a commercial mindset, also altered our inventory strategy to longer fulfillment and lead times. For the first time, our product engineers and sales team are also offering specific consulting services into every aspect of a new cultivation, including environmental requirements as well as full build-out and growing ancillary services, up to and including production requirements and specifications.

Cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was $1,066,211 and $2,826,558, respectively. Gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was $898,952 and $521,730, respectively. As a percentage of revenue, gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 was 46%, compared to 16% for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in gross profit and our gross margin percentage was primarily due to our decrease in reserves for inventory obsolescence and change in product mix sold.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses

SG&A expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $3,580,199 and $11,975,974, respectively, a decrease of $8,395,776, or 70%. For the year ended December 31, 2019, stock-based compensation expense decreased $6,155,174 to $255,850, compared to $6,411,024 for the prior year period. Excluding stock-based compensation expense, our SG&A decreased $2,240,602 due primarily to reductions in the number of employees, benefits, and professional fees.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses

R&D expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $154,964 and $167,765, respectively, a decrease of $12,801, or 8%. The decrease in R&D expenses was primarily due to reductions in the number of employees.

Legal Settlement on Abandonment of Lease

On February 15, 2019, MSCP, L.L.C, or MSCP, filed suit in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa, Case No. CV2019-001613 against us and YLK Partners. The case arises from YLK Partner’s alleged breach of a certain lease agreement dated May 19, 2018, or the Lease, for the lease of certain real property located at 4301 W. Buckeye Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85043, or the Premises, between MSCP and YLK Partners, which we guaranteed. MSCP filed the lawsuit after YLK Partners provided a notice of termination. MSCP’s complaint alleged counts for breach of lease and waste and breach of guaranty. On December 12, 2019, MSCP was awarded a default judgement against the Company in the amount of $1,487,000.

Loss on Abandonment of Leasehold Improvements

In February 2019, we terminated our Arizona facility lease, thereby abandoning $856,760 of leasehold improvements. We recorded the abandonment of leasehold improvements of $217,062 and $639,198 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively (See Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements).

Impairment of Right of Use Asset

Impairment of right of use asset for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $100,000. In December 2019, we determined that our right of use asset was impaired and recorded an impairment charge accordingly. (See Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). No similar activity occurred during the prior year period.

Impairment of Intangible Assets

Impairment of intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $1,138,892. In June 2019, we determined that our intangible assets were impaired and recorded an impairment charge accordingly. (See Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). No similar activity occurred during the prior year period.

Excess Cost of Acquisition to Related Party over Historical Basis

Excess cost of acquisition to related party over historical basis for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $4,450,000, representing a non-cash charge related to our acquisition on YLK Partners NV from related parties on May 10, 2018 (See Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). No similar activity occurred during the current year period.

Other Income and Expenses

Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $1,951,733, as compared to other income of $455,369 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The change in balance was due to the change in the fair value of derivative liability of $8,946,170, the change in financing and debt extinguishment costs of $6,161537, and the change in interest expense of $1,211,342, as compared to the prior year period. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded a gain on the extinguishment of derivatives of $2,389,427, and a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $1,555,556, both of which did not exist during the current year period.

Net Loss

Net loss for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $7,893,656 and $17,074,005, respectively. The decrease in net loss was due to the increase in gross profit, the decrease in operating expenses, and the change in other income and expenses as discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and Liquidity

Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations, and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. Significant factors in the management of liquidity are funds generated by operations, levels of accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures.

Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we used $1,009,931 in operating activities, comprised primarily of our net loss of $7,893,656, a $1,544,531 in legal settlements payable, a $1,138,892 impairment of intangible asset, a $962,000 in debt extinguishment cost, a $870,278 increase in accounts payable, a $785,516 decrease in provision for inventory reserves, $336,267 of amortization on debt discount, $255,850 of fair value of common stock for services, a $232,178 decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets, a $226,400 increase in interest due to related parties, a $224,068 loss on abandonment of leasehold improvements and other fixed assets, a $203,000 change in the fair value of derivative liability, $193,869 in financing costs related to change in terms of warrants and convertible notes, a $123,956 decrease in accounts receivable, and a $24,233 of fair value of vested stock options.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we used $3,680,331 in operating activities, comprised primarily of our net loss of $17,074,005, a $8,743,170 negative change in the fair value of derivative liability and a $2,389,427 loss on extinguishment of derivative liability, offset by $7,317,406 of fair value of warrants issued for financing costs, $4,660,467 of fair value of vested stock options, $4,450,000 of fair value of warrants issued to related party in excess of basis of acquired licensing rights, $1,676,557 of fair value of common stock for services, $1,555,556 loss on extinguishment of debt, $1,291,050 of amortization on debt discount, a $798,439 provision for inventory reserves, $639,198 loss on abandonment of leasehold improvements, a $623,516 decrease in accounts receivable and a $597,535 loss on a vendor advance to a former related party.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we used $222,451 of cash to purchase property and equipment. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we used $377,841 of cash in investment activities, representing the collection of an acquired receivable of $250,000 and cash received on the sale of property and equipment of $28,500, offset by $656,341 used to purchase property and equipment.

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we generated cash from financing activities of $449,327, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $3,976,922 for the year ended December 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we received proceeds of $275,000, net of fees of $37,500, from a secured convertible note payable, $150,000 from a loan payable and $150,000 from a note payable to related parties, offset by $88,173 of payments on our notes payable to related parties.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we generated cash from financing activities of $3,976,922, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $2,755,936 for the year ended December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we raised $1,568,000 from the sale of common stock, received proceeds of $1,500,000 from a secured note payable, received $1,446,996 from the exercise of warrants, offset by $505,000 of payments on our notes payable to related parties, and made payments on loans payable and capital lease obligations totaling $33,074.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2019, we incurred a net loss of $8,381,171 and used cash in operations of $1,009,931 and had a shareholders’ deficit of $8,624,232 as of December 31, 2019. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date of the financial statements being issued. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to raise additional funds and implement our business plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.

At December 31, 2019, we had cash on hand in the amount of $103,637. On February 21, 2020, we received proceeds of $150,000 on the issuance of a secured convertible note payable (See Note 15 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through June 30, 2020. The continuation of our company as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain necessary debt or equity financing to continue operations until we begin generating positive cash flow. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to us. Even if we are able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing or cause substantial dilution for our stock holders, in case or equity financing.

Historically, we have financed our operations primarily through private sales of common stock, a line of credit, loans from a third party financial institutions, related parties, and operations. We anticipate that our primary capital source will be from the issuance of notes payable or the proceeds from the sale of our common stock. If our sales goals do not materialize as planned, we believe that we can reduce our operating costs and achieve positive cash flow from operations. However, we may not generate sufficient revenues from product sales in the future to achieve profitable operations. If we are not able to achieve profitable operations at some point in the future, we may have insufficient working capital to maintain our operations as we presently intend to conduct them or to fund our expansion, marketing, and product development plans. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing on acceptable terms, or at all.

Notes Payable to Related Parties

On May 9, 2016, we entered into note payable agreements with Alan Lien and Alvin Hao, former officers and directors, to borrow $300,000 under each individual note. Pursuant to the terms of each of these agreements, we borrowed $300,000 from each of Alan Lien and Alvin Hao. The notes accrue interest at a rate of 8% per annum, are unsecured and were due on or before May 31, 2018. The notes are currently past due. A total of $600,000 was due on the combined notes at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

On May 8, 2019, we entered into a note agreement with the sister of Alvin Hao, a former officer and director, to borrow $150,000. The loan accrues interest at 8% per annum, are unsecured and due on November 8, 2019. The note is currently past due. A total of $150,000 was due on the note at December 31, 2019.

We entered into note agreements with the parents of Alan Lien, a former officer and director. The loans accrue interest at 10% per annum, are unsecured and were due on or before December 31, 2016. A total of $40,000 was due on the loans at each of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The loans are currently past due.

Secured Convertible Notes Payable

On May 10, 2018, we issued a secured debenture (the “2018 Note”) to YA II PN in the principal amount of $1,500,000 with interest at 8% per annum (18% on default) and due on February 9, 2019. The 2018 Note was amended effective February 9, 2019 for which the maturity date was extended to August 9, 2019 and could be converted into our common stock at a conversion price of $0.50 a share. On October 29, 2019, the 2018 Note was further amended to include an extended maturity date of June 30, 2020, and provide a conversion right, in which the principal amount of the 2018 Note, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, could be converted into our common stock at a conversion price at 75% of the lowest volume weighted average price (VWAP) of our common stock during the 10 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date.

On October 29, 2019, we issued a convertible secured debenture (the “2019 Note”) to YA II PN in the principal amount of $275,000 with interest at 10% per annum (15% on default) and due on April 29, 2020. We received net proceeds of $237,500, net of closing costs of $37,500. The 2019 Note provides a conversion right, in which the principal amount of the Note, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, could be converted into our common stock at a conversion price at 75% of the lowest volume weighted average price (VWAP) of our common stock during the 10 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date.

On February 13, 2020, we issued a secured convertible debenture (the “2020 Note”) in the amount of $150,000. The Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum (15% on default) and has a maturity date of August 10, 2021. The 2020 Note is secured by all our and our subsidiaries assets. The 2020 Note provides a conversion right, in which any portion of the principal amount of the 2020 Note, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, may be converted into our common stock at a conversion price equal to 75% of the lowest VWAP of our common stock during the ten (10) trading days immediately preceding the date of conversion, subject to adjustment.

Term Loan

On May 21, 2019, we entered into a loan agreement with Celtic Bank in the principal amount of $150,000 with interest at 40.44% per annum and due on May 21, 2020. The loan was guaranteed by Alvin Hao, one of our former officers. We have made principal payment of $43,273, leaving a total of $106,277 due on the term loan as of December 31, 2019.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including those related to impairment of long-lived assets, including finite lived intangible assets, accrued liabilities, fair value of warrant derivatives and certain expenses. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe that the following critical accounting policies are subject to estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality, economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay and expected default frequency rates. Trade receivables are written off at the point when they are considered uncollectible.

Inventories

The Company provides inventory reserves based on excess and obsolete inventories determined primarily by historical sales and future demand forecasts. The write down amount is measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market based upon assumptions about future demand and charged to the provision for inventory, which is a component of cost of sales. At the point of the loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.

New Accounting Standards

See Note 2 of the financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results or operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not required under Regulation S-K for “smaller reporting companies.”

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholder’s and Board of Directors

Generation Alpha, Inc.

Carson, California

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Generation Alpha, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1, the Company experienced a net loss and utilized cash from operations during the year ended December 31, 2019, and has a stockholders’ deficit at December 31, 2019. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1 to the financial statements. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, and audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.

Weinberg & Company, P.A.

Los Angeles, California

April 13, 2020

GENERATION ALPHA INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

GENERATION ALPHA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

GENERATION ALPHA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

GENERATION ALPHA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The accompanying notes are integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

GENERATION ALPHA INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

History and Organization

Generation Alpha, Inc. (the “Company”) was originally incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on March 2, 2007 as Cinjet, Inc. (“Cinjet”). Effective September 1, 2015, Cinjet changed its corporate name to Solis Tek Inc. (“Solis Tek”). Effective September 25, 2018, Solis Tek changed its corporate name to Generation Alpha, Inc. Effective September 25, 2018, Generation Alpha, Inc. (f/k/a Solis Tek Inc.) (the “Company”) entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”), whereby a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger Sub”) was merged into the Company (the “Merger”). Upon consummation of the Merger, the separate existence of Merger Sub ceased. On June 23, 2015, the Company entered into an Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization (the “Agreement”) with Solis Tek Inc., a California corporation (“STI”), and CJA Acquisition Corp., a California corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), providing for the merger of Merger Sub with and into STI (the “Merger”), with STI surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Merger was accounted for as a recapitalization of the Company with STI being deemed the accounting acquirer.

Overview of Business

The Company is a vertically integrated technology innovator, developer, manufacturer and distributor focused on bringing products and solutions to commercial and retail cannabis growers in both the medical and adult use recreational space in legal markets across the U.S. The Company’s lighting and nutrient customers include retail stores, distributors and commercial growers in the United States and abroad.

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company incurred a net loss of $7,893,656 and used cash in operations of $1,009,931 and had a shareholders’ deficit of $8,624,232 as of December 31, 2019. In addition, $790,000 of notes payable to related parties, $351,439 of accrued interest to related parties, and $798,589 of contract obligations are past due. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date of the financial statements being issued. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to raise additional funds and implement its business plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

At December 31, 2019, the Company had cash on hand in the amount of $103,637. On February 21, 2020, the Company received proceeds of $150,000 on the issuance of a secured convertible note payable (see Note 15). Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through June 30, 2020. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to obtain necessary debt or equity financing to continue operations until it begins generating positive cash flow. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing or cause substantial dilution for our stockholders, in case or equity financing.

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries: STI; Solis Tek East, Corporation (“STE”), an entity incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey, Zelda Horticulture, Inc. (“Zelda”), an entity incorporated under the laws of the State of California, and YLK Partners NV, LLC (“YLK”), Generation Alpha Brands, Inc., Trilogy Dispensaries, Inc., Extracting Point, LLC (“Extracting Point”), and GrowPro Solutions, Inc., all entities formed under the laws of Nevada. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Leases

Prior to January 1, 2019, the Company accounted for leases under ASC 840, Accounting for Leases. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the guidance of ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), which requires an entity to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases. The Company adopted ASC 842 using a modified retrospective approach. As a result, the comparative financial information has not been updated and the required disclosures prior to the date of adoption have not been updated and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 resulted in the recognition of operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases of $645,025. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit.

Loss per Share Calculations

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares available. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all dilutive potential common shares had been issued using the treasury stock method. Potential common shares are excluded from the computation when their effect is antidilutive. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted net income per share if the exercise prices were lower than the average fair market value of common shares during the reporting period.

Options to acquire 1,948,300 shares of common stock, warrants to acquire 18,283,140 shares of common stock, and 37,994,931 shares of common stock issuable under convertible note agreements, have been excluded from the calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding at December 31, 2019, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Options to acquire 8,394,391 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 12,783,140 shares of common stock have been excluded from the calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding at December 31, 2018, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement date, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are used in valuing our allowances for doubtful accounts, reserves for inventory obsolescence, valuing derivative liabilities, valuing equity instruments issued for services, and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, among others. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Segment Reporting

The Company operates in one segment for the manufacture and distribution of our products. In accordance with the “Segment Reporting” Topic of the ASC, the Company’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer and President, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire Company. Existing guidance, which is based on a management approach to segment reporting, establishes requirements to report selected segment information quarterly and to report annually entity-wide disclosures about products and services, major customers, and the countries in which the entity holds material assets and reports revenue. All material operating units qualify for aggregation under “Segment Reporting” due to their similar customer base and similarities in: economic characteristics; nature of products and services; and procurement, manufacturing and distribution processes. Since the Company operates in one segment, all financial information required by “Segment Reporting” can be found in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09. This standard provides authoritative guidance clarifying the principles for recognizing revenue and developing a common revenue standard for U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in the exchange for those goods or services.

Under this guidance, revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company reviews its sales transactions to identify contractual rights, performance obligations, and transaction prices, including the allocation of prices to separate performance obligations, if applicable. Revenue and costs of sales are recognized once products are delivered to the customer’s control and performance obligations are satisfied.

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by major product line for the year ended 2019:

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by major product line for the year ended 2018:

All products sold by the Company are distinct individual products and consist of advanced energy efficient indoor horticulture lighting, plant nutrient products, and ancillary equipment. The products are offered for sale as finished goods only, and there are no performance obligations required post-shipment for customers to derive the expected value from them. Contracts with customers contain no incentives or discounts that could cause revenue to be allocated or adjusted over time.

The Company does not offer a general right of return on any of its sales and considers all sales as final. The Company generally provides a three-year warranty on its ballasts. However, the Company does not maintain a warranty reserve as the Company is able to chargeback its vendors for all warranty claims. As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, the Company recorded reserves for returned product in the amounts of $59,804 and $143,947, respectively, which reduced the accounts receivable balances as of those periods .

Accounts Receivable

The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on a number of factors. In circumstances where the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded, which reduces the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, bad debt charges are recorded based on the Company’s historical losses and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding.

The allowance for doubtful accounts and returns is established through a provision reducing the carrying value of receivables. At December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $52,115 and $720, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is computed on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company’s inventories consist almost entirely of finished goods as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company provides inventory reserves based on excess and obsolete inventories determined primarily by future demand forecasts. The write down amount is measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market based upon assumptions about future demand and charged to the provision for inventory, which is a component of cost of sales. At the point of the loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the reserve for excess and obsolete inventory was $125,262 and $910,778, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company disposed of approximately $827,000 of inventory that was previously reserved in prior years.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company has determined the estimated useful lives of its property and equipment, as follows:

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the related accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the statements of operations.

Management assesses the carrying value of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If there is an indication of impairment, management prepares an estimate of future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its estimated fair value. The Company did not record an impairment loss for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred. The costs primarily consist of personnel and supplies.

Shipping and Handling Costs

The Company’s shipping and handling costs relating to inbound freight are reported as cost of goods sold in the consolidated Statements of Operations, while shipping and handling costs relating to outbound freight are reported as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company classifies amounts billed to customers for shipping fees as revenues.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is based on pretax financial accounting income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company classifies the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent that the Company anticipates payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision for income taxes.

Concentration Risks

The Company maintains the majority of its cash balances with one financial institution, in the form of demand deposits.  During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had cash deposits that exceeded the federally insured limit of $250,000.  The Company believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to these cash balances because of its assessment of the creditworthiness and financial viability of the financial institution. 

The Company operates in markets that are highly competitive and rapidly changing. Significant technological changes, shifting customer needs, the emergence of competitive products or services with new capabilities, and other factors could negatively impact the Company’s operating results. State and federal government laws could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s future revenues and results of operations.

The Company’s products require specific components that currently are available from a limited number of sources. The Company purchases some of its key products and components from single vendors. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, its ballasts, lamps and reflectors, which comprised the clear majority of the Company’s purchases during those periods, were each only purchased from one separate vendor.

The Company performs a regular review of customer activity and associated credit risks and does not require collateral or other arrangements. There were no customers that accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Shipments to customers outside the United States comprised less than 5.0% of our sales for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

As of December 31, 2019, two customers accounted for 23.6% and 10.1% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable balance, and as of December 31, 2018, four customers accounted for 37.4%, 14.4%, 12.9% and 12.1% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable balance.

Fair Value measurements

The Company determines the fair value of its assets and liabilities based on the exchange price in U.S. dollars 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 maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy with three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, to measure fair value:

The carrying amounts of financial instruments such as cash, accounts receivable, inventories, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate the related fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying values of notes payable approximate their fair values due to the fact that the interest rates on these obligations are based on prevailing market interest rates. 

The fair value of the derivative liabilities of $1,332,000 and $2,160,806 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was valued using Level 2 inputs.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

Intangible Assets

The Company accounts for intangible assets in accordance with the authoritative guidance issued by the FASB. Intangibles are valued at their fair market value and are amortized taking into account the character of the acquired intangible asset and the expected period of benefit. The Company evaluates intangible assets for impairment, at a minimum, on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable from its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. Recoverability of intangible assets is measured by comparing their net book value to the related projected undiscounted cash flows from these assets, considering a number of factors, including past operating results, budgets, economic projections, market trends and product development cycles. If the net book value of the asset exceeds the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset is considered impaired, and a second test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss.

At December 31, 2018, the Company had intangible assets of $1,301,591 that consisted of a license right. In June 2019, and based on management’s assessment, it was determined that the intangible asset was impaired, and an impairment charge was recorded for $1,138,892 during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2019 (see Note 4).

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480):  Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features. This ASU addresses the complexity and reporting burden associated with the accounting for freestanding and embedded instruments with down round features as liabilities subject to fair value measurement. The Company has elected to apply ASU 2017-11 using a modified-retrospective approach by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to its financial statements as allowed under ASU 2017-11.  Upon adoption on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded an increase paid in capital and decreased the derivative liability by $2,160,806.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASC 326”). The standard significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets, including accounts and notes receivables. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model, under which companies will recognize allowances based on expected rather than incurred losses. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. As small business filer, the standard will be effective for us for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this standard on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures.

Recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $33,106 and $54,081, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company disposed of property and equipment with a book value of $6,506, resulting in a loss on the disposal of property and equipment of $6,506. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company sold certain of its property and equipment for $28,500. The book value of the property and equipment was $44,543, resulting in a loss on the sale of property and equipment of $16,043.

In February 2019, the Company terminated its Arizona facility lease thereby abandoning $856,760 of leasehold improvements. The Company recorded the abandonment of leasehold improvements of $217,562 and $639,198 during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as a component of operating expense in the consolidated statement of operations (see Note 7).

NOTE 4 – LICENSE AGREEMENT ACQUIRED FROM RELATED PARTIES

License agreement acquired from related parties as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consisted of the following:

On May 10, 2018, the Company entered into an acquisition agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”) with the members (the “Sellers”), which in the aggregate, owned 100% of the membership interests in YLK. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, in consideration of the Company acquiring all of the outstanding membership interests of YLK, the Company issued to the Sellers, a total of 5,000,000 warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 5,000,000 common shares, at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Warrants are exercisable until May 9, 2023. The aggregate fair value of the Warrants issued as consideration for the acquisition was determined to be $5,450,000.

The Sellers were the following, who were determined to be related parties:

The major asset of YLK is a Cultivation Management Services Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with an Arizona licensee (the “Arizona Licensee”) that was entered into on January 5, 2018. No operating activity existed prior to the acquisition. The Arizona Licensee is authorized to operate a medical marijuana dispensary, one (1) onsite facility and one (1) offsite facility, to produce, sell and dispense medical marijuana and manufactured and derivative products that contain marijuana pursuant to Title 9; Chapter 17 of the Arizona Department of Health Services (“AZDHS”) Medical Marijuana Program and Arizona Revised Statute § 36-2801 et seq., as amended from time to time. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, YLK will provide the management services for the offsite facility, on behalf of the Arizona Licensee. The assets acquired also included a $250,000 receivable from Future Farm Technologies.

As consideration for the exclusive right of YLK to manage the Arizona Licensee’s facility pursuant to the Management Agreement; (i) YLK paid $750,000 to the Arizona Licensee; (ii) YLK agreed to pay an additional $250,000 within 10 days after receipt of the AZDHS approval to operate the facility; and (iii) YLK agreed to pay a total of $600,000, payable in 44 equal monthly installments commencing on April 1, 2019 (the “Installment Payments”). The term of the Management Agreement is five years. YLK has the option to extend the term for an additional five years with the payment of $1,000,000 at the commencement of the additional term and a total of $1,000,000 payable in equal monthly installments over the extended term of the Management Agreement. Before the acquisition, the Sellers paid $750,000 per the terms of the Management Agreement.

Through the acquisition, the Sellers’ rights and obligations under the CMSA transferred to the Company, including the payment of an additional $250,000 within 10 days after receipt of the AZDHS approval to operate the facility; and the Installment Payments. As the Installment Payments totaling $600,000 are noninterest bearing, the Company calculated the net present value of the Installment Payments to be $518,523 (or a discount of $81,477) based on an 8% cost of capital (which is consistent with borrowing rate of the Company’s other notes). The Company recorded the aggregate present value of these payments of $518,523 as part of the acquisition cost of the Management Agreement, which will be amortized over five years, the length of the Management Agreement. Amortization expense for twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was $379,631 and $216,932, respectively.

Since the assets, including a $250,000 balance due from Future Farm Technologies, was acquired from related parties, the assets were recorded at their historical acquisition cost of $1,000,000. The Company issued 5,000,000 Warrants to the Sellers with an exercise price of $0.01 and an expiration date of May 9, 2023. Based on a Black-Sholes Merton model, the Warrants were valued at $5,450,000. Since the assets acquired were acquired from related parties, the difference of $4,450,000 between the fair value of the Warrants granted of $5,450,000 and the historical acquisition cost of $1,000,000 was recorded as related party compensation cost in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The $250,000 receivable was received by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2018.

In the first quarter of 2019, the Company recorded $162,699 of amortization expense. In June 2019, the Company determined that its intangible assets were impaired after assessing the impact of the Company’s current lack of liquidity, the recent lease abandonment of its planned Arizona cultivation facility (Note 7), and the recent Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Release and Settlement Agreement with its Lender of a facility in Arizona (Note 10). The Company based on its assessment, recorded an impairment charge of $1,138,892, which is reflected in the year ended December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2018, the remaining Management Agreement obligation was $781,408 (net of discount of $68,592) for which $372,727 is reflected as current and $408,681 was reflected as long term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2019, the remaining Management Agreement obligation was $798,589 (net of discount of $51,411) and is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2019, the Company is past due on its Installment Payments obligations under the Management Agreement .

NOTE 5 – NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES – PAST DUE

Notes payable to related parties consists of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:

At December 31, 2018, accrued interest on the notes payable to related parties was $125,039. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company added $61,740 of additional accrued interest, and made interest payments of $37,347, leaving an accrued interest on the notes payable to related parties balance of $149,432 at December 31, 2019.

NOTE 6 – LEASE PAYABLE

Our principal executive offices and warehouse is located at 853 Sandhill Avenue, Carson, California, 90746. We occupy a 17,640 square foot facility pursuant to a five-year lease with an independent party ending on June 30, 2023, pursuant to which we pay $15,000 per month in rental charges. Effective January 1, 2020, we relocated our principal executive offices and warehouse to Upland, California (see Note 15), and abandoned our Carson, California lease. The Company remains obligated under its Carson, California lease, until such time the landlord releases us from our lease agreement. As of the date of this report, we have not been released from the lease agreement.

The lease agreement above has a weighted average remaining lease term of 3.50 years as of December 31, 2019.  Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components of its leases as a single lease component.  Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

On December 31, 2019, the Company abandoned its operating lease in Carson, California. Based on the abandonment, the Company determined its ROU asset was impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $100,000 during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Prior to January 1, 2019, the Company accounted for leases under ASC 840, Accounting for Leases. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the guidance of ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), which requires an entity to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases. The Company adopted ASC 842 using a modified retrospective approach. As a result, the comparative financial information has not been updated and the required disclosures prior to the date of adoption have not been updated and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 resulted in the recognition of operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases of $645,025. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit.

Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Generally, the implicit rate of interest in arrangements is not readily determinable and the Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate is a hypothetical rate based on its understanding of what its credit rating would be. The operating lease ROU asset includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives.

The components of rent expense and supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the period are as follows:

The supplemental balance sheet information related to leases for the period is as follows:

Maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities are as follows:

Rent expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $495,670 and $361,868, respectively.

NOTE 7 – LEGAL SETTLEMENTS PAYABLE

Lease Abandonment Settlement

On February 15, 2019, MSCP, L.L.C (“MSCP”), filed suit in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa, Case No. CV2019-001613 against the Company and YLK. The case arises from YLK’s alleged breach of a certain lease agreement dated May 19, 2018 (the “Lease”), for the lease of certain real property located at 4301 W. Buckeye Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85043 (the “Premises”), between MSCP and YLK, which the Company guaranteed. MSCP filed the lawsuit after YLK provided a notice of termination for, amongst other reasons, MSCP’s failure to disclose various material information regarding code, safety, structural and other issues in the Premises that rendered the Premises unsuitable for use, unless the Company undertook significant and extraneous costs that were not contemplated under the Lease to remedy said issues in and outside of the Premises. MSCP’s complaint alleged counts for breach of lease and waste and breach of guaranty. MSCP is seeking compensatory damages, rents and other charges due under the lease, and attorney’s fees and costs. The Company just recently filed its answer denying the allegations as well as having filed counterclaims for fraud in the inducement, negligent misrepresentation, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, rescission of contract, unjust enrichment and punitive damages. On December 12, 2019, MSCP was awarded a default judgement against the Company in the amount of $1,487,000, which is recorded as a charge to operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. No payments were made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

Employment Matter Judgement

On September 27, 2019, Dennis Forchic (the “Plaintiff”) filed a breach of contract case against the Company in the Los Angeles Superior Court of Los Angeles, California, under case number 19STCV34592, alleging that the Company wrongfully terminated the Plaintiff’s employment agreement on February 5, 2018. The Plaintiff claims damages of $646,000 for unpaid severance, unpaid reimbursed expenses, and unpaid health benefits. In addition, the Plaintiff claims damages for failing to compensate Plaintiff for 3,000,000 stock options which vested on termination. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had recorded $558,469 related to this matter as $448,718 Due to former officer and $139,751 as Accounts payable and accrued expenses. On March 3, 2020, the Plaintiff was awarded a judgement against the Company in the amount of $646,000, plus post judgment interest, as well as the vesting of options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the previous year recording of $448,718 Due to former officer and $139,751 as Accounts payable and accrued expenses, was reclassified to Legal Settlement Payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded an additional $57,531 of legal expenses, leaving a total balance due to Plaintiff of $646,000 at December 31, 2019. No payments were made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

Breach of Contract

On September 12, 2019, DPA, Inc., or DPA, filed suit in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa, Case No. CV2019-008265 against us. The plaintiff alleges the Company breached an agreement to pay DPA for architectural design services related to a facility in Arizona and has requested a judgment for $251,923 plus interest. On September 18, 2019, the DPA was awarded judgement against the Company for $251,923 plus interest at 18% per annum from June 6, 2019 until paid. No payments were made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

On August 7, 2019, Rose Law Group PC (“RLG”) filed a breach of contract case against the Company in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, County of Maricopa, Case No. CV2019-008484 against the Company. RLG alleges breach of a contract to pay RLG for legal representation, and requested a judgment for $143,836. On October 17, 2019, RLG was awarded judgment against the Company for $150,256 plus interest at 12% per annum until paid.

NOTE 8 – LOANS PAYABLE

Loan payable consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

NOTE 9 – CONVERTIBLE SECURED NOTE PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY

Secured note payable to related party consists of the following as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

YA II PN Ltd May 2018 Convertible Note

On May 10, 2018, the Company issued a secured debenture (the “2018 Note”) to YA II PN Ltd. (“YA II PN”) in the principal amount of $1,500,000 with interest at 8% per annum (18% on default) and due on February 9, 2019. The 2018 Note was amended effective February 9, 2019 (see below). The 2018 Note is secured by all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. As part of the issuance, the Company also granted YA II PN 5-year warrants to purchase a total of 7,500,000 shares of the Company per the following terms.

The Company determined that the exercises prices of the warrants were not a fixed amount because they were subject to an adjustment based on the occurrence of future events. As such, the Company determined that the conversion feature and the warrants created a derivative with a fair value of $7,677,406 at the date of issuance. The Company accounted for the fair value of the derivative up to the face amount of the 2018 Note of $1,500,000 as a valuation discount to be amortized over the life of the 2018 Note, and the excess of $6,177,406 was recorded as a finance cost for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, amortization of valuation discount was $247,032 and $1,252,968 was recorded as an interest cost, leaving no remaining unamortized balance of the valuation discount at December 31, 2019.

Amendment to Secured Note Payable to Related Party

On February 25, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment agreement (the “Amendment”) with YA II PN, which amended (i) the secured promissory note in the principal face amount of $1.5 million issued on May 10, 2018 (the “Note”), (ii) a warrant, dated May 10, 2018 for 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 (“Warrant #1”), (iii) a warrant, dated May 10, 2018 for 2,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 (“Warrant #2”), (iv) a warrant, dated May 10, 2018 for 2,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 (“Warrant #3”), and (v) a warrant, dated May 10, 2018 for 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 (“Warrant #4”, and together with Warrant #1, Warrant #2 and Warrant #3, the “Warrants”).

Pursuant to the Amendment, the Note was amended to (i) extend the maturity date of the Note from February 9, 2019 to August 9, 2019 and (ii) provide a conversion right, in which the principal amount of the Note, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, could be converted into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.50 a share. The Note was not convertible previously.

In addition, pursuant to the Amendment, the Warrants were amended to (i) reduce the exercise price from $1.50 per share to $0.50, $0.75, $1.00 and $1.25 per share for Warrant #1, Warrant #2, Warrant #3 and Warrant #4, respectively, and (ii) remove in Warrant #2, Warrant #3 and Warrant #4, the Company’s right of redemption and right to compel exercise of such Warrants. The Company calculated the fair market value of the Warrants before and after the modifications above, and recorded the difference of $129,384 as a financing cost included in other expenses during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

Second Amendment to Secured Note Payable to Related Party

On October 29, 2019, the Company entered into a second amendment agreement (the “Second Amendment”) with YA II PN, which amended (i) the secured promissory note in the principal face amount of $1.5 million issued on May 10, 2018. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Note was amended to (i) extend the maturity date of the Note from August 9, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and (ii) provide a conversion right, in which the principal amount of the Note, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, could be converted into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price at 75% of the lowest volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company Common Stock during the 10 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date. The Note was convertible previously at $0.50 per share. The Company concluded that the modification was a significant change in the conversion feature and treated the change as a debt extinguishment cost. The Company calculated the fair market value of the Secured Note Payable before and after the modifications above, and recorded the difference of $962,000 as a debt extinguishment cost and included in other expenses during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

In addition, pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Warrants were amended to (i) reduce the exercise price from $0.50, $0.75, $1.00 and $1.25 per share for Warrant #1, Warrant #2, Warrant #3 and Warrant #4, respectively, to $0.05 per share for all four warrants. The Company calculated the fair market value of the Warrants before and after the modifications above, and recorded the difference of $64,485 as a financing cost included in other expenses during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

YA II PN Ltd October 2019 Convertible Note

On October 29, 2019, the Company issued a convertible secured debenture (the “2019 Note”) to YA II PN Ltd. (“YA II PN”) in the principal amount of $275,000 with interest at 10% per annum (15% on default) and due on April 29, 2020. The Company received net proceeds of $237,500, net of closing costs of $37,500. The 2019 Note is secured by all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The 2019 Note provides a conversion right, in which the principal amount of the Note, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, could be converted into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price at 75% of the lowest volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company Common Stock during the 10 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date. As such, the Company determined that the conversion feature created a derivative with a fair value of $167,000 at the date of issuance. The Company also granted YA II PN 5-year warrants to purchase a total of 5,500,000 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.05 per common share. The fair value of the warrants was determined to be $63,205. The aggregate amount of the closing costs, fair value of the derivative liability, and the fair value of the warrant, of $267,705 was recorded as a valuation discount to be amortized over the life of the 2019 Note.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, amortization of valuation discount was $89,235 and was recorded as an interest cost, leaving a $178,470 remaining unamortized balance of the valuation discount at December 31, 2019.

NOTE 10 – ACQUISITION OF FACILITY, LOAN AGREEMENT, AND SUBSEQUENT SETTLEMENT

Acquisition of Facility

On April 2, 2019, the Company, through its newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary Extracting Point, entered into an agreement to purchase real property located at 2601 West Holly Street in Phoenix, Arizona (the “Property”) for $3,500,000. The Property holds the approval and authorization for a Conditional Use Permit, which allows the Property to be used for the operation of a cultivation and infusion facility, allowing for the cultivation, harvesting, preparation, packaging and storing of medical cannabis, as well as extraction, refinement, infusion, production, preparation, packaging, and storage of manufactured and derivative oils, waxes, concentrates, edible and non-edible products that contain cannabis.

Loan Agreement

On April 2, 2019, Extracting Point entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Michael Cannon and Jennifer Cannon, Trustees of the Core 4 Trust Dated February 29, 2016 (the “Lender”), pursuant to which Extracting Point borrowed $3,500,000 from the Lender (the “Loan”). The Loan is evidenced by an installment note – interest included (the “Note”), guaranteed by the Company pursuant to a corporate guaranty (the “Guaranty”) and is secured by a first priority lien on the Property pursuant to a deed of trust and assignment of rents between Extracting Point and Thomas Title & Escrow, for the benefit of the Lender (the “Deed of Trust”). Extracting Point used the net proceeds from the Loan to acquire the Property.

The Note, together with accrued and unpaid interest, was due and payable on March 31, 2024 (the “Maturity Date”). Interest on the Note was to accrue at the rate of 10% per annum. For the first 12 months, Extracting Point was to pay the Lender interest only of $29,167 per month. After the first 12 months, Extracting Point was to pay the Lender principal and interest of $88,769 per month. Extracting Point had the right to prepay the Note at any time, however, Extracting Point agreed to pay the first 36 months of interest, even if the Note was repaid prior to that date.

As additional consideration for the issuance of the Loan, Extracting Point and the Company agreed to pay the Lender an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the management fees (the “Management Royalty”) received relating to the services rendered on the Property, for a period of three years from the date an “Approval to Operate” is granted by the Arizona Department of Health Services (such date, the “Commencement Date”). In the event that the Commencement Date has not occurred on or prior to April 2, 2021, then Extracting Point and the Company agreed to pay the Lender an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the fair market value of the rent of the Property as if the Property was fully occupied (the “Rental Royalty”), such payments to be made each month for a period of thirty-nine months, provided, that, if the Commencement Date occurs after the Rental Royalty has commenced, the Rental Royalty payments shall cease and the Management Royalty payments shall commence, and any amounts paid as a Rental Royalty shall be credited against any Management Royalty owed.

In connection with the Loan, the Company issued to the Lender a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, exercisable for five years from issuance at an exercise price of $1.00 per share. The Warrant exercise price is subject to adjustment only in the event of a stock dividend or split.

Settlement Agreement

On May 24, 2019, the Company and Extracting Point entered into a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Release and Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with the Lender. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Extracting Point executed a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure (the “Deed”), conveying the real property located at 2601 West Holly Street in Phoenix, Arizona to the Lender.

In exchange, the Lender agreed to release the Company and Extracting Point from all their obligations under the Loan Agreement, the Note, the Deed of Trust and the Guaranty. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Loan Agreement, the Note, the Deed of Trust and the Guaranty were terminated. In addition, the Warrant was returned to the Company and canceled.

Extracting Point was delinquent in payment under the Note, and the Lender informed Extracting Point and the Company that unless payment was made current or an agreement reached between the parties, the Lender would declare Extracting Point in default, call the entire Note due and payable, record a notice of default of the Deed of Trust, and take any other actions it deemed necessary or appropriate against the Company and Extracting Point.

NOTE 11 – DERIVATIVE LIABILITY

The FASB has issued authoritative guidance whereby instruments which do not have fixed settlement provisions are deemed to be derivative instruments. The conversion prices and the exercise prices of the notes, Series-A preferred stock, and warrants described in Notes 8, 9 and 10 were not a fixed amount because they were either subject to an adjustment based on the occurrence of future offerings or events or they were variable. Since the number of shares is not explicitly limited, the Company is unable to conclude that enough authorized and unissued shares are available to settle the conversion option. In accordance with the FASB authoritative guidance, the conversion features have been characterized as derivative liabilities to be re-measured at the end of every reporting period with the change in value reported in the statement of operations.

As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the derivative liabilities were valued using either a probability weighted average Monte Carlo pricing model or the Black Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:

The risk-free interest rate was based on rates established by the Federal Reserve Bank. The Company uses the historical volatility of its common stock to estimate the future volatility for its common stock. The expected life of the conversion feature of the notes was based on the remaining term of the notes. The expected dividend yield was based on the fact that the Company has not customarily paid dividends in the past and does not expect to pay dividends in the future.

During the prior years, the Company issued 7,950,000 warrants as part of its Convertible Notes and Series A preferred stock financings. The Company determined that the exercises prices of the warrants were not a fixed amount because they were subject to an adjustment based on the occurrence of future offerings or events. As a result, the Company had determined at issuance that the warrants should be classified as liabilities due to variability in shares to be issued and changes in exercise price due to down round protection. The fair value of these liabilities at December 31, 2018 was $2,160,806. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2017-11, which simplified the accounting for financial instruments with down round features. The adoption resulted in the reclassification of the Company’s derivative liability to equity of $2,160,806. The Company recognized derivative liabilities of $167,000 upon issuance of a secured convertible note (see Note 9), and recognized $203,000 as other expense, which represented the change in the fair value of the derivative from the respective prior period. In addition, the Company recognized $962,000, which represented a change in the terms of two convertible notes, and recorded as a financing cost and included in other expense.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized $8,743,170, as change in the fair value of the derivative from the respective prior period. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized $4,188,430, which represented the extinguishment of derivative liabilities, of which $2,389,437, was included in other income, and the remaining $1,799,003, respectively, was recorded to additional paid-in-capital. In addition, the Company recognized derivative liabilities of $7,677,406 upon issuance of warrants (see Note 9).

NOTE 12 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common shares issued for cash

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received proceeds of $1,068,000 from the issuance of 821,538 shares of common stock, at $1.30 per share, as part of a Regulation D offering, and the Company received proceeds of $500,000 from YA II PN from the sale of 500,000 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share.

Common shares issued for services

The Company entered into various consulting agreements with third parties (“Consultants”) pursuant to which these Consultants provided business development, sales promotion, introduction to new business opportunities, strategic analysis and, sales and marketing activities. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company issued an aggregate of 426,000 and 1,388,000 shares of common stock to these consultants, with a fair value of $177,750 and $1,676,557 at date of grant, respectively, which was recognized as compensation cost.

Common shares issued to directors and employees

The Company appointed certain directors and issued shares as part of new executive employment agreements. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company issued an aggregate of 600,000 and 100,000 shares of common stock, with a fair value of $78,000 and $74,000 at date of grant, respectively, which was recognized as compensation cost.

On October 31, 2019, the Board of the Company appointed Mr. George O’Leary as a director and Executive Chairman of the Company. In connection with the appointment of Mr. O’Leary, the Company granted him 500,000 shares of common stock, included in the common shares issued to directors and employees above, and which vested immediately, and he is entitled to receive equity compensation of $15,000 of shares per quarter thereafter as well as $5,000 per month as determined by the Board.

Shares issued on exercise of warrants

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we received $1,446,996 in proceeds on the exercise of 2,306,360 warrants.

Common shares issued on conversion of convertible note payable

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company was notified in writing that the Note holder elected to convert all remaining outstanding principal and interest accrued, which included the conversion of $1,750,000 of principal and $38,082 of interest. Upon the conversion of the Note, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,788,082 shares of its common stock. The balance of the debt discount of $1,555,556 was recorded as an interest cost during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

Common shares issued on conversion of Series-A convertible preferred shares

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received notices of conversion from FirstFire, pursuant to which FirstFire elected to convert all of the outstanding Series-A into common shares of the Company. Upon the conversion of the balance of the Series-A, the Company issued 368,550 shares of common stock and no Series-A were outstanding as of December 31, 2018. Upon conversion, the unamortized discount of $351,000 was reflected as an interest cost for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

Standby Equity Distribution Agreement

On April 16, 2018, the Company entered into a SEDA with YA II PN. The SEDA establishes what is sometimes termed an equity line of credit or an equity draw-down facility. The $25,000,000 facility may be drawn-down upon by the Company in installments, the maximum amount of each of which is limited to $1,000,000. For each share of common stock purchased under the SEDA, YA II PN will pay 90% of the lowest VWAP of the Company’s shares during the five trading days following the Company’s draw-down notice to YA II PN. The VWAP that will be used in the calculation will be that reported by Bloomberg, LLC, a third-party reporting service. In general, the VWAP represents the sum of the value of all the sales of the Company’s common stock for a given day (the total shares sold in each trade times the sales price per share of the common stock for that trade), divided by the total number of shares sold on that day.

In connection with the SEDA, the Company issued to YA II PN, a five-year Commitment Fee Warrant (the “Fee Warrant”) to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.01 per share. The aggregate fair value of the Fee Warrant granted was determined to be $1,140,000 and recorded as a financing costs in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018. On October 12, 2018, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of common stock to YA Global II SPV LLC (“YA Global”), which shares were issued upon YA Global exercising the warrants issued on April 15, 2018, as a commitment fee in connection with the Standby Equity Distribution Agreement. YA Global paid the Company $10,000, or $0.01 per share, in full settlement of the exercise price.

2018 Stock Incentive Plan

On November 30, 2018, the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for officers, employees, non-employee members of the Board of Directors, and consultants of the Company was approved pursuant to a Joint Written Consent of the Board of Directors and Majority Stockholders of the Company. The Plan authorized the granting of not more than 10,000,000 restricted shares, stock appreciation rights (“SAR’s”), and incentive and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The Plan provided that stock options or SAR’s granted can be exercisable immediately as of the effective date of the applicable agreement, or in accordance with a schedule or performance criteria as may be set in the applicable agreement. The exercise price for non-qualified stock options or SAR’s would be the amount specified in the agreement, but shall not be less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant. The maximum term of options and SARs granted under the plan is ten years. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company issued 833,300 and 5,394,391 options to purchase shares of its common stock under the Plan, and 245,000 and no options were forfeited, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, options to purchase 4,017,309 shares of common stock remain reserved for issuance under the Plan.

Summary of Stock Options

A summary of stock options for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, is as follows:

Executive Employment Agreements

Chief Executive Officer

On February 14, 2018, the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with Tiffany Davis as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. As part of the employment agreement, Ms. Davis was granted 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 250,000 shares vested and were issued on the signing of the employment agreement and 250,000 shares vest annually on the anniversary of the employment agreement. The fair value of the shares on the date of grant was $1,340,000, of which $335,000 was recorded as stock-based compensation expense on the date of grant, and the remaining $1,005,000 was to be amortized ratably over the three-year vesting period, of which $173,353 was recorded as stock-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2018. On August 22, 2018, Ms. Davis entered into an employment agreement that superseded and replaced this employment agreement. On November 30, 2018, in exchange for the cancellation of 250,000 shares of common stock issued to Tiffany Davis above, the Board authorized 250,000 non-statutory stock option awards be granted to Ms. Tiffany Davis pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2018 Stock Incentive Plan, expiring five years from date of issuance and having an exercise price per share equal to $0.69, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of Board approval. On September 12, 2019, Ms. Tiffany Davis resigned from the Company. On October 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company reappointed Ms. Tiffany Davis as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and as a director, effective immediately. In connection with the appointment of Ms. Davis, the Company granted her options to purchase 833,333 shares of common stock, which vested immediately, expire five years from the date of issuance, and are exercisable at a price of $0.03 per share. The fair value of the stock options granted was determined to be $25,261, which was recorded to stock-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2019. Mr. Davis is entitled to receive stock options of $25,000 of shares per quarter at the then closing market price on the last trading day at the end of each calendar quarter.

In August 2018, the Company granted to its executives, Lien and Davis, stock options to purchase an aggregate of 4,034,391 shares of Common Stock. The fair value of the stock options granted was determined to be $2,164,755, which was recorded to stock-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2018. The stock options immediately vested on the date of issuance. In addition, pursuant to the agreements, on the first, second and third anniversaries, (i) Lien shall receive options to purchase 3% of the total number of shares of common stock then outstanding and (ii) Davis shall receive options to purchase 2%, 2% and 3%, respectively, of the total number of shares of common stock then outstanding, with all such options having an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day prior to such anniversary and exercisable for five years from issuance. In addition, Davis received fully vested options to purchase 750,000 shares of Common Stock, exercisable for five years at $0.94 per share with a fair value of $516,356. On November 30, 2018, in exchange for the cancellation of the fully vested stock options to purchase an aggregate of 4,734,891 shares of Common Stock (stock options of 4,034,391 and 750,000 reference above), the Board authorized 4,734,891 fully vested non-statutory stock option awards be granted in aggregate to Lien and Davis, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2018 Stock Incentive Plan, expiring five years from date of issuance and having an exercise price per share equal to $0.69 the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of Board approval.

The fair value of each option on the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Information relating to outstanding options at December 31, 2019, summarized by exercise price, is as follows:

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has outstanding unvested options with future compensation costs of $5,417, which will be recorded as compensation cost as the options vest over their remaining average vesting period of 2.0 years. In addition, there will be future compensation related to the options to be awarded to Davis under her employment agreement discussed above. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2019 was 3.1 years. Both the outstanding and exercisable stock options had no intrinsic value at December 31, 2019.

Summary of Warrants

A summary of warrants for the year ended December 31, 2019, is as follows: