Lexaria Bioscience Corp. - Quarter Report: 2018 February (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended February 28, 2018
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________
Commission File Number __________________
LEXARIA BIOSCIENCE CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 20-2000871 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
156 Valleyview Rd., Kelowna, BC Canada | V1X 3M4 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
250-765-6424
(Registrants telephone
number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former
address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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.
[X]
YES [ ] NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small 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 [ ] |
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company [X] |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell
company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act
[ ]
YES [X] NO
APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS
Check whether the registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
after the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a
court.
[ ] YES [
] NO
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
71,772,305 common shares issued and outstanding as of April 11, 2018
PART 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
Lexaria Bioscience Corp.s (Lexaria or the Company) unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the six month period ended February 28, 2018, form part of this quarterly report. They are stated in United States Dollars and are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
LEXARIA BIOSCIENCE CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEETS
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
February 28 | August 31 | |||||
2018 | 2017 | |||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current | ||||||
Cash | $ | 2,317,694 | $ | 2,533,337 | ||
Accounts and other receivables (Note 7) | 188,285 | 45,293 | ||||
Inventory (Note 8) | 62,526 | 67,174 | ||||
Prepaid expenses (Note 17) | 176,847 | 149,691 | ||||
Total Current Assets | 2,745,352 | 2,795,495 | ||||
Patents (Note 9) | 94,341 | 62,827 | ||||
Equipment | 1,547 | 1,856 | ||||
95,888 | 64,683 | |||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 2,841,240 | $ | 2,860,178 | ||
LIABILITIES | ||||||
Current | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 63,447 | $ | 32,574 | ||
Unearned revenue (Note 10) | - | 17,083 | ||||
Due to related parties (Note 14) | 5,594 | 42,690 | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | 69,041 | 92,347 | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 69,041 | 92,347 | ||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
Share Capital (Note 11) | ||||||
Authorized: 220,000,000 common voting shares with a par value of $0.001 per share Issued and outstanding: 71,097,305 common shares at February 28, 2018 and 67,975,761 common shares at August 31, 2017 |
71,097 | 67,976 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 17,828,132 | 16,108,270 | ||||
Deficit | (15,127,030 | ) | (13,169,939 | ) | ||
Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company | 2,772,199 | 3,006,307 | ||||
Non-Controlling Interest (Note 9) | - | (238,476 | ) | |||
Total Stockholders' Equity | 2,772,199 | 2,767,831 | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 2,841,240 | $ | 2,860,178 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
LEXARIA BIOSCIENCE CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (unaudited)
(Expressed in U.S.
Dollars, except number of shares)
THREE MONTHS ENDED | SIX MONTHS ENDED | |||||||||||
February 28 | February 28 | February 28 | February 28 | |||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||
Revenue (Note 13) | $ | 171,958 | $ | 12,602 | $ | 196,593 | $ | 21,827 | ||||
Cost of Goods Sold | 13,713 | 14,872 | 19,812 | 15,760 | ||||||||
Gross profit | 158,245 | (2,270 | ) | 176,781 | 6,067 | |||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||
Accounting and audit | 16,478 | 15,760 | 34,169 | 21,859 | ||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization (Note 9) | 462 | 372 | 837 | 744 | ||||||||
Advertising and promotions | 67,725 | 38,881 | 256,724 | 50,809 | ||||||||
Consulting (Note 16) | 1,198,253 | 260,754 | 1,340,419 | 557,021 | ||||||||
Interest expense | - | 1,951 | - | 3,306 | ||||||||
Investor relations | - | 26,962 | 188 | 50,679 | ||||||||
Legal and professional | 82,140 | 59,488 | 142,043 | 69,484 | ||||||||
Office and miscellaneous | 71,819 | 42,226 | 117,975 | 70,857 | ||||||||
Research and development | 75,762 | 7,778 | 186,154 | 15,039 | ||||||||
Travel | 22,544 | 8,039 | 50,377 | 27,879 | ||||||||
Gain on disposal of assets | (3,998 | ) | - | (3,998 | ) | - | ||||||
Inventory write-off (Note 8) | 5,438 | 501 | 8,984 | 3,925 | ||||||||
1,536,623 | 462,712 | 2,133,872 | 871,602 | |||||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period | (1,378,378 | ) | (464,982 | ) | (1,957,091 | ) | (865,535 | ) | ||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to: | ||||||||||||
Common shareholders | (1,378,378 | ) | (447,782 | ) | (1,957,091 | ) | (843,227 | ) | ||||
Non-controlling interest (Note 9) | - | (17,200 | ) | - | (22,308 | ) | ||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share | (0.02 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
- Basic and diluted | 70,414,177 | 55,522,757 | 69,519,973 | 53,596,221 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
LEXARIA BIOSCIENCE CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
SIX MONTHS ENDED | ||||||
February 28 | February 28 | |||||
2018 | 2017 | |||||
Cash flows used in operating activities | ||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (1,957,091 | ) | $ | (865,535 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash | ||||||
used in operating activities: | ||||||
Stock based compensation (Note 12) | 122,562 | 36,642 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 837 | 744 | ||||
Inventory write-off | 8,984 | 3,925 | ||||
Shares issued for services | 183,426 | 59,760 | ||||
Warrants issued for services | 717,880 | 220,528 | ||||
Change in working capital: | ||||||
Accounts and other receivables | (142,992 | ) | 13,953 | |||
Inventory | (4,336 | ) | (12,568 | ) | ||
Prepaid expenses | (27,156 | ) | 18,813 | |||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 30,873 | (47,047 | ) | |||
Due to related parties | (37,096 | ) | (30,756 | ) | ||
Unearned revenue | (17,083 | ) | 12,469 | |||
Net cash used in operating activities | (1,121,192 | ) | (589,072 | ) | ||
Cash flows used in investing activities | ||||||
Investment in Poviva | (70,000 | ) | - | |||
Patent | (32,042 | ) | (9,699 | ) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (102,042 | ) | (9,699 | ) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||
Repayment of loan to a related party | - | (18,000 | ) | |||
Proceeds from issuance of equity | 1,007,591 | 1,046,995 | ||||
Net cash from financing activities | 1,007,591 | 1,028,995 | ||||
Increase (decrease) in cash | (215,643 | ) | 430,224 | |||
Cash, beginning of period | 2,533,337 | 93,409 | ||||
Cash, end of period | $ | 2,317,694 | $ | 523,633 | ||
Supplemental information on cash flows: | ||||||
Interest paid in cash | $ | - | $ | 3,306 | ||
Common shares issued to settle accounts payable | $ | 12,000 | $ | 17,000 | ||
Stock based compensation recognized in prepaid expenses | $ | - | $ | 19,075 | ||
Reclassification of NCI to additional paid-in capital on acquisition | $ | 238,476 | $ | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
LEXARIA BIOSCIENCE
CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
COMMON STOCK | ||||||||||||||||||
ADDITIONAL | TOTAL | |||||||||||||||||
PAID-IN | STOCKHOLDERS | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | AMOUNT | CAPITAL | DEFICIT | NCI | EQUITY | |||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Balance, August 31, 2016 | 51,288,477 | 51,288 | 11,515,419 | (11,300,662 | ) | (178,288 | ) | 87,757 | ||||||||||
Shares issued for services | 939,354 | 938 | 223,722 | - | - | 224,660 | ||||||||||||
Non-controlling Interest | - | - | - | - | (60,188 | ) | (60,188 | ) | ||||||||||
Stock based compensation (Note 12) | - | - | 93,968 | - | - | 93,968 | ||||||||||||
Private placement of shares, net of issuance cost | 4,104,280 | 4,105 | 1,537,637 | - | - | 1,541,742 | ||||||||||||
Warrants issued for services | - | - | 292,750 | - | - | 292,750 | ||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 1,014,125 | 1,015 | 176,247 | - | - | 177,262 | ||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 10,322,025 | 10,322 | 2,222,710 | - | - | 2,233,032 | ||||||||||||
Conversion of debt | 307,500 | 308 | 45,817 | - | - | 46,125 | ||||||||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss | - | - | - | (1,869,277 | ) | - | (1,869,277 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance August 31, 2017 | 67,975,761 | 67,976 | 16,108,270 | (13,169,939 | ) | (238,476 | ) | 2,767,831 | ||||||||||
Non-controlling Interest (Note 9) | - | - | (308,476 | ) | - | 238,476 | (70,000 | ) | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 298,375 | 298 | 70,904 | - | - | 71,202 | ||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 2,599,479 | 2,599 | 933,790 | - | - | 936,389 | ||||||||||||
Shares issued for services | 223,690 | 224 | 183,202 | - | - | 183,426 | ||||||||||||
Stock based compensation (Note 12) | - | - | 122,562 | - | - | 122,562 | ||||||||||||
Warrants issued for services | - | - | 717,880 | - | - | 717,880 | ||||||||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss | - | - | - | (1,957,091 | ) | - | (1,957,091 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, February 28, 2018 (Unaudited) | 71,097,305 | 71,097 | 17,828,132 | (15,127,030 | ) | - | 2,772,199 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
LEXARIA BIOSCIENCE CORP. |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
February 28, 2018 |
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
1. |
Basis of Presentation |
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the six month period ended February 28, 2018 included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. | |
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the August 31, 2017 audited annual financial statements and notes thereto. | |
2. |
Organization, Business and Going Concern |
Lexaria Biosciences Corp. (Lexaria, or the Company) was formed on December 9, 2004 under the laws of the State of Nevada as an independent oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, development and acquisition of oil and gas properties in the United States and Canada. In March of 2014, the Company began its entry into the bioscience and alternative health and wellness business and discontinued its involvement in the oil and gas business in November 2014. In May 2016, the Company also commenced out-licensing its patented technology for improved delivery of bioactive compounds that promotes healthy ingestion methods, lower overall dosing and higher effectiveness in active molecule delivery. The Company has its office in Kelowna, BC, Canada. | |
On November 2, 2017, the Company announced it acquired 100% ownership interest in its majority owned subsidiary PoViva Tea, LLC (Note 9). The Company previously owned a 51% interest in PoViva Tea, LLC and acquired the remaining 49% interest. Compensation was $70,000, a waiver on certain debts, and a 5%, 20- year royalty on net profits of ViPova TeaTM tea, coffee, and hot chocolate sales. No Lexaria stock or options were issued. The 20-year royalty was determined to have a $Nil fair value as PoViva operates at a loss and future profitability is uncertain. | |
The Companys unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Company has a net loss of $1,957,091 for the six month period ended February 28, 2018 (2016: $865,535) and had a deficit accumulated since its inception of $15,127,030 (August 31, 2017: $13,169,939). The Company had a working capital balance of $2,676,311 as at February 28, 2018 with net cash used in operating activities of $1,121,192 during the six month period ended February 28, 2018. | |
The Company requires additional funds to maintain its operations and developments. Managements plans in this regard are to raise equity and debt financing as required, but there is no certainty that such financing will be available or that it will be available at acceptable terms. The outcome of these matters cannot be predicted at this time. |
3. |
Business Risk and Liquidity |
The Company is subject to several categories of risk associated with its operating activities. The production and sale of alternative health products is an emerging industry in which business practices are not yet standardized and are subject to frequent scrutiny and evaluation by federal, state, provincial, and municipal authorities, academics, and media outlets, among others. Although we intend to develop our businesses in accordance with best ethical practices, we may suffer negative publicity if we, our partners, contractors, or customers are found to have engaged in any environmentally insensitive practices or other business practices that are viewed as unethical. |
|
Our operations may require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. We believe that we will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits under applicable laws and regulations for our operations and believe we will be able to comply in all material respects with the terms of such licenses and permits. However, such licenses and permits are subject to change in various circumstances. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses and permits, and failing to obtain or retain required licenses could have a materially adverse effect on the Company. |
|
Lexaria and its subsidiaries are not involved directly or indirectly in the cultivation, processing, distribution, or utilization of Cannabis or Cannabis derived components. All of Lexaria’s consumer products utilize legally sourced Hemp and Hemp components in their production. Lexaria does have an ancillary involvement risk via out-licensing of its patented technology to licensees that choose to utilize its technology to manufacture products that contain locally or state approved but federally regulated and controlled contents. There can be no guarantee that changes in the regulatory framework and environment will not occur and such changes could have a materially adverse effect on the Company. It is possible some jurisdictions may even interpret Lexaria’s ancillary involvement as in contravention with regulations. |
|
4. |
Basis of Consolidation |
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lexaria CanPharm Corp. which was incorporated on April 4, 2014 under the laws of Canada, and wholly-owned subsidiary PoViva Tea, LLC (2017 - 51% owned) which was incorporated on December 12, 2014, under the laws of the State of Nevada. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. |
|
5. |
Estimates and Judgments |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. The estimates and the associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. |
|
In preparing these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, the significant judgments made by management in applying the Company’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2017. |
|
6. |
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted |
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Under the new standard, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The FASB has recently issued several amendments to the standards, including clarification on the accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations. |
The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, for public organization, and it permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application (the cumulative catch-up transition method). The Company will apply the full retrospective approach to adopt the standard and does not anticipate that this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. | |
In January 2016, FASB issued an ASU, Subtopic 825-10, to amend certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most prominent among the amendments is the requirement for changes in fair value of equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be recognized through profit or loss rather than other comprehensive income. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018. The standard is not expected to have any impact on the Companys financial statements. | |
In February 2016 FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) which supersedes FASB ASC Topic 840, Leases (Topic 840) and provides principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both lessees and the lessors. The new standard requires the lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. The classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than twelve months regardless of classification. Leases with a term of twelve months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted upon issuance. When adopted, the Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. | |
In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU No 2016-13 (Topic 326) to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss credit loss estimates. For trade and other receivables, loans and other financial instruments, the Company will be required to use a forward-looking expected loss model rather than the incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses which reflects losses that are probable. Credit losses relating to available for sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a reduction in the amortized cost basis of the securities. The new standard will be effective for Lexaria beginning September 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Application of the amendments is through a cumulative-effect adjustment to deficit as of the effective date. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements. | |
7. |
Accounts and Other Receivables |
February 28 | August 31 | ||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
$ | $ | ||||||
Trade and deposits receivable | 1,973 | 1,778 | |||||
Territory License Fees receivable (Note 13) | 156,250 | - | |||||
Sales tax receivable | 30,062 | 43,515 | |||||
188,285 | 45,293 |
8. |
Inventory |
February 28 | August 31 | ||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
$ | $ | ||||||
Raw materials | 19,879 | 14,220 | |||||
Finished goods | 19,665 | 42,266 | |||||
Work in progress | 22,982 | 10,688 | |||||
62,526 | 67,174 |
During the six month period ended February 28, 2018, the Company wrote down $8,984 (2016 - $3,925) of inventory to reflect its estimated net realizable value. | |
9. |
Alternative Health Products |
On November 12, 2014, the Company signed an agreement with Poppys Teas LLC (PoViva) and acquired 51% of ViPova. On November 2, 2017, Lexaria announced that it acquired a 100% ownership interest in PoViva Tea, LLC, via cash compensation of $70,000, a waiver on certain debts owed to Lexaria, and a 5%, 20- year royalty on net profits of ViPova TeaTM tea, coffee, and hot chocolate sales. No Lexaria stock or options were issued. The 20-year royalty was determined to have a $Nil fair value as PoViva operates at a loss and future profitability is uncertain. | |
On August 11, 2015, Lexaria signed a license agreement with PoViva Tea LLC for $10,000, granting Lexaria a 35-year non exclusive worldwide license to unencumbered use of PoViva Tea LLCs IP Rights, including rights of resale. This license agreement ensures Lexaria has full access to the underlying patent pending infusion Technology (the Technology). |
Issued Patent # |
Patent Issuance Date |
Patent Family |
9474725 | 10/25/2016 | Food and Beverage Compositions Infused With |
US 9839612 B2 | 12/12/2017 | Lipophilic Active Agents and Methods of Use Thereof |
The patents are amortized over their legal life of 20 years.
Patents
February 28 | August 31 | ||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
$ | $ | ||||||
Balance Beginning | 62,827 | 53,997 | |||||
Additions | 32,042 | 9,699 | |||||
Amortization | (528 | ) | (869 | ) | |||
Balance Ending | 94,341 | 62,827 |
On December 12, 2017, Lexaria received patent US 9839612 B2 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the use of its technology as a delivery platform for all cannabinoids including THC; fat soluble vitamins; non steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs); and nicotine.
10. |
Unearned Revenue |
On May 14, 2016, the Company entered into a licensing agreement (the Licensing Agreement) with an arms length party (the Licensee) allowing the Licensee, for a two-year period, to utilize the Companys Technology to create, test, manufacture, and sell marijuana-infused consumable and/or topical products, in the state of Colorado, with an option of extending the terms of the Licensing Agreement to Washington, Oregon, and California (the Territorial License). In addition to the granting of the license, the Company is required to provide support services to the Licensee in connection with the use of the Companys Technology during the term of the Licensing Agreement. | |
The Company determined that the provision of the support services were a separate deliverable under the licensing agreement. As the support services are not to be sold on a stand-alone basis, the Company was unable to establish a vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value of such services to be able to objectively allocate the Territory License fee receipts between the license and the support services. Accordingly, the Company recognized revenue on a pro-rated basis over the term of the Licensing agreement. The Company has since determined that the support services form an insignificant portion of the licensing contract as they are primarily completed prior to delivery of the technology and that delivery of the license is complete when the Technology is transferred to the Licensee. During the six month period ended February 28, 2018, the Company recognized $17,083 (Note 13), of unearned revenue. |
February 28 | August 31 | ||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
$ | $ | ||||||
Balance Beginning | 17,083 | 12,500 | |||||
Territorial License fees received | - | 30,000 | |||||
Advance payments on product sales | - | 4,900 | |||||
Earned revenue | (17,083 | ) | (30,317 | ) | |||
Balance - Ending | - | 17,083 |
11. |
Common Shares and Warrants |
Fiscal 2018 Activity | |
On October 27, 2017 the Company extended the expiration date of warrants originally issued on January 9, 2017, with a one-year expiration date. The warrant quantity and exercise price remain unchanged, 500,000 warrants exercisable at $0.44, will now expire on January 9, 2019. There was a $Nil effect on the modification of the warrants. | |
December 1, 2017, Lexaria also issued 14,634 restricted common shares at a price of $0.82 per shares to settle $12,000 of debt to a director of the Company. The Company awarded a total of 209,056 restricted common shares at an issuance price of $0.82 as required by intellectual property performance thresholds within an existing management consulting contract with the Company divided between three officers and three managers. Lexaria awarded 250,000 warrants with an exercise price of $0.83 and an expiration date of December 1, 2019 to a manager of the Company, pursuant to a management contract. The warrants were valued at $124,476 and included in consulting expense. | |
January 17, 2018 the Company announced that it has engaged JGRNT Capital Corp to provide strategic consulting services to the Company for a one-year term and awarded 500,000 warrants, each valid to purchase one common share at a price of $1.83 and valid for two years. The warrants were valued at $567,647 and included in consulting expense. | |
During the period ended February 28, 2018 the Company issued 35,913 compensation warrants with an exercise price of $0.60 expiring April 3, 2019. These compensation warrants were valued at $21,646 and recorded as a share issue cost within additional paid in capital for a net effect of $Nil. |
A continuity schedule for warrants is presented below:
Weighted Average | |||||||
Number of | Exercise Price | ||||||
Warrants | $ | ||||||
Balance, August 31, 2016 | 12,136,241 | 0.18 | |||||
Cancelled/Expired | (1,004,150 | ) | 0.22 | ||||
Exercised | (10,322,025 | ) | 0.23 | ||||
Issued | 8,034,440 | 0.36 | |||||
Balance, August 31, 2017 | 8,844,506 | 0.29 | |||||
Cancelled/Expired | (55,000 | ) | 0.27 | ||||
Exercised | (2,599,479 | ) | 0.36 | ||||
Issued | 785,913 | 1.46 | |||||
Balance, February 28, 2018 | 6,975,940 | 0.41 |
The fair value of warrants granted as compensation warrants was estimated as of the date of the grant by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
February 28 | |
2018 | |
Expected volatility | 100% 136% |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.21%2.05% |
Expected life | 1.21 2.00 years |
Dividend yield | 0.00% |
Estimated fair value per warrant | $0.40 $1.14 |
A summary of warrants outstanding as of February 28, 2018 is presented below:
# of Warrants | Weighted | Weighted |
Average | Average | |
Remaining | Exercise Price | |
Contractual Life | $ | |
450,000 | 0.45 years | 0.14 |
500,000 | 0.46 years | 0.44 |
2,641,666 | 0.50 years | 0.14 |
500,000 | 0.86 years | 0.44 |
972,065 | 1.09 years | 0.60 |
212,209 | 1.09 years | 0.42 |
200,000 | 1.31 years | 0.29 |
750,000 | 3.62 years | 0.14 |
250,000 | 1.76 years | 0.83 |
500,000 | 1.88 years | 1.83 |
6,975,940 | 1.12 years | 0.41 |
12. |
Stock Options |
The Company has established its 2014 Stock Option Plan whereby the board of directors may, from time to time, grant up to 3,850,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees, and consultants. Stock options granted must be exercised no later than five years from the date of grant or such lesser period as determined by the Companys board of directors. The exercise price of an option is equal to or greater than the closing market price of the Companys common shares on the day preceding the date of grant. The vesting terms of each grant are set by the board of directors. |
Fiscal 2018 Activity
On December 1, 2017, Lexaria granted 200,000 stock options with an exercise price of $0.83 and an expiration date of December 1, 2022 to an officer of the Company, pursuant to an existing management contract.
The fair value of options granted was estimated as of the date of the grant by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
February 28 | |
2018 | |
Expected volatility | 100% |
Risk-free interest rate | 2.13% |
Expected life | 5.00 years |
Dividend yield | 0.00% |
Estimated fair value per warrant | $0.61 |
A continuity schedule for stock options is presented below:
Weighted | ||||||
Options | Average Exercise | |||||
Outstanding | Price | |||||
$ | ||||||
Balance, August 31, 2016 | 3,485,000 | 0.15 | ||||
Exercised | (1,014,125 | ) | 0.17 | |||
Granted | 850,000 | 0.14 | ||||
Balance, August 31, 2017 | 3,320,875 | 0.15 | ||||
Exercised | (298,375 | ) | 0.19 | |||
Granted | 200,000 | 0.83 | ||||
Balance, February 28, 2018 | 3,222,500 | 0.18 |
A summary of the stock options as at February 28, 2018, is presented below:
Number of Stock | Number of Stock | Weighted | Weighted | Aggregate |
Options | Options | Average | Average | Intrinsic Value |
Exercisable | Remaining | Exercise Price | ||
Contractual Life | $ | $ | ||
247,500 | 247,500 | 0.30 years | 0.09 | 316,575 |
990,000 | 990,000 | 1.81 years | 0.10 | 1,257,300 |
275,000 | 275,000 | 1.93 years | 0.09 | 351,750 |
550,000 | 550,000 | 2.07 years | 0.09 | 703,500 |
110,000 | 110,000 | 2.55 years | 0.17 | 131,700 |
300,000 | 300,000 | 3.13 years | 0.11 | 378,000 |
200,000 | 200,000 | 4.26 years | 0.37 | 200,000 |
350,000 | 50,000 | 4.31 years | 0.29 | 376,250 |
200,000 | 200,000 | 4.76 years | 0.83 | 108,000 |
3,222,500 | 2,922,500 | 2.51 years | 0.18 | 3,823,075 |
13. |
Revenues |
Six Months Ended | |||||||
February 28 | February 28 | ||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
$ | $ | ||||||
Product sales | 11,709 | 3,019 | |||||
Licensing revenue | 184,083 | 18,431 | |||||
Freight revenue | 801 | 377 | |||||
196,593 | 21,827 |
The Company recognized licensing revenue on a pro-rated basis over the term of the Licensing Agreement (Note 10) and additional licensing fees as they are earned. The Company has determined that the support services form an insignificant portion of the licensing contract as they are completed prior to delivery of the Technology and that delivery of the license is complete when the Technology is transferred to the licensee. Additional licensing fees and royalties are recognized as they are earned. During the period ended February 28, 2018, the Company recognized $17,083 (Note 10) of deferred revenue and $167,000 of additional Licensing fees. | |
The additional Licensing fees consist of IP licensing fees for transfer of the Technology with the signing of definitive agreement for the DehydraTECHTM technology with: the Cannfections Group Inc. for a 7-year term for infused chocolates and candies to be developed and sold in Canada and internationally, NeutriSci International Inc. for a 2-year term for the manufacturing and sale of CBD based products, and Biolog, Inc. for a 5-year term to manufacture food and beverage infused products to be sold in the United States. The additional Licensing fees include payments due upon transfer of the Technology and installment payments that are receivable within 12 months (Note 7). | |
14. |
Related Party Transactions |
For the period ended February 28, 2018 the Company paid/accrued the following: |
February 28 | February 28 | ||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
$ | $ | ||||||
Management, consulting and accounting services: | |||||||
C.A.B Financial Services (CAB)(1) | 106,169 | 64,000 | |||||
M&E Services Ltd. (M&E)(1) | 196,252 | 23,146 | |||||
Docherty Management Limited (Docherty Management)(1) | 105,328 | 100,051 | |||||
Company controlled by a director consulting | 12,000 | 24,000 | |||||
419,749 | 211,197 |
(1) CAB is owned by the CEO of the Company, M&E is owned by the CFO of the Company (as of June 1 2017), and Docherty Management is owned by the President of the Company.
The Company granted a total of 200,000 incentive stock options to an officer of the Company with a fair value of $122,562 (Note 12).
Due to related parties:
As at February 28, 2018, $5,594 (August 31, 2017 - $42,690) was payable to related parties included in due to related parties.
The related party transactions are recorded at the exchange amount established and agreed to between the related parties.
15. |
Segment Information |
The Companys operations involve the development and usage, including licensing, of its proprietary nutrient infusion Technology. Lexaria is centrally managed and its chief operating decision makers, being the president and the CEO, use the consolidated and other financial information supplemented by revenue information by category of alternative health consumer products and technology licensing to make operational decisions and to assess the performance of the Company. The Company has identified two reportable segments: Intellectual Property Licensing and Consumer Products. Licensing revenues are significantly concentrated on a single licensee. |
IP Licensing | Consumer Products | Corporate | Consolidated Total | ||
External Revenue | 184,083 | 12,510 | - | 196,593 | |
Cost of Goods Sold | - | (19,812) | - | (19,812) | |
Operating Expenses | (384,243) | (89,351) | (1,660,278) | (2,133,872) | |
Segment Loss | (200,160) | (96,653) | (1,660,278) | (1,957,091) | |
Total Assets | 94,341 | 64,073 | 2,682,826 | 2,841,240 |
16. |
Commitments, Significant Contracts and Contingencies |
Management Agreements | |
As at February 28, 2018, the Company is party to the following contractual commitments: |
Party | Monthly Commitment | Expiry Date |
C.A.B Financial Services (1) (2) | $12,000 | November 30, 2018 |
Docherty Management Ltd. (1) (2) | CAD $15,000 | March 1, 2019 |
M&E Services Ltd. (1) | CAD $8,000 | June 1, 2018 |
Corporate Development(3) (4) | CAD $4,000 | Month to Month |
Corporate Development(3) (4) | CAD $1,000 | January 16, 2019 |
Advisory Agreement | CAD $4,000 | March 24, 2018 |
Investor relations and communications Alex Blanchard Capital(1) | CAD $7,500 | Month to Month |
Office Management (5) (6) | CAD $6,500 | December 1, 2019 |
Research & Development | CAD $3,854 | June 19, 2018 |
Revenue Incentive Milestones
(1) 100,000 common shares issuable upon the Company achieving non-refundable revenues of $200,000 to any single customer in any consecutive 60-day period for the first 12 months of the contract, plus a further 50,000 common shares issuable upon achieving non-refundable revenues of $200,000 to any single customer in any consecutive 60-day period, during the 13th - 24th months of the contract. If the Company achieves non-refundable revenues of $500,000 in any fiscal quarter, a further 200,000 common shares may be issuable during the first 12 months of the contract and 100,000 common shares during the 13th - 24th months of the contract.
Intellectual Property Milestones
(2) During the term of the agreement, for each provisional patent application substantively devised and successfully created, written, and filed with the U.S. Patent Office for the Companys Technology, 250,000 restricted common shares of the Company will be issuable.
Corporate Development Milestones | |
(3) For new customers sourced by the Consultant for the first 12 months of the contract; for combined Lexaria Energy and ViPova products and including all combined sales efforts and/or technology licensing revenues, achieving non-refundable revenues of $200,000 to any single customer in any consecutive 60-day period would result in a restricted common share award of 100,000 Company shares (not achieved); and, during the 13th - 24th months of the contract; a restricted common share award of 50,000 Company shares may be achieved; this clause is limited to one payment per customer during the 12-month period, but payable on each customer that meets these sales/licensing thresholds. | |
(4) For new customers sourced by the Consultant for the first 12 months of the contract; for combined Lexaria Energy and ViPova products and including all combined sales efforts and/or technology licensing revenues, achieving non-refundable revenues of $500,000 in any fiscal quarter would result in a restricted common share award of 200,000 Company shares (not achieved); and, during the 13th - 24th months of the contract; for combined Lexaria Energy and ViPova products and including all sales efforts, achieving non-refundable revenues of $500,000 in any fiscal quarter would result in a restricted common share award of 100,000 Company shares; this clause is limited to one payment per fiscal quarter. | |
Office Management Milestones | |
(5) Until December 1, 2018 for combined Lexaria Energy and ViPova products and including all combined sales efforts and/or technology licensing revenues, achieving non-refundable revenues of $200,000 would result in a restricted common share award of 75,000 Company shares; and from December 2, 2018, until December 1, 2019 for combined Lexaria Energy and ViPova products and including all sales efforts, achieving non- refundable revenues of $200,000 would result in a restricted common share award of 40,000 Company shares; this clause limited to one payment per customer during the 24-month period, but payable on each customer that meets these sales/licensing thresholds; | |
(6) Until December 1, 2018 for combined Lexaria Energy and ViPova products and including all combined sales efforts and/or technology licensing revenues, achieving non-refundable revenues of $500,000 in any fiscal quarter would result in a restricted common share award of 150,000 Company shares; and, from December 2, 2018, until December 1, 2019 for combined Lexaria Energy and ViPova products and including all sales efforts, achieving non-refundable revenues of $500,000 in any fiscal quarter would result in a restricted common share award of 80,000 Company shares; this clause limited to one payment per fiscal quarter; | |
17. |
Prepaid Expenses |
Prepaid expenses consist of the following at February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017: |
February 28 | August 31 | ||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
$ | $ | ||||||
Advertising & Conferences | 134,219 | 106,682 | |||||
Consulting Fees | 16,667 | 23,984 | |||||
Office & Insurance | 4,380 | 15,062 | |||||
Legal Fees | 21,582 | 3,963 | |||||
176,847 | 149,691 |
18. |
Subsequent Events |
a) |
March 13, 2018 the Company received $24,500 from the exercise of 175,000 warrants previously granted with an exercise price of $0.14. | |
b) |
March 23, 2018 the Company received $220,000 from the exercise of 500,000 warrants previously granted with an exercise price of $0.44. | |
c) |
On March 22, 2018 the Company announced it received a new Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) providing for composition of matter claims that protect the specific combination of substances which enable improved taste and bioabsorption properties of its DehydraTECH technology for the delivery of cannabinoids. The patent application number is 15/225,802, Food and Beverage Compositions Infused With Lipophilic Active Agents and Methods of Use Thereof. | |
d) |
On April 11, 2018 the Company announced it received a new Notice of Allowance from the USPTO providing claims that protect processes for making specific compositions of matter for enhanced cannabinoid delivery utilizing its DehydraTECH technology. |
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks in the section entitled "Risk Factors" that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are stated in United States Dollars and are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this quarterly report. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this quarterly report, particularly in the section entitled "Risk Factors" of this quarterly report.
In this quarterly report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars. All references to "CAD$" refer to Canadian dollars and all references to "common shares" and "shares" refer to the common shares in our capital stock, unless otherwise indicated.
As used in this quarterly report, the terms "Lexaria" "we", "us", "our" and "Company" mean Company and/or our subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.
General and Historical Overview of Our Business
The Company was formed on December 9, 2004 under the laws of the State of Nevada as an independent oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, development and acquisition of oil and gas properties in the United States and Canada. In March of 2014, the Company began its entry into the bioscience and alternative health and wellness business and discontinued its involvement in the oil and gas business in November 2014. In May 2016, the Company also commenced out-licensing its patented technology for improved delivery of bioactive compounds that promotes healthy ingestion methods, lower overall dosing and higher effectiveness in active molecule delivery. The Company has its office in Kelowna, BC, Canada.
Effective at the opening of trading on October 28, 2009, our shares of common stock began trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (formerly, Canadian National Stock Exchange) under the trading symbol LXX.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol "LXRP" and on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol LXX.
In 2014, the Company submitted an application to enter the legal medical marijuana business in Canada and also launched a hemp oil-based food supplement company in the USA.
The Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Enertopia Corp for a prospective medical marijuana business under the Canadian Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (“MMPR”) for a 49% net ownership interest in the business (Enertopia 51%) utilizing an identified location in Burlington, Ontario.
On June 26, 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement with Enertopia Corp. and Shaxon Enterprises Ltd. to sell our 49% interest in the Burlington Joint Venture and the MMPR application number 10MMPR0610. Pursuant to the agreement, the joint venture received a non-refundable $10,000 deposit and is entitled to receive up to $1,500,000 in milestone payments upon the Burlington facility becoming licensed under the MMPR. All payments made pursuant to the agreement would be divided 51% to Enertopia Corp. and 49% to our Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we can neither guarantee nor provide a meaningful time estimate regarding the grant of a production license for the Burlington facility.
The Company’s food sciences activities include the development of our proprietary nutrient infusion technologies for the production of superfoods, and the production of enhanced food products under our two consumer product brands, ViPova™ and Lexaria Energy™. The Company’s patented lipid nutrient infusion technology DehydraTECHTM is believed to improve taste, rapidity and delivery of bioactive compounds that include cannabinoids, vitamins NSAIDs Nicotine and other molecules compared to what is possible without lipophilic enhancement technology. This can allow for lower overall dosing requirements and/or higher effectiveness in active molecule delivery. Lexaria has caused to be filed several patent pending applications with the US Patent Office (USPTO), and also internationally under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). On October 26, 2016, the USPTO issued U.S. Patent No. 9,474,725 (granted June 15 2017 in Australia No. 2015274698), Cannabinoid Infused Food and Beverage Compositions and Methods of Use Thereof, pertaining to Lexaria’s method of improving bioavailability and taste of certain cannabinoid lipophilic active agents in food products. On December 12, 2017, the USPTO granted patent number US 9,839,612 B2 for the use of DehydraTECHTM technology as a delivery platform for a wide variety of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (“APIs”) including all cannabinoids including THC; fat soluble vitamins; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications (“NSAIDs”); and nicotine. The title of the granted patent is “Food and Beverage Compositions Infused With Lipophilic Active Agents and Methods of Use Thereof”. Lexaria hopes to reduce other common but less healthy ingestion methods, such as smoking, as it embraces the benefits of its technology for public health.
On January 5, 2018 the Company filed Form S-4 Registration Statement and the company plans to hold an annual and special meeting of stockholders at the office of our law firm, Macdonald Tuskey located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to include as part of the proceedings the approval of the plan of conversion whereby our corporate jurisdiction will be changed from the State of Nevada to the Province of British Columbia, Canada by means of a process called a "conversion" and a "continuation". Important details for stockholders related to the conversion and the associated risks for the company and stockholders are included in the S-4 Registration Statement to be released, as of the writing of this document. There are risks associated with not proceeding with the conversion regarding the increasing complexity of compliance with the regulatory framework and the associated increasing costs, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of our stocks to US investors that limit the potential liquidity of our stock, and an increasingly complex environment that can negatively impact Lexaria even as an ancillary involved company via technology licensing to entities in the state legal cannabidiol and cannabis markets. As at the time of the writing of this document the date of the meeting had been specified as June 13, 2018. Amendments to the S-4 as S-4/A and S-4/A No 2 were filed February 7, 2018 and March 1, 2018.
On March 22, 2018, Lexaria received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for the delivery of both psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids as lipophilic active agents formulated together with the edible fatty acids that enable the bioavailability and taste enhancing properties of the DehydraTECH™ technology. The patent application number is 15/225,802 “Food and Beverage Compositions Infused With Lipophilic Active Agents and Methods of Use Thereof”.
On April 11, 2018 the Company announced it received a new Notice of Allowance from the USPTO providing claims that protect processes for making specific compositions of matter for enhanced cannabinoid delivery utilizing its DehydraTECH™ technology.
As at February 28, 2018, we have identified two reportable segments: Intellectual Property Licensing and Consumer Products.
We maintain our registered agent's office and our U.S. business office at Nevada Agency and Transfer Company, 50 West Liberty, Suite 880, Reno, Nevada 89501. Our telephone number is (755) 322-0626.
The address of our principal executive office is 156 Valleyview Rd, Kelowna BC Canada V1X3M4. We have administrative functions located in Langley, British Columbia and Phoenix, Arizona.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol "LXRP" and on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol “LXX”.
Due to the implementation of British Columbia Instrument 51-509 on September 30, 2008, by the British Columbia Securities Commission, we have been deemed to be a British Columbia based reporting issuer. As such, we are required to file certain information and documents at www.sedar.com.
Our Current Business
Our companys business plan is currently focused on the development of strategic partnerships with licensees for our patented technology in exchange for up front and/or staged licensing fees over time. Secondarily and more generally, we continue to investigate national and international opportunities for development and distribution of the Companys enhanced functional food and supplement product offerings; to investigate expansions and additions to our intellectual property portfolio; and, to search for additional opportunities in alternative health sectors. This includes the acquisition or development of intellectual property if and when we believe it advisable to do so. We announced issuance of our first patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on October 26, 2016 and have received a Notice of Acceptance from the Australian Patent Office with related patent issuance date June 15 2017 No. 2015274698. On December 12, 2017 of patent number US 9,839,612 B2 was issued for the delivery of additional molecules such as psychoactive cannabinoids, vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and nicotine all utilizing our DehydraTECHTM delivery technology. On March 22, 2018, we received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for the delivery of both psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids as lipophilic active agents formulated together with the edible fatty acids that enable the bioavailability and taste enhancing properties of the DehydraTECH technology. The patent application number is 15/225,802 Food and Beverage Compositions Infused With Lipophilic Active Agents and Methods of Use Thereof. We are seeking additional patent protection for what we believe to be a unique process for the nutritional delivery of certain molecules such as cannabinoids, Nicotine, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and Vitamins. To achieve sustainable and profitable growth, our company intends to control the timing and costs of our projects wherever possible.
During the six month period ended February 28, 2018, and up to the date of this report, we experienced the following significant corporate developments:
On October 27, 2017, the Company announced it extended the expiration date of warrants originally issued on January 9, 2017 with a one-year expiration date. The warrant quantity and exercise price remain unchanged. Those same 500,000 warrants remain exercisable at $0.44 but will now expire on January 9, 2019.
On October 31, 2017, the Company announced it received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the use of its technology as a delivery platform for all cannabinoids including THC; fat soluble vitamins; non steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs); and nicotine. The patent application number is 15/225,799, Food and Beverage Compositions Infused With Lipophilic Active Agents and Methods of Use Thereof and on December 12, 2017, the USPTO granted patent number US 9,839,612 B2 for the use of DehydraTECHTM technology as a delivery platform.
On November 2, 2017, the Company announced it acquired 100% ownership interest in its majority owned subsidiary Poviva Tea, LLC. The Company previously owned a 51% interest in Poviva Tea, LLC and acquired the remaining 49% interest. Compensation was $70,000, a waiver on certain debts, and a 5%, 20-year royalty on net profits of ViPova TeaTM tea, coffee, and hot chocolate sales. No Lexaria stock or options were issued. The 20-year royalty was determined to have a $Nil fair value as PoViva operates at a loss and future profitability is uncertain.
On November 9, 2017, the Company announced it filed a new patent application with the US Patent and Trademark Office utilizing the Lexaria DehydraTECHTM technology for delivery of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors - trade names of existing well-known products include Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil).
On November 27, 2017, the Company announced filing its annual Form 10-K including financial statements.
December 1, 2017, the Company issued 14,634 restricted common shares at a price of $0.82 per shares to settle $12,000 of debt to a director of the Company. Lexaria awarded a total of 209,056 restricted common shares at an issuance price of $0.82 as required by intellectual property performance thresholds within an existing management consulting contract with the Company divided between three officers and three managers. Lexaria awarded 250,000 warrants with an exercise price of $0.83 and an expiration date of December 1, 2019 to a manager of the Company, pursuant to a management contract.
December 1, 2017, Lexaria granted 200,000 stock options with an exercise price of $0.83 and an expiration date of December 1, 2022, to an officer of the Company, pursuant to an existing management contract.
December 29, 2017, the Company announced it filed a S4 prospectus with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) intending to re-domicile out of the USA and into Canada. The process of changing legal jurisdiction involves a number of steps including seeking and obtaining shareholder approval.
January 4, 2018, the Company announced it qualified for and began trading on the OTCQX Best Market, operated by OTC Markets Group.
January 17, 2018, the Company announced that it has engaged JGRNT Capital Corp to provide strategic consulting services to the Company for a one-year term and awarded 500,000 warrants, each valid to purchase one common share at a price of $1.83 and valid for two years.
January 25, 2018, the Company announced it entered a definitive technology licensing agreement with a 7-year term with Cannfections Group Inc. whereby Lexaria is providing its patented DehydraTECHTM technology to empower next-generation performance in cannabis infused chocolates and candies to be developed and sold in Canada and internationally.
February 26, 2018, the Company announced it entered an agreement with NeutriSci International Inc. ("NeutriSci") (TSX-V: NU, OTCQB: NRXCF) such that NeutriSci now owns 100% of Ambarii Trade Corporation and Lexaria has granted to NeutriSci an Intellectual Property License and Supply Agreement for the manufacturing and sale of CBD based products.
February 27, 2018, the Company announced it entered a definitive technology licensing agreement with a 5-year term with Los Angeles-based, privately-held Biolog, Inc. (“Biolog”) whereby Lexaria is providing its patented DehydraTECHTM technology to empower a unique set of next-generation food and beverage cannabis infusion products to be sold in the United States.
During the period ended February 28, 2018, the Company issued 35,913 compensation warrants with an exercise price of $0.60 expiring April 3, 2019. These compensation warrants were valued at $21,646 and recorded as a share issue cost within additional paid in capital for a net effect of $Nil. Within the period a total of $1,007,591 was received for the exercises of warrants and options.
March 20, 2018, the Company announced it filed a new patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for use of DehydraTECHTM to improve the speed and quantity of absorption of active pharmaceutical ingredients through the skin. In the patent application, Lexaria has applied for patent protection for the delivery of all of the active ingredient classes already identified in its other issued and pending patent applications including cannabinoids, terpenes and terpenoids, NSAIDs, vitamins, nicotine and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, as well as a broad range of additional active ingredients commonly found in topical products today that may benefit from enhanced skin permeability performance in concert with the DehydraTECHTM technology.
On March 22, 2018, Lexaria received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for the delivery of both psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids as lipophilic active agents formulated together with the edible fatty acids that enable the bioavailability and taste enhancing properties of the DehydraTECH™ technology. The patent application number is 15/225,802 “Food and Beverage Compositions Infused With Lipophilic Active Agents and Methods of Use Thereof”.
In March 2018, the Company received $244,500 from the exercise of 675,000 warrants previously granted with an exercise prices of $0.14 and $0.44.
Food Science and Technology
Lexaria is a Biotechnology and food science company focused on developing and out-licensing its proprietary technology for improved taste, rapidity, and delivery of bioactive compounds in foods and other ingestible products Lexaria is focusing its capital and management time on its pursuit of intellectual property, technology licensing opportunities, an expanding portfolio of patent pending applications, and functional food and supplement formulations.
On November 11, 2014, our Company acquired 51% of PoViva Tea LLC and executed an operating agreement to develop a business of legally producing, manufacturing, importing/exporting, testing, researching and developing, a line of hemp oil with cannabidiol-infused teas, drinks and foods. Lexaria oversees all aspects of the business including, but not limited to, production, product quality, licensing, testing, product legality, accounting, marketing, capital investment, capital raising, sales, branding, advertising and fulfillment. Pursuant to the agreement, there is a Management Committee, whereby there are two representatives from Lexaria and one of the founding members of PoViva. On November 2, 2017, we announced that we acquired 100% of PoViva Tea LLC.
The Company introduced an expanding variety of hemp fortified consumer food products throughout 2015 to demonstrate Lexaria’s DehydraTECHTM technology to both consumers and potential licensees. From January 2015 to December 2015, seven (7) flavors of teas; hot chocolate; coffee, and two (2) flavors of protein energy bars were introduced – all utilizing Lexaria’s patented technology DehydraTECHTM for the more palatable and efficient delivery of bioactive molecules infused within those food products.
In the production of the products, for each raw material to be used in ViPova™-branded products, the Company assesses if the product inputs and the completed products comply with all applicable food and drug laws, and that the inputs and the finished products meet all applicable legal and quality standards including and as it relates to hemp oil content; THC content; molds and mildews; heavy metals; and may measure additional components.
The US Federal government, through the US Department of Health and Human Services, owns US Patent #6630507, which among other things, claims that
“Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of wide variety of oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and HIV dementia.”
For reference, cannabinoids are compounds that affect cannabinoid receptors located on many human cells. CB1 receptors are widely found within the human brain; and CB2 receptors are found with the human immune system and have been linked to anti-inflammatory and other responses.
Despite independent scientific findings in many locations around the world, some regulatory agencies do not officially recognize that a human endocannabinoid system exists.
Over one hundred different cannabinoids have been isolated from the cannabis plant, most of which do not have psychoactive properties. One that does have psychoactive properties is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Endocannabinoids are produced naturally in the human body while phytocannabinoids are produced in several plant species, most abundantly in the Cannabis plant.
Cannabidiol (“CBD”) is one of the major phytocannabinoid forms of cannabinoids and is not psychoactive, often contributing more than 35% of the extracts from the cannabis plant resin. Cannabidiol occurs naturally in other plant species beyond cannabis. For example, the most widely acknowledged alternative source of phytocannabinoid is in the better understood Echinacea species, in widespread use as a dietary supplement. Most phytocannabinoids are virtually insoluble in water but are soluble in lipids and alcohol. The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) has exempted CBD from its 2018 list of banned substances.
The Alternative Health sector is large and growing. A long term Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was conducted from 2002 until 2008 with at least 29,370 subjects asked repeatedly if they had seen any kind of health care practitioner in the previous six months. The survey recorded whether the health care provider was a complementary and alternative medicine care professional, including homeopathic, naturopathic, or herbalist.
Between 5.3% and 5.8% of the survey group at any one time reported that they had seen a complementary or alternative medicine provider. Based on the US population of ~323,000,000, this suggests between 17.1 million and 18.7 million Americans are seeking an alternative health care professional at any given time.
Meanwhile the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in an April 2011 NCHS Data Brief, reported that more than 50% of the population uses dietary supplements of one kind or another. Detailed findings from that report included:
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Use of dietary supplements is common among the U.S. adult population. Over 40% used supplements in 19881994, and over one-half in 20032006.
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Multivitamins/multiminerals are the most commonly used dietary supplements, with approximately 40% of men and women reporting use during 20032006.
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Use of supplemental calcium increased from 28% during 19881994 to 61% during 20032006 among women aged 60 and over.
Status of Operations; Consumer product development and sales
More than 150 million Americans drink tea every day, amounting to some 79 billion servings of tea in America every year. Our launch of ViPova Tea brand is meant to tap into this existing demand. Part of our corporate strategy is to build national brands through products that large groups of potential customers are already familiar and comfortable with.
PoViva Tea LLC has filed patents pending, and has received one granted patent and one Notice of Acceptance of the patent, to bind active hemp oil ingredients with a lipid, potentially allowing for more efficient and comforting delivery of the CBD.
Lexaria began producing cash flows from its products in January 2015; focused on the immediate opportunities in the hemp-oil-sectors that are federally legal. Cannabinoids have been found by many researchers to have antioxidant properties and Lexaria plans to use the DehydraTECHTM patented process to infuse hemp oils into a number of popular food and beverages.
Lexaria has launched a line of premium products, always relying on our DehydraTECHTM patented infusion process, to bring hemp oil into the mainstream. Because hemp oil does not have psychoactive properties we expect our products to appeal to the widest possible customer base. To date we will focus our sales efforts across the continental USA. Some studies have found that 3% of the Canadian population regularly consumes hemp food products, while 1% of the American population regularly consumes hemp food products. We believe the consumption of hemp based food products offers exceptional growth possibilities.
According to Nutrition Business Journal, the Organic Food sector was a $246 billion industry in the USA during 2014, while Dietary Supplements was a $34.6 billion industry. According to Arcview, Legal Cannabis was a $4.7 billion US industry in 2015 and expected to grow to over a $20 billion sector before 2025 but is clearly a much smaller industry sector than the more established food sectors. Lexaria has not yet determined whether our hemp oil-infused products will be accepted into any or all three of these particular sectors.
Lexaria has a main corporate website as well as smaller e-commerce focused websites devoted to consumer products. The majority of product sales have taken place through the e-commerce websites. A contracted national distribution center ensures rapid and accurate fulfillment of all orders. A 1-800 ordering center has also been placed into operation.
Lexaria had previously launched the Lexaria Energy brand that is 100% owned by the Company. Under this brand, the Company plans to develop hemp oil-infused food products for people with active lifestyles, such as protein bars, protein shakes and other similar products. On November 3, 2015, Lexaria Energy10 protein bars became available for retail sales with two flavors. The original contract manufacturer of these protein bars was unable to fulfill additional orders and we have not currently been able to locate and contract an alternative location to manufacture this more complicated food product, with the result that the product is temporarily discontinued while we search for a suitable manufacturing location.
Through the November 2014 acquisition of 51% of Poviva Tea LLC, and the November 2, 2017, announcement of the 100% acquisition, Lexaria acquired control of certain patents pending with the United States Patent Office. Lexaria has worked to broaden the patents and extend their utility to molecules other than those originally named. On June 11, 2015, Lexaria initiated the simultaneous filing of a U.S. utility patent application and an International patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) procedure, both at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These applications follow the Companys 2014 and 2015 family of provisional patent application filings in the U.S. and serve two additional broad purposes:
1) |
Lexaria is seeking protection of its intellectual property under international treaties. To this end Lexaria has filed for PCT patent application protection. There are 148 countries that are signatories to the Patent Cooperation Treaty, including such major markets as Canada, China, India, much of Europe and the Middle East, the United Kingdom and Japan among others. | |
2) |
Lexaria believes its lipid infusion technology has applications beyond the delivery of just cannabinoids. Based on further formulation testing, Lexaria has included additional lipophilic molecules that may be delivered via food and beverage formats utilizing its technology, widely encompassing three major new market opportunities for the Company: Nicotine; Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs); and Vitamins. |
In December 2015, the Company filed two further provisional patent applications in the U.S. These new applications served to further broaden the variety and applicability of base compounds that can be used when formulating the Companys lipid based technology. The first of these applications identify compounds like edible starches (e.g., tapioca starch) that are commonly used in food products today and could, therefore, serve as a base for formulating and incorporating the Companys Technology into a wide variety of every day food products. The second of these applications identify emulsifier compounds like gum Arabic that are commonly used in beverage products today in order to facilitate similar flexibility for formulating the Companys Technology in every day, shelf-stable beverages.
On October 26, 2016, the USPTO issued U.S Patent No. 9474725, Cannabinoid Infused Food and Beverage Compositions and Methods of Use Thereof, pertaining to our method of improving bioavailability and taste of certain cannabinoid lipophilic active agents in food products. This is the Companys first patent granted and has a publish date of October 27, 2016 (June 10 2017 in Australia No. 2015274698) and protects our technology for twenty years. On December 12, 2017, the USPTO granted patent number US 9,839,612 B2 for the use of DehydraTECHTM technology as a delivery platform. On March 22, 2018 the Company announced it received a new Notice of Allowance from the USPTO providing for composition of matter claims that protect the specific combination of substances which enable improved taste and bioabsorption properties of its DehydraTECH technology for the delivery of cannabinoids. The patent application number is 15/225,802, Food and Beverage Compositions Infused With Lipophilic Active Agents and Methods of Use Thereof.
The Company does not know and cannot know whether these strategies will be successful, or if successful, how long it will take to gain consumer acceptance and customer loyalty. It can be a challenge to be successful by introducing new consumer products to a competitive retail marketplace, and we can offer no assurances that our products will be a commercial success.
International Patent Protection
When Lexaria first began examining the legal medical cannabis market in 2013, and entered the market in 2014, the Company believed it could make an impact in perhaps both the Canadian and U.S. marketplaces. Our pursuit and development of technology has expanded our potential area of impact, both geographically and by sector. Because of the applicability of our technology to markets outside of the legal cannabis sector, we have taken the necessary steps to protect that intellectual property within larger global markets, regardless of whether they lie within the medical cannabis sector or in other unrelated sectors.
Additional Molecules
NICOTINE. More than 99% of all nicotine that is consumed worldwide is delivered through smoking cigarettes. Approximately 6,000,000 deaths per year, worldwide, are attributed primarily to the delivery of nicotine through the act of smoking according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which also estimates that over $170 billion per year is spent just in the USA on direct medical care costs for adult smokers. 69% of U.S. adult smokers want to quit smoking and 43% of US adult smokers have attempted to quit in any twelve-month period.
Worldwide, retail cigarette sales were worth $722 billion in 2013, with over 5.7 trillion cigarettes sold to more than 1 billion smokers.
RELEVANCE: Lexaria postulates that delivery of nicotine to satisfy current demand, utilizing our patented lipid-delivery technology in common food groups, could shift demand from smoking cigarettes to alternative nicotine-based food products. Since most of the adverse health outcomes of nicotine consumption are associated with the delivery method and only to a lesser degree to the actual ingestion of nicotine, there could be a vast positive community health outcome through the reduction in smoking cigarettes. Additional research and regulatory compliant investigations would need to be conducted before otherwise healthy foods such as tea, coffee or energy bar snacks containing nicotine could be introduced. Nicotine is a named molecule in the latest Lexaria patent applications.
NSAID. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatories are the second-largest category of pain management treatment options in the world. The global pain management market was estimated at $22 billion in 2011, with $5.4 billion of this market being served by NSAID’s. The U.S. makes up over one-half of the global market. The opioids market (such as morphine) form the largest single pain management sector but are known to be associated with serious dependence and tolerance issues.
Some of the most commonly known NSAIDs are ASA (Aspirin), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and Acetaminophen (Tylenol). (Acetaminophen is not accepted by all persons to be an NSAID.) Although NSAIDs are generally a safe and effective treatment method for pain, they have been associated with a number of gastrointestinal problems including dyspepsia and gastric bleeding.
RELEVANCE: Lexaria postulates that delivery of NSAIDs through a lipid-based mechanism could provide the beneficial properties of pain relief with lessened negative gastrointestinal effects, and also potentially deliver lower dosages of active ingredients with similar pain management outcomes as current pill forms at higher dosages. ASA, Piroxicam, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen are all named molecules in the latest Lexaria patent applications.
VITAMINS. The global vitamin and supplement market is worth $68 billion according to Euromonitor. The category is both broad and deep, comprised of many popular and some lesser known substances. Vitamins in general are thought to be an $8.5 billion annual market in the U.S. The U.S. is the largest single national market in the world, and China and Japan are the 2nd and 3rd largest vitamin markets.
Vitamin E is fat soluble and can be incorporated into cell membranes which can protect them from oxidative damage. Global consumption of natural source vitamin E was 10,900 metric tons in 2013 worth $611.9 million.
RELEVANCE: Lexaria postulates that delivery of fat soluble vitamins through its patented lipid-based delivery mechanism may result in less waste and lower dosages required than most current pill forms. As well, ingestion of pills is an unpleasant experience for many people so it is possible that vitamin delivery through common food groups could vastly expand market demand for this sector. Vitamin E is a named molecule in the latest Lexaria patent applications.
On August 11, 2015, Lexaria signed a license agreement with PoViva Tea LLC for $10,000, granting Lexaria a 35-year non exclusive worldwide license to unencumbered use of PoViva Tea LLC’s IP Rights, including rights of resale. This license agreement ensures Lexaria has full access to the underlying infusion technology.
Scientific testing and validation
On August 24, 2015, the Company announced potential industry-changing achievements in enhanced gastrointestinal absorption of cannabidiol (CBD) utilizing Lexaria’s technology. The third-party testing was conducted in two phases of in vitro tests beginning in June and completed in August, 2015.
The independent laboratory results delivered average CBD permeability of 499% of baseline permeability, compared to CBD permeability without Lexaria’s technology. These results exceed Company expectations. This was assessed in a strictly controlled, in vitro experiment using a human intestinal tissue model. Samples of Lexaria’s commercially available CBD-fortified ViPova™ black tea were administered in the model compared with concentration-matched CBD control preparations that lacked Lexaria’s patented formulation and process enhancements. Lexaria believes that its in vitro findings provide compelling evidence of the intestinal absorption enhancing capabilities of its technology, based on which it is exploring opportunities to progress to more advanced, follow-on bioavailability testing in animals.
The tests also showed 325% of baseline gastro-intestinal permeability of CBD comparing Lexaria’s CBD-fortified ViPova™ black tea to a second control of CBD and black tea combined, without Lexaria’s patented formulation enhancements. This confirmed that the specialized processing undertaken by Lexaria during its manufacturing process together with its formulation enhancements, does indeed significantly improve absorption levels.
The bioavailability of CBD (or of THC) varies greatly by delivery method. Smoking typically delivers cannabinoids at an average bioavailability rate of 30% (Huestis (2007) Chem. Biodivers. 4:1770–1804; McGilveray (2005) Pain Res. Manag. 10 Suppl. A:15A – 22A). By comparison, orally consumed cannabis edibles typically deliver cannabinoids at an average bioavailability rate of only 5% (Karschner et al. (2011) Clin. Chem. 57:66–75).
The Company’s present findings suggest that its technology may achieve a 5-fold improvement in cannabinoid absorption in edible form over that which can be achieved without its proprietary process and formulation enhancements. This conceptually supports that Lexaria’s technology represents a significant breakthrough in cannabinoid delivery by approximating the high absorption levels achieved as though through administration by smoking, but without the associated negative effects on human health caused by smoking.
The tests were completed in two phases culminating with testing using simulated intestinal fluid conditions that delivered these findings. These results were stronger than earlier iterations of the tests that did not use a simulated intestinal fluid environment and contributed to Lexaria’s understanding of the mechanisms at work. For these and other reasons, Lexaria believes that bioavailability testing in animals is likely to yield even stronger absorption results in the presence of natural intestinal fluid conditions.
CBD has been repeatedly found to provide beneficial pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, neuroprotection, anti-psychotic, and anti-convulsive effects among others. Lexaria’s patented technology could significantly reduce individual serving requirements for CBD to consumers. This could lead to reduced costs of consumption for consumers and increased profitability for Lexaria.
Lexaria believes that the same technology used to enhance the absorption of CBD in the recent laboratory tests, is applicable to THC, nicotine, NSAIDs and other lipophilic compounds that are widely used today.
During January 2015, Lexaria conducted a study of nitric oxide levels in humans, as a biomarker for absorption of cannabidiol, with the expectation that it would provide additional evidence of the efficient absorption of cannabidiol from Lexaria food products enhanced with hemp oil, by demonstrating the elevation of nitric oxide in the human body in response to product ingestion.
The study data from human subjects demonstrated significant elevation of systemic nitric oxide levels as a surrogate biomarker for cannabidiol (CBD) bioabsorption in response to ingestion of Lexaria's products. This provided clinical support for the CBD bioavailability enhancing properties of Lexaria's patented technology, on the premise that bioavailable CBD is known to elevate levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide in the human body which, in turn, stimulates release of nitric oxide in the vascular system.
In summary, consuming Lexaria and ViPova™ food products resulted in elevated levels of nitric oxide within the body. The results of the study indicated that all Lexaria and ViPova™ food products elicited significant increases in salivary nitric oxide, achieving levels from 110 µM to as high as 220 µM in the test subjects. The beverage products generally had faster initial responses in as little as 15 minutes after product ingestion, whereas the initial responses from the protein-energy bars required 30 minutes. The faster response time with the beverage products was to be expected, given the relative ease of digesting liquids versus solids. All products sustained their maximum levels of nitric oxide detection through to the 60-minute end-points used in the study, indicating a need for additional study to determine the length of time that nitric oxide levels remain elevated following production consumption.
The study assessed six flavors of ViPova™ tea (Yunan Black, Herbal Cherry Black, Earl Grey, Herbal Bengal Chai, Herbal Masala Chai and Decaf English Breakfast), ViPova™ Columbian Supremo Coffee, ViPova™ Hot Chocolate and Lexaria Energy Foods’ Chocolate Berry Date and Cashew Berry Date protein-energy bars.
Six healthy human subjects (3 male and 3 female) between the ages of 22 and 65 years of age were recruited for the study. Subjects were screened for cardiovascular and allergic response to hemp products, were non-smokers and did not have any history of substance or alcohol abuse. One product was studied per day across all six subjects, with each subject consuming a full product serving size. Subjects were required to refrain from eating food or using vape products for at least 12 hours before test article administration on each day of the study. Nitric oxide levels in the test subjects were assessed using a commercially available, colorimetric test kit designed to quantify systemic nitric oxide via a detectable salivary marker. Immediately before test article administration each day, all subjects were required to demonstrate a negative baseline nitric oxide saliva test. Subjects were considered to have a negative test strip reading at a level of 20 µM according to the test strip scale, and positive readings anywhere above this. Subjects performed salivary nitric oxide testing at 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes’ post-consumption of each product. All subjects remained sedentary from baseline through to the completion of testing for each product.
In addition to the above described scientific testing and validation studies, Lexaria has also conducted various cannabinoid formulation experiments, together with potential DehydraTECH™ licensee partners, on chocolates, candies, gummies, mouth-melts, chocolate bars, protein bars, beverages such as beer, spices, tea, coffee, supplements and more over the past several years. Beverage formulations have produced cannabinoid water-based products including de-alcoholized beer that mask unwanted cannabis flavor and are fast acting. Chocolate formulations were reported as being the fastest acting, most consistent, and best-tasting products relative to comparator control formulations in approximately 70% of cases in a recent 2017 consumer study. As well, on March 22, 2016, Lexaria announced results from another chocolate formulation consumer study in which test subjects ranked those chocolates that had been created with Lexaria’s technology as the best tasting, most palatable and providing the best overall experience of the chocolates sampled. Furthermore, the test subjects in that study indicated a time of onset of the cannabis oil effects in as little as 15-20 minutes on average. The study included 12 volunteers who were all regular cannabis consumers with experience ingesting conventional edibles. All chocolates used in the study were blinded (unmarked) in order that the subjects could not discern the product formulations applied.
Technology out-licensing
On May 14, 2016, the Company entered into a Licensing Agreement allowing the Licensee, for a two-year period, to utilize the Company’s technology to create, test, manufacture, and sell marijuana-infused consumable and/or topical products, in the state of Colorado, with an option of extending the terms of the Licensing Agreement to Washington, Oregon, and California. In addition to the granting of the license, the Company will provide support services to the Licensee in connection with the use of the Company’s technology during the term of the Licensing Agreement. The Licensing Agreement is the first contracted, predictable, and significant revenue stream to be achieved as a direct result of Lexaria’s technological advantage in the marketplace. Under the terms of the Licensing Agreement, the Licensee will pay a minimum of $122,000 in pre-defined staged payments to Lexaria over the initial two-year term. As per the Licensing Agreement, if the Licensee were to introduce certain product lines utilizing Lexaria’s technology in each of the four states contemplated, Lexaria could expect to receive a maximum of $1,064,000 over approximately 3.5 years, and the Licensee would enjoy semi-exclusivity to introduce its products in each of those states. As of February 28 2018 the company has recorded $92,392 over the life of the contract to date, with $10,000 as a current receivable corresponding to the areas under the license agreement where the licensee has been active to-date.
On January 25, 2018, the Company announced it entered a definitive technology licensing agreement with a 7-year term with Cannfections Group Inc. whereby Lexaria is providing its patented DehydraTECHTM technology to empower next-generation performance in cannabis infused chocolates and candies to be developed and sold in Canada and internationally.
On February 26, 2018 the Company announced it entered an agreement with NeutriSci International Inc. ("NeutriSci") (TSX-V: NU, OTCQB: NRXCF) such that NeutriSci now owns 100% of Ambarii Trade Corporation and Lexaria has granted to NeutriSci an Intellectual Property License and Supply Agreement for the manufacturing and sale of CBD based products.
On February 27, 2018 the Company announced it entered a definitive technology licensing agreement with Los Angeles-based, privately-held Biolog, Inc. (“Biolog”) whereby Lexaria is providing its patented DehydraTECHTM technology to empower a unique set of next-generation food and beverage cannabis infusion products to be sold in the United States.
The continuation of our business interests in these sectors is dependent upon obtaining further financing, a successful programs of development, and, ultimately, achieving a profitable level of operations. The issuance of additional equity securities by us could result in a significant dilution in the equity interests of our current stockholders. Obtaining commercial loans, assuming those loans would be available, will increase our liabilities and future cash commitments.
We are not yet profitable and have not yet demonstrated our ability to generate significant revenues from our business plan. We will require additional corporate funds if our existing capital is not sufficient to support the Company until potential future profitability is reached. There are no assurances that we will be able to obtain further funds required for our long-term operations. We do not expect to require additional operating capital during our fiscal 2018 year. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. If we are not able to obtain the additional financing on a timely basis, we will be unable to conduct our operations as planned, and we will not be able to meet our other longer-term obligations as they become due. In such event, we could be forced to scale down or perhaps even cease our operations. There is uncertainty as to whether we can obtain additional long-term financing if we do in fact require it.
Our business plan does not anticipate that we will hire a large number of employees or that we will require extensive office space. We expect to be able to utilize contracted third parties for most of our production and distribution needs, instead focusing on our capital on higher value added aspects of the business such as research and development, and scientific testing. We have no current plans to build our own production facility.
Our company relies on the business experience of our existing management, on the technical abilities of consulting experts, and on the technical and operational abilities of its operating partner companies to evaluate business opportunities.
Competition
The legal marijuana industry is comprised of several sub-sectors, and is legal under different guidelines in many states though it remains illegal under most federal laws. Notwithstanding, the overall sector is generally recognized to be one of the fastest growing in the USA, with state-legal revenue of over $8 billion in 2016. Independent projections and publicized reports expect revenue of $20 billion or more in 2020, both as the sector gains in credibility and acceptance, and as more and more states legalize either medical use or adult recreational use; or both.
In any fast growing industry, competition is expected to be both strong and also difficult to evaluate as to the most effective competitive threats. While we are an early adopter within the cannabinoid delivery sector, there are already reports of more than 300 public companies that have claimed to be involved in the sector in some fashion; and an unknown number of private companies. Our current strategies may prove to be ineffective as the sector grows and matures, and if so, we will have to adapt quickly to changing sectoral circumstances. Accordingly, the Company intends to aggressively pursue technology out-licensing opportunities not only within the cannabinoids sector where it is already active, but also across other sectors where its DehydraTECHTM technology is patent allowed and/or pending, including the opportunities in the vitamin and supplements sector, the pain relief sector and the nicotine products sector.
Competition in alternative health sectors and in consumer products in the USA is fierce. We expect to encounter competitive threats from existing participants in the sector and new entrants. Although PoViva Tea LLC has filed patent applications to protect intellectual property, there is no assurance that patents beyond those already issued will be granted nor that other firms may not file superior patents pending. Food supplements, organic foods, and health food markets are all well established and our Company will face many challenges trying to enter these markets. Lexaria is also aware of various competing technologies that exist in the marketplace that claim to also enhance the bioabsorption of cannabinoids as Lexaria has demonstrated through repeated in vitro and in vivo scientific testing with its patented DehydraTECHTM technology. By and large, these technologies are all forms of nanotechnology that generally claim to enable the formation of microencapsulated microemulsions of cannabinoid active ingredients. These technologies can enable exceptional water solubility of cannabinoid ingredients and can impart improved intestinal bioabsorption as a result. However, it is Lexaria’s belief that its patented DehydraTECHTM technology offers a host of benefits beyond what competing technologies can offer, including superior oral palatability, a more appealing and all-natural ingredient compositional profile from a food and beverage formulation perspective and superior scalability and cost effectiveness from a manufacturing perspective. Lexaria believes that its DehydraTECHTM technology is, therefore, significantly distinguished from competing technologies in these respects, with a view to growing the breadth and number of licensees that will adopt its technology for their product offerings going forward. Lexaria believes that these competitive advantages together with its wealth of scientific data showing noteworthy bioabsorption enhancements with its DehydraTECHTM technology constitute a compelling value proposition for its prospective licensees, and it intends to continue to pursue license arrangements not only within the cannabinoids edibles sector where it is already active, but also in the various other bioactive ingredient sectors identified in its issued and pending patent applications.
Compliance with Government Regulation
At least 24 States in the USA have passed some form of legislation related to that state’s permission to grow, cultivate, sell or use marijuana either for medical purposes or for recreational or “adult use” purposes; or both. The various state legislation is not necessarily harmonious with one another, leading to potential conflicts between state laws. It is most often not legal to transport cannabis-related products across state lines.
Lexaria does not “touch the plant” in any location within or outside of the USA. We comply with federal law that provides for certain exemptions for agricultural (industrial) hemp and certain byproducts to be manufactured and sold in the US. The DehydraTECHTM technology may have applications within the legal marijuana sector and we may seek to license that technology to companies that have met and comply with state regulations for the sale or distribution of cannabis related products in any particular jurisdiction.
Lexaria’s position is that, just as a telephone company provides communications services, and an electric company provides electrical power, our provision of technological services to a state-legal cannabis company is in compliance with laws and required regulations.
Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECHTM technology may also have application in completely separate sectors such as vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and nicotine. We have no products nor operations in any of these sectors today. If we enter any of these sectors at any time, we will be exposed to and of necessity will have to comply with, all local, state and federal regulations in each of those sectors. As a result of the possibility of Lexaria being involved in a number of disparate business sectors, compliance with government regulations could require significant resources and expertise from our company.
Significant Acquisitions and Dispositions
We do not intend to purchase any significant equipment over the twelve months other than office computers, furnishings, and communication equipment as required, although that strategy could change if food manufacturing considerations demand it.
Contractors
We primarily use sub-contractors and consultants in the intellectual property development and licensing, and alternative health product sectors. We primarily engage with consultants to serve our executive needs.
The Company has an agreement with CAB for a consulting fee of $12,000 per month. The term of the agreement is two years but can be terminated by either party by providing two months notice. The Company may pay Mr. Bunka a bonus from time to time, at its sole discretion. Mr. Bunka will be entitled to receive common stock-based and stock option based bonuses upon achieving certain milestones during the time of his consultancy with the Company. These milestones are during the first 12 months after the date of the agreement with CAB,:
Revenue Incentive Milestones (Revenue Incentives “A”)
- Upon the Company achieving non-refundable revenues of $200,000 to any single customer in any consecutive 60-day period, CAB would be entitled to an award of 100,000 restricted common shares of the Company and after the first 12-month period, expiring after 24 months of the amended agreement, upon the Company achieving non-refundable revenues of $200,000 to any single customer in any consecutive 60- day period, CAB would be entitled to an award of 50,000 restricted common shares of the Company. These awards are limited to one payment per customer during the 24-month period but payable for each customer that meets the revenue thresholds.
- Upon the Company achieving non-refundable revenues of $500,000 in any fiscal quarter would result in an award to CAB of 200,000 common shares of the Company and after the first 12 months, expiring 24 months after the amended agreement, the Company achieving non-refundable revenues of $500,000 in any fiscal quarter would result in an award to CAB of 100,000 common shares of the Company. These awards are limited to one payment per fiscal quarter.
Intellectual Property Milestones (IP Incentives “B”)
- During the term of the agreement, for each provisional patent application substantively devised by CAB and successfully created, written and filed with the US Patent Office for the Company’s Technology, CAB will be entitled to an award of 250,000 restricted common shares of the Company.
On June 1, 2017, the Company appointed Mr. Allan Spissinger as acting CFO, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer. The Company executed a twelve month consulting contract with M&E Services Ltd., a wholly owned company by Mr. Allan Spissinger, with monthly compensation of CAD$8,000 superseding the previously CAD$3,400 plus hourly billing for additional work and applicable taxes. The Company may pay Mr. Spissinger a bonus from time to time, at its sole discretion. Mr. Spissinger was awarded 200,000 incentive stock options exercisable at $0.37 vesting immediately. Mr. Spissinger will be entitled to receive additional common stock-based and stock option based bonuses upon achieving certain milestones during the time of his consultancy with the Company. These milestones are during the first 12 months after the date of the agreement with M&E Services Ltd.:
- Revenue Incentives “A” as defined above.
The Company appointed Mr. John Docherty as President of Lexaria effective April 15, 2015. On March 1, 2017, the Company executed a twenty four month consulting contract with Docherty Management Limited, solely owned by Mr. John Docherty with monthly compensation of CAD$15,000 plus applicable taxes, superseding the previous agreement with monthly compensation of CAD$12,500 plus applicable taxes. The Company may pay Mr. Docherty a bonus from time to time, at its sole discretion. Pursuant to the previous agreement, Mr. Docherty received 800,000 stock options and 924,000 restricted common shares of the Company. Mr. Docherty will be entitled to receive additional common stock-based and stock option based bonuses upon achieving certain milestones during the time of his consultancy with the Company. These milestones are during the first 12 months after the date of the agreement with Docherty Management Ltd.:
- Revenue Incentives “A” as defined above.
- IP Incentives “B” as defined above.
On June 19, 2017, the Company executed a contract with Alex Blanchard Capital as manager for investor relations and communications. The agreement is for six months continuing month to month and may be terminated thereafter with one month’s notice for CAD$7,500 per month. Mr. Blanchard was granted 200,000 warrants exercisable at $0.29 and 300,000 stock options exercisable at $0.295 vesting 100,000 options at 1st – 3rd anniversaries of the contract provided that the contract is not terminated. Mr. Blanchard will be entitled to receive additional common stock-based and stock option based bonuses upon achieving certain milestones during the time of his consultancy with the Company. These milestones are during the first 12 months after the date of the agreement with Alex Blanchard Capital:
- Revenue Incentives “A” as defined above.
On December 1, 2017, the Company executed a contract with a contractor as office manager and assistant to the CEO and CFO. The agreement is for two years continuing month to month thereafter and may be terminated with one month’s notice for CAD$6,500 per month. The contractor was granted 250,000 warrants exercisable at $0.83. They will be entitled to receive additional common stock-based and stock option based bonuses upon achieving certain milestones during the time of their consultancy with the Company. These milestones are during the first 12 months after the date of the agreement:
- Revenue Incentives “A” as defined above, with the exception that the common share awards are revised to 75,000 share instead of 100,000, 40,000 instead of 50,000, 150,000 instead of 200,000 and 80,000 instead of 100,000.
We do not expect any material changes in the number of contractors over the next 12 month period although individual personnel changes and fluctuations should always be expected. We do and will continue to outsource contract employment as needed. However, with product advancement or retail acceptance of our new products, we may need to retain additional contractors particularly in the fields of product manufacturing, development, sales and distribution. It is not possible to accurately project potential needs into the future based on circumstances that may or may not occur.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to stockholders.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management's application of accounting policies. We believe that understanding the basis and nature of the estimates and assumptions involved with the following aspects of our financial statements is critical to an understanding of our financials.
Equipment
Equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, and depreciated using the straight-line method over its useful life of five years.
Patents
Capitalized patent costs represent legal costs incurred to establish patents. When patents reach a mature stage, any associated legal costs are comprised mostly of maintenance fees and are expensed as incurred. Capitalized patent costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the patent.
Revenue Recognition
Product revenue
Revenue from the sale of health products is generally recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. In most cases, these conditions are met when the product is shipped to the customer. The Company reports its sales net of the amount of actual sales returns and the amount of reserves established for anticipated sales returns based upon historical return rates. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from net sales.
Licensing revenue
Lexaria also enters into agreements to license out its patented technology that can include various combinations of services. Where elements are delivered over different periods of time, and when allowed under U.S. GAAP, revenue is allocated to the respective elements based on their relative selling prices at the inception of the arrangement, and revenue is recognized as each element is delivered. The Company uses a hierarchy to determine the fair value to be used for allocating revenue to elements: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”), (ii) third-party evidence and (iii) best estimate of selling price (“ESP”). Generally VSOE is the price charged when the deliverable is sold separately or the price established by management for a product that is not yet sold if it is probable that the price will not change before introduction into the marketplace. ESPs are established as best estimates of what the selling prices would be if the deliverables were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis. Given Lexaria’s early stage of such line of revenue, the Company’s process for determining the VSOE and ESP requires judgment and considers multiple factors that may vary overtime depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable.
Going Concern
We have suffered recurring losses from operations. The continuation of our Company as a going concern is dependent upon our Company attaining and maintaining profitable operations and/or raising additional capital. The financial statements do not include any adjustment relating to the recovery and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should our Company discontinue operations.
As a result of the financings completed during fiscal 2017 and ongoing exercises this quarter, management believes it has sufficient funds to meet its obligations as they become due for the next twelve months.
Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Under the new standard, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The FASB has recently issued several amendments to the standards, including clarification on the accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations.
The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, for public organization, and it permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application (the cumulative catch-up transition method). The Company will apply the full retrospective approach to adopt the standard and does not anticipate that this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, FASB issued an ASU, Subtopic 825-10, to amend certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most prominent among the amendments is the requirement for changes in fair value of equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be recognized through profit or loss rather than other comprehensive income. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018. The standard is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In February 2016 FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) which supersedes FASB ASC Topic 840, Leases (Topic 840) and provides principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both lessees and the lessors. The new standard requires the lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. The classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than twelve months regardless of classification. Leases with a term of twelve months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted upon issuance. When adopted, the Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU No 2016-13 (Topic 326) to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss credit loss estimates. For trade and other receivables, loans and other financial instruments, the Company will be required to use a forward-looking expected loss model rather than the incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses which reflects losses that are probable. Credit losses relating to available for sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a reduction in the amortized cost basis of the securities. The new standard will be effective for Lexaria beginning September 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Application of the amendments is through a cumulative-effect adjustment to deficit as of the effective date. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations – Three Months Ended February 28, 2018 and February 28, 2017
The following summary of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements for the period ended February 28, 2017, which are included herein.
Our operating results for the three months ended February 28, 2018 and 2017 and the changes between those periods for the respective items are summarized as follows:
Three Months | Three Months | Change | |||||||
Ended | Ended | Between the | |||||||
February 28, | February 28, | Periods | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
Sales | 171,958 | 12,602 | 159,356 | ||||||
Cost of Goods Sold | (13,713 | ) | (14,872 | ) | 1,159 | ||||
General and Administrative | (1,531,185 | ) | (462,211 | ) | (1,068,974 | ) | |||
Impairment of Inventory | (5,438 | ) | (501 | ) | (4,937 | ) | |||
Net loss | (1,378,378 | ) | (464,982 | ) | (913,396 | ) |
Our financial statements report a net loss of $1,378,378 for the three month period ended February 28, 2018 compared to 2017 where we incurred a net loss of $464,982. During the three month period ended February 28, 2018, our general and administrative expenses were significantly higher compared to the three months ended February 28, 2017, which is a result of the increases in advertising and promotion to potential licensees and partners, patent and trademark filing costs, increasing R&D expenditures and non-cash compensation for our consultants. During the three months ended February 28, 2018, the Company issued common shares, warrants and options for services of $1,023,868. These increases are in line with expectations for executing our business plan.
Revenue increases were primarily based on new licence agreements entered into recognising the IP Territory Licensing fee and they are expected to generate future IP Usage Licensing fees. The Territory fees consist of IP licensing fees for transfer of the Technology with the signing of definitive agreement for the DehydraTECHTM technology with: the Cannfections Group Inc. for a 7-year term for infused chocolates and candies to be developed and sold in Canada and internationally, NeutriSci International Inc. for a 2-year term for the manufacturing and sale of CBD based products, and Biolog, Inc. for a 5-year term to manufacture food and beverage infused products to be sold in the United States.
Consumer product sales remain low due to challenges in securing expansive distribution opportunities, production challenges and payment processing changes. The Company continues to pursue more widespread distribution possibilities which have the potential to unlock more significant consumer product revenues.
The trend of hemp oil fortified foods, and hemp seed products, gaining consumer acceptance continued through the period ended February 28, 2018, and provides a reason to believe that sales could increase. Those trends should support higher potential consumer product sales. Release of the TurboCBD product in fiscal 2017 was successful but ongoing sales were limited by changes to payment processing services outside of the Companys control. At the time of this report the Company had extinguished its supplies of certain products like protein bars and the lack of inventory was also a negative impact on consumer product sales potential.
During fiscal 2018 the Company expected to derive ever larger proportions of its revenues from technology licensing to third parties and has accomplished through new IP licence agreements. We are continuing to pursue additional licensing opportunities and are expanding our potential licensees via the positive results from our R&D work. At the time of this report the Company has entered more than 10 formal letters of intent or definitive agreements and is negotiating more. During the period ended February 28, 2018 we have entered into three new licensing agreements that increased our IP licensing revenue and we expect additional revenue will be generated from the licensees utilizing the technology in their processes from the usage fees. It is the Companys view that the December 9, 2017, grant of patent 9839612 and its expanding patent portfolio is a positive step in enabling the generation of more significant revenues during fiscal 2018.
We do not expect that all of the Letters of Intent into which we enter will result in definitive agreements with paying customers and cannot predict how many will. We believe that strengthening and expanding our intellectual property portfolio and conducting supportive R&D will jointly contribute to strengthening revenue prospects.
Liquidity and Financial Condition
February 28 | August 31 | |||||
Working Capital | 2018 | 2017 | ||||
$ | $ | |||||
Current assets | 2,745,352 | 2,795,495 | ||||
Current liabilities | 69,041 | 92,347 | ||||
Working capital balance (deficiency) | 2,676,311 | 2,703,148 |
The Companys working capital balance marginally decreased during the six months ended February 28, 2018, as a result of its executing its operating plan via increased activities in potential licensee outreach, research and development and other aspects of our business plan utilizing funding from financing activities during fiscal 2017 and the ongoing exercises of options and warrants.
Three Months Ended | ||||||
February 28 | February 28 | |||||
Cash flows | 2018 | 2017 | ||||
$ | $ | |||||
Cash flows used in operating activities | (1,121,192 | ) | (589,072 | ) | ||
Cash flows used in investing activities | (102,042 | ) | (9,699 | ) | ||
Cash flows provided by financing activities | 1,007,591 | 1,028,995 | ||||
Increase (decrease) in cash | (215,643 | ) | 430,224 |
Operating Activities
The decrease in the net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended February 28, 2018, is primarily the result of the Companys execution of its operating plan with available funding compared to cost containment during the period ended February 28, 2017. This difference was largely due to the increased costs pertaining to consulting, advertising and promotion, patent and trademark related filings, research and development, and travel.
Investing Activities
During the six months ended February 28, 2018, the Company continued its investment in expanding its patent applications and acquired 100% ownership of our subsidiary PoViva Tea LLC.
Financing Activities
During the period ended February 28, 2018, the Company raised a total of $1,007,591 from equity issuances, relating to the exercise of its outstanding stock options and warrants.
Item 3. Controls and Procedures
Management’s Report on Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our president (also our principal executive officer) and our chief operating and financial officer (also our principal financial and accounting officer) to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of February 28, 2018, the end of our quarter covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our president and our chief executive and chief financial officer (also our principal executive and accounting officers), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our president and chief executive and financial officer (also our principal executive and accounting officers) concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of February 28, 2018.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Responsibility, estimates and judgments by management are required to assess the expected benefits and related costs of control procedures. The objectives of internal control include providing management with reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, and that transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization and recorded properly to permit the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2018. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management has concluded that, as of February 28, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting is effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. Our management reviewed the results of their assessment with our Board of Directors.
Inherent limitations on effectiveness of controls
Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations which include but is not limited to the use of independent professionals for advice and guidance, interpretation of existing and/or changing rules and principles, segregation of management duties, scale of organization, and personnel factors. Internal control over financial reporting is a process which involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis, however these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process and it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period ended February 28, 2018, that have materially or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We know of no other material, existing or pending legal proceedings against our company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any other material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no other proceedings in which any of our directors, executive officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial stockholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Much of the information included in this quarterly report includes or is based upon estimates, projections or other "forward looking statements". Such forward looking statements include any projections or estimates made by us and our management in connection with our business operations. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested herein.
Risks Associated with Our Business
Because cannabis is a controlled substance in some regulatory jurisdictions our Licensees operations may be subject to regulatory actions.
Lexaria and its subsidiaries are not involved directly or indirectly in the cultivation, processing, distribution, or utilization of Cannabis or Cannabis derived components. All of Lexarias consumer products utilize legally sourced Hemp and Hemp components in their production. Lexaria has an ancillary involvement exposure via out-licensing of its patented technology to licensees that may utilize the technology in the production of products that contain contents which are locally or state approved but federally controlled. Where licensees products contain controlled contents any revenue streams from such licensees may be interrupted by regulatory involvement in their business. It is possible some jurisdictions may even interpret Lexarias ancillary involvement as in contravention with regulations.
Lexaria has no knowledge of any non-compliance by its licensees with the regulatory framework(s) in which its licensee(s) operate.
Because there is no assurance that we will generate material revenues, we face a high risk of business failure.
There can be no assurance that our current or future products will be successful, and we cannot be sure that our overall business model within any particular sector will ever come to fruition, and if they do, will not decline over time. We may not recover all or any portion of our capital investment in product development, marketing, or other aspects of the business. Although we will exercise due consideration in our development of new products, and the marketing of them, ultimate consumer acceptance of these products is not reliably forecastable.
In addition, our product development plans may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of lack of adequate capital and other factors, such as weather, compliance with governmental regulations, current and forecasted prices for input costs of food products and changes in the estimates of costs to complete the projects. We will continue to gather information about our planned products, and it is possible that additional information may cause our company to alter our schedule or determine that a product should not be pursued at all. You should understand that our plans regarding our products are subject to change.
Our revenues now are generated from being a food sciences and products company. We should be considered to be a start-up: the revenue recognized for the period ended February 28, 2018 was $196,593.
The food industry is highly competitive and there is no assurance that we will be successful in developing or successfully selling products.
The food industry is intensely competitive. We compete with numerous individuals and companies, including many food manufacturing and production companies, which have substantially greater technical, financial and operational resources and staff. Accordingly, there is a high degree of competition for desirable distribution channels, “shelf space” and salespeople in both the food industries as well as the legal cannabis industries. We cannot predict if the necessary funds can be raised to assist in our development of any distribution channels that may be helpful to our ability to generate sales and potential profits.
There can be no assurance that we will develop any product that will meet with widespread consumer acceptance.
Both new and established food and cannabis products fail to generate consumer interest on a regular basis. There is no assurance that a food or cannabis product that is successfully adopted by consumers at one time; will still be in demand at a future time. If we cannot develop and sell products in commercial quantities, our business will fail.
Even if we develop food or intellectual property-based products or revenue streams, the potential profitability of each depends upon factors beyond the control of our company.
The potential profitability of food products and of intellectual property revenue streams is dependent upon many factors beyond our control. For instance, prices and markets for food products are unpredictable, highly volatile, potentially subject to controls or any combination or other factors, and respond to changes in domestic, international, political, social and economic environments. These changes and events may materially affect our future financial performance. These factors cannot be accurately predicted and the combination of these factors may result in our company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.
In addition, a product or technology that is initially successful and possibly even profitable may not remain so due to changes in consumer demand, regulatory environments, or other causes. There is no assurance that an initially successful product or technology will remain so.
Our failure to protect our intellectual property may have a material adverse effect on our ability to develop and commercialize our products
Because patents involve complex legal and factual questions, the issuance, scope, validity, and enforceability of patents cannot be predicted with certainty.
Some of our patent pending applications may not be granted as patents. Even if patents are issued, they may not be issued with claims of sufficient breadth to protect our nutrient infusion technology or may not provide us with competitive advantage against competitors with similar products or technologies. Issued patents may be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented. If patents issued to us are invalidated or found to be unenforceable, we could lose the ability to exclude others from making, using or selling the inventions claimed. Moreover, an issued patent does not give us the right to use the patented technology or commercialize a product using the technology. Third parties may have blocking patents that could be used to prevent us from developing our products, selling our products, or commercializing our nutrient infusion technology. Others may also independently develop products or technologies similar to those that we have developed or may reverse engineer or discover our trade secrets through proper means.
Enforcing a claim that a third party infringes on, has illegally obtained or is using an intellectual property right, is expensive and time-consuming and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, enforcing such a claim could divert management’s attention from our business. If any intellectual property rights were to be infringed, disclosed to, or independently developed by a competitor, our competitive position could be harmed. Any adverse outcome of such litigation or settlement of such dispute could subject us to significant liabilities and could put one or more of our patent pending applications at risk of being invalidated.
Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised. This disclosure could provide our competitors with access to our proprietary information and may harm our competitive position.
The marketability of food products will be affected by numerous factors beyond our control which may result in us not receiving an adequate return on invested capital to be profitable or viable.
The marketability of food products will be affected by numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include market fluctuations in consumer preferences for various food items based on factors such as pricing, macro trends for certain ingredients or flavors, ruling by regulators on health issues associated with certain foods, and more. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in us not receiving an adequate return on invested capital to be profitable or viable.
Both food products and cannabis products are subject to comprehensive regulation which may cause substantial delays or require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated causing an adverse effect on our company.
Food production and safety operations, and cannabis products and sales operations, are subject to federal, state, and local laws relating to the protection of human health and safety. Food production and cannabis operations are each also subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations which seek to maintain health and safety standards through a wide variety of regulations. Various permits from government bodies may be required by us in order to conduct our business. Regulations and standards imposed by federal, provincial, or local authorities may be changed at any moment in time and any such changes may have material adverse effects on our activities. Changes in regulations are impossible to foresee and could be disruptive or destructive to our business plans and execution. Moreover, compliance with such laws may cause substantial delays or require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated, thus causing an adverse effect on us. Additionally, we may be subject to liability for contaminants or other damages. To date, we have not been required to spend any material amount on compliance with environmental regulations. However, we may be required to do so in the future and this may affect our ability to expand or maintain our operations.
If we are unable to hire and retain key personnel, we may not be able to implement our business plan.
Our success is largely dependent on our ability to hire highly qualified personnel. This is particularly true in those parts of our business that are related to intellectual property generation or exploitation. These individuals are in high demand and we may not be able to attract the personnel we need. In addition, we may not be able to afford the high salaries and fees demanded by qualified personnel, or may lose such employees after they are hired. Failure to hire key personnel when needed, or on acceptable terms, would have a significant negative effect on our business.
We are not the "operator" of vertically integrated food production facilities, and so we are exposed to the risks of our third-party operators.
We rely on the expertise of contracted third-parties for their judgment, experience and advice related to the manufacturing and/or packaging of our food products. We can give no assurance that these third party operators or consultants will always act in our best interests, and we are exposed as a third party to their operations and actions and advice in those operations and activities in which we are contractually bound.
Our management has limited experience and training in the food processing and manufacturing industries, and in the cannabis products industries, and could make uninformed decisions that negatively impact our operations and our company.
Because our management has limited experience and training in the food processing and manufacturing industry, and in the cannabis products industry, we may not have sufficient expertise to make informed best practices decisions regarding our operations. It is possible that, due to our limited knowledge, we might elect to undergo manufacturing processes and incur financial burdens that a more experienced food manufacturing team might elect not to complete. Our ability to internally evaluate food and cannabis operations and opportunities could be less thorough than that of a more highly trained management team.
The possession, cultivation and distribution of marijuana may under certain circumstances lead to prosecution under United States federal law, which may cause our business to fail.
All applicable Regulations, in the United Sates, over 20 states, including our state of incorporation, Nevada, have approved and regulate medical marijuana use. Similarly, four states have approved and regulate non-medical marijuana use by adults. However, it remains illegal under United States federal law to grow, cultivate or sell marijuana for any purpose. In that regard, the United States Justice Department previously released the COLE Memorandum of 8-29-13 which states that the Justice Department will not prioritize the prosecution of marijuana related activities authorized under state laws provided that state authorities implement and enforce strict guidelines to ensure the health, safety and security of the public. This memorandum has now been revoked, however a rider on the US Federal Budget passed includes protections for medical marijuana with additional protective legislation being contemplated. Where the individual state framework fails to protect the public, the Justice Department has instructed federal prosecutors to enforce the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The Department of Justice has not, to our knowledge, published any policy or guidance specifically regarding the participation of a United States corporation in lawful medical marijuana related activities outside of the United States.
We do not currently, nor at any time in our corporate history have we ever cultivated, grown, processed, manufactured or sold marijuana in any location. Although we believe this fact to provide protection against prosecution related to marijuana legislation, we cannot provide any assurance to that effect. We do not hold a license in any jurisdiction enabling us to grow or sell marijuana or cannabis related edibles, but because of our business model we do not feel that is a barrier to entry for us. Instead, we plan to license our technology related to bio-absorption of THC, to those entities that do have valid licenses in various North American jurisdictions to sell cannabis related edibles. If we are unable to license our technology to any valid license holders, then we may be shut out of this market.
Our company has no operating history and an evolving business model, which raises doubt about our ability to achieve profitability or obtain financing.
Our company has no significant history of operations in the legal medical marijuana sector, the legal hemp oil infused products sector, or in the food products sector. Moreover, our business model is still evolving and subject to change. Our company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate financing and to reach profitable levels of operations. In that regard we have no proven history of performance, earnings or success. There can be no assurance that we will achieve profitability or obtain future financing.
Uncertain demand for our products may cause our business plan to be unprofitable.
Demand for medical marijuana and for cannabis or hemp related products is dependent on a number of social, political and economic factors that are beyond the control of our company. While we believe that demand for marijuana and hemp products will continue to grow across North America, there is no assurance that such increase in demand will happen or that our endeavors will be profitable.
We may not acquire market share or achieve profits due to competition in our industries.
Our company operates in highly competitive marketplaces with various competitors. Increased competition may result in reduced gross margins and/or loss of market share, either of which would seriously harm its business and results of operations. Management cannot be certain that the company will be able to compete against current or future competitors or that competitive pressure will not seriously harm its business. Some of our company's competitors are much larger and have greater access to capital, sales, marketing and other resources. These competitors may be able to respond more rapidly to new regulations or devote greater resources to the development and promotion of their business model than the company can. Furthermore, some of these competitors may make acquisitions or establish co-operative relationships among themselves or with third parties in the industry to increase their ability to rapidly gain market share.
Conflicts of interest between our company and our directors and officers may result in a loss of business opportunity.
Our directors and officers are not obligated to commit their full time and attention to our business and, accordingly, they may encounter a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our future operations and those of other businesses. In the course of their other business activities, they may become aware of investment and business opportunities which may be appropriate for presentation to us as well as other entities to which they owe a fiduciary duty. As a result, they may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. They may also in the future become affiliated with entities, engaged in business activities similar to those we intend to conduct.
In general, officers and directors of a corporation are required to present business opportunities to a corporation if:
- The corporation could financially undertake the opportunity;
- The opportunity is within the corporation’s line of business; and
- It would be unfair to the corporation and its stockholders not to bring the opportunity to the attention of the corporation.
We have adopted a code of ethics that obligates our directors, officers and employees to disclose potential conflicts of interest and prohibits those persons from engaging in such transactions without our consent. Despite our intentions, conflicts of interest may nevertheless arise which may deprive our company of a business opportunity, which may impede the successful development of our business and negatively impact the value of an investment in our company.
The speculative nature of our business plan may result in the loss of your investment.
Our operations are in the start-up stage only, and are unproven. We may not be successful in implementing our business plan to become profitable. There may be less demand for our services than we anticipate. There is no assurance that our business will succeed and you may lose your entire investment.
Changing consumer preferences may cause our planned products to be unsuccessful in the marketplace.
The decision of a potential client to purchase our products may be motivated by cultural phenomena or by perceived health or nutritional benefits. The cultural desirability or popularity of hemp related products is subject to change due to factors beyond our immediate control. Similarly, the perceived nutritional or health related benefits of our products are subject to change in light of continuing research or the introduction of competitive products. Changes in consumer and commercial preferences, or trends, toward or away from cannabis or hemp related products would have a corresponding impact on the development of the market for our current and planned products. There can be no assurance that the products supplied by our company and or its partners will be successful in establishing or maintaining a significant share of the consumer market.
General economic factors may negatively impact the market for our planned products.
The willingness of businesses to spend time and money on non-essential food and health products may be dependent upon general economic conditions; and any material downturn may reduce the likelihood of consumers incurring costs toward what some may consider a discretionary expense item. Willingness by customers to buy our products may be dependent upon general economic conditions and any material downturn may reduce the potential profitability of the food sciences or medical marijuana business sectors.
A wide range of economic and logistical factors may negatively impact our operating results.
Our operating results will be affected by a wide variety of factors that could materially affect revenues and profitability, including the timing and cancellation of customer orders and projects, competitive pressures on pricing, availability of personnel, and market acceptance of our services. As a result, we may experience material fluctuations in future operating results on a quarterly and annual basis which could materially affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
Loss of consumer confidence in our company or in our industry may harm our business.
Demand for our services may be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the quality of our services or the industry’s practices. Adverse publicity may discourage businesses from buying our services and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Unethical business practices may compromise the growth and development of our business.
The production and sale of medical marijuana is an emerging industry in which business practices are not yet standardized and are subject to frequent scrutiny and evaluation by federal, state, provincial, and municipal authorities, academics, and media outlets, among others, Although we intend to develop our business in accordance with best ethical practices, we may suffer negative publicity if we, our partners, contractors, or customers are found to have engaged in any environmentally, insensitive practices or other business practices that are viewed as unethical.
The failure to secure customers may cause our operations to fail.
We currently do not have many long-term agreements with any customers. Many of our products and services may be provided on a “onetime” basis. Accordingly, we will require new customers on a continuous basis to sustain our operations.
We could be required to enter into fixed price contracts which will expose us to significant market risk.
Fixed price contracts require the service provider to perform all agreed services for a specified lump-sum amount. We anticipate that some of our services will be performed on a fixed price basis. Fixed price contracts expose us to some significant risks, including under-estimation of costs, ambiguities in specifications, unforeseen costs or difficulties, and delays beyond our control. These risks could lead to losses on contracts which may be substantial and which could adversely affect the results of our operations.
If we fail to effectively and efficiently advertise, the growth of our business may be compromised.
The future growth and profitability of our food products business will be dependent in part on the effectiveness and efficiency of our advertising and promotional expenditures, including our ability to (i) create greater awareness of our services, (ii) determine the appropriate creative message and media mix for future advertising expenditures, and (iii) effectively manage advertising and promotional costs in order to maintain acceptable operating margins. There can be no assurance that we will experience benefits from advertising and promotional expenditures in the future. In addition, no assurance can be given that our planned advertising and promotional expenditures will result in increased revenues, will generate levels of service and name awareness or that we will be able to manage such advertising and promotional expenditures on a cost-effective basis.
Our success is dependent on our unproven ability to attract qualified personnel.
We will depend on our ability to attract, retain and motivate our management team, consultants and other employees. There is strong competition for qualified technical and management personnel in the food science sector, and it is expected that such competition will increase. Our planned growth will place increased demands on our existing resources and will likely require the addition of technical personnel and the development of additional expertise by existing personnel. There can be no assurance that our compensation packages will be sufficient to ensure the continued availability of qualified personnel who are necessary for the development of our business.
Without additional financing to develop our business plan, our business may fail.
Because we have generated only minimal revenue from our business and cannot anticipate when we will be able to generate meaningful revenue from our business, we will need to raise additional funds to conduct and grow our business. We do not currently have sufficient financial resources to completely fund the development of our business plan. We anticipate that we will need to raise further financing. We do not currently have any arrangements for financing and we can provide no assurance to investors that we will be able to find such financing if required. The most likely source of future funds presently available to us is through the sale of equity capital. Any sale of share capital will result in dilution to existing security-holders.
We may not be able to obtain all of the licenses necessary to operate our business, which would cause our business to fail.
Our operations may require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities to conduct our business activities. We believe that we will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits under applicable laws and regulations for our operations and believe we will be able to comply in all material respects with the terms of such licenses and permits. However, such licenses and permits are subject to change in various circumstances. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses and permits.
If we fail to effectively manage our growth our future business results could be harmed and our managerial and operational resources may be strained.
As we proceed with our business plan, we expect to experience significant and rapid growth in the scope and complexity of our business. We will need to add staff to market our services, manage operations, handle sales and marketing efforts and perform finance and accounting functions. We will be required to hire a broad range of additional personnel in order to successfully advance our operations. This growth is likely to place a strain on our management and operational resources. The failure to develop and implement effective systems, or to hire and retain sufficient personnel for the performance of all of the functions necessary to effectively service and manage our potential business, or the failure to manage growth effectively, could have a materially adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Risks Associated with Our Common Stock
Trading on the OCTQX and CSE may be volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market price of our common stock and make it difficult for our stockholders to resell their shares.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQX electronic quotation service operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. Trading in stock quoted on the OTCQX is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTCQX is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities on the OTCQX is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a quotation system like NASDAQ or a stock exchange like Amex. Accordingly, shareholders may have difficulty reselling any of the shares.
Our stock is a penny stock. Trading of our stock may be restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s penny stock regulations which may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.
Our stock is a penny stock. The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors”. The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. 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 Securities and Exchange Commission 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. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing 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 may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of our common stock.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, has adopted sales practice requirements which may also limit a stockholder’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. 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.
Because we do not intend to pay any dividends on our shares, investors seeking dividend income or liquidity should not purchase our shares.
We have not declared or paid any dividends on our shares since inception, and do not anticipate paying any such dividends for the foreseeable future. We presently do not anticipate that we will pay dividends on any of our common stock in the foreseeable future. If payment of dividends does occur at some point in the future, it would be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements, and general financial condition. The payment of any common stock dividends will be within the discretion of our Board of Directors. We presently intend to retain all earnings to implement our business plan; accordingly, we do not anticipate the declaration of any dividends for common stock in the foreseeable future.
Investors seeking dividend income or liquidity should not invest in our shares.
Because we can issue additional shares, purchasers of our shares may incur immediate dilution and may experience further dilution.
We are authorized to issue up to 220,000,000 shares. The board of directors of our company has the authority to cause us to issue additional shares, and to determine the rights, preferences and privileges of such shares, without consent of any of our stockholders. Consequently, our stockholders may experience more dilution in their ownership of our company in the future.
Other Risks
Protection against environmental risks.
We believe that our operations comply, in all material respects, with all applicable environmental regulations.
Our operating partners maintain insurance coverage customary to the industry; however, we are not fully insured against all possible environmental risks.
Any change to government regulation/administrative practices may have a negative impact on our ability to operate and our profitability.
The laws, regulations, policies or current administrative practices of any government body, organization or regulatory agency in the United States, Canada, or any other jurisdiction, may be changed, applied or interpreted in a manner which will fundamentally alter the ability of our company to carry on our business.
The actions, policies or regulations, or changes thereto, of any government body or regulatory agency, or other special interest groups, may have a detrimental effect on us. Any or all of these situations may have a negative impact on our ability to operate and/or our profitably.
Our by-laws contain provisions indemnifying our officers and directors against all costs, charges and expenses incurred by them.
Our by-laws contain provisions with respect to the indemnification of our officers and directors against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, actually and reasonably incurred by him, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment in a civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of his being or having been one of our directors or officers.
Investors’ interests in our company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per share if we issue additional shares or raise funds through the sale of equity securities.
Our constating documents authorize the issuance of 220,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001. In the event that we are required to issue any additional shares or enter into private placements to raise financing through the sale of equity securities, investors’ interests in our company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per share depending on the price at which such securities are sold. If we issue any such additional shares, such issuances also will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other shareholders. Further, any such issuance may result in a change in our control.
Our by-laws do not contain anti-takeover provisions, which could result in a change of our management and directors if there is a take-over of our company.
We do not currently have a shareholder rights plan or any anti-takeover provisions in our By-laws. Without any anti-takeover provisions, there is no deterrent for a take-over of our company, which may result in a change in our management and directors.
As a result of a majority of our directors and officers are residents of other countries other than the United States, investors may find it difficult to enforce, within the United States, any judgments obtained against our company or our directors and officers.
Other than our operations offices in Kelowna, British Columbia, we do not currently maintain a permanent place of business within the United States. In addition, a majority of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States, and all or a substantial portion of such persons’ assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against our company or our officers or directors, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof.
Trends, risks and uncertainties.
We have sought to identify what we believe to be the most significant risks to our business, but we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, any of such risks may be realized nor can we guarantee that we have identified all possible risks that might arise. Investors should carefully consider all of such risk factors before making an investment decision with respect to our common shares.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
Due to the implementation of British Columbia Instrument 51-509 on September 30, 2008 by the British Columbia Securities Commission, we have been deemed to be a British Columbia based reporting issuer. As such, we are required to file certain information and documents at www.sedar.com.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit | Description |
Number | |
(2) | Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession |
2.1 | Plan of Conversion (included as Schedule “A” to the proxy statement/prospectus) |
(3)* | Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws |
3.1* | |
3.2* | |
(4) | Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, including Indentures |
4.1 | |
4.2* | |
(5) | Opinion regarding Legality |
5.1 | Opinion of Macdonald Tuskey regarding the legality of the securities being registered |
(8) | Opinions regarding Tax Matters |
8.1 | Opinion of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP regarding U.S. tax matters |
8.2 | Opinion of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP regarding Canadian tax matters |
(10) | Material Contracts |
10.24 | |
10.25 | |
10.26 | |
10.27 | |
10.28 | |
10.29 | |
10.30 | Form S-4/A Amendment No. 2 filed March 1, 2018 |
(21) |
Subsidiaries |
21.1 |
Lexaria Canpharm Corp., a Canadian federal company |
21.2 |
Poviva Tea LLC, a Nevada corporation |
(23) |
Consents of Experts and Counsel |
23.1 | |
23.2 | Consent of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP (Included in Exhibit 8.1 and Exhibit 8.2) |
23.3 | Consent of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants |
23.4 | |
31.1 | |
32.1 |
* Incorporated by reference to same exhibit filed with the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated January 10, 2006.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
LEXARIA BIOSCIENCE CORP.
By: | /s/ " John Docherty " |
John Docherty, | |
President and Director | |
(Principal Executive Officer) | |
April 12, 2018 | |
By: | /s/ " Chris Bunka " |
Chris Bunka, | |
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director | |
(Principal Executive Officer) | |
April 12, 2018 | |
By: | /s/ " Allan Spissinger " |
Allan Spissinger CPA, CA | |
Chief Financial Officer | |
(Principle Financial Officer) | |
April 12, 2018 |