Netcapital Inc. - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

As a result of disclosure of information in this report and in future filings required of a public company, our business and financial condition will become more visible, which we believe may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If such claims are successful, our business and operating results could be adversely affected, and even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and adversely affect our business and operating results.

We are dependent on a small number of individuals who occupy all corporate positions. Given our lack of employees and executive officers, it may not be possible for us to have adequate internal controls, and we believe that we have material weaknesses in internal controls.

Many of the key responsibilities of our business have been assigned to two individuals. Our ability to implement adequate internal controls depends, in part, on our ability to attract trained professional staff that allows us to segregate duties among several individuals.

The Company’s management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2020 based on the criteria established in a report entitled “2013 - Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission” and the interpretive guidance issued by the Commission in Release No. 34-55929.  Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management has evaluated and concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of April 30, 2020 and continues to be ineffective as of today, and identified the following material weaknesses:

The lack of sufficient internal controls and the time and cost of implementing such controls could delay the development and introduction of, and negatively impact our ability to sell our services, which could adversely affect our financial results and impair our growth.

To help compensate for the lack of full-time employees, the Company also uses outside consultants. We have accounting consultants, acquisition consultants, and sales and marketing consultants for project purposes on a part time basis; three advisors assist us with project evaluations and business development, information and research, technical writing and presentation. At the present time the Company has employment agreements that expire on July 31, 2021 with our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and does not maintain any life insurance policies.

The adoption of new laws or changes to or the application of existing laws relating to Internet commerce may affect the growth of our business.

We may become subject to any number of laws and regulations that may be adopted with respect to the Internet and electronic commerce. New laws and regulations that address issues such as user privacy, pricing, online content regulation, taxation, advertising, intellectual property, information security, and the characteristics and quality of online products and services may be enacted. Current laws, which predate or are incompatible with the Internet and electronic commerce, may be applied and enforced in a manner that restricts the electronic commerce market. The application of such pre-existing laws regulating communications or commerce in the context of the Internet and electronic commerce is uncertain. Moreover, it may take years to determine the extent to which existing laws relating to issues such as intellectual property ownership and infringement, libel and personal privacy are applicable to the Internet.

The adoption of new laws or regulations relating to the Internet, or particular applications or interpretations of existing laws, could decrease the growth in the use of the Internet, decrease the demand for our products and services, increase our cost of doing business or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.

Our strategy to purchase a portion of early stage companies may provide us with investments that have no liquidity.

It is our strategy to sometimes purchase, at an affordable price, part or all of early-stage companies and cross pollinate the ideas, technology and expertise within these companies to enhance the operations, profits and market share of all the entities. That strategy may result in us diverting management attention and advisory resources to do work for early-stage companies that pay for the work with equity, which becomes impaired in value or never becomes a liquid asset. In addition, some of the companies that we do work for and take an equity position in, do not create revenues for the Company. We only record revenues in exchange for equity if we have access to the entity's audited financial statements or we have a verifiable market value for the equity received. For all of these early-stage companies, the future liquidity and value of our investments cannot be guaranteed, and no market may exist for us to generate gains from our investments in early-stage companies. 

Our business depends on the reliability of the infrastructure that supports the Internet and the viability of the Internet.

The growth of Internet usage has caused frequent interruptions and delays in processing and transmitting data over the Internet. There can be no assurance that the Internet infrastructure or the Company’s own network systems will continue to be able to support the demands placed on it by the continued growth of the Internet, the overall online game industry or that of our customers.

The Internet’s viability could be affected if the necessary infrastructure is not sufficient, or if other technologies and technological devices eclipse the Internet as a viable channel.

End-users of our software depend on Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”), online service providers and our system infrastructure for access to the Internet sites that we operate. Many of these services have experienced service outages in the past and could experience service outages, delays and other difficulties due to system failures, stability or interruption. As a result, we may not be able to meet a level of service that we have promised to our subscribers, and we may be in breach of our contractual commitments, which could materially adversely affect our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.

Game playing and crowdfunding on the Internet is a developing industry and, therefore, we do not know if the market will continue to develop and our products and services will continue to be in demand.

The Internet continues to evolve rapidly and is characterized by an increasing number of market entrants. The demand and acceptance for new products and services are subject to a level of uncertainty and growing competition, and if our games do not receive market acceptance, or if regulations and competition changes for raising capital on the Internet, our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Intense competition could prevent us from increasing our market share and growing our revenues.

We compete with a number of public and private companies, which provide electronic commerce and/or Internet games. Most of our competitors have significant financial resources and occupy entrenched positions in the market with name-brand recognition. We also face challenges from new Internet sites that aim to attract subscribers who seek to play interactive games and obtain ratings and status for superior playing skills. Such companies may be able to attract significantly more subscribers because of new marketing ideas and new game concepts.

The barriers to entry into most Internet markets are relatively low, making them accessible to a large number of entities and individuals. We believe the principal competitive factors in our industry that create certain barriers to entry include but are not limited to reputation, technology, financial stability and resources, proven track record of successful operations, critical mass, independent oversight and transparency of business practices. While these barriers will limit those able to enter or compete effectively in the market, it is likely that new competitors as well as laws and regulations of governmental authority will be established in the future, in addition to our known current competitors.

Increased competition from current and future competitors may in the future materially adversely affect our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.

Our debt level could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

As of April 30, 2020, the principal component of our total debt payable amounted to $1,057,184. Subsequent to April 30, 2020, we borrowed an additional $2,385,800. Our level of debt could have significant consequences to our shareholders, including the following:

Our ability to make payments of principal and interest, or to refinance our indebtedness, depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow in the future sufficient to service our debt because of factors beyond our control, including but not limited to our ability to market our products and expand our operations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations.

We will require our related-party lenders to cooperate with us and, among other things, not demand repayments of principal and interest until the business is capable of making such payments. 

We do not expect that we will be able to obtain the funds to pay principal and interest on our related-party debt by utilizing cash flow from operations. We are operating as an early-stage company and our ability to meet these payment obligations will depend on expansion of our revenues and our future financial performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors. We will not be able to control many of these factors, such as economic conditions in the markets in which we operate or the ability to raise additional capital in a timely manner. We cannot be certain that our future cash flow from operations will be sufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on our debt and meet our other obligations. If cash flow from operations is insufficient, we may be required to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets, and borrow more money or issue additional equity.

We owe related parties $1,065,315 in accounts and notes payable as of April 30, 2020. We owe our secured lender, Vaxstar LLC (the “Lender”), who is also our largest shareholder, $1,000,000 at April 30, 2020. Our Lender holds a term note bearing interest at an annual rate of 1.25%. We have not paid interest on the note and it accrues each month. We have a loan and security agreement (the “Loan”) with the Lender for a maximum amount of $1,250,000. The maturity date of our loan from the Lender is October 31, 2020.

To secure the payment of all obligations to the lender, the Company granted to the Lender a continuing security interest and first lien on all of the assets of the Company.

In connection with the Loan, the Company has agreed to certain restrictive covenants, including, among others, that the Company may not convey, sell lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any part of its business or property, except as permitted in the agreement, dissolve, liquidate or merge with any other party unless, in the case of a merger, the Company is the surviving entity, incur any indebtedness except as defined in the agreement, create or allow a lien on any of its assets or collateral that has been pledged to the Lender, make any loans to any person, except for prepaid items or deposits incurred in the ordinary course of business, or make any material capital expenditures.

We may need to renegotiate our related-party debt if our related-party lenders demand that we begin making principal or interest payments. Any renegotiation may be on less favorable terms or may require that we refinance the related-party debt. We may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or sale of equity to pay the related-party debt. Such financing may not be available when needed. Even if such financing is available, it may be on terms that are materially adverse to your interests with respect to dilution of book value, dividend preferences, liquidation preferences, or other terms. No assurance can be given that such funds will be available or, if available, will be on commercially reasonable terms satisfactory to us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing if and when it is needed on terms we deem acceptable. If we are unable to obtain financing on reasonable terms, or, if our related-party lender does not continue to cooperate with us, we could be forced to discontinue our operations.

We may make acquisitions or form joint ventures that are unsuccessful.

Our ability to grow is partially dependent on our ability to successfully acquire other companies, which creates substantial risk. In order to pursue a growth by acquisition strategy successfully, we must identify suitable candidates for these transactions; however, because of our limited funds, we may not be able to purchase those companies that we have identified as potential acquisition candidates. Additionally, we may have difficulty managing post-closing issues such as the integration into our corporate structure. Integration issues are complex, time consuming and expensive and, without proper planning and implementation, could significantly disrupt our business, including, but not limited to, the diversion of management's attention, the loss of key business and/or personnel from the acquired company, unanticipated events, and legal liabilities.

We do not expect to pay dividends and investors should not buy our common stock expecting to receive dividends.

We have not paid any dividends on our common stock in the past, and do not anticipate that we will declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, you will only realize an economic gain on your investment in our common stock if the price appreciates. You should not purchase our common stock expecting to receive cash dividends. Since we do not pay dividends, and if we are not successful in having our shares listed or quoted on an exchange, then you may have a limited ability to liquidate or receive any payment on your investment. Therefore our failure to pay dividends may cause you to not see any return on your investment even if we are successful in our business operations. In addition, because we do not pay dividends we may have trouble raising additional funds, which could affect our ability to expand our business operations.

Our common stock is considered a penny stock, which is subject to restrictions on marketability, so you may not be able to sell your shares.

The trading of our stock is subject to the penny stock rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission that require brokers to provide extensive disclosure to their customers prior to executing trades in penny stocks. These disclosure requirements may cause a reduction in the trading activity of our common stock, which in all likelihood would make it difficult for our shareholders to sell their securities.

Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ system). 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 that provides information about penny stocks and the 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 broker-dealer must also 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 requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our securities, which could severely limit their market price and liquidity of our securities. These requirements may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock and may affect your ability to resell our common stock.

Our future growth depends on our ability to develop and retain customers.

Our future growth depends to a large extent on our ability to effectively anticipate and adapt to customer requirements and offer services that meet customer demands. If we are unable to attract new customers and/or retain new customers, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

We will need to attract, train and retain additional highly qualified senior executives and technical and managerial personnel in the future.

We continue to seek technical and managerial staff members, although we have limited resources to compensate them until we have raised additional capital or developed a business that generates consistent cash flow from operations. We believe it is important to negotiate with potential candidates and, if appropriate, engage them on a part-time basis or on a project basis and compensate them at least partially, with stock-based compensation, when appropriate. There is a high demand for highly trained and managerial staff members. If we are not able to fill these positions, it may have an adverse affect on our business.

We may conduct future offerings of our common stock and pay debt obligations with our common and preferred stock which may diminish our investors’ pro rata ownership and depress our stock price.

We reserve the right to make future offers and sales, either public or private, of our securities, including shares of our common stock or securities convertible into common stock at prices differing from the price of the common stock previously issued. In the event that any such future sales of securities are affected or we use our common stock to pay principal or interest on our debt obligations, an investor’s pro rata ownership interest may be reduced to the extent of any such future sales.

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide information under this item.

We utilize an office at 745 Atlantic Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. We currently pay rent of $4,200 a month, and our rent agreement is on a month-to-month basis for approximately 400 square feet in an office-suite location.

We are currently not involved in any litigation that we believe could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of our company or any of our subsidiaries, threatened against or affecting our company, our common stock, any of our subsidiaries or of our company’s or our company’s subsidiaries’ officers or directors in their capacities as such, in which an adverse decision could have a material adverse effect.

Not applicable

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

(a) Market Information

Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTC marketplace under the symbol VSTR. The high and low closing price for each quarterly period of our last two fiscal years are listed below.

The quotations set forth in the table above reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

Recent Issuances of Unregistered Securities

None

(b) Holders

There are 204 shareholders of record of our common stock.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Pacific American Stock Transfer Company with its business address at 4045 S Spencer Street Suite 403, Las Vegas NV 89119.

(c) Dividends

We have never paid dividends on our Common Stock and do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future.

(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

We currently have no equity compensation plan either approved or not approved by security holders, and there are no securities currently authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plan. However, our Board of Directors has previously approved share-based compensation in lieu of cash compensation to various consultants and employees. Such share-based compensation is recognized at the time of grant equal to the fair value of the stock award at the time of the grant or at the time the award vests, if there is a vesting period. 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide information under this item.

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

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION OF OUR PLAN OF OPERATION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT. THIS DISCUSSION CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT RELATE TO FUTURE EVENTS OR OUR FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.  THESE STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE OUR 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.

Overview

We are a boutique advisory firm, based in Boston, Massachusetts. Our team of experts, including entrepreneurs, angel investors, industry specialists and digital marketing professionals work with companies at all stages to provide assistance with capital raising, strategy, technology consulting and marketing.

We sometimes take equity stakes in promising technology start-ups. We play an active role in growing these companies by providing strategic advice, technology consulting, and help with capital raising.

We specialize in Reg CF offerings, under the provisions of Title III of the JOBS Act of 2012. We believe that new capital raising techniques, such as Reg CF, democratize capital raising, similar to the way that social networks democratize broadcast mechanisms that once belonged only to traditional media. Reg CF is one of three securities exemptions that enable online capital formation. Reg D 506(c) allows an unlimited amount of money to be raised from accredited investors. Reg A+ enables an issuer to raise up to $50 million online from anyone. Reg CF, the smallest of the crowdfunding exemptions, allows issuers to raise up to $1.07 million from non-accredited investors every 12 months.

Our limited operating history and the uncertain nature of our future operations and the markets we address or intend to address make predictions of our future results of operations difficult. Our operations may never generate significant revenues, and we may not consistently achieve profitable operations.   

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes to the financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events or our future financial performance. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our 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.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Year 2020 Compared to Fiscal Year 2019

Our revenues for fiscal 2020 increased by $739,946, or 73%, to $1,753,558 as compared to $1,013,612 reported for fiscal 2019. The increase in revenues is attributable to our consulting services. We have expanded our consulting business, which concentrates on providing assistance with capital raising, strategy, technology consulting and marketing.

Our costs of revenues decreased by $14,093, or 56%, to $11,105 in fiscal 2020, from $25,198 in fiscal 2019. These costs primarily represent cloud-based fees that we pay to perform services for our customers.

Stock-based compensation increased by $291,099, or 447%, to $356,252 for fiscal 2020 from $65,153 reported in the prior fiscal year. The increase is primarily attributable to higher values of the price per share of our common stock in fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019. In addition, a related party consultant and an outside consultant received stock-based compensation in fiscal 2020, but not in fiscal 2019.

Consulting expense decreased by $65,700, or 39%, to $102,600 for fiscal 2020 from $168,300 reported in the prior fiscal year. The decrease is primarily attributable to the compensation for our Chief Marketing Officer.

Our other operating costs in fiscal 2020, including rent, marketing bad debt and general and administrative costs, costs for rent plus general and administrative expenses remained basically the same, increasing by $5,851, or 4.5%, to $136,379 as compared to $130,528 in fiscal 2019.  

As a result of the above noted activity, our operating income increased by $522,789, or 84%, in fiscal 2020 to $1,147,222, as compared to $624,433 in fiscal 2019.

Interest expense decreased by $529 to $18,879 for the year ended April 30, 2020, as compared to $19,408 for the prior fiscal year. Our debt balances decreased slightly in fiscal 2020 due to $4,300 in principal payments during the year, which created the small decrease in interest expense.

In fiscal 2020 we incurred a loss on the sale of investments of $527,540. We sold equity we had earned in one of our consulting engagements primarily to take advantage of a realized loss for tax purposes. No realized gains or losses were recognized in fiscal 2019.

Impairment losses increased by $162,952, or 708%, to $185,952 for fiscal 2020 from $23,000 reported in the prior fiscal year. In both years we recognized an impairment loss related to a specific investment that we own. We monitor all our assets for any changes in observable prices from orderly transactions and we record an impairment expense when appropriate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At April 30, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $11,206 and negative working capital of $1,057,581 as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $19,110 and negative working capital of $518,875 at April 30, 2019.

Net cash used in operating activities amounted to $3,604 in fiscal 2020, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $30,558 in fiscal 2019. The principal source of cash from operating activities was net income of $424,851, adjusted by stock-based compensation of $356,252, a loss on the sale of investments of $527,540 and asset impairment of $185,952. These sources of cash from operating activities were offset by investments of $1,538,980 as a result of contract revenue with major customers.

In fiscal 2019, The principal source of cash from operating activities was net income of $582,880, adjusted by stock-based compensation of $65,153, a bad debt allowance of $6,750 and asset impairment of $23,000. These sources of cash from operating activities, which included an increase in investments of $647,317 as a result of contract revenue with a major customer, NetCapital Systems LLC, were partially offset by changes in assets and liabilities that used cash in the amount of $647,225.

There was no investing activity in fiscal 2020 or in fiscal 2019.

Net cash used in financial activities in fiscal 2020 consisted of principal payments on a related party note totaling $4,300. Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2019 consisted of payments on demand notes of $14,940 and on a bank line of credit of $3,163. These uses of cash were offset by a private placement of common stock that amounted to $5,000.

In fiscal 2020 and 2019, there were no expenditures for capital assets. We do not anticipate any capital expenditures in the next fiscal year.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, which contemplate continuation of our company as a going concern. However, we have a substantial amount of debt and we have very limited liquidity. Management anticipates that we will be dependent, for the near future, on additional capital to fund our operating expenses and anticipated growth, which we intend to achieve through consulting services, acquisitions and the further development of game applications. Furthermore, the report of our independent registered public accounting firm expresses doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Our required debt payments for a bank loan, which has a balance of $34,324 at April 30, 2020, have been temporarily suspended because of our limited cash flow. We do continue to pay interest every month, at an interest rate that is approximately 5.5% per annum. We have not paid principal or interest on our secured related-party debt, although we did retire $61,000 in unsecured related party debt by selling investments that we held to the related party. We believe our related-party creditors will not demand payment of our current liabilities to them, in the near future, although each lender may have a change in circumstances and demand payment. Our $1,000,000 secured related party term loan is due on October 31, 2020, and we need to renegotiate the loan. Any demand for payment from a related party will have an adverse impact on our ability to achieve our longer-term business objectives and will adversely affect our ability to continue operating as a going concern.

Failure to generate sufficient revenues or raise additional capital will have an adverse impact on our ability to achieve our longer-term business objectives and will adversely affect our ability to continue operating as a going concern.

New Accounting Standards

The new accounting pronouncements in Note 1 to our financial statements, which are included in this Report, are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates include:

We continually evaluate our accounting policies and the estimates we use to prepare our financial statements. In general, the estimates are based on historical experience, on information from third party professionals and on various other sources and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the facts and circumstances at the time such estimates are made. Management considers an accounting estimate to be critical if:

Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to our financial statements, which are included in this Report. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result.

Certain of our accounting policies are deemed “critical”, as they require management's highest degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions. The following critical accounting policies are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies or estimates:

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes service revenue from its consulting contracts and its game website using the five-step model as prescribed by ASC 606:

• Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;

• Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

• Determination of the transaction price;

• Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

• Recognition of revenue when or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

For subscribers to our games website, in fiscal 2020 and 2019, we do not maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments. We have not carried any accounts receivable in either fiscal year, as we have required our customers to make a non-refundable prepayment for our services.

In order to record the Company’s accounts receivable at their net realizable value, the Company must assess their collectibility.  A considerable amount of judgment is required in order to make this assessment, including an analysis of historical bad debts and other adjustments, a review of the aging of the Company’s receivables, and the current creditworthiness of the Company’s customers.  Generally, when a customer account reaches a certain level of delinquency, the Company provides an allowance for the related amount receivable from the customer.  The Company writes off the accounts receivable balance from a customer and the related allowance established when it believes it has exhausted all reasonable collection efforts. Accounts receivable of $0 and $6,000 were recorded at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $6,750 were recorded at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance requires that certain assets be reviewed for impairment and, if impaired, remeasured at fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Impairment loss estimates are primarily based upon management’s analysis and review of the carrying value of long-lived assets at each balance sheet date, utilizing an undiscounted future cash flow calculation. We recognized an impairment loss of $185,952 and $23,000, in the fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, as we concluded the carrying amount of the equity that we owned in an early-stage company was not recoverable and we wrote down the value of our investment.

Income Taxes

We estimate the degree to which tax assets and loss carryforwards will result in a benefit based on expected profitability by tax jurisdiction. A valuation allowance for such tax assets and loss carryforwards is provided when it is determined that such assets will more likely than not go unused. If it becomes more likely than not that a tax asset or loss carry-forward will be used, the related valuation allowance on such assets is reversed. Based upon several profitable quarters over the past two years, and our ability to generate operating income of $1,147,222 and $624,433 in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, and taxable income in both fiscal years, we have reversed the valuation allowance from April 30, 2019 and recorded a current deferred tax asset of $180,000 as of April 30, 2020. The primary element that impacts the asset calculation relates to operating losses that were generated in the years before our current management team was hired.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Information About Market Risk

We are not subject to fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or other financial market risks. We have not made any sales, purchases or commitments with foreign entities which would expose us to currency risks.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide information under this item.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements required by this Item are included herein, commencing on page F-1.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (the “PEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “PFO”), has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(e)) as of April 30, 2020. That evaluation revealed the two material weaknesses identified below (under (b) Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting).  Based on that evaluation, the PEO and the PFO concluded that, as of April 30, 2020, such controls and procedures were not effective.

(b) Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f).  A system of internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the PEO and the PFO, the Company’s management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2020, based on the criteria established in a report entitled “2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission” and the interpretive guidance issued by the Commission in Release No. 34-55929.  Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management has evaluated and concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of April 30, 2020, and identified the following material weaknesses:

The Company will continue its assessment on a quarterly basis.  We plan to hire personnel and resources to address these material weaknesses.  We believe these issues can be solved with hiring in-house accounting support and plan to do so as soon as we have funds available for this purpose.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  The Company’s registered public accounting firm was not required to issue an attestation on its internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to the rules of the SEC.  The Company will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and procedures on an ongoing basis.

(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act) during the quarter ended April 30, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table and biographical summaries set forth information, including principal occupation and business experience, about our directors and executive officers at July 29, 2020.

Our executive officers and directors are as follows:

Our directors serve in such capacity until the first annual meeting of our shareholders and until their successors have been elected and qualified. Our officers serve at the discretion of our board of directors, until their death, or until they resign or have been removed from office.

Executive Officers and Directors

Cecilia Lenk, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Cecilia Lenk is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. She accepted the position on July 28, 2017. For the past five year she has worked as a self-employed business consultant and a town councilor in Watertown, MA.

Ms. Lenk has specialized in technology and health care. Formerly Vice President of Technology and Digital Design at Decision Resources Inc., a global company serving the biopharmaceutical market, she oversaw the implementation of new technologies, products, and business processes. Prior to joining Decision Resources, Cecilia founded a technology firm that built a patented platform for online research. She has managed large-scale technology projects for leading corporations, universities, government agencies, and major non-profit organizations.

Ms. Lenk has a Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University and a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University in Geography and Environmental Engineering. She has served on a number of non-profit boards, including Chair of the Johns Hopkins Engineering Alumni. She is currently on the Alumni Advisory Board for the Hopkins School of Engineering and is the Chief Executive Officer of our largest shareholder, Vaxstar LLC.

Ms. Lenk brings to our board of directors key leadership experience in high-growth technology companies and possesses a strong mix of strategic, finance, and operating skills.

Thomas Carmody, Director

Thomas Carmody has served as a Director of the Company since August 2010. He has over 40 years experience as a marketing executive. For the past five years he has worked as a self-employed marketing consultant for Summit International LLC. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Continental Materials Corporation, Chicago, Illinois, and serves on that company’s audit committee. Mr. Carmody also served as the Vice President of U.S. Operations and Vice President of the sports division at Reebok International Inc. from 1988 to 1996.

As a long-term marketing expert, Mr. Carmody brings strategic insight and extensive experience with product distribution to our board of directors. He also has significant experience serving on the board of another public company.

Avi Liss, Director and Secretary

Avi Liss has served as a Director and Secretary of the Company since August 2010. From August 2009 to present, he has served as the President of Liss Law, LLC, a law firm specializing in real estate conveyances. Prior to founding Liss Law, he worked as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Stephen S. Mitchell, a bankruptcy court judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Mr. Liss is well qualified to serve as a director of the company due to his knowledge and working experience with legal governance matters.

Steven Geary, Director

Steven Geary has served as a Director of the Company since June 2006. Since 2009, he has served in several management positions at Statera and is currently the Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. From 2008 to 2009, he was the Chief Executive Officer of ImproveSmart, Inc. From April 2006 to June 2008, he served as our President and Chief Operating Officer, and as our Chief Executive Officer from June 2008 to December 2009.

Mr. Geary has significant business development and brand marketing expertise in consumer products and services.

Coreen Kraysler, Chief Financial Officer

Coreen Kraysler has served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since September 2017.

Ms. Kraysler is a Chartered Financial Analyst, with over 30 years of investment experience. Formerly a Senior Vice President and Principal at Independence Investments, she managed several 5-star rated mutual funds as well as institutional accounts and served on the Investment Committee. She also worked at Eaton Vance as a Vice President, Equity Analyst on the Large and Midcap Value teams. A specialist in financial services, household and consumer products, she guest lectures at local colleges and universities. She received a B.A. in Economics and French, Cum Laude, from Wellesley College and a Master of Science in Management from MIT Sloan.

Coreen Kraysler is the sister of Kathryn Kraysler, the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer

Kathryn Kraysler, Chief Marketing Officer

Kathryn Kraysler has served as the Chief Marketing Officer of the Company since May 2018. She is a Yale M.B.A. with over 20 years of digital marketing, strategy, and analytics experience. She has held Senior Marketing positions at multiple high profile institutions, including PayPal, Dow Jones and MIT, as well as several early-stage companies.  Her expertise encompasses a broad range of digital marketing, from demand generation, account based marketing, and inbound marketing, to marketing operations, digital advertising, and analytics.

During the past five years, she has served as the Director of Marketing Operations and Director of Demand Generation, NewStore, Inc., a Senior Digital Marketing Manager at TandemSeven, and a Research and Analytics Manager at PayPal Holdings, Inc.

Kathryn Kraysler is the sister of Coreen Kraysler, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer 

Director Independence

Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTC Pink market and is not listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market or any other national securities exchange. Accordingly, we are not currently subject to the NASDAQ continued listing requirements or the requirements of any other national securities exchange. Nevertheless, in determining whether a director or nominee for director should be considered “independent” the board utilizes the definition of independence set forth in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.  Pursuant to that definition, Avi Liss and Steven Geary are independent members of our Board of Directors.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

Our directors, executive officers and control persons have not been involved in any of the following events during the past five years:

Board Meetings and Committees; Management Matters

Our board of directors took actions on one occasion during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020. No fees are paid to directors for attendance at meetings or for agreeing to a unanimous consent or the board of directors.

Compensation Committee

Our board of directors does not have a compensation committee. 

Nominating Committee

Our board of directors does not have a nominating committee.  Our entire board of directors is responsible for this function.  Due to the relatively small size of our company and the resulting efficiency of a board of directors that is also limited in size, our board of directors has determined that it is not necessary or appropriate at this time to establish a separate nominating committee.  Our board of directors intends to review periodically whether such a nominating committee should be established.

Our board of directors uses a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director.  It regularly assesses the appropriate size of the board of directors and whether any vacancies exist or are expected due to retirement or otherwise. If vacancies exist, are anticipated or otherwise arise, our board of directors considers various potential candidates for director.  Candidates may come to their attention through current members of our board of directors, shareholders or other persons.  These candidates are evaluated at regular or special meetings of our board of directors and may be considered at any point during the year.

Qualifications for consideration as a director nominee may vary according to the particular areas of expertise that may be desired in order to complement the qualifications that already exist among our board of directors.  Among the factors that our directors consider when evaluating proposed nominees are their independence, financial literacy, business experience, character, judgment and strategic vision.  Other considerations would be their knowledge of issues affecting our business, their leadership experience and their time available for meetings and consultation on company matters.  Our directors seek a diverse group of candidates who possess the background skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to our board of directors, our company and our shareholders.

Audit Committee

Our board of directors does not have an audit committee. 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934, requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities (“10% Shareholders”), to file with the Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. Officers, directors and 10% Shareholders are required by Commission regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports received by us, we believe that for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019, that our directors and 10% shareholders did comply with Section 16(a) filing requirements.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics for our directors, officers and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer. The text of our code is posted on our Internet website at www.valuesetters.com.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to Cecilia Lenk, our Chief Executive Officer, Coreen Kraysler, our Chief Financial Officer and Kathryn Kraysler our Chief Marketing Officer (collectively, the “Named Executives”).  We have no other executive officers.

Summary Executive Compensation Table

(1) Represents the dollar amount of vested equity awards during the fiscal year.

We have no retirement, pension, profit sharing, stock option or insurance programs or other similar programs.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

There are no outstanding equity awards at April 30, 2020.

Stock Option Grants

There were no stock option grants or exercises in fiscal 2020 for Named Executives.

Compensation of Directors

We currently do not compensate our directors for their services as directors.

Employment Agreements

We currently have an employment agreement in place with our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. The agreements expire on July 31, 2021 and are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended July 31, 2019.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of July 29, 2020 by:

Unless otherwise indicated, to our knowledge, all persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to their shares of common stock. Shares of common stock that an individual or group has the right to acquire within 60 days of July 29, 2020, pursuant to the exercise of options or restricted stock are, deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person or group, but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage owned by any other person listed.

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Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Our largest shareholder, Vaxstar LLC, is also our working capital lender. As of April 30, 2020, we owe our largest shareholder $1,000,000, under a term note agreement that bears interest at an annual rate of 1.25%. We have not made any principal or interest payments to our working capital lender. Unpaid interest has been accrued and added to the note. Our Chief Executive Officer, Cecilia Lenk, is also the Chief executive Officer of Vaxstar LLC.

In connection with the financing, the Company has agreed to certain restrictive covenants, including, among others, that the Company may not convey, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any part of its business or property, except as permitted in the agreement, dissolve, liquidate or merge with any other party unless, in the case of a merger, the Company is the surviving entity, incur any indebtedness except as defined in the agreement, create or allow a lien on any of its assets or collateral that has been pledged to the Lender, make any loans to any person, except for prepaid items or deposits incurred in the ordinary course of business, or make any material capital expenditures.

We owe Steven Geary, a director, $31,680 as of April 30, 2020. This obligation is not interest bearing. $16,680 is recorded as a related party trade accounts payable and $15,000 as a related party note payable. We have no signed agreements for the indebtedness to Mr. Geary.

We currently have no equity compensation plan either approved or not approved by security holders, and there are no securities currently authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plan. However, our Board of Directors has previously approved share-based compensation in lieu of cash compensation to various consultants and employees. Such share-based compensation is recognized at the time the shares vest.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

Fruci & Associates II, PLLC is the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm during the past two fiscal years.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors

Consistent with SEC policies regarding auditor independence, our board of directors has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of the independent auditor. In recognition of this responsibility, the board of directors has established a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditor.

Prior to engagement of the independent auditor for the next year's audit, management will submit an aggregate of services expected to be rendered during that year for each of four categories of services to the board of directors for approval.

1. Audit services include audit work performed in the preparation of financial statements, as well as work that generally only the independent auditor can reasonably be expected to provide, including comfort letters and reviews of our financials statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

2. Audit-Related services are for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor, including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit plan audits, and special procedures required to meet certain regulatory requirements.

3. Tax services include all services performed by the independent auditor's tax personnel except those services specifically related to the audit of the financial statements, and includes fees in the areas of tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice.

4. Other services are those associated with services not captured in the other categories. We generally do not request such services from the independent auditor.

PART IV

* filed herewith

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 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.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Valuesetters, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Valuesetters, Inc. (“the Company”) as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended April 30, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended April 30, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Going Concern

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has a significant accumulated deficit, has negative working capital, and its ability to make future debt repayments is uncertain. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

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

VALUESETTERS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements

VALUESETTERS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations 

See Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements

VALUESETTERS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

For the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019    

Revenue Recognition under ASC 606

The Company adopted ASC 606 for the year ended April 30, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis. The Company had no material contracts outstanding at the prior year-end, and consequently there were no material effects upon adoption or on prior period activity. The Company recognizes service revenue from its consulting contracts and its game website using the five-step model as prescribed by ASC 606:

• Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;

• Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

• Determination of the transaction price;

• Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

• Recognition of revenue when or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

The Company identifies performance obligations in contracts with customers, which primarily are professional services and subscription services. The transaction price is determined based on the amount the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for transferring the promised services to the customer. The transaction price in the contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation in an amount that represents the relative amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for satisfying each performance obligation. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied. The Company usually bills its customers before it provides any services, and begins performing services after the first payment is received. Contracts are typically one year or less. For larger contracts, in addition to the initial payment, the Company may allow for progress payments throughout the term of the contract.

Judgments and Estimates

The estimation of variable consideration for each performance obligation requires the Company to make subjective judgments. The Company enters into contracts with customers that regularly include promises to transfer multiple services, such as digital marketing, web-based videos, offering statements, and professional services. For arrangements with multiple services, the Company evaluates whether the individual services qualify as distinct performance obligations. In its assessment of whether a service is a distinct performance obligation, the Company determines whether the customer can benefit from the service on its own or with other readily available resources, and whether the service is separately identifiable from other services in the contract. This evaluation requires the Company to assess the nature of each individual service offering and how the services are provided in the context of the contract, including whether the services are significantly integrated, highly interrelated, or significantly modify each other, which may require judgment based on the facts and circumstances of the contract.

When agreements involve multiple distinct performance obligations, the Company allocates arrangement consideration to all performance obligations at the inception of an arrangement based on the relative standalone selling prices (SSP) of each performance obligation. Where the Company has standalone sales data for its performance obligations which are indicative of the price at which the Company sells a promised service separately to a customer, such data is used to establish SSP. In instances where standalone sales data is not available for a particular performance obligation, the Company estimates SSP by the use of observable market and cost-based inputs. The Company continues to review the factors used to establish list price and will adjust standalone selling price methodologies as necessary on a prospective basis.

Service Revenue

Service revenue from subscriptions to the Company's game website is recognized over time on a ratable basis over the contractual subscription term beginning on the date that the platform is made available to the customer. Payments received in advance of subscription services being rendered are recorded as a deferred revenue. Professional services revenue is recognized over time as the services are rendered. Consequently, when an upfront fee does not relate to the transfer of a promised good or service, the fee is an advance payment for future goods or services and the Company does not recognize the fee as revenue until the future services are provided.

When a contract with a customer is signed, the Company assesses whether collection of the fees under the arrangement is probable. The Company estimates the amount to reserve for uncollectible amounts based on the aging of the contract balance, current and historical customer trends, and communications with its customers. These reserves are recorded as operating expenses against the contract asset (Accounts Receivable).

Contract Assets

Contract assets are recorded for those parts of the contract consideration not yet invoiced but for which the performance obligations are completed. The revenue is recognized when the customer receives services. Contract assets are included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets and will be recognized during the succeeding twelve-month period .

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenues represent billings or payments received in advance of revenue recognition and is recognized upon transfer of control. Balances consist primarily of annual plan subscription services and professional and training services not yet provided as of the balance sheet date. Deferred revenues that will be recognized during the succeeding twelve-month period are recorded as current deferred revenues in the consolidated balance sheets, with the remainder recorded as other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.