GROWLIFE, INC. - Quarter Report: 2017 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
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TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
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For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017
OR
☐
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QUARTERLY
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
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For the transition 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 whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
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 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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer,
an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller
reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated
filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act.
Large
accelerated filer ☐
|
Accelerated
filer ☐
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Non-accelerated
filer ☐
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Smaller
reporting company ☒
|
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined
by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
☒
As of
May 8, 2017 there were
1,996,912,716 shares of the issuer’s common stock, $0.0001
par value per share, outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
Number
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PART I
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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3
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ITEM 1
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Financial Statements (unaudited except as noted)
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3
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Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31,
2016 (audited)
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3
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Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months
ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
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4
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months
ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
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5
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
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6
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ITEM 2
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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operation
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17
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ITEM 3
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk
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26
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ITEM 4
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Controls and Procedures
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26
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PART II
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OTHER INFORMATION
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27
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ITEM 1.
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Legal Proceedings.
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27
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ITEM 1A.
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Risk Factors
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27
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ITEM 2
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of
Proceeds
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35
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ITEM 5
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Other Information
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36
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ITEM 6
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Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
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36
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SIGNATURES
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37
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ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GROWLIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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March 31,
2017
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December 31,
2016
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ASSETS
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(Audited)
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CURRENT
ASSETS:
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Cash
and cash equivalents
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$84,992
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$103,070
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Inventory,
net
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418,494
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418,453
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Deposits
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11,163
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11,163
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Total
current assets
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514,649
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532,686
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EQUIPMENT,
NET
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-
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1,890
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TOTAL
ASSETS
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$514,649
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$534,576
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT)
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CURRENT
LIABILITIES:
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Accounts
payable - trade
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$1,260,373
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$1,529,919
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Accounts
payable - related parties
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2,568
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10,952
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Accrued
expenses
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110,247
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132,656
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Accrued
expenses - related parties
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19,689
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19,605
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Derivative
liability
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910,745
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2,701,559
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Current
portion of convertible notes payable
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1,966,015
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2,798,800
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Deferred
revenue
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20,000
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47,995
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Total
current liabilities
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4,289,637
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7,241,486
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COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
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-
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-
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STOCKHOLDERS'
DEFICIT
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Preferred
stock - $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no
shares
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issued
and outstanding
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-
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-
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Series
B Convertible Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value, 150,000 shares
authorized, no
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shares
issued and outstanding
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-
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-
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Series
C Convertible Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value, 51 shares
authorized, no shares
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and
51 shares issued and outstanding at 3/31/2017 and 12/31/2016,
respectively
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-
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-
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Common
stock - $0.0001 par value, 3,000,000,000 shares authorized,
1,944,843,172
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and
1,656,120,083 shares issued and outstanding at 3/31/2017 and
12/31/2016, respectively
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194,472
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165,600
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Additional
paid in capital
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120,618,021
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117,537,822
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Accumulated
deficit
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(124,587,481)
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(124,410,332)
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Total
stockholders' deficit
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(3,774,988)
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(6,706,910)
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TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
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$514,649
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$534,576
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
3
GROWLIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
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Three Months
Ended,
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March
31,
2017
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March
31,
2016
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NET
REVENUE
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$467,565
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$467,495
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COST OF GOODS
SOLD
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452,082
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332,560
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GROSS
PROFIT
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15,483
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134,935
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GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
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413,262
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401,813
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OPERATING
LOSS
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(397,779)
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(266,878)
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OTHER INCOME
(EXPENSE):
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Change in fair
value of derivative
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1,790,814
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(2,468,292)
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Interest expense,
net
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(202,784)
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(166,176)
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Loss on debt
conversions
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(1,367,400)
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-
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Total other
(expense)
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220,630
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(2,634,468)
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(LOSS) BEFORE
INCOME TAXES
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(177,149)
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(2,901,346)
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Income taxes -
current benefit
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-
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-
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NET
(LOSS)
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$(177,149)
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$(2,901,346)
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Basic and diluted
(loss) per share
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$(0.00)
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$(0.00)
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Weighted average
shares of common stock outstanding- basic and diluted
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1,825,906,568
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939,520,030
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
4
GROWLIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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Three Months
Ended,
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March 31,
2017
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March 31,
2016
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CASH FLOWS FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
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Net
loss
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$(177,149)
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$(2,901,346)
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Adjustments to
reconcile net loss to net cash (used in)
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operating
activities
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Depreciation and
amortization
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1,890
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2,528
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Amortization of
intangible assets
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-
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26,637
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Stock based
compensation
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48,583
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32,520
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Common stock issued
for services
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15,000
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15,000
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Amortization of
debt discount
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61,610
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104,580
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Change in fair
value of derivative liability
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(1,790,814)
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2,468,292
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Accrued interest on
convertible notes payable
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113,045
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61,596
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Interest converted
on convertible notes payable
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-
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43,999
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Loss on debt
conversions
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1,367,400
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-
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Changes in
operating assets and liabilities:
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Inventory
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(41)
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(88,715)
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Accounts
payable
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(150,782)
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89,206
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Accrued
expenses
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(22,325)
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122,037
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Deferred
revenue
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(27,995)
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(136)
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CASH (USED
IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
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(561,578)
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(23,802)
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CASH FLOWS FROM
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
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-
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-
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-
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-
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NET CASH PROVIDED
BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
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-
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-
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CASH FLOWS FROM
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
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Cash provided from
Convertible Promissory Note with Chicago Venture Partners,
L.P.
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2,059,401
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-
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Cash payoff to TCA
Global Credit Master Fund, LP
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(1,515,901)
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-
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NET CASH PROVIDED
BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
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543,500
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-
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NET (DECREASE) IN
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
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(18,078)
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(23,802)
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CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
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103,070
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60,362
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CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS, end of period
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$84,992
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$36,560
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Supplemental
disclosures of cash flow information:
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Interest
paid
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$-
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$-
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Taxes
paid
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$-
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$-
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Non-cash investing
and financing activities:
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Shares issued for
convertible note and interest conversion
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$1,544,044
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$608,904
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Shares issued for
debt conversion
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$-
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$44,000
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Common shares
issued for accounts payable
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$127,148
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$-
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
5
GROWLIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND
ORGANIZATION
The
accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements
have been prepared by GrowLife, Inc. “us,”
“we,” or “our”) in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for
interim financial reporting and rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or
omitted. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments,
consisting of only normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair
presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and
cash flows for the fiscal periods presented have been
included.
These
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
financial statements and related notes included in our Annual
Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The
results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are
not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full
fiscal year, or for any other fiscal period.
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 March 31, 2017, our accumulated
deficit was $124,587,481. 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, 2017 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.
6
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.
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 March 31, 2017 and December
31, 2016, respectively.
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.
7
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.
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016,
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
March 31, 2017, 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) 130,106,389 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 Chicago
Venture Partners, L.P. financing
agreements. As of March 31, 2016, 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) 164.0 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.
On April 6, 2016, 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. In addition, as of March 31, 2016 we had an
unknown number of common shares to be issued under the TCA
financing agreements.
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.
8
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consists of the
following:
|
March 31,
|
December 31,
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
|
|
Finished
goods
|
$438,494
|
$438,453
|
Inventory
reserve
|
(20,000)
|
(20,000)
|
Total
|
$418,494
|
$418,453
|
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.
9
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 March 31,
2017 consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Accrued
|
Debt
|
As of
|
|
Principal
|
Interest
|
Discount
|
March 31, 2017
|
6%
Secured convertible note (2014)
|
$39,251
|
$221
|
$-
|
$39,472
|
7%
Convertible note ($850,000)
|
250,000
|
178,932
|
-
|
428,932
|
10%
OID Convertible Promissory Note with Chicago Venture Partners,
L.P.
|
1,539,063
|
18,333
|
(59,785)
|
1,497,611
|
|
$1,828,314
|
$197,486
|
$(59,785)
|
$1,966,015
|
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
|
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, have called these notes. Although no such
action has been taken by the Holders, the Company classified these
notes as a current liability as of March 31, 2017 and December 31,
2016.
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. Logic Works funded
$350,000. The funding provided 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 $0.007 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 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. As of March 31, 2017, the
outstanding principal on this 6% convertible note was $39,251 and
accrued interest was $221, which results in a total liability of
$39,472.
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 current annual rate of interest was increased to 24% per
annum. The conversion price was $0.007 per share, subject to
adjustment as provided in the Note. As of March 31, 2017, the outstanding principal
on this 7% convertible note was $250,000 and accrued interest was
$178,932, which results in a total liability of
$428,932.
Funding from Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. (“Chicago
Venture”)
The Company has the following funding transactions with 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.
10
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.
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 February 1, 2017, the Company closed the transactions described
below with 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”).
The total amount of funding under the Chicago Venture Agreements is
$1,105,000. 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 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.
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.
The Company’s obligation to pay the Debt, or any portion
thereof, is secured by all Company’s assets.
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 released 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.
As
of March 31, 2017, the
outstanding balance due to Chicago Venture is $1,539,063, accrued
interest was $18,333, net of the OID of $59,785, which results in a
net amount of $1,497,611. The OID has been recorded as a discount
to debt and $61,610 was amortized to interest expense during the
three months ended March 31, 2017.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2017, Chicago Venture converted
principal and accrued interest of $1,253,000 into 189,189,198
shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.0066.
The
Company recognized $1,367,400 of loss on debt conversions during
the three months ended March 31, 2017.
11
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.
Derivative
liability as of March 31, 2017
is as follows:
|
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs
|
Amount at
|
||
Financial
Instruments
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
March 31, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative
Instruments
|
$-
|
$910,745
|
$-
|
$910,745
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$-
|
$910,745
|
$-
|
$910,745
|
For the
three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded non-cash
income of $1,790,814 related to the “change in fair value of
derivative” expense related to its 6% and 7% convertible
notes.
Derivative
liability as of December 31,
2016 was 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
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 estimated that the
balance of these notes will be converted by March 31,
2017.
12
As of
March 31, 2017, 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 $834,034 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 145.8%; (iii) risk free rate of .001%, (iv) stock price of
$0.010, (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 June 30,
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.
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 would be converted by March 31, 2017.
As of
March 31, 2017, the Company had
outstanding unsecured 6% convertible notes for $39,251 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 $76,710 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 145.8%; (iii) risk free rate of .001%, (iv) stock price of
$0.010, (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 June 30,
2017.
NOTE 8 – RELATED PARTY
TRANSACTIONS AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
Since
January 1, 2017, the Company engaged in the reportable transaction
below with the Company’s 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.
On
February 4, 2017, the Company issued 1,000,000 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 $0.015 per share.
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 9.
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.
13
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.
Series C Preferred Stock Designation
In
connection with the Amended and Restated Securities Purchase
Agreement with TCA, 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
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 three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company had had
the following sales of unregistered of equity securities to
accredited investors unless otherwise indicated:
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.
On
February 4, 2017, the Company issued 1,000,000 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 $0.015 per share.
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.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2017, Chicago Venture converted
principal and interest of $1,253,000 into 189,189,197 shares of our
common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.007.
Warrants
The
Company did not issue any warrants during the three months ended
March 31, 2017.
14
A
summary of the warrants issued as of March 31, 2017 is as follows:
|
March 31, 2017
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Shares
|
Price
|
Outstanding
at beginning of period
|
595,000,000
|
$0.031
|
Issued
|
-
|
-
|
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
March 31, 2017 is presented
below:
|
March 31, 2017
|
|||
|
Weighted
|
Weighted
|
|
Weighted
|
|
Average
|
Average
|
|
Average
|
Number of
|
Remaining
|
Exercise
|
Shares
|
Exercise
|
Warrants
|
Life
|
Price
|
Exerciseable
|
Price
|
540,000,000
|
2.03
|
$0.033
|
540,000,000
|
$0.033
|
55,000,000
|
3.29
|
0.010
|
35,000,000
|
0.010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
595,000,000
|
2.07
|
$0.031
|
575,000,000
|
$0.032
|
Warrants
totaling 35,000,000 shares of common stock had no intrinsic value
as of March 31,
2017.
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 March 31, 2017. 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.
15
Stock Option Activity
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company had the
following stock option activity:
As of March 31, 2017, 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 $7,541 and $32,520 of compensation expense, net of related
tax effects, relative to stock options for the three months ended
March 31, 2017 and 2016 in accordance with ASC 505. Net loss per
share (basic and diluted) associated with this expense was
approximately ($0.00). As of March 31, 2017, there is $15,090 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 2.63 years.
Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and
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
|
Granted
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Exercised
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Forfeitures
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Outstanding
as of March 31, 2017
|
12,010,000
|
$0.010
|
$120,500
|
The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding and exercisable as of March 31,
2017:
|
|
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
|
2.86
|
$0.050
|
7,500
|
$0.050
|
0.01
|
12,000,000
|
2.63
|
0.010
|
8,944,444
|
0.010
|
|
12,010,000
|
2.63
|
$0.010
|
8,951,944
|
$0.010
|
Stock
option grants totaling 12,010,000 shares of common stock had no
intrinsic value as of March 31, 2017.
NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS,
CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, the Company may become subject to various legal
proceedings that are incidental to the ordinary conduct of its
business. Although the Company cannot accurately predict the amount
of any liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of
these matters, it makes provision for potential liabilities when it
deems them probable and reasonably estimable. These provisions are
based on current information and may be adjusted from time to time
according to developments.
Other than those certain legal proceedings as reported in our
annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2017,
the Companies knows of no material, existing or pending legal
proceedings against our Company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff
in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no
proceedings in which any director, officer or any affiliates, or
any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or
has a material interest adverse to our interest.
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 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.
16
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.
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 March 31,
|
Total
|
2017
|
$84,428
|
2018
|
7,203
|
2019
|
-
|
2020
|
-
|
2021
|
-
|
Beyond
|
-
|
Total
|
$91,631
|
NOTE 12 – 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 March 31, 2017,
the following material transactions occurred:
Equity Issuances
Subsequent
to March 31, 2017, Chicago Venture converted principal and interest
of $150,000 into 49,069,544 shares of our common stock at a per
share conversion price of $0.0061.
On
April 27, 2017, the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of its common
stock to Michael E. Fasci, a Board Director, or an entity
controlled by Michael Fasci pursuant to service awards for $27,000.
The shares were valued at the fair market price of $0.009 per
share.
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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 as well as those discussed
elsewhere in this report (including in Part II, Item 1A (Risk
Factors)). Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements because they 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.
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.
17
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 received
funding twice a month for such costs. As the personnel were hired
late in the December 2016 quarter, the impact started 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.
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.
Currently 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.
18
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.
Other 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.
19
State
|
Year Passed How Passed
(Yes Vote) Possession Limit
|
1.Alaska
|
1998 Ballot Measure 8 (58%)
1 oz usable; 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)
|
2.Arizona
|
2010 Proposition 203 (50.13%)
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
|
3.Arkansas
|
2016 Ballot Measure Issue 6 (53.2%)
3 oz usable per 14-day period
|
4.California
|
1996 Proposition 215 (56%)
8 oz usable; 6 mature or 12 immature plants
|
5.Colorado
|
2000 Ballot Amendment 20 (54%)
2 oz usable; 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)
|
6.Connecticut
|
2012 House Bill 5389 (96-51 H, 21-13 S)
2.5 oz usable
|
7.Delaware
|
2011 Senate Bill 17 (27-14 H, 17-4 S)
6 oz usable
|
8.Florida
|
2016Ballot Amendment 2 (71.3%)
Amount to be determined
|
9.Hawaii
|
2000 Senate Bill 862 (32-18 H; 13-12 S)
4 oz usable; 7 plants
|
10.Illinois
|
2013 House Bill 1 (61-57 H; 35-21 S)
2.5 ounces of usable cannabis during a period of 14
days
|
11.Maine
|
1999 Ballot Question 2 (61%)
2.5 oz usable; 6 plants
|
12.Maryland
|
2014 House Bill 881 (125-11 H; 44-2 S)
30-day supply, amount to be determined
|
13.Massachusetts
|
2012 Ballot Question 3 (63%)
60-day supply for personal medical use (10 oz)
|
14.Michigan
|
2008 Proposal 1 (63%)
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
|
15.Minnesota
|
2014 Senate Bill 2470 (46-16 S; 89-40 H)
30-day supply of non-smokable marijuana
|
16.Montana
|
2004 Initiative 148 (62%)
1 oz usable; 4 plants (mature); 12 seedlings
|
17.Nevada
|
2000 Ballot Question 9 (65%)
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
|
18.New
Hampshire
|
2013 House Bill 573 (284-66 H; 18-6 S)
Two ounces of usable cannabis during a 10-day period
|
19.New
Jersey
|
2010 Senate Bill 119 (48-14 H; 25-13 S)
2 oz usable
|
20.New
Mexico
|
2007 Senate Bill 523 (36-31 H; 32-3 S)
6 oz usable; 16 plants (4 mature, 12 immature)
|
21.New York
|
2014 Assembly Bill 6357 (117-13 A; 49-10 S)
30-day supply non-smokable marijuana
|
22.North
Dakota
|
2016 Ballot Measure 5 (63.7%)
3 oz per 14-day period
|
23.Ohio
|
2016 House Bill 523 (71-26 H; 18-15 S)
Maximum of a 90-day supply, amount to be determined
|
24.Oregon
|
1998 Ballot Measure 67 (55%)
24 oz usable; 24 plants (6 mature, 18 immature)
|
25.Pennsylvania
|
2016 Senate Bill 3 (149-46 H; 42-7 S)
30-day supply
|
26.Rhode
Island
|
2006 Senate Bill 0710 (52-10 H; 33-1 S)
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
|
27.Vermont
|
2004 Senate Bill 76 (22-7) HB 645 (82-59)
2 oz usable; 9 plants (2 mature, 7 immature)
|
28.Washington
|
1998 Initiative 692 (59%)
8 oz usable; 6 plants
|
Washington, DC
|
2010
Amendment Act B18-622 (13-0 vote) 2 oz dried; limits on other forms
to be determined
|
Source: Marijuana State Laws – Summary Chart from
ProCon.org
|
20
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. In February 2017, we 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.
21
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
March 31, 2017, 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 part and
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.
22
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.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents certain consolidated statement of
operations information and presentation of that data as a
percentage of change from period-to-period.
(dollars in thousands)
|
Three Months
Ended March 31,
|
|||
|
2017
|
2016
|
$
Variance
|
%
Variance
|
Net
revenue
|
$467
|
$467
|
$-
|
0.0%
|
Cost of goods
sold
|
452
|
332
|
120
|
-36.1%
|
Gross
profit
|
15
|
135
|
(120)
|
-88.9%
|
General and
administrative expenses
|
413
|
402
|
11
|
-2.7%
|
Operating
loss
|
(398)
|
(267)
|
(131)
|
-49.1%
|
Other income
(expense):
|
|
|
|
|
Change in fair
value of derivative
|
1,791
|
(2,468)
|
4,259
|
172.6%
|
Interest expense,
net
|
(203)
|
(166)
|
(37)
|
-22.3%
|
Loss on debt
conversions
|
(1,367)
|
-
|
(1,367)
|
-100.0%
|
Total other
(expense) income
|
221
|
(2,634)
|
2,855
|
108.4%
|
(Loss) before
income taxes
|
(177)
|
(2,901)
|
2,724
|
93.9%
|
Income taxes -
current benefit
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
0.0%
|
Net
(loss)
|
$(177)
|
$(2,901)
|
$2,724
|
93.9%
|
23
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AS COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
Revenue
Net
revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31,
2016 was $467,000. However, net revenue for the three months ended
March 31, 2017 increased $165,000 or 54.6% from the three months
ended December 31, 2016.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of
sales for the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased $120,000
to $452,000 as compared to $332,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 2016. The increase was due to (i) lower sales prices from
the retail stores; (ii) and the transition from TCA funding to
Chicago Venture during the months ended March 31, 2017, which
resulted in difficulties in purchasing product or product was
ordered at higher costs.
Gross profit was $15,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017
as compared to $135,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
The gross profit percentage was 3.3% for the three months ended
March 31, 2017 as compared to 28.9% for the three months ended
March 31, 2016. The gross profit percentage was due to lower
sales prices from the retail stores during the three months ended
March 31, 2017. However, gross profit for the three months ended
March 31, 2017 increased $95,000 from the three months ended
December 31, 2016. The gross profit
percentage for the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased to
3.3% as compared to (26.6%) for the three months ended March 31,
2016.
General and Administrative Expenses
General
and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31,
2017 increased $11,000 to $413,000 as compared to $402,000 for the
three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase was due to (i) an
increase in auditing of $41,000; (ii) an increase in stock based
compensation of $16,000; and (iii) and an increase in other
expenses of $36,000; offset by (iv) reduced legal expense of
$62,000; and (v) reduced wages of $20,000. As part of the general
and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31,
2017, we did not record any public relation, investor relation or
business development expenses.
Non-cash
general and administrative expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2017 were $65,000 including (i) depreciation and
amortization of $2,000; (ii) stock based compensation of $48,000
related to stock option grants; (iii) and common stock issued for
services of $15,000.
Non-cash
general and administrative expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2016 was $77,000, with (i) depreciation and amortization of
$29,000; (ii) stock based compensation of $33,000 related to stock
option grants; (iii) common stock issued for services of
$15,000.
Other Income/ Expense
Other
income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $221,000 as
compared to other expense of $2,634,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 2016. The other income for the three months ended March
31, 2017 included (i) change in derivative liability of $1,791,000;
offset by (ii) interest expense of $203,000; and (iii) loss on debt
conversions of $1,367,000. 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.
Other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was
$2,634,000. The other expense for the three months ended March 31,
2016 included change in derivative liability of $2,468,000,
interest expense of $166,000. 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.
Net (Loss)
Net
loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $177,000 as
compared to a net loss of $2,901,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 2016 for the reasons discussed above.
Net
loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 included non-cash
expense of $184,000 including (i) depreciation and amortization of
$2,000; (ii) stock based compensation of $49,000 related to stock
option grants and warrants; (iii) common stock issued for services
of $15,000; (iv) accrued interest and amortization of debt discount
on convertible notes payable of $176,000; (v) loss on debt
conversions of $1,367,000, offset by (vi) change in derivative
liability of $1,791,000.
24
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included
non-cash expense of $2,755,000,
including (i) depreciation and amortization of $29,000; (ii)
stock based compensation of $33,000 related to stock option grants;
(iii) common stock issued for services of $15,000; (iv)
interest expense of $210,000; and (v)
change in derivative liability of $2,468,000.
We
expect losses to continue as we implement our business
plan.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We had
cash of $85,000 and a net working capital deficit of approximately
$2,864,000 (excluding the derivative liability- warrants of
$911,000 as of March 31, 2017. 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 and
$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”).
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, 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.
Operating Activities
Net
cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March
31, 2017 was $562,000. This amount was primarily related to a net
loss of $177,000, (i) a decrease in accounts payable and accrued
expenses of $173,000; (ii) a reduction in deferred revenue of
$28,000; and (iv) non-cash expenses of $184,000 including (i)
depreciation and amortization of $2,000; (ii) stock based
compensation of $49,000 related to stock option grants and
warrants; (iii) common stock issued for services of $15,000; (iv)
accrued interest and amortization of debt discount on convertible
notes payable of $176,000; (v) loss on debt conversions of
$1,367,000, offset by (vi) change in derivative liability of
$1,791,000.
25
Financing Activities
Net
cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended
March 31, 2017 was $544,000. The amount related to funding provided
of $544,000 by Chicago Venture to us and $1,516,000 paid to TCA to
in order to satisfy all debts to
TCA.
Our contractual cash obligations as of March 31, 2017 are
summarized in the table below:
|
|
Less Than
|
|
|
Greater Than
|
Contractual Cash Obligations
|
Total
|
1 Year
|
1-3 Years
|
3-5 Years
|
5 Years
|
Operating
leases
|
$91,631
|
$84,428
|
$7,203
|
$-
|
$-
|
Convertible
notes payable
|
2,025,780
|
2,025,780
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Capital
expenditures
|
25,000
|
25,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
$2,142,411
|
$2,135,208
|
$7,203
|
$-
|
$-
|
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.
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET
RISK.
This item is not applicable.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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 March
31, 2017, 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.
26
b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial
Reporting
During
the three months ended March 31,
2017, 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.
PART II. OTHER
INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we may become subject to various legal
proceedings that are incidental to the ordinary conduct of its
business. Although we cannot accurately predict the amount of any
liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of these
matters, it makes provision for potential liabilities when it deems
them probable and reasonably estimable. These provisions are based
on current information and may be adjusted from time to time
according to developments.
Other than those certain legal proceedings as reported in our
annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2017, we
know of no material, existing or pending legal proceedings against
our Company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material
proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which
any director, officer or any affiliates, or any registered or
beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material
interest adverse to our interest.
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 Related to Our Business
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.
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.
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.
27
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.
Our Joint Venture Agreement with CANX USA, LLC may be 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.
28
Currently,
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.
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.
29
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 March 31, 2017, we
had an accumulated deficit of $124.6 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
March 31, 2017, 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:
30
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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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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.
31
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.
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.
32
Risks Related to our Common Stock
CANX and Chicago Venture could have significant influence over
matters submitted to stockholders for approval.
CANX and Logic Works
As of
March 31, 2017, CANX holds shares representing approximately 21.7%
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 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.
33
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,
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Issuance
of convertible or equity securities for general or merger and
acquisition purposes,
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Issuance
or repayment of debt, accounts payable or convertible debt for
general or merger and acquisition purposes,
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Sale of
a significant number of shares of our common stock by
shareholders,
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General
market and economic conditions,
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Quarterly
variations in our operating results,
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Investor
relation activities,
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Announcements
of technological innovations,
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New
product introductions by us or our competitors,
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Competitive
activities, and
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Additions
or departures of key personnel.
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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 March 31,
2017, there were approximately 1.945 billion shares of our common stock
issued and outstanding. In addition, as of March 31,
2017, 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) 130.1 million shares related to convertible debt that can be
converted at 0.0036 per share. During the three months ended
March 31, 2017, Chicago Venture converted principal and interest of
$1,253,000 into 189,189,197 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 Chicago Venture financing agreements because the
number of shares ultimately issued to Chicago Venture depends on
the price at which Chicago Venture converts its debt to shares. The
lower the conversion price, the more shares that will be issued to
Chicago Venture upon the conversion of debt to shares. We
won’t know the exact number of shares of stock issued to
Chicago Venture until the debt is actually converted to
equity. If all stock option grant and warrant and contingent
shares are issued, approximately 2.682 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.
34
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.
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 2. UNREGISTERED
SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
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.
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.
35
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we had the following
sales of unregistered of equity securities to accredited investors
unless otherwise indicated:
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.
On
February 4, 2017, we issued 1,000,000 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 $0.015
per share.
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.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2017, Chicago Venture converted
principal and interest of $1,253,000 into 189,189,197 shares of our
common stock at a per share conversion price of
$0.007.
ITEM 5. OTHER
INFORMATION
This item is not applicable.
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The exhibits required to be filed herewith by Item 601 of
Regulation S-K, as described in the following index of exhibits,
are attached hereto unless otherwise indicated as being
incorporated by reference, as follows:
(a)
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
|
|
Compilation of
Securities Purchase Agreement, Secured
Promissory Notes, Membership Interest Pledge Agreement and Security
Agreement. dated February 1, 2017, 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 February 7, 2017, and hereby incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certification of
Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14
|
Filed
herewith.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certification of
Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14
|
Filed
herewith.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CEO Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act
|
Filed
herewith.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CFO Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
|
Filed
herewith.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
36
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) requirements of the Exchange
Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
GROWLIFE, INC.
(Registrant)
|
|
|
|
Date: May 8, 2017
|
By:
|
/s/ Marco Hegyi
|
|
|
|
Marco Hegyi
|
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
|
|
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: May 8, 2017
|
By:
|
/s/ Mark Scott
|
|
|
|
Mark Scott
|
|
|
|
Consulting Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
|
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
|
37