Graphene & Solar Technologies Ltd - Annual Report: 2022 (Form 10-K)

FORM 10-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022

OR

Commission file number: 333-174194

GRAPHENE & SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (949) 478-8387

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

Title of Each Class. N/A

Trading Symbol. N/A

Name of Each Exchange as which registered. N/A

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such filing). Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, and/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 Act): Yes ☐ No ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on September 30, 2022 was approximately $38,307,530.00

As of April 12, 2023, the registrant had 374,542,610 outstanding shares of common stock.

Documents Incorporated by Reference: None

 Table of Contents

 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This report and other written and oral statements that we make from time to time contain such forward-looking statements that set out anticipated results based on management’s plans and assumptions regarding future events or performance. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance or results of current and anticipated sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings, and financial results.

We caution that the factors described herein, and other factors could cause our actual results of operations and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements we make and that investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of such factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our results of operations or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

 PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview.

We are primarily focused on providing the materials and technologies for a greener future. GSTX has a portfolio of projects in the cleantech are with:

These investments focus on global opportunities, multi-billion-dollar industries, with a significant positive environmental impact. GSTX is focused on projects with exceptionally strong business opportunities, taking advantage of the environmental and supply chain challenges the world faces at present. GSTX is currently focused on supplying advanced materials to existing manufacturers and water harvesting products to market.

Advanced Materials

A portfolio of proprietary technologies for upstream manufacturing material supply into high tech markets including solar, semiconductor, defence.

Water Technologies

A portfolio of products and technologies for providing clean drinkable water for consumers and industry.

The Company is also exploring acquisition opportunities for Critical Resources Assets (Minerals with identified supply chain risk), zero emission fossil fuel replacement, green hydrogen, and ammonia production.

Operational Overview.

US Thin Films

US Thin-Film Corporation, a 100% owned subsidiary of GSTX holds a Patent Portfolio (IP) relating to the novel leading-edge production of conductive transparent thin films. The thin films are based on a conductive nanoparticle technology, an innovative conductive coating that self-assembles into a random mesh-like network pattern when coated, providing excellent electrical conductivity, high transparency, and flexibility. The Technology was founded and developed in Israel and has built up significant R&D profile for over 15 years with more than USD $90 Million invested. The technology has won several international touchscreen technology awards.

Applications of the proprietary thin film in existing electronics applications outperforms current materials. Key applications include: Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding, Flexible Transparent Antennas (4G/5G communications), Transparent Heaters (windows, goggles, etc), Touch Displays (monitors, phones, tablets), Photovoltaic, OLED Lighting, Flexible Displays, Sensors, and numerous other electronic applications

The US Thin-Film technology is superior to traditional/existing technology with multiple times the electrical conductivity of conventional ITO based transparent conductive films with a simple manufacturing method protected by the company’s patent portfolio.

The company is presently in discussions with several contract manufacturing groups to produce initial samples of its thin film technology, branded Dragonfly film, for product qualification and pre-sales activity purposes.

Water Harvesting

Water scarcity is at the center of the world’s most significant challenges. The United Nations estimates approximately 30% of the world’s population will face severe water shortages by 2025. Many people do not realise that the atmosphere, the air we breathe, contains a significant amount of water. Humidity is water in the air. Air can hold 1-2 ounces of water per cubic yard. At any one instant, the Earth’s atmosphere contains 37.5 trillion gallons of water vapor – enough to cover the entire surface of the planet with 1.5 inches of rain if condensed.

In parallel, massive population growth and urbanisation has led to an unprecedented demand for fresh water. Investment in infrastructure has been woefully inadequate, resulting in severe and critical water stress globally.

There are an estimated 13 trillion litres (3.4 trillion gal) of water floating in the atmosphere at any one time. There is 6 times as much fresh water in the air as in all rivers and lakes in the world.

The Company is continuing commercialization of a unique water harvesting technology utilizing modular, self-contained units that can be solar or grid powered, and deployed in urban and rural environments. The water harvesters will extract moisture from the ambient air and collect as 100% pure fresh water. Each domestic water harvester will be capable of generating 30-50 liters (8-13 gal) of pure fresh water per day for personal use, with commercial models collecting up to 50,000 liters (13,000 gal) per day. The 100% pure H20 extracted from the atmosphere is also suitable for industrial use in green hydrogen production and pharmaceutical, semiconductor processing plants.

A 100% operational subsidiary has been established for the water harvesting products. It will trade as Adaquo, which is a Latin verb meaning to supply water. The company has engaged the services of two industry veterans (20+ years experience) to assist with commercialization of the technology.

Whilst still undertaking in house development of the company’s proprietary solid-state technology, the company is also exploring opportunities to license and distribute existing products that have been market proven on an exclusive geographical basis.

Quartz Material.

The company has significant technical expertise and experience in the high purity quartz sector. Initially, the company focused upon acquiring resources and developing high purity silica (99.9% purity) into commercial grade high purity quartz sand (HPQS 99.997% purity). HPQS is essential for the production of semiconductors and photovoltaic solar panels.

Although the enterprise was successful in identifying substantial resources and valuable customers in Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan and South-East Asia, the company was unable to secure funding to scale to meet demand for HPQS product, largely due to complications with the onset of Covid-19 in March 2020. The COVID Pandemic saw significant disruption to the global solar and semiconductor manufacturing sector. This had significant flow on effects to HPQS market. It is anticipated that by mid-2023 the sector will be substantially recovered to pre-covid levels of production and associated demand for raw materials. At present manufacturing levels of solar cells are showing strong growth and a swift recovery.

The company is presently re-engaging with past acquisition opportunities and customers in the HPQ sector. At present there is a significant production shortfall for the material and prices/volumes are showing strong growth. The company is continuing to pursue the development of an Australian based production facility.

Graphene Material.

Graphene, a new material, was discovered in 2004 by two UK based Russian university professors who were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2010 for their discovery. Graphene is a 2D material, (one atom thickness) made from graphite/carbon atoms, and whilst still largely unknown to the world is rapidly becoming a new industrial revolution in its own right with more than 8,800 patent applications for graphene and graphene enabled product applications having been filed recently. We have taken an early-stage leading-edge position in this evolving new technological field of graphene enabling and enhancement, specifically to focus upon development of graphene enabled photovoltaic solar panels.

Graphene is the world’s thinnest and strongest material ever, with remarkable electrical, thermal, and optical properties being the most conductive material ever scientifically measured. A sheet of graphene material is only one single atom in thickness and is referred to as a 2D nano-material having almost no measurable depth, only length and width. Graphene is also highly transparent and can be easily flexed and stretched 25% of its size without breaking. However, it is also 200 times stronger than steel and harder than a diamond. Graphene material is completely impermeable, even a helium atom (the smallest) cannot pass through graphene. The advent of graphene and the introduction of the extraordinary benefits from combining graphene with existing materials and products.

Our main focus remains dedicated to our original premise of producing low cost, high grade, high purity graphene for industrial sales to existing materials groups.

Government Product Approvals.

There are no identified government approvals required for our products and no export restrictions for the products.

Effect of Existing or Probable Governmental Regulations on the Business.

Management believes that there are no identified existing or probable government regulations that will adversely impact our business.

Research and Development Activities.

The primary research and development during the next fiscal year will involve further development and evaluation of new efficient material processing techniques. The company plans to manufacture samples of its products for customer validation and presales activity purposes.

Additional research and development resources will be progressively committed to develop new graphene/silica (quartz) and thin film materials and applications to expand and diversify the company product offerings into complimentary high tech and clean tech storage markets.

Compliance with Environmental Laws.

Based upon our long-term experience, management believes that the nature of our proposed processing operations does not involve any onerous environmental compliance requirements. Compliance costs have been identified and quantified in the company plan of operations, business plan including financial plan.

Employees.

Certain members of our management team have been involved in this industry since 2005 and this has resulted in an experienced team of learned employees, advisors and technical experts in various locations and capacities within both Australia, Central Europe, and in the United States. It is planned to increase fulltime and part time employees/contractors from the present levels to a minimum of 30 within the next 12 months, subject to the company securing additional funding.

At the present time we rely upon experienced consultants with whom management has long-term relationships.

Executive Management and Technical Team.

Our executive management and technical team have largely co-worked together since 2005, and especially the last 5 years in Melbourne, Australia, China and the USA. All the specialized human resources are available to us.

ITEM 1.A. RISK FACTORS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 1.B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not Applicable

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

We own general office, lab and factory equipment with a net book value of $1,273 and $2,250 as of September 30, 2022 and 2021 respectively, net of depreciation.

We currently maintain a representative office at 23 Corporate Plaza Drive suite 150 Newport Beach, California 92660 (the Company pays monthly rent in the amount of $175 for this office). We also maintain a substantial office at 88 Lorimer Street, Docklands, Melbourne 3008, in the State of Victoria, Australia (the company pays monthly expense for use, equivalent to the amount of AUD$2,200 for this office, which it has occupied for the last seven years). These offices are currently adequate for our needs. These are month to month arrangements and therefore scoped out of ASC 842.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Not applicable

 PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Our common stock at September 30, 2022 trades in the OTC Markets OTC Pink Market under the symbol “GSTX”. Shown below is the range of high and low closing prices for our common stock for the periods indicated. The market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors is not restricted from paying any dividends but is not obligated to declare a dividend. No cash dividends have ever been declared and it is not anticipated that cash dividends will ever be paid.

Our Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The provisions in the Articles of Incorporation relating to the preferred stock allow our directors to issue preferred stock with multiple votes per share and dividend rights which would have priority over any dividends paid with respect to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock with these rights may make the removal of management difficult even if the removal would be considered beneficial to shareholders, generally, and will have the effect of limiting shareholder participation in certain transactions such as mergers or tender offers if these transactions are not favored by our management.

As of September 30, 2022, we had approximately 393 shareholders of record.

We have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock since our inception, and we do not anticipate declaring or paying any dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance future growth. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors the board of directors considers relevant.

 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

Not applicable.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes, and other financial information included in this Form 10-K. Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains not only statements that are historical facts, but also statements that are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements can be by their very nature, uncertain and risky. Although the forward-looking statements in this Report reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known by them. Consequently, and because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, the actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report as we attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and prospects.

Overview

In July 2017, the Company acquired Solar Quartz Technologies Limited, a New Zealand corporation with substantial mineral resource and technical engineering assets.

In September 2021, the Company through its 100% owned subsidiary, US Thin Film Corporation, acquired Specialty Material Group, Cayman Island corporation who holds a significant group of invention and processing patents in making Nanoparticle conductive thin film material for various industrial and technology applications.

We continue to seek new financing in the form of equity, debt, or a combination thereof to meet further development and general operating obligations. Achieving sufficient funds soon is of vital importance. The Company has managed to raise sufficient capital by sale of shares, but as of September 30, 2022, the Company has not been successful in raising sufficient funds to maintain primary operations. However, substantial efforts are underway to secure funding, and we believe that funding for the Company is imminent in the near future, although no assurance can be made as to the amount of funds, if any, or the terms thereof.

Current Business and Operation

The company has had a significant change of Management and the Board of Directors. Following the passing of Roger May (CEO) on 24 August 2022, the company has appointed Dr. Andrew Liang as CEO and Roger’s son, Jason May, as CTO. They are both based in Melbourne, Victoria. Rod Young, Michael Selsman and Juliana Tan have resigned as directors of the Company. Charles Wantrup and Jason May have been appointed as new Directors on 29 September 2022.

The company has a renewed focus and strategy to supply materials and technologies for the cleantech sector. This leverages the existing company operations and includes thin films, graphene, quartz, and water harvesting. The company is exploring acquisitions and partnerships in aligned areas of materials.

The Company is actively recruiting new members of the management team to assist with implementing its strategic plan. The company is re-engaging various opportunities that it was pursuing pre pandemic.

Currently, GSTX is primarily focused upon completing development and initial sample production of commercially viable products. The goal for the 2023 FY is to begin generating revenue.

Results of Operations.

Years Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021

For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, we generated no revenues, and thus no cost of sales or gross profits.

For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, we incurred $14,883,889 and $34,679,444, respectively in operating expenses. The operating expense decreases are due primarily to reduced costs of contracting professional services in the development of markets, financing, legal fees, and other general and administrative expenses.

For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, our other income (expenses) consisted of the following:

For the year ended September 30, 2022, we reported a net loss before taxes of $20,969,221 compared to a net loss before taxes of $34,814,944 for the year ended September 30, 2021. Since there were no tax obligations in either year, net loss in each year was the same as that reported before taxes.

Cash Flows

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Cash flows used in operating activities was $44,031 in the year ended September 30, 2022, while for the year ended September 30, 2021, the Company expended $320,127.

The increase in the year ended September 30, 2022 was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, primarily for legal and consulting expenses and due to related parties.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Shareholder loans and some minimal funding activities were mainly significant in the year ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Cash from financing activities in the year ended September 30, 2022 contributed $46,921 from the sale of shares to unaffiliated investors. Cash from financing activities in the year ended September 30, 2021 contributed $271,098, $138,093 from the sales of shares to unaffiliated investors and $133,005 from proceeds of a convertible note payable.

Liquidity and Capital Resources.

Years Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.

As of September 30, 2022, we had total current liabilities of $4,061,574, while as of September 30, 2021 we had total current liabilities of $3,539,553, an increase of $522,021. The increase in current liabilities was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and due to related party.

As of September 30, 2022, we had a working capital deficit of $4,002,218 compared to a working capital deficit of $4,047,534 as of September 30, 2021. As of September 30, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2,857 and total assets of $18,382 compared to cash and cash equivalents of $3,728 and total assets of $6,803,174 as of September 30, 2021.

General Discussion.

Whereas management has been successful in the past in raising capital, there are no assurances that these sources of financing will continue to be available to us and/or that demand for our common stock will be sufficient to meet our capital needs, or that financing will be available on terms favorable to us. If funding is insufficient at any time in the future, we may not be able to take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures or may be required to reduce the scope of our planned product development and marketing efforts, any of which could have a negative impact on its business and operating results. In addition, insufficient funding may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, which could require it to:

To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of such securities may result in dilution to our existing stockholders. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of debt securities, these securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to holders of common stock and the terms of such debt could impose restrictions on our operations. Regardless of whether our cash assets prove to be inadequate to meet its operational needs, we may seek to compensate providers of services by issuance of stock in lieu of cash, which may also result in dilution to our existing stockholders.

Inflation.

The impact of inflation on our costs and the ability to pass on cost increases to its customers over time is dependent upon market conditions. We are not aware of any inflationary pressures that have had any significant impact on its operations over the past quarter and we do not anticipate that inflationary factors will have a significant impact on future operations.

Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) was signed into law on August 16, 2022. Among other things, the IRA contained certain clean energy incentives and initiatives. The Company operates in sectors that management believe will benefit from these initiatives.

Going Concern and Management’s Liquidity Plans.

As reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit at September 30 2022, a net loss and net cash used in operating activities for the year then ended and has generated no revenues since inception. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements.

The ability of the Company to continue its operations is dependent on management’s plans, which include the raising of capital through debt and/or equity markets. The Company may need to incur additional liabilities with certain related parties to sustain the Company’s existence until such time that funds provided by operations are sufficient to fund working capital requirements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise any additional capital.

The Company may also require additional funding to finance the growth of our anticipated future operations as well as to achieve its strategic objectives. There can be no assurance that financing will be available in amounts or terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. In that event, the Company would be required to change its growth strategy and seek funding on that basis, if at all.

The Company’s plan regarding these matters is to raise additional debt and/or equity financing to allow the Company the ability to cover its current cash flow requirements and meet its obligations as they become due. There can be no assurances that financing will be available or if available, that such financing will be available under favorable terms. In the event that the Company is unable to generate adequate revenues to cover expenses and cannot obtain additional financing in the near future, the Company may seek protection under bankruptcy laws. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

We do not maintain off-balance sheet arrangements, nor do we participate in non-exchange traded contracts requiring fair value accounting treatment.

Critical Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements.

The Securities and Exchange Commission SEC has issued Financial Reporting Release No. 60, “Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies,” suggesting companies provide additional disclosure and commentary on their most critical accounting policies. In FRR 60, the Securities and Exchange Commission has defined the most critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and operating results and require management to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, our most critical accounting policies are set forth below. The methods, estimates, and judgments the company uses in applying these most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results the company reports in its financial statements.

A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements follows:

Stock-Based Compensation – We account for employee and non-employee stock-based compensation using the fair value method. The fair value attributable to stock options is calculated based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is amortized to expense over the service period which is equivalent to the time required to vest the stock options.

Income Taxes – Income taxes are provided based on the liability method for financial reporting purposes. Under this method deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

Uncertain tax positions are recognized in the financial statements only if that position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

We are required to file federal income tax returns in the United States and in various state and local jurisdictions. Our tax returns filed since inception are subject to examination by taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which it operates in accordance with the normal statutes of limitations in the applicable jurisdiction.

Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share have been calculated based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated based upon the weighted-average number of common and potential shares and is not presented when anti-dilutive.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements - As defined in ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements,” fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement).

The Company determines the level in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement falls in its entirety, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. In determining the appropriate levels, the Company performs an analysis of the assets and liabilities at each reporting period end.

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest, and due to related parties. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate fair value due to either length of maturity or interest rates that approximate prevailing rates unless otherwise disclosed in these financial statements.

Derivative Financial Instruments - The Company accounts for freestanding contracts that are settled in a company’s own stock, including common stock warrants, to be designated as an equity instrument or generally as a liability. A contract so designated is carried at fair value on a company’s balance sheet, with any changes in fair value recorded as a gain or loss in a company’s results of operations.

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value, adjusted at the end of each reporting period to reflect any material changes in fair value, with any such changes classified as changes in derivatives valuation in the statement of operations. The calculation of the fair value of derivatives utilizes highly subjective and theoretical assumptions that can materially affect fair values from period to period. The recognition of these derivative amounts does not have any impact on cash flows.

At the date of the conversion of any convertible debt, the pro rata fair value of the related embedded derivative liability is transferred to additional paid-in capital.

The Company determines our derivative liabilities to be a Level 3 fair value measurement and uses the Binomial pricing model to calculate the fair value. There are no derivative liabilities as of September 30, 2022 and 2021. The Binomial model requires six basic data inputs: the exercise or strike price, time to expiration, the risk-free interest rate, the current stock price, the estimated volatility of the stock price in the future, and the dividend rate. Changes to these inputs could produce a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The fair value of each convertible note is estimated using the Binomial valuation model.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – For discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements, please see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of Graphene & Solar Technologies Limited

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Graphene & Solar Technologies Limited (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, 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 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had a net loss from continuing operations, net cash used in operations, and a lack of revenues to-date, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans regarding those matters are discussed in Note 1. The 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, an 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Going Concern

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had a net loss from continuing operations, net cash used in operations, and a lack of revenues to-date.

Auditing management’s evaluation of a going concern can be a significant judgement given the fact that the Company uses management estimates on future revenues and expenses which are not able to be substantiated.

To evaluate the appropriateness of the going concern, we examined and evaluated the financial information that was the initial cause along with management’s plans to mitigate going concern and management’s disclosure on going concern.

/s/ M&K CPAS, PLLC

M&K CPAS, PLLC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020

Firm ID 2738

Houston, TX

April 12, 2023

GRAPHENE & SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

GRAPHENE & SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

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

GRAPHENE & SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

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

GRAPHENE & SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

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

GRAPHENE & SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 AND 2021

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

On June 21, 2010, Graphene & Solar Technologies Limited (“Graphene” or “the Company”), was incorporated in Colorado as Vanguard Energy Corporation (“Vanguard”). On July 5, 2017, Vanguard changed its name to Solar Quartz Technologies Corporation. On September 18, 2018, the name was again changed to Graphene & Solar Technologies Limited (“GSTX”).

Business Operations

We are primarily focused on providing the materials and technologies for a greener future. GSTX has a portfolio of projects in the cleantech are with:

These investments focus on global opportunities, multibillion-dollar industries, with a significant positive environmental impact. GSTX is focused on projects with exceptionally strong business opportunities, taking advantage of the environmental and supply chain challenges the world faces at present. GSTX is currently focused on supplying advanced materials to existing manufacturers and water harvesting products to market.

Advanced Materials

A portfolio of proprietary technologies for upstream manufacturing material supply into high tech markets including solar, semiconductor, defence.

Water Technologies

A portfolio of products and technologies for providing clean drinkable water for consumers and industry.

The Company is also exploring acquisition opportunities for Critical Resources Assets (Minerals with identified supply chain risk), zero emission fossil fuel replacement, green hydrogen and ammonia production.

The Company’s activities are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including the need for additional capital, as described below. The Company has not yet commenced any revenue-generating operations, does not have positive cash flows from operations, and is dependent on periodic infusions of equity capital to fund its operating requirements.

The Company’s common stock is traded on the Over-the-Counter Market under the symbol “GSTX.”

Going Concern

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis that it is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has not generated any revenues from operations to date and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. The Company has a stockholders’ deficit as of September 30, 2022. Furthermore, the Company has experienced recurring operating losses and negative operating cash flows since inception and has financed its working capital requirements during this period primarily through the recurring sale of its equity securities.

As a result, management has concluded that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the consolidated financial statements are being issued. In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in their report on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2022, has also expressed substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Company’s plan regarding these matters is to raise additional debt and/or equity financing to allow the Company the ability to cover its current cash flow requirements and meet its obligations as they become due. There can be no assurances that financing will be available or if available, that such financing will be available under favorable terms. In the event that the Company is unable to generate adequate revenues to cover expenses and cannot obtain additional financing in the near future, the Company may seek protection under bankruptcy laws. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary.

The spread of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world from the first half of 2020 has caused significant volatility in U.S. and international markets. There is significant uncertainty around the breadth and duration of business disruptions relate to COVlD-19, as well as its impact on the U.S. and international economies. The outbreak and any preventative or protective actions that governments or we may take in respect of this COVID-19 may result in a period of business disruption. Any financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but may materially affect our future business and financial condition. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 and the actions required to contain the COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others.

The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise additional equity capital to fund its activities and to ultimately achieve sustainable operating revenues and profits. The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

Because the Company is currently engaged in an early stage of development, it may take a considerable amount of time to develop any product or intellectual property capable of generating sustainable revenues. Accordingly, the Company’s business is unlikely to generate any sustainable operating revenues in the next several years. In addition, to the extent that the Company is able to generate revenues through product sales, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve positive earnings and operating cash flows.

At September 30, 2022, the Company had cash of $2,857 available to fund its operations. The Company needs to raise additional capital during the year ending September 30, 2023 to fund its ongoing business activities.

The amount and timing of future cash requirements during the year ended September 30, 2023 will depend on the extent of financing the Company is able to arrange. As market conditions present uncertainty as to the Company’s ability to secure additional funds, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to secure additional financing on acceptable terms, or at all, as and when necessary to continue to conduct operations. If cash resources are insufficient to satisfy the Company’s ongoing cash requirements, the Company would be required to scale back or discontinue its technology and product development programs, or obtain funds, if available (although there can be no certainty), through strategic alliances that may require the Company to relinquish rights to certain of its assets, or to discontinue its operations entirely.

Intangible Assets

We capitalize external costs, such as filing fees and associated attorney fees, incurred to obtain issued patents and patent license rights. We expense costs associated with maintaining and defending patents subsequent to their issuance in the period incurred. We amortize capitalized patent costs for internally generated patents on a straight-line basis for 7 years, which represents the estimated useful lives of the patents. The seven-year estimated useful life for internally generated patents is based on our assessment of such factors as: the integrated nature of the portfolios being licensed, the overall makeup of the portfolio over time, and the length of license agreements for such patents. The estimated useful lives of acquired patents and patent rights, however, have been and will continue to be based on a separate analysis related to each acquisition and may differ from the estimated useful lives of internally generated patents. The average estimated useful life of acquired patents is 6.7 years. We assess the potential impairment to all capitalized net patent costs when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of our patent portfolio may not be recoverable.

Assumed Liabilities

As a result of the acquisition of Cima Specialty Materials Ltd (CSML) from CIMA Nanotech Holdings Limited, “CNHL”, (a Cayman Island Registered company) the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary US Thin Film Corporation (USTFC) under the terms of the of the Share Sale and Purchase agreement the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of common stock for future liability settlement for assumed liabilities. The fair value of these future assumed liabilities of $720,000 was recorded as a stock receivable.

Revenue recognition Policies (ASC 606)

The Company recognizes revenue on arrangements in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The core principle of ASC 606 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services ASC 606 requires companies to assess their contracts to determine the timing and amount of revenue to recognize under the new revenue standard. The model has a five-step approach:

1.       Identify the contract with the customer.

2.       Identify the performance obligations in the contract.

3.       Determine the total transaction price.

4.       Allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract.

5.       Recognize as revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied.

Disclosure of Rental Income

Rental income is not recognized as ‘operating revenue” but as ‘other income’ during the period of $24,982. 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Graphene and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Graphene and Solar Technologies Limited (“GSTXNZ) and US Thin-Film Corporation (“USTFC”). All significant inter-company balances and transactions within the Company have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Basis of Presentation

These accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole 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. Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include those related to assumptions used in accruals for potential liabilities, valuing equity instruments issued for services, and the realization of deferred tax assets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost and represent cash on hand, demand deposits placed with banks or other financial institutions and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as of the purchase date of such investments. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company had $2,857 and $3,728 in cash, respectively, and no cash equivalents.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

As defined in ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements,” fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement).

The Company determines the level in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement falls in its entirety, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. In determining the appropriate levels, the Company performs an analysis of the assets and liabilities at each reporting period end.

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest, and due to related parties. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate fair value due to either length of maturity or interest rates that approximate prevailing rates unless otherwise disclosed in these financial statements.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for freestanding contracts that are settled in a company’s own stock, including common stock warrants, to be designated as an equity instrument or generally as a liability. A contract so designated is carried at fair value on a company’s balance sheet, with any changes in fair value recorded as a gain or loss in a company’s results of operations.

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value, adjusted at the end of each reporting period to reflect any material changes in fair value, with any such changes classified as changes in derivatives valuation in the statement of operations. The calculation of the fair value of derivatives utilizes highly subjective and theoretical assumptions that can materially affect fair values from period to period. The recognition of these derivative amounts does not have any impact on cash flows.

At the date of the conversion of any convertible debt, the pro rata fair value of the related embedded derivative liability is transferred to additional paid-in capital.

There was no derivative activity in fiscal 2022 and 2021. Therefore, no derivative liabilities were recorded during the year ended September 30, 2022:

 Schedule of derivative financial instrument

 Debt Issuance Costs

Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are amortized over the term of the related debt and netted against the liability.

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company follows ASC 450-20 to report accounting for contingencies. Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or un-asserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or un-asserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, would be disclosed.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed. Management does not believe, based upon information available at this time, that these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, there is no assurance that such matters will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial position, and results of operations or cash flows.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes pursuant to ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Accordingly, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected impact of differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities.

The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In the event the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be credited to operations in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to operations in the period such determination was made.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes of various state tax jurisdictions. As the Company’s net operating losses have yet to be utilized, all previous tax years remain open to examination by Federal authorities and other jurisdictions in which the Company currently operates or has operated in the past. The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits, as of September 30, 2022, and does not anticipate any material amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

The Company accounts for uncertainties in income tax law under a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns as prescribed by GAAP. The tax effects of a position are recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority as of the reporting date. If the tax position is not considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, then no benefits of the position are recognized. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had not recorded any liability for uncertain tax positions. In subsequent periods, any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions will be recognized as a component of income tax expense.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Reform Act was signed into law. The Tax Reform Act is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, except for certain provisions, and resulted in significant changes to existing United States tax law, including various provisions that are expected to impact the Company. Among other provisions, the Tax Reform Act reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The Company completed the accounting for the effects of the Tax Reform Act during the year ended September 30, 2020. Given that current deferred tax assets are offset by a full valuation allowance, these changes will have no impact on the balance sheet.

The Company is currently delinquent with respect to certain of its U.S. federal and state income tax filings.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Major improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Gains and losses from disposition of property and equipment are included in the statement of operations when realized. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over a life of five years.

Intangible Assets/Patents

We capitalize external costs, such as filing fees and associated attorney fees, incurred to obtain issued patents and patent license rights. We expense costs associated with maintaining and defending patents subsequent to their issuance in the period incurred. We amortize capitalized patent costs for internally generated patents on a straight-line basis for 7 years, which represents the estimated useful lives of the patents.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when events or circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of a long-lived asset to be held and used is considered impaired when the anticipated separately identifiable undiscounted cash flows from such an asset are less than the carrying value of the asset. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. Fair value is determined primarily by reference to the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. No impairment charges have been recorded in the periods presented.

Stock-Based Compensation

ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” prescribes accounting and reporting standards for all share-based payment transactions in which employee and non-employee services are acquired. Transactions include incurring liabilities, or issuing or offering to issue shares, options, and other equity instruments such as employee stock ownership plans and stock appreciation rights. Share-based payments to employees and non-employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized as compensation expense in the financial statements based on their fair values on the grant date. That expense is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award, known as the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).

During the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued 28,868,111 shares of the Company’s common stock to members of the Board of Directors, employees, and consultants. The fair value of the shares, as determined by reference to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on each respective grant date, aggregated $13,207,981.

During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Company issued 12,888,596 shares of the Company’s common stock to members of the Board of Directors, employees, and consultants. The fair value of the shares, as determined by reference to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on each respective grant date, aggregated $6,293,499.

Total stock-based compensation expense was $13,207,981 and $5,158,500 for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share

The Company computes basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share.” Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options and other commitments to issue common stock were exercised or equity awards vest resulting in the issuance of common stock that could share in the earnings of the Company.

The common share equivalents of these securities have not been included in the calculations of loss per share because such inclusions would have an anti-dilutive effect as the Company has incurred losses during the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.

For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, the following common stock equivalents were potentially dilutive.

Schedule of basic and diluted net loss per common share 

Foreign Currency

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“USD”). The Australian dollar (“AUD”) is the functional currency of Solar Quartz (the operating subsidiary) as it is the currency of Australia, which is the primary economic environment the operating subsidiary operates in and the environment in which the Company primarily utilizes cash.

Assets and liabilities are translated into USD utilizing currency exchange rates as published by WM/Reuters WM/Refinitiv FX Benchmark Rates | Refinitiv. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of shareholders’ deficiency. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in earnings in the period of settlement.

 Schedule of foreign currency

Related parties

Parties, which can be a corporation or individual, are considered to be related if the Company has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. Companies are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Management does not believe that any recently issued but not yet effective, authoritative guidance, if currently adopted, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

3. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment as of September 30, 2022 and 2021 are summarized as follows:

Schedule of property and equipment 

Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $829 and $12,504, respectively.

4. Intangible Assets/Patents

We amortize capitalized patent costs for internally generated patents on a straight-line basis for 7 years, which represents the estimated useful lives of the patents. The seven-year estimated useful life for internally generated patents is based on our assessment of such factors as: the integrated nature of the portfolios being licensed, the overall makeup of the portfolio over time, and the length of license agreements for such patents. The estimated useful lives of acquired patents and patent rights, however, have been and will continue to be based on a separate analysis related to each acquisition and may differ from the estimated useful lives of internally generated patents. The average estimated useful life of acquired patents is 6.7 years. We assess the potential impairment to all capitalized net patent costs when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of our patent portfolio may not be recoverable.

Components of intangible assets are as follows:

Schedule of Intangible Assets  

During the years ended September 3, 2022, and 2021, the Company recorded amortization expenses related to patents of $982,821 and $102,231, respectively.

In September 2021, the Company through its 100% owned subsidiary, US Thin Film Corporation, acquired Cima Specialty Material Limited, a Cayman Island corporation who holds a significant group of invention and processing patents in making Nanoparticle conductive thin film material for various industrial and technology applications. The patent portfolio was purchased from Cima Nanotech Holding Limited, the parent company of Specialty Material, and was paid with 31 million shares of GSTX common stock for the purchase. Subsequently the management and the auditors evaluated this intangible asset by considering its useful life, future economic benefit, and amortization, decided a value of US$6.5 million entered the book and reported in the 10K filing 2021. The delayed commercialization process for the past year prompted the management to examine the short-term revenue generating prospect of this intangible assets and to consider and accept the recommendation of our auditors for a total impairment of the patents.

5. Convertible Notes Payable

The Company’s material future contractual obligations by fiscal years as of September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Schedule of convertible notes payable 

Notes Payable and Other Loans

During 2015 and 2016, the Company executed promissory notes payable with six individuals with an aggregate principal balance of $60,000. The notes were due on demand and included interest at 10%. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the total promissory notes payable balance was $118,965 and $96,710, including accrued interest of $42,710 and $36,710, respectively. On January 15, 2019, the holder of a note with a principal balance of $10,000 made demand for payment. To date, the note has not been paid.

Convertible Notes Payable

On June 29, 2012, the Company issued convertible secured notes payable totaling $8,254,500 to a group of private investors. The notes matured on June 30, 2015. The notes, with interest at 15%, were convertible at the discretion of the holders, into common shares of the Company at the rate of $3.31 per share. Unable to make a required interest payment on March 31, 2014, the notes became due on demand. Effective June 17, 2014, with the noteholder approval, the assets securing the convertible notes were sold with the net proceeds of approximately $5,200,000 being distributed to the noteholders. Noteholders were to receive payment for the remaining balance due on the notes in the form of an exchange for the common stock of the Company at the rate of $3.31 per share. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, noteholders representing $70,747 in outstanding principal had not requested the exchange of shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the exchange obligation payable was $168,897 and $158,285, including accrued interest of $98,150 and $87,537, respectively. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the exchange obligation was for 51,026 shares and 47,820 shares of common stock, respectively.

On February 1, 2016, the Company issued convertible secured note payable of $30,000 to an individual. The note was due on January 31, 2017 and included interest at 10%. The note was convertible at discretion of the holder into common shares of the Company at the rate of $0.50 per shares. The Company has not extended the maturity date and the note is in default. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the total convertible note payable balance was $49,997 and $46,997, including accrued interest of $19,997 and $16,997, respectively. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the exchange obligation was for 99,994 shares and 93,994 shares of common stock, respectively.

On December 5, 2019, the Company issued a convertible note payable in the amount of $68,220. The convertible note bore interest at 10% and matured on December 5, 2021. The conversion option could be exercised by lender at any time during the 24-month period ended December 5, 2021. The noteholder agreed on September 3, 2022 to settle the debt and accrued interest through a share settlement agreement for one-million shares at $0.2750.

6. Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock

No preferred shares have been designated by the Company as of September 30, 2022 and 2021.

Common Stock

The Company is authorized to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock (par value $0.00001). As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company had 374,305,480 shares and 343,237,369 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively.

During the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued 31,068,111 shares of common stock as follows:

During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Company issued 96,998,646 shares of common stock as follows:

7. Related Party Transactions

Due to related party

PGRNZ Limited, a management company controlled by the Company’s Former Chief Executive Officer and Company Director, provided management services to the Company for which the Company was charged $75,000(AUD) quarterly, approximately $53,445 (US). During the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred charges to operations of $244,038 (US) and $309,150 (US), respectively, with respect to this arrangement. During the year ended September 30, 2022, PGRNZ Limited charged to operations $244,038, approximately $195,965 as consulting fees and approximately $48,073 as administrative expenses. During the year ended September 30, 2021, PGRNZ Limited charged to operations $309,150, approximately $225,000 as consulting fees and approximately $84,150 as administrative expenses.

During the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company borrowed $203,150 from PGRNZ Limited and repaid $92,158.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and a Company Director, provides office facilities to the Company for which the Company was charged $6,000(AUD) monthly, approximately $4,276 (US). During the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred charges to operations of $51,307 (US) and $54,000 (US), respectively, with respect to this arrangement.

During the year ended September 30, 2020 a Company Advisor, A. Liang, now CEO, loaned the Company $5,623. The loan is a demand note at zero interest.

During the year ended September 30, 2020 the former Company Chairman, FJ.Garafalo loaned the company $3,500. The loan is a demand note on zero interest.

As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, due to related parties was $1,342,405 and $947,826, respectively.

Due from related party

During September 2021, the Company approved and issued 50,000,000 shares to Rod Young who became a related party subsequent to this reporting period. The shares were fully expensed during the period.

Stock-Based Compensation

During the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, stock-based compensation expense relating to directors, officers, affiliates and related parties was $9,712,500 and $6,293,368, respectively (Note 5).

8. Income Taxes

Graphene & Solar Technologies Limited was formed in 2010. Prior to the acquisition of Solar Quartz Technologies Limited (SQTL) New Zealand, now known as Graphene and Solar Technologies Limited (GSTLNZ) in July 2017, the Company only had operations in the United States. In July 2017, the Company became the parent of GSTLNZ., a wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary, which files tax returns in New Zealand.

The Company provides for income taxes under ASC 740,” Income Taxes.” Under the asset and liability method of ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities and the tax rates in effect when these differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided for certain deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize tax assets through future operations.

The net loss for the year ended September 30, 2022 was $21,019,376, however the stock-based compensation and the debt discount amortization of $13,207,981 and $13,943 respectively are not used in the calculations below.

For the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the local (“United States of America”) and foreign components of loss before income taxes were comprised of the following:

 Schedule of local and foreign components of loss before income taxes

United States of America

Graphene & Solar Technologies Limited is subject to the tax laws of United States of America.

The income tax provision for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, consists of the following:

 Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

Net deferred tax assets consist of the following components as of September 30, 2022 and 2021:

 Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets