PARETEUM Corp - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED
STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D. C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
x
Quarterly report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
For
the
quarterly period ended September
30,
2008
¨
Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of
1934
For
the
transition period from ______ to ______
000-30061
(
Commission
file No.)
ELEPHANT
TALK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact
name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA
|
|
95-4557538
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of
|
|
(I.R.S.
employer identification no.)
|
incorporation
or organization)
|
|
|
Schiphol
Boulevard 249
1118
BH Schiphol
The
Netherlands
(Address
of principal executive offices)
31
0 20 653 5916
(Issuer's
telephone number, including area code)
Check
whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has
been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
x
No ¨
.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See
the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large
Accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-Accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
¨
No
x
As
of
November 7, 2008, there were 50,679,629 shares of the Company’s common stock
outstanding.
ELEPHANT
TALK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
FORM
10-Q
September
30, 2008
PART
I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
3
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|
|
|
|
Item
1. Consolidated Financial Statements
|
3
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and December
31,
2007
|
3
|
|
Unaudited
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months
periods ended September
30, 2008 and 2007
|
4
|
|
Unaudited
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months periods
ended
September
30, 2008 and 2007
|
5
|
|
Notes
to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
|
7
|
|
Item
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results
of Operations
|
20
|
|
Item
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk
|
24
|
|
Item
4. Controls and Procedures
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
Item
1. Legal Proceedings
|
25
|
|
Item
2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
25
|
|
Item
3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
|
25
|
|
Item
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
25
|
|
Item
5. Other Information
|
25
|
|
Item
6. Exhibits
|
25
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|
SIGNATURES
|
26
|
|
Exhibit
31.1
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule
15(d)-14(a)
|
X-1
|
|
Exhibit
31.2
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule
15(d)-14(a)
|
X-2
|
|
Exhibit
32.1
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
|
X-3
|
|
Exhibit
32.2
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
|
X-4
|
Item
1. Consolidated Financial Statements
ELEPHANT
TALK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET
|
(UNAUDITED)
|
September
30, 2008
|
December
31, 2007
|
||||||
|
(Unaudited)
|
||||||
ASSETS
|
|||||||
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
|
4,763,810
|
$
|
4,366,312
|
|||
Restricted
cash
|
22,817
|
23,266
|
|||||
Accounts
receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $299,261
and
$146,215 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007,
respectively
|
4,748,462
|
4,438,224
|
|||||
Deposits
|
506,966
|
442,853
|
|||||
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
119,071
|
372,331
|
|||||
Due
from related parties
|
335
|
18,514
|
|||||
Total
Current Assets
|
10,161,461
|
9,661,500
|
|||||
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
3,761,095
|
3,484,224
|
|||||
INTANGIBLE
ASSETS, NET
|
10,709,987
|
11,462,504
|
|||||
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
$
|
24,632,543
|
$
|
24,608,228
|
|||
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|||||||
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|||||||
Overdraft
|
$
|
315,808
|
$
|
197,815
|
|||
Accounts
payable and customer deposits
|
5,769,331
|
4,857,229
|
|||||
Deferred
revenue
|
184,084
|
93,661
|
|||||
Accrued
expenses and other payables
|
2,127,303
|
3,011,267
|
|||||
Shares
to be issued
|
500
|
18,255,065
|
|||||
Convertible
promissory note - related party
|
—
|
6,484,063
|
|||||
Management
Shares to be issued
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
Advances
from third parties
|
284,615
|
201,191
|
|||||
Loans
payable
|
878,836
|
875,432
|
|||||
Due
to related parties
|
—
|
115,241
|
|||||
Total
Current Liabilities
|
9,560,477
|
34,090,964
|
|||||
MINORITY
INTEREST
|
151,165
|
231,575
|
|||||
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
|
|||||||
Common
stock, no par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 50,433,253
issued and
outstanding as of September 30, 2008 compared to 9,530,637 shares
outstanding as of December 31, 2007
|
52,891,409
|
17,868,448
|
|||||
Deferred
Compensation
|
(1,160,446
|
)
|
—
|
||||
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive income
|
1,320,009
|
1,437,073
|
|||||
Accumulated
deficit
|
(38,130,071
|
)
|
(29,019,832
|
)
|
|||
Total
Stockholders' Equity
|
14,920,901
|
(9,714,311
|
)
|
||||
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
$
|
24,632,543
|
$
|
24,608,228
|
3
ELEPHANT
TALK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
|
(UNAUDITED)
|
For
the three months ended
September
30,
|
For
the nine months ended
September
30,
|
||||||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||
REVENUES
|
$
|
11,346,417
|
$
|
11,574,708
|
$
|
35,024,987
|
$
|
35,255,160
|
|||||
COST
OF REVENUES (1)
|
11,695,051
|
11,602,554
|
35,785,562
|
34,942,312
|
|||||||||
GROSS
LOSS
|
(348,634
|
)
|
(27,846
|
)
|
(760,575
|
)
|
312,848
|
||||||
OPERATING
EXPENSES
|
|||||||||||||
Selling,
general and administrative
|
2,153,544
|
560,395
|
5,575,047
|
3,181,314
|
|||||||||
Non
cash Compensation to officers, directors and employees
|
199,886
|
143,615
|
589,958
|
4,830,583
|
|||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
173,084
|
165,959
|
494,889
|
489,451
|
|||||||||
Total
Operating Expenses
|
2,526,514
|
869,969
|
6,659,894
|
8,501,348
|
|||||||||
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
(2,875,148
|
)
|
(897,815
|
)
|
(7,420,469
|
)
|
(8,188,500
|
)
|
|||||
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|||||||||||||
Interest
|
318,528
|
(121,268
|
)
|
(414,080
|
)
|
(512,237
|
)
|
||||||
Other
expenses
|
(147,132
|
)
|
—
|
(156,101
|
)
|
—
|
|||||||
Note
Beneficial Conversion Feature
|
(1,200,000
|
)
|
— |
(1,200,000
|
)
|
— | |||||||
Total
Other Income (Expense)
|
(1,028,604
|
)
|
(121,268
|
)
|
(1,770,181
|
)
|
(512,237
|
)
|
|||||
LOSS
BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST
|
(3,903,752
|
)
|
(1,019,083
|
)
|
(9,190,650
|
)
|
(8,700,737
|
)
|
|||||
Provision
for income taxes
|
—
|
—
|
800
|
—
|
|||||||||
LOSS
BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
(3,903,752
|
)
|
(1,019,083
|
)
|
(9,191,450
|
)
|
(8,700,737
|
)
|
|||||
Minority
interest
|
21,160
|
(31,117
|
)
|
80,409
|
(23,154
|
)
|
|||||||
NET
LOSS
|
(3,882,592
|
)
|
(1,050,200
|
)
|
(9,111,041
|
)
|
(8,723,891
|
)
|
|||||
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
|||||||||||||
Foreign
currency translation gain (loss)
|
(1,331,411
|
)
|
351,967
|
(117,064
|
)
|
(111,179
|
)
|
||||||
(1,331,411
|
)
|
351,967
|
(117,064
|
)
|
(111,179
|
)
|
|||||||
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
|
$
|
(5,214,003
|
)
|
$
|
(698,233
|
)
|
$
|
(9,228,105
|
)
|
$
|
(8,835,070
|
)
|
|
Net
loss per common share and equivalents - basic and diluted
|
$
|
(0.12
|
)
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
$
|
(0.39
|
)
|
$
|
(0.93
|
)
|
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding during the period - basic and diluted
|
43,381,610
|
9,530,637
|
23,508,587
|
9,530,637
|
1) |
Includes
depreciation & amortization directly attributable to revenue: for the
three months ended September 30, 2008 $ 552,859 and for the nine
months
ended September 30, 2008 $1,657,235. For the three months ended September
30, 2007 $406,554 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2007
$1,113,296
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited consolidated financial
statements
4
ELEPHANT
TALK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
(UNAUDITED)
|
For
the nine months ended
September
30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|||||||
Net
loss
|
$
|
(9,111,041
|
)
|
$
|
(8,723,891
|
)
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
2,152,124
|
1,602,747
|
|||||
Amortization
of Shares issued for Consultancy
|
45,139
|
—
|
|||||
Stock
based compensation
|
589,958
|
4,830,583
|
|||||
Minority
interest
|
(80,409
|
)
|
23,154
|
||||
Note
Beneficial Conversion Feature
|
(1,200,000 |
)
|
— | ||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|||||||
Decrease
(increase) in accounts receivable
|
(130,625
|
)
|
253,182
|
||||
(Increase)
decrease in prepaid expenses, deposits and other assets
|
159,281
|
(285,722
|
)
|
||||
Increase
(decrease) in accounts payable, proceeds from related parties and
customer
deposits
|
705,647
|
157,398
|
|||||
Increase
(decrease) in deferred revenue
|
—
|
||||||
Increase
(decrease) in accrued expenses and other payables
|
(403,099
|
)
|
775,900
|
||||
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
(4,873,025
|
)
|
(1,366,649
|
)
|
|||
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|||||||
Purchases
of property and equipment
|
(1,171,652
|
)
|
(1,657,347
|
)
|
|||
Restricted
cash
|
—
|
(21,408
|
)
|
||||
Cash
paid for acquisition of subsidiary
|
(1
|
)
|
(241,883
|
)
|
|||
Cash
received from acquisition of subsidiary
|
—
|
382,439
|
|||||
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
(1,171,653
|
)
|
(1,538,199
|
)
|
|||
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|||||||
Bank
Cash overdraft
|
122,358
|
19,368
|
|||||
Issuance
of Common Stock
|
7,511,729
|
5,929,539
|
|||||
Placement
fees
|
(981,682
|
)
|
—
|
||||
Proceeds
from bank loans
|
(33,302
|
)
|
—
|
||||
Proceeds
from note payable
|
—
|
635,190
|
|||||
Proceeds
from sale of shares
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
Payments
to related parties
|
—
|
(262,270
|
)
|
||||
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
6,619,103
|
6,321,827
|
|||||
EFFECT
OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
(176,927
|
)
|
(111,179
|
)
|
|||
NET
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
397,497
|
3,305,800
|
|||||
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD
|
4,366,312
|
332,001
|
|||||
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF THE PERIOD
|
$
|
4,763,809
|
$
|
3,637,801
|
|||
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|||||||
Cash
paid during the period for interest
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
21,448
|
|||
Cash
paid during the period for income taxes
|
$
|
800
|
$
|
800
|
5
ELEPHANT
TALK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
|
(UNAUDITED)
|
For the nine months periods ended
September
30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING & FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
|
|||||||
Shares
issued to convert the notes payable to related parties and accrued
interest
|
$
|
7,939,171
|
$
|
—
|
|||
Beneficial
Conversion Feature
as
a result of loss on conversion of the above Note to related
party
|
$
|
1,200,000
|
$
|
—
|
6
NOTES
TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE
1 Organization
and Nature of Operations
Elephant
Talk Communications, Inc. (herein referred to as “Elephant Talk,” “ETCI” or
“Company,” formerly known as Staruni Corporation), incorporated on February 5,
1962 under the laws of the state of California as Altius Corporation, was
involved in the manufacturing of freeway signs. In March 1997, Altius acquired
Starnet Universe Internet, Inc., a web developer and Internet Service Provider
(ISP) and changed its name to Staruni Corporation. On January 4, 2002, Staruni
Corporation merged with Elephant Talk Limited, a company incorporated in Hong
Kong, and filed a Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation to
amend
the corporate name to Elephant Talk Communications, Inc. This name change was
done in conjunction with the merger and to emphasize that the Company’s new
focus is the business of Elephant Talk Limited.
On
January 1, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of Elephant Talk
Communications Holding AG, formerly known as Benoit Telecom Holding AG (herein
referred to as “Benoit Telecom”), an international telecom operator and
multi-media distributor servicing primarily the business-to-business segment
of
the telecommunications and media market. Benoit Telecom offers a broad range
of
products and services based on the integration of telecom, VoIP, SMS, FAX,
Conferencing and Streaming services all integrated with a Customer Relationship
Management and Billing application.
Elephant
Talk Caribbean BV was incorporated in the Netherlands on March 20, 2008 as
a
100% subsidiary of Elephant Talk Global Holding B.V. The issued capital amounts
to € 18,000.00. The purpose of the Company is to act as the Joint Venture
Partner of UTS N.V. in a specially to be created entity in Curacao, Netherlands
Antilles.
ET-UTS
NV
was incorporated in Curacao, the Netherland Antilles, on April 9, 2008 as a
subsidiary for 51% of Elephant Talk Caribbean B.V. and for 49% of
the Joint Venture partner UTS N.V. The total issued capital amounts to US$
100,000.00. Purpose of the Company is to design, install, maintain and
exploit WIFI and WIMAX networks in the Caribbean area and Surinam, with the
objective to provide in each of the Areas a complete range of services over
such
networks.
On
August
14, 2008 the name of Cardnet Clearing Services BV, a 100% affiliate of Elephant
Talk Europe Holding BV, was changed to Elephant Talk Mobile Services BV. The
renamed Company’s main objective to act as the ET entity to contract Mobile
Virtual Network Operators in the Netherlands.
On
August
20, 2008 an agreement for the 100% acquisition of Moba Consulting Services
BV
was signed by Elephant Talk Europe Holding BV, with effective date September
1,
2008. The acquisition price was € 1.00 plus 50, 000 stock options of ETC, Inc.
The main objective of this acquisition is to acquire expertise and manpower
for
certain aspects of the implementation of Mobile Virtual Network Operators on
the
platform of Elephant Talk.
On
December 28, 2007, our board of directors approved a 1-for-25 reverse stock
split (the “Reverse Split”) of our outstanding common stock, no par value per
share (the “Common Stock”). The Reverse Split was duly approved by a majority of
our stockholders on January 15, 2008. Pursuant to the Reverse Split,
every twenty-five (25) shares of our issued and outstanding Common Stock as
presently classified were, as of the open of business on June 11, 2008,
reclassified and combined into one (1) whole post-split share of our Common
Stock. No fractional shares of our Common Stock will be issued in connection
with the Reverse Split. Any fractional shares were rounded up. There was not
a
corresponding reduction in our authorized Common Stock. The Reverse Split was
effected at the open of business on June 11, 2008 (the “Record Date”), and the
post-split shares began trading on the OTC Bulletin Board at the opening of
business on June 11, 2008 (the “Effective Date”). Our new symbol is ETAK. All
references to share and per-share data for all periods presented have been
adjusted to give effect to this reverse split.
ETCI
until recently was engaged in the long distance telephone business in China
and
the Special Administrative Region Hong Kong. In 2006 the Company adopted the
strategy to position itself as an international telecom operator and enabler
to
the multi-media industry by facilitating to the distribution of all forms of
content and sophisticated mobile and fixed telecommunications services to
various global customers. Through intelligent design and organizational
structure the Company pursues this strategy by building a worldwide network
based on both clear and IP bandwidth that is managed centrally by its
proprietary IN-CRM-Billing platform.
7
In
January 2007, through the acquisition of various assets in Europe, the Company
established a foothold in the European Telecommunications Market, particularly
in the market of Service Numbers like Toll Free and Premium Rate Services and
to
a smaller extent Carrier Pre Select Services. Furthermore, through the human
and
IT resources thereby acquired, the Company obtained expertise of telecom and
multi-media systems, telecom regulations and European markets.
The
Company currently operates a switch-based telecom network with national licenses
and direct fixed line interconnects with the Incumbents/National Telecom
Operators in eight (8) European countries, one (1) in the Middle East (Bahrain),
licenses in Hong Kong and the U.S.A. and partnerships with telecom operators
in
Scandinavia, Poland, Germany, Greece and Hong Kong. Codec and media streaming
servers are currently located in six centers geographically spread around the
world. Together with the centrally operated and managed IN-CRM-Billing platform,
the Company thus offers geographical, premium rate, toll free, personal, nomadic
and VoIP numbers. Services are primarily provided to the business market and
include traditional telecom services, VOIP, media streaming and distribution
including the necessary billing and collection. Through its European and Chinese
development centers, ETCI develops in-house telecom and media related systems
and software.
In
the
third quarter of 2007 the Company finalized testing and commissioned
additional national interconnects in the United Kingdom (British Telecom) and
Bahrain (Batelco), further enlarging the Company’s footprint in fixed line
infrastructure. In the Caribbean and the Middle East, the Company installed
its
first Wifi test sites, aimed at creating own broadband mobile access networks
in
emerging markets with relatively poor (or relatively expensive)
infrastructures.
In
Europe, a step was made towards building a mobile enabled infrastructure on
top
of the Company’s fixed line infrastructure by committing capital expenditure and
implementation resources towards becoming a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler
(MVNE)
In
Europe
in 2008 the Company positioned itself as a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler
offering to Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators a
wide
range of Mobile Enabling/Enhancing services through sophisticated, proprietary
technology supported by multi-country operations with a focus on B-B,
Outsourcing /partnering strategy. Important milestones in this respect
are:
1. |
September
11, 2008. Letter
of Intent signed by Vodafone Espaňa S.A.U. and Elephant Talk
Communications, Inc., confirming the award by Vodafone Espaňa to Elephant
Talk of the project of implementation and operation of a new Mobile
Virtual Network Enabler platform for the Spanish market. Upon signing
of
the intended Hosting Agreement between Parties, Elephant Talk will
become
the exclusive MVNE for Vodafone
Espaňa.
|
2. |
September
17, 2008. Hosting Agreement signed between T-Mobile Netherlands BV
and
Elephant Talk Holding AG, a 100% affiliate of Elephant talk Europe
Holding
BV. T-Mobile is one of the 3 Mobile Network Operators in the Netherlands.
Elephant Talk will, as exclusive Mobile Virtual Network Enabler for
T-Mobile, connect Mobile Virtual Network Operators in the Netherlands
to
its platform, making use of the mobile network of
T-Mobile
|
The
Company offers a full range of standard telecom services like
· |
Carrier
(pre)Select, Dial-Around, PPCC and VoIP
Capabilities
|
· |
Toll
Free, Shared Cost and Premium Rate
Services
|
· |
Content
Distribution, Streaming & Codec
Services
|
· |
Billing,
Customer Relationship Management
Services
|
· |
Intelligent
Network Services
|
NOTE
2 Financial
Condition and Going Concern
The
Company has an accumulated deficit of $38,130,071 including a net loss of
$3,882,592 and $9,111,041 for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2008. The Company has historically relied on a combination of debt and equity
financings to fund its ongoing cash requirements. In May 2008, the Company
received Subscription Agreements as a result of a European Funding Round of
approximately $7.3 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the
Company has received a total $7.4 million from various investors. The Company
believes that its cash balance at September 30, 2008, in combination with cash
generated from operations, will provide sufficient funds through the beginning
of the first quarter of 2009.
In
the
light of the need to raise additional funds in the immediate short term, the
Company is focused on capital raising activities, in addition to continuing
to
control operating costs and aggressively managing working capital. The Company
is actively seeking to raise additional debt or equity financing in order to
fund its cash requirements generated by future operations, capital expenditures
and potential acquisitions. Although the Company has previously been able
to raise capital as needed, there can be no assurance that such capital will
continue to be available at all, or if available, that the terms of such
financing would not be dilutive to existing stockholders or otherwise on terms
favorable to us. Further, the current global financial situation may offer
additional challenges to raising the capital the Company requires in the
immediate short term. If the Company is unable to secure additional capital,
as
circumstances require, it may not be able to continue its
operations.
8
These
financial statements assume that the Company will continue as a going concern.
If the Company is unable to continue as a going concern, the Company may be
unable to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course
of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating
to
the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or to the
amounts and classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the
Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE
3 Significant Accounting Policies
Basis
of Presentation - Interim Financial Information
The
accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not
include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements and related notes as
included in the Company's 2007 Form 10-K. These consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2007 which were filed
on April 15, 2008 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are hereby
referenced. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited
consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (which include only
normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for fair
presentation.
The
results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008
are
not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
Certain 2007 amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period
presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported
net
income (loss).
Principles
of Consolidation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 included the accounts of Elephant
Talk Communications, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Europe
Holding B.V., its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Communication Holding
AG, its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Communications S.L.U., its
wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Mobile Services B.V.( formerly known
as
Cardnet Clearing Services B.V), its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk
Communication Austria GmbH, its wholly-owned subsidiary Vocalis Austria GmbH,
its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Communications Italy S.R.L., its
wholly-owned subsidiary ET-Stream GmbH, its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant
Talk Communication Carrier Services GmbH, its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant
Talk Communication (Europe) GmbH, its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk
Communication Schweiz GmbH, its majority owned (51%) subsidiary Elephant Talk
Communications Premium Rate Services Netherlands B.V., its wholly-owned
subsidiary Elephant Talk Communications France S.A.S., its majority owned (51%)
subsidiary Elephant Talk Communications PRS U.K. Limited, its wholly-owned
subsidiary Elephant Talk Communications Luxembourg SA, its wholly-owned
subsidiary Elephant Talk Global Holding B.V., its wholly-owned subsidiary
Elephant Talk Business Services W.L.L., its wholly-owned subsidiary Guangzhou
Elephant Talk Information Technology Limited., its wholly-owned Elephant Talk
Caribbean B.V., its majority owned (51%) subsidiary ET-UTS N.V., its
wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Limited, its wholly-owned subsidiary
Full
Mark Technology Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary Jinfuyi Technology Limited,
its majority owned (51%) subsidiary Elephant Talk Middle East & Africa
(Holding) W.L.L., its majority owned (51%) subsidiary Elephant Talk Middle
East
& Africa (Holding) Jordan L.L.C., its majority owned (50.49%) subsidiary
Elephant Talk Middle East & Africa Bahrain W.L.L and its majority owned
(50.54%) subsidiary Elephant Talk Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC.
Foreign
Currency Translation
The
functional currency was Euros for its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk
Europe Holding B.V. and subsidiaries, and Euro for its wholly-owned subsidiary
Elephant Talk Global Holding B.V., and the Hong Kong Dollar for its wholly-owned
subsidiary Elephant Talk Limited. The financial statements of the Company were
translated to USD using period-end exchange rates as to assets and liabilities
and average exchange rates as to revenues and expenses. Capital accounts were
translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transaction
occurred. Net gains and losses resulting from translation of foreign currency
financial statements are included in the statements of stockholder’s equity as
other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency translation gains and losses
are included in consolidated income (loss). The accumulated other comprehensive
income as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were $1,320,009 and
$1,437,073, respectively. The foreign currency translation gain (loss) for
the
three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were ($1,331,411) and $351,967,
respectively. The foreign currency translation gain (loss) for the nine months
ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were ($117,064) and ($111,179)
respectively.
9
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of the accompanying financial statements conforms with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America and requires
management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts
of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates and assumptions.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
For
purposes of the cash flow statements, the Company considers all highly liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of
purchase to be cash equivalents.
Restricted
Cash
Restricted
cash represents cash deposited as bank guarantee for interconnects.
Accounts
Receivables, net
The
Company’s customer base consists of a geographically dispersed customer base.
The Company maintains an allowance for potential credit losses on accounts
receivable. Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and
analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit
worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns
to
evaluate the adequacy of these allowances. Allowances are recorded primarily
on
a specific identification basis. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31,
2007
the allowance for doubtful debts was $299,261 and $146,215,
respectively.
Revenue
Recognition, Cost of Revenues and Deferred Revenue
The
Company's revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff accounting
bulletin (SAB) 104. Revenue is recognized only when the price is fixed or
determinable, persuasive evidence of arrangement exists, the service is
performed and collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
The Company derives revenues from activities as a fixed-line telecom provider
with its own carrier network and its own switching technology. Revenue
represents amounts earned for telecommunication services provided to customers
(net of value added tax and inter-company revenue). Cost of revenues includes
the cost of capacity associated with the revenue recognized within the
corresponding time period, payments made to content providers and depreciation
of network infrastructure and equipment
The
Company recognizes revenue from prepaid calling cards as the services are
provided. Payments received before all of the relevant criteria for revenue
recognition are satisfied are recorded as deferred revenue. Cost of revenue
includes the cost of capacity associated with the revenue recognized within
the
corresponding time period.
Deferred
revenue represents amounts received from the customers against future sales
of
services since the Company recognizes revenue upon performing the services.
Deferred revenue was $184,084 and $93,661 as of September 30, 2008 and December
31, 2007, respectively.
Reporting
Segments
Statement
of financial accounting standards No. 131, “Disclosures about segments of an
enterprise and related information” (SFAS No. 131), which superseded statement
of financial accounting standards No. 14, Financial reporting for segments
of a
business enterprise, establishes standards for the way that public enterprises
report information about operating segments in annual financial statements
and
requires reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim
financial statements regarding products and services, geographic areas and
major
customers. SFAS No. 131 defines operating segments as components of an
enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is
evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to
allocate resources and in assessing performances. The Company allocates its
resources and assesses the performance of its sales activities based upon
geographic locations of its subsidiaries.
Stock-based
Compensation
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement No.123R, “Share-Based Payment”
(SFAS 123R), which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation
expense for all stock-based payments at fair value. SFAS 123R is being applied
on the modified prospective basis. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the
Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans under the recognition
and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No.25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations, and
accordingly, recognized no compensation expense related to the stock-based
plans. Under the modified prospective approach, SFAS 123R applies to new awards
and to awards that were outstanding on January 1, 2006 that are subsequently
modified, repurchased or cancelled.
10
Income
Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for
Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). This statement requires the recognition of
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future consequences of events that
have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. The
measurement of the deferred items is based on enacted tax laws. In the event
the
future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and the
tax
bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities result in a deferred tax asset,
SFAS 109 requires an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize
the
future benefits indicated by such asset. A valuation allowance related to a
deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion
or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
Comprehensive
income includes all changes in equity during a period from non-owner sources.
Other comprehensive income refers to gains and losses that under accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States are recorded as an element
of
stockholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. For the three and nine
month periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 the Company’s
comprehensive income/(loss) consisted of its net loss and cumulative foreign
currency translation adjustments.
Goodwill
and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
is carried at cost. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets,” goodwill is not amortized but is periodically evaluated for
impairment. Intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization.
Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected
useful lives of the assets, between three and ten years. Other intangible assets
are reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting
for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” annually, or whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets
may
not be recoverable. Measurement of any impairment loss for long-lived assets
and
identifiable intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based
on the amount of the carrying value that exceeds the fair value of the
asset.
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements”, which is an amendment of Accounting Research
Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51. This statement clarifies that a
non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the
consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated
financial statements. This statement changes the way the consolidated
income statement is presented, thus requiring consolidated net income to be
reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both parent and
the
non-controlling interest. This statement is effective for the fiscal
years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. Based on current conditions, the Company does not
expect the adoption of SFAS 160 to have a significant impact on its results
of
operations or financial position.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business
Combinations.” This statement replaces FASB Statement No. 141,
“Business Combinations.” This statement retains the fundamental requirements in
SFAS 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (which SFAS 141 called
the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer
to be identified for each business combination. This statement defines the
acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the
business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that
the
acquirer achieves control. This statement requires an acquirer to recognize
the
assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest
in
the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that
date, with limited exceptions specified in the statement. This statement applies
prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on
or
after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 141 to
have a significant impact on its results of operations or financial
position.
In
March,
2008, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The new standard is intended to improve
financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by
requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their
effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash
flows. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and
interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application
encouraged. The new standard also improves transparency about the location
and
amounts of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements; how
derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under
Statement 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect
its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. FASB Statement
No. 161 achieves these improvements by requiring disclosure of the fair values
of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. It
also provides more information about an entity’s liquidity by requiring
disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related. Finally, it
requires cross-referencing within footnotes to enable financial statement users
to locate important. Based on current conditions, the Company does not expect
the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a significant impact on its results of
operations or financial position.
In
May of
2008, FASB issued SFASB No.162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles”. The pronouncement mandates the GAAP hierarchy reside in the
accounting literature as opposed to the audit literature. This has the practical
impact of elevating FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts in the
GAAP
hierarchy. This pronouncement will become effective 60 days following SEC
approval. The Company does not believe this pronouncement will impact its
financial statements.
11
In
May of
2008, FASB issued SFASB No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance
Contracts-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60”. The scope of the
statement is limited to financial guarantee insurance (and reinsurance)
contracts. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 31, 2008. The Company does not believe this pronouncement will impact
its financial statements.
NOTE
4 Acquisitions
None
NOTE
5 Earnest
deposit
Deposits
to various telecom carriers during the course of its operations amount to
$506,966 as at September 30, 2008 compared to $442,853 as at December 31, 2007.
The deposits are refundable at the conclusion of the business relationship
with
the carriers.
NOTE
6 Prepaid
expenses and other current
assets
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets recorded as $119,071 as at September 30,
2008
and $372,331 as at December 31, 2007. The amount consists primarily of VAT
prepaid and receivables from various European authorities.
Property
and equipment as at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 consist
of:
September 30, 2008
|
December 31, 2007
|
||||||
Furniture
and fixtures
|
$
|
183,431
|
$
|
231,219
|
|||
Computer,
communication and network equipment
|
6,961,245
|
6,083,545
|
|||||
Automobiles
|
165,339
|
137,726
|
|||||
Construction
in progress
|
823,810
|
687,962
|
|||||
Gross
|
8,133,825
|
7,140,452
|
|||||
Less:
accumulated depreciation
|
(4,372,730
|
)
|
(3,656,228
|
)
|
|||
Net
|
$
|
3,761,095
|
$
|
3,484,224
|
Total
depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
was
$228,555 and $176,407 respectively. Of this total depreciation expense $168,082
and $173,358 being network costs and facility cost of hosting network for the
three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively, were re-classed
to
Cost of Sales as it was directly attributable to revenue.
Total
depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
was
$698,135 and $448,393 respectively. Of this total depreciation expense $502,412
and $441,604 being network costs and facility cost of hosting network for the
three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively, were re-classed
to
Cost of Sales as it was directly attributable to revenue.
NOTE
8 Intangible
Assets - Customer Contracts, Licenses and
Interconnects
Customer
contracts, licenses and interconnects include the acquisitions of large customer
contracts, telecommunication licenses and integrated multi-country, centrally
managed switch-based national interconnects in Europe, CRM Billing System and
software. The telecommunications services acquired and customers obtained are
primarily in the “service number” industry (also “Premium Rate Services”),
low-cost telephony services such as Carrier Select and Carrier Pre Select” and
Freephone (Toll-Free) number services. These services offered and customers
served are done through ET Europe’s fixed-line switch-based telecom network,
including the acquired interconnections and licenses with the National
Incumbents and Regulators in Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Austria,
France and Belgium.
September 30, 2008
|
December 31, 2007
|
||||||
Customer
Contracts, Licenses & Interconnect
|
$
|
15,722,815
|
$
|
15,219,998
|
|||
Accumulated
amortization Customer Contracts & Licenses
|
(5,012,828
|
)
|
(3,757,496
|
)
|
|||
Customer
Contracts & Licenses, net
|
$
|
10,709,987
|
$
|
11,462,502
|
12
Amortization
expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 totaled $471,247
and $276,919 respectively. A total of $384,777 and $233,196 in amortization
expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively
were
re-classed to Cost of Sales as it was directly attributable to
revenue.
Amortization
expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 totaled $1,433,795
and $1,154,354 respectively. The amortization expense of $1,154,823 and
$1,034,910 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were re-classed
to Cost of Sales as it was directly attributable to revenue.
NOTE
9 Due
From Related Parties
The
Company advanced funds to entities that officers and/or shareholders have an
ownership interest in. The funds were advanced to these entities prior to 2007.
The balances of funds advanced as of September 30, 2008 amounted to $335 in
comparison with $18,514 as of December 31, 2007.
NOTE
10 Overdraft
The
Company has executed a credit facility with a bank in Hong Kong under which
the
Company has borrowed funds from the bank under an overdraft account. As of
September 30, 2008 the overdraft balance included accrued interest amounted
to
$216,836 compared to $197,815 as of December 31, 2007. The interest rate and
default payment interest rate were charged at 2% and 6% per annum above the
Lender’s Hong Kong Dollar Prime Rate quoted by the Lender from time to time.
The
newly
acquired company Moba had a negative balance of $98,973 on one of the company’s
bank accounts.
As
at
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the accrued expenses comprised of
the
following:
September 30, 2008
|
December 31, 2007
|
||||||
Accrued
SG&A expenses
|
$
|
920,147
|
$
|
877,901
|
|||
Accrued
cost of sales and network
|
278,102
|
521,398
|
|||||
Accrued
taxes
|
0
|
43,941
|
|||||
Accrued
interest payable
|
406,249
|
1,473,811
|
|||||
Other
|
522,805
|
94,216
|
|||||
Total
accrued expenses
|
$
|
2,127,303
|
$
|
3,011,267
|
Accrued
SG&A expenses relate to Social Costs re Management Compensation and
Remuneration CFO.
The
Accrued Interest Payable is lower compared to 2007 as a result of the conversion
of the Promissory Notes into Equity.
Other
Accrued Expenses consists mainly of costs related to payments for services
provided by certain parties in attracting/organizing the funding for the
Company.
13
NOTE
12 Payable
To Third Parties
As
at
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 the Company had $284,615 and $201,191
respectively as payable to third parties in relation to advances received at
various times for its working capital requirements. The advances received were
non-interest bearing, unsecured and due on demand.
NOTE
13 Loans
Payable
Loans
payable at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are summarized as
follows:
September 30, 2008
|
December 31, 2007
|
||||||
Installment loan payable
due December 24, 2006, secured by personal guarantees of two shareholders,
a former director, and a third party
|
$
|
319,720
|
$
|
318,481
|
|||
Installment
loan payable, bank, monthly principal and interest payments of
$2,789
including interest at bank's prime rate plus 1.5% per annum, 8.75%
at June
30, 2008, due December 24, 2011, secured by personal guarantees
of three
shareholders and a former
|
191,038
|
190,299
|
|||||
Installment
loan payable, bank, monthly principal and interest payments of
$1,719
including interest at bank's prime rate plus 1.5% per annum, 8.75%
at June
30, 2008, due June 28, 2009, secured by personal guarantees of
three
shareholders and a former dir
|
84,941
|
84,612
|
|||||
Term
loan payable, bank, monthly payments of interest at bank's prime
rate,
7.0% at September 30, 2008
|
283,137
|
282,040
|
|||||
Total
|
$
|
878,836
|
$
|
875,432
|
A
subsidiary of the Company has executed a credit facility with a bank in Hong
Kong since June 29, 2004 under which the subsidiary has borrowed funds from
the
bank under three installment loans and a term loan arrangement. The subsidiary
of the Company is in default of making loan payments on all the loans and has
recorded accrued interest amounting to $394,454 as of September 30, 2008. As
a
result of the default, the entire loan balance outstanding at September 30,
2008
is immediately due and payable to the bank. Furthermore, the subsidiary of
the
Company is obligated to pay a default interest rate at the rate of 4.25% per
annum in addition to the prescribed interest rate of the installment loans
and
term loan. However, the Company believes the bank will take no further action
as
there are no parent company guarantees or collateral and the loans are
personally guaranteed by previous management. The Company has recorded $7,160
and $76,648 in interest expense and default interest expense, respectively,
on
loans payable as of September 30, 2008 and $37,697 and $70,221 in interest
expense and default interest expense, respectively, on loans payable as of
September 30, 2007.
NOTE
14 Convertible
Promissory Notes
On
December 15, 2005, the Company executed a Convertible Promissory Note (the
“Note”) in the principal amount of $3.5 million to Rising Water Capital (“RWC”),
an investor and an entity controlled by the Chief Executive Officer (see note
22
- Related Party Transactions), with funds to be drawn in stages. The Note was
convertible during the term, in whole or in part, into shares of common stock
at
the conversion price of three and one-half cents ($0.035) (pre-split) of
principal amount per share of common stock. The Note did not have any beneficial
conversion feature attached to it since the conversion rate was equal to the
market price of the common stock of $0.035 (pre-split), on the closing of
agreement. The Note was convertible to the extent that the Company had
sufficient authorized common stock. The Note had a term of thirty (30) months
during which time interest at the rate of 10% per annum accrued from the date
advances were drawn by the Company. The Note was secured by shares owned by
an
agent of the Company in its subsidiaries. The Note provided for a balloon
payment of principal and accrued interest at maturity or conversion into common
stock.
As
of
December 31, 2007, the entire principal of $3,500,000 had been received. The
Company recorded accrued interest of $889,881 and $735,298 as of September
30,
2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The Company recorded interest of
$67,083 and $154,583 for the three month and nine month periods ended September
30, 2008 respectively, as well as recorded interest of $56,909 and $131,436
for
the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007,
respectively.
On
June
9, 2008, the Company and RWC entered into a settlement agreement, effective
May
13, 2008 (the “Settlement Agreement”), whereby RWC agreed to convert the
aforementioned Promissory Note held by it in the amount of $3,500,000 and
accumulated interest of $889,881 into common stock of the Company. As a result,
total number of shares pre Reverse Split amounts to 125,425,178. Post
Reverse Split number of shares amounts to 5,017,007 based on a post Reverse
Split conversion price of $0.875.
On
May
26, 2006, the Company executed a second Convertible Promissory Note (the “2
nd
Note”)
in the principal sum of $3,000,000 with RWC. The 2 nd
Note had
a term of thirty (30) months, during which time interest on the principal amount
would accrue from the date of this 2 nd
Note at
an annual interest rate of 10%. The 2 nd
Note
provided for a balloon payment of principal and interest accrued at maturity.
The 2 nd
Note is
secured by shares owned or to be owned by (an agent of) the Company in its
subsidiaries. The 2 nd
Note was
also convertible during the term, in whole or in part, into common shares at
a
conversion price of seven cents ($0.07) (pre-split) per share. The 2
nd
Note did
not have any beneficial conversion feature attached to it since the conversion
rate was equal to the market price of the common stock of $0.07 (pre-split),
on
the closing of agreement.
14
The
Company had received the entire principal of $3,000,000 as of June 9, 2008.
Accrued interest recorded was $549,289 and $417,321 as of September 30, 2008
and
December 31, 2007 respectively. The interest expense for nine months period
ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $131,969 and $175,972,
respectively.
On
June
9, 2008, the Company and RWC entered into the Settlement Agreement whereby
RWC
agreed to convert the aforementioned promissory note held by it in the amount
of
$3,000,000 and interest of $549,289 into common stock of the Company. RWC also
agreed to fund the remaining balance under the $3,000,000 note. In order to
induce RWC to convert the promissory note, the Company agreed to reduce the
conversion price of the $3,000,000 note to the price at which the Company offers
its common stock in a subsequent financing with a minimum of $1,000,000 in
gross
proceeds. The conversion price was adjusted to reflect the Company’s 1-for-25
Reverse Split, effective June 11, 2008. As a result, the total number of shares
(pre Reverse Split 1:25) amounts to 84,506,891. The number of post Reverse
Stock Split shares amounts to 3,380,276 (post Reverse Split price of
$1.05).
In
connection with the conversion of the second RWC Note the Company originally
recorded $1,200,000 as deemed dividend as a result of reduction in the
conversion price from the original conversion price. However,
in the third quarter the Company determined that in accordance with EITF 96-19
"Debtors Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments" the
$1,200,000 Beneficial Conversion feature should be expensed in the P&L, and
this adjustment was recorded.
Steven
van der Velden, our Chief Executive Officer and Director, as well as our
Directors Johan Dejager and Yves van Sante, are Directors of QAT Investments
SA
(“QAT”). Mr. van der Velden owns approximately 31.5% of QAT, which owns
approximately 51% of the outstanding capital stock of RWC. In addition, Mr.
Dejager and Mr. van Sante are shareholders of QAT. Additionally Mr. van der
Velden owns indirectly about 17% in RWC. The Settlement Agreement was negotiated
by the independent directors of the Company.
NOTE
15 Stockholders’
Equity
(A)
Common Stock
On
December 28, 2007, our board of directors approved a 1-for-25 Reverse Split
of
our outstanding common stock, no par value per share (the “Common Stock”). The
Reverse Split was duly approved by a majority of our stockholders on January
15,
2008. Pursuant to the Reverse Split, every twenty-five (25) shares
of our issued and outstanding Common Stock as presently classified were, as
of
the open of business on June 11, 2008, reclassified and combined into one (1)
whole post-split share of our Common Stock. No fractional shares of our Common
Stock was issued in connection with the Reverse Split. Any fractional shares
were rounded up. There was no corresponding reduction in our authorized Common
Stock. The Reverse Split was effected at the open of business on June 11, 2008
(the “Record Date”), and the post-split shares began trading on the OTC Bulletin
Board at the opening of business on Effective Date, or at such time thereafter
as trading occurs.
The
Company is authorized to issue 250,000,000 shares of no par value Common Stock.
The Company had 50,433,253 Shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as
of
September 30, 2008 compared to 9,530,637 (post reverse split) shares of Common
Stock issued and outstanding as per December 31, 2007. The shares issued and
outstanding as per the stock transfer agent’s records are 50,679,153. The
Company cancelled 245,900 shares prior to 2006. However, these shares were
not
returned to the stock transfer agent and never cancelled on records. These
shares have been blocked for trading by the Stock Transfer Agent. The shares
issued during the three months ended September 30, 2008 are as
follows:
Number of shares Issued
and To Be Issued
|
|||||||
Pre reverse stock split
|
Post reverse stock split
|
||||||
Shared
Outstanding at June 30, 2008 (issued)
|
1,081,893,637
|
43,622,887
|
|||||
Shares
issued: European Funding Round Q3-2008
|
NA
|
3,898,177
|
|||||
Received
$4,093,586 in third quarter
|
|||||||
Shares
Issued: Consulting services
|
NA
|
30,000
|
|||||
Shares
issued: Management Compensation Shares
|
NA
|
2,882,189
|
|||||
Total
number of shares issued as of September 30, 2008
|
50,433,253
|
||||||
Shares
to be issued: Quercus Management Group NV – Placement Fees
|
NA
|
8,447
|
|||||
Shares
to be issued: Amelia & Associates NV – Placement Fees
|
NA
|
8,221
|
|||||
Shares
to be issued: European Funding Round Q3-2008
|
NA
|
476
|
|||||
Shares
to be issued: Rising Water Incentive Payment
|
NA
|
7,996
|
|||||
Total
number of shares issued and to be issued as of September 30,
2008
|
NA
|
50,458,393
|
In
August
of 2008, the Company consummated a final closing (the “Closing”) of its private
placement offering (the “Offering”), an offering that started in May 2008, of
Units comprised of shares of common stock (the “Shares”) and warrants to
purchase shares of common stock (the “Warrants”, together with the Shares, the
“Securities”) to accredited European investors (“Investors”). The Securities
were offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
15
In
the
second quarter of 2008 the Company sold an aggregate of 3,148,929 Shares at
a
purchase price of $1.05 per Share and delivered Warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 3,148,926 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price
of $1.26 per share and Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,574,462 shares
of
the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $1.47 per share. In this
second quarter the Company realized gross proceeds of $3,306,372 and net
proceeds of $2,843,505, after the payment of placement fees which totaled
$462,867.
In
the
third quarter of this year the Company sold an aggregate of 3,898,177 Shares
at
a purchase price of $1.05 per Share and delivered Warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 3,898,653 Shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price
of $ 1.26 per share and Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,949,327 shares
of
the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $1.47 per share.
The
Company sold in total 7,047,106 Shares at a purchase price of $1.05 and
delivered Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 7,047,579 shares of the Company’s
common stock at a purchase price of $1.26 per share and Warrants to purchase
an
aggregate of 3,523,789 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price
of $1.47 per share.
In
this
third quarter the Company realized gross proceeds of $4,093,586 and net proceeds
of $3,562,356 after the payment of placement fees which totaled $531,230. In
total this Offering generated gross proceeds of $7,399,958 and net proceeds
of
$6,371,963 after deduction of placements fees which totaled
$1,027,995.
The
Investors of this Offering are not entitled to any registration rights with
respect to the Securities.
The
Warrants entitle the holders to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock
reserved for issuance there under (the “Warrant Shares”) for a period of five
years from the date of grant at an exercise price of $1.26 and $1.47
respectively. The Warrants contain certain anti-dilution rights on terms
specified in the Warrants. The above warrants were issued as of September 30,
2008. All the share and dollar amounts detailed above in relation to the
Offering are presented to reflect the impact of the Company’s 1-for-25 reverse
stock split which was affected on June 11, 2008.
(B)
Preferred Stock
The
Company’s Articles of Incorporation (Articles”) authorize the issuance of
50,000,000 shares of no par value Preferred Stock. No shares of Preferred Stock
are currently issued and outstanding. Under the Company’s Articles, the Board of
Directors has the power, without further action by the holders of the Common
Stock, to designate the relative rights and preferences of the preferred stock,
and issue the preferred stock in such one or more series as designated by the
Board of Directors. The designation of rights and preferences could include
preferences as to liquidation, redemption and conversion rights, voting rights,
dividends or other preferences, any of which may be dilutive of the interest
of
the holders of the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock of any other series.
The
issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of delaying or preventing a
change in control of the Company without further shareholder action and may
adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the holders
of Common Stock. In certain circumstances, the issuance of preferred stock
could
depress the market price of the Common Stock.
During
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company did not issue
any shares of Preferred Stock.
16
NOTE
16 Basic
and Diluted Net Loss Per Share
Net
loss
per share is calculated in accordance with the Statement of financial accounting
standards No.128 (SFAS No.128), “Earnings per share”. Basic net loss per share
is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Dilution
is computed by applying the treasury stock method. Under this method, options
and warrants are assumed to be exercised at the beginning of the period (or
at
the time of issuance, if later), and as if funds obtained thereby were used
to
purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Weighted
average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted loss per share is
the
same since the effect of dilutive securities is anti-dilutive.
NOTE
17 Employee
Benefit Plan and Non-Qualified Stock Option and Compensation
Plan
The
2000 Employee Benefit Plan
Under
this Plan, out of an available 160,000 shares of common stock and 160,000 of
stock options, 148,000 shares of common stock have been issued to date.
Therefore 12,000 shares of common stock and 160,000 stock options remain
available for grant at September 30, 2008.
The
2006 Non-Qualified Stock and Option Compensation Plan
On
September 26, 2007 the Board of Directors approved a 2006 Non-Qualified Stock
Options Compensation plan. Under this plan options were granted with an exercise
price of $ 0.09, the share closing price of September 26, 2007. The options
will
vest on December 31, 2009 or so much earlier as there will be a change of
control of the Company. The options will be exercisable through December 31,
2011.
Options
granted to new employees joining the Company after September 26, 2007 will
be
able to participate under the same plan. The Grant date of their option package
will be the date of the employment agreement and the vesting date will be 36
months after Grant date. The exercise period is 24 months after the vesting
date.
At
June
30, 2008 there were 317,033 options outstanding under this plan. During the
three months ended September 30, 2008, 80,400 options were issued each at an
exercise price of $2.25. In the third quarter 5,825 options were cancelled.
As a
result the total number of outstanding options under this plan at September
30,
2008 is 391,608.
The
fair
market value of the options issued during the three months period ended
September 30, 2008 of $42,593 was calculated using the Black-Sholes options
model. The assumptions used for the Black Sholes calculation are: volatility
of
80%, term of 5 years and a risk free rate of 3.2%.
The
2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan
The
2008
Long Term Incentive Plan was adopted on January 15, 2008, and approved by our
stockholders on the same date at our annual meeting. This incentive plan
authorizes awards of up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock, in the form of
incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights,
performance units, restricted stock awards and performance bonuses. The amount
of common stock underlying the awards to be granted remained the same
after the 25 to one reverse stock-split.
Common
stock purchase options consisted of the following as of September 30, 2008:
|
No. of shares
|
Exercise Price
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
|
|||||||
Options:
|
||||||||||
Outstanding
as of January 1, 2008
|
284,833
|
2.25
|
$
|
461,000
|
||||||
Granted
|
112,600
|
2.25
|
$
|
68,052
|
||||||
Cancelled
|
(5,825
|
)
|
($9,428)
|
|||||||
Exercised
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
391,608
|
2.25
|
$
|
519,624-
|
17
Following
is a summary of the status of options outstanding at September 30,
2008:
Range of Exercise Price
|
Total
Options
Outstanding
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
(Years)
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
|
Options
Exercisable
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
$2.25
|
391,608
|
3.63
years
|
$2.25
|
82,683
|
$2.25
|
NOTE
18 Commitments
As
of
September 30, 2008 commitments of the Company relating to leases, co-location,
interconnect and office rents,
December
31, 2008
|
$
|
1,632,454
|
||
December
31, 2009
|
1,804,442
|
|||
December
31, 2010
|
1,732,065
|
|||
December
31, 2011
|
1,627,801
|
|||
December
31, 2012
|
1,578,780
|
|||
Total
|
$
|
8,375,542
|
Note
19 Minority
interest in subsidiary
The
Company had minority interest in several of its subsidiaries. The balance of
the
minority interest as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was as
follows:
Minority Interest Balance at
Subsidiary
|
Minority Interest %
|
September 30, 2008
|
December 31, 2007
|
|||||||
ETC
PRS UK
|
49
|
%
|
$
|
10,807
|
$
|
10,807
|
||||
ETC
PRS Netherlands
|
49
|
%
|
144,344
|
144,344
|
||||||
ET
ME&A Holding WLL
|
49
|
%
|
(40,666
|
)
|
39,254
|
|||||
ET
Bahrain WLL
|
1
|
%
|
1,465
|
1,955
|
||||||
ET
ME&A FZ LLC
|
49.46
|
%
|
35,214
|
35,214
|
||||||
Total
|
$
|
151,165
|
$
|
231,574
|
NOTE
20 Litigation
a)
Rescission of the Purchase Agreement of May 24, 2004 of New Times Navigation
Limited.
As
reported in the 10 KSB filing of April 1, 2005, regarding the fiscal year 2004,
the Company and other parties to the Purchase Agreement mutually agreed to
terminate such agreement. The Company returned the received shares of New Times
Navigation Limited to the concerned shareholders and received back 90,100 common
shares out of the 204,000 issued by the Company for the purchase. In addition
the Company issued 37 unsecured convertible promissory notes for a total amount
of US$3,600,000. At the request of the Company 21 were returned with a total
value of US$2,040,000.
The
Company is presently a Plaintiff seeking relief from the High Court of the
Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region against the holders of the not returned
shares to return a total of 113,900 common shares (valued at $381,565) and
to
have them returning the remaining 16 unsecured convertible promissory notes
representing a total amount of US$1,560,000.
18
(b)
Russelle Choi Litigation
On
or
about September 12, 2008, an action was commenced against the Company by
Russelle Choi ("Choi") in California Superior Court, Orange County, in a
matter entitled Choi
v. Elephant Talk Communications, Inc., Case No. 30-2008-00111874.
The
complaint alleges that pursuant to agreements between Choi and the Company,
the
Company is obligated to pay Choi the total sum of $90,000. The Company
has submitted an Answer to the Complaint, denying all the material allegations
thereof, and has also asserted numerous affirmative defenses.
NOTE
21 Segment
Information
The
Company allocates its resources and assesses the performance of its sales
activities based upon geographic locations of its subsidiaries.
Nine
months ended September 30, 2008
EUROPE
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Netherlands
|
Spain
|
Switzerland
|
Others
|
Total
|
Far
East
HK/PRC
|
Middle
East
|
The
Americas
|
TOTAL
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Revenues
from unaffiliated customers:
|
$
|
25,799,839
|
$
|
2,233,145
|
$
|
6,537,867
|
$
|
402,679
|
$
|
34,973,530
|
$
|
6,314
|
$
|
45,143
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
35,024,987
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating
income (loss)
|
$
|
(2,598,113
|
)
|
$
|
257,093
|
$
|
(1,421,135
|
)
|
$
|
(647,027
|
)
|
$
|
(4,409,182
|
)
|
$
|
(696,731
|
)
|
$
|
(176,127
|
)
|
$
|
(2,138,429
|
)
|
$
|
(7,420,469
|
)
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
income (loss):
|
$
|
(2,650,892
|
)
|
$
|
256,442
|
$
|
(1,451,434
|
)
|
$
|
(656,083
|
)
|
$
|
(4,501,967
|
)
|
$
|
(1,252,530
|
)
|
$
|
(177,075
|
)
|
$
|
(3,179,470
|
)
|
$
|
(9,111,041
|
)
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Identifiable
assets
|
$
|
3,992,129
|
$
|
1,717,271
|
$
|
10,682,581
|
$
|
1,283,174
|
$
|
17,675,155
|
$
|
275,539
|
$
|
605,000
|
$
|
6,076,849
|
$
|
24,632,543
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
$
|
(154,871
|
)
|
$
|
(179,180
|
)
|
$
|
(1,438,547
|
)
|
$
|
(20,429
|
)
|
$
|
(1,793,026
|
)
|
$
|
(35,158
|
)
|
$
|
(1,337
|
)
|
$
|
(322,602
|
)
|
$
|
(2,152,124
|
)
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital
expenditure
|
$
|
48,172
|
$
|
1,291
|
$
|
1,684,217
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
1,733,680
|
$
|
9,525
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
1,743,205
|
Nine
months ended September 30, 2007
EUROPE
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Netherlands
|
Spain
|
Switzerland
|
Others
|
Total
|
Far East
HK/PRC
|
Middle
East
|
USA
|
TOTAL
|
||||||||||||||||||
Revenue
from unaffiliated customers
|
$
|
16,372,294
|
$
|
1,496,186
|
$
|
5,505,735
|
$
|
217,875
|
$
|
23,592,090
|
$
|
88,363
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
23,680,453
|
|||||||||
Operating
income (loss)
|
$
|
115,032
|
$
|
264,284
|
$
|
(1,694,772
|
)
|
$
|
(231,290
|
)
|
$
|
(1,546,746
|
)
|
$
|
(436,586
|
)
|
$
|
(8,850
|
)
|
$
|
(5,310,315
|
)
|
$
|
(7,302,497
|
)
|
||
Net
Income (Loss)
|
$
|
121,686
|
$
|
264,284
|
$
|
(1,694,772
|
)
|
$
|
(231,290
|
)
|
$
|
(1,540,092
|
)
|
$
|
(499,897
|
)
|
$
|
(8,850
|
)
|
$
|
(5,595,882
|
)
|
$
|
(7,644,721
|
)
|
||
Identifiable
assets
|
$
|
4,103,138
|
$
|
2,031,903
|
$
|
13,130,766
|
$
|
1,026,078
|
$
|
20,291,885
|
$
|
611,780
|
$
|
419,201
|
$
|
148,116
|
$
|
21,470,982
|
|||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
$
|
87,852
|
)
|
$
|
56,742
|
$
|
861,878
|
$
|
3,515
|
$
|
1,009,987
|
$
|
20,046
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
201
|
$
|
1,030,234
|
||||||||
Capital
expenditure
|
$
|
31,968
|
$
|
17,410
|
$
|
487,134
|
$
|
178,039
|
$
|
714,551
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
714,551
|
Note
22 Concentrations
Customers
in excess of 10% of total revenues were as follows:
For
the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company had a customer
in
the Netherlands, which accounted for revenue of $6,490,000 and $19,832,553,
respectively. For the same periods in 2007, this same Dutch customer accounted
for $6,327,439 and $19,691,596, respectively. For the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2008, the Company had a customer in Belgium, which accounted
for revenue of $1,197,267 and $3,987,348, respectively. For the same period
in
2007, this Belgian customer accounted for revenue of $1,423,562 and $4,330,629,
respectively.
Note
23 Related Party Transactions
In
connection with the Company’s Offering, which took place during the three months
ended September 30, 2008 (see Note 15 - Stockholders Equity - (A) Common Stock),
the Company paid a placement fee to a European placement agent and a US FINRA
broker dealer. In relation to the $7,399,958 which was raised during the period
ended September 30, 2008, the Company paid a total of $1,027,995 in Placements
fees of which $ 469,764 to Quercus Management Group N.V. (“QMG”) which is a 100%
owned subsidiary of QAT, and Amelia & Associates SA, earned $ 458,231.
Steven
van der Velden, our Chief Executive Officer and Director, as well as our
Directors Johan Dejager and Yves van Sante, are Directors of QAT. Mr. van der
Velden owns approximately 32% of QAT. In addition both Mr. Dejager and Mr.
van
Sante are minority shareholders of QAT. Mr van Sante, a director of the Company,
is a principal of Amelia & Associates SA.
In
connection with the conversion of $6,500,000 of Promissory Notes, the Company
agreed to pay RWC $445,100 as a part of a final Settlement Agreement regarding
the conversion of these two Promissory Notes (see note 14, Conversion of
Promissory Notes). Through direct and indirect holdings, Steven van de Velden,
our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, owns a controlling interest in RWC.
In
addition, Martin Zuurbier, our Chief Operating Officer, and QAT are shareholders
of RWC.
19
Note
24 Subsequent events
None
Item
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of
Operations
Forward-Looking
Statements
Any
forward looking statements made herein are based on current expectations of
the
Company, involve a number of risks and uncertainties and should not be
considered as guarantees of future performance. The factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially include: interruptions or cancellation
of
existing contracts, inability to integrate acquisitions, impact of competitive
products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance risks, the presence
of competitors with greater financial resources than the Company, product
development and commercialization risks, changes in governmental regulations,
and changing economic conditions in developing countries and an inability to
arrange additional debt or equity financing. More information about factors
that
potentially could affect the Company's financial results is included in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007.
The
following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and
notes
thereto and the other financial information included elsewhere in this
document.
Overview
Elephant
Talk Communications Inc. (“ETCI”), until recently was engaged in the long
distance telephone business in China and the Special Administrative Region
Hong
Kong.
In
2006,
the Company adopted the strategy to position itself as an international telecom
operator and enabler to the multi-media industry by facilitating to the
distribution of all forms of content and telecommunications services to various
global customers. Through intelligent design and organizational structure the
Company pursues this strategy by building a worldwide network based on both
clear and IP bandwidth that is managed centrally by its proprietary
IN-CRM-Billing platform.
In
January 2007, through the acquisition of various assets in Europe, the Company
established a foothold in the European Telecommunications Market, particularly
in the market of Service Numbers like Toll Free and Premium Rate Services and
to
a smaller extent Carrier (Pre) Select Services. Furthermore, through the human
and IT resources thereby acquired, the company obtained expertise of telecom
and
multi-media systems, telecom regulations and European markets.
The
Company currently operates a switch-based telecom network with national licenses
and direct fixed line interconnects with the Incumbents/National Telecom
Operators in eight (8) European countries, one (1) in the Middle East (Bahrain),
licenses in Hong Kong and the U.S.A. and partnerships with telecom operators
in
Scandinavia, Poland, Germany, Greece and Hong Kong. Codec and media streaming
servers are currently located in six centers geographically spread around the
world. Together with the centrally operated and managed IN-CRM-Billing platform,
the Company thus offers geographical, premium rate, toll free, personal, nomadic
and VoIP numbers. Services are primarily provided to the business market and
include traditional telecom services, VOIP, media streaming and distribution
including the necessary billing and collection. Through its European and Chinese
development centers, ETCI develops in-house telecom and media related systems
and software.
In
the
third quarter of 2007 the Company finalized testing and commissioned
additional national interconnects in the United Kingdom (British Telecom) and
Bahrain (Batelco), further enlarging the Company’s footprint in fixed line
infrastructure. In the Caribbean and the Middle East, the Company installed
its
first Wifi test sites, aimed at creating own broadband mobile access networks
in
emerging markets with relatively poor (or relatively expensive)
infrastructures.
In
Europe, a step was made towards building a mobile enabled infrastructure on
top
of the Company’s fixed line infrastructure by committing capital expenditure and
implementation resources towards becoming a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler
(MVNE)
In
Europe
in 2008 the Company positioned itself as a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler to
Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators offering a wide
range of Mobile Enabling/Enhancing services through sophisticated, proprietary
technology supported by multi-country operations with a focus on B-B,
Outsourcing /partnering strategy. Important milestones in this respect
are:
1. |
September
11, 2008. Letter
of Intent signed by Vodafone Espaňa S.A.U. and Elephant Talk
Communications, Inc., confirming the award by Vodafone Espaňa to Elephant
Talk of the project of implementation and operation of a new Mobile
Virtual Network Enabler platform for the Spanish market. Upon signing
of
the intended Hosting Agreement between Parties, Elephant Talk will
become
the exclusive MVNE for Vodafone
Espaňa.
|
20
2. |
September
17, 2008. Hosting Agreement signed between T-Mobile Netherlands BV
and
Elephant Talk Holding AG, a 100% affiliate of Elephant talk Europe
Holding
BV. T-Mobile is one of the 3 Mobile Network Operators in the Netherlands.
Elephant Talk will, as exclusive Mobile Virtual Network Enabler for
T-Mobile, connect Mobile Virtual Network Operators in the Netherlands
to
its platform, making use of the mobile network of
T-Mobile
|
The
Company offers a full range of standard telecom services like
· |
Carrier
(pre)Select, Dial-Around, PPCC and VoIP
Capabilities
|
· |
Toll
Free, Shared Cost and Premium Rate
Services
|
· |
Content
Distribution, Streaming & Codec
Services
|
· |
Billing,
Customer Relationship Management
Services
|
· |
Intelligent
Network Services
|
Results
of Operations
Our
results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008,
consisted of the operations of Elephant Talk Communications, Inc., its
wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Limited and its subsidiaries, its
wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Europe Holding BV and its subsidiaries,
and its wholly-owned subsidiary Elephant Talk Global Holding BV and its
subsidiaries.
On
January 18, 2008, our shareholder’s approved a 1-for-25 reverse stock split,
which became effective on June 11, 2008. All references to share and per-share
data for all periods presented have been adjusted to give effect to this reverse
split
Economic
Crisis:
We
believe that mobile telecommunications and the business-to-business markets
that
we serve will remain relatively stable in the face of the continued
deteriorating economic climate (see also Liquidity and Capital Resources).
Three
and Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 compared to the Three and Nine
Month Periods Ended September 30, 2007
Revenue
Revenue
for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $11,346,417 compared to
$11,547,708 for the same period in 2007. Revenue for the nine months ended
September 30, 2008 was $35,024,987 compared to $35,255,160 for the nine months
ended September 30, 2007. Our revenue base is primarily comprised of Premium
Rate Calling Services (PRS) and Carrier Select Services (CPS). Revenue for
the
three month period decreased when compared to prior year, primarily as a result
of a decrease in our PRS business attributable to fluctuations in customer
demand. Revenue for the nine months period was flat reflecting overall
telecommunications industry trends with respect to fixed line telecommunication
services. In addition to focusing our sales and marketing activities on the
PRS
business, we are focusing on the expansion of our mobile access capabilities
in
addition to our existing fixed line network access by entering into MVNE
(“Mobile Virtual Network Enabler”) contracts with various Mobile Network
Operators (“MVNO’s”).
Cost
of revenue
Cost
of
revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $11,695,051 compared
to $11,602,554 in the 2007 period. For the nine months ended September 30,
2008,
cost of revenue was $35,785,562 compared to $34,942,312 for the same period
in
2007. Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, was negative 3.1% for the three
month period ended September 30, 2008 and for the nine month ended September
30,
2008 period negative 2.2%. In the same periods in 2007, gross margin was
negative 0.2% and positive 0.9% respectively. Our cost of revenue includes
depreciation of assets and amortization of intangibles that are directly
attributable to the ability to generate revenue; including, network costs,
facility cost of hosting network and equipment and costs in providing resale
arrangements with long distance service providers, cost of leasing transmission
facilities, international gateway switches for voice, data transmission
services. The depreciation and amortization expense does not directly correspond
to the actual capacity utilization of our network infrastructure. Therefore,
given that usage of our network infrastructure is currently at less than full
capacity, as the utilization increases in the future, we expect our margin
to
increase as the incremental revenue run through the network will not have the
same depreciation and amortization burden as our existing revenue
base.
Selling,
general and administrative
Selling,
general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30,
2008 was $2,153,544 compared to $2,167,369 in 2007. For the nine month ended
September 30, 2008, SG&A expense was $5,575,047 compared to $3,181,314 in
the same period in 2007. The increase in SG&A is primarily a result of
headcount increases and associated costs related to the expansion of our mobile
network capabilities.
21
Non-cash
compensation
Non-cash
compensation for the three month and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was
$199,886 and $143,615 respectively, compared to $589,958 and $4,830,583, for
the
corresponding 2007 periods. Non-cash compensation is comprised of the expense
related to shares of restricted common stock that are issued to management
in
connection with a compensation plan originated in the first quarter of 2007.
The
2007 amounts include the expense associated with the initial sign on bonus
provided to the management team.
Depreciation
and amortization
Depreciation
and amortization for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008
was $173,084 and $494,889 respectively, compared to $165,959 and $489,451 for
the comparable periods in 2007. Depreciation and amortization expense was higher
in both periods primarily due to higher levels of fixed assets in the 2008
period compared to the comparable period in 2007.
Other
Income and Expenses:
Interest
for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $318,528 compared to
($121,268) in 2007. Interest was ($414,080) and ($512,237) for the nine months
ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively. For the nine month period,
interest expense decreased due to lower average promissory note balances in
the
2008 periods, related to the repayment of the Promissory Notes which occurred
in
June 2008. The three month period ended September 30, 2008 was adjusted for
$
352,797 relating to intercompany interest charges.
Minority
Interest
Our
majority owned subsidiaries Elephant Talk Communications PRS U.K. Limited,
Elephant Talk Communications Premium Rate Services Netherlands B.V., Elephant
Talk Middle East & Africa (Holding) W.L.L., Elephant Talk Middle East &
Africa (Holding) Jordan L.L.C., Elephant Talk Middle East & Africa Bahrain
W.L.L., Elephant Talk Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC incurred a loss of $30,232
and $59,249 attributed to minority shareholders’ interest in the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2008. During the same period in 2007, the Company’s
incurred losses of $5,664 and $7,963 attributed to minority shareholders’
interest.
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
We
record
foreign currency translation gains and losses as comprehensive income or loss.
Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months was a loss of $1,331,411
and
a loss of $117,064 respectively, compared to a loss of $351,967 and $111,179
for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease per the third
quarter 2008 compared to the same period of 2007 is primarily attributable
to
the translation effect resulting from the substantial decrease in the value
of
Euro compared to the USD which has occurred throughout third quarter of
2008.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
We
have
an accumulated deficit of $38,130,071 including a net loss of $3,882,592 and
$9,111,041 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. We have
historically relied on a combination of debt and equity financings to fund
our
ongoing cash requirements. In May 2008, we received Subscription Agreements
as a
result of a European Funding Round of approximately $7.3 million. For the nine
month ended September 30, 2008 we received a total $7.4 million from various
investors. We believe that our cash balance at September 30, 2008, in
combination with cash generated from operations, will provide sufficient funds
through the beginning of the first quarter of 2009.
In
the
light of the need to raise additional funds in the immediate short term, we
are
focused on capital raising activities, in addition to continuing to control
operating costs and aggressively managing working capital. We are actively
seeking to raise additional debt or equity financing in order to fund our cash
requirements generated by future operations, capital expenditures and potential
acquisitions. Although we have previously been able to raise capital as
needed, there can be no assurance that such capital will continue to be
available at all, or if available, that the terms of such financing would not
be
dilutive to existing stockholders or otherwise on terms favorable to us.
Further, the current global financial situation may offer additional challenges
to raising the capital we require in the immediate short term. If we are unable
to secure additional capital, as circumstances require, we may not be able
to
continue our operations.
These
financial statements assume that we will continue as a going concern. If we
are
unable to continue as a going concern, we may be unable to realize our assets
and discharge our liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and
classification of recorded asset amounts or to the amounts and classification
of
liabilities that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going
concern.
Operating
activities
Net
cash
used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was
$4,873,025. The increase is primarily due to the increase in accounts receivable
of $130,625, increase in accounts payables and customer deposits of $705,647
and
a decrease in accrued expenses and other payables of $403,099.
Investment
activities
Net
cash
used in investment activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
was
$1,171,653.
22
Financing
activities
Net
cash
received by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
was $6,619,103.
As
a result of the above activities, the Company recorded a cash and cash
equivalent balance of $4,763,809 as of September 30, 2008, a net increase in
cash and cash equivalent of $397,497 for the nine months ended September 30,
2008.
Application
of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Revenue
Recognition, Cost of Revenue and Deferred Revenue:
The
Company's revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff accounting
bulletin (SAB) 104. The Company derives revenues from activities as a fixed-line
provider with its own carrier network and its own switching technology and
from
transport, internet and VPN solutions. The Company also derives revenues from
sale of minutes of calling time via sale of its prepaid calling cards. Costs
of
revenues of the services supplied to attain the sales comprise the total
acquisition and production costs and cost of sales for the products and services
sold during the reporting period. Cost of revenues includes the cost of capacity
associated with the revenue recognized within the corresponding time period.
Revenue is deferred upon activation of the calling cards and is recognized
as
the prepaid calling card balances are reduced based upon minute usage,
imposition of administrative fees, or no further obligations exist with respect
to a calling card. Deferred revenues represent amounts received from its
customers for the unused minutes of the prepaid calling cards sold to its
customers since the Company recognizes revenues only on the usage of the
minutes.
Stock-based
Compensation:
The
Company follows the prescribed accounting and reporting standards for all
stock-based compensation plans, including employee stock options, restricted
stock, employee stock purchase plans and stock appreciation rights in accordance
with SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” SFAS No. 148
provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair
value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In
addition, this Statement requires prominent disclosures in both annual and
interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based
employee compensation and the effect of the method used, on reported
results.
The
Company accounts for the issuance of equity instruments to acquire goods and
services based on the fair value of the goods and services or the fair value
of
the equity instrument at the time of issuance, whichever is more reliably
measurable.
Impact
of Accounting Pronouncements
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements”, which is an amendment of Accounting Research
Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51. This statement clarifies that a
non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the
consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated
financial statements. This statement changes the way the consolidated
income statement is presented, thus requiring consolidated net income to be
reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both parent and
the
non-controlling interest. This statement is effective for the fiscal
years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. Based on current conditions, the Company does not
expect the adoption of SFAS 160 to have a significant impact on its results
of
operations or financial position.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business
Combinations.” This statement replaces FASB Statement No. 141,
“Business Combinations.” This statement retains the fundamental requirements in
SFAS 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (which SFAS 141 called
the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer
to be identified for each business combination. This statement defines the
acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the
business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that
the
acquirer achieves control. This statement requires an acquirer to recognize
the
assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest
in
the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that
date, with limited exceptions specified in the statement. This statement applies
prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on
or
after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 141 to
have a significant impact on its results of operations or financial
position.
In
March,
2008, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The new standard is intended to improve
financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by
requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their
effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash
flows. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and
interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application
encouraged. The new standard also improves transparency about the location
and
amounts of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements; how
derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under
Statement 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect
its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. FASB Statement
No. 161 achieves these improvements by requiring disclosure of the fair values
of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. It
also provides more information about an entity’s liquidity by requiring
disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related. Finally, it
requires cross-referencing within footnotes to enable financial statement users
to locate important. Based on current conditions, the Company does not expect
the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a significant impact on its results of
operations or financial position.
23
Item
1a. Risk Factors
In
addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, you should carefully consider the Risk
Factors
included in Part I, “Item 1A. — “Risk
Factors”
of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and
the
additional Risk
Factors
set forth below. These Risk
Factors
could materially impact our business, financial condition and/or operating
results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or
that we
currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely impact our
business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Recent
economic events and, in particular, the “credit crisis” may have an adverse
effect in the markets in which we operate.
Much
of
our business is consumer driven, and to the extent there is a decline in
consumer spending, we could experience a reduction in the demand for our
services and a decrease in our revenues, net income and an increase in bad
debts
arising from non-payment of our trade receivables. Although we
have not seen a slow-down in our business, it is too early to predict
what effect the current “credit crisis” may have on the Company
and we will need to carefully monitor our operating costs as the
effects of the current economic issues become known.
We
are dependent on a significant customer and the loss or credit failure of
this
customer could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and
financial condition.
For
the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company had a customer
in
the Netherlands, which accounted for revenue of $6,490,000 and $19,832,553,
respectively. For the same periods in 2007, this same Dutch customer accounted
for $6,327,439 and $19,691,596, respectively. For the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2008, the Company had a customer in Belgium, which accounted
for revenue of $1,197,267 and $3,987,348, respectively. For the same period
in
2007, this Belgian customer accounted for revenue of $1,423,562 and $4,330,629,
respectively. If this significant customer discontinues its relationship
with us
for any reason, or reduces or postpones current or expected revenues, it
could
have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
Item
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market
Risks
Not
applicable.
Item
4T. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As
of the
end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, the Company’s management,
with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer (“the Certifying Officers”), conducted evaluations of the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. As defined under Sections 13a -
15(e) and 15d - 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”), the term “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls
and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits
under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within
the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure
controls and procedures include without limitation, controls and procedures
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in
the
reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and
communicated to the issuer’s management, included the Certifying Officers, to
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. As of the end of the
period covered by this Quarterly Report, the Company’s management, with the
participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer (“the Certifying Officers”), conducted evaluations of the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures. As defined under Sections 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”), the term “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other
procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required
to
be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time
periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and
procedures include without limitation, controls and procedures designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports
that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated
to the issuer’s management, included the Certifying Officers, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosures.
Based
on
this evaluation, the Certifying Officers have concluded that the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that material
information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported by management of
the
Company on a timely basis in order to comply with the Company’s disclosure
obligations under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
The
Company’s management made an initial assessment as of December 31, 2007 as
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and determined
that a material weakness within its internal control over financial reporting
exists.
Based
on
this evaluation, our management feels our controls and procedures are not
effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our management
was
unable to evaluate our controls and procedures based upon the framework in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) due to the fact that the Company
does not have the personnel resources nor technological infrastructure in place
to perform this evaluation. Management has identified this lack of personnel
and
technological resources as a material weakness in the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting. While management believes the financial reports
included in this Quarterly Report fairly represent the financial condition
of the Company, due to the Company’s inability to evaluate its internal controls
over financial reporting based on the framework developed by COSO, there is
no
guarantee that the financial reports accurately represent our financial
condition.
Changes
in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The
Company has begun to take appropriate steps to remediate the material weakness
described above. The Company is currently executing a Sarbanes-Oxley (“SOX”)
program strengthening internal controls over financial reporting. The Program
consists of five phases. During the first half of this year the first two phases
were completed: an overview of SOX requirements for ETCI, a SOX scoping plan
and
a Plan of Approach. The program is currently in its Risk & Control
Assessment phase (third phase) identifying key risks and key controls.
Remediation efforts have started this quarter and the Company expects to
complete them in the first half of 2009.
24
The
effectiveness of internal controls following remediation efforts will not
be
known until those controls have been adequately tested. Substantive testing
of
the key controls will start as soon as possible. The Company plans to complete
them in the first half of 2009.
This
Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public
accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered
public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report
in this Report.
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1. Legal Proceedings
On
or
about September 12, 2008, an action was commenced against the Company by
Russelle Choi ("Choi") in California Superior Court, Orange County, in a
matter entitled Choi
v. Elephant Talk Communications, Inc., Case No. 30-2008-00111874.
The
complaint alleges that pursuant to agreements between Choi and the Company,
the
Company is obligated to pay Choi the total sum of $90,000. The Company
has submitted an Answer to the Complaint, denying all the material allegations
thereof, and has also asserted numerous affirmative defenses.
There
have been no material updates to the legal proceedings described in our previous
periodic reports.
Item
2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of
Proceeds
In
August
of 2008, the Company consummated a final closing (the “Closing”) of its private
placement offering (the “Offering”), an offering that started in May 2008, of
Units comprised of shares of common stock (the “Shares”) and warrants to
purchase shares of common stock (the “Warrants”, together with the Shares, the
“Securities”) to accredited European investors (“Investors”). The Securities
were offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
In
the
second quarter of 2008 the Company sold an aggregate of 3,148,929 Shares at
a
purchase price of $1.05 per Share and delivered Warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 3,148,926 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price
of $1.26 per share and Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,574,462 shares
of
the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $1.47 per share. In this
second quarter the Company realized gross proceeds of $3,306,372 and net
proceeds of $2,843,505, after the payment of placement fees which totaled
$462,867.
In
the
third quarter of this year the Company sold an aggregate of 3,898,177 Shares
at
a purchase price of $1.05 per Share and delivered Warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 3,898,653 Shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price
of $ 1.26 per share and Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,949,327 shares
of
the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $1.47 per share.
The
Company sold in total 7,047,106 Shares at a purchase price of $1.05 and
delivered Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 7,047,579 shares of the Company’s
common stock at a purchase price of $1.26 per share and Warrants to purchase
an
aggregate of 3,523,789 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price
of $1.47 per share.
In
this
third quarter the Company realized gross proceeds of $4,093,586 and net proceeds
of $3,562,356 after the payment of placement fees which totaled $531,230. In
total this Offering generated gross proceeds of $7,399,958 and net proceeds
of
$6,371,963 after deduction of placements fees which totaled $1,027,995. The
Company intends to use the proceeds for potential acquisitions, working capital
and capital expenditures.
Item
3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item
5. Other Information
None.
Item
6. Exhibits
(a)
Exhibits
31.1
|
Certification
of the CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a) on page
X-1.
|
|
31.2
|
Certification
of the CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a) on page
X-2.
|
|
32.1
|
Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on page X-3.
|
|
32.2
|
Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on page
X-4.
|
25
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements 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.
ELEPHANT
TALK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
|
||
|
|
|
November
14, 2008
|
By: | /s/ Steven van der Velden |
Steven van der Velden |
||
President
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
November
14, 2008
|
By: | /s/ Willem Ackermans |
Willem Ackermans |
||
Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial and Accounting
Officer)
|
26
Index
to Exhibits
Number
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
Page
|
31.1
|
|
Certification
of the CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a)
|
|
X-1
|
31.2
|
|
Certification
of the CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a)
|
|
X-2
|
32.1
|
|
Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
X-3
|
32.2
|
|
Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
X-4
|
27