GROWLIFE, INC. - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT
UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(FEE REQUIRED)
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016
☐ TRANSACTION REPORT
UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(NO FEE REQUIRED)
For the transaction period from ________ to ________
Commission file number 000-50385
GrowLife, Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
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90-0821083
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.)
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5400 Carillon Point
Kirkland, WA 98033
(Address
of principal executive offices and zip code)
(866) 781-5559
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
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
Exchange Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act during the past 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 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 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to submit and post such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in
response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of
registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer,
or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large
accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting
company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check
one):
Large accelerated filer
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☐
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Accelerated filer
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☐
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Non-accelerated filer
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☐
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Smaller reporting company
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☒
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
As of June 30, 2016 (the last business day of our most recently
completed second fiscal quarter), based upon the last reported
trade on that date, the aggregate market value of the voting and
non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates (for this purpose,
all outstanding and issued common stock minus stock held by the
officers, directors and known holders of 10% or more of the
Company’s common stock) was $17,064,082.
As of
March 31, 2017 there were 1,944,843,172 shares of the
issuer’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, issued
and outstanding,
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The following discussion, in addition to the other information
contained in this report, should be considered carefully in
evaluating us and our prospects. This report (including without
limitation the following factors that may affect operating results)
contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act")
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
("Exchange Act") regarding us and our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects. Words such as
"expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks,"
"estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are
intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the
exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements in this
report. Additionally, statements concerning future matters such as
revenue projections, projected profitability, growth strategies,
development of new products, enhancements or technologies, possible
changes in legislation and other statements regarding matters that
are not historical are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements in this report reflect the good faith
judgment of our management and the statements are based on facts
and factors as we currently know them. Forward-looking statements
are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and
outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes
discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could
cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes
include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and in
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" as well as those discussed elsewhere in this
report. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date of this
report. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any
forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or
circumstance that may arise after the date of this
report.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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PART
1
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ITEM 1.
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Description of Business
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2
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ITEM 1A.
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Risk Factors
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7
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ITEM 1B
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Unresolved Staff Comments
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16
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ITEM 2.
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Properties
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16
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ITEM 3.
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Legal Proceedings
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17
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ITEM 4.
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Mine Safety Disclosures
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17
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PART
II
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ITEM 5.
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Market for Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
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18
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ITEM 6.
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Selected Financial Data
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21
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ITEM 7.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
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22
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ITEM 7A.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk
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29
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ITEM 8.
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Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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29
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ITEM 9.
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Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
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29
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ITEM 9A.
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Controls and Procedures
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29
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ITEM 9B.
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Other Information
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30
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PART
III
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ITEM 10.
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Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
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31
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ITEM 11.
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Executive Compensation
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34
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ITEM 12.
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and
Related Stockholder Matters
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41
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ITEM 13.
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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director
Independence
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42
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ITEM 14.
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Principal Accounting Fees and Services
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44
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PART
IV
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ITEM 15.
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Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
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45
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SIGNATURES
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50
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1
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF
BUSINESS
THE COMPANY AND OUR BUSINESS
GrowLife,
Inc. (“GrowLife” or the “Company”) is
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and is
headquartered in Kirkland, Washington. We were founded in 2012 with
the Closing of the Agreement and Plan of Merger with SGT Merger
Corporation.
Our
goal of becoming the nation’s largest cultivation facility
service provider for the production of organics, herbs and greens
and plant-based medicines continues to guide our decisions. Our
mission is to best serve more cultivators in the design, build-out,
expansion and maintenance of their facilities with products of high
quality, exceptional value and competitive price. Through
knowledgeable representatives, regional centers and its e-commerce
website, GrowLife provides essential and hard-to-find goods
including growing media, industry-leading hydroponics equipment,
organic plant nutrients, and thousands more products to specialty
grow operations across the United States.
We
primarily sell through our wholly owned subsidiary, GrowLife
Hydroponics, Inc. GrowLife companies distribute and sell over
15,000 products through its e-commerce distribution channel,
GrowLifeEco.com, and through our regional retail storefronts.
GrowLife and its business units are organized and directed to
operate strictly in accordance with all applicable state and
federal laws.
We are
focusing on future success. In that regard, we believe that the
hydroponics supply industry will experience significant growth and,
as a result, operating in this industry has become highly
competitive, cash intensive and customer centric. However, we
have plans to address these challenges.
First,
the opportunity to sell both infrastructure equipment and recurring
supplies to the indoor cultivation industry is constantly
increasing as demand for indoor cultivation grows across the United
States. GrowLife believes the demand will continue to grow and more
and more states and municipalities, including California enact
rules and regulations allowing for more indoor cultivation
activities. GrowLife continues with its multi-faceted
distribution strategy, which we believe serves customers in the
following manner: Direct sales to large commercial customers,
retail in some markets for local convenience, and e-commerce
via GrowLifeEco.com to
fulfill orders across the nation from customers of all sizes.
Second,
serving what GrowLife sees as an increasing number of cultivators
has become cash intensive because of the need for large inventory
levels at retail, extensive e-commerce online marketing, and
supporting payment terms to large accounts.
Currently, GrowLifeEco.com offers
over 15,000 products, far beyond the 3,000 found in Greners.com,
its former online store. This on-line website was expanded by
the fall of 2016.
Third,
GrowLife’s customers come in different stages from caregiver
cultivators to 80,000+ square foot commercial operations.
With the use of e-commerce, GrowLife endeavors to reach as many
customers as possible in areas where we do not have stores or a
direct sales presence. Last year
GrowLife built GrowLifeEco.com, our
new e-commerce website, that is optimized for mobile
devices. GrowLife put web marketing in place to increase
awareness, traffic and conversions.
GrowLife
started the expansion of sales and store personnel and marketing
efforts with the new funding vehicle with Chicago Venture Partners,
L.P. Chicago Venture is supportive in the expansion of the sales
and marketing teams in a growing market. GrowLife is expecting
growth in several markets, including California. GrowLife receives
funding twice a month for such costs. As the personnel were hired
late in the December 2016 quarter, the impact is expected to start
in the March 2017 quarter.
GrowLife
also considered the lack of capital access since 2014 and the new
funding vehicles with Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. Operations
were significantly impacted during 2014- 2016 as a result of the
lack of access to capital. GrowLife did not have cash to ship
orders. With the addition of GrowLife’s new partners, we have
access to capital and are growing our sales again.
Also,
we recognize demand is increasing from small, aspiring cultivation
consumers across the country seeking to learn and use a complete
indoor growing solution. To address this demand, we
packaged GrowLife
Cube, an entry-level offering for consumers to get hands-on
experience with indoor growing. Although many still buy the
components separately, we are working on developing videos and
supplier tools to attract them to this one-stop shop program.
Given the election results in California GrowLife Cube is expected to provide
greater value and specialty services.
2
Resumed Trading of our Common Stock
On February 18, 2016, our common stock resumed unsolicited
quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board after receiving clearance from
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)
on our Form 15c2-11. We are currently taking the appropriate steps
to uplist to the OTCQB Exchange and resume priced quotations with
market makers as soon as it is able.
Market Size and Growth
While
there is a great deal of purchasing of indoor cultivation equipment
for non-Cannabis cultivation, many of our investors have a
high-interest in the direction of the Cannabis industry as it may
directly affect GrowLife’s growth. Therefore, the following
market information is provided.
Twenty eight states and the District of Columbia currently have
laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Three other states will
soon join them after recently passing measures permitting use of
medical marijuana.
Seven states and the District of Columbia have adopted more
expansive laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Most
recently, California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada all passed
measures in November legalizing recreational
marijuana. California’s Prop. 64 measure allows adults
21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to
six plants in their homes. Other tax and licensing provisions of
the law will not take effect until January 2018.
Several legislatures in states recently passing legalization
measures are debating regulatory proposals around the use and sale
of marijuana. Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing bills that would
lower the amount that residents can legally possess or place
restrictions on retails stores. In Nevada, one proposal calls
for businesses to obtain permits allowing for the public use of
marijuana.
A number of states have also decriminalized the possession of small
amounts of marijuana. Other states have passed medical
marijuana laws allowing for limited use of cannabis. Some medical
marijuana laws are broader than others, with types of medical
conditions that allow for treatment varying from state to state.
Others states (not shown on the map below) have passed laws
allowing residents to possess cannabis oil if they suffer from
certain medical illnesses.
Our map shows current state laws and recently-approved ballot
measures legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational purposes.
Medical marijuana laws recently passing in Arkansas, Florida and
North Dakota have yet to become effective.
Information is current as of January 30, 2017.
Source:
www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html
GrowLife
serves a new, yet sophisticated community of commercial and urban
cultivators growing specialty crops including organics, greens and
plant-based medicines. Unlike the traditional agricultural
industry, these cultivators use innovative indoor growing
techniques to produce specialty crops in highly controlled
environments. This enables them to produce crops at higher yields
without having to compromise quality - regardless of the season or
weather and drought conditions.
Indoor
growing is commonly used for plant-based medicines because they
often require high-degree of regulation and controls including
government compliance, security, and crop consistency. This makes
indoor growing a preferred method. Cultivators of plant-based
medicines often make a significant investment to design and
build-out their facilities. They look to work with companies such
as GrowLife who understand their specific needs, and can help
mitigate risks that could jeopardize their crops.
Indoor
growing techniques, however, are not limited to plant-based
medicines. Vertical farms producing organic fruits and vegetables
are beginning to emerge in the market due to a rising shortage of
farmland, and environmental vulnerabilities including drought,
other severe weather conditions and insect pests. Indoor growing
techniques enables cultivators to grow crops all-year-round in
urban areas, and take up less ground while minimizing environmental
risks. Indoor growing techniques typically require a more
significant upfront investment to design and build-out these
facilities, than traditional farmlands. If new innovations lower
the costs for indoor growing, and the costs to operate traditional
farmlands continue to rise, then indoor growing techniques may be a
compelling alternative for the broader agricultural
industry.
3
State
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Year Passed How Passed
(Yes Vote) Possession Limit
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1.Alaska
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1998 Ballot Measure 8 (58%)
1 oz usable; 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)
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2.Arizona
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2010 Proposition 203 (50.13%)
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
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3.Arkansas
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2016 Ballot Measure Issue 6 (53.2%)
3 oz usable per 14-day period
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4.California
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1996 Proposition 215 (56%)
8 oz usable; 6 mature or 12 immature plants
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5.Colorado
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2000 Ballot Amendment 20 (54%)
2 oz usable; 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)
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6.Connecticut
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2012 House Bill 5389 (96-51 H, 21-13 S)
2.5 oz usable
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7.Delaware
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2011 Senate Bill 17 (27-14 H, 17-4 S)
6 oz usable
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8.Florida
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2016Ballot Amendment 2 (71.3%)
Amount to be determined
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9.Hawaii
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2000 Senate Bill 862 (32-18 H; 13-12 S)
4 oz usable; 7 plants
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10.Illinois
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2013 House Bill 1 (61-57 H; 35-21 S)
2.5 ounces of usable cannabis during a period of 14
days
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11.Maine
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1999 Ballot Question 2 (61%)
2.5 oz usable; 6 plants
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12.Maryland
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2014 House Bill 881 (125-11 H; 44-2 S)
30-day supply, amount to be determined
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13.Massachusetts
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2012 Ballot Question 3 (63%)
60-day supply for personal medical use (10 oz)
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14.Michigan
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2008 Proposal 1 (63%)
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
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15.Minnesota
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2014 Senate Bill 2470 (46-16 S; 89-40 H)
30-day supply of non-smokable marijuana
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16.Montana
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2004 Initiative 148 (62%)
1 oz usable; 4 plants (mature); 12 seedlings
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17.Nevada
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2000 Ballot Question 9 (65%)
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
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18.New
Hampshire
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2013 House Bill 573 (284-66 H; 18-6 S)
Two ounces of usable cannabis during a 10-day period
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19.New
Jersey
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2010 Senate Bill 119 (48-14 H; 25-13 S)
2 oz usable
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20.New
Mexico
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2007 Senate Bill 523 (36-31 H; 32-3 S)
6 oz usable; 16 plants (4 mature, 12 immature)
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21.New York
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2014 Assembly Bill 6357 (117-13 A; 49-10 S)
30-day supply non-smokable marijuana
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22.North
Dakota
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2016 Ballot Measure 5 (63.7%)
3 oz per 14-day period
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23.Ohio
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2016 House Bill 523 (71-26 H; 18-15 S)
Maximum of a 90-day supply, amount to be determined
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24.Oregon
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1998 Ballot Measure 67 (55%)
24 oz usable; 24 plants (6 mature, 18 immature)
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25.Pennsylvania
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2016 Senate Bill 3 (149-46 H; 42-7 S)
30-day supply
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26.Rhode
Island
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2006 Senate Bill 0710 (52-10 H; 33-1 S)
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
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27.Vermont
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2004 Senate Bill 76 (22-7) HB 645 (82-59)
2 oz usable; 9 plants (2 mature, 7 immature)
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28.Washington
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1998 Initiative 692 (59%)
8 oz usable; 6 plants
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Washington, DC
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2010
Amendment Act B18-622 (13-0 vote) 2 oz dried; limits on other forms
to be determined
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Source: Marijuana State Laws – Summary Chart from
ProCon.org
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4
Strategy
Our
long-term strategy revolves around three premises: First, the
indoor growing market for fruits, vegetables and medical plants is
here to stay. We see an opportunity for it to double for several
years, especially after last year’s election raising the
number of states that support Cannabis; Second, GrowLife will
continue to establish itself as a national brand to provide the
much-needed advisory services and sell lighting, nutrients, mediums
and other equipment, supplies and services to cultivators across
the country; And third, the demand for more healthy, safer and
economical ways to run indoor growing operations will dramatically
increase and require innovative products to intelligently drive
down costs without compromising quality. These are critical
premises for the Company’s growth.
Our
growth plan consists of adding more knowledgeable, talented and
committed people, creating greater access to equipment and
supplies, and offering more and better choices. We must sequence
our steps in a timely and deliberate manner.
Our
Base business provides GrowLife with a solid high-growth
foundation, especially as we see interest increase for the
GrowLife Retail License
Program that was announced at the end of 2016. This License
Program creates financial and operating efficiencies for GrowLife.
We are shifting our retail store business from a fixed to variable
cost structure, which allows us to apply our indoor cultivation
competency to other retail partners, and reach more cultivators in
markets across the US faster. The License Program offerings range
from a Store-within-the-store,
such as the one in place in Philadelphia at Fairmount Hardware, an
Ace Hardware franchisee, located at 2011 Fairmount Ave,
Philadelphia, PA, to partnering with retail investors who seek to
set up new GrowLife-licensed hydroponic stores. We are pleased with
the initial response and lessons learned from the License Program,
which have helped refine our offerings, customer engagement and
operating process.
The
other two channels for our Base business, Online e-commerce and
Direct Sales, continue to be refined as we apply more talent to
them. We plan to serve the Base business with these channels by
helping those price-sensitive customers drive down their equipment
and supply costs. While this puts great price pressure on our
manufacturers, we closely watch metrics move to the lowest cost per
gram. One of the largest cultivators recently shifted their lights
from a popular 1,000W to 315W where the electricity savings alone
drove down their production cost by 35% and production increased by
20%.
In
addition, our Expansion business efforts are equally capable of
revenue growth. However, Expansion investments come with great risk
not too different than building a start-up. Our Expansion efforts
are intended to be game-changers.
The
Cannabis industry itself is a game-changer. Many people are
discovering great benefits with the plant that are far beyond its
commercial growth. Even with all the government challenges we
believe that both business and consumer will persevere because the
demand and benefit of the plant are genuine based on scientific
research conducted throughout the world. Consistent safety measures
and standards are on their way. Therefore, we see the greatest
opportunities and challenges to be in helping to address the
mainstream acceptance and management of the plant…the
game-changers.
GrowLife
will therefore be pursuing such game-changers to help propel the
industry forward on several fronts. Acquisitions may range from
innovations that significantly drive down the operating costs for
commercial cultivators to the desperately needed cloud-based tools
for the government to extensively coordinate its policies with the
industry in a safe and responsible manner. We expect to see some of
these Expansion game-changers come to market in 2017. The caveat is
that there are many moving parts and these game-changers may or may
not come to pass.
GrowLife’s
greatest growth may come from a business that is not a significant
contributor today. We see three key areas that may be game-changers
for us in 2017: Mergers & Acquisitions and Partnerships (MAP);
Consumer with GrowLife
Cube; and plant-related services. Each of these areas will
require us to add the right people at the right time. Many talented
individuals are ready to join GrowLife.
MAP in
our Base business with Retail Licensing Program has quickly taught
us to invest in new procedures and people. Growth from M&A is
the most obvious expansion move. Over the last year we explored a
half-a-dozen acquisition opportunities. However, we found that they
were all over-priced. Even after factoring in the possible
valuation lift to the PHOT share price, the risk/reward did not
make sense.
The
most visible example was Go Green
Hydroponics, where we had entered into a non-binding letter
of intent last year. We recently announced in an SEC 8-K/A filing
that the non-binding letter of intent had expired and GrowLife does
not expect to close the acquisition of Go Green Hydroponics. We
will therefore not be pursuing this acquisition since our retail
strategy has shifted to the GrowLife Retail Licensing
Program.
Another
area we are continuing to develop is demand from new consumers
entering the industry, where they seek to learn how to build indoor
operations. We have tested GrowLife Cube, an entry-level growing
package that provides the basic set-up for an indoor farming
operation. GrowLife provides all the necessary growing equipment
and supplies. We have determined that there are many consumers
without growing experience, knowledge and local access to
hydroponic equipment and supplies. Therefore, we are tuning
GrowLife Cube to more
effectively reach and satisfy these new consumers.
5
Finally,
in January we spent a few days at the Seed to Sale Show in Denver to explore
the plant and seed business. Our conclusion is that it is an
attractive business that needs to be further explored but in an
indirect manner. GrowLife is not ready to directly touch the plant
due to Federal interstate laws. We are instead considering how to
legally support it through state based-partners.
We see
the indoor cultivation industry as growing faster than other
industries due to increasing demand for and legalization of
non-toxic pain relief medicines. For years GrowLife has built its
brand through experience with leading commercial cultivators. We
continue to assemble the best team in the industry to create a
great opportunity. Our investors and shareholders have shown strong
loyalty and support even through difficult times.
Overall,
GrowLife is in a stronger position than it has been for some time.
With continued work and support, we are encouraged with the
prospect of bringing growth back to the company and increase
shareholder value.
Key Market Priorities
Our
goal of becoming the nation’s largest cultivation facility
service provider for the production of organics, herbs and greens
and plant-based medicines requires GrowLife to (i) expand our
nationwide, multi-channel sales network presence, (ii) offer the
best terms for the full range of build-out equipment and consumable
supplies, and (iii) deliver superior, innovative
products.
First,
we provide distribution through retail, e-commerce and direct sales
to have national coverage and serve cultivators of all sizes. Each
channel offers varying pricing for differing benefits. Retail sells
at list price by offering inventory convenience, e-commerce
provides lower prices without requiring local inventory, and direct
sales delivers the best bid price for high-volume purchasers.
Additional points of service may be added through existing
distribution locations and services. This may be done in several
manners and programs that may incorporate cultivator-centric
locations with other retailer store owners.
Second,
we serve the needs of all size cultivators and each one’s
unique formulation, or ‘recipe’. We provide thousands
of varieties of supplies from dozens of vendors and distributors.
More importantly is our experience of knowing which products to
recommend under each customer’s circumstance.
And
third, our experience with hundreds of customers allows us to
determine specific product needs and sources to test new designs.
Lights, pesticides, nutrients, extraction and growing systems are
some examples of products that GrowLife can provide. Popular name
branded products are seeking to be part of the GrowLife company in
many forms. In exchange, we can market their products in a unique
manner over generic products.
Our
company can expand with these strategies until it serves more
indoor cultivators throughout the country. Once a customer is
engaged, we can gradually expand their purchasing market share by
providing greater economic benefit to the customers who buy more
products from GrowLife than from other suppliers.
Employees
As of
December 31, 2016, we had one
full-time employee and one consultant at our Seattle, Washington
office. Marco Hegyi, our Chief Executive Officer, is based in
Kirkland, Washington. Mark E. Scott, our consulting CFO, is based
primarily in Seattle, Washington. In addition, we have 10 employees
located throughout the United States who operate our e-commerce,
direct sales and retail businesses. None of our employees is
subject to a collective bargaining agreement or represented by a
trade or labor union. We believe that we have a good relationship
with our employees.
Key Partners
Our key
customers vary by state and are expected to be more defined as the
company moves from its retail walk-in purchasing sales strategy to
serving cultivation facilities directly and under predictable
purchasing contracts.
Our key
suppliers include distributors such as HydroFarm, Urban
Horticultural Supply and Sunlight Supply to product-specific
suppliers. All the products purchased and resold are applicable to
indoor growing for organics, greens, and plant-based
medicines.
Competition
Certain
large commercial cultivators have found themselves willing to
assume their own equipment support by buying large volume purchased
directly from certain suppliers and distributors such as Sunlight
Supplies and HydroFarm. Other key competitors on the retail side
consist of local and regional hydroponic resellers of indoor
growing equipment. On the e-commerce business, GrowersHouse.com,
Hydrobuilder.com, HorticultureSource.com and smaller online
resellers using Amazon and eBay e-commerce market
systems.
Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights
Our
intellectual property consists of brands and their related
trademarks and websites, customer lists and affiliations, product
know-how and technology, and marketing intangibles.
6
Our
other intellectual property is primarily in the form of trademarks
and domain names. We also hold rights to several website addresses
related to our business including websites that are actively used
in our day-to-day business such as www.growlifeinc.com,
www.growlifeeco.com
and www.greners.com.
We have
a policy of entering into confidentiality and non-disclosure
agreements with our employees and some of our vendors and customers
as necessary.
Government Regulation
Currently,
there are twenty eight states plus the District of Columbia that
have laws and/or regulation that recognize in one form or another
legitimate medical uses for cannabis and consumer use of cannabis
in connection with medical treatment. There are currently seven
states that allow recreational use of cannabis. As of the date of
this writing, the policy and regulations of the Federal government
and its agencies is that cannabis has no medical benefit and a
range of activities including cultivation and use of cannabis for
personal use is prohibited on the basis of federal law and may or
may not be permitted on the basis of state law. Active enforcement
of the current federal regulatory position on cannabis on a
regional or national basis may directly and adversely affect the
willingness of customers of GrowLife to invest in or buy products
from GrowLife. Active enforcement of the current federal regulatory
position on cannabis may thus indirectly and adversely affect
revenues and profits of the GrowLife companies.
All
this being said, many reports show that the majority of the
American public is in favor of making medical cannabis available as
a controlled substance to those patients who need it. The need and
consumption will then require cultivators to continue to provide
safe and compliant crops to consumers. The cultivators will then
need to build facilities and use consumable products, which
GrowLife provides.
THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK
Our common stock traded on the grey market under the symbol
“PHOT” through February 17, 2016. While the company was
without a market maker, its stock does trade directly between
buyers and sellers on the grey sheets. The quotations
reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, markdown or
commission, and may not represent actual transactions.
Consequently, the information provided below was not be indicative
of our common stock price under different conditions.
On February 18, 2016, our common stock resumed unsolicited
quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board after receiving clearance from
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)
on our Form 15c2-11. We are currently taking the appropriate steps
to uplist to the OTCQB Exchange and resume priced quotations with
market makers as soon as it is able.
PRIMARY RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
We are
exposed to various risks related to legal proceedings, our need for
additional financing, the sale of significant numbers of our
shares, the potential adjustment in the exercise price of our
convertible debentures and a volatile market price for our common
stock. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in more detail
below in Part II, Item 1A.
WEBSITE ACCESS TO UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
REPORTS
We file annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public
Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. Please
call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the
public reference room. The SEC maintains a website at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning filers. We also
maintain a web site at http://www.growlifeinc.com that provides
additional information about our Company and links to documents we
file with the SEC. The Company's charters for the Audit Committee,
the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating Committee; and the
Code of Conduct & Ethics are also available on our website. The
information on our website is not part of this Form
10-K.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are certain inherent risks which will have an effect on the
Company’s development in the future and the most
significant risks and uncertainties known and identified by our
management are described below.
Risks Associated with Securities Purchase Agreement with Chicago
Venture
The
Securities Purchase Agreement with Chicago Venture will terminate
if we file protection from its creditors, a Registration Statement
on Form S-1 is not effective, and our market capitalization or the
trading volume of our common stock does not reach certain levels.
If terminated, we will be unable to draw down all or substantially
all of our $2,500,000 Chicago Venture Note.
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Our
ability to require Chicago Venture to fund the Chicago Venture Note
is at our discretion, subject to certain limitations. Chicago
Venture is obligated to fund if each of the following conditions
are met; (i) the average and median daily dollar volumes of our
common stock for the twenty (20) and sixty (60) trading days
immediately preceding the funding date are greater than $100,000;
(ii) our market capitalization on the funding date is greater than
$17,000,000; (iii) we are not in default with respect to share
delivery obligations under the note as of the funding date; and
(iv) we are current in its reporting obligations.
There
is no guarantee that we will be able to meet the foregoing
conditions or any other conditions under the Securities Purchase
Agreement and/or Chicago Venture Note or that we will be able to
draw down any portion of the amounts available under the Securities
Purchase Agreement and/or Chicago Venture Note.
If we
not able to draw down all $2,500,000 available under the Securities
Purchase Agreement or if the Securities Purchase Agreement is
terminated, we may be forced to curtail the scope of our operations
or alter our business plan if other financing is not available to
us.
Risks Associated from TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP
(“TCA”) Funding Transactions.
We have
entered into various funding transactions with TCA. On January 10, 2017, Chicago Venture, at our
instruction, remitted funds of $1,495,901 to TCA in order to
satisfy all debts to TCA. On or around January 11, 2017, we were
notified by TCA that $13,540 were due to TCA in order for TCA to
release its security interest in the Company’s assets. On
February 1, 2017, TCA notified the Company that all funds were
received and TCA would release its security interest our assets.
TCA has confirmed that it is paid in full and we are not aware of
any other obligations that the we have as to TCA. The funds
received under the Chicago Venture Agreements and previous Chicago
Venture Agreements were used to pay-off TCA.
Failure
to operate in accordance with the Agreements with TCA could result
in the cancellation of these agreements, result in foreclosure on
our assets in event of default and would have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
Suspension of trading of the Company’s
securities.
On
April 10, 2014, we received notice from the SEC that trading of our
common stock on the OTCBB was to be suspended from April 10, 2014
through April 24, 2014. The SEC issued its order pursuant to
Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. According to
the notice received by us from the SEC: “It appears to the
Securities and Exchange Commission that the public interest and the
protection of investors require a suspension of trading in the
securities of GrowLife, Inc. because of concerns regarding the
accuracy and adequacy of information in the marketplace and
potentially manipulative transactions in GrowLife’s common
stock.” To date, we have not received notice from the SEC
that it is being formally investigated.
On February 18, 2016, our common stock resumed unsolicited
quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board after receiving clearance from
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)
on our Form 15c2-11. We are currently taking the appropriate steps
to uplist to the OTCQB Exchange and resume priced quotations with
market makers as soon as it is able.
The
suspension of trading eliminated our market makers, resulted in our
trading on the grey sheets, resulted in legal proceedings and
restricted our access to capital. This action had a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations. If we are unable to obtain additional financing when it
is needed, we will need to restructure our operations, and divest
all or a portion of our business.
SEC charged outsiders with manipulating our
securities.
On
August 5, 2014, the SEC charged four promoters with ties to the
Pacific Northwest for manipulating our securities. The SEC alleged
that the four promoters bought inexpensive shares of thinly traded
penny stock companies on the open market and conducted
pre-arranged, manipulative matched orders and wash trades to create
the illusion of an active market in these stocks. They then
sold their shares in coordination with aggressive third party
promotional campaigns that urged investors to buy the stocks
because the prices were on the verge of rising substantially.
This action has had a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to
obtain additional financing when it is needed, we will need to
restructure our operations, and divest all or a portion of our
business.
On July
9, 2015, the SEC entered into settlements with two of the
promoters. In connection with the settlement of their SEC action,
the two men are liable for disgorgement of approximately $2.1
million and $306,000 in illicit profits, respectively. Earlier this
year the two men were also sentenced to five and three years in
prison, respectively, for their participation in the
scheme.
We are involved in Legal Proceedings.
We are
involved in the disputes and legal proceedings as discussed in this
annual report. In addition, as a public company, we are also
potentially susceptible to litigation, such as claims asserting
violations of securities laws. Any such claims, with or without
merit, if not resolved, could be time-consuming and result in
costly litigation. There can be no assurance that an adverse result
in any future proceeding would not have a potentially material
adverse on our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
8
Our Joint Venture Agreement with CANX USA, LLC is important to our
operations.
On
November 19, 2013, we entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with
CANX, a Nevada limited liability company. Under the
terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, the Company and CANX formed
Organic Growth International, LLC (“OGI”), a Nevada
limited liability company, for the purpose of expanding our
operations in its current retail hydroponic businesses and in other
synergistic business verticals and facilitating additional funding
for commercially financeable transactions of up to
$40,000,000.
We
initially owned a non-dilutive 45% share of OGI and the Company
could acquire a controlling share of OGI as provided in the Joint
Venture Agreement. In accordance with the Joint Venture Agreement,
the Company and CANX entered into a Warrant Agreement whereby the
we delivered to CANX a warrant to purchase 140,000,000 shares of
our common stock that is convertible at $0.033 per share, subject
to adjustment as provided in the warrant. The five-year warrant
expires November 18, 2018. Also in accordance with the Joint
Venture Agreement, on February 7, 2014, the Company issued an
additional warrant to purchase 100,000,000 shares of our common
stock that is convertible at $0.033 per share, subject to
adjustment as provided in the warrant. The five-year warrant
expires February 6, 2019.
GrowLife
received the $1 million as a convertible note in December 2013,
received the $1.3 million commitment but not executed and by
January 2014 OGI had Letters of Intent with four investment and
acquisition transactions valued at $96 million. Before the deals
could close, the SEC put a trading halt on our stock on April 10,
2014, which resulted in the withdrawal of all transactions. The
business disruption from the trading halt and the resulting class
action and derivative lawsuits ceased further investments with the
OGI joint venture. The Convertible Note was converted into our
common stock as of the year ended December 31, 2016.
On July
10, 2014, we closed a Waiver and Modification Agreement, Amended
and Restated Joint Venture Agreement, Secured Credit Facility and
Secured Convertible Note with CANX and Logic Works LLC, a lender
and shareholder of the Company.
The
Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement with CANX modified the
Joint Venture Agreement dated November 19, 2013 to provide for (i)
up to $12,000,000 in conditional financing subject to review by
GrowLife and approval by OGI for business growth development
opportunities in the legal cannabis industry for up to nine months,
subject to extension; (ii) up to $10,000,000 in working capital
loans with each loaning requiring approval in advance by CANX;
(iii) confirmed that the five year warrants, subject to adjustment,
at $0.033 per share for the purchase of 140,000,000 and 100,000,000
were fully earned and were not considered compensation for tax
purposes by the Company; (iv) granted CANX five year warrants,
subject to adjustment, to purchase 300,000,000 shares of common
stock at the fair market price of $0.033 per share as determined by
an independent appraisal; (v) warrants as defined in the Agreement
related to the achievement of OGI milestones; and (vi) a four year
term, subject to adjustment.
We
entered into a Secured Convertible Note and Secured Credit Facility
dated June 25, 2014 with Logic Works whereby Logic Works agreed to
provide up to $500,000 in funding. Each funding required approval
in advance by Logic Works, provides for interest at 6% with a
default interest of 24% per annum and required repayment by June
26, 2016. The Note is convertible into common stock of the Company
at the lesser of $0.0070 or (B) twenty percent (20%) of the average
of the three (3) lowest daily VWAPs occurring during the twenty
(20) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the applicable
conversion date on which Logic Works elects to convert all or part
of this 6% Convertible Note, subject to adjustment as provided in
the Note. The 6% Convertible Note is collateralized by the assets
of the Company. As of
March 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the Convertible Note was
$39,251.
Failure
to operate in accordance with the Agreements with CANX could result
in the cancellation of these agreements, result in foreclosure on
our assets in event of default and would have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
Our proposed business is dependent on laws pertaining to the
marijuana industry.
Continued
development of the marijuana industry is dependent upon continued
legislative authorization of the use and cultivation of marijuana
at the state level. Any number of factors could slow or
halt progress in this area. Further, progress, while
encouraging, is not assured. While there may be ample
public support for legislative action, numerous factors impact
the legislative process. Any one of these factors could
slow or halt use of marijuana, which would negatively impact our
proposed business.
As of
December 31, 2016, twenty eight states and the District of Columbia
allow its citizens to use medical
marijuana. Additionally, seven states have legalized
cannabis for adult use. The state laws are in conflict
with the federal Controlled Substances Act, which makes marijuana
use and possession illegal on a national level. The Obama
administration previously effectively stated that it is not an
efficient use of resources to direct law federal law enforcement
agencies to prosecute those lawfully abiding by state-designated
laws allowing the use and distribution of medical
marijuana. The Trump administration position is
unknown. However, there is no guarantee that the Trump
administration will not change current policy regarding the
low-priority enforcement of federal laws. Additionally,
any new administration that follows 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 and its
shareholders.
9
Further,
while we do not harvest, distribute or sell marijuana, by supplying
products to growers of marijuana, we could be deemed to be
participating in marijuana cultivation, which remains illegal under
federal law, and exposes us to potential criminal liability, with
the additional risk that our business could be subject to civil
forfeiture proceedings.
The marijuana industry faces strong opposition.
It is
believed by many that large, well-funded businesses may have a
strong economic opposition to the marijuana industry. We
believe that the pharmaceutical industry clearly does not want to
cede control of any product that could generate significant
revenue. For example, medical marijuana will likely
adversely impact the existing market for the current
“marijuana pill” sold by mainstream pharmaceutical
companies. Further, the medical marijuana industry could
face a material threat from the pharmaceutical industry, should
marijuana displace other drugs or encroach upon the pharmaceutical
industry’s products. The pharmaceutical industry
is well funded with a strong and experienced lobby that eclipses
the funding of the medical marijuana movement. Any
inroads the pharmaceutical industry could make in halting or
impeding the marijuana industry harm our business, prospects,
results of operation and financial condition.
Marijuana remains illegal under Federal
law.
Marijuana
is a Schedule-I controlled substance and is illegal under federal
law. Even in those states in which the use of marijuana
has been legalized, its use remains a violation of federal
law. Since federal law criminalizing the use of
marijuana preempts state laws that legalize its use, strict
enforcement of federal law regarding marijuana would harm our
business, prospects, results of operation and financial
condition.
Raising additional capital to implement our business plan and pay
our debts will cause dilution to our existing stockholders, require
us to restructure our operations, and divest all or a portion of
our business.
We need
additional financing to implement our business plan and to service
our ongoing operations and pay our current debts. There can be no
assurance that we will be able to secure any needed funding, or
that if such funding is available, the terms or conditions would be
acceptable to us.
If we
raise additional capital through borrowing or other debt financing,
we may incur substantial interest expense. Sales of additional
equity securities will dilute on a pro rata basis the percentage
ownership of all holders of common stock. When we raise more equity
capital in the future, it will result in substantial dilution to
our current stockholders.
If we
are unable to obtain additional financing when it is needed, we
will need to restructure our operations, and divest all or a
portion of our business.
Potential Convertible Note Defaults.
Several of the Company’s convertible promissory notes remain
outstanding beyond their respective maturity dates. This may
trigger an event of default under the respective agreements. The
Company is working with these noteholders to convert their notes
into common stock and intends to resolve these outstanding issues
as soon as practicable. Any default could have a significant
adverse effect on our cash flows and should we be unsuccessful in
negotiating an extension or other modification, we may have to
restructure our operations, divest all or a portion of its
business, or file for bankruptcy.
Closing of bank accounts could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and/or results of
operations.
As a
result of the regulatory environment, we have experienced the
closing of several of our bank accounts since March 2014. We have
been able to open other bank accounts. However, we may have other
banking accounts closed. These factors impact management and could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and/or results of operations.
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Federal regulation and enforcement may adversely affect the
implementation of medical marijuana laws and regulations may
negatively impact our revenues and profits.
Currently,
there are twenty eight states plus the District of Columbia that
have laws and/or regulation that recognize in one form or another
legitimate medical uses for cannabis and consumer use of cannabis
in connection with medical treatment. Many other states are
considering legislation to similar effect. As of the date of this
writing, the policy and regulations of the Federal government and
its agencies is that cannabis has no medical benefit and a range of
activities including cultivation and use of cannabis for personal
use is prohibited on the basis of federal law and may or may not be
permitted on the basis of state law. Active enforcement of the
current federal regulatory position on cannabis on a regional or
national basis may directly and adversely affect the willingness of
customers of GrowLife to invest in or buy products from GrowLife
that may be used in connection with cannabis. Active enforcement of
the current federal regulatory position on cannabis may thus
indirectly and adversely affect revenues and profits of the
GrowLife companies.
Our history of net losses has raised substantial doubt regarding
our ability to continue as a going concern. If we do not continue
as a going concern, investors could lose their entire
investment.
Our
history of net losses has raised substantial doubt about our
ability to continue as a going concern, and as a result, our
independent registered public accounting firm included an
explanatory paragraph in its report on our financial statements as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 with
respect to this uncertainty. Accordingly, our ability to continue
as a going concern will require us to seek alternative financing to
fund our operations. This going concern opinion could materially
limit our ability to raise additional funds through the issuance of
new debt or equity securities or otherwise. Future reports on our
financial statements may include an explanatory paragraph with
respect to our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurance
that we can again achieve or maintain profitability.
We have
experienced net losses since inception. As of December 31, 2016, we
had an accumulated deficit of $124.4 million. There can be no assurance
that we will achieve or maintain profitability.
We are subject to corporate governance and internal control
reporting requirements, and our costs related to compliance with,
or our failure to comply with existing and future requirements,
could adversely affect our business.
We must
comply with corporate governance requirements under the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd–Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as additional
rules and regulations currently in place and that may be
subsequently adopted by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board. These laws, rules, and regulations continue to
evolve and may become increasingly stringent in the future. We are
required to include management’s report on internal controls
as part of our annual report pursuant to Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We strive to continuously evaluate and improve
our control structure to help ensure that we comply with Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The financial cost of compliance
with these laws, rules, and regulations is expected to remain
substantial.
We
cannot assure you that we will be able to fully comply with these
laws, rules, and regulations that address corporate governance,
internal control reporting, and similar matters. Failure to comply
with these laws, rules and regulations could materially adversely
affect our reputation, financial condition, and the value of our
securities.
Our management has concluded that we have material weaknesses in
our internal controls over financial reporting and that our
disclosure controls and procedures are not effective.
A
material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of
deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such
that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement
of a company's annual or interim financial statements will not be
prevented or detected on a timely basis. A significant deficiency
is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal
control over financial reporting that is less severe than a
material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those
responsible for oversight of the company's financial reporting.
During the review of our financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2016, our management identified material weaknesses in
our internal control over financial reporting. If these weaknesses
continue, investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and
completeness of our financial reports and other
disclosures.
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 and retain contributing 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:
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expand
our products effectively or efficiently or in a timely
manner;
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allocate
our human resources optimally;
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meet
our capital needs;
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identify
and hire qualified employees or retain valued employees;
or
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incorporate
effectively the components of any business or product line that we
may acquire in our effort to achieve growth.
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11
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 don’t 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 and service offerings. To that end we have engaged in the
process of identifying new product opportunities to provide
additional products and related services 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 noncompetitive.
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 and through the purchase of existing businesses.
Our success and the planned growth and expansion of our business
depend on us achieving greater and broader acceptance of our
products and expanding our customer base. There can be no assurance
that customers will purchase our products or that we will continue
to expand our customer base. 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, which could harm our
business and cause our stock price to decline.
If we
incur substantial liability from litigation, complaints, or
enforcement actions resulting from misconduct by our distributors,
our financial condition could suffer. We will require that our
distributors comply with applicable law and with our policies and
procedures. Although we will use various means to address
misconduct by our distributors, including maintaining these
policies and procedures to govern the conduct of our distributors
and conducting training seminars, it will still be difficult to
detect and correct all instances of misconduct. Violations of
applicable law or our policies and procedures by our distributors
could lead to litigation, formal or informal complaints,
enforcement actions, and inquiries by various federal, state, or
foreign regulatory authorities against us and/or our distributors.
Litigation, complaints, and enforcement actions involving us and
our distributors could consume considerable amounts of financial
and other corporate resources, which could have a negative impact
on our sales, revenue, profitability and growth prospects. As we
are currently in the process of implementing our direct sales
distributor program, we have not been, and are not currently,
subject to any material litigation, complaint or enforcement action
regarding distributor misconduct by any federal, state or foreign
regulatory authority.
Our
future manufacturers could fail to fulfill our orders for products,
which would disrupt our business, increase our costs, harm our
reputation and potentially cause us to lose our
market.
12
We may
depend on contract manufacturers in the future to produce our
products. These manufacturers could fail to produce products to our
specifications or in a workmanlike manner and may not deliver the
units on a timely basis. Our manufacturers may also have to obtain
inventories of the necessary parts and tools for production. Any
change in manufacturers to resolve production issues could disrupt
our ability to fulfill orders. Any change in manufacturers to
resolve production issues could also disrupt our business due to
delays in finding new manufacturers, providing specifications and
testing initial production. Such disruptions in our business and/or
delays in fulfilling orders would harm our reputation and would
potentially cause us to lose our market.
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 business. 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, and/or results of operations would be adversely
affected.
We may
also rely on nondisclosure and non-competition agreements to
protect portions of our technology. There can be no assurance that
these agreements will not be breached, that we will have adequate
remedies for any breach, that third parties will not otherwise gain
access to our trade secrets or proprietary knowledge, or that third
parties will not independently develop the technology.
We do
not warrant any opinion as to non-infringement of any patent,
trademark, or copyright by us or any of our affiliates, providers,
or distributors. Nor do we warrant any opinion as to invalidity of
any third-party patent or unpatentability of any third-party
pending patent application.
Our industry is highly competitive and we have less capital and
resources than many of our competitors, which may give them an
advantage in developing and marketing products similar to ours or
make our products obsolete.
We are
involved in a highly competitive industry where we may compete with
numerous other companies who offer alternative methods or
approaches, may have far greater resources, more experience, and
personnel perhaps more qualified than we do. Such resources may
give our competitors an advantage in developing and marketing
products similar to ours or products that make our products
obsolete. There can be no assurance that we will be able to
successfully compete against these other entities.
Transfers of our securities may be restricted by virtue of state
securities “blue sky” laws, which prohibit trading
absent compliance with individual state laws. These restrictions
may make it difficult or impossible to sell shares in those
states.
Transfers
of our common stock may be restricted under the securities or
securities regulations laws promulgated by various states and
foreign jurisdictions, commonly referred to as "blue sky" laws.
Absent compliance with such individual state laws, our common stock
may not be traded in such jurisdictions. Because the securities
held by many of our stockholders have not been registered for
resale under the blue sky laws of any state, the holders of such
shares and persons who desire to purchase them should be aware that
there may be significant state blue sky law restrictions upon the
ability of investors to sell the securities and of purchasers to
purchase the securities. These restrictions may prohibit the
secondary trading of our common stock. Investors should consider
the secondary market for our securities to be a limited
one.
We are dependent on key personnel and we are default under
Employment and Consulting Agreements
Our
success depends to a significant degree upon the continued
contributions of key management and other personnel, some of whom
could be difficult to replace. We do not maintain key man life
insurance covering our officers. Our success will depend on the
performance of our officers and key management and other personnel,
our ability to retain and motivate our officers, our ability to
integrate new officers and key management and other personnel into
our operations, and the ability of all personnel to work together
effectively as a team. Our failure to retain and recruit
officers and other key personnel could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
We have limited insurance.
We have
no directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and
limited commercial liability insurance policies. Any significant
claims would have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of
operations.
13
Risks Related to our Common Stock
CANX and Logic Works and TCA could have significant influence over
matters submitted to stockholders for approval.
CANX and Logic Works
As of
December 31, 2016, CANX and Logic Works in the aggregate hold
shares representing approximately 29.9% of our common stock on a
fully-converted basis and could be considered a control group for
purposes of SEC rules. However, their agreements limit their
ownership to 4.99% individually and each of the parties disclaims
its status as a control group or a beneficial owner due to the fact
that their beneficial ownership is limited to 4.99% per their
agreements. Beneficial ownership includes shares over which an
individual or entity has investment or voting power and includes
shares that could be issued upon the exercise of options and
warrants within 60 days after the date of
determination.
TCA and Chicago Venture
As a
result of funding from TCA and Chicago Venture as previously
detailed, they exercise significant control over us.
If
these persons were to choose to act together, they would be able to
significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders
for approval, as well as our officers, directors, management and
affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act
together, could significantly influence the election of directors
and approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or
substantially all of our assets. This concentration of voting power
could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other
stockholders may desire.
Trading in our stock is limited by the lack of market makers and
the SEC’s penny stock regulations.
On
April 10, 2014, as a result of the SEC suspension in the trading of
our securities, we lost all market makers and traded on the grey
market of OTCBB. Until we complied with FINRA Rule 15c2-11, we
traded on the grey market, which has limited quotations and
marketability of securities. Holders of our common stock found it
more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as
to the market value of, our common stock, and the market value of
our common stock declined.
On February 18, 2016, our common stock resumed unsolicited
quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board after receiving clearance from
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)
on our Form 15c2-11. We are currently taking the appropriate steps
to uplist to the OTCQB Exchange and resume priced quotations with
market makers as soon as it is able.
Our
stock is categorized as a penny stock The SEC has adopted Rule
15g-9 which generally defines "penny stock" to be any equity
security that has a market price (as defined) less than US$ 5.00
per share or an exercise price of less than US$ 5.00 per share,
subject to certain exclusions (e.g., net tangible assets in excess
of $2,000,000 or average revenue of at least $6,000,000 for the
last three years). The penny stock rules impose additional sales
practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other
than established customers and accredited investors. The penny
stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a
penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a
standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the
SEC, which provides information about penny stocks and the nature
and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer
also must provide the customer with current bid and offer
quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the
broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly
account statements showing the market value of each penny stock
held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and
the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be
given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the
transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or
with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock
rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not
otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a
special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable
investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written
agreement to the transaction. Finally, broker-dealers may not
handle penny stocks under $0.10 per share.
These
disclosure requirements reduce the level of trading activity in the
secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock
rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules would affect the
ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities if we become
subject to them in the future. The penny stock rules also could
discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of our
common stock to future investors, resulting in limited ability for
investors to sell their shares.
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.
14
The market price of our common stock may be volatile.
The
market price of our common stock has been and is likely in the
future to be volatile. Our common stock price may fluctuate in
response to factors such as:
●
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Halting of trading by the SEC or FINRA. |
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|
Announcements
by us regarding liquidity, legal proceedings, significant
acquisitions, equity investments and divestitures, strategic
relationships, addition or loss of significant customers and
contracts, capital expenditure commitments, loan, note payable and
agreement defaults, loss of our subsidiaries and impairment of
assets,
|
|
|
●
|
Issuance
of convertible or equity securities for general or merger and
acquisition purposes,
|
|
|
●
|
Issuance
or repayment of debt, accounts payable or convertible debt for
general or merger and acquisition purposes,
|
|
|
●
|
Sale of
a significant number of shares of our common stock by
shareholders,
|
|
|
●
|
General
market and economic conditions,
|
●
|
Quarterly
variations in our operating results,
|
|
|
●
|
Investor
relation activities,
|
|
|
●
|
Announcements
of technological innovations,
|
|
|
●
|
New
product introductions by us or our competitors,
|
|
|
●
|
Competitive
activities, and
|
|
|
●
|
Additions
or departures of key personnel.
|
These
broad market and industry factors may have a material adverse
effect on the market price of our common stock, regardless of our
actual operating performance. These factors could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or results
of operations.
The sale of a significant number of our shares of common stock
could depress the price of our common stock.
Sales
or issuances of a large number of shares of common stock in the
public market or the perception that sales may occur could cause
the market price of our common stock to decline. As of December 31,
2016, there were approximately 1.645 billion shares of our common stock
issued and outstanding. In addition, as of December 31,
2016, there are also (i) stock option grants outstanding for the
purchase of 12 million common
shares at a $0.010 average exercise price; (ii) warrants for the
purchase of 595 million common
shares at a $0.031 average exercise price; and (iii) 207.8 million shares related to convertible debt that can be
converted at 0.0036 per share. Subsequent to December 31, 2016,
(i) Brighton Capital LLC converted debt of $127,148 into
15,893,500 shares of our common stock at a per share conversion
price of $0.008; (ii) During the three months ended March 31, 2017,
Chicago Venture converted principal and interest of $1,253,000 into
190,189,197 shares of our common stock at a per share conversion
price of $0.007; and (iii) Logic Works converted principal and
interest of $291,044 into 82,640,392 shares of our common stock at
a per share conversion price of $.004.
In addition, we have an unknown number of common shares to be
issued under the TCA and Chicago Venture financing agreements
because the number of shares ultimately issued to TCA depends on
the price at which TCA converts its debt to shares. The lower the
conversion price, the more shares that will be issued to TCA or
Chicago Venture upon the conversion of debt to shares. We
won’t know the exact number of shares of stock issued to TCA
or Chicago Venture until the debt is actually converted to
equity. If all stock option grant, warrant and contingent
shares are issued, approximately 2.471 billion of our currently
authorized 3 billion shares of common stock will be issued and
outstanding. For purposes
of estimating the number of shares issuable upon the
exercise/conversion of all stock options, warrants and contingent
shares, we assumed the number of shares and average share prices
detailed above.
These
stock option grant, warrant and contingent shares could result in
further dilution to common stock holders and may affect the market
price of the common stock.
Significant
shares of common stock are held by our principal shareholders,
other Company insiders and other large shareholders. As affiliates
as defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act or Rule 144 of the
Company, our principal shareholders, other Company insiders and
other large shareholders may only sell their shares of common stock
in the public market pursuant to an effective registration
statement or in compliance with Rule 144.
Some of
the present shareholders have acquired shares at prices as low
as $0.007 per share, whereas other shareholders have
purchased their shares at prices ranging from $0.0036 to $0.78
per share.
15
These
stock option grant, warrant and contingent shares could result in
further dilution to common stock holders and may affect the market
price of the common stock.
Some of our convertible debentures may require adjustment in the
conversion price.
Our 7%
Convertible Notes Payable and our 6% Convertible Secured
Convertible Notes may require an adjustment in the current
conversion price of $0.0036 per share if we issue common stock,
warrants or equity below the price that is reflected in the
convertible notes payable. The conversion price of the convertible
notes will have an impact on the market price of our common stock.
Specifically, if under the terms of the convertible notes the
conversion price goes down, then the market price, and ultimately
the trading price, of our common stock will go down. If under the
terms of the convertible notes the conversion price goes up, then
the market price, and ultimately the trading price, of our common
stock will likely go up. In other words, as the conversion price
goes down, so does the market price of our stock. As the conversion
price goes up, so presumably does the market price of our stock.
The more the conversion price goes down, the more shares are issued
upon conversion of the debt which ultimately means the more stock
that might flood into the market, potentially causing a further
depression of our stock.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock
in the foreseeable future.
We have
never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We
currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to
finance the growth and development of our business, and we do not
anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the
foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of any future debt
agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result,
capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole
source of gain for the foreseeable future.
Anti-takeover provisions may limit the ability of another party to
acquire our company, which could cause our stock price to
decline.
Our
certificate of incorporation, as amended, our bylaws and Delaware
law contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a
third party from acquiring our company, even if doing so may be
beneficial to our stockholders. In addition, these provisions could
limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for
shares of our common stock.
We may issue preferred stock that could have rights that are
preferential to the rights of common stock that could discourage
potentially beneficially transactions to our common
shareholders.
An
issuance of additional shares of preferred stock could result in a
class of outstanding securities that would have preferences with
respect to voting rights and dividends and in liquidation over our
common stock and could, upon conversion or otherwise, have all of
the rights of our common stock. Our Board of Directors'
authority to issue preferred stock could discourage potential
takeover attempts or could delay or prevent a change in control
through merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise by making
these attempts more difficult or costly to achieve. The
issuance of preferred stock could impair the voting, dividend and
liquidation rights of common stockholders without their
approval.
If the company were to dissolve or wind-up, holders of our common
stock may not receive a liquidation preference.
If we
were too wind-up or dissolve the Company and liquidate and
distribute our assets, our shareholders would share ratably in our
assets only after we satisfy any amounts we owe to our
creditors. If our liquidation or dissolution were
attributable to our inability to profitably operate our business,
then it is likely that we would have material liabilities at the
time of liquidation or dissolution. Accordingly, we
cannot give you any assurance that sufficient assets will remain
available after the payment of our creditors to enable you to
receive any liquidation distribution with respect to any shares you
may hold.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Operating Leases
On
December 7, 2016, we entered into entered into a Consent to
Judgement and Settlement Agreement related to our retail
hydroponics store located in Portland, Maine. This Agreement
provides for a monthly lease payment of $4,668 through May 2, 2017.
If we are in compliance with the Settlement Agreement, we can
extend the lease from May 2, 2017 to May 1, 2020 at the monthly
lease payment of $5,373. We also agreed to a repayment schedule for
past due rent of $70,013. We do not have an option to extend the
lease after May 1, 2020.
On
October 21, 2013, we entered into a lease agreement for retail
space for our retail hydroponics store in Avon (Vail), Colorado.
The lease expires on September 30, 2018. Monthly rent for year one
of the lease is $2,606 and increases 3.5% per year thereafter
through the end of the lease. We do not have an option to extend
the lease.
16
On May
31, 2016, the Company rented space at 5400 Carillon Point, Kirkland, Washington 98033
for $1,539 per month for its corporate office. The
Company’s agreement expires May 31, 2017 and can be
extended.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are
involved in the disputes and legal proceedings described below. In
addition, as a public company, we are also potentially susceptible
to litigation, such as claims asserting violations of securities
laws. Any such claims, with or without merit, if not resolved,
could be time-consuming and result in costly litigation. We accrue
any contingent liabilities that are likely.
Class Actions Alleging Violations of Federal Securities
Laws
Beginning on April 18, 2014, three class action lawsuits alleging
violations of federal securities laws were filed against the
Company in United States District Court, Central District of
California (the “Court”). On May 15, 2014 and August 4,
2014, respectively two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed
against the Company with the Court (the “Derivative
Actions”). On October 20, 2014, AmTrust North America, our
insurer, filed a lawsuit contesting insurance coverage on the above
legal proceedings. We accrued $2,000,000 as settlement of the
Consolidated Class Action and Derivative Action lawsuits alleging
violations of federal securities laws that were filed against the
Company during the year ending December 31, 2015. We issued $2
million in common stock or 115,141,048 shares of our common stock
on April 6, 2016 pursuant to the settlement of the Consolidated
Class Action and Derivative Action lawsuits alleging violations of
federal securities laws that were filed against us in United States
District Court, Central District of California.
Sales, Payroll and Other Tax Liabilities
As of December 31, 2016, we owe approximately $129,000 in sales
tax.
Potential Convertible Note Defaults
Several of our convertible promissory notes remain outstanding
beyond their respective maturity dates. This may trigger an event
of default under the respective agreements. We are working with
these noteholders to convert their notes into common stock and
intends to resolve these outstanding issues as soon as
practicable.
Other Legal Proceedings
We have been sued for non-payment of lease payments at closed
stores in Boulder, Colorado and Plaistow, New Hampshire. We are
currently subject to legal actions with various
vendors.
It is
possible that additional lawsuits may be filed and served on
us.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY
DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
17
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S
COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF
EQUITY SECURITIES
General
The
following description of our capital stock and provisions of our
articles of incorporation and bylaws are summaries and are
qualified by reference to our articles of incorporation and the
bylaws. We have filed copies of these documents with the SEC as
exhibits to our Form 10-K.
Authorized Capital Stock
We have
authorized 3,010,000,000 shares of capital stock, of which
3,000,000,000 are shares of voting common stock, par value $0.0001
per share, and 10,000,000 are shares of preferred stock, par value
$0.0001 per share.
Capital Stock Issued and Outstanding
As
of December 31, 2016, we have issued and outstanding
securities on a fully diluted basis, consisting of:
●
1,656,120,083 shares of common stock;
●
Stock option grants for the purchase of 12,010,000 shares of common
stock at average exercise price of $0.010;
●
Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 595,000,000 shares of
common stock with expiration dates between November 2018
and October 2013 at an exercise price of $0.031 per
share;
●
207,812,222 shares of common stock to be issued for the conversion of Convertible Notes
Payables at a conversion price of $0.0036 per share;
and
●
An unknown number of common shares to
be issued under the TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP
and Chicago Venture Partners,
L.P. financing
agreements.
Voting Common Stock
Holders
of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on
all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have
cumulative voting rights. An election of directors by our
stockholders shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast
by the stockholders entitled to vote on the election. On all other
matters, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to
vote is required for approval, unless otherwise provided in our
articles of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law. Holders of
common stock are entitled to receive proportionately any dividends
as may be declared by our board of directors, subject to any
preferential dividend rights of outstanding preferred
stock.
In the
event of our liquidation or dissolution, the holders of common
stock are entitled to receive proportionately all assets available
for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all debts and
other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any
outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no
preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The
rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are
subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of the
holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may
designate and issue in the future.
Non-Voting Preferred Stock
Under
the terms of our articles of incorporation, our board of directors
is authorized to issue shares of non-voting preferred stock in one
or more series without stockholder approval. Our board of directors
has the discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges
and restrictions, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption
privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of
non-voting preferred stock.
The
purpose of authorizing our board of directors to issue non-voting
preferred stock and determine our rights and preferences is to
eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific
issuances. The issuance of non-voting preferred stock, while
providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions,
future financings and other corporate purposes, could have the
effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or
could discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, a majority
of our outstanding voting stock. Other than the Series B and C
Preferred Stock discussed below, there are no shares of non-voting
preferred stock presently outstanding and we have no present plans
to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Series B Preferred Stock Designation
In
connection with the Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement, the Board of Directors, on October 21, 2015, approved
the authorization of a Series B Preferred Stock as provided in our
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.
The
Series B Preferred Stock has authorized 150,000 shares with a
stated value equal to $10.00 per share. Dividends payable to other
classes of stock are restricted until repayment of the aggregate
value of Series B Preferred Stock. Upon our liquidation or
dissolution, Series B Preferred Stock has no priority or preference
with respect to distributions of any assets by us. The Series B
Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock by dividing the
stated value of the shares being converted by 100% of the average
of the five lowest closing bid prices for the common stock during
the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
conversion date as quoted by Bloomberg, LP.
18
TCA was
issued 150,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. However, in no
event will Purchaser be entitled to hold in excess of 4.99% of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.
In
connection with the First Amendment to Amended and Restated
Securities Purchase Agreement, TCA surrendered the Series B
Preferred Stock.
Series C Preferred Stock Designation
In
connection with the Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement, the Board of Directors, on October 21, 2015, approved
the authorization of a Series C Preferred Stock as provided in our
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and the issuance of 51
shares of Series C Preferred Stock. These shares only have voting
rights in the event of a default by us under the Amended and
Restated Transaction Documents. The Series C Preferred Stock is
cancelled with the repayment of the TCA debt.
The
Series C Preferred Stock Designation authorizes 51 shares of Series
C Preferred Stock. Series C Preferred Stock is not entitled to
dividend or liquidation rights and is not convertible into our
common stock.
In the
event of a default under the Amended and Restated Transaction
Documents, each share of Series C Preferred Stock shall have voting
votes equal to 0.019607 multiplied by the total issued and
outstanding common stock and preferred stock eligible to vote
divided by .49 minus the numerator. For example, if the total
issued and outstanding common stock eligible to vote is 5,000,000,
the voting rights of one share of Series C Preferred Stock shall be
equal to 102,036 (e.g. ((0.019607 x 5,000,000/0.49) –
(0.019607 x 5,000,000) = 102,036). In
the event of a default under the Amended and Restated TCA
Transaction Documents, TCA can exercise voting control over our
common stock.
On February 1, 2017, GrowLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), closed the transactions described below
with Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. (“Chicago
Venture”).
In
connection with the closing of the Chicago Venture transactions
which closed on February 1, 2017, TCA surrendered the Series C
Preferred Stock.
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock
As of
December 31, 2016, we had warrants to purchase
595,000,000 shares of common stock with expiration dates
between November 2018 and October 2013 at an
exercise price of $0.031 per share.
Options to Purchase Common Stock
In
fiscal year 2011, we authorized a Stock Incentive Plan whereby a
maximum of 18,870,184 shares of the Company’s common stock
could be granted in the form of Non-Qualified Stock Options,
Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted
Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Stock-Based Awards. On
April 18, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors voted to
increase to 35,000,000 the maximum allowable shares of the
Company’s common stock allocated to the 2011 Stock Incentive
Plan. After the exercise of stock option grants, we have 27,522,626
shares available for issuance. We have outstanding unexercised
stock option grants totaling 12,010,000 shares at an average
exercise price of $0.010 per share as of December 31, 2016. All
grants are considered non-qualified until the increase is approved
by the shareholders.
Dividend Policy
We have
not previously paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do
not anticipate or contemplate paying dividends on our common stock
in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to use all of our
available funds to develop our business. We can give no assurances
that we will ever have excess funds available to pay
dividends.
Change in Control Provisions
Our articles of incorporation and by-laws provide for a maximum of
nine directors, and the size of the Board cannot be increased by
more than three directors in any calendar year. There is
no provision for classification or staggered terms for the members
of the Board of Directors.
Our articles of incorporation also provide that except to the
extent the provisions of Delaware General Corporation Law require a
greater voting requirement, any action, including the amendment of
the Company’s articles or bylaws, the approval of a plan of
merger or share exchange, the sale, lease, exchange or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s
property other than in the usual and regular course of business,
shall be authorized if approved by a simple majority of
stockholders, and if a separate voting group is required or
entitled to vote thereon, by a simple majority of all the votes
entitled to be cast by that voting group.
Our bylaws provide that only the Chief Executive Officer or a
majority of the Board of Directors may call a special
meeting. The bylaws do not permit the stockholders of
the Company to call a special meeting of the stockholders for any
purpose.
19
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions
Our
articles of incorporation, as amended, and bylaws contain
provisions that could have the effect of discouraging potential
acquisition proposals or tender offers or delaying or preventing a
change in control, including changes a stockholder might consider
favorable. In particular, our articles of incorporation and bylaws
among other things:
●
permit our board of directors to alter our bylaws without
stockholder approval; and
●
provide that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled by a
majority of directors in office, although less than a
quorum.
Such
provisions may have the effect of discouraging a third party from
acquiring us, even if doing so would be beneficial to our
stockholders. These provisions are intended to enhance the
likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our
board of directors and in the policies formulated by them, and to
discourage some types of transactions that may involve an actual or
threatened change in control of our company. These provisions are
designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition
proposal and to discourage some tactics that may be used in proxy
fights. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our
potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly
or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure our company
outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging such proposals because,
among other things, negotiation of such proposals could result in
an improvement of their terms.
However,
these provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from
making tender offers for our shares that could result from actual
or rumored takeover attempts. These provisions also may have the
effect of preventing changes in our management.
Market Price of and Dividends on Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters
Our common stock traded on the grey market under the symbol
“PHOT” through February 17, 2016. While the company was
without a market maker, its stock does trade directly between
buyers and sellers on the grey sheets. The quotations
reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, markdown or
commission, and may not represent actual transactions.
Consequently, the information provided below was not be indicative
of our common stock price under different conditions.
On February 18, 2016, our common stock resumed unsolicited
quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board after receiving clearance from
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)
on our Form 15c2-11. We are currently taking the appropriate steps
to uplist to the OTCQB Exchange and resume priced quotations with
market makers as soon as it is able.
Period Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
Year Ending December 31, 2016
|
|
|
December
31, 2016
|
$0.021
|
$0.007
|
September
30, 2016
|
$0.020
|
$0.006
|
June
30, 2016
|
$0.027
|
$0.015
|
March
31, 2016
|
$0.058
|
$0.003
|
|
|
|
Year Ending December 31, 2015
|
|
|
December
31, 2015
|
$0.020
|
$0.003
|
September
30, 2015
|
$0.180
|
$0.010
|
June
30, 2015
|
$0.060
|
$0.010
|
March
31, 2015
|
$0.350
|
$0.020
|
As of
March 27, 2017, the closing price of the company's common stock was
$0.010 per share. As of March 31, 2017, there were 1,944,843,172
shares of common stock issued and outstanding. We have
approximately 112 stockholders of record. This number does not
include up to approximately 15,000-80,000 beneficial owners whose
shares are held in the names of various security brokers, dealers,
and registered clearing agencies.
Transfer Agent
The
transfer agent for our common stock is Issuer Direct Corporation
located 500 Perimeter Park, Suite D, Morrisville NC
27560, and their telephone number is
(919) 481-4000.
Dividends
We have
not previously paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do
not anticipate or contemplate paying dividends on our common stock
in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to use all of our
available funds to develop our business. We can give no assurances
that we will ever have excess funds available to pay
dividends.
20
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Unless otherwise indicated, all of the following sales or issuances
of Company securities were conducted under the exemption from
registration as provided under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities
Act of 1933. All of the shares issued were issued in transactions
not involving a public offering, are considered to be restricted
stock as defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act
of 1933 and stock certificates issued with respect thereto bear
legends to that effect.
We have compensated consultants and service providers with
restricted common stock during the development of our business and
when our capital resources were not adequate to provide payment in
cash.
During the three months ended December 31, 2016, we had the
following sales of unregistered sales of equity
securities.
On
October 21, 2016, an entity affiliated with Mr. Scott, our Chief
Financial Officer, converted $40,000 in accrued consulting fees and
expenses into 4,000,000 shares of our common stock at $0.01 per
share. The price per share was based on the thirty-day trailing
average. On October 21, 2016, an entity affiliated with Mr. Scott
was granted 6,000,000 shares of our common stock at $0.01 per
share. The price per share was based on the thirty-day trailing
average. On October 21, 2016, an entity affiliated with Mr. Scott
cancelled stock option grants totaling 12,000,000 shares of our
common stock at $0.01 per share.
On
October 12, 2016, we issued 4,000,000 shares of its common stock to
an entity affiliated with Marco Hegyi, Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to a conversion of debt for $40,000. The shares were
valued at the fair market price of $0.01 per share.
On
October 21, 2016, we issued 5,020,000 shares to two former
directors and a supplier (unaccredited) for services provided. We
valued the 5,020,000 shares at $0.01 per share or
$50,200.
During
the three months ended December 31, 2016, we issued 5,000,000
shares of its common stock to a service provider pursuant to
conversions of $50,000. The shares were valued at the fair market
price of $0.010 per share.
During
the three months ended December 31, 2016, Holders of our
Convertible Notes Payables, converted principal and accrued
interest of $235,682 into 65,467,127 shares of our common stock at
a per share conversion price of $0.004.
During
the three months ended December 31, 2016, Old Main converted
principal and accrued interest of $44,208 into 12,365,872 shares of
our common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.004.
During
the three months ended December 31, 2016, Chicago Venture converted
principal and accrued interest of $1,275,599 into 242,300,607
shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.0053.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2016
related to the equity compensation plan in effect at that
time.
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
Plan Category
|
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding options, warrants and
rights
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
|
Number of securities remaining
available
for future issuance
under equity compensation plan (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
|
Equity
compensation plan
|
|
|
|
approved
by shareholders
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Equity
compensation plans
|
|
|
|
not
approved by shareholders
|
12,010,000
|
0.010
|
-
|
Total
|
12,010,000
|
0.010
|
-
|
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL
DATA
In the following table, we provide you with our selected
consolidated historical financial and other data. We have prepared
the consolidated selected financial information using our
consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2015. When you read this selected consolidated historical
financial and other data, it is important that you read along with
it the historical financial statements and related notes in our
consolidated financial statements included in this report, as well
as Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.
21
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
||||
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
2013
|
2012
|
|
(Audited)
|
(Audited)
|
(Audited)
|
(Audited)
|
(Audited)
|
STATEMENT
OF OPERATIONS DATA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
revenue
|
$1,231
|
$3,500
|
$8,538
|
$4,859
|
$1,451
|
Cost
of goods sold
|
1,276
|
2,981
|
7,173
|
4,006
|
1,039
|
Gross
profit
|
(45)
|
519
|
1,365
|
853
|
412
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
2,764
|
2,684
|
7,851
|
11,796
|
1,683
|
Operating
(loss)
|
(2,809)
|
(2,165)
|
(6,486)
|
(10,943)
|
(1,271)
|
Other
expense
|
(4,886)
|
(3,524)
|
(80,140)
|
(10,437)
|
(915)
|
Net
(loss)
|
$(7,695)
|
$(5,689)
|
$(86,626)
|
$(21,380)
|
$(2,186)
|
Net
(loss) per share
|
$(0.01)
|
$(0.01)
|
$(0.10)
|
$(0.04)
|
$(0.01)
|
Weighted
average number of shares
|
1,197,565,907
|
884,348,627
|
834,503,868
|
593,034,693
|
245,420,970
|
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our
goal of becoming the nation’s largest cultivation facility
service provider for the production of organics, herbs and greens
and plant-based medicines continues to guide our decisions. Our
mission is to best serve more cultivators in the design, build-out,
expansion and maintenance of their facilities with products of high
quality, exceptional value and competitive price. Through
knowledgeable representatives, regional centers and its e-commerce
website, GrowLife provides essential and hard-to-find goods
including growing media, industry-leading hydroponics equipment,
organic plant nutrients, and thousands more products to specialty
grow operations across the United States.
We
primarily sell through our wholly owned subsidiary, GrowLife
Hydroponics, Inc. GrowLife companies distribute and sell over
15,000 products through its e-commerce distribution channel,
GrowLifeEco.com, and through our regional retail storefronts.
GrowLife and its business units are organized and directed to
operate strictly in accordance with all applicable state and
federal laws.
We are
focusing on future success. In that regard, we believe that the
hydroponics supply industry will experience significant growth and,
as a result, operating in this industry has become highly
competitive, cash intensive and customer centric. However, we
have plans to address these challenges.
First,
the opportunity to sell both infrastructure equipment and recurring
supplies to the indoor cultivation industry is constantly
increasing as demand for indoor cultivation grows across the United
States. We believe the demand will continue to grow and more and
more states and municipalities enact rules and regulations allowing
for more indoor cultivation activities. We plan to continue
with our multi-faceted distribution strategy, which we believe
serves customers in the following manner: Direct sales to large
commercial customers, retail in some markets for local convenience,
and e-commerce via GrowLifeEco.com to
fulfill orders across the nation from customers of all sizes.
Second,
serving what we see as an increasing number of cultivators has
become cash intensive because of the need for large inventory
levels at retail, extensive e-commerce online marketing, and
supporting payment terms to large accounts. We need to
arrange for financing support to be competitive. We have
learned that retail success is about having the right products on
hand, knowledgeable and experienced talent, accessible advisory
services and superior turn-over ratios.
Currently, GrowLifeEco.com offers
over 15,000 products, far beyond the 3,000 found in Greners.com,
its former online store.
Third,
our customers come in different stages from caregiver cultivators
to 80,000 square foot commercial operations. With the use of
e-commerce, we endeavor to reach as many customers as possible in
areas where we do not have stores or a direct sales presence.
Earlier this year GrowLife built GrowLifeEco.com, our
new e-commerce website, that is optimized for mobile
devices. Our next step is to put web marketing in place to
increase awareness, traffic and conversions.
Also,
we recognize demand is increasing from small, aspiring cultivation
consumers across the country seeking to learn and use a complete
indoor growing solution. To address this demand, we
packaged GrowLife
Cube, a development-stage annual subscription service, for
consumers to get hands-on experience with indoor growing.
Although many still buy the components separately, we are working
on developing videos and supplier tools to attract them to this
one-stop shop subscription program. Given the election
results in California the GrowLife Cube subscription service will
evolve with greater value and specialty services to be announced in
the fourth quarter.
Resumed Trading of our Common Stock
On February 18, 2016, our common stock resumed unsolicited
quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board after receiving clearance from
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)
on our Form 15c2-11. We are currently taking the appropriate steps
to uplist to the OTCQB Exchange and resume priced quotations with
market makers as soon as it is able.
22
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents certain consolidated statement of
operations information and presentation of that data as a
percentage of change from year-to-year.
(dollars in thousands)
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|||
|
2016
|
2015
|
$ Variance
|
% Variance
|
Net
revenue
|
$1,231
|
$3,500
|
$(2,269)
|
-64.8%
|
Cost
of goods sold
|
1,276
|
2,981
|
(1,705)
|
57.2%
|
Gross
profit
|
(45)
|
519
|
(564)
|
-108.7%
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
2,764
|
2,684
|
80
|
-3.0%
|
Operating
loss
|
(2,809)
|
(2,165)
|
(644)
|
-29.7%
|
Other
income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
Change
in fair value of derivative
|
(1,324)
|
1,679
|
(3,003)
|
-178.9%
|
Interest
expense, net
|
(817)
|
(1,119)
|
302
|
27.0%
|
Other
income (expense), primarily related to TCA funding
|
145
|
(2,003)
|
2,148
|
107.2%
|
Loss
on debt conversions
|
(2,890)
|
-
|
(2,890)
|
-100.0%
|
Loss
on class action lawsuit settlements
|
-
|
(2,081)
|
2,081
|
100.0%
|
Total
other (expense) income
|
(4,886)
|
(3,524)
|
(1,362)
|
38.6%
|
(Loss)
before income taxes
|
(7,695)
|
(5,689)
|
(2,006)
|
-35.3%
|
Income
taxes - current benefit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
0.0%
|
Net
(loss)
|
$(7,695)
|
$(5,689)
|
$(2,006)
|
-35.3%
|
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 2015
Revenue
Net
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $2,269,000
to $1,231,000 as compared to $3,500,000 for the year ended December
31, 2015. The decrease was due to (i) lower revenue from the retail
stores acquired by GrowLife Hydroponics’ acquisition of Rocky
Mountain Hydroponics and Evergreen Garden Center on September 7,
2013; (ii) closure of the unprofitable Peabody, Massachusetts,
Woodland Hills, California and Plaistow, New Hampshire stores; and
(iii) lack of liquidity. During the year ended December 31, 2016,
we transitioned funding from TCA funding to Chicago Venture. During
the transition, we experienced difficulties in purchasing product
and lost or canceled sales.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of
sales for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $1,705,000 to
$1,276,000 as compared to $2,981,000 for the year ended December
31, 2015. The decrease was due to (i) lower revenue from the retail
stores acquired by GrowLife Hydroponics’ acquisition of Rocky
Mountain Hydroponics and Evergreen Garden Center on September 7,
2013; (ii) closure of the unprofitable Peabody, Massachusetts,
Woodland Hills, California and Plaistow, New Hampshire stores; and
(iii) lack of liquidity. During the year ended December 31, 2016,
we transitioned funding from TCA funding to Chicago Venture. During
the transition, we experienced difficulties in purchasing product
and ordered product at higher costs and lost or canceled
sales.
Gross
profit was ($45,000) for the year ended December 31, 2016 as
compared to $519,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The
gross margin was (3.6%) for the year ended December 31, 2016 as
compared to 14.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015. During the
year ended December 31, 2016, we transitioned funding from TCA
funding to Chicago Venture. During the transition, we experienced
difficulties in purchasing product and ordered product at higher
costs and lost or canceled sales.
General and Administrative Expenses
General
and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016
increased $80,000 to $2,764,000 as compared to $2,684,000 for the
year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was due to (i) the
impairment of GrowLife Hydro, Inc. long-lived assets of $876,000;
(ii) and an increase in sales and marketing of $76,000; offset by
(iii) reduced legal expense of $48,000; (iv) reduced wages of
$260,000; (v) reduced insurance expense of $188,000; (vi) reduced
consulting expenses of $143,000; (vii) reduced rent of $78,000; and
(viii) reduced other general expenses of $243,000. As part of the
general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31,
2016, we did not record any public relation, investor relation or
business development expenses.
Non-cash
general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31,
2016 were $1,422,000 including (i) depreciation and amortization of
$115,000; (ii) stock based compensation of $146,000 related to
stock option grants; (iii) common stock issued for services of
$285,000; and (iv) the impairment of GrowLife Hydro, Inc.
long-lived assets of $876,000.
23
Non-cash
general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $531,000,
with (i) depreciation and amortization of $120,000; (ii) stock
based compensation of $176,000 related to stock option grants;
(iii) common stock issued for services of $211,000; and (iii) other
of $24,000.
Other Income/ Expense
Other
expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $4,886,000 as
compared to other expense of $3,524,000 for the year ended December
31, 2015. The other expense for the year ended December 31, 2016
included (i) interest expense of $817,000; (ii) loss on debt
conversions of $2,890,000; (iii) change in derivative liability of
$1,324,000; offset by (iv) and other income of $145,000. The change
in derivative liability is the non-cash change in the fair value
and relates to our derivative instruments. The non-cash interest
related to the amortization of the debt discount associated with
our convertible notes and accrued interest expense related to our
notes payable. The loss on debt conversions related to the
conversion of our notes payable at prices below the market
price.
The
other expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 included change
in derivative liability of $1,679,000, offset by interest expense
of $1,119,000, other expense of $2,003,000 and loss on class action
lawsuit settlements of $2,081,000. The change in derivative
liability is the non-cash change in the fair value and relates to
our derivative instruments. The non-cash interest related to the
amortization of the debt discount associated with our convertible
notes, accrued interest expense related to our notes payable. The
other expense is primarily related to the TCA funding. We accrued
$2,081,000 as loss on class action lawsuits and contingent
liabilities as of December 31, 2015.
Net (Loss)
Net
loss for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $7,695,000 as
compared to a net loss of $5,689,000 for the year ended December
31, 2015 for the reasons discussed above.
Net
loss for the year ended December 31, 2016 included non-cash expense
of $6,271,000, including (i) depreciation and amortization of
$115,000; (ii) stock based compensation of $146,000 related to
stock option grants; (iii) common stock issued for services of
$285,000; (iv) the impairment of GrowLife Hydro, Inc. long-lived
assets of $876,000; (v) accrued interest and amortization of debt
discount on convertible notes payable of $635,000; (v) loss on debt
conversions of $2,890,000; and (vi) change in derivative liability
of $1,324,000.
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2015 included
non-cash expense of $3,759,000,
including (i) depreciation and amortization of $120,000;
(ii) stock based compensation of $176,000 related to stock option
grants; (iii) common stock issued for services of $211,000; (iv)
interest expense of $1,120,000, (v)
loss on class action lawsuit settlements of $2,000,000; (vi)
preferred shares issued for services of $300,000; (vii) issuance of
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of $1,500,000; and (viii)
other of $176,000, offset by (ix) change in derivative liability of
$724,000.
We
expect losses to continue as we implement our business
plan.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We had
cash of $103,000 and a net working capital deficit of approximately
$4,007,000 (excluding the derivative liability- warrants of
$2,702,000 as of December 31, 2016. We expect losses to
continue as we grow our business. Our cash used in operations for
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $1,212,000,
$1,376,000, respectively.
Shortly
after the SEC suspended trading of our securities on April 10,
2014, some of our primary suppliers rescinded our credit terms and
required us to pay cash for our product purchases and pay down our
outstanding balance with these suppliers.
We will
need to obtain additional financing in the future. There can be no
assurance that we will be able to secure funding, or that if such
funding is available, the terms or conditions would be acceptable
to us. If we are unable to obtain additional financing, we may need
to restructure our operations, divest all or a portion of our
business or file for bankruptcy.
We have
financed our operations through the issuance of convertible
debentures and the sale of common stock.
February 1, 2017 Funding Agreements with Chicago Venture Partners,
L.P.
On February 1, 2017, we closed the transactions described below
with Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. (“Chicago
Venture”).
24
Securities Purchase Agreement, Secured Promissory Notes, Membership
Interest Pledge Agreement and Security Agreement
On January 9, 2017, the Company executed the following agreements
with Chicago Venture: (i) Securities Purchase Agreement; (ii)
Secured Promissory Notes; (iii) Membership Interest Pledge
Agreement; and (iv) Security Agreement (collectively the
“Chicago Venture Agreements”). The Chicago Venture
Agreements are attached hereto, collectively, filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
on February 7, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.
The Company entered into the Chicago
Venture Agreements with the intent of paying its debt, in full, to
TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP (“TCA”), which
included any TCA affiliates.
The total amount of funding under the Chicago Venture Agreements is
$1,105,000 (the “Debt”). Each Convertible Promissory
Note carries an original issue discount of $100,000 and a
transaction expense amount of $5,000, for total debt of $1,105,000.
The Company agreed to reserve 500,000,000 of its shares of common
stock for issuance upon conversion of the Debt, if that occurs in
the future. If not converted sooner, the Debt is due on or before
January 9, 2018. The Debt carries an interest rate of ten percent
(10%). The Debt is convertible, at Chicago Venture’s option,
into the Company’s common stock at $0.009 per share subject
to adjustment as provided for in the Secured Promissory Notes
attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. As of
the date of this report on Form 8-K, Chicago Venture has funded the
entire amount of the Debt.
Chicago Venture’s obligation to fund the Debt was secured by
Chicago Venture’s 60% interest in Typenex Medical, LLC, an
Illinois corporation, as provided for in the Membership Pledge
Agreement attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
reference.
Payment of All TCA Obligations
On January 10, 2017, Chicago Venture, at the Company’s
instruction, remitted funds of $1,495,901 to TCA in order to
satisfy all debts to TCA. On or around January 11, 2017, the
Company was notified by TCA that $13,540 were due to TCA in order
for TCA to release its security interest in the Company’s
assets. On February 1, 2017, TCA notified the Company that all
funds were received and TCA would release its security interest in
Company’s assets. TCA has confirmed that it is paid in full
and the Company is not aware of any other obligations that the
Company has as to TCA. The funds received under the Chicago Venture
Agreements and previous Chicago Venture Agreements were used to
pay-off TCA.
Prior Funding Agreements with Chicago Venture Partners,
L.P.
Entry into Securities Purchase Agreement with Chicago Venture
Partners, L.P. As of April 4, 2016, we entered into a
Securities Purchase Agreement and Convertible Promissory Note (the
“Chicago Venture Note”) with Chicago Venture, whereby
we agreed to sell, and Chicago Venture agreed to purchase an
unsecured convertible promissory note in the original principal
amount of $2,755,000. In connection with the transaction, we
received $350,000 in cash as well as a series of twelve Secured
Investor Notes for a total Purchase Price of $2,500,000. The Note
carries an Original Issue Discount (“OID”) of $250,000
and we agreed to pay $5,000 to cover Purchaser’s legal fees,
accounting costs and other transaction expenses.
The
Secured Investor Notes are payable (i) $50,000 upon filing of a
Registration Statement on Form S-1; (ii) $100,000 upon
effectiveness of the Registration Statement; and (iii) up to
$200,000 per month over the 10 months following effectiveness at
our sole discretion, subject to certain conditions. We agreed to
file the Registration Statement within forty-five (45) days of the
Closing and agreed to register shares of our common stock for the
benefit of Chicago Venture in exchange for the payments under the
Secured Investor Notes.
Chicago
Venture has the option to convert the Note at 65% of the average of
the three (3) lowest volume weighted average prices in the twenty
(20) Trading Days immediately preceding the applicable conversion
(the “Conversion Price”). However, in no event will the
Conversion Price be less than $0.02 or greater than $0.09. In
addition, beginning on the date that is the earlier of six (6)
months or five (5) days after the Registration Statement becomes
effective, and on the same day of each month thereafter, the
Company will re-pay the Note in monthly installments in cash, or,
subject to certain Equity Conditions, in our common stock at 65% of
the average of the three (3) lowest volume weighted average prices
in the twenty (20) Trading Days immediately preceding the
applicable conversion (the “Installment Conversion
Price”).
As
discussed above, once effective, we have the discretion to require
Chicago Venture to sell to us up to $200,000 per month over the
next 10 months on the above terms. We would then have the option to
issue shares registered under this Registration Statement to
Chicago Venture. Through this prospectus, the selling stockholder
may offer to the public for resale shares of our common stock that
we may issue to Chicago Venture pursuant to the Chicago Venture
Note.
For a
period of no more than 36 months from the effective date of the
Registration Statement, we may, from time to time, at our sole
discretion, and subject to certain conditions that we must satisfy,
draw down funds under the Chicago Venture Note.
Our
ability to require Chicago Venture to fund the Chicago Venture Note
is at our discretion, subject to certain limitations. Chicago
Venture is obligated to fund if each of the following conditions
are met; (i) the average and median daily dollar volumes of our
common stock for the twenty (20) and sixty (60) trading days
immediately preceding the funding date are greater than $100,000;
(ii) our market capitalization on the funding date is greater than
$17,000,000; (iii) we are not in default with respect to share
delivery obligations under the note as of the funding date; and
(iv) we are current in its reporting obligations. Chicago
Venture’ obligations under the equity line are not
transferable.
25
The
issuance of our common stock under the Chicago Venture Note will
have no effect on the rights or privileges of existing holders of
common stock except that the economic and voting interests of each
stockholder will be diluted as a result of any such issuance.
Although the number of shares of common stock that stockholders
presently own will not decrease, these shares will represent a
smaller percentage of our total shares that will be outstanding
after any issuances of shares of common stock to Chicago Venture.
If we draw down amounts under the Chicago Venture Note when our
share price is decreasing, we will need to issue more shares to
repay the same amount than if our stock price was higher. Such
issuances will have a dilutive effect and may further decrease our
stock price.
There
is no guarantee that we will be able to meet the foregoing
conditions or any other conditions under the Securities Purchase
Agreement and/or Chicago Venture Note or that we will be able to
draw down any portion of the amounts available under the Securities
Purchase Agreement and/or Chicago Venture Note. However, we do
believe there is a strong likelihood, as long as we can meet the
various conditions to funding, that we will receive the full amount
of funding under the equity line of credit. Given our financial
challenges and the competitive nature of our business, we also
believe we will need the full amount of funding under the equity
line of credit in order to fully realize our business
plans.
A
portion of the funds received from Chicago Venture will be used to
pay off TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP (“TCA”), a
previous equity financing partner and a portion will be invested in
our business. Specifically, we anticipate that approximately
$1,400,000 is expected to be used to pay TCA and the remaining
funds, if any, will be used for general business purposes such as
marketing, product development, expansion and administrative costs.
We are not aware of any relationship between TCA and Chicago
Venture. We have had no previous transactions with Chicago Venture
or any of Chicago Venture’ affiliates. We cannot predict
whether the Chicago Venture transaction will have either a positive
or negative impact on our stock price. However, in addition to the
fact that each Chicago Venture conversion, when and if it occurs,
has a dilutive effect on our stock, that should Chicago Venture
convert large portions of the debt into registered shares and then
sells those shares on the market, that our stock price could be
depressed.
Debt Purchase Agreement and First Amendment to Debt Purchase
Agreement and Note Assignment Agreement. On August 24, 2016,
we closed a Debt Purchase Agreement and a First Amendment to Debt
Purchase Agreement and related agreements with Chicago Venture and
TCA.
On
August 24, 2016, TCA closed an Assignment of Note Agreement and
related agreements with Chicago Venture. The referenced agreements
relate to the assignment of Company debt, in the form of
debentures, by TCA to Chicago Venture. The Company was a party to
the agreements between TCA and Chicago Venture because the Company
is the “borrower” under the TCA held
debentures.
Exchange Agreement, Convertible Promissory Note and related
Agreements with Chicago Venture. On August 17, 2016, we
closed an Exchange Agreement and a Convertible Promissory Note and
related agreements with Chicago Venture whereby we agreed to the
assignment of debentures representing debt between the Company, on
the one hand, and with TCA, on the other hand. Specifically, we
agreed that TCA could assign a portion of the Company’s debt
held by TCA to Chicago Venture.
According
to the Exchange Agreement, the debt is to be assigned in tranches,
with the first tranche of debt assigned from TCA to Chicago Venture
being $128,000 which is represented by an Initial Exchange Note as
defined in the Exchange Agreement.
Funding from TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP
(“TCA”).
The First TCA SPA. On July 9, 2015, we closed a Securities
Purchase Agreement and related agreements with TCA Global Credit
Master Fund LP (“TCA”), an accredited investor, whereby
we agreed to sell and TCA agreed to purchase up to
$3,000,000 of
senior secured convertible, redeemable debentures, of which
$700,000 was purchased on July 9, 2015 and up to $2,300,000 may be
purchased in additional closings. The closing of the transaction
(the “First TCA SPA”) occurred on July 9, 2015.
Effective as of May 4, 2016, the Company and TCA entered into a
First Amendment to the First TCA SPA whereby the parties agreed to
amend the terms of the First TCA SPA in exchange for TCA’s
forbearance of existing defaults by the Company.
The Second TCA SPA. On August 6, 2015, we closed a second
Securities Purchase Agreement and related agreements with TCA
whereby we agreed to sell and TCA agreed to purchase a $100,000
senior secured convertible redeemable debenture and we agreed to
issue and sell to TCA, from time to time, and TCA agreed to
purchase from us up to $3,000,000 of the Company’s common
stock pursuant to a committed equity facility. The closing of the
transaction (the “Second TCA SPA”) occurred on August
6, 2015. On April 11, 2016, we agreed with TCA to mutually
terminate the Second TCA SPA.
Amendment to the First TCA SPA. On October 27, 2015, we
entered into an Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement
and related agreements with TCA whereby we agreed to sell, and TCA
agreed to purchase $350,000 of senior secured convertible,
redeemable debentures. This was an amendment to the First TCA SPA
(the “Amendment to the First TCA SPA”.) As of October
27, 2015, we sold $1,050,000 in Debentures to TCA and up to
$1,950,000 in Debentures remain for sale by us. The closing of the
Amendment to the First TCA SPA occurred on October 27, 2015. In
addition, TCA has advanced us an additional $100,000 for a total of
$1,150.000.
26
Issuance of Preferred Stock to TCA. Also, on October 21,
2015 we issued 150,000 Series B Preferred Stock at a stated value
equal to $10.00 per share to TCA. The Series B Preferred Stock is
convertible into common stock by dividing the stated value of the
shares being converted by 100% of the average of the five (5)
lowest closing bid prices for the common stock during the ten (10)
consecutive trading days immediately preceding the conversion date
as quoted by Bloomberg, LP. On October 21, 2015, we also issued 51
shares of Series C Preferred Stock at $0.0001 par value per share
to TCA. The Series C Preferred Stock is not convertible into our
common stock. In the event of a default under the Amended and
Restated TCA Transaction Documents, TCA can exercise voting control
over our common stock with their Series C Preferred Stock voting
rights.
TCA’s Forbearance. Due to our default on its repayment
obligations under the TCA SPA’s and related documents, the
parties agreed to restructure the SPA’s whereby TCA agreed to
forbear from enforcement of our defaults and to restructure a
payment schedule for repayment of debt under the SPAs. We defaulted
because our operating results were not as expected and we were
unable to generate sufficient revenue through its business
operations to serve the TCA debt. Specifically, the First Amendment
to Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement made the
following material modifications to the existing
SPA’s:
●
All unpaid
debentures were modified as described in more detail
below.
●
Payments on the
debentures shall be made by (i) debt purchase agreement(s) to be
entered into by TCA, (ii) through proceeds raised from the
transaction(s) with Chicago Venture; or (iii) by the Company
directly.
●
The due date of the
debentures was extended to April 28, 2018.
●
TCA agreed that it
shall not enforce and shall forbear from pursuing enforcement of
any existing defaults by us unless and until a future Company
default occurs.
In
furtherance of TCA’s forbearance, effective as of May 4,
2016, we issued Second Replacement Debenture A in the principal
amount of $150,000 and Second Replacement Debenture B in the
principal amount of $2,681,209.82 (collectively, the “Second
Replacement Debentures”).
Per the
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement, the Second Replacement Debentures were combined, and
apportioned into two separate replacement debentures. The Second
Replacement Debentures were intended to act in substitution for and
to supersede the debentures in their entirety. It was the intent of
the Company and TCA that while the Second Replacement Debentures
replace and supersede the debentures, in their entirety, they were
not in payment or satisfaction of the debentures, but rather were
the substitute of one evidence of debt for another without any
intent to extinguish the old debt. The maximum number of shares
subject to conversion under the Second Replacement Debentures is
383,028,714. This is an approximation. The estimation of the
maximum number of shares issuable upon the conversion of the Second
Replacement Debentures was calculated using an estimated average
price of $.013 per share.
The
Second Replacement Debentures contemplate TCA entering into debt
purchase agreement(s) with third parties whereby TCA may, at its
election, sever, split, divide or apportion the Second Replacement
Debentures to accomplish the repayment of the balance owed to TCA
by Company. The Second Replacement Debentures are convertible at
85% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price
(“VWAP”) of our common stock during the five (5)
business days immediately prior to a conversion date.
In
connection with the above agreements, the parties acknowledged and
agreed that certain advisory fees previously paid to TCA as
provided in the SPAs in the amount of $1,500,000 have been added
and included within the principal balance of the Second Replacement
Debentures. The advisory fees related to financial, merger and
acquisition and regulatory services provided to us. The conversion
price discount on the Second Replacement Debentures will not apply
to the advisory fees added to the Second Replacement Debentures.
TCA also agreed to surrender its Series B Preferred Stock in
exchange for the $1,500,000 being added to the Second Replacement
Debenture.
As more
particularly described below, we remain in debt to TCA for the
principal amount of $1,500,000. The remaining $1,400,000 of
principal debt was assigned to Old Main Capital, LLC (see
discussion immediately below.) We intend to use the funds generated
from the Chicago Venture transaction to fuel its business
operations and business plans which, in turn, will presumably
generate revenues sufficient to avoid another default in the
remaining TCA obligations. If we are unable to raise sufficient
funds through the Chicago Venture transaction and/or generate sales
sufficient to service the remaining TCA debt then we will be unable
to avoid another default. Failure to operate in accordance with the
various agreements with TCA could result in the cancellation of
these agreements, result in foreclosure on our assets in an event
of default which would have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations or financial
condition.
27
TCA Assignment of Debt to Old Main Capital, LLC
On
September 9, 2016, we closed a Debt Purchase Agreement and related
agreements (the “Old Main Transaction Documents”) with
TCA and Old Main Capital, LLC (“Old Main”) whereby TCA
agreed to sell and Old Main agreed to purchase in multiple tranches
$1,400,000 in senior secured convertible, redeemable debentures
(the “Assigned Debt”) (the “Old Main
Transaction”). The Assigned Debt was our debt incurred in the
TCA financing transactions that closed in 2015. We were required to
execute the Old Main Transaction Documents as we are the
“borrower” on the Assigned Debt.
Debt Purchase Agreement. As set forth above, we entered into
the Debt Purchase Agreement on September 9, 2015 with TCA and Old
Main whereby Old Main agreed to purchase, in tranches, $1,400,000
of debt previously held by TCA. We executed the Debt Purchase
Agreement as it was the “borrower” under the Assigned
Debt and was required to make certain representations and
warranties regarding the Assigned Debt. The Assigned Debt is
represented by a new “10% Senior Convertible Promissory
Note” entered into by and between Old Main and the Company
(more particularly described below.)
Exchange Agreement. In conjunction with the Debt Purchase
Agreement, on September 9, 2016, we entered into an Exchange
Agreement whereby we agreed to exchange, in tranches, the Assigned
Debt, as well as any amendments thereto, with a 10% Senior
Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note”) having
a principal balance of $1,400,000. The closing dates for the
exchanges, scheduled to occur in tranches, are set forth in
Schedule 1 attached to the Exchange Agreement.
10% Senior Convertible Promissory Note. Pursuant to the
Exchange Agreement, we entered into a 10% Senior Convertible
Promissory Note dated September 9, 2016 with Old Main whereby the
Company agreed to be indebted to Old Main for the Assigned Debt. We
promised to pay Old Main, by no later than the maturity date of
September 9, 2017 the outstanding principal of the Assigned Debt
together with interest on the outstanding principal amount under
the Note, at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum simple
interest.
At any
time after September 9, 2016, and while the Note is still
outstanding and at the sole option of Old Main, Old Main may
convert all or any portion of the outstanding principal, accrued
and unpaid interest redemption premium and any other sums due and
payable hereunder or under any of the other Transaction Documents
into shares of our Common Stock at a price equal to the lower of:
(i) sixty-five percent (65%) of the lowest traded price of the
Company’s Common Stock during the thirty (30) trading days
prior to the Conversion Date; or (ii) sixty-five percent (65%) of
the lowest traded price of the Common Stock in the thirty (30)
Trading Days prior to the Closing Date.
Option Agreement. In connection with the Old Main
Transaction Documents, TCA and Old Main entered into an Option
Agreement dated September 8, 2016 whereby TCA agreed to grant Old
Main an option to purchase the Assigned Debt, or any portion
thereof, under the terms and conditions of the Debt Purchase
Agreement. In consideration, Old Main agreed to pay the Option
Payment as more particularly described in the Option
Agreement.
On
August 24, 2016, TCA terminated its Debt Purchase Agreement and
related agreements with Old Main. The specific termination date is
September 25, 2016, and Old Main had a right to purchase an
additional $300,000 in debt from TCA.
Operating Activities
Net
cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31,
2016 was $1,212,000. This amount was primarily related to a net
loss of $7,695,000, offset by (i) an increase in inventory of
$20,000; (ii) an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
of $174,000; (iii) other of $17,000; and non-cash expenses of
$6,271,000 including (i) depreciation and amortization of $115,000;
(ii) stock based compensation of $146,000 related to stock option
grants; (iii) common stock issued for services of $285,000; (iv)
the impairment of GrowLife Hydro, Inc. long-lived assets of
$876,000; (v) accrued interest and amortization of debt discount on
convertible notes payable of $635,000; (v) loss on debt conversions
of $2,890,000; and (vi) change in derivative liability of
$1,324,000.
Financing Activities
Net
cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December
31, 2016 was $1,255,000. The amount related to funding provided by
Chicago Venture.
Our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2016 are
summarized in the table below:
Contractual Cash Obligations
|
Total
|
Less Than
1 Year
|
1-3 Years
|
3-5 Years
|
Greater Than
5 Years
|
Operating
leases
|
$130,784
|
$115,205
|
$15,579
|
$-
|
$-
|
Convertible
notes payable
|
2,920,196
|
2,920,196
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Capital
expenditures
|
25,000
|
25,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
$3,075,980
|
$3,060,402
|
$15,579
|
$-
|
$-
|
28
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do
not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as that term is
defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K) that are reasonably likely
to have a current or future material effect on our financial
condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity,
capital expenditures or capital resources.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The
application of GAAP involves the exercise of varying degrees of
judgment. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and
judgments based on historical experience and various other factors
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual
results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions
or conditions. We believe that of our significant accounting
policies (see summary of significant accounting policies more fully
described in Note 3 to Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2016), the following policies involve a higher degree of
judgment and/or complexity:
Cash and Cash Equivalents - We
classify highly liquid temporary investments with an original
maturity of three months or less when purchased as cash
equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances at various
financial institutions. Balances at US banks are insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. We have not
experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not
exposed to any significant risk for cash on
deposit.
Accounts Receivable and Revenue - Revenue is recognized on
the sale of a product when the product is shipped, which is when
the risk of loss transfers to our customers, the fee is fixed and
determinable, and collection of the sale is reasonably assured. A
product is not shipped without an order from the customer and the
completion of credit acceptance procedures. The majority of our
sales are cash or credit card; however, we occasionally extend
terms to our customers. Accounts receivable are reviewed
periodically for collectability.
Inventories - Inventories are recorded on a first in first
out basis. Inventory consists of raw materials, purchased finished
goods and components held for resale. Inventory is valued at the
lower of cost or market. We record a
provision for excess and obsolete inventory whenever an impairment
has been identified. The reserve for inventory was $20,000
at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
– ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,
defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for
an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the
principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in
an orderly transaction between market participants on the
measurement date. This topic also establishes a fair
value hierarchy, which requires classification based on observable
and unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The
fair value hierarchy distinguishes between assumptions based on
market data (observable inputs) and an entity’s own
assumptions (unobservable inputs).
Stock Based Compensation – We have share-based compensation plans
under which employees, consultants, suppliers and directors may be
granted restricted stock, as well as options and warrants to
purchase shares of our common stock at the fair market value at the
time of grant. Stock-based compensation cost to employees is
measured by us at the grant date, based on the fair value of the
award, over the requisite service period under ASC 718. For options
issued to employees, we recognize stock compensation costs
utilizing the fair value methodology over the related period of
benefit. Grants of stock to non-employees and other
parties are accounted for in accordance with the ASC
505.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the
information required by this Item. Nevertheless, we have no
investments in any market risk sensitive instruments either held
for trading purposes or entered into for other than trading
purposes.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Reference is made to our consolidated financial statements
beginning on page F-1 of this report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS
WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
29
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL
REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Under the supervision and with the participation of our
management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on the framework in “Internal
Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on
that assessment, our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer concluded that our internal control over
financial reporting were not effective to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and
the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes
in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting
principles.
Pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 308(b), this Annual Report on Form
10-K does not include an attestation report of our company’s
registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over
financial reporting. The effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has not been audited by
SD Mayer & Associates, LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over
financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or
that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate. A control system, no matter how well designed and
operated can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance
that the control system’s objectives will be
met. The design of a control system must reflect the
fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of
controls must be considered relative to their cost.
|
|
|
|
a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We
conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, of the effectiveness of the design
and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. The term
“disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), means controls
and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports
it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the
Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure
controls and procedures also include, without limitation, controls
and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits
under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the
company's management, including its principal executive and
principal financial officers, or persons performing similar
functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our principal
executive and principal financial officers concluded as of December
31, 2016 that our disclosure controls and procedures were not
effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the material
weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting
discussed immediately below.
Identified
Material Weakness
A
material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting
is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies,
that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material
misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or
detected.
Management
identified the following material weakness during its assessment of
internal controls over financial reporting:
Audit Committee:
On June
3, 2014, we formed an Audit Committee and appointed an audit committee financial expert as defined by SEC
and as adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Prior
to this, we did not have an Audit Committee to oversee financial
reporting and used external service
providers to ensure compliance with the SEC requirements. The
current Audit Committee has one independent directors. We expect to
expand this committee during 2017.
Other Weaknesses:
Our
information systems lack sufficient controls limiting access to key
applications and data.
Our
inventory system lacked standardized product descriptions and
effective controls to ensure the accuracy, valuation, and
timeliness of the financial accounting process around inventory,
including a lack of accuracy and basis for valuation resulting in
adjustments to the amount of cost of revenues and the carrying
amount of inventory.
b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial
Reporting
During
the quarter ended December 31,
2016, there were no changes in our internal controls over
financial reporting during this fiscal quarter, which were
identified in connection with our management’s evaluation
required by paragraph (d) of rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the
Exchange Act, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
have a materially affect, on our internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
There were no disclosures of any information required to be filed
on Form 8-K during the three months ended December 31, 2016 that
were not filed.
30
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The
following changes in directors and named executive officers
occurred during the year ending December 31, 2015 and
2016:
●
Marco Hegyi was
appointed President on December 4, 2013 and Director on December 9,
2013. Mr. Hegyi was appointed Chairman of the Board and CEO on
April 1, 2016.
●
Mark Scott was
appointed Director on May 21, 2014, Chairman of the Audit Committee
on June 3, 2014 and Consulting Chief Financial Officer on July 31,
2014. Mr. Scott resigned as Director and Chairman of the Audit
Committee on October 18, 2015. Mr.
Mark Scott was re-appointed to the Board of Directors and Secretary
of GrowLife, Inc. on February 14, 2017.
●
Joseph Barnes was
appointed Senior Vice President of Business Development on October
10, 2014.
●
Michael Fasci was
appointed Director on October 27, 2015 and Chairman of the Audit
and Compensation Committees on November 11, 2015. Mr. Fasci was
appointed Secretary on April 1, 2016, which he resigned from on
February 14, 2017.
●
Tara Antal was
appointed Director on October 27, 2015 and resigned on March 4,
2016.
●
Brad Fretti was
appointed Director on October 27, 2015 and Chairman of the
Compensation Committee on November 11, 2015. Mr. Fretti resigned as
Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee on March 4,
2016.
Directors and Executive Officers
The
following table sets forth certain information about our current
directors and executive officers:
Name
|
Age
|
Director/ Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marco Hegyi
|
59
|
Chairman of the Board, CEO, President and Nominations and
Governance Committee Chairman (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark E. Scott
|
63
|
Consulting Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael E. Fasci
|
58
|
Director, Audit Committee Chairman and Secretary
(2)(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph Barnes
|
44
|
Senior Vice President of Business Development
|
*
Independent director
(1)
Member of the Audit Committee.
(2)
Member of the Compensation Committee.
(3)
Member of the Nominations and Governance Committee.
All
directors hold office until their successors are duly appointed or
until their earlier resignation or removal.
Marco Hegyi – Mr. Hegyi joined GrowLife as its
President on December 4, 2013 and a Member of its Board of
Directors on December 9, 2013 and was appointed as Chairman of the
Nominations and Governance Committee and a member of the
Compensation Committee on June 3, 2014. Mr. Hegyi was
appointed as CEO and Chairman of GrowLife effective on April 1,
2016. Mr. Hegyi has served as an independent director of Visualant,
Inc. since February 14, 2008 and as Chairman of the Board from May
2011, and served at the Chairman of the Audit and Compensation
committees until his departure on February 2015. Previously, Mr.
Hegyi was a principal with the Chasm Group from 2006 to January
2014, where he has provided business consulting services. As
a management consultant, Mr. Hegyi applied his extensive technology
industry experience to help early-stage companies and has been
issued 10 US patents.
Prior
to working as a consultant in 2006, Mr. Hegyi served as Senior
Director of Global Product Management at Yahoo! Prior to Yahoo!,
Mr. Hegyi was at Microsoft leading program management for Microsoft
Windows and Office beta releases aimed at software developers from
2001 to 2006. While at Microsoft, he formed new
software-as-a-service concepts and created operating programs to
extend the depth and breadth of the company’s unparalleled
developer eco-system, including managing offshore, outsource teams
in China and India, and being the named inventor of a filed
Microsoft patent for a business process in service
delivery.
During
Mr. Hegyi’s career, he has served as President and CEO of
private and public companies, Chairman and director of boards,
finance, compensation and audit committee chair, chief operating
officer, vice-president of sales and marketing, senior director of
product management, and he began his career as a systems software
engineer.
Mr.
Hegyi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and
Computer Sciences from the University of California, Irvine, and
has completed advanced studies in innovation marketing, advanced
management, and strategy at Harvard Business School, Stanford
University, UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management, and MIT
Sloan School of Management.
31
Mr.
Hegyi’s prior experience as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of public companies, combined with his advanced studies in
business management and strategy, were the primary factors in the
decision to add Mr. Hegyi to the Company’s Board of
Directors.
Michael E. Fasci – Mr.
Fasci joined GrowLife as a Member of its Board of Directors on
October 27, 2015 and was appointed Audit Committee Chairman on
November 11, 2015. On April 1, 2016, Mr. Fasci was appointed as the
Secretary of the Company, but resigned on February 14, 2017. Mr.
Fasci is a 30-year veteran in the finance sector having served as
an officer and director of many public and private companies.
Mr. Fasci is a seasoned operator across various industries and has
served in both CEO and CFO capacities for both growth and
turnaround situations. Mr. Fasci began his career as a field
engineer and then manager of various remediation filtration and
environmental monitoring projects globally before focusing his
efforts on the daily operations, accounting and financial reporting
and SEC compliance of the numerous companies he has served.
Mr. Fasci resides in East Taunton, Massachusetts and studied
Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University and maintains his
qualification as an Enrolled Agent of the Internal Revenue
Service.
Mr. Fasci was appointed to the Board of Directors based on his
financial, SEC and governance skills.
Mark E. Scott – Mr. Mark Scott was re-appointed to the Board of
Directors and Secretary of GrowLife, Inc. on February 14, 2017. Mr.
Scott was previously a member of the Board of Directors and
Secretary of GrowLife, Inc. from May 2014 until his resignation on
October 18, 2015. Mr. Scott was appointed our Consulting Chief
Financial Officer on July 31, 2014.
Mr. Scott served as (i) Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer of Visualant, Inc., from May 2010 to August 31, 2016. Mr.
Scott was Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Rare Earths, Inc., a
consulting position he held December 19, 2011 to April 30, 2014 and
Chief Financial Officer of Sonora Resources Corporation, a
consulting position he held from June 15, 2011 to August 31, 2014.
Also, Mr. Scott was Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer of WestMountain Gold from February 28, 2011 to December
31, 2013 and was a consultant from December 2010 to February 27,
2011. Mr. Scott previously served as Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary of IA Global, Inc. from October 2003 to June 2011. Mr.
Scott also provides consulting services to other non-public
entities from time to time. Mr. Scott has significant financial,
capital market and relations experience in public and private
microcap companies. Mr. Scott is a certified public
accountant and received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the
University of Washington.
Mr. Scott was appointed to the Board of Directors based on his
financial, SEC and governance skills.
Joseph Barnes- Mr. Barnes was appointed Senior Vice
President of Business Development for GrowLife, Inc. on October 10,
2014. Mr. Barnes works from our Avon (Vail), Colorado store. Mr.
Barnes joined GrowLife in 2010 and is responsible for all national
sales operations including direct sales, retail and e-commerce. He
led the sales team that recorded sales in 2014 of more than $8
million, a 100% increase from the previous year.
Mr.
Barnes made the progressive and entrepreneurial decision to work
with GrowLife after seeing the agricultural benefits of indoor
growing. He is deeply passionate about clean and sustainable grows,
and has deep relationships with many trusted cultivators. He holds
extensive knowledge of indoor growing methods with
concentrating on maximizing the yields for clean and
healthy crops.
Barnes
was a highly regarded snowboard instructor in Vail, Colorado prior
to joining GrowLife. He worked with many top snowboard
professionals, and received a Level 1 certification from American
Association Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Before his days on the
slopes, Barnes was also a recruiting manager focusing on placing
senior executives with international pharmaceutical/biotech
companies. He also owned and operated Chrome Night Life Arena, a
20,000 square foot indoor/outdoor venue based in Philadelphia with
more than 65 employees.
Certain Significant Employees
There are no significant employees required to be disclosed under
Item 401(c) of Regulation S-K.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among our directors and executive
officers.
32
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
None of
our current directors or executive officers has, to the best of our
knowledge, during the past ten years:
●
Had any petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state
insolvency law filed by or against, or had a receiver, fiscal
agent, or similar officer appointed by a court for the business or
property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a
general partner at or within two years before the time hereof, or
any corporation or business association of which he was an
executive officer at or within two years before the time
hereof;
●
Been convicted in a criminal proceeding or a named subject of a
pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other
minor offenses);
●
Been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not
subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any court of
competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him
from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities:
●
Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker,
commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker,
leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of
any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter,
broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person,
director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and
loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing
any conduct or practice in connection with such
activity;
●
Engaging in any type of business practice; or
●
Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of
any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of
federal or state securities laws or federal commodities
laws;
●
Been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not
subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any federal or
state authority barring, suspending, or otherwise limiting for more
than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any
activity described in (i) above, or to be associated with
persons engaged in any such activity;
●
Been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action
or by the SEC to have violated any federal or state securities law,
where the judgment in such civil action or finding by the SEC has
not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated;
or
●
Been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action
or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any
federal commodities law, where the judgment in such civil action or
finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been
subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board has three standing committees to facilitate and assist
the Board in the execution of its responsibilities. The committees
are currently the Audit Committee, the Nominations and Governance
Committee, and the Compensation Committee. The Committees were
formed on June 3, 2014 by the current board of directors. The Audit
Committee, Compensation and Nominations and Governance Committees
each have two management directors. The table below shows
current membership for each of the standing Board
committees.
Audit
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Nominations and Governance
|
Michael E. Fasci (Chairman)
|
|
Michael E. Fasci (Chairman)
|
|
Marco Hegyi (Chairman)
|
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
None of
our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors
or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent
function, of any other entity that has one or more of its executive
officers serving as a member of our board of directors or our
compensation committee.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
We have
adopted conduct and ethics standards titled the code of ethics,
which is available at www.growlifeinc.com. These standards were
adopted by our board of directors to promote transparency and
integrity. The standards apply to our board of directors,
executives and employees. Waivers of the requirements of our code
of ethics or associated polices with respect to members of our
board of directors or executive officers are subject to approval of
the full board.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance
Our executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders are required
under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Copies of these
reports must also be furnished to us.
Except as follows, based solely on a review of copies of reports
furnished to us, as of December 31, 2016 our executive officers,
directors and 10% holders complied with all filing
requirements.
33
Person
|
Filing Type
|
Transaction
Date |
Required
File
Date
|
Actual
File
Date
|
Michael
E. Fasci
|
4
|
5/25/2016
|
5/27/2016
|
5/31/2016
|
Marco
Hegyi
|
4
|
10/21/2017
|
10/2/2016
|
10/25/2016
|
CANX and Logic Works Ownership
On July
10, 2014, we entered into a Waiver and Modification Agreement,
Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement, Secured Credit
Facility and Secured Convertible Note with CANX, and Logic Works
LLC, a lender and shareholder of the Company.
CANX
does not consider itself a beneficial owner due to its position
that it has a 4.99% ownership limit. CANX further disclaims it has
acted as a control group with Logic Works Therefore, CANX has not
made any Section 16(a) filings. Likewise, at this time, we do not
consider CANX a control party under SEC Rules.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Compensation Program
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the material
elements of compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each of
our executive officers named in the Compensation Table on page
26 under “Remuneration of Executive Officers” (the
“Named Executive Officers”) who served during the year
ended December 31, 2016. This compensation discussion primarily
focuses on the information contained in the following tables and
related footnotes and narrative for the last completed fiscal year.
We also describe compensation actions taken after the last
completed fiscal year to the extent that it enhances the
understanding of our executive compensation disclosure. The
principles and guidelines discussed herein would also apply to any
additional executive officers that the Company may hire in the
future.
The Compensation Committee of the Board has responsibility for
overseeing, reviewing and approving executive compensation and
benefit programs in accordance with the Compensation
Committee’s charter. The member of the Compensation
Committee is Michael E. Fasci. We expect to appoint two independent
Directors to serve on the Compensation Committee during
2017.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The major compensation objectives for the Company’s executive
officers are as follows:
|
|
|
|
●
|
to
attract and retain highly qualified individuals capable of making
significant contributions to our long-term success;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
to
motivate and reward named executive officers whose knowledge,
skills, and performance are critical to our success;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
to
closely align the interests of our named executive officers and
other key employees with those of its shareholders;
and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
to
utilize incentive based compensation to reinforce performance
objectives and reward superior performance.
|
Role of Chief Executive Officer in Compensation
Decisions
The Board approves all compensation for the chief executive
officer. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations on the
compensation for the chief executive officer and approves all
compensation decisions, including equity awards, for our executive
officers. Our chief executive officer makes recommendations
regarding the base salary and non-equity compensation of other
executive officers that are approved by the Compensation Committee
in its discretion.
Setting Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee believes that compensation for the
Company’s executive officers must be managed to what we can
afford and in a way that allows for us to meet our goals for
overall performance. During 2016 and 2015, the Compensation
Committee and the Board compensated its Chief Executive Officers,
President and Chief Financial Officer at the salaries indicated in
the compensation table. This compensation reflected the financial
condition of the Company. The Compensation Committee does not use a
peer group of publicly-traded and privately-held companies in
structuring the compensation packages.
34
Executive Compensation Components for the Year Ended December 31,
2016
The Compensation Committee did not use a formula for allocating
compensation among the elements of total compensation during the
year that ended December 31, 2016. The Compensation Committee
believes that in order to attract and retain highly effective
people it must maintain a flexible compensation structure. For the
year that ended December 31, 2016, the principal components of
compensation for named executive officers were base
salary.
Base Salary
Base salary is intended to ensure that our employees are fairly and
equitably compensated. Generally, base salary is used to
appropriately recognize and reward the experience and skills that
employees bring to the Company and provides motivation for career
development and enhancement. Base salary ensures that all employees
continue to receive a basic level of compensation that reflects any
acquired skills which are competently demonstrated and are
consistently used at work.
Base salaries for the Company’s named executive officers are
initially established based on their prior experience, the scope of
their responsibilities and the applicable competitive market
compensation paid by other companies for similar positions. Mr.
Hegyi and Mr. Scott were compensated as described above based on
the financial condition of the Company.
Performance-Based Incentive Compensation
The Compensation Committee believes incentive compensation
reinforces performance objectives, rewards superior performance and
is consistent with the enhancement of stockholder value. All of the
Company’s Named Executive Officers are eligible to receive
performance-based incentive compensation. The Compensation
Committee did not recommend or approve payment of any
performance-based incentive compensation to the Named Executive
Officers during the year ended December 31, 2016 based on our
financial condition.
Ownership Guidelines
The Compensation Committee does not require our executive officers
to hold a minimum number of our shares. However, to directly align
the interests of executive officers with the interests of the
stockholders, the Compensation Committee encourages each executive
officer to maintain an ownership interest in the
Company.
Stock Option Program
Stock options are an integral part of our executive compensation
program. They are intended to encourage ownership and retention of
the Company’s common stock by named executive officers and
employees, as well as non-employee members of the Board. Through
stock options, the objective of aligning employees’ long-term
interest with those of stockholders may be met by providing
employees with the opportunity to build a meaningful stake in the
Company.
The Stock Option Program assists us by:
-
enhancing the link between the creation of stockholder value and
long-term executive incentive compensation;
-
providing an opportunity for increased equity ownership by
executive officers; and
-
maintaining competitive levels of total compensation.
Stock option award levels are determined by the Compensation
Committee and vary among participants’ positions within the
Company. Newly hired executive officers or promoted executive
officers are generally awarded stock options, at the discretion of
the Compensation Committee, at the next regularly scheduled
Compensation Committee meeting on or following their hire or
promotion date. In addition, such executives are eligible to
receive additional stock options on a discretionary basis after
performance criteria are achieved.
Options are awarded at the closing price of our common stock on the
date of the grant or last trading day prior to the date of the
grant. The Compensation Committee’s policy is not to grant
options with an exercise price that is less than the closing price
of our common stock on the grant date.
Generally, the majority of the options granted by the Compensation
Committee vest quarterly over two to three years or annually over
five years of the 5-10-year option term. Vesting and exercise
rights cease upon termination of employment and/or service, except
in the case of death (subject to a one year limitation), disability
or retirement. Stock options vest immediately upon termination of
employment without cause or an involuntary termination following a
change of control. Prior to the exercise of an option, the holder
has no rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares subject
to such option, including voting rights and the right to receive
dividends or dividend equivalents.
The Named Executive Officers received stock option grants and
warrants during the year ended December 31, 2016 as outlined
below.
35
Retirement and Other Benefits
We have no other retirement, savings, long-term stock award or
other type of plans for the Named Executive Officers.
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we provided the Named
Executive Officers with medical insurance. The Company paid $10,273
in life insurance for Mr. Hegyi and $9,755 in insurance for Mr.
Scott. No other perquisites or other personal benefits were
provided to Named Executive Officers. The committee expects to
review the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits
provided to Named Executive Officers annually.
Employment and consulting agreements are discussed
below.
Tax and Accounting Implications
Deductibility of Executive Compensation
Subject to certain exceptions, Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") generally denies a
deduction to any publicly held corporation for compensation paid to
its chief executive officer and its three other highest paid
executive officers (other than the principal financial officer) to
the extent that any such individual's compensation exceeds $1
million. “Performance-based compensation” (as defined
for purposes of Section 162(m)) is not taken into account for
purposes of calculating the $1 million compensation limit, provided
certain disclosure, shareholder approval and other requirements are
met. We periodically review the potential consequences of Section
162(m) and may structure the performance-based portion of our
executive compensation to comply with certain exceptions to Section
162(m). However, we may authorize compensation payments that do not
comply with the exceptions to Section 162(m) when we believe that
such payments are appropriate and in the best interests of the
stockholders, after taking into consideration changing business
conditions or the officer's performance
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based payments including its Stock Option
Program in accordance with the requirements of ASC 718,
“Compensation-Stock Compensation.”
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee, sets and administers policies that
govern the Company's executive compensation programs, and incentive
and stock programs. The Compensation Committee of the Company has
reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and,
based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee
recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Michael E. Fasci (Chairman)
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
REMUNERATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table provides information concerning remuneration of
the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and
another named executive officer for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2015:
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
Non-EquityIncentive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
Plan
|
Option
|
Other
|
|
|
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Awards
|
Compensation
|
Awards
|
Compensation
|
Total
|
Principal Position
|
|
($)
|
($)
|
($) (1)
|
($)
|
($)
|
($)
|
($)
|
Marco
Hegyi, President and Director (2)
|
12/31/2016
|
$250,000
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$34,231
|
$284,231
|
|
12/31/2015
|
$250,000
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$8,561
|
$258,561
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark
E. Scott, Consulting Chief Financial Officer (3)
|
12/31/2016
|
$156,250
|
$-
|
$60,000
|
$-
|
$-
|
$9,755
|
$226,005
|
|
12/31/2015
|
$156,250
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$7,312
|
$-
|
$163,562
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph
Barnes, Senior Vice President of Business
|
12/31/2016
|
$120,000
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$120,000
|
Development
(4)
|
12/31/2015
|
$90,000
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$90,000
|
36
(1) For 2013, reflects
the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted during
the relevant fiscal year calculated in accordance with FASB ASC
Topic 718 as reflected in the terms of the August 12, 2012
Compensation Plan. For 2014, these
amounts reflect the grant date market value as required by
Regulation S-K Item 402(n)(2), computed in accordance with FASB ASC
Topic 718.
(2) Mr.
Hegyi was paid a salary of $250,000 during the year ended December
31, 2016 and $250,000 (cash salary of $203,500 and accrued salary
of $46,500) during the year ended December 31, 2015. This 2015 accrual was based on the tight cash flow
of the Company and agreed to by Mr. Hegyi, but there was no formal
deferral agreement. There was no accrued interest paid on the
unpaid salary.
On
April 15, 2016, an entity controlled by Marco Hegyi converted
$20,000 of accrued salary into 1,000,000 shares of our common stock
at the market price of $0.020 per share. On October 12, 2016, an
entity controlled by Marco Hegyi converted $40,000 of accrued
salary into 4,000,000 shares of our common stock at the market
price of $0.010 per share. The shares were valued at the fair
market price of $0.01 per share.
We paid life insurance of $10,273 and $8,561 for Mr. Hegyi during
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. On
October 21, 2016, Mr. Hegyi received a Warrant to purchase up to
10,000,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.01
per share. In addition, Mr. Hegyi received Warrants to purchase up
to 10,000,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of
$0.01 per share which vest on October 21, 2017 and 2018. The
Warrants are exercisable for 5 years. The warrants were valued at
$390,000 and we recorded $23,958 of compensation expense for the
warrants that had vested as of December 31, 2016.
(3) Mark E. Scott was appointed consulting Chief Financial
Officer on July 31, 2014. Mr. Scott was paid a consulting fee of
$156,250 during the year ended December 31, 2016 and $156,250 (cash
salary of $105,000 and accrued salary of $51,250 during the year
ended December 31, 2015. This accrual
was based on the tight cash flow of the Company and agreed to by
Mr. Scott, but there was no formal deferral agreement. There was no
accrued interest paid on the unpaid consulting
fee.
On
January 4, 2016, an entity controlled by Mr. Scott converted
$30,000 of accrued consulting fees and expenses into 3,000,000
shares of our common stock at the market price $0.010 per share. On
October 21, 2016, an entity controlled by Mr. Scott converted
$40,000 in accrued consulting and expenses into 4,000,000 shares of
our common stock at $0.01 per share. The price per share was based
on the thirty-day trailing average.
Mr. Scott was reimbursed $9,755 for insurance expenses during the
year ended December 31, 2016. On October 21, 2016, Mr. Scott
was granted 6,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at
$0.01 per share or $60,000. The price per share was based on the
thirty-day trailing average. An entity controlled by Mr. Scott had
a two million share stock option that was previously issued vest on
April 18, 2016 upon the Company securing a market maker with an
approved 15c2-11 resulting in the Company’s relisting on
OTCBB. The option was valued at $7,312.
Grants of Stock Based Awards during the year ended December 31,
2016
The Compensation Committee approved the following performance-based
incentive compensation to the Named Executive Officers for the year
ended December 31, 2016:
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under
|
Stock Awards;
|
Number of
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
|
Equity Incentive Plan
|
Number of
|
Securities
|
Exercise or
|
Grant Date
|
|||
|
|
|
Awards
|
Awards
|
Shares of
|
Underlying
|
Base Price of
|
Fair Value of
|
|||
|
Grant
|
Threshold
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
Threshold
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
Stock or Units
|
Options
|
Option Awards
|
Stock and
|
Name
|
Date
|
($)
|
($)
|
($)
|
(#)
|
(#)
|
(#)
|
(#)
|
(#)
|
($/Sh) (1)
|
Option Awards
|
Marco
Hegyi
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
$-
|
$-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark
E. Scott (2)
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6,000,000
|
-
|
$0.010
|
$60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph
Barnes
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
$-
|
$-
|
(1) These
amounts reflect the grant date market value as required by
Regulation S-K Item 402(n)(2), computed in accordance with FASB ASC
Topic 718.
(2)
On October 21, 2016, an entity controlled by Mr. Scott, our Chief
Financial Officer, was granted 6,000,000 shares of our common stock
at $0.01 per share. The price per share was based on the thirty-day
trailing average.
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2016
The Named Executive Officers had the following outstanding equity
awards as of December 31, 2016:
37
|
Option Awards
|
Stock Awards
|
|||||||
|
Number of
|
Number of
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
Market or
|
|
Securities
|
Securities
|
Securities
|
|
|
Number of
|
Market Value
|
Unearned Shares,
|
Payout Value of
|
|
Underlying
|
Underlying
|
Underlying
|
|
|
Shares or Units
|
of Shares or
|
Units or Other
|
Unearned Shares,
|
|
Unexercised
|
Unexercised
|
Unexercised
|
Option
|
|
of Stock
|
Units of
|
Rights That
|
Units, or Other
|
|
Options
|
Options
|
Unearned
|
Exercise
|
Option
|
That Have Not
|
Stock That
|
Have Not
|
Rights That Have
|
|
Exercisable
|
Unexerciseable
|
Options
|
Price
|
Expiration
|
Vested
|
Have Not Vested
|
Vested
|
Not Vested
|
Name
|
(#)
|
(#)
|
(#)
|
($) (1)
|
Date
|
(#)
|
($)
|
(#)
|
($)
|
Marco
Hegyi (2)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
$-
|
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
$-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark
E. Scott (3)
|
1,777,778
|
2,222,222
|
-
|
$0.01
|
7/30/2019
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
$-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph
Barnes (4)
|
6,500,000
|
1,500,000
|
-
|
$0.01
|
10/9/2019
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
$-
|
(1) These
amounts reflect the grant date market value as required by
Regulation S-K Item 402(n)(2), computed in accordance with FASB ASC
Topic 718.
(2)
On October 21, 2016, an entity controlled by Mr. Scott cancelled
stock option grants totaling 12,000,000 shares of our common stock
at $0.01 per share. An entity controlled by Mr. Scott has an
additional 2,000,000 share stock option grant which continues to
vest monthly over 36 months and a 2,000,000 share stock option
grant which vests upon the achievement of certain performance goals
related to acquisitions.
(3)
Mr. Barnes stock option grant consists of 6,500,000 shares of our
common stock which vest quarterly over three years beginning
October 1, 2014 and 2,000,000 shares of our common stock that
vested October 10, 2014. On October 12, 2016, we amended the
exercise price of the stock option grants for Mr. Barnes to $0.010
per share.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested for the year ended December 31,
2016
Mr.
Hegyi, Scott and Barnes did not have any option exercised or stock
that vested during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Pension Benefits
We do not provide any pension benefits.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
We do not have a nonqualified deferral program.
Employment and Consulting Agreements
Employment Agreement with Marco Hegyi
On
October 21, 2016, we entered into Agreement with Marco Hegyi
pursuant to which the Company engaged Mr. Hegyi as its Chief
Executive Officer through October 20, 2018. Mr. Hegyi’s
previous Employment Agreement was dated December 4, 2013 and which
was set to expire on December 4, 2016.
Mr.
Hegyi’s annual compensation is $250,000. Mr. Hegyi is also
entitled to receive an annual bonus equal to four percent (4%) of
the Company’s EBITDA for that year. The annual bonus shall be
paid no later than 31 days following the end of each calendar
year.
Mr.
Hegyi received a Warrant to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of
common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.01 per
share. In addition, Mr. Hegyi received Warrants to purchase up to
10,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise
price of $0.01 per share which vest on October 21, 2017 and 2018.
The Warrants are exercisable for 5 years.
Mr.
Hegyi will be entitled to participate in all group employment
benefits that are offered by us to our senior executives and
management employees from time to time, subject to the terms and
conditions of such benefit plans, including any eligibility
requirements. In addition, we will purchase and maintain during the
Term an insurance policy on Mr. Hegyi’s life in the amount of
$2,000,000 payable to Mr. Hegyi’s named heirs or estate as
the beneficiary.
If we terminate Mr. Hegyi’s employment at any time prior to
the expiration of the Term without Cause, as defined in the
Employment Agreement, or if Mr. Hegyi terminates his employment at
any time for “Good Reason” or due to a
“Disability”, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to receive (i)
his Base Salary amount through the end of the Term; and (ii) his
Annual Bonus amount for each year during the remainder of the
Term.
38
If there has been a “Change in Control” and the Company
(or its successor or the surviving entity) terminates Mr.
Hegyi’s employment without Cause as part of or in connection
with such Change in Control (including any such termination
occurring within one (1) month prior to the effective date of such
Change in Control), then in addition to the benefits set forth
above, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to (i) an increase of $300,000 in
his annual base salary amount (or an additional $25,000 per month)
through the end of the Term; plus (ii) a gross-up in the annual
base salary amount each year to account for and to offset any tax
that may be due by Mr. Hegyi on any payments received or to be
received by Mr. Hegyi under this Agreement that would result in a
“parachute payment” as described in Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If we (or its successor
or the surviving entity) terminate Mr. Hegyi’s employment
without Cause within twelve (12) months after the effective date of
any Change in Control, or if Mr. Hegyi terminates his employment
for Good Reason within twelve (12) months after the effective date
of any Change in Control, then in addition to the benefits set
forth above, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to (i) an increase of
$300,000 in his annual base salary amount (or an additional $25,000
per month), which increased annual base salary amount shall be paid
for the remainder of the Term or for two (2) years following the
Change in Control, whichever is longer; (ii) a gross-up in the
annual base salary amount each year to account for and to offset
any tax that may be due by Mr. Hegyi on any payments received or to
be received by Mr. Hegyi under this Letter Agreement that would
result in a “parachute payment” as described in Section
280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; (iii)
payment of Mr. Hegyi’s annual bonus amount as set forth above
for each year during the remainder of the Term or for two (2) years
following the Change in Control, whichever is longer; and (iv)
health insurance coverage provided for and paid by the Company for
the remainder of the Term or for two (2) years following the Change
in Control, whichever is longer.
Consulting Chief Financial Officer Agreement with an Entity
Controlled by Mark E. Scott
On July
31, 2014, we engaged Mr. Scott as its Consulting CFO from July 1,
2014 through September 30, 2014, and continuing thereafter until
either party provides sixty-day notice to terminate the Letter or
Mr. Scott enters into a full-time employment
agreement.
Per the
terms of the Scott Agreement, Mr. Scott’s compensation is
$150,000 on an annual basis for the first year of the Scott
Agreement. Mr. Scott is also entitled to receive an annual bonus
equal to two percent of the Company’s EBITDA for that year.
Our Board of Directors granted Mr. Scott an option to purchase
sixteen million shares of our Common Stock under our 2011 Stock
Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $0.07 per share, the fair
market price on July 31, 2014. On
December 18, 2015, we reduced the exercise price to $0.01 per
share. The shares vest as follows:
|
|
|
|
i
|
Two
million shares vest immediately upon securing a market maker with
an approved 15c2-11 resulting in our relisting on OTCBB (earned as
of February 18, 2016);
|
|
|
|
|
ii
|
Two
million shares vest immediately upon the successful approval and
effectiveness of our S-1 (not earned as of December 31,
2016);
|
|
|
|
|
iii
|
Two
million shares vest immediately upon our resolution of the class
action lawsuits (earned as of August 17, 2015); and,
|
|
|
|
|
iv
|
Ten
million shares will vest on a monthly basis over a period of three
years beginning on the July 1, 2014.
|
On
October 21, 2016, Mr. Scott cancelled stock option grants totaling
12,000,000 shares of our common stock at $0.01 per share. Mr. Scott
has an additional 2,000,000 share stock option grant which
continues to vest monthly over 36 months and a 2,000,000 share
stock option grant which vests upon the achievement of certain
performance goals related to acquisitions.
All
options will have a five-year life and allow for a cashless
exercise. The stock option grant is subject to the terms and
conditions of our Stock Incentive Plan, including vesting
requirements. In the event that Mr. Scott’s continuous
status as consultant to the Company is terminated by us without
Cause or Mr. Scott terminates his employment with us for Good
Reason as defined in the Scott Agreement, in either case upon or
within twelve months after a Change in Control as defined in our
Stock Incentive Plan except for CANX USA, LLC, then 100% of the
total number of shares shall immediately become
vested.
Mr.
Scott will be entitled to participate in all group employment
benefits that are offered by us to our senior executives and
management employees from time to time, subject to the terms and
conditions of such benefit plans, including any eligibility
requirements. In addition, we are required to purchase and maintain
an insurance policy on Mr. Scott’s life in the amount of
$2,000,000 payable to Mr. Scott’s named heirs or estate as
the beneficiary. Finally, Mr. Scott is entitled to twenty days of
vacation annually and has certain insurance and travel employment
benefits.
If,
prior to the expiration of the Term, we Mr. Scott’s
employment for Cause, or if Mr. Scott voluntarily terminates his
employment without Good Reason, or if Mr. Scott’s employment
is terminated by reason of his death, then all of our obligations
hereunder shall cease immediately, and Mr. Scott will not be
entitled to any further compensation beyond any pro-rated base
salary due and bonus amounts earned through the effective date of
termination. Mr. Scott will also be reimbursed for any expenses
incurred prior to the date of termination for which he was not
previously reimbursed. Mr. Scott may receive severance benefits and
our obligation under a termination by the Company without Cause or
Mr. Scott terminates his employment for Good Reason are discussed
above.
39
Promotion Letter with Joseph Barnes
On
October 10, 2014, we entered into a Promotion Letter with Joseph
Barnes which was effective October 1, 2014 pursuant to which we
engaged Mr. Barnes as its Senior Vice-President of Business
Development from October 1, 2014 on an at will basis. This
Promotion Letter supersedes and canceled the Manager Services
Agreement with Mr. Barnes dated August 1, 2013.
Per the
terms of the Barnes Agreement, Mr. Barnes’s compensation is
$90,000 on an annual basis. On January 1, 2016, Mr. Barnes salary
was increased to $120,000 per year. Mr. Barnes received a bonus of
$6,500 and is also entitled to receive a quarterly bonus based on
growth of our growth margin dollars. No quarterly bonuses were
earned under this Promotion Letter. Mr. Barnes was granted an
option to purchase eight million shares of our common stock under
our 2011 Stock Incentive Plan at $0.050 per share. The shares vest
as follows:
|
|
|
|
i
|
Two
million shares vested immediately;
|
|
|
|
|
iv
|
Six
million shares vest on a monthly basis over a period of three years
beginning on the date of grant.
|
On
October 12, 2016, we amended the exercise price of the stock option
grants for Mr. Barnes to $0.010 per share.
All
options will have a five-year life and allow for a cashless
exercise. The stock option grant is subject to the terms and
conditions of our Stock Incentive Plan, including vesting
requirements. In the event that Mr. Barnes’s continuous
status as employee to us is terminated by us without Cause or Mr.
Barnes terminates his employment with us for Good Reason as defined
in the Barnes Agreement, in either case upon or within twelve
months after a Change in Control as defined in our Stock Incentive,
then 100% of the total number of shares shall immediately become
vested.
Mr.
Barnes was entitled to participate in all group employment benefits
that are offered by us to our senior executives and management
employees from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of
such benefit plans, including any eligibility requirements.
Finally, Mr. Barnes is entitled to fifteen days of vacation
annually and has certain insurance and travel employment
benefits.
Mr.
Barnes may receive severance benefits and our obligation under a
termination by the Company without Cause or Mr. Barnes terminates
his employment for Good Reason are discussed above.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in
Control
The Company’s Employment Agreement with Marco Hegyi has
provisions providing for severance payments as detailed
below.
|
|
Early
|
Not For Good
|
Change in
|
|
Executive
|
For Cause
|
or Normal
|
Cause
|
Control
|
Disability
|
Payments Upon
|
Termination
|
Retirement
|
Termination
|
Termination
|
or Death
|
Separation
|
on 12/31/16
|
on 12/31/16
|
on 12/31/16
|
on 12/31/16
|
on 12/31/16
|
Compensation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base
salary (1)
|
$-
|
$-
|
$468,750
|
$600,000
|
$-
|
Performance-based
incentive
|
|
|
|
|
|
compensation
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
Stock
options
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits
and Perquisites:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health
and welfare benefits
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
Accrued
vacation pay
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$-
|
$-
|
$468,750
|
$600,000
|
$-
|
(1)
Reflects
amounts to be paid upon termination without cause and upon
termination in a change of control, less any months
worked.
Mr.
Scott and Mr. Barnes currently do not have amounts to be paid upon termination without cause
and upon termination in a change of control. There outstanding
stock options vests fully vest under certain
conditions.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
We primarily use stock options grants to incentive compensation to
attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board. This
compensation reflected the financial condition of the Company. In
setting director compensation, we consider the significant amount
of time that Directors expend in fulfilling their duties to the
Company as well as the skill-level required by our members of the
Board. During year ended December 31, 2016, Marco Hegyi did not
receive any compensation for his service as director. The
compensation disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 36
represents the total compensation.
40
Director Summary Compensation
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity
|
Non-Qualified
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned
|
|
|
Incentive
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
or Paid in
|
|
|
Plan
|
Compensation
|
Other
|
|
|
Cash
|
Stock
|
Option
|
Compensation
|
Earnings
|
Compensation
|
|
Name
|
$
|
Awards (1)
|
Awards
|
($)
|
$
|
($)
|
Total
|
Marco
Hegyi
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael
E. Fasci (2)
|
-
|
65,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
65,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tara
Antal (3)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brad
Fretti (4)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$-
|
$65,000
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$65,000
|
(1) These
amounts reflect the grant date market value as required by
Regulation S-K Item 402(n)(2), computed in accordance with FASB ASC
Topic 718.
(2) On
January 27, 2016, we issued 1,500,000 shares of its common stock to
Michael E. Fasci pursuant to a service award for $15,000. The
shares were valued at the fair market price of $0.01 per share. On
May 25, 2016, we issued 2,500,000 shares of its common stock to
Michael E. Fasci pursuant to a service award for $50,000. The
shares were valued at the fair market price of $0.02 per
share.
(3)
Ms. Antal resigned as a director on March 4, 2016. She did not
receive any compensation as a director.
(4)
Mr. Fretti resigned as a director on March 4, 2016.
He did not receive any compensation as a director.
Compensation Paid to Board Members
Our independent non-employee directors are not compensated in
cash. The only compensation has been in the form of
stock awards. There is no stock compensation plan for independent
non-employee directors. There was no Director compensation
during the year ended December 31, 2016.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2016
by:
|
●
|
each director and nominee for director;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
each person known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of our
common stock;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
each officer named in the summary compensation table elsewhere in
this report; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
all directors and executive officers as a group.
|
The amounts and percentages of common stock beneficially owned are
reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the
determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the
rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial
owner” of a security if that person has or shares voting
power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the
voting of such security, or “investment power,” which
includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of
such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of
any securities of which that person has the right to acquire
beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under these rules more than
one person may be deemed a beneficial owner of the same securities
and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities
as to which such person has no economic interest.
Unless otherwise indicated below, each beneficial owner named in
the table has sole voting and sole investment power with respect to
all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws
where applicable. The address of each beneficial owner is 5400
Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA 98033 and the address of more than 5%
of common stock is detailed below.
41
|
Shares Beneficially Owned
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
Number
|
Percentage (1)
|
Directors and Named Executive Officers
|
|
|
Marco
Hegyi (2)
|
40,000,000
|
2.4%
|
Mark
E. Scott (3)
|
14,777,778
|
0.9%
|
Michael
E. Fasci (4)
|
5,500,000
|
*
|
Joseph Barnes (5)
|
6,800,000
|
*
|
Total
Directors and Officers (4 in total)
|
67,077,778
|
4.1%
|
* Less than 1%.
(1)
Based on
1,656,120,083 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31,
2016.
(2) Reflects the shares beneficially owned by Marco Hegyi,
including warrants to purchase 35,000,000 shares of our
common stock at $0.01 per share/
(3) Reflects the shares beneficially owned by Mark E. Scott,
including stock option grants totaling 1,777,778 shares that Mr.
Scott has the right to acquire in sixty days.
(4)
Reflects the shares beneficially owned
by Michael E. Fasci.
(5)
Reflects the shares beneficially owned
by Joseph Barnes, including stock option grants totaling 6,500,000
shares that Mr. Barnes has the right to acquire in sixty
days.
|
Shares Beneficially Owned
|
|
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
Number
|
Percentage
|
CANX
USA LLC (1)
|
|
|
410
South Rampart Blvd., Suite 350
|
540,000,000
|
24.6%
|
Las
Vegas, NV 89145
|
|
(Capped
at
|
|
|
4.99%)
|
|
|
|
Logic
Works LLC (2)
|
92,774,167
|
5.3%
|
9616
Emeraude Avenue
|
|
(Capped
at
|
Las
Vegas, NV 89147
|
|
4.99%)
|
(1) Reflects
a warrant to purchase common stock totaling 540,000,000
beneficially owned by CANX USA LLC. CANX does not consider
themselves a control group based on the individual ownership and
legal structure of CANX. Each owner has a 4.99% ownership limit and
the owners cannot act as a control group.
(2) Reflects 92,774,167 shares beneficially owned by Logic Works
LLC related to Convertible Notes. Logic Works does not consider
themselves a control group because Logic Works has a 4.99%
ownership limit.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS, AND
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Review and Approval of Related Person Transactions
We have operated under a Code of Conduct for many years. Our Code
of Conduct requires all employees, officers and directors, without
exception, to avoid the engagement in activities or relationships
that conflict, or would be perceived to conflict, with the
Company’s interests or adversely affect its reputation. It is
understood, however, that certain relationships or transactions may
arise that would be deemed acceptable and appropriate upon full
disclosure of the transaction, following review and approval to
ensure there is a legitimate business reason for the transaction
and that the terms of the transaction are no less favorable to the
Company than could be obtained from an unrelated
person.
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all
transactions with related persons. The Company has not adopted a
written policy for reviewing related person transactions. The
Company reviews all relationships and transactions in which the
Company and our directors and executive officers or their immediate
family members are participants to determine whether such persons
have a direct or indirect material interest. As required under SEC
rules, transactions that are determined to be directly or
indirectly material to the Company or a related person are
disclosed.
Certain Relationships
42
Please
see the transactions with CANX, LLC and Logic Works in Note 5, TCA
Global Credit Master Fund LP and Chicago Venture Partners, L.P.
discussed in Note 7, 8 10 and 13.
Transactions with an Entity Controlled by Marco Hegyi
An entity controlled by Mr. Hegyi received a warrant to purchase up
to twenty five million shares of our common stock at an exercise
price of $0.08 per share was reduced to $0.01 per share on December
18, 2015.
On
April 15, 2016, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its common
stock to an entity affiliated with Marco Hegyi, our Chief Executive
Officer, pursuant to a conversion of debt for $20,000. The shares
were valued at the fair market price of $0.02 per
share.
On
October 12, 2016, the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of its common
stock to an entity affiliated with Marco Hegyi, our Chief Executive
Officer, pursuant to a conversion of debt for $40,000. The shares
were valued at the fair market price of $0.01 per
share.
On
October 21, 2016, we entered into Agreement with Marco Hegyi
pursuant to which the Company engaged Mr. Hegyi as its Chief
Executive Officer through October 20, 2018. Mr. Hegyi’s
previous Employment Agreement was dated December 4, 2013 and which
is set to expire on December 4, 2016. Mr. Hegyi received a Warrant
to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of our common stock at an
exercise price of $0.01 per share. In addition, Mr. Hegyi received
Warrants to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of our common stock at
an exercise price of $0.01 per share which vest on October 21, 2017
and 2018. The Warrants are exercisable for 5 years.
Transactions with an Entity Controlled by Mark E.
Scott
An
entity controlled by Mr. Scott received an option to purchase
sixteen million shares of our common stock at an exercise price of
$0.07 per share was reduced to $0.01
per share on December 18, 2015. Two million shares vested on
August 17, 2015 with the Company’s resolution of the class
action lawsuits. An additional two million share stock option vest
on April 18, 2016 upon the Company securing a market maker with an
approved 15c2-11 resulting in the Company’s relisting on
OTCBB.
On
January 4, 2016, we issued 3,000,000 shares of its common stock to
an entity affiliated with Mark E. Scott, Chief Financial Officer,
pursuant to a conversion of debt for $30,000. The shares were
valued at the fair market price of $0.01 per share.
On
October 21, 2016, Mr. Scott cancelled stock option grants totaling
12,000,000 shares of our common stock at $0.01 per share. Mr. Scott
has an additional 2,000,000 share stock option grant which
continues to vest monthly over 36 months and a 2,000,000 share
stock option grant which vests upon the achievement of certain
performance goals related to acquisitions.
On
October 21, 2016, Mr. Scott, the Company’s Chief Financial
Officer, converted $40,000 in deferred compensation into 4,000,000
shares of our common stock at $0.01 per share. The price per share
was based on the thirty-day trailing average.
On
October 21, 2016, Mr. Scott, the Company’s Chief Financial
Officer, was granted 6,000,000 shares of our common stock at $0.01
per share. The price per share was based on the thirty-day trailing
average.
Transactions with Michael E. Fasci
On
January 27, 2016, we issued 1,500,000 shares of its common stock to
Michael Fasci, a member of the Board of Directors, for director
services. The shares were valued at the fair market price of $0.01
per share.
On May
25, 2016, we issued 2,500,000 shares of its common stock to Michael
Fasci, a member of the Board of Directors, for director services.
The shares were valued at the fair market price of $0.02 per
share.
On
October 21, 2016, we entered into a Consulting Agreement with an
entity controlled by Michael E. Fasci, a Director. Mr. Fasci is to
provide services related to lender management, financing and
acquisitions. Mr. Fasci’s compensation is 2,000,000 shares of
our common stock valued at $0.01 per share and to be issued on
April 21, 2017 and October 21, 2017.
Agreement with Jeff Giarraputo
On
February 26, 2014, we engaged Jeff Giarraputo, a member of the
Board of Directors, as an advisor to us for six months effective as
of February 15, 2014. Mr. Giarraputo agreed to provide marketing,
business development, and general management to us related to the
cannabis industry. As compensation for these services, and subject
to approval by our Board of Directors, we were expected to grant
Mr. Giarraputo a stock option to purchase 2,000,000 shares of our
common stock at $0.31 per share, which represents the 30-day
trailing average of our common stock. All shares subject to the
option vested over a six-month period beginning on the date of
engagement and are subject to the terms and conditions of our 2011
Stock Incentive Plan including vesting requirements. On August 19,
2014, the Parties cancelled this Agreement and the stock option
grant was not issued.
43
Director Independence
The Board has affirmatively determined that Michael E. Fasci
is independent as of December 31,
2016. For purposes of making that determination, the Board
used NASDAQ’s Listing Rules even though the Company is not
currently listed on NASDAQ. The Board expects to appoint
independent directors during 2017 so that the majority of the
Directors are independent.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy
The Audit Committee has established a pre-approval policy and
procedures for audit, audit-related and tax services that can be
performed by the independent auditors without specific
authorization from the Audit Committee subject to certain
restrictions. The policy sets out the specific services
pre-approved by the Audit Committee and the applicable limitations,
while ensuring the independence of the independent auditors to
audit the Company's financial statements is not impaired. The
pre-approval policy does not include a delegation to management of
the Audit Committee’s responsibilities under the Exchange
Act. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Audit Committee
pre-approved all audit and permissible non-audit services provided
by our independent auditors.
Service Fees Paid to the Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
On July
13, 2016, we dismissed PMB Helin Donovan LLP as our independent
registered public accounting firm. On July 13, 2016 we engaged the
services of SD Mayer and Associates, LLP as our new independent
registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the
years then ended. The decision to change accountants was approved
by our Audit Committee.
The following is the breakdown of aggregate fees paid for the last
two fiscal years:
|
Year Ended
|
Year Ended
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
December 31, 2015
|
Audit
fees
|
$52,500
|
$67,225
|
Audit
related fees
|
10,000
|
26,480
|
Tax
fees
|
20,355
|
-
|
All
other fees
|
12,500
|
6,050
|
|
|
|
|
$95,355
|
$99,755
|
-
“Audit Fees” are fees paid for to PMB for professional
services for the audit of our financial statements.
-
“Audit-Related fees” are fees paid to Mayer for
professional services not included in the first two categories,
specifically, SAS 100 reviews, SEC filings and consents, and
accounting consultations on matters addressed during the audit or
interim reviews, and review work related to quarterly
filings.
-
“Tax Fees” are fees primarily for tax compliance paid
to PMB and Mayer in connection with filing US income tax
returns.
-
“All other fees were paid to PMB related to the review of
registration statements on Form S-1.
44
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
The Company’s financial statements, as indicated by the Index
to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth below, begin on page
F-1 of this Form 10-K, and are hereby incorporated by reference.
Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are
not applicable or the required information is included in the
financial statements or notes thereto.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Title of Document
|
|
Page
|
Report
of SD Mayer and Associates, LLP
|
|
F-1
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and
2015
|
|
F-2
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December
31, 2016 and 2015
|
|
F-3
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' (Deficit) for
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
|
|
F-4
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December
31, 2016 and 2015
|
|
F-5
|
|
|
|
Notes to the Financial Statements
|
|
F-6
|
(b)
|
Exhibits
|
Exhibit No. | Description |
|
|
3.1
|
Certificate of
Incorporation. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form
10-SB General Form for Registration of Securities of Small Business
Issuers filed with the SEC on December 7, 2007, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
3.2
|
Amended
and Restated Bylaws. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 9, 2014, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
3.3
|
Second
Amended and Restated Bylaws of GrowLife, Inc. dated October 16,
2015. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed
with the SEC on October 26, 2015, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
3.4
|
Certificate of
Designation for Series B Preferred Stock. Filed as an exhibit to
the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on October 29,
2015, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
3.5
|
Certificate of
Designation for Series C Preferred Stock. Filed as an exhibit to
the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on October 29,
2015, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
4.1
|
GrowLife, Inc. 2011
Stock Incentive Plan filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on June 8,
2011, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.1
|
Form of
7% Convertible Note. Filed as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SC on October 11, 2013,
and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.2
|
Joint
Venture Agreement dated November 19, 2013 by and between GrowLife,
Inc. and CANX USA LLC. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on November 21, 2013, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.3
|
Warrant
Agreement by and between GrowLife, Inc. and CANX USA LLC. Filed as
an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC
on November 21, 2013, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
10.4
|
Commercial Lease
Agreement dated March 8, 2013 by and between Evergreen Garden
Center LLC and William C. Rowell Family Limited
Partnership for our
Portland, Maine store. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 10-K dated December 31, 2014 and filed with the SEC on
September 30, 2015, and incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
45
10.5
|
Lease
dated October 21, 2013 by and between GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc.
and Stone Creek Business Center Ltd. for our Avon (Vail), Colorado
store. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K dated
December 31, 2014 and filed with the SEC on September 30, 2015, and
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.6
|
Warrant
related to CANX USA LLC Joint Development Agreement dated November
19, 2013. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K and
filed with the SEC on November 21, 2014, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
10.7
|
Employment
Agreement for Marco Hegyi dated December 4, 2013. Attached as an exhibit to the Company’s Form
8-K/A and filed with the SEC on June 20, 2014, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.8
|
Amended
Employment Agreement for Marco Hegyi dated June 20,
2014. Attached as an exhibit to the Company’s Form
8-K and filed with the SEC on June 20, 2014, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.9
|
Consulting Letter
by and between GrowLife, Inc. and Mark Scott Consulting Letter
dated July 31, 2014. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 6, 2014, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.10
|
Waiver
and Modification Agreement dated June 25, 2014 by and between
GrowLife, Inc. and Logic Works LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K/A and filed with the SEC on August 18,
2014, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.11
|
Amended
and Restated Joint Venture Agreement dated July 1, 2013 by and
between GrowLife, Inc. and CANX USA LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K/A and filed with the SEC on August 18,
2014, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.12
|
Secured
Credit Facility and Secured Convertible Note dated June 25, 2014 by
and between GrowLife, Inc. and Logic Works LLC. Filed as an Exhibit
to the Company’s Form 8-K/A and filed with the SEC on August
18, 2014, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.13
|
Closing
Certificate dated July 10, 2014 by and between GrowLife, Inc. and
CANX USA LLC and Logic Works LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K/A and filed with the SEC on August 18,
2014, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.14
|
Form of
Warrant by and between GrowLife, Inc. and CANX USA LLC. Filed as an
exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K/A and filed with the SEC on
August 18, 2014, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.15
|
Settlement
Agreement and Waiver of Default dated June 19, 2014 by and between
GrowLife, Inc. and Forglen LLC. Filed as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on July 18, 2014,
and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.16
|
Joseph
Barnes Promotion Letter dated October 10, 2014. Filed as an exhibit
to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on October
14, 2014, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.17
|
Notice of Settlement Agreement dated February 9,
2015. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K
and filed with the SEC on February 12, 2015, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.18 |
Stipulation and
Agreement of Compromise, Settlement and Release of the Derivative
Actions dated April 6, 2015. Filed as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on June 17, 2015,
and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.19 |
Securities Purchase
Agreement, dated July 9, 2015, entered into by and between
GrowLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and TCA Global Credit Master Fund
LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed
with the SEC on July 16, 2015, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
10.20 |
Senior Secured,
Convertible, Redeemable Debenture entered into by and between
GrowLife, Inc. and TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an
exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on
July 16, 2015, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
10.21 |
Form of Security
Agreement entered into by and between GrowLife, Inc. and its
subsidiaries, respectively, and TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP.
Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with
the SEC on July 16, 2015, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
46
10.22 |
Form of Guaranty
Agreement entered into by and between GrowLife, Inc.’s
subsidiaries, respectively, and TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP.
Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with
the SEC on July 16, 2015, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
10.23 |
Form of Pledge
Agreement entered into by and between GrowLife, Inc. and TCA Global
Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on July 16, 2015, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.24 |
Intercreditor
Agreement, dated July 9, 2015, entered into by and between
GrowLife, Inc., its subsidiaries, Logic Works LLC and TCA Global
Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on July 16, 2015, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.25 |
Intercreditor
Agreement, dated July 9, 2015, entered into by and between
GrowLife, Inc., its subsidiaries, Logic Works LLC and TCA Global
Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on July 16, 2015, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.26
|
Securities Purchase
Agreement dated August 6, 2015 and entered into by and between
GrowLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and TCA Global Credit Master Fund
LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed
with the SEC on August 12, 2015, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
10.27
|
Senior
Secured Convertible Redeemable Debenture dated August 6, 2015 and
entered into by and between GrowLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and
TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on August 12, 2015,
and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.28
|
Committed Equity
Facility dated August 6, 2015 entered into by and between GrowLife,
Inc. and TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an exhibit to
the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on August 12,
2015, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.29
|
Registration Rights
Agreement dated August 6, 2015 entered into by and between
GrowLife, Inc. and TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an
exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on
August 12, 2015, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.30
|
Authorization
Agreement dated August 6, 2015 entered into by and between
GrowLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and TCA Global Credit Master Fund
LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed
with the SEC on August 12, 2015, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
10.31
|
Amended
and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement, dated October 27, 2015,
entered into by and among GrowLife, Inc., its subsidiaries, and TCA
Global Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on October 29,
2015, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.
32
|
Amended
and Restated Senior Secured, Convertible, Redeemable Debenture,
dated October 27, 2015, entered into by and between GrowLife, Inc.
and Purchaser. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K
and filed with the SEC on October 29, 2015, and hereby incorporated
by reference.
|
|
|
10.33
|
Amendment to
Employment Agreement by and between GrowLife Inc. and Marco Hegyi
dated January 25, 2016 but
effective December 18, 2015.
|
10.34
|
Securities
Purchase Agreement, dated April 5, 2016, entered into by and among
GrowLife, Inc., and
Chicago Venture Partners, LP Filed as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on April 11, 2016,
and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.35
|
Convertible
Promissory Note, dated April 5, 2016, entered into by and between
GrowLife, Inc. and Chicago Venture
Partners, LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on April 11, 2016, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.36
|
Form of
Secured Investor Note, dated April 5, 2016, entered into by and
between GrowLife, Inc. and Chicago
Venture Partners, LP. Filed as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on April 11, 2016,
and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.37
|
Waiver
Agreement, dated April 11, 2016, by and between GrowLife, Inc. and
TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP. Filed as an exhibit to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the
SEC on July 11, 2016, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
47
10.38
|
First
Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement, effective as of May 4,
2016, entered
into by and among GrowLife, Inc., its subsidiaries, and TCA Global
Credit Master Fund LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s
Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on May 9, 2016, and hereby
incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.39
|
Second
Replacement Debenture A, dated May 4, 2016, entered into by and
between GrowLife, Inc. and TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP. Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the
SEC on May 9, 2016, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
10.40 | Second Replacement Debenture B, dated May 4, 2016, entered into by and between GrowLife, Inc. and TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on May 9, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.41 | Debt Purchase Agreement, dated June 9, 2016, entered into by and between TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP, Old Main Capital, LLC and GrowLife, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on June 16, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.42
|
Exchange Agreement, dated June 9, 2016, entered into by and among Old Main Capital, LLC and GrowLife, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on June 16, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.43 | 10% Senior Convertible Promissory Note, dated June 9, 2016, entered into by and among Old Main Capital, LLC and GrowLife, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on June 16, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.44 | Option Agreement, dated June 8, 2016, entered into by and among TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP and Old Main Capital, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on June 16, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.45 | Advisory Services Agreement, dated September 27, 2015, entered into by and GrowLife, Inc. and TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on July 11, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.46 | Amendment to Advisory Services Agreement, dated October 27, 2015, entered into by and GrowLife, Inc. and TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on July 11, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.47 | Exchange Agreement dated August 17, 2016, entered into by and between GrowLife, Inc. and Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on August 30, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.48 | Debt Purchase Agreement dated August 15, 2016, entered into by and between GrowLife, Inc., TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP and Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on August 30, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.49 |
First
Amendment to Debt Purchase Agreement dated August 15, 2016, entered
into by and between GrowLife,
Inc., TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP and Old Main Capital, LLC.
Filed
as an
exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on
August 30, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
10.50
|
Marco Hegyi Employment Agreement and Warrants dated October 21, 2016. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on October 27, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
10.51 | Consulting Agreement dated October 21, 2016 with an entity controlled by Michael E. Fasci (attached herewith). |
|
|
10.52 | Consent to Judgement and Settlement Agreement dated December 7, 2016 y and between Evergreen Garden Center LLC and GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc. and William C. Rowell Family Limited Partnership for our Portland, Maine store (attached herewith). |
|
|
48
14.1 | Code of Conduct and Ethics dated May 15, 2014. Attached as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed and with the SEC on June 9, 2014, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
16.1 | Letter dated July 14, 2016 from PMB Helin Donovan LLP. Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on July 14, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference |
|
|
21.1 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith). |
|
|
31.01 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 Filed herewith. |
|
|
31.02 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 Filed herewith. |
|
|
32.01 | CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Filed herewith. |
|
|
32.02 | CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Filed herewith. |
|
|
99.1 |
Amended and
Restated Audit Committee Charter, dated October 16, 2015.
Attached as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on October 26,
2015, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
99.2
|
Compensation Committee Charter dated May 15, 2014. Attached as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated June 3, 2014 and filed with the SEC on June 9, 2014, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
99.3 | Amended and Restated Nominations and Governance Charter, dated October 16, 2015.Attached as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on October 26, 2015, and hereby incorporated by reference. |
|
|
99.4 |
Amended and
Restated Insider Trading Policy, dated October 16, 2015.
Attached as an exhibit to the
Company’s Form 8-K and filed with the SEC on October 26,
2015, and hereby incorporated by reference.
|
|
|
101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document |
|
|
101.SCH* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
|
|
101.CAL* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
|
|
101.LAB* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document |
|
|
101.PRE* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
|
|
101.DEF* |
XBRL Taxonomy
Extension Definition Linkbase Document
|
|
|
*Filed
Herewith. Pursuant to Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is
deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus
for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of
1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to
liability under these sections.
49
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
GrowLife, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
GrowLife, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016
and 2015 and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have,
nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control
over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration
of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on
the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such
opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of GrowLife, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and
2015, and the results of its consolidated operations and its cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going
concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements, the Company has sustained a net loss from operations
and has an accumulated deficit since inception. These factors
raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in this
regard are also described in Note 2. The consolidated
`financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
SD
Mayer & Associates, LLP
/s/ SD Mayer & Associates, LLP
March 31, 2017
Seattle, WA
|
F-1
GROWLIFE, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
|
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
December 31, 2015
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS:
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$103,070
|
$60,362
|
Inventory,
net
|
418,453
|
398,439
|
Deposits
|
11,163
|
16,754
|
Total
current assets
|
532,686
|
475,555
|
|
|
|
EQUIPMENT,
NET
|
1,890
|
10,327
|
|
|
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
Intangible
assets, net
|
-
|
243,604
|
Goodwill
|
-
|
739,000
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
$534,576
|
$1,468,486
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
Accounts
payable - trade
|
$1,529,919
|
$1,272,572
|
Accounts
payable - related parties
|
10,952
|
71,920
|
Accrued
expenses
|
132,656
|
121,765
|
Accrued
expenses - related parties
|
19,605
|
53,287
|
Derivative
liability
|
2,701,559
|
1,377,175
|
Current
portion of convertible notes payable
|
2,798,800
|
2,287,868
|
Deferred
revenue
|
47,995
|
25,000
|
Total
current liabilities
|
7,241,486
|
5,209,587
|
|
|
|
LONG
TERM LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
Convertible
notes payable
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
|
-
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
|
MEZZANINE
EQUITY:
|
|
|
Contingently
redeemable common stock-
|
|
|
0
and 15,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at 9/30/2016 and
12/31/2015, respectively
|
-
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS'
DEFICIT
|
|
|
Preferred
stock - $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no
shares
|
|
|
issued
and outstanding
|
-
|
-
|
Series
B Convertible Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value, 150,000 shares
authorized, 0 and
|
|
|
150,000
shares issued and outstanding at 12/31/16 and 12/31/15,
respectively
|
-
|
15
|
Series
C Convertible Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value, 51 shares
authorized,
|
|
|
51
shares issued and outstanding at 12/31/2016 and 12/31/2015,
respectively
|
-
|
-
|
Common
stock - $0.0001 par value, 3,000,000,000 shares authorized,
1,656,120,083
|
|
|
and
891,116,496 shares issued and outstanding at 12/31/2016 and
12/31/2015, respectively
|
165,600
|
89,098
|
Additional
paid in capital
|
117,537,822
|
110,585,434
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
(124,410,332)
|
(116,715,648)
|
Total
stockholders' deficit
|
(6,706,910)
|
(6,041,101)
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
|
$534,576
|
$1,468,486
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-2
GROWLIFE, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
Years
Ended,
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
|
|
NET
REVENUE
|
$1,231,281
|
$3,499,642
|
COST
OF GOODS SOLD
|
1,275,580
|
2,980,503
|
GROSS
PROFIT
|
(44,299)
|
519,139
|
GENERAL
AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
|
1,888,537
|
2,684,107
|
IMPAIRMENT
OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
|
876,056
|
-
|
OPERATING
LOSS
|
(2,808,892)
|
(2,164,968)
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
Change
in fair value of derivative
|
(1,324,384)
|
1,678,541
|
Interest
expense, net
|
(816,750)
|
(1,118,635)
|
Other
income (expense), primarily related to TCA funding
|
144,882
|
(2,002,533)
|
Loss
on debt conversions
|
(2,889,540)
|
-
|
Loss
on class action lawsuit settlements
|
-
|
(2,081,250)
|
Total
other (expense)
|
(4,885,792)
|
(3,523,877)
|
|
|
|
(LOSS)
BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
(7,694,684)
|
(5,688,845)
|
|
|
|
Income
taxes - current benefit
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
NET
(LOSS)
|
$(7,694,684)
|
$(5,688,845)
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted (loss) per share
|
$(0.01)
|
$(0.01)
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average shares of common stock outstanding- basic and
diluted
|
1,197,565,907
|
884,348,627
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-3
GROWLIFE, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS'
DEFICIT
|
|
Series
B Convertible
Preferred Stock
|
Series
C Convertible
Preferred Stock
|
Common Stock
|
Unrealized
Gain on
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Investment
in Related Party
|
Additional
Paid in Capital
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
Total
Stockholders' (Deficit)
|
Balance
as of December 31, 2014
|
-
|
$-
|
-
|
$-
|
879,343,771
|
$87,936
|
$-
|
$108,699,950
|
$(111,026,803)
|
$(2,238,917)
|
Stock
based compensation for stock options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
175,661
|
-
|
175,661
|
Shares
issued for debt conversion
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,772,725
|
777
|
-
|
170,223
|
-
|
171,000
|
Shares issued for services rendered
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,000,000
|
400
|
|
39,600
|
-
|
40,000
|
Issuance
of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
|
150,000
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(15)
|
-
|
1,500,000
|
-
|
1,500,000
|
Issuance
of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock
|
-
|
-
|
51
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Net
loss for the year ended December 31, 2015
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(5,688,845)
|
(5,688,845)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
as of December 31, 2015
|
150,000
|
15
|
51
|
-
|
891,116,496
|
89,098
|
-
|
110,585,434
|
(116,715,648)
|
(6,041,101)
|
Stock
based compensation for stock options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
145,729
|
-
|
145,729
|
Shares
issued for debt conversion
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13,400,000
|
1,340
|
-
|
142,660
|
-
|
144,000
|
Shares
issued for services rendered
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
26,020,000
|
2,602
|
-
|
282,598
|
-
|
285,200
|
Shares
issued for convertible note and interest conversion
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
595,442,539
|
59,546
|
-
|
5,594,400
|
-
|
5,653,946
|
Shares
issued for mezzanine equity
|
|
|
|
|
15,000,000
|
1,500
|
-
|
298,500
|
-
|
300,000
|
Series
B Convertible Preferred Stock converted into convertible notes
payable
|
(150,000)
|
(15)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,499,985)
|
-
|
(1,500,000)
|
Shares
issued for class action settlements
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
115,141,048
|
11,514
|
-
|
1,988,486
|
-
|
2,000,000
|
Net
loss for the year ended December 31, 2016
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(7,694,684)
|
(7,694,684)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
as of December 31, 2016
|
-
|
$-
|
51
|
$-
|
1,656,120,083
|
$165,600
|
$-
|
$117,537,822
|
$(124,410,332)
|
$(6,706,910)
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-4
GROWLIFE, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
Years Ended,
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
$(7,694,684)
|
$(5,688,845)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in)
|
|
|
operating
activities
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
8,437
|
13,715
|
Amortization
of intangible assets
|
106,548
|
106,548
|
Stock
based compensation
|
145,729
|
175,661
|
Preferred
shares issued for services
|
-
|
300,000
|
Common
stock issued for services
|
285,200
|
210,985
|
Amortization
of debt discount
|
514,668
|
(158,237)
|
Change
in fair value of derivative liability
|
1,324,384
|
(723,740)
|
Accrued
interest on convertible notes payable
|
120,824
|
310,500
|
Loss
on class action settlements
|
-
|
2,000,000
|
Loss
on debt conversions
|
-
|
1,500,000
|
Excess
and obsolete inventory
|
-
|
20,215
|
Write-off
of patent expenses
|
-
|
3,600
|
Loss
on debt conversions
|
2,889,540
|
-
|
Impairment
of long-lived assets
|
876,056
|
-
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
Inventory
|
20,014
|
464,696
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
-
|
41,791
|
Deposits
|
(5,591)
|
16,830
|
Accounts
payable
|
196,379
|
215,362
|
Accrued
expenses
|
(22,791)
|
(209,972)
|
Deferred
revenue
|
22,995
|
25,000
|
CASH
(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
(1,212,292)
|
(1,375,891)
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
-
|
NET
CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
Cash
provided from Convertible Promissory Note with Chicago Venture
Partners, L.P.
|
1,255,000
|
-
|
Proceeds
from the issuance of convertible debt
|
-
|
1,150,000
|
Series
B Convertible Preferred Stock
|
-
|
15
|
NET
CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
1,255,000
|
1,150,015
|
|
|
|
NET
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
42,708
|
(225,876)
|
|
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
|
60,362
|
286,238
|
|
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
|
$103,070
|
$60,362
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
disclosures of cash flow information:
|
|
|
Interest
paid
|
$-
|
$10,500
|
Taxes
paid
|
$-
|
$-
|
|
|
|
Non-cash
investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
Shares
issued for convertible note and interest conversion
|
$2,764,406
|
$-
|
Shares
issued for debt conversion
|
$144,000
|
$171,000
|
Shares
issued for class action settlements
|
$2,000,000
|
$-
|
Shares
issued for mezzanine equity
|
$300,000
|
$-
|
Series
B Convertible Preferred Stock converted into convertible notes
payable
|
$(1,500,000)
|
$-
|
Series
B Convertible Preferred Stock converted into convertible notes
payable debt discount
|
$315,669
|
$-
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-5
GROWLIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND
ORGANIZATION
GrowLife,
Inc. (“GrowLife” or the “Company”) is
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and is
headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The Company was founded in
2012 with the Closing of the Agreement and Plan of Merger with SGT
Merger Corporation.
The
Company’s goal of becoming the nation’s largest
cultivation facility service provider for the production of
organics, herbs and greens and plant-based medicines has not
changed. The Company’s mission is to best serve more
cultivators in the design, build-out, expansion and maintenance of
their facilities with products of high quality, exceptional value
and competitive price. Through a nationwide network of
knowledgeable representatives, regional centers and its e-commerce
website, GrowLife provides essential and hard-to-find goods
including media (i.e., farming soil), industry-leading hydroponics
equipment, organic plant nutrients, and thousands more products to
specialty grow operations across the United States.
The
Company primarily sells through its wholly owned subsidiary,
GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc. GrowLife companies distribute and sell
over 15,000 products through its e-commerce distribution channel,
GrowLifeEco.com, and through our regional retail storefronts.
GrowLife and its business units are organized and directed to
operate strictly in accordance with all applicable state and
federal laws.
On June
7, 2013, GrowLife Hydroponics completed the purchase of Rocky
Mountain Hydroponics, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company
(“RMC”), and Evergreen Garden Center, LLC, a Maine
limited liability company (“EGC”). The effective date
of the purchase was June 7, 2013. The Company purchased all of the
assets and liabilities of the RMH and EGC Companies, and their
retail hydroponics stores, which are located in Vail and Boulder,
Colorado and Portland, Maine. The Company purchased RMC and EGC
from Rob Hunt, who was appointed to the then Company’s Board
of Directors and President of GrowLife Hydroponics,
Inc.
On February 18, 2016, the Company’s common stock resumed
unsolicited quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board after receiving
clearance from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(“FINRA”) on our Form 15c2-11. The Company is currently
taking the appropriate steps to uplist to the OTCQB Exchange and
resume priced quotations with market makers as soon as it is
able.
NOTE 2 –
GOING CONCERN
The accompanying consolidated 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. The Company incurred net losses of
$7,694,684 and $5,688,845 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and
2015, respectively. Our net cash used in operating activities was
$1,212,192 and $1,375,891 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and
2015, respectively.
The Company anticipates that it will record losses from operations
for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2016, our
accumulated deficit was $124,410,332. 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
issuance of convertible notes payable and advances from a related
party. The audit report prepared by
our independent registered public accounting firm relating to our
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
filed with the SEC on March 31, 2016 includes an explanatory
paragraph expressing the substantial doubt about our ability to
continue as a going concern.
Continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon
obtaining additional working capital. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary
if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE 3 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES: ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Basis of Presentation - The accompanying unaudited
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated. The preparation of these unaudited consolidated
financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Principles of Consolidation -
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries.
Inter-Company items and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - The
Company classifies highly liquid temporary investments with an
original maturity of three months or less when purchased as cash
equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances at various
financial institutions. Balances at US banks are insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. The Company
has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is
not exposed to any significant risk for cash on
deposit.
F-6
Accounts Receivable and Revenue - Revenue is recognized on
the sale of a product when the product is shipped, which is when
the risk of loss transfers to our customers, the fee is fixed and
determinable, and collection of the sale is reasonably assured. A
product is not shipped without an order from the customer and the
completion of credit acceptance procedures. The majority of our
sales are cash or credit card; however, we occasionally extend
terms to our customers. Accounts receivable are reviewed
periodically for collectability.
Inventories - Inventories are recorded on a first in first
out basis. Inventory consists of raw materials, purchased finished
goods and components held for resale. Inventory is valued at the
lower of cost or market. The reserve for inventory was $20,000 as
of December 31, 2016 and 2015,
respectively.
Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated
at cost. Assets acquired under capital leases are initially
recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease
payments discounted at the implicit interest rate or the fair value
of the asset. Major improvements and betterments are capitalized.
Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is
computed using the straight-line method over an estimated useful
life of five years. Assets acquired under capital lease are
depreciated over the lesser of the useful life or the lease term.
At the time of retirement or other disposition of property and
equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from
the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in
the consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - The Company evaluates the
carrying value of goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived
assets during the fourth quarter of each year and between annual
evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more
likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below
its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not
limited to (1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in
business climate, (2) unanticipated competition, (3) an adverse
action or assessment by a regulator, (4) continued losses from
operations, (5) continued negative cash flows from operations, and
(6) the suspension of trading of the Company’s securities.
When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, the Company compares
the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is
assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including
goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using a
combination of the income, or discounted cash flows, approach and
the market approach, which utilizes comparable companies’
data. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair
value, then the amount of the impairment loss must be measured. The
impairment loss would be calculated by comparing the implied fair
value of reporting unit goodwill to its carrying amount. In
calculating the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill, the
fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the other
assets and liabilities of that unit based on their fair values. The
excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amount
assigned to its other assets and liabilities is the implied fair
value of goodwill.
The
Company amortizes the cost of other intangible assets over their
estimated useful lives, which range up to ten years, unless such
lives are deemed indefinite. Intangible assets with indefinite
lives are tested in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year for
impairment, or more often if indicators warrant.
On
March 10, 2017, the Audit Committee reviewed the GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc. operations
and based on the capital intensive nature of the business and
operating results determined that the goodwill value of $739,000
and intangible assets of $137,056 were impaired as of December 31,
2016. The Company recorded an impairment of goodwill and intangible
assets associated with GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc. of $876,056 as
general and administrative expenses during the three months ended
December 31, 2016.
Long Lived Assets – The
Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment annually or
when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets under certain
circumstances are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair
value. Assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide
any future service potential to the Company are recorded at the
lower of carrying amount or fair value (less the projected cost
associated with selling the asset). To the extent carrying values
exceed fair values, an impairment loss is recognized in operating
results.
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - ASC
Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for
disclosure of fair value measurement and enhances disclosure
requirements for fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy
is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an
asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are
defined as follows:
Level 1
- Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices
(unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active
markets.
Level 2
- Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for
similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that
are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial
instrument.
Level 3
- Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and
significant to the fair value measurement.
The
carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, investment in a
related party, accounts payables, accrued expenses, due to related
party, notes payable, and convertible notes approximates their fair
values due to their short-term maturities.
F-7
Derivative financial instruments -The Company evaluates all
of 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. For stock-based derivative
financial instruments, the Company uses a weighted average
Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the derivative
instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. 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 twelve months
of the balance sheet date.
Sales Returns - We allow customers to return defective
products when they meet certain established criteria as outlined in
our sales terms and conditions. It is our practice to regularly
review and revise, when deemed necessary, our estimates of sales
returns, which are based primarily on actual historical return
rates. We record estimated sales returns as reductions to sales,
cost of goods sold, and accounts receivable and an increase to
inventory. Returned products which are recorded as inventory are
valued based upon the amount we expect to realize upon its
subsequent disposition. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31,
2015, there was no reserve for sales returns, which are minimal
based upon our historical experience.
Stock Based Compensation - The
Company has share-based compensation plans under which employees,
consultants, suppliers and directors may be granted restricted
stock, as well as options and warrants to purchase shares of
Company common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant.
Stock-based compensation cost to employees is measured by the
Company at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award,
over the requisite service period under ASC 718. For options issued
to employees, the Company recognizes stock compensation costs
utilizing the fair value methodology over the related period of
benefit. Grants of stock to non-employees and other
parties are accounted for in accordance with the ASC
505.
Net (Loss) Per Share - Under
the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings per Share,” basic
loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to
common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding for the periods presented. Diluted net
loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if
securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised
or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of
common stock that would then share in the income of the Company,
subject to anti-dilution limitations. The common stock equivalents
have not been included as they are anti-dilutive. As of
December 31, 2016, there are
also (i) stock option grants outstanding for the purchase of
12,010,000 common shares at a $0.010 average strike price; (ii)
warrants for the purchase of 595 million common shares at a $0.031
average exercise price; and (iii) 207,812,222 shares related to convertible debt that can be
converted at $0.0036 per share. In addition, we have an unknown
number of common shares to be issued under the TCA Global
Credit Master Fund LP and
Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. financing agreements. As of December 31,
2015, there are also (i) stock option grants outstanding for the
purchase of 29.0 million common shares at a $0.028 average strike
price; (ii) warrants for the purchase of 565.0 million common
shares at a $0.032 average exercise price; (iii) 243.6 million
shares related to convertible debt
that can be converted at $0.007 per share; and (iv) 6.0 million
shares that may be issued to a former executive related to a
severance agreement. We issued $2 million in common stock or
115,141,048 shares of our common stock pursuant to the settlement
of the Consolidated Class Action and Derivative Action lawsuits
alleging violations of federal securities laws that were filed
against the Company in United States District Court, Central
District of California.
Dividend Policy - The Company
has never paid any cash dividends and intends, for the foreseeable
future, to retain any future earnings for the development of our
business. Our future dividend policy will be determined by the
board of directors on the basis of various factors, including our
results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements
and investment opportunities.
Use of Estimates - In preparing these unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP,
management is required to make estimates and assumptions that may
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of
the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of
revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results
could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and
assumptions included in our consolidated financial statements
relate to the valuation of long-lived assets, estimates of sales
returns, inventory reserves and accruals for potential liabilities,
and valuation assumptions related to derivative liability, equity
instruments and share based compensation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards
are currently under study by standard setting organizations and
various regulatory agencies. Due to the tentative and preliminary
nature of those proposed standards, management has not determined
whether implementation of such proposed standards would be material
to the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
F-8
In May
2014, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist in the convergence
of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”)
issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which is a new standard
related to revenue recognition. Under the new standard, recognition
of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised
services or goods in an amount that reflects the consideration to
which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or
services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the
nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows
arising from customer contracts. The standard must be adopted using
either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in
the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. In
July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with
Customers - Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the
implementation of this new standard to be effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is
permitted effective January 1, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued
ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations, which clarifies
the implementation guidance on principal versus agent
considerations in the new revenue recognition standard pursuant to
ASU 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10,
Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, and in May 2016,
the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and
Practical Expedients, which amend certain aspects of the new
revenue recognition standard pursuant to ASU 2014-09. The Company
currently evaluating which transition approach we will utilize and
the impact of adopting this accounting standard on the
Company’s financial statements.
In
August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosures of
Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a
Going Concern. The new standard provides guidance around
management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is
substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a
going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new
standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within
those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early
adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect that this
guidance will have a material impact on its financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
In
January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income
Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items. The objective of
this Update is to simplify the income statement presentation
requirements in Subtopic 225-20 by eliminating the concept of
extraordinary items. Extraordinary items are events and
transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by
the infrequency of their occurrence. Eliminating the extraordinary
classification simplifies income statement presentation by
altogether removing the concept of extraordinary items from
consideration. This Accounting Standards Update is the final
version of Proposed Accounting Standards Update
2014-220—Income Statement—Extraordinary Items (Subtopic
225-20), which has been deleted. The amendments in this Update are
effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal
years, beginning after December 15, 2015. the Company’s does
not expect this update to have a material impact on financial
statements.
In
February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU
2016-02”). The standard amends the existing accounting
standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to
recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted
changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 will be effective
beginning in the first quarter of 2019. Early adoption of ASU
2016-02 is permitted. The new leases standard requires a modified
retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or
entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option
to use certain transition relief. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on the
Company’s financial statements.
In
March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock
Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based
Payment Accounting. This ASU makes targeted amendments to the
accounting for employee share-based payments. This guidance is to
be applied using various transition methods such as full
retrospective, modified retrospective, and prospective based on the
criteria for the specific amendments as outlined in the guidance.
The guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods
within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016.
Early adoption is permitted, as long as all of the amendments are
adopted in the same period. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact of adopting ASU 2016-09 on the Company’s financial
statements.
In June
2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU 2016-13,
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard significantly
changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial
assets and certain other instruments that aren’t measured at
fair value through net income. The standard will replace
today’s “incurred loss” approach with an
“expected loss” model for instruments measured at
amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities
will be required to record allowances rather than reduce the
carrying amount, as they do today under the other-than-temporary
impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for
purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. This ASU is
effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and
interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted for annual
periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods
therein. This ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the
Company’s financial statements.
In
August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU
2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of
Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. Stakeholders indicated
that there is diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts
and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of
cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other
Topics. This Accounting Standards Update addresses the following
eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt
extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or
other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are
insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the
borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business
combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims;
proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance
policies (COLIs) (including bank-owned life insurance policies
(BOLIs)); distributions received from equity method investees;
beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately
identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance
principle. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities,
including both business entities and not-for-profit entities that
are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic
230.This Update is the final version of Proposed Accounting
Standards Update EITF-15F—Statement of Cash
Flows—Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash
Payments (Topic 230), which has been deleted. The amendments in
this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods
within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as all of
the amendments are adopted in the same period. This ASU is not
expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial
statements.
F-9
NOTE 4 – TRANSACTIONS WITH CANX USA, LLC AND LOGIC WORKS
LLC
Transactions with CANX, LLC and Logic Works LLC
On
November 19, 2013, the Company entered into a Joint Venture
Agreement with CANX, a Nevada limited liability
company. Under the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement,
the Company and CANX formed Organic Growth International, LLC
(“OGI”), a Nevada limited liability company, for the
purpose of expanding the Company’s operations in its current
retail hydroponic businesses and in other synergistic business
verticals and facilitating additional funding for commercially
financeable transactions of up to $40,000,000.
The
Company initially owned a non-dilutive 45% share of OGI and the
Company could acquire a controlling share of OGI as provided in the
Joint Venture Agreement. In accordance with the Joint Venture
Agreement, the Company and CANX entered into a Warrant Agreement
whereby the Company delivered to CANX a warrant to purchase
140,000,000 shares of the Company common stock that is convertible
at $0.033 per share, subject to adjustment as provided in the
warrant. The five-year warrant expires November 18, 2018. Also, in
accordance with the Joint Venture Agreement, on February 7, 2014
the Company issued an additional warrant to purchase 100,000,000
shares of our common stock that is convertible at $0.033 per share,
subject to adjustment as provided in the warrant. The five-year
warrant expires February 6, 2019.
GrowLife
received the $1 million as a convertible note in December 2013,
received the $1.3 million commitment but not executed and by
January 2014 OGI had Letters of Intent with four investment and
acquisition transactions valued at $96 million. Before the deals
could close, the SEC put a trading halt on our stock on April 10,
2014, which resulted in the withdrawal of all transactions. The
business disruption from the trading halt and the resulting class
action and derivative lawsuits ceased further investments with the
OGI joint venture. The Convertible Note was converted into
GrowLife, Inc. common stock as of the year ended December 31,
2016.
On July
10, 2014, the Company closed a Waiver and Modification Agreement,
Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement, Secured Credit
Facility and Secured Convertible Note with CANX and Logic Works
LLC, a lender and shareholder of the Company.
The
Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement with CANX modified the
Joint Venture Agreement dated November 19, 2013 to provide for (i)
up to $12,000,000 in conditional financing subject to review by
GrowLife and approval by OGI for business growth development
opportunities in the legal cannabis industry for up to nine months,
subject to extension; (ii) up to $10,000,000 in working capital
loans, with each loan requiring approval in advance by CANX; (iii)
confirmed that the five year warrants, subject to adjustment, at
$0.033 per share for the purchase of 140,000,000 and 100,000,000
were fully earned and were not considered compensation for tax
purposes by the Company; (iv) granted CANX five year warrants,
subject to adjustment, to purchase 300,000,000 shares of common
stock at the fair market price of $0.033 per share as determined by
an independent appraisal; (v) warrants as defined in the Agreement
related to the achievement of OGI milestones; and (vi) a four year
term, subject to adjustment.
The
Company entered into a Secured Convertible Note and Secured Credit
Facility dated June 25, 2014 with Logic Works whereby Logic Works
agreed to provide up to $500,000 in funding. Each funding required
approval in advance by Logic Works, provided interest at 6% with a
default interest of 24% per annum and requires repayment by June
26, 2016. The Note is convertible into common stock of the Company
at the lesser of $0.0070 or (B) twenty percent (20%) of the average
of the three (3) lowest daily VWAPs occurring during the twenty
(20) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the applicable
conversion date on which Logic Works elects to convert all or part
of this 6% Convertible Note, subject to adjustment as provided in
the Note. The 6% Convertible Note is collateralized by the assets
of the Company. As of
March 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the Convertible Note was
$39,251.
OGI was
incorporated on January 7, 2014 in the State of Nevada and had no
business activities as of December 31, 2016.
NOTE 5 – INVENTORY
Inventory
as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consists of the
following:
F-10
|
December 31,
|
|
|
2016
|
2015
|
|
|
|
Finished
goods
|
$438,453
|
$418,439
|
Inventory
reserve
|
(20,000)
|
(20,000)
|
Total
|
$418,453
|
$398,439
|
Finished
goods inventory relates to product at the Company’s retail
stores, which is product purchased from distributors, and in some
cases directly from the manufacturer, and resold at our
stores.
The
Company reviews its inventory on a periodic basis to identify
products that are slow moving and/or obsolete, and if such products
are identified, the Company records the appropriate inventory
impairment charge at such time.
NOTE 6 – CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE, NET
Convertible
notes payable as of December
31, 2016 consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Accrued
|
Debt
|
As of
|
|
Principal
|
Interest
|
Discount
|
December 31, 2016
|
6%
Secured convertible note (2014)
|
$330,295
|
$3,692
|
$-
|
$333,987
|
7%
Convertible note ($850,000)
|
250,000
|
164,137
|
-
|
414,137
|
Replacement
debenture with TCA ($2,830,210)
|
1,468,009
|
18,350
|
-
|
1,486,359
|
10%
OID Convertible Promissory Note with Chicago Venture Partners,
L.P.
|
683,042
|
2,670
|
(121,395)
|
564,317
|
|
$2,731,346
|
$188,849
|
$(121,395)
|
$2,798,800
|
Convertible
notes payable as of December 31, 2015 consisted of the
following:
|
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Accrued
|
Debt
|
As of
|
|
Principal
|
Interest
|
Discount
|
December 31, 2015
|
6%
Senior secured convertible notes (2012)
|
$413,680
|
$172,494
|
$-
|
$586,174
|
6%
Secured convertible note (2014)
|
350,000
|
30,641
|
(83,924)
|
296,717
|
7%
Convertible note ($850,000)
|
250,000
|
104,137
|
-
|
354,137
|
7%
Convertible note ($1,000,000)
|
250,000
|
134,469
|
-
|
384,469
|
18%
Senior secured redeemable convertible debenture
($1,150,000)
|
1,150,000
|
68,510
|
(552,139)
|
666,371
|
|
$2,413,680
|
$510,251
|
$(636,063)
|
$2,287,868
|
Several of the Company’s convertible promissory notes remain
outstanding beyond their respective maturity dates. This may
trigger an event of default under the respective agreements. The
Company is working with these noteholders to convert their notes
into common stock and intends to resolve these outstanding issues
as soon as practicable. As a result, the Company accrued
interest on these notes at the default rates. Furthermore, as a
result of being in default on these notes, the Holders could, at
their sole discretion, call these notes. Although no such action
has been taken by the Holders, the Company classified these notes
as a current liability as of December 31, 2016 and
2015.
6% Senior Secured Convertible Notes Payable (2012)
On
September 28, 2012, the Company entered into an Amendment and
Exchange Agreement with investors, including Sterling Scott, our
then CEO. The Exchange Agreement provided for the issuance of new
6% Senior Secured Convertible Notes that replaced the 6% Senior
Secured Convertible Notes that were previously issued during 2012.
The 6% Notes accrued interest at the rate of 6% per annum and had a
maturity date of April 15, 2015. No cash payments were required;
however, accrued interest was due at maturity. In the event of a
default the investors may declare the entire principal and accrued
interest to be due and payable. Default interest accrued at the
rate of 12% per annum. The 6% Notes were secured by substantially
all of the assets of the Company and were convertible into common
stock at the rate of $0.007 per share. The Company determined that
the conversion feature was a beneficial conversion
feature.
As of
September 10, 2014, the outstanding principal balance on Mr.
Scott’s 6% convertible note was $413,680 and accrued interest
were sold to two parties not related to us. On April 27, 2015, the
Company entered into Amendment One of the Amended and Restated 6%
Senior Secured Convertible Note, which increased the interest rate
to 12% effective April 8, 2014 and extended the maturity to
September 15, 2015.
On July 9, 2015, the two investors each entered into Amendment
Two of the Amended and Restated 6% Senior Secured
Convertible Note which provide for an
increase in the interest rate from 6% to 10% and the default
interest rate from 12% to 20% on the 6% Senior Secured Convertible
Notes for so long as the Company remains in technical default on
said notes due to its delisting from its Primary Trading Market
April 2014. The Company further agreed that said 20% default
interest will be applied to the date of default on April 10, 2014
and continuing through the date of conversion.
F-11
During
the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded interest
expense of $26,964 and $20,486 of non-cash interest expense related
to the amortization of the debt discount associated with these 6%
convertible notes, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the
outstanding principal on these 6% convertible notes was $413,680,
accrued interest was $172,494, and unamortized debt discount was
$0, which results in a net amount of $586,174.
During
the year ended December 31,
2016, the Company recorded interest expense of $105,016 related to
these 6% convertible notes. Two investors converted principal and
interest of $413,680 and $67,418, respectively, into shares of the
Company’s common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.007. As of December 31,
2016, the outstanding principal and interest on these 6%
convertible notes was $0.
6% Secured Convertible Note and Secured Credit Facility
(2014)
The
Company entered into a Secured Convertible Note and Secured Credit
Facility dated June 25, 2014 with Logic Works whereby Logic Works
agreed to provide up to $500,000 in funding. Each funding requires
approval in advance by Logic Works, provided for interest at 6%
with a default interest of 24% per annum and requires repayment by
June 26, 2016. The Note is convertible into common stock of the
Company at the lesser of $0.007 or (B) twenty percent (20%) of the
average of the three (3) lowest daily VWAPs occurring during the
twenty (20) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the
applicable conversion date on which Logic Works elects to convert
all or part of this 6% Convertible Note, subject to adjustment as
provided in the Note.
On July
10, 2014, the Company closed a Waiver and Modification Agreement,
Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement, Secured Credit
Facility and Secured Convertible Note with CANX, and Logic Works, a
lender and shareholder of the Company.
During
the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded interest
expense of $21,000 and $177,384 of non-cash interest expense
related to the amortization of the debt discount associated with
these 6% convertible notes, respectively. As of December 31, 2015,
the Company has borrowed $350,000 under the Secured Convertible
Note and Secured Credit Facility, accrued interest was $30,641 and
the unamortized debt discount was $83,924, which results in a net
amount of $296,717.
During
the year ended December 31,
2016, the Company recorded interest expense of $20,837 and $83,924
of non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the
debt discount associated with this 6% convertible note,
respectively. Logic Works converted interest of $47,386 into shares
of the Company’s common stock at a per share conversion price
of $0.0036.
As of
December 31, 2016, the Company
has borrowed $330,295 under the Secured Convertible Note and
Secured Credit Facility, accrued interest was $3,692 and the
unamortized debt discount was $0, which results in a net amount of
$333,987.
7% Convertible Notes Payable
On
October 11, 2013, the Company issued 7% Convertible Notes in the
aggregate amount of $850,000 to investors, including $250,000 to
Forglen LLC. The Note was due September 30, 2015. All other Notes
were converted in 2014. On July 14, 2014, the Board of
Directors approved a Settlement Agreement and Waiver of Default
dated June 19, 2014 with Forglen related to the 7% Convertible
Note. The Company cancelled the April 9, 2014 conversion as a
result of the SEC suspension in the trading of the Company’s
securities and Forglen has $250,000 of principal and interest
outstanding on its note payable as of December 31, 2015 and
September 30, 2016. The current
annual rate of interest is 24% per annum. The conversion price was
$0.007 per share. The Company determined that the conversion
feature was a beneficial conversion feature.
On
December 20, 2013, the Company issued 7% Convertible Notes for
$1,000,000, including $500,000 from Logic Works LLC. The principal
balance due to Logic Works of $250,000 was due September 30, 2015.
The current annual rate of interest is 24% per annum. The
conversion price was $0.007 per share. The Company determined that
the conversion feature was a beneficial conversion
feature.
During
the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded interest
expense of $105,041 and $174,252 of non-cash interest expense
related to the amortization of the debt discount associated with
these 7% convertible notes, respectively. As of December 31, 2015,
the outstanding principal on these 7% convertible notes was
$500,000, accrued interest was $238,606, and unamortized debt
discount was $0, which results in a net amount of
$738,606.
During
the year ended December 31,
2016, the Company recorded interest expense of $0 related to these
7% convertible notes. Logic Works converted principal of $250,000
and interest of $75,149 and interest of into shares of the
Company’s common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.004 to $0.007. As of December 31,
2016, the outstanding principal on these 7% convertible
notes was $250,000, accrued interest was $164,137, and unamortized
debt discount was $0, which results in a net amount of
$414,137.
F-12
Funding from TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP
(“TCA”)
The First TCA SPA. On July 9,
2015, the Company closed a Securities Purchase Agreement and
related agreements with TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP
(“TCA”), an accredited
investor, whereby the Company agreed to sell and TCA agreed to
purchase up to $3,000,000 of
senior secured convertible, redeemable debentures, of which
$700,000 was purchased on July 9, 2015 and up to $2,300,000 could
be purchased in additional closings. The closing of the transaction
(the “First TCA SPA”) occurred on July 9, 2015.
Effective as of May 4, 2016, the Company and TCA entered into a
First Amendment to the First TCA SPA whereby the parties agreed to
amend the terms of the First TCA SPA in exchange for TCA’s
forbearance of existing defaults by the
Company.
The Second TCA SPA. On August
6, 2015, the Company closed a second Securities Purchase Agreement
and related agreements with TCA whereby the Company agreed to sell and TCA agreed
to purchase a $100,000 senior secured convertible redeemable
debenture and the Company agreed to issue and sell to TCA, from
time to time, and TCA agreed to purchase from the Company up to
$3,000,000 of the Company’s common stock pursuant to a
committed equity facility. The closing of the transaction (the
“Second TCA SPA”) occurred on August 6, 2015. On April
11, 2016, the Company agreed with TCA to mutually terminate the
Second TCA SPA.
Amendment to the First TCA SPA. On October 27, 2015, the
Company entered into an Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement and related agreements with TCA whereby the Company
agreed to sell, and TCA agreed to purchase $350,000 of senior
secured convertible, redeemable debentures. This was an amendment
to the First TCA SPA (the “Amendment to the First TCA
SPA”.) As of October 27, 2015, the Company sold $1,050,000 in
Debentures to TCA and up to $1,950,000 in Debentures remained for
sale by the Company. The closing of the Amendment to the First TCA
SPA occurred on October 27, 2015. In addition, TCA has advanced the
Company an additional $100,000 for a total of
$1,150.000.
Issuance of Preferred Stock to TCA. Also, on October 21,
2015 the Company issued 150,000 Series B Preferred Stock at a
stated value equal to $10.00 per share to TCA. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into
common stock by dividing the stated value of the shares being
converted by 100% of the average of the five (5) lowest closing bid
prices for the common stock during the ten (10) consecutive trading
days immediately preceding the conversion date as quoted by
Bloomberg, LP. On October 21, 2015, we also issued 51 shares
of Series C Preferred Stock at $0.0001 par value per share to TCA.
The Series C Preferred Stock is not convertible into our common
stock. In the event of a default under
the Amended and Restated TCA Transaction Documents, TCA can
exercise voting control over our common stock with their Series C
Preferred Stock voting rights.
TCA’s Forbearance. Due to
the Company’s default on its repayment obligations under the
TCA SPA’s and related documents, the parties agreed to
restructure the SPA’s whereby TCA agreed to forbear from
enforcement of our defaults and to restructure a payment schedule
for repayment of debt under the SPAs. The Company defaulted because
our operating results were not as expected and the Company was
unable to generate sufficient revenue through its business
operations to serve the TCA debt. Specifically, the First Amendment
to Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement made the
following material modifications to the existing
SPA’s:
●
All
unpaid debentures were modified as described in more detail
below.
●
Payments
on the debentures shall be made by (i) debt purchase agreement(s)
to be entered into by TCA, (ii) through proceeds raised from the
transaction(s) with Chicago Venture; or (iii) by the Company
directly.
●
The
due date of the debentures was extended to April 28,
2018.
●
TCA
agreed that it shall not enforce and shall forbear from pursuing
enforcement of any existing defaults by us unless and until a
future Company default occurs.
In furtherance of TCA’s forbearance, effective as of May 4,
2016, the Company issued Second Replacement Debenture A in the
principal amount of $150,000 and Second Replacement Debenture B in
the principal amount of $2,681,210 (collectively, the “Second
Replacement Debentures”).
Per the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Securities
Purchase Agreement, the Second Replacement Debentures were
combined, and apportioned into two separate replacement debentures.
The Second Replacement Debentures were intended to act in
substitution for and to supersede the debentures in their entirety.
It was the intent of the Company and TCA that while the Second
Replacement Debentures replace and supersede the debentures, in
their entirety, they were not in payment or satisfaction of the
debentures, but rather were the substitute of one evidence of debt
for another without any intent to extinguish the old debt. As of
September 30, 2016, the maximum number of shares subject to
conversion under the Second Replacement Debentures is19,401,389.
This is an approximation. The estimation of the maximum number of
shares issuable upon the conversion of the Second Replacement
Debentures was calculated using an estimated average price
of $0.0036 per share.
The Second Replacement Debentures contemplate TCA entering into
debt purchase agreement(s) with third parties whereby TCA may, at
its election, sever, split, divide or apportion the Second
Replacement Debentures to accomplish the repayment of the balance
owed to TCA by Company. The Second Replacement Debentures are
convertible at 85% of the lowest daily volume weighted average
price (“VWAP”) of the Company’s common stock
during the five (5) business days immediately prior to a conversion
date.
F-13
In connection with the above agreements, the parties acknowledged
and agreed that certain advisory fees previously paid to TCA as
provided in the SPAs in the amount of $1,500.000 have been added
and included within the principal balance of the Second Replacement
Debentures. The advisory fees related to financial, merger and
acquisition and regulatory services provided to the Company. The
conversion price discount on the Second Replacement Debentures will
not apply to the advisory fees added to the Second Replacement
Debentures. TCA also agreed to surrender its Series B Preferred
Stock in exchange for the $1,500,000 being added to the Second
Replacement Debenture.
As more
particularly described below, the Company remains in debt to TCA
for the principal amount of $1,500,000. The remaining $1,400,000 of
principal debt was assigned to Old Main Capital, LLC (see
discussion immediately below.) The Company intends to use the funds
generated from the Chicago Venture transaction to fuel its business
operations and business plans which, in turn, will presumably
generate revenues sufficient to avoid another default in the
remaining TCA obligations. If the Company is unable to raise
sufficient funds through the Chicago Venture transaction and/or
generate sales sufficient to service the remaining TCA debt then
the Company will be unable to avoid another default. Failure to
operate in accordance with the various agreements with TCA could
result in the cancellation of these agreements, result in
foreclosure on the Company’s assets in an event of default
which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations or financial condition.
At the
date of the TCA debt restructuring the remaining unamortized
discount was expensed to interest in the amount of $482,112 and the
Company recognized a loss on restructuring of $
279,897.
As of
December 31, 2016, the Company
is indebted to TCA under the First and Second Replacement
Debentures in the amount of $1,468,009, accrued interest was
$18,350 and the unamortized debt discount was $0, which results in
a net amount of $1,486,359.
During
the year ended December 31. 2016, Old Main converted principal and
accrued interest of $757,208 into 144,650,951 shares of our common
stock at a per share conversion price of $0.0052.
During
the year ended December 31, 2016, Chicago Venture converted
principal and accrued interest of $1,403,599 into 264,672,323
shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.0053.
During
the year ended December 31. 2016, the Company recorded the
unamortized debt discount reversal of $750,339 related to the TCA
financing as a reduction in additional paid in capital because TCA
did not convert its debt but assigned its debentures to
others.
The Company has recorded a loss on these transactions in the amount
of $2,889,540. The loss on debt conversions related to the
conversion of our notes payable at prices below the market
price.
On January 10, 2017, Chicago Venture, at the Company’s
instruction, remitted funds of $1,495,901 to TCA in order to
satisfy all debts to TCA. On or around January 11, 2017, the
Company was notified by TCA that $13,540 were due to TCA in order
for TCA to release its security interest in the Company’s
assets. On February 1, 2017, TCA notified the Company that all
funds were received and TCA would release its security interest in
Company’s assets. TCA has confirmed that it is paid in full
and the Company is not aware of any other obligations that the
Company has as to TCA. The funds received under the Chicago Venture
Agreements and previous Chicago Venture Agreements were used to
pay-off TCA.
TCA Assignment of Debt to Old Main Capital, LLC
On June 9, 2016, the Company closed a Debt Purchase Agreement and
related agreements (the “Old Main Transaction
Documents”) with TCA and Old Main Capital, LLC (“Old
Main”) whereby TCA agreed to sell and Old Main agreed to
purchase in multiple tranches $1,400,000 in senior secured
convertible, redeemable debentures (the “Assigned
Debt”) (the “Old Main Transaction”). The Assigned
Debt was our debt incurred in the TCA financing transactions that
closed in 2015. We were required to execute the Old Main
Transaction Documents as the Company is the “borrower”
on the Assigned Debt.
Debt Purchase Agreement. As set
forth above, the Company entered into the Debt Purchase Agreement
on June 9, 2015 with TCA and Old Main whereby Old Main agreed to
purchase, in tranches, $1,400,000 of debt previously held by TCA.
The Company executed the Debt Purchase Agreement as it was the
“borrower” under the Assigned Debt and was required to
make certain representations and warranties regarding the Assigned
Debt. The Assigned Debt is represented by a new “10% Senior
Convertible Promissory Note” entered into by and between Old
Main and the Company (more particularly described
below.)
Exchange Agreement. In
conjunction with the Debt Purchase Agreement, on June 9, 2016, the
Company entered into an Exchange Agreement whereby we agreed to
exchange, in tranches, the Assigned Debt, as well as any amendments
thereto, with a 10% Senior Convertible Promissory Note (the
“Note”) having
a principal balance of $1,400,000. The closing dates for the
exchanges, scheduled to occur in tranches, are set forth in
Schedule 1 attached to the Exchange Agreement.
F-14
10% Senior Convertible Promissory Note. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Company
entered into a 10% Senior Convertible Promissory Note dated June 9,
2016 with Old Main whereby the Company agreed to be indebted to Old
Main for the Assigned Debt. The Company promised to pay Old Main,
by no later than the maturity date of June 9, 2017 the outstanding
principal of the Assigned Debt together with interest on the
outstanding principal amount under the Note, at the rate of ten
percent (10%) per annum simple interest.
At any time after June 9, 2016, and while the Note is still
outstanding and at the sole option of Old Main, Old Main may
convert all or any portion of the outstanding principal, accrued
and unpaid interest redemption premium and any other sums due and
payable hereunder or under any of the other Transaction Documents
into shares of our Common Stock at a price equal to the lower of:
(i) sixty-five percent (65%) of the lowest traded price of the
Company’s Common Stock during the thirty (30) trading days
prior to the Conversion Date; or (ii) sixty-five percent (65%) of
the lowest traded price of the Common Stock in the thirty (30)
Trading Days prior to the Closing Date.
Option Agreement. In connection
with the Old Main Transaction Documents, TCA and Old Main entered
into an Option Agreement dated June 8, 2016 whereby TCA agreed to
grant Old Main an option to purchase the Assigned Debt, or any
portion thereof, under the terms and conditions of the Debt
Purchase Agreement. In consideration, Old Main agreed to pay the
Option Payment as more particularly described in the Option
Agreement.
On August 24, 2016, TCA terminated its Debt Purchase Agreement and
related agreements with Old Main. The specific termination date is
September 25, 2016, and Old Main had a right to purchase an
additional $300,000 in debt from TCA.
During
the year ended December 31. 2016, Old Main converted principal and
accrued interest of $757,208 into 144,650,951 shares of our common
stock at a per share conversion price of $0.0052.
Funding from Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. (“Chicago
Venture”)
Securities Purchase Agreement with Chicago Venture Partners,
L.P. As of April 4, 2016, the Company entered into a
Securities Purchase Agreement and Convertible Promissory Note (the
“Chicago Venture Note”) with Chicago Venture, whereby
we agreed to sell, and Chicago Venture agreed to purchase an
unsecured convertible promissory note in the original principal
amount of $2,755,000. In connection with the transaction, the
Company received $350,000 in cash as well as a series of twelve
Secured Investor Notes for a total Purchase Price of $2,500,000.
The Note carries an Original Issue Discount (“OID”) of
$250,000 and we agreed to pay $5,000 to cover Purchaser’s
legal fees, accounting costs and other transaction
expenses.
The
Secured Investor Notes are payable (i) $50,000 upon filing of a
Registration Statement on Form S-1; (ii) $100,000 upon
effectiveness of the Registration Statement; and (iii) up to
$200,000 per month over the 10 months following effectiveness at
our sole discretion, subject to certain conditions. The Company
filed the Registration Statement within forty-five (45) days of the
Closing and agreed to register shares of our common stock for the
benefit of Chicago Venture in exchange for the payments under the
Secured Investor Notes.
Chicago
Venture has the option to convert the Note at 65% of the average of
the three (3) lowest volume weighted average prices in the twenty
(20) Trading Days immediately preceding the applicable conversion
(the “Conversion Price”). However, in no event will the
Conversion Price be less than $0.02 or greater than $0.09. In
addition, beginning on the date that is the earlier of six (6)
months or five (5) days after the Registration Statement becomes
effective, and on the same day of each month thereafter, the
Company will re-pay the Note in monthly installments in cash, or,
subject to certain Equity Conditions, in the Company’s common
stock at 65% of the average of the three (3) lowest volume weighted
average prices in the twenty (20) Trading Days immediately
preceding the applicable conversion (the “Installment
Conversion Price”).
As
discussed above, once effective, the Company has the discretion to
require Chicago Venture to sell to us up to $200,000 per month over
the next 10 months on the above terms. The Company would then have
the option to issue shares registered under this Registration
Statement to Chicago Venture. Through this prospectus, the selling
stockholder may offer to the public for resale shares of the
Company’s common stock that we may issue to Chicago Venture
pursuant to the Chicago Venture Note.
For a
period of no more than 36 months from the effective date of the
Registration Statement, we may, from time to time, at the
Company’s sole discretion, and subject to certain conditions
that we must satisfy, draw down funds under the Chicago Venture
Note.
The
Company’s ability to require Chicago Venture to fund the
Chicago Venture Note is at its discretion, subject to certain
limitations. Chicago Venture is obligated to fund if each of the
following conditions are met; (i) the average and median daily
dollar volumes of the Company’s common stock for the twenty
(20) and sixty (60) trading days immediately preceding the funding
date are greater than $100,000; (ii) the Company’s market
capitalization on the funding date is greater than $17,000,000;
(iii) the Company is not in default with respect to share delivery
obligations under the note as of the funding date; and (iv) the
Company is current in its reporting obligations. Chicago
Venture’ obligations under the equity line are not
transferable.
F-15
The
issuance of the Company’s common stock under the Chicago
Venture Note will have no effect on the rights or privileges of
existing holders of common stock except that the economic and
voting interests of each stockholder will be diluted as a result of
any such issuance. Although the number of shares of common stock
that stockholders presently own will not decrease, these shares
will represent a smaller percentage of the Company’s total
shares that will be outstanding after any issuances of shares of
common stock to Chicago Venture. If the Company’s draw down
amounts under the Chicago Venture Note when the Company’s
share price is decreasing, the Company will need to issue more
shares to repay the same amount than if the Company’s stock
price was higher. Such issuances will have a dilutive effect and
may further decrease our stock price.
There
is no guarantee that the Company will be able to meet the foregoing
conditions or any other conditions under the Securities Purchase
Agreement and/or Chicago Venture Note or that the Company will be
able to draw down any portion of the amounts available under the
Securities Purchase Agreement and/or Chicago Venture Note. However,
the Company does believe there is a strong likelihood, as long as
we can meet the various conditions to funding, that the Company
will receive the full amount of funding under the equity line of
credit. Given the Company’s financial challenges and the
competitive nature of our business, the Company also believes it
will need the full amount of funding under the equity line of
credit in order to fully realize the business plans.
A
portion of the funds received from Chicago Venture will be used to
pay off TCA, a previous equity financing partner and a portion will
be invested in our business. Specifically, the Company anticipates
that approximately $1,400,000 is expected to be used to pay TCA and
the remaining funds, if any, will be used for general business
purposes such as marketing, product development, expansion and
administrative costs. The Company is not aware of any relationship
between TCA and Chicago Venture. The Company has had no previous
transactions with Chicago Venture or any of Chicago Venture’s
affiliates. The Company cannot predict whether the Chicago Venture
transaction will have either a positive or negative impact on our
stock price. However, in addition to the fact that each Chicago
Venture conversion, when and if it occurs, has a dilutive effect on
the Company’s stock price, that should Chicago Venture
convert large portions of the debt into registered shares and then
sells those shares on the market, that the Company’s stock
price could be depressed.
As
of December 31, 2016, the
outstanding balance due to Chicago Venture is $683,042, accrued
interest was $2,670, net of the OID of $121,395, which results in a
net amount of $564,317. The OID has been recorded as a discount to
debt and will be amortized over the life of the loan.
During
the year ended December 31. 2016, Chicago Venture converted
principal and accrued interest of $1,403,599 into 264,672,323
shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.0053.
On January 10, 2017, Chicago Venture, at the Company’s
instruction, remitted funds of $1,495,901 to TCA in order to
satisfy all debts to TCA. On or around January 11, 2017, the
Company was notified by TCA that $13,540 were due to TCA in order
for TCA to release its security interest in the Company’s
assets. On February 1, 2017, TCA notified the Company that all
funds were received and TCA would release its security interest in
Company’s assets. TCA has confirmed that it is paid in full
and the Company is not aware of any other obligations that the
Company has as to TCA. The funds received under the Chicago Venture
Agreements and previous Chicago Venture Agreements were used to
pay-off TCA.
Debt Purchase Agreement and First Amendment to Debt Purchase
Agreement and Note Assignment Agreement On August 24, 2016, the Company closed a Debt
Purchase Agreement and a First Amendment to Debt Purchase Agreement
and related agreements with Chicago Venture and
TCA.
On August 24, 2016, TCA closed an Assignment of Note Agreement and
related agreements with Chicago Venture. The referenced agreements
relate to the assignment of Company debt, in the form of
debentures, by TCA to Chicago Venture. The Company was a party to
the agreements between TCA and Chicago Venture because the Company
is the “borrower” under the TCA held
debentures.
Exchange Agreement, Convertible Promissory Note and related
Agreements with Chicago Venture On August 17, 2016, the Company closed an Exchange
Agreement and a Convertible Promissory Note and related agreements
with Chicago Venture whereby the Company agreed to the assignment
of debentures representing debt between the Company, on the one
hand, and with TCA, on the other hand. Specifically, the
Company agreed that TCA could assign a portion of the
Company’s debt held by TCA to Chicago Venture.
According
to the Exchange Agreement, the debt is to be assigned in tranches,
with the first tranche of debt assigned from TCA to Chicago Venture
being $128,000 which is represented by an Initial Exchange Note as
defined in the Exchange Agreement.
NOTE 7 – DERIVATIVE LIABILITY
In
April 2008, the FASB issued a pronouncement that provides guidance
on determining what types of instruments or embedded features in an
instrument held by a reporting entity can be considered indexed to
its own stock for the purpose of evaluating the first criteria of
the scope exception in the pronouncement on accounting for
derivatives. This pronouncement was effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2008. The adoption of these requirements can affect the accounting
for warrants and many convertible instruments with provisions that
protect holders from a decline in the stock price (or
“down-round” provisions). For example, warrants or
conversion features with such provisions are no longer recorded in
equity. Down-round provisions reduce the exercise price of a
warrant or convertible instrument if a company either issues equity
shares for a price that is lower than the exercise price of those
instruments or issues new warrants or convertible instruments that
have a lower exercise price.
F-16
Derivative
liability as of December 31,
2016 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs
|
Amount at
|
||
Financial Instruments
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative
Instruments
|
$-
|
$2,701,559
|
$-
|
$2,701,559
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$-
|
$2,701,559
|
$-
|
$2,701,559
|
For the
year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded non-cash income
of $1,324,384 related to the “change in fair value of
derivative” expense related to its 6%, 7% and 18% convertible
notes
Derivative
liability as of December 31, 2015 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs
|
Amount at
|
||
Financial Instruments
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
December 31, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative
Instruments
|
$-
|
$1,377,175
|
$-
|
$1,377,175
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$-
|
$1,377,175
|
$-
|
$1,377,175
|
For the
year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded non-cash income
of $723,740 related to the “change in fair value of
derivative” expense related to its 6%, 7% and 18% convertible
notes.
The
risk-free rate of return reflects the interest rate for the United
States Treasury Note with similar time-to-maturity to that of the
warrants.
7% Convertible Notes
As of
December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding 7% convertible notes
for $500,000 that the Company determined had an embedded derivative
liability due to the “reset” clause associated with the
note’s conversion price. The Company valued the derivative
liability of these notes at $105,515 using the Black-Scholes-Merton
option pricing model, which approximates the Monte Carlo and other
binomial valuation techniques, with the following
assumptions (i) dividend yield of 0%; (ii) expected volatility
of 133.2%; (iii) risk free rate of .001%, (iv) stock price of
$.005, (v) per share conversion price of $0.007, and (vi) expected
term of .25 years, as the Company estimated that these notes would
be converted by March 31, 2016.
As of
December 31, 2016, the Company
had outstanding 7% convertible notes with a remaining balance of
$250,000 that the Company determined had an embedded derivative
liability due to the “reset” clause associated with the
note’s conversion price. The Company valued the derivative
liability of these notes at $1,495,495 using the
Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, which approximates the
Monte Carlo and other binomial valuation techniques, with the
following assumptions (i) dividend yield of 0%; (ii) expected
volatility of 160.0%; (iii) risk free rate of .001%, (iv) stock
price of $0.017, (v) per share conversion price of $0.0036, and
(vi) expected term of .25 years, as the Company estimates that the
balance of these notes will be converted by March 31,
2017.
6% Convertible Notes
As of
December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding unsecured 6%
convertible notes for $350,000 that the Company determined were a
derivative liability due to the “reset” clause
associated with the note’s conversion price. The Company
valued the derivative liability of these notes at $54,377 using the
Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. which approximates
the Monte Carlo and other binomial valuation techniques, with the
following assumptions (i) dividend yield of 0%; (ii) expected
volatility of 133.2%; (iii) risk free rate of 0.34%, (iv) stock
price of $0.005, (v) per share conversion price of $0.007, and (vi)
expected term of .56 years.
F-17
As of
December 31, 2016, the Company
had outstanding unsecured 6% convertible notes for $330,295 that
the Company determined had an embedded derivative liability due to
the “reset” clause associated with the note’s
conversion price. The Company valued the derivative liability of
these notes at $1,206,064 using the Black-Scholes-Merton option
pricing model, which approximates the Monte Carlo and other
binomial valuation techniques, with the following
assumptions (i) dividend yield of 0%; (ii) expected volatility
of 160.0%; (iii) risk free rate of .001%, (iv) stock price of
$0.017, (v) per share conversion price of $0.0036, and (vi)
expected term of .25 years, as the Company estimates that these
notes will be converted by March 31, 2017.
Funding from TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP
(“TCA”).
The First TCA SPA. On July 9,
2015, the Company closed a Securities Purchase Agreement and
related agreements with TCA Global Credit Master Fund LP
(“TCA”), an accredited
investor, whereby the Company agreed to sell and TCA agreed to
purchase up to $3,000,000 of
senior secured convertible, redeemable debentures, of which
$700,000 was purchased on July 9, 2015 and up to $2,300,000 may be
purchased in additional closings. The closing of the transaction
(the “First TCA SPA”) occurred on July 9, 2015.
Effective as of May 4, 2016, the Company and TCA entered into a
First Amendment to the First TCA SPA whereby the parties agreed to
amend the terms of the First TCA SPA in exchange for TCA’s
forbearance of existing defaults by the
Company.
The Second TCA SPA. On August
6, 2015, the Company closed a second Securities Purchase Agreement
and related agreements with TCA whereby the Company agreed to sell and TCA agreed
to purchase a $100,000 senior secured convertible redeemable
debenture and the Company agreed to issue and sell to TCA, from
time to time, and TCA agreed to purchase from the Company up to
$3,000,000 of the Company’s common stock pursuant to a
committed equity facility. The closing of the transaction (the
“Second TCA SPA”) occurred on August 6, 2015. On April
11, 2016, the Company agreed with TCA to mutually terminate the
Second TCA SPA.
Amendment to the First TCA SPA. On October 27, 2015, the
Company entered into an Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement and related agreements with TCA whereby the Company
agreed to sell, and TCA agreed to purchase $350,000 of senior
secured convertible, redeemable debentures. This was an amendment
to the First TCA SPA (the “Amendment to the First TCA
SPA”.) As of October 27, 2015, the Company sold $1,050,000 in
Debentures to TCA and up to $1,950,000 in Debentures remain for
sale by the Company. The closing of the Amendment to the First TCA
SPA occurred on October 27, 2015. In addition, TCA has advanced the
Company an additional $100,000 for a total of
$1,150.000.
Issuance of Preferred Stock to TCA. Also, on October 21,
2015 the Company issued 150,000 Series B Preferred Stock at a
stated value equal to $10.00 per share to TCA. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into
common stock by dividing the stated value of the shares being
converted by 100% of the average of the five (5) lowest closing bid
prices for the common stock during the ten (10) consecutive trading
days immediately preceding the conversion date as quoted by
Bloomberg, LP. On October 21, 2015, we also issued 51 shares
of Series C Preferred Stock at $0.0001 par value per share to TCA.
The Series C Preferred Stock is not convertible into our common
stock. In the event of a default under
the Amended and Restated TCA Transaction Documents, TCA can
exercise voting control over our common stock with their Series C
Preferred Stock voting rights.
TCA’s Forbearance. Due to
the Company’s default on its repayment obligations under the
TCA SPA’s and related documents, the parties agreed to
restructure the SPA’s whereby TCA agreed to forbear from
enforcement of our defaults and to restructure a payment schedule
for repayment of debt under the SPAs. The Company defaulted because
our operating results were not as expected and the Company were
unable to generate sufficient revenue through its business
operations to serve the TCA debt. Specifically, the First Amendment
to Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement made the
following material modifications to the existing
SPA’s:
●
All
unpaid debentures were modified as described in more detail
below.
●
Payments
on the debentures shall be made by (i) debt purchase agreement(s)
to be entered into by TCA, (ii) through proceeds raised from the
transaction(s) with Chicago Venture; or (iii) by the Company
directly.
●
The
due date of the debentures was extended to April 28,
2018.
●
TCA
agreed that it shall not enforce and shall forbear from pursuing
enforcement of any existing defaults by us unless and until a
future Company default occurs.
In furtherance of TCA’s forbearance, effective as of May 4,
2016, the Company issued Second Replacement Debenture A in the
principal amount of $150,000 and Second Replacement Debenture B in
the principal amount of $2,681,210 (collectively, the “Second
Replacement Debentures”).
F-18
Per the First Amendment to Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement, the Second Replacement Debentures were combined, and
apportioned into two separate replacement debentures. The Second
Replacement Debentures were intended to act in substitution for and
to supersede the debentures in their entirety. It was the intent of
the Company and TCA that while the Second Replacement Debentures
replace and supersede the debentures, in their entirety, they were
not in payment or satisfaction of the debentures, but rather were
the substitute of one evidence of debt for another without any
intent to extinguish the old debt. As of September 30, 2016, the
maximum number of shares subject to conversion under the Second
Replacement Debentures is 19,401,389. This is an approximation. The
estimation of the maximum number of shares issuable upon the
conversion of the Second Replacement Debentures was
calculated using an estimated average price of $.0036 per
share.
The Second Replacement Debentures contemplate TCA entering into
debt purchase agreement(s) with third parties whereby TCA may, at
its election, sever, split, divide or apportion the Second
Replacement Debentures to accomplish the repayment of the balance
owed to TCA by Company. The Second Replacement Debentures are
convertible at 85% of the lowest daily volume weighted average
price (“VWAP”) of the Company’s common stock
during the five (5) business days immediately prior to a conversion
date.
In connection with the above agreements, the parties acknowledged
and agreed that certain advisory fees previously paid to TCA as
provided in the SPAs in the amount of $1,500,000 have been added
and included within the principal balance of the Second Replacement
Debentures. The advisory fees related too financial, merger and
acquisition and regulatory services provided to the Company. The
conversion price discount on the Second Replacement Debentures will
not apply to the advisory fees added to the Second Replacement
Debentures. TCA also agreed to surrender its Series B Preferred
Stock in exchange for the $1,500,000 being added to the Second
Replacement Debenture.
As more
particularly described below, the Company’s remain in debt to
TCA for the principal amount of $1,500,000. The remaining
$1,400,000 of principal debt was assigned to Old Main Capital, LLC
(see discussion immediately below.) The Company intends to use the
funds generated from the Chicago Venture transaction to fuel its
business operations and business plans which, in turn, will
presumably generate revenues sufficient to avoid another default in
the remaining TCA obligations. If the Company is unable to raise
sufficient funds through the Chicago Venture transaction and/or
generate sales sufficient to service the remaining TCA debt then
the Company will be unable to avoid another default. Failure to
operate in accordance with the various agreements with TCA could
result in the cancellation of these agreements, result in
foreclosure on the Company’s assets in an event of default
which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations or financial condition.
On July 9, 2015, the Company valued the conversion feature
as a derivative liability of this senior secured convertible redeemable
debenture at $888,134 and discounted debt by $700,000 and
recorded interest expense of $188,134. The Company valued the
derivative liability of this debenture at $888,134 using the
Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. which approximates
the Monte Carlo and other binomial valuation techniques, with the
following assumptions (i) dividend yield of 0%; (ii) expected
volatility of 160.0%; (iii) risk free rate of 0.25%, (iv) stock
price of $0.02, (v) per share conversion price of $0.011, and (vi)
expected term of 1.0 years.
At the
inception of the Replacement Debentures, the embedded derivative
liability was remeasured at fair value and the Company recorded a
net gain of $420,822, using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing
model which approximates the Monte Carlo and other binomial
valuation techniques, with the following assumptions (i)
dividend yield of 0%; (ii) expected volatility of 150.0%; (iii)
risk free rate of 0.001%, (iv) stock price of $0.015, (v) per share
conversion price of $0.013, and (vi) expected term of 1.0
year.
At
inception, the Company valued the conversion feature of the
Replacement Debentures as a derivative liability in the amount of
$979,716 using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing
model. which approximates the Monte Carlo and other binomial
valuation techniques, with the following assumptions (i)
dividend yield of 0%; (ii) expected volatility of 150.0%; (iii)
risk free rate of .52%, (iv) stock price of $.015, (v) per share
conversion price of $0.013, and (vi) expected term of 1.0 years, as
the Company estimated that the Replacement Debentures will be
converted by September 30, 2017. The amount was recorded as a
discount to debt and will be amortized over the life of the
debentures.
As of
December 31, 2016, the
Company remaining debt was below $1,500,000 and does not include a
derivative liability.
NOTE 8 – RELATED PARTY
TRANSACTIONS AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
Since
January 1, 2015, the Company engaged in the following reportable
transactions with our directors, executive officers, holders of
more than 5% of our voting securities, and affiliates or
immediately family members of our directors, executive officers and
holders of more than 5% of our voting securities.
Certain Relationships
Please
see the transactions with CANX, LLC and Logic Works in Note 5, TCA
Global Credit Master Fund LP and Chicago Venture Partners, L.P.
discussed in Note 4, 6, 7 and 13.
F-19
Transactions with an Entity Controlled by Marco Hegyi
An entity controlled by Mr. Hegyi received a warrant to purchase up
to twenty five million shares of our common stock at an exercise
price of $0.08 per share was reduced to $0.01 per share on December
18, 2015.
On
April 15, 2016, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its common
stock to an entity affiliated with Marco Hegyi, our Chief Executive
Officer, pursuant to a conversion of debt for $20,000. The shares
were valued at the fair market price of $0.02 per share. On October
12, 2016, the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of its common stock
to an entity affiliated with Marco Hegyi, pursuant to a conversion
of debt for $40,000. The shares were valued at the fair market
price of $0.01 per share.
On
October 21, 2016, the Company entered into Agreement with Marco
Hegyi pursuant to which the Company engaged Mr. Hegyi as its Chief
Executive Officer through October 20, 2018. Mr. Hegyi’s
previous Employment Agreement was dated December 4, 2013 and which
is set to expire on December 4, 2016. Mr. Hegyi received a Warrant
to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company
at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. In addition, Mr. Hegyi
received Warrants to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of common
stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.01 per share which
vest on October 21, 2017 and 2018. The Warrants are exercisable for
5 years.
Transactions with an Entity Controlled by Mark E.
Scott
An
entity controlled by Mr. Scott received an option to purchase
sixteen million shares of our common stock at an exercise price of
$0.07 per share was reduced to $0.01
per share on December 18, 2015. Two million shares vested on
August 17, 2015 with the Company’s resolution of the class
action lawsuits. An additional two million share stock option vest
on April 18, 2016 upon the Company securing a market maker with an
approved 15c2-11 resulting in the Company’s relisting on
OTCBB.
On
January 4, 2016, the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of its common
stock to an entity affiliated with Mark E. Scott, our Chief
Financial Officer, pursuant to a conversion of accrued consulting
fees and expenses for $30,000. The shares were valued at the fair
market price of $0.01 per share. On October 21, 2016, an entity
affiliated with Mr. Scott converted $40,000 in accrued consulting
fees and expenses into 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s
common stock at $0.01 per share. The price per share was based on
the thirty-day trailing average. On October 21, 2016, an entity
affiliated with Mr. Scott was granted 6,000,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock at $0.01 per share. The price per
share was based on the thirty-day trailing average. On October 21,
2016, an entity affiliated with Mr. Scott cancelled stock option
grants totaling 12,000,000 shares of the Company’s common
stock at $0.01 per share.
Transactions with Michael E. Fasci
On
January 27, 2016, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of its common
stock to Michael E. Fasci, a Board Director, pursuant to a service
award for $15,000. The shares were valued at the fair market price
of $0.01 per share. On May 25, 2016, the Company issued 2,500,000
shares of its common stock to Michael E. Fasci pursuant to a
service award for $50,000. The shares were valued at the fair
market price of $0.02 per share.
On
October 21, 2016, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement
with an entity controlled by Michael E. Fasci. Mr. Fasci agreed to
provide services related to lender management, financing and
acquisitions. Mr. Fasci’s compensation is 2,000,000 shares of
our common stock valued at $0.01 per share and to be issued on
April 21, 2017 and October 21, 2017.
NOTE 9 – EQUITY
Authorized Capital Stock
The
Company has authorized 3,010,000,000 shares of capital stock, of
which 3,000,000,000 are shares of voting common stock, par value
$0.0001 per share, and 10,000,000 are shares of preferred stock,
par value $0.0001 per share.
Non-Voting Preferred Stock
Under
the terms of our articles of incorporation, the Company’s
board of directors is authorized to issue shares of non-voting
preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval.
The Company’s board of directors has the discretion to
determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions,
dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and
liquidation preferences, of each series of non-voting preferred
stock.
The
purpose of authorizing the Company’s board of directors to
issue non-voting preferred stock and determine the Company’s
rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a
stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of non-voting
preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with
possible acquisitions, future financings and other corporate
purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a
third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from
seeking to acquire, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.
Other than the Series B and C Preferred Stock discussed below,
there are no shares of non-voting preferred stock presently
outstanding and we have no present plans to issue any shares of
preferred stock.
F-20
Series B Preferred Stock Designation
In
connection with the Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement, the Board of Directors, on October 21, 2015, approved
the authorization of a Series B Preferred Stock as provided in our
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.
The
Series B Preferred Stock has authorized 150,000 shares with a
stated value equal to $10.00 per share. Dividends payable to other
classes of stock are restricted until repayment of the aggregate
value of Series B Preferred Stock. Upon the Company’s
liquidation or dissolution, Series B Preferred Stock has no
priority or preference with respect to distributions of any assets
by the Company. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into
common stock by dividing the stated value of the shares being
converted by 100% of the average of the five lowest closing bid
prices for the common stock during the ten consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the conversion date as quoted by Bloomberg,
LP.
TCA was
issued 150,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. However, in no
event will Purchaser be entitled to hold in excess of 4.99% of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.
In
connection with the First Amendment to Amended and Restated
Securities Purchase Agreement, TCA surrendered the Series B
Preferred Stock.
Series C Preferred Stock Designation
In
connection with the Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement, the Board of Directors, on October 21, 2015, approved
the authorization of a Series C Preferred Stock as provided in the
Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and the
issuance of 51 shares of Series C Preferred Stock. These shares
only have voting rights in the event of a default by us under the
Amended and Restated Transaction Documents. The Series C Preferred
Stock is cancelled with the repayment of the TCA debt.
The
Series C Preferred Stock Designation authorizes 51 shares of Series
C Preferred Stock. Series C Preferred Stock is not entitled to
dividend or liquidation rights and is not convertible into our
common stock.
In the
event of a default under the Amended and Restated Transaction
Documents, each share of Series C Preferred Stock shall have voting
votes equal to 0.019607 multiplied by the total issued and
outstanding common stock and preferred stock eligible to vote
divided by .49 minus the numerator. For example, if the total
issued and outstanding common stock eligible to vote is 5,000,000,
the voting rights of one share of Series C Preferred Stock shall be
equal to 102,036 (e.g. ((0.019607 x 5,000,000/0.49) –
(0.019607 x 5,000,000) = 102,036). In
the event of a default under the Amended and Restated TCA
Transaction Documents, TCA can exercise voting control over our
common stock.
In
connection with the closing of the Chicago Venture transactions
which closed on February 1, 2017, TCA surrendered the Series C
Preferred Stock.
Common Stock
Unless otherwise indicated, all of the following sales or issuances
of Company securities were conducted under the exemption from
registration as provided under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act
of 1933 (and also qualified for exemption under 4(5), formerly 4(6)
of the Securities Act of 1933, except as noted below). All of the
shares issued were issued in transactions not involving a public
offering, are considered to be restricted stock as defined in Rule
144 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 and stock
certificates issued with respect thereto bear legends to that
effect.
The Company has compensated consultants and service providers with
restricted common stock during the development of our business and
when our capital resources were not adequate to provide payment in
cash.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had had the
following sales of unregistered of equity securities to accredited
investors unless otherwise indicated:
On
January 4, 2016, the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of its common
stock to an entity affiliated with Mark E. Scott, our Chief
Financial Officer, pursuant to a conversion of accrued consulting
fees and expenses for $30,000. The shares were valued at the fair
market price of $0.01 per share. On October 21, 2016, an entity
affiliated with Mr. Scott converted $40,000 in accrued consulting
fees and expenses into 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s
common stock at $0.01 per share. The price per share was based on
the thirty-day trailing average. On October 21, 2016, an entity
affiliated with Mr. Scott was granted 6,000,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock at $0.01 per share. The price per
share was based on the thirty-day trailing average. On October 21,
2016, an entity affiliated with Mr. Scott cancelled stock option
grants totaling 12,000,000 shares of the Company’s common
stock at $0.01 per share.
On
January 27, 2016, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of its common
stock to Michael E. Fasci, a Board Director, pursuant to a service
award for $15,000. The shares were valued at the fair market price
of $0.01 per share. On May 25, 2016, the Company issued 2,500,000
shares of its common stock to Michael E. Fasci pursuant to a
service award for $50,000. The shares were valued at the fair
market price of $0.02 per share.
F-21
In consideration for advisory services provided by TCA to the
Company, the Company issued 15,000,000 shares of Common Stock
during the year ending December 31, 2015. As the common
stock was conditionally redeemable, the Company recorded the common
stock as mezzanine equity in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheet as of December 31, 2015. As of
September 30, 2016, the shares are no longer conditionally
redeemable and were recorded as issued and outstanding common
stock.
The Company issued $2 million in common stock or 115,141,048 shares
of our common stock on April 6, 2016 pursuant to the settlement of
the Consolidated Class Action and Derivative Action lawsuits
alleging violations of federal securities laws that were filed
against the Company in United States District Court, Central
District of California. The Company accrued $2,000,000 as loss on
class action lawsuits and contingent liabilities during the year
ending December 31, 2015.
On
April 15, 2016, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its common
stock to an entity affiliated with Marco Hegyi, our Chief Executive
Officer, pursuant to a conversion of debt for $20,000. The shares
were valued at the fair market price of $0.02 per share. On October
12, 2016, the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of its common stock
to an entity affiliated with Marco Hegyi, pursuant to a conversion
of debt for $40,000. The shares were valued at the fair market
price of $0.01 per share.
On July
13, 2016, the Company issued 6,000,000 shares of common stock
pursuant to Settlement Agreement and
Release with Mr. Robert Hunt, a former executive, which were
valued at the fair market price of $0.010 per share.
On
October 21, 2016, the Company issued 5,020,000 shares to two former
directors and a supplier (unaccredited) for services provided. The
Company valued the 5,020,000 shares at $0.01 per share or
$50,200.
During
the year ended December 31. 2016, the Company issued 6,400,000
shares of its common stock to two service providers (one
unaccredited) pursuant to conversions of debt totaling $64,000. The
shares were valued at the fair market price of $0.010 per
share.
During
the year ended December 31. 2016, Holders of the Company’s
Convertible Notes Payables, converted principal and accrued
interest of $1,080,247 into 186,119,285 shares of the
Company’s common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.006.
During
the year ended December 31. 2016, Old Main converted principal and
accrued interest of $757,208 into 144,650,951 shares of our common
stock at a per share conversion price of $0.0052.
During
the year ended December 31. 2016, Chicago Venture converted
principal and accrued interest of $1,403,599 into 264,672,323
shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.0053.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company had had the
following sales of unregistered sales of equity
securities:
On June
16, 2015, the Company issued 7,772,725 shares of its common stock
to a supplier pursuant a conversion of debt for $171,000. The
shares were valued at the fair market price of $0.022 per
share.
On
December 18, 2015, the Company issued 2,000,000 shares to two if
its former independent Board Directors. The Company valued the
4,000,000 shares at $0.01 per share or $40,000.
Warrants
The
Company issued the following warrants during the year ended
December 31, 2016.
On
October 21, 2016, Mr. Hegyi received a Warrant to purchase up to
10,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise
price of $0.01 per share. In addition, Mr. Hegyi received Warrants
to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company
at an exercise price of $0.01 per share which vest on October 21,
2017 and 2018. The Warrants are exercisable for 5 years. The
warrants were valued at $390,000 and the Company recorded $23,958
of compensation expense for the warrants that had vested at
December 31, 2016.
A
summary of the warrants issued as of December 31, 2016 is as
follows:
F-22
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Shares
|
Price
|
Outstanding
at beginning of period
|
565,000,000
|
$0.032
|
Issued
|
30,000,000
|
0.010
|
Exercised
|
-
|
-
|
Forfeited
|
-
|
-
|
Expired
|
-
|
-
|
Outstanding
at end of period
|
595,000,000
|
$0.031
|
Exerciseable
at end of period
|
595,000,000
|
|
A
summary of the status of the warrants outstanding as of
December 31, 2016 is presented
below:
|
December 31, 2016
|
|||
|
Weighted
|
Weighted
|
|
Weighted
|
|
Average
|
Average
|
|
Average
|
Number of
|
Remaining
|
Exercise
|
Shares
|
Exercise
|
Warrants
|
Life
|
Price
|
Exerciseable
|
Price
|
540,000,000
|
2.31
|
$0.033
|
540,000,000
|
$0.033
|
55,000,000
|
3.54
|
0.010
|
35,000,000
|
0.010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
595,000,000
|
2.34
|
$0.031
|
575,000,000
|
$0.032
|
Warrants
totaling 35,000,000 shares of common stock had an intrinsic value
of $245,000 as of December 31,
2016.
NOTE 10– STOCK OPTIONS
Description of Stock Option Plan
In
fiscal year 2011, the Company authorized a Stock Incentive Plan
whereby a maximum of 18,870,184 shares of the Company’s
common stock could be granted in the form of Non-Qualified Stock
Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights,
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Stock-Based
Awards. On April 18, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors
voted to increase to 35,000,000 the maximum allowable shares of the
Company’s common stock allocated to the 2011 Stock Incentive
Plan. The Company has outstanding unexercised stock option grants
totaling 12,010,000 shares as of December 31, 2016. All grants are
non-qualified as the plan was not approved by the shareholders
within one year of its adoption.
Determining Fair Value under ASC 505
The Company records compensation expense associated with stock
options and other equity-based compensation using the
Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model for estimating fair
value of stock options granted under our plan. The Company
amortizes the fair value of stock options on a ratable basis over
the requisite service periods, which are generally the vesting
periods. The expected life of awards granted represents the period
of time that they are expected to be outstanding. The
Company estimates the volatility of our common stock based on the
historical volatility of its own common stock over the most recent
period corresponding with the estimated expected life of the award.
The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black
Scholes-Merton option valuation model on the implied yield
currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an
equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award.
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and
does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable
future. Consequently, the Company uses an expected dividend yield
of zero in the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model and
adjusts share-based compensation for changes to the estimate of
expected equity award forfeitures based on actual forfeiture
experience. The effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate is
recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is
changed.
Stock Option Activity
F-23
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had the
following stock option activity:
An
entity controlled by Mr. Scott had a two million share stock option
that was previously issued vest on April 18, 2016 upon the Company
securing a market maker with an approved 15c2-11 resulting in the
Company’s relisting on OTCBB.
An
employee resigned January 13, 2016 and an option to purchase five
million shares of the Company’s common stock under the
Company’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan expired on April 13,
2016.
An
employee forfeited a stock grant for 10,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock during the nine months ended September
30, 2016.
On
October 12, 2016, the Company amended the exercise price of the
stock option grants for Mr. Barnes to $0.010 per
share.
On
October 21, 2016, Mr. Scott cancelled stock option grants totaling
12,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.01 per
share. Mr. Scott has an additional 2,000,000 share stock option
grant which continues to vest monthly over 36 months and a
2,000,000 share stock option grant which vests upon the achievement
of certain performance goals related to acquisitions.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company had the
following stock option activity:
Mr.
Adam Edwards resigned July 11, 2015 and an option to purchase four
million five hundred thousand shares of the Company’s common
stock under the Company’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan at $0.05
per shares expired on October 10, 2015.
Ms.
Tina Qunell resigned July 2, 2015 and an option to purchase seven
million shares of the Company’s common stock under the
Company’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan at $0.05 per share
expired on October 1, 2015.
Resigned
employees forfeited options to purchase 200,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock under the Company’s 2011 Stock
Incentive Plan at $0.05 per share expired during the year ended
December 31, 2015.
As of December 31, 2016, there are 12,010,000 options to purchase
common stock at an average exercise price of $0.010 per share
outstanding under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company
recorded $121,770 and $175,661 of compensation expense, net of
related tax effects, relative to stock options for the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015 in accordance with ASC 505. Net loss per
share (basic and diluted) associated with this expense was
approximately ($0.00). As of December 31, 2016, there is $22,631 of
total unrecognized costs related to employee granted stock options
that are not vested. These costs are expected to be recognized over
a period of approximately 2.88 years.
Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 and
2015 is as follows:
|
Weighted
Average
|
||
|
Options
|
Exercise Price
|
$
|
Outstanding
as of December 31, 2014
|
40,720,000
|
$0.058
|
$2,356,000
|
Granted
|
-
|
-
|
(960,000)
|
Exercised
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Forfeitures
|
(11,700,000)
|
(0.050)
|
(585,000)
|
Outstanding
as of December 31, 2015
|
29,020,000
|
0.028
|
811,000
|
Granted
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Exercised
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Forfeitures
|
(17,010,000)
|
(0.041)
|
(690,500)
|
Outstanding
as of December 31, 2016
|
12,010,000
|
$0.010
|
$120,500
|
The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016:
F-24
|
|
Weighted
|
Weighted
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
Average
|
Average
|
|
Average
|
Range of
|
Number
|
Remaining Life
|
Exercise Price
|
Number
|
Exercise Price
|
Exercise Prices
|
Outstanding
|
In Years
|
Exerciseable
|
Exerciseable
|
Exerciseable
|
$0.05
|
10,000
|
3.11
|
$0.050
|
6,667
|
$0.050
|
0.01
|
12,000,000
|
2.88
|
0.010
|
8,277,778
|
0.010
|
|
12,010,000
|
2.88
|
$0.010
|
8,284,444
|
$0.010
|
Stock
option grants totaling 12,010,000 shares of common stock have an
intrinsic value of $84,070 as of December 31, 2016.
NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS,
CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal Proceedings
The
Company is involved in the disputes and legal proceedings described
below. In addition, as a public company, the Company is also
potentially susceptible to litigation, such as claims asserting
violations of securities laws. Any such claims, with or without
merit, if not resolved, could be time-consuming and result in
costly litigation. The Company accrues any contingent liabilities
that are likely.
Class Actions Alleging Violations of Federal Securities
Laws
Beginning on April 18, 2014, three class action lawsuits alleging
violations of federal securities laws were filed against the
Company in United States District Court, Central District of
California (the “Court”). On May 15, 2014 and August 4,
2014, respectively two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed
against the Company with the Court (the “Derivative
Actions”). On October 20, 2014, AmTrust North America, our
insurer, filed a lawsuit contesting insurance coverage on the above
legal proceedings. The Company accrued $2,000,000 as settlement of
the Consolidated Class Action and Derivative Action lawsuits
alleging violations of federal securities laws that were filed
against the Company during the year ending December 31, 2015. The
Company issued $2 million in common stock or 115,141,048 shares of
the Company’s common stock on April 6, 2016 pursuant to the
settlement of the Consolidated Class Action and Derivative Action
lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities laws that were
filed against the Company in United States District Court, Central
District of California.
Sales, Payroll and Other Tax Liabilities
As of December 31, 2016, the Company owes approximately $128,989 in
sales tax.
Potential Convertible Note Defaults
Several of the Company’s convertible promissory notes remain
outstanding beyond their respective maturity dates. This may
trigger an event of default under the respective agreements. The
Company is working with these noteholders to convert their notes
into common stock and intends to resolve these outstanding issues
as soon as practicable.
Other Legal Proceedings
The Company been sued for non-payment of lease payments at closed
stores in Boulder, Colorado and Plaistow, New Hampshire. The
Company is currently subject to legal actions with various
vendors.
It is
possible that additional lawsuits may be filed and served on the
Company.
Operating Leases
On
December 7, 2016, the Company entered into entered into a Consent
to Judgement and Settlement Agreement related to its retail
hydroponics store located in Portland, Maine. This Agreement
provides for a monthly lease payment of $4,668 through May 2, 2017.
If the Company is in compliance with the Settlement Agreement, it
can can extend the lease from May 2, 2017 to May 1, 2020 at the
monthly lease payment of $5,373. The Company also agreed to a
repayment schedule for past due rent of $70,013. The Company does
not have an option to extend the lease after May 1,
2020.
On
October 21, 2013, the Company entered into a lease agreement for
retail space for its hydroponics store in Avon (Vail), Colorado.
The lease expires on September 30, 2018. Monthly rent for year one
of the lease is $2,606 and increases 3.5% per year thereafter
through the end of the lease. The Company does not have an option
to extend the lease.
On May
31, 2016, the Company rented space at 5400 Carillon Point, Kirkland, Washington 98033
for $1,539 per month for its corporate office. The
Company’s agreement expires May 31, 2017 and can be
extended.
F-25
The aggregate future minimum lease payments under operating leases,
to the extent the leases have early cancellation options and
excluding escalation charges, are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
|
Total
|
2017
|
$115,205
|
2018
|
15,579
|
2019
|
0
|
2020
|
0
|
2021
|
-
|
Beyond
|
-
|
Total
|
$130,784
|
Employment and Consulting Agreements
Employment Agreement with Marco Hegyi
On
October 21, 2016, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement
with Marco Hegyi pursuant to which the Company engaged Mr. Hegyi as
its Chief Executive Officer through October 20, 2018. Mr.
Hegyi’s previous Employment Agreement was dated December 4,
2013 and which is set to expire on December 4, 2016.
Mr.
Hegyi’s annual compensation is $250,000. Mr. Hegyi is also
entitled to receive an annual bonus equal to four percent (4%) of
the Company’s EBITDA for that year. The annual bonus shall be
paid no later than 31 days following the end of each calendar
year.
Mr.
Hegyi received a Warrant to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of
common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.01 per
share. In addition, Mr. Hegyi received Warrants to purchase up to
10,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise
price of $0.01 per share which vest on October 21, 2017 and 2018.
The Warrants are exercisable for 5 years.
Mr.
Hegyi will be entitled to participate in all group employment
benefits that are offered by the Company to the Company’s
senior executives and management employees from time to time,
subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans,
including any eligibility requirements. In addition, the Company
will purchase and maintain during the Term an insurance policy on
Mr. Hegyi’s life in the amount of $2,000,000 payable to Mr.
Hegyi’s named heirs or estate as the
beneficiary.
If the Company terminates Mr. Hegyi’s employment at any time
prior to the expiration of the Term without Cause, as defined in
the Employment Agreement, or if Mr. Hegyi terminates his employment
at any time for “Good Reason” or due to a
“Disability”, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to receive (i)
his Base Salary amount through the end of the Term; and (ii) his
Annual Bonus amount for each year during the remainder of the
Term.
If there has been a “Change in Control” and the Company
(or its successor or the surviving entity) terminates Mr.
Hegyi’s employment without Cause as part of or in connection
with such Change in Control (including any such termination
occurring within one (1) month prior to the effective date of such
Change in Control), then in addition to the benefits set forth
above, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to (i) an increase of $300,000 in
his annual base salary amount (or an additional $25,000 per month)
through the end of the Term; plus (ii) a gross-up in the annual
base salary amount each year to account for and to offset any tax
that may be due by Mr. Hegyi on any payments received or to be
received by Mr. Hegyi under this Agreement that would result in a
“parachute payment” as described in Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If the Company (or its
successor or the surviving entity) terminates Mr. Hegyi’s
employment without Cause within twelve (12) months after the
effective date of any Change in Control, or if Mr. Hegyi terminates
his employment for Good Reason within twelve (12) months after the
effective date of any Change in Control, then in addition to the
benefits set forth above, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to (i) an
increase of $300,000 in his annual base salary amount (or an
additional $25,000 per month), which increased annual base salary
amount shall be paid for the remainder of the Term or for two (2)
years following the Change in Control, whichever is longer; (ii) a
gross-up in the annual base salary amount each year to account for
and to offset any tax that may be due by Mr. Hegyi on any payments
received or to be received by Mr. Hegyi under this Letter Agreement
that would result in a “parachute payment” as described
in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
(iii) payment of Mr. Hegyi’s annual bonus amount as set forth
above for each year during the remainder of the Term or for two (2)
years following the Change in Control, whichever is longer; and
(iv) health insurance coverage provided for and paid by the Company
for the remainder of the Term or for two (2) years following the
Change in Control, whichever is longer.
Consulting Chief Financial Officer Agreement with an Entity
Controlled by Mark E. Scott
F-26
On July
31, 2014, the Company entered into a Consulting Chief Financial
Officer Letter with an entity controlled by Mark E. Scott pursuant
to which the Company engaged Mr. Scott as its Consulting CFO from
July 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014, and continuing thereafter
until either party provides sixty day notice to terminate the
Letter or Mr. Scott enters into a full-time employment
agreement.
Per the
terms of the Scott Agreement, Mr. Scott’s compensation is
$150,000 on an annual basis for the first year of the Scott
Agreement. Mr. Scott is also entitled to receive an annual bonus
equal to two percent of the Company’s EBITDA for that year.
The Company’s Board of Directors granted Mr. Scott an option
to purchase sixteen million shares of the Company’s Common
Stock under the Company’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan at an
exercise price of $0.07 per share, the fair market price on July
31, 2014. On December 18, 2015, the
Company reduced the exercise price to $0.01 per share. The
shares vest as follows:
|
|
|
|
i
|
Two
million shares vest immediately upon securing a market maker with
an approved 15c2-11 resulting in the Company’s relisting on
OTCBB (earned as of February 18, 2016);
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|
|
|
|
ii
|
Two
million shares vest immediately upon the successful approval and
effectiveness of the Company’s S-1 (not earned as of December
31, 2016);
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|
|
|
|
iii
|
Two
million shares vest immediately upon the Company’s resolution
of the class action lawsuits (earned as of August 17, 2015);
and,
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|
|
|
|
iv
|
Ten
million shares will vest on a monthly basis over a period of three
years beginning on the July 1, 2014.
|
On
October 21, 2016, Mr. Scott cancelled stock option grants totaling
12,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.01 per
share. Mr. Scott has an additional 2,000,000 share stock option
grant which continues to vest monthly over 36 months and a
2,000,000 share stock option grant which vests upon the achievement
of certain performance goals related to acquisitions.
All
options will have a five-year life and allow for a cashless
exercise. The stock option grant is subject to the terms and
conditions of the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan, including
vesting requirements. In the event that Mr. Scott’s
continuous status as consultant to the Company is terminated by the
Company without Cause or Mr. Scott terminates his employment with
the Company for Good Reason as defined in the Scott Agreement, in
either case upon or within twelve months after a Change in Control
as defined in the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan except for
CANX USA, LLC, then 100% of the total number of shares shall
immediately become vested.
Mr.
Scott will be entitled to participate in all group employment
benefits that are offered by the Company to the Company’s
senior executives and management employees from time to time,
subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans,
including any eligibility requirements. In addition, the Company is
required to purchase and maintain an insurance policy on Mr.
Scott’s life in the amount of $2,000,000 payable to Mr.
Scott’s named heirs or estate as the beneficiary. Finally,
Mr. Scott is entitled to twenty days of vacation annually and also
has certain insurance and travel employment benefits.
If,
prior to the expiration of the Term, the Company terminates Mr.
Scott’s employment for Cause, or if Mr. Scott voluntarily
terminates his employment without Good Reason, or if Mr.
Scott’s employment is terminated by reason of his death, then
all of the Company’s obligations hereunder shall cease
immediately, and Mr. Scott will not be entitled to any further
compensation beyond any pro-rated base salary due and bonus amounts
earned through the effective date of termination. Mr. Scott will
also be reimbursed for any expenses incurred prior to the date of
termination for which he was not previously reimbursed. Mr. Scott
may receive severance benefits and the Company’s obligation
under a termination by the Company without Cause or Mr. Scott
terminates his employment for Good Reason are discussed
above.
Promotion Letter with Joseph Barnes
On
October 10, 2014, the Company entered into a Promotion Letter with
Joseph Barnes which was effective October 1, 2014 pursuant to which
we engaged Mr. Barnes as its Senior Vice-President of Business
Development from October 1, 2014 on an at will basis. This
Promotion Letter supersedes and canceled the Manager Services
Agreement with Mr. Barnes dated August 1, 2013.
Per the
terms of the Barnes Agreement, Mr. Barnes’s compensation is
$90,000 on an annual basis. On January 1, 2016, Mr. Barnes salary
was increased to $120,000 per year. Mr. Barnes received a bonus of
$6,500 and is also entitled to receive a quarterly bonus based on
growth of our growth margin dollars. No quarterly bonuses were
earned under this Promotion Letter. Mr. Barnes was granted an
option to purchase eight million shares of our common stock under
our 2011 Stock Incentive Plan at $0.050 per share. The shares vest
as follows:
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|
|
i
|
Two
million shares vested immediately;
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iv
|
Six
million shares vest on a monthly basis over a period of three years
beginning on the date of grant.
|
F-27
On
October 12, 2016, the Company amended the exercise price of the
stock option grants for Mr. Barnes to $0.010 per
share.
All
options will have a five-year life and allow for a cashless
exercise. The stock option grant is subject to the terms and
conditions of our Stock Incentive Plan, including vesting
requirements. In the event that Mr. Barnes’s continuous
status as employee to us is terminated by us without Cause or Mr.
Barnes terminates his employment with us for Good Reason as defined
in the Barnes Agreement, in either case upon or within twelve
months after a Change in Control as defined in our Stock Incentive,
then 100% of the total number of shares shall immediately become
vested.
Mr.
Barnes was entitled to participate in all group employment benefits
that are offered by the Company to our senior executives and
management employees from time to time, subject to the terms and
conditions of such benefit plans, including any eligibility
requirements. Finally, Mr. Barnes is entitled to fifteen days of
vacation annually and has certain insurance and travel employment
benefits.
Mr.
Barnes may receive severance benefits and our obligation under a
termination by the Company without Cause or Mr. Barnes terminates
his employment for Good Reason are discussed above.
Investment Banking Letter with D. Weckstein and Co.
Inc.
On
August 27, 2014, the Company issued 5,000,000 shares of its common
stock to D. Weckstein and Co., Inc. pursuant to an Investment
Banking Letter. The shares were valued at the fair market price of
$0.08 per share.
Consulting Agreement with an Entity Controlled by Michael E.
Fasci
On
October 21, 2016, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement
with an entity controlled by Michael E. Fasci. Mr. Fasci agreed to
provide services related to lender management, financing and
acquisitions. Mr. Fasci’s compensation is 2,000,000 shares of
our common stock valued at $0.01 per share and to be issued on
April 21, 2017 and October 21, 2017.
NOTE 12 – INCOME TAXES
The
Company has incurred losses since inception, which have generated
net operating loss carryforwards. The net operating loss
carryforwards arise from United States
sources.
Pretax
losses arising from United States operations were approximately
$6,500,000 and $5,800,000 and for the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2015, respectively.
The
Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately
$16,000,000, which expire in 2022-2032. Because it is not more
likely than not that sufficient tax earnings will be generated to
utilize the net operating loss carryforwards, a corresponding
valuation allowance of approximately $6,600,000 was established as
of December 31, 2016. Additionally, under the Tax Reform Act of
1986, the amounts of, and benefits from, net operating losses may
be limited in certain circumstances, including a change in
control.
Section 382
of the Internal Revenue Code generally imposes an annual limitation
on the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that may be used
to offset taxable income when a corporation has undergone
significant changes in its stock ownership. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to utilize any net
operating loss carryforwards in the future.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s effective
tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate principally due to
net operating losses, warrants issued for services, change in fair
value of derivative and debt discount.
The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets
at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
2013
|
U.S.
operations loss carry forward and state at statutory rate of
40%
|
$6,584,821
|
$5,852,421
|
$5,038,976
|
$3,612,736
|
Less
valuation allowance
|
(6,584,821)
|
(5,852,421)
|
(5,038,976)
|
(3,612,736)
|
Net
deferred tax assets
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Change
in valuation allowance
|
$(6,584,821)
|
$(5,852,421)
|
$(5,038,976)
|
$(3,612,736)
|
A reconciliation of the United States Federal Statutory rate to the
Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2015is as follows:
F-28
|
2016
|
2015
|
2014
|
2013
|
Federal
statutory rate
|
-34.0%
|
-34.0%
|
-34.0%
|
-34.0%
|
State
income tax rate
|
-6.0%
|
-6.0%
|
-6.0%
|
-6.0%
|
Change
in valuation allowance
|
40.0%
|
40.0%
|
40.0%
|
40.0%
|
Effective
tax rate
|
0.0%
|
0.0%
|
0.0%
|
0.0%
|
The
Company’s tax returns for 2011 to 2015 are open to review by
the Internal Revenue Service.
NOTE 13 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluates subsequent events, for the purpose of
adjustment or disclosure, up through the date the financial
statements are available.
Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the following material transactions
occurred:
Equity Issuances
On
January 2, 2017, Brighton Capital LLC converted debt of $127,148
into 15,893,500 shares of our common stock at a per share
conversion price of $0.008.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2017, Chicago Venture converted
principal and interest of $1,253,000 into 190,189,197 shares of our
common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.007.
On
February 28, 2017, Logic Works converted principal and interest of
$291,044 into 82,640,392 shares of our common stock at a per share
conversion price of $.004.
Transactions with Chicago Venture Partners, L.P.
(‘Chicago Venture”)
and TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP
(“TCA”)
On February 1, 2017, the Company closed the transactions described
below with Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. (“Chicago
Venture”).
Securities Purchase Agreement, Secured Promissory Notes, Membership
Interest Pledge Agreement and Security Agreement
On January 9, 2017, the Company executed the following agreements
with Chicago Venture: (i) Securities Purchase Agreement; (ii)
Secured Promissory Notes; (iii) Membership Interest Pledge
Agreement; and (iv) Security Agreement (collectively the
“Chicago Venture Agreements”). The Company entered into
the Chicago Venture Agreements with the intent of paying its debt,
in full, to TCA Global Credit Master Fund, LP (“TCA”),
which included any TCA affiliates.
The total amount of funding under the Chicago Venture Agreements is
$1,105,000.00 (the “Debt”). Each Convertible Promissory
Note carries an original issue discount of $100,000 and a
transaction expense amount of $5,000, for total debt of $1,105,000.
The Company agreed to reserve 500,000,000 of its shares of common
stock for issuance upon conversion of the Debt, if that occurs in
the future. If not converted sooner, the Debt is due on or before
January 9, 2018. The Debt carries an interest rate of ten percent
(10%). The Debt is convertible, at Chicago Venture’s option,
into the Company’s common stock at $0.009 per share subject
to adjustment as provided for in the Secured Promissory Notes
attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. As of
the date of this report on Form 8-K, Chicago Venture has funded the
entire amount of the Debt.
Chicago Venture’s obligation to fund the Debt was secured by
Chicago Venture’s 60% interest in Typenex Medical, LLC, an
Illinois corporation, as provided for in the Membership Pledge
Agreement attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
reference.
The Company’s obligation to pay the Debt, or any portion
thereof, is secured by all of the Company’s assets as
described in Schedule A to the Security Agreement attached hereto
and incorporated herein by this reference.
Payment of All TCA Obligations
On January 10, 2017, Chicago Venture, at the Company’s
instruction, remitted funds of $1,495,901 to TCA in order to
satisfy all debts to TCA. On or around January 11, 2017, the
Company was notified by TCA that $13,540 were due to TCA in order
for TCA to release its security interest in the Company’s
assets. On February 1, 2017, TCA notified the Company that all
funds were received and TCA would release its security interest in
Company’s assets. TCA has confirmed that it is paid in full
and the Company is not aware of any other obligations that the
Company has as to TCA. The funds received under the Chicago Venture
Agreements and previous Chicago Venture Agreements were used to
pay-off TCA.
F-29
Director Appointments
On February 14, 2017, the board appointed Katherine McClain and
Mark E. Scott, our consulting Chief Financial Officer, to the Board
of Directors.
Impairment
of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
On
March 10, 2017, the Audit Committee reviewed the GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc. operations
and based on the capital intensive nature of the business and
operating results, determined that the goodwill value of $739,000
and intangible assets of $137,056 were impaired as of December 31,
2016. The Company recorded an impairment of goodwill and intangible
assets associated with GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc. of $876,056
during the three months December 31, 2016.
Dissolution of Certain Non-Operating Subsidiaries
The Company determined that certain wholly-owned subsidiaries were
unnecessary for the ongoing operations of the Company’s
business and elected to dissolve these entities and/or surrender
their foreign status in certain jurisdictions for the purpose of
reducing unnecessary compliance costs.
The Company is dissolving SG Technologies Corp., a Nevada
corporation, and is surrendering its qualification to do business
in California due to the fact that the Company no longer operates
any business under this wholly-owned subsidiary.
The Company is dissolving Phototron, Inc. and GrowLife Productions,
Inc., all California corporations, due to the fact that the Company
no longer operates any business under these wholly-owned
subsidiaries.
The Company is dissolving Business Bloom, Inc., a California
corporation, and is withdrawing its foreign entity status in
Colorado due to the fact that the Company no longer operates any
business under this wholly-owned subsidiary.
The Company is surrendering its qualification to do business in
California for GrowLife Productions, Inc. due to the fact that the
Company no longer operates any business under this wholly-owned
subsidiary.
Potential Convertible Note Defaults
Several of the Company’s convertible promissory notes remain
outstanding beyond their respective maturity dates. This may
trigger an event of default under the respective agreements. The
Company is working with these noteholders to convert their notes
into common stock and intends to resolve these outstanding issues
as soon as practicable.
F-30
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, GrowLife, Inc. (the "Registrant")
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
GROWLIFE, INC.
|
|
|
|
|
Date: March 31, 2017
|
By:
|
/s/ Marco Hegyi
|
|
|
Marco Hegyi
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Mark E. Scott
|
|
|
Mark Scott
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer, Director and Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on
behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated:
SIGNATURES
|
TITLE
|
DATE
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marco Hegyi
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
March 31, 2017
|
Marco Hegyi
|
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Mark E. Scott
|
Chief Financial Officer, Director and Secretary
|
March 31, 2017
|
Mark E. Scott
|
(Principal Financial/Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael E. Fasci
|
Director
|
March 31, 2017
|
Michael
E. Fasci
|
|
|
|
Director
|
March 31, 2017
|
Katherine
McLain
|
|
|
50