PureBase Corp - Quarter Report: 2022 August (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended: August 31, 2022
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from _________ to _________
Commission file number: 000-55517
PUREBASE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 27-2060863 | |
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
8631 State Highway 124 Ione, California |
95640 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(209) 274-9143
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former address)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of exchange on which registered | ||
None | N/A | N/A |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
Emerging Growth Company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act: ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of October 13 , 2022, there were shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
PUREBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022
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PUREBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
August 31, 2022 | November 30, 2021 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 11,782 | $ | 132,309 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for uncollectables of $ and $18,277, respectively | 209,809 | 2,000 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 5,909 | 4,594 | ||||||
Total Current Assets | 227,500 | 138,903 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 620,000 | 620,000 | ||||||
Right of use asset | 2,843 | 15,639 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 850,343 | $ | 774,542 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||||||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 115,067 | $ | 156,616 | ||||
Settlement liability | 400,000 | 400,000 | ||||||
Lease liability | 2,981 | 16,095 | ||||||
Note payable to officer | 38,716 | 58,716 | ||||||
Due to affiliated entities | 729,059 | |||||||
Convertible notes payable - related party, net of discount of $ and $5,329, respectively | 30,000 | 994,671 | ||||||
Notes payable, related party | 25,000 | 25,000 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 611,764 | 2,380,157 | ||||||
Convertible notes payable - related party, net of current portion, and net of discount of $ | 470,862 | 579,769 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | 1,082,626 | 2,959,926 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8) | ||||||||
Stockholders’ Deficit: | ||||||||
Preferred stock, $ | par value; shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding, at August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021, respectively||||||||
Common stock, $ | par value; shares authorized; and shares issued and outstanding, at August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021, respectively160,350 | 144,977 | ||||||
Additional paid in capital | 47,425,827 | 18,730,863 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (47,818,460 | ) | (21,061,224 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders’ Deficit | (232,283 | ) | (2,185,384 | ) | ||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | $ | 850,343 | $ | 774,542 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3 |
PUREBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
August 31, 2022 | August 31, 2021 | August 31, 2022 | August 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||
Revenue, net | $ | 226,060 | $ | 338,700 | $ | 454,536 | $ | 368,700 | ||||||||
Operating Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 8,232,007 | 293,293 | 27,055,218 | 927,080 | ||||||||||||
Product fulfillment | 34,329 | 85,343 | 125,611 | 103,051 | ||||||||||||
Loss on impairment of mineral rights | ||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 8,266,336 | 378,636 | 27,180,829 | 1,030,131 | ||||||||||||
Loss From Operations | (8,040,276 | ) | (39,936 | ) | (26,726,293 | ) | (661,431 | ) | ||||||||
Other Income (Expense): | ||||||||||||||||
Other income | 2,007 | 23,200 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (1,038 | ) | (42,129 | ) | (32,949 | ) | (88,177 | ) | ||||||||
Total Other Income (Expense) | (1,038 | ) | (42,129 | ) | (30,942 | ) | (64,977 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss | $ | (8,041,314 | ) | $ | (82,065 | ) | $ | (26,757,235 | ) | $ | (726,408 | ) | ||||
Loss per Common Share - Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.12 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | ||||
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic and Diluted | 237,482,318 | 215,380,741 | 227,480,727 | 215,105,759 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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PUREBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022 AND 2021
(Unaudited)
Additional | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Paid-in | Accumulated | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at November 30, 2020 | $ | 214,950,741 | $ | 144,547 | $ | 11,307,806 | $ | (12,754,027 | ) | $ | (1,301,674 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation - shares | - | - | 10,688 | 10,688 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | (238,000 | ) | (238,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at February 28, 2021 | $ | 214,950,741 | $ | 144,547 | $ | 11,318,494 | $ | (12,992,027 | ) | $ | (1,528,986 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation - shares | - | 430,000 | 430 | 68,393 | 68,823 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | (406,343 | ) | (406,343 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at May 31, 2021 | $ | 215,380,741 | 144,977 | 11,386,887 | (13,398,370 | ) | (1,866,506 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation - shares | - | - | 23,993 | 23,993 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | (82,065 | ) | (82,065 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at August 31, 2021 | $ | 215,380,741 | 144,977 | 11,410,880 | (13,480,435 | ) | (1,924,578 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at November 30, 2021 | 215,380,751 | 144,977 | 18,730,863 | (21,061,224 | ) | (2,185,384 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation - shares | - | - | 10,949,738 | 10,949,738 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | (11,222,544 | ) | (11,222,544 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of February 28, 2022 | $ | 215,380,751 | 144,977 | 29,680,601 | (32,283,769 | ) | (2,458,191 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation - shares | - | - | 7,304,345 | 7,304,345 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible debt converted into common stock | - | 23,741,655 | 23,742 | 2,549,429 | 2,573,171 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | (7,493,377 | ) | (7,493,377 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at May 31, 2022 | $ | 239,122,406 | $ | 168,719 | $ | 39,534,375 | $ | (39,777,146 | ) | $ | (74,052 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation - shares | - | 300,000 | 300 | 7,882,782 | 7,883,082 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement share surrender | - | (8,669,400 | ) | (8,669 | ) | 8,669 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | (8,041,314 | ) | (8,041,314 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at August 31, 2021 | $ | 230,753,005 | 160,350 | 47,425,827 | (47,818,460 | ) | (232,283 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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PUREBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
August 31, 2022 | August 31, 2021 | |||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (26,757,235 | ) | $ | (726,408 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Stock based compensation | 26,137,165 | 98,426 | ||||||
Amortization of debt discount | 5,329 | 32,783 | ||||||
Non-cash board of director compensation | 30,000 | |||||||
Non-cash effect of right of use asset | 454 | |||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (207,809 | ) | (368,700 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (1,315 | ) | (924 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 73,338 | 29,335 | ||||||
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities | (720,527 | ) | (935,034 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Advances from related parties | 620,000 | 979,461 | ||||||
Payments on notes due to officers | (20,000 | ) | (39,100 | ) | ||||
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities | 600,000 | 940,361 | ||||||
Net Increase In Cash | (119,527 | ) | 5,327 | |||||
Cash - Beginning of Period | 132,309 | 7,450 | ||||||
Cash - End of Period | $ | 12,782 | $ | 12,777 | ||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
Noncash operating and financing activities: | ||||||||
Vendors paid for on behalf of the Company by USMC | $ | 6,296 | $ | 22,150 | ||||
Due to affiliates exchanged for convertible debt | $ | 1,355,355 | $ | 1,401,769 | ||||
Convertible debt converted to common stock | $ | 2,464,262 | $ | |||||
Accrued interested converted to common stock | $ | 108,909 | $ | |||||
Board of director compensation - accrued as convertible debt | $ | 30,000 | $ |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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PUREBASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Corporate Overview
Purebase Corporation (“Purebase” or the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on March 2, 2010. The Company is an industrial mineral and natural resource company that provides solutions to the agriculture and construction materials markets in the United States through its two subsidiaries, Purebase Agricultural, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Purebase AG”), and U.S. Agricultural Minerals, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Purebase SCM”), respectively.
The Company is headquartered in Ione, California.
Agricultural Sector
The Company develops specialized fertilizers, sun protectants, soil amendments and bio-stimulants for organic and non-organic sustainable agriculture. The Company has developed and will seek to develop additional products derived from mineralized materials of leonardite, kaolin clay, laterite, and other natural minerals. These mineral and soil amendments are used to protect crops, plants and fruits from the sun and winter damage, to provide nutrients to plants, and to improve dormancy and soil ecology to help farmers increase the yields of their harvests. The Company is building a brand family under the parent trade name “Purebase,” consisting of its Purebase Shade Advantage WP product, a kaolin-clay based sun protectant for crops.
Construction Sector
The Company has been developing and testing a kaolin-based product that it believes will help create a lower CO2-emitting concrete through the use of high-quality supplementary cementitious materials (“SCMs”). The Company is developing a SCM that it believes can potentially replace up to 40% of cement, the most polluting part of concrete. As government agencies continue to enact stricter requirements for less-polluting forms of concrete, the Company believes there are significant opportunities for high-quality SCM products in the construction-materials sector.
The Company utilizes the services of US Mine Corporation (“USMC”), a Nevada corporation and a significant shareholder of the Company, for the development and contract mining of industrial mineral and metal projects, exploration drilling, preparation of feasibility studies, mine modeling, on-site construction, production, site reclamation and for product fulfillment. Exploration services include securing necessary permits, environmental compliance, and reclamation plans. In addition, a substantial portion of the minerals used by the Company are obtained from properties owned or controlled by USMC. A. Scott Dockter, the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and a director, and John Bremer, a director, are also officers, directors and owners of USMC.
NOTE 2 – GOING CONCERN AND LIQUIDITY
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of August 31, 2022, the Company had a significant accumulated deficit of $47,818,460 and working capital deficit of $384,264. For the nine months ended August 31, 2022, the Company had a loss from operations of $26,726,293 and negative cash flows from operations of $720,527. The Company’s operating activities consume the majority of its cash resources. The Company anticipates that it will continue to incur operating losses as it executes its development plans for 2022, as well as other potential strategic and business development initiatives. In addition, the Company has had and expects to have negative cash flows from operations, at least into the near future. The Company has previously funded, and plans to continue funding, these losses primarily with additional infusions of cash from advances from an affiliate, the sale of equity and convertible notes. The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
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The Company’s plan, through the continued promotion of its services to existing and potential customers, is to generate sufficient revenues to cover its anticipated expenses. The Company is currently exploring several options to meet its short-term cash requirements, including issuances of equity securities or equity-linked securities from third parties.
Although no assurances can be given as to the Company’s ability to deliver on its revenue plans or that unforeseen expenses may arise, management currently believes that the revenue to be generated from operations together with equity and debt financing, including funding from USMC in connection with the March 23, 2022 securities purchase agreement, will provide the necessary funding for the Company to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. On April 7, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party, pursuant to which the Company may issue up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 of two-year convertible promissory notes to USMC, a related party (see Note 10). The notes bear interest at 5% per annum and any outstanding principal or interest under the notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, at any time at the option of the holder, at a conversion price of $0.39 per share. Currently, the Company has issued $470,862 of convertible notes under such securities purchase agreement and may issue an additional $529,138 of convertible notes. However, there currently are no other arrangements or agreements for financing, and management cannot guarantee any other potential debt or equity financing will be available, or if available, on favorable terms. As such, these matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of twelve months from the issue date of this report. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, or at all, the Company will need to curtail operations, or cease operations completely.
NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) including Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments, unless otherwise indicated) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the operating results for the respective periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally present in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements and the information included under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and explanatory notes for the year ended November 30, 2021 in our Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2022 with the SEC. The results of the nine months ended August 31, 2022 (unaudited) are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending November 30, 2022.
Principles of Consolidation
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries PureBase AG and Purebase SCM. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and equity-based transactions at the date of the financial statements and the revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
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The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates include the allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment, deferred tax asset and valuation allowance, and assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation methods, such as expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividend rate.
Revenue
The Company derives revenues from the sale of its agricultural products. The Company’s contracted transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The Company’s contracts have a single performance obligation which are not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and is, therefore, not distinct. The Company’s performance obligation is satisfied upon the transfer of risk of loss to the customer.
Revenue consists of the following by product offering for the nine months ended August 31, 2022:
CROP WHITE II | SHADE ADVANTAGE (WP) | SulFe Hume Si ADVANTAGE | Total | |||||||||||
$ | 192,780 | $ | 210,296 | $ | 51,460 | $ | 454,536 |
Revenue consists of the following by product offering for the nine months ended August 31, 2021:
CROP WHITE II | SHADE ADVANTAGE (WP) | SulFe Hume Si ADVANTAGE | Total | |||||||||||
$ | $ | 144,750 | $ | 223,950 | $ | 368,700 |
Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. There were no cash equivalents as of August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021.
Account Receivable
The Company periodically assesses its accounts and other receivables for collectability on a specific identification basis. If collectability of an account becomes unlikely, an allowance is recorded for that doubtful account. The Company has determined that there was allowance for doubtful accounts as of August 31, 2022 and an allowance of $18,277 as of November 30, 2021.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally three to five years. Expenditures that enhance the useful lives of the assets are capitalized and depreciated.
Equipment | 3-5 years |
Autos and trucks | 5 years |
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Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. At the time of retirement or other disposition of property and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation will be removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, will be reflected in operations. The Company currently has $620,000 in property and equipment that it acquired on May 1, 2020. As of August 31, 2022, the Company has not placed the acquired property and equipment to use. As such, the Company has not recorded depreciation.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted net cash flows of the operation to which the assets relate to the carrying amount. If the operation is determined to be unable to recover the carrying amount of its assets, then these assets are written down first, followed by other long-lived assets of the operation to fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, depending on the nature of the assets. No impairment losses were recorded during the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021.
Shipping and Handling
The Company incurs shipping and handling costs which are charged back to the customer. There were no shipping and handling costs incurred during the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021.
Advertising and Marketing Costs
The Company expenses advertising and marketing costs as they are incurred. Advertising and marketing expenses were $15,040 and $54,031 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $0 and $12,031 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations.
Fair Value Measurements
As defined in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement). This fair value measurement framework applies at both initial and subsequent measurement.
Level 1: | Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, marketable securities and listed equities. | |
Level 2: | Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category generally include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, options and collars. | |
Level 3: | Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value. |
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of notes approximates the estimated fair value for these financial instruments as management believes that such notes constitute substantially all of the Company’s debt and interest payable on the notes approximates the Company’s incremental borrowing rate.
Net loss per share of common stock is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. All outstanding options are considered potential common stock. The dilutive effect, if any, of stock options are calculated using the treasury stock method. All outstanding convertible notes are considered common stock at the beginning of the period or at the time of issuance, if later, pursuant to the if-converted method. Since the effect of common stock equivalents is anti-dilutive with respect to losses, outstanding options have been excluded from the Company’s computation of net loss per share of common stock for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
August 31,2022 | August 31,2021 | |||||||
Convertible Notes | 1,398,498 | 129,117,358 | ||||||
Stock Options | 62,018,787 | 1,595,000 | ||||||
Total | 63,417,285 | 130,712,358 |
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
August 31, 2022 | August 31, 2021 | |||||||
Convertible Notes | 1,398,498 | 129,117,358 | ||||||
Stock Options | 62,018,787 | 1,595,000 | ||||||
Total | 63,417,285 | 130,712,358 |
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company applies the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees, including employee stock options, in the statements of operations.
For stock options issued to employees and members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) for their services, the Company estimates the grant date fair value of each option using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires management to make assumptions with respect to the expected term of the option, the expected volatility of the Common Stock consistent with the expected life of the option, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yields of the Common Stock. For awards subject to service-based vesting conditions, including those with a graded vesting schedule, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value of stock options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting term. Forfeitures are recorded as they are incurred as opposed to being estimated at the time of grant and revised.
Pursuant to ASU 2018-07 Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, the Company accounts for stock options issued to non-employees for their services in accordance ASC 718. The Company uses valuation methods and assumptions to value the stock options that are in line with the process for valuing employee stock options noted above.
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Leases
With the adoption of ASC 842, operating lease agreements are required to be recognized on the balance sheet as Right-of-Use (“ROU”) assets and corresponding lease liabilities. ROU assets include any prepaid lease payments and exclude any lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease if it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option.
The Company leases its corporate offices. All of the leases are classified as operating leases. The Company is a party to a two-year lease, with USMC, a related party, for 1,000 square feet of office space located in Ione, California (the “Ione Lease”) with respect to its corporate operations (See Note 10). The Ione Lease expires in November 2022 (subject to automatic extensions on a month-to-month basis) and has a monthly base rental during the initial term of $1,500. The remaining weighted average term is 0.17 years.
In accordance with ASC 842, Leases, the Company recognized a ROU asset and corresponding lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet for long-term office leases. See Note 7 – Leases for further discussion, including the impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets, including tax loss and credit carry forwards, and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company utilizes ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method to compute the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the related financial amounts, using currently enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is “more likely-than-not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
For uncertain tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold, the Company recognizes the benefit of uncertain tax positions in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
All other newly issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements have been deemed to be not applicable or immaterial to the Company.
NOTE 4 – MINING RIGHTS
Federal Preference Rights Lease in Esmeralda County NV
This Preference Rights Lease is granted by the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) covering approximately 2,500 acres of land located in the Mount Diablo Meridian area of Nevada. Contained in the leased property is the Chimney 1 Potassium/Sulfur Deposit which consists of 15.5 acres of land fully permitted for mining operation which is situated within the 2,500 acres held by the Company. All rights and obligations under the Preference Rights Lease have been assigned to the Company by USMC. These rights were initially recorded at their cost of $200,000. At November 30, 2020, the Company fully impaired the asset. This lease requires a payment of $7,503 per year to the BLM.
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Snow White Mine located in San Bernardino County, CA – Deposit
On November 28, 2014 US Mining and Minerals Corporation entered into a Purchase Agreement in which it agreed to sell its fee simple property interest and certain mining claims to USMC. In contemplation of the Plan and Agreement of Reorganization, on December 1, 2014, USMC, a related party, assigned its rights and obligations under the Purchase Agreement to the Company pursuant to an Assignment of Purchase Agreement. As a result of the Assignment, the Company assumed the purchaser position under the Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Agreement involves the sale of approximately 280 acres of mining property containing 5 placer mining claims known as the Snow White Mine located near Barstow, California in San Bernardino County. The property is covered by a Conditional Use Permit allowing the mining of the property and a Plan of Operation and Reclamation Plan has been approved by San Bernardino County and the BLM. An initial deposit of $50,000 was paid to escrow, and the Purchase Agreement required the payment of an additional $600,000 at the end of the escrow period. There was a delay in the original seller, Joseph Richard Matthewson, receiving a clear title to the property and a fully permitted project, both of which were conditions to closing. In light of the foregoing, and the payment of an additional $25,000, the parties agreed to extend the closing. Due to delays in the Company securing the necessary funding to close the purchase of the Snow White Mine property, John Bremer, a shareholder and a director of the Company, paid $575,000 to acquire the property on or about October 15, 2015. Mr. Bremer will transfer title to the Company when the Company pays Mr. Bremer $575,000 plus expenses, however, the Company is under no obligation to do so. The mining claims require a minimum royalty payment of $3,500 per year to be made by the Company.
During the year ended November 30, 2017, USMC, agreed to offset the $75,000 deposit against money owed to USMC. As a result, the purchase price is $650,000 plus expenses. Mr. Bremer has not restricted the Company from continuing its exploration on or access to the Snow White mine property.
On September 5, 2019, the Board approved the discontinuance of all mining and related activities at the Snow White project. The Company has no further obligation related to this project.
On April 1, 2020, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the Bremer Family 1995 Living Trust, a related party of the Company, pursuant to which the Company will purchase the Snow White Mine for $836,000 (the “Purchase Price”). The Purchase Price plus 5% interest is payable in full in cash at the closing which must occur at any time before April 1, 2022 (the “Closing Date”). On April 14, 2022, the agreement was amended to extend the Closing Date to April 14, 2023.
NOTE 5 – NOTES PAYABLE
Bayshore Capital Advisors, LLC
On February 26, 2016, the Company issued a promissory note to Bayshore Capital Advisors, LLC, an affiliate through common ownership of a 10% major shareholder of the Company, for $25,000 for working capital at an interest rate of 6% per annum. The note was payable August 26, 2016, or when the Company closes a bridge financing, whichever occurs first. The Company is in default on this note as of August 31, 2022. During the nine months ended August 31, 2022, the Company did not make repayments towards the outstanding balance of the note. The balance on the note was $25,000 as of August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021 (see Note 10). Total interest expense on the note was $1,126 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on the note was $378 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021.
A. Scott Dockter – President and Chief Executive Officer
On August 31, 2017, the Company issued a note in the amount of $197,096 to A. Scott Dockter, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, to consolidate the total amounts due to Mr. Dockter. The note bears interest at 6% and is due upon demand. During the nine months ended August 31, 2022, the Company paid $20,000 towards the outstanding balance of the note. The balance on the note was $38,716 and $58,716 as of August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021, respectively (See Note 10). Total interest expense on the note was $2,291 and $4,761 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on the note was $586 and $1,346 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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Convertible Promissory Notes – USMC
December 1, 2019
On December 1, 2019, in connection with the September 26, 2019, securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party, (See Note 10), the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $20,000 to USMC, with a maturity date of December 31, 2021 (“Tranche #1”). The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock, at any time at the option of the holder, at a conversion price of $0.16 per share. On April 7, 2022, the December 1, 2019 note was amended to extend the maturity date to April 30, 2022. Thereafter, on April 7, 2022, USMC gave notice of conversion of the outstanding principal balance of $20,000 of the December 1, 2019 note, plus accrued interest totaling $2,351 through such date, into shares of the Company’s common stock.
The issuance of Tranche #1 resulted in a discount from the beneficial conversion feature totaling $20,000. Total straight-line amortization of this discount totaled $0 and $7,201 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total straight-line amortization of this discount totaled $0 and $2,418 during the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on Tranche #1 was approximately $350 and $750 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on Tranche #1 was approximately $0 and $250 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
January 1, 2020
On January 1, 2020, in connection with the September 26, 2019, securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party, (See Note 10), the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $86,000 to USMC, with a maturity date of January 1, 2022 (“Tranche #2”). The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock, at any time at the option of the holder, at a conversion price of $0.16 per share. On April 7, 2022, the January 1, 2020 note was amended to extend the maturity date to April 30, 2022. Thereafter, on April 7, 2022, USMC gave notice of conversion of the outstanding principal balance of $86,000 of the January 1, 2020 note, plus accrued interest totaling $9,743 through such date, into shares of the Company’s common stock.
The issuance of Tranche #2 resulted in a discount from the beneficial conversion feature totaling $32,250. Total straight-line amortization of this discount totaled $1,412 and $12,088 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021, respectively. Total straight-line amortization of this discount totaled $0 and $4,059 during the three months ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on Tranche #2 was approximately $1,500 and $3,278 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on Tranche #2 was approximately $0 and $1,100 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
February 1, 2020
On February 1, 2020, in connection with the September 26, 2019, securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party, (See Note 10), the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $72,000 to USMC, with a maturity date of February 1, 2022 (“Tranche #3”). The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock, at any time at the option of the holder, at a conversion price of $0.16 per share. On April 7, 2022, the February 1, 2020 note was amended to extend the maturity date to April 30, 2022. Thereafter, on April 7, 2022, USMC gave notice of conversion of the outstanding principal balance of $72,000 of the February 1, 2020 note, plus accrued interest totaling $7,851 through such date, into shares of the Company’s common stock.
The issuance of Tranche #3 resulted in a discount from the beneficial conversion feature totaling $36,000. Total straight-line amortization of this discount totaled $3,103 and $13,494 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total straight-line amortization of this discount totaled $0 and $4,531 during the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on Tranche #3 was approximately $1,260 and $2,702 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on Tranche #3 was approximately $0 and $900 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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December 1, 2020
On December 1, 2020, in connection with the September 26, 2019 securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party, (See Note 10), the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $822,000 to USMC, with a maturity date of November 25, 2022 (“Tranche 4”). The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at the option of the noteholder, at a conversion price of $0.16 per share. On April 7, 2022 USMC gave notice of conversion of the outstanding principal balance of $822,000 of the December 1, 2020 note, plus accrued interest totaling $55,401 through such date, into shares of the Company’s common stock. Total interest expense on Tranche #4 was approximately $ 17,700 and $30,800 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on Tranche #4 was approximately $0 and $10,500 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
March 17, 2021
On March 17, 2021, in connection with the March 11, 2021, securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party (see Note 10), the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $579,769 to USMC, with a maturity date of March 17, 2023 (“Tranche #5”). The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at the option of the noteholder, at a conversion price of $0.088 per share. On April 7, 2022 USMC gave notice of conversion of the outstanding principal balance of $579,769.39 of the March 17, 2021 note, plus accrued interest totaling $30,656 through such date, into shares of the Company’s common stock. Total interest expense on Tranche #5 was approximately $8,800 and $13,300 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on Tranche #5 was approximately $0 and $7,400 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
March 14, 2022
On March 14, 2022, in connection with the November 25, 2020, securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party (see Note 10), the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $884,429.28 to USMC, with a maturity date of March 14, 2024 (“Tranche #6”). The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at the option of the noteholder, at a conversion price of $0.088 per share. On April 7, 20222 USMC gave notice of conversion of the outstanding principal balance of $884,492.28 of the March 14, 2022 note, plus accrued interest totaling $2,908 through such date, into shares of the Company’s common stock. Total interest expense on Tranche #6 was approximately $2,908 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. Total interest expense on Tranche #6 was $0 for the three months ended August 31, 2022.
August 30, 2022
On August 30, 2022, in connection with the April 7, 2022, securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party (see Note 10), the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $470,862 to USMC, with a maturity date of August 30, 2024 (“Tranche #7”). The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at the option of the noteholder, at a conversion price of $0.39 per share. Total interest expense on Tranche #7 was approximately $0 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. Total interest expense on Tranche #7 was $0 for the three months ended August 31, 2022.
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Convertible Debt – Board of Directors
On April 8, 2021, the Company entered into a twelve-month Director Agreement with Jeffrey Guzy whereby Mr. Guzy will receive a $1,000 cash fee each month for services performed. The fee will accrue as 0% interest debt to the Company until the Company has its first cash-flow positive month. If a debt is still owed at the end of the term, the debt shall be converted into common stock at the lower price of the market value of such common stock on the date of termination or renewal of the Director Agreement, as the case may be, or the 20-day volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) immediately prior to the end of the term or renewal date. The Director Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement at least 30 days prior to the end of the then current term. As of August 31, 2022, the Company has debt in the amount of $17,000 owed to Mr. Guzy.
On August 10, 2021, the Company entered into a twelve-month Director Agreement with Dr. Kimberly Kurtis whereby Dr. Kurtis will receive a $1,000 cash fee each month for services performed. The fee will accrue as 0% interest debt to the Company until the Company has its first cash-flow positive month. If a debt is still owed at the end of the term, the debt shall be converted into common stock at the lower price of the market value of such common stock on the date of termination or renewal of the Director Agreement, as the case may be, or the 20-day VWAP immediately prior to the end of the term or renewal date. The Director Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement at least 30 days prior to the end of the then current term. As of August 31, 2022, the Company has debt in the amount of $13,000 owed to Dr. Kurtis.
NOTE 6 – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following amounts:
As
of | As of November 30, 2021 | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 46,084 | $ | 2,647 | ||||
Accrued interest – related party | 50,460 | 126,806 | ||||||
Accrued compensation | 18,523 | 27,163 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 115,067 | $ | 156,616 |
NOTE 7 – LEASES
The following table presents net lease cost and other supplemental lease information:
Nine Months Ended | ||||
August 31, 2022 | ||||
Lease cost | ||||
Operating lease cost (cost resulting from lease payments) | $ | 13,500 | ||
Short term lease cost | ||||
Sublease income | ||||
Net lease cost | $ | 9,000 | ||
Operating lease – operating cash flows (fixed payments) | $ | 13,500 | ||
Operating lease – operating cash flows (liability reduction) | $ | 13,113 | ||
Non-current leases – right of use assets | $ | 2,843 | ||
Current liabilities – operating lease liabilities | $ | 2,981 | ||
Non-current liabilities – operating lease liabilities | $ |
Nine Months Ended August 31, 2021 | ||||
Lease cost | ||||
Operating lease cost (cost resulting from lease payments) | $ | 13,500 | ||
Short term lease cost | ||||
Sublease income | ||||
Net lease cost | $ | 13,500 | ||
Operating lease – operating cash flows (fixed payments) | $ | 13,500 | ||
Operating lease – operating cash flows (liability reduction) | $ | 12,475 | ||
Non-current leases – right of use assets | $ | 19,904 | ||
Current liabilities – operating lease liabilities | $ | 17,377 | ||
Non-current liabilities – operating lease liabilities | $ | 2,981 |
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Future minimum payments under non-cancelable leases for operating leases for the remaining terms of the leases following the nine months ended August 31, 2022:
Fiscal Year | Operating Leases | |||
Remainder of 2022 | $ | 3,000 | ||
Total future minimum lease payments | 3,000 | |||
Amount representing interest | 19 | |||
Present value of net future minimum lease payments | $ | 2,981 |
NOTE 8 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Office and Rental Property Leases
The Company is using office space provided by USMC, a related party that is owned by the Company’s majority shareholders and directors A. Scott Dockter and John Bremer (See Note 10).
Mineral Properties
The Company’s mineral rights require various annual lease payments (See Note 4).
Legal Matters
On July 8, 2020, former Chief Financial Officer, Al Calvanico (“Calvanico”), filed a demand for arbitration alleging retaliation, wrongful termination, and demand for a minimum of $600,000 in alleged stock value, plus interest, recovery of past and future wages, attorneys’ fees, and punitive damages (collectively, the “Calvanico Claims”). The Company denied all Calvanico Claims. The Company believes Calvanico is owed nothing because it takes the position that Calvanico was not terminated, but rather, his employment contract expired on September 21, 2019, in accordance with its terms, and was not renewed by Company and because Calvanico never exercised his stock options. On February 14, 2020, the Company requested in writing that Calvanico exercise his stock options within 30 days. Calvanico failed to do so. To date, Calvanico has not exercised his stock options. This dispute is currently in the arbitration discovery phase. An arbitration hearing is scheduled for January 10 - 13, 2023, before arbitrator, Scott Silverman in Los Angeles.
On January 11, 2019, the Company filed a complaint in the Second Judicial District Court in the State of Nevada, Washoe County (Case # CV19-00097) against Agregen International Corp (“Agregen”) and Robert Hurtado alleging the misuse of proprietary and confidential information acquired by Mr. Hurtado while employed by the Company as Vice President of Agricultural Research and Development. Mr. Hurtado was terminated in March 2018 and since that time the Company alleges that he conspired with Agregen to improperly use proprietary and confidential information to compete with the Company which constitute breaches of the non-compete and confidentiality provisions of his employment agreement with the Company. On March 14, 2019, Agregen and Mr. Hurtado filed an answer to the Company’s Complaint that the allegations were false. On March 13, 2020, the Company filed a First Amended Complaint, adding James Todd Gauer and John Gingerich as additional defendants. A settlement agreement was entered into between the parties, effective June 3, 2022 and a Notice of Settlement was filed in the District Court pursuant to which, shares of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by the defendants were surrendered to the Company and the Company granted Mr. Gauer an immediately exercisable option to purchase shares of common stock, the equivalent number of common shares surrendered to the Company, at an exercise price of $ . The lawsuit was fully settled and dismissed on August 9, 2022.
On March 29, 2019, the Company was served with a complaint filed by Superior Soils Supplements LLC (“Superior Soils”) in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Kings (Case #19C-0124) relating to 64 truckloads of soil amendments delivered to a customer by the Company on behalf of Superior Soils. Superior Soils alleged that the soil amendments were not labeled correctly requiring the entire shipment of product to be returned to the Company. The complaint alleges breach of contract, misrepresentations, fraudulent concealment and unfair competition. The complaint seeks damages of approximately $300,000. The Company filed its answer on May 6, 2019, denying responsibility for the mislabeling and denying any liability for damages therefrom. The matter is set for trial in April 2023.
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Contractual Matters
On November 1, 2013, we entered into an agreement with USMC, a related party, in which USMC provides various technical evaluations and mine development services for the Company with regard to the various mining properties/rights owned by the Company. Terms of services and compensation will be determined for each project undertaken by USMC.
On October 12, 2018, the Board approved a material supply agreement with USMC, a related party, pursuant to which USMC will provide designated natural resources to the Company at predetermined prices (see Note 10).
NOTE 9 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
2017 Equity Incentive Plan
On November 10, 2017 the Board approved the 2017 PureBase Corporation Stock Option Plan which is intended to be a qualified stock option plan (the “Option Plan”). The Board reserved shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued pursuant to options granted under the Option Plan. The Option Plan was subsequently approved by shareholders on September 28, 2018. As of August 31, 2022, options to purchase an aggregate of shares of common stock have been granted under the Option Plan.
The Company has also granted options to purchase an aggregate of shares of common stock pursuant to employment contracts with certain employees prior to the adoption of the Option Plan.
On May 19, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with Newbridge Securities Corporation (“Newbridge”), pursuant to which Newbridge will provide investment banking and corporate advisory services to the Company. As consideration therefor, the Company issued Newbridge shares of common stock on June 17, 2022 which shares are subject to a 12-month lockup from the date of issuance.
On June 3, 2022, in conjunction with the settlement agreement with Agregen International Corp, Robert Hurtado, James Todd Gauer and John Gingerich (see Note 8), the Company granted James Gauer the option to purchase shares of common stock, the equivalent number of common shares surrendered to the Company, at an exercise price of $ and a fair value of $ . The options vest immediately. The options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model under the following assumptions as found in the table below.
On August 26, 2022, the Company granted options to purchase shares of common stock to members of the Board, consultants and employees for services to be performed. The options were issued at an exercise price of $ and a total fair value of $ . The options vest immediately. The options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model under the following assumptions as found in the table below.
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Date | Number of Options | Stock Price | Strike Price | Expected Volatility | Risk-free Interest Rate | Dividend Rate | Expected Term | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||
6/3/2022 | 8,699,400 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 2.50 | 274.50 | % | 2.95 | % | 0.00 | % | years | $ | 1,856,151 | ||||||||||||||||
8/26/2022 | 1,734,615 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.24 | 269.24 | % | 3.20 | % | 0.00 | % | years | $ | 411,668 | ||||||||||||||||
8/26/2022 | 242,424 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.24 | 276.76 | % | 3.20 | % | 0.00 | % | years | $ | 57,264 | ||||||||||||||||
8/26/2022 | 246,748 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.24 | 207.37 | % | 3.20 | % | 0.00 | % | years | $ | 53,479 |
The Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of and shares of common stock during the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted and vested during the nine months ended August 31, 2022, was $ and $ respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted and vested during the nine months ended August 31, 2021, was $ and $ , respectively. The weighted average non-vested grant date fair value of non-vested options was $ at August 31, 2022.
Weighted | ||||||||
Average | ||||||||
Shares | Exercise Price | |||||||
Outstanding at November 30, 2021 | $ | |||||||
Granted | ||||||||
Exercised | ||||||||
Expired or cancelled | ||||||||
Outstanding at August 31, 2022 |
Weighted- | Weighted- | |||||||||||||||||
Average | Average | |||||||||||||||||
Range of | Outstanding | Remaining Life | Exercise | Number | ||||||||||||||
exercise prices | Options | In Years | Price | Exercisable | ||||||||||||||
$ | 0.099 | 400,000 | $ | 0.099 | 400,000 | |||||||||||||
0.10 | 645,000 | 0.10 | 645,000 | |||||||||||||||
0.12 | 50,000 | 0.12 | 50,000 | |||||||||||||||
0.24 | 2,223,787 | 0.24 | 2,223,787 | |||||||||||||||
0.36 | 200,000 | 0.36 | 200,000 | |||||||||||||||
0.38 | 116,000,000 | 0.38 | 58,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
2.50 | 8,669,400 | 2.50 | 8,669,400 | |||||||||||||||
3.00 | 500,000 | 3.00 | 500,000 | |||||||||||||||
128,688,187 | $ | 0.39 | 70,688,187 |
The compensation expense attributed to the issuance of the options is recognized as they are vested.
The stock options granted under the Option Plan are exercisable for from the grant date and vest over various terms from the grant date to .
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Total compensation expense related to the options was $21,83 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of August 31, 2022, there was $12,737,463 in future compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. and $ for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total compensation expense related to the options was $ and $
The aggregate intrinsic value is $ for total outstanding and exercisable options, which was based on our estimated fair value of the common stock of $ as of August 31, 2022, which is the aggregate fair value of the common stock that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date, net of the aggregate exercise price.
NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Bayshore Capital Advisors, LLC
On February 26, 2016, the Company issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $25,000 with an interest rate of 6% per annum to Bayshore Capital Advisors, LLC, an affiliate through common ownership of a 10% shareholder of the Company for working capital purposes. The note was payable August 26, 2016, or when the Company closes a bridge financing, whichever occurs first. The Company is in default on this note at August 31, 2022.
US Mine Corporation
The Company entered into a contract mining agreement with USMC, a company owned by the majority stockholders of the Company, A. Scott Dockter and John Bremer, pursuant to which USMC provides various technical evaluations and mine development services to the Company. During three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company made purchases of $33,150 and $101,400 and $85,343 and $97,343, respectively, from USMC. No services were rendered by USMC for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021. In addition, during the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, USMC paid $6,296 and $22,150 and $2,014 and $0 respectively, of expenses to the Company’s vendors and creditors on behalf of the Company. During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021 USMC made cash advances to the Company of $620,000 and $976,000 and $210,000 and $410,000, respectively, which are recorded as part of due to affiliates on the Company’s unaudited consolidated balance sheets. All amounts owed for services rendered, expenses paid on behalf of the Company, and cash advances were converted into the Company’s common stock pursuant to the September 5, 2019, Debt Exchange Agreement (See Note 5), the November 25, 2020, Securities Purchase Agreement (See Note 5) and the April 7, 2022, Securities Purchase Agreement (See Note 5). The balance due to USMC was $0 and $729,059 at August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021, respectively.
On September 26, 2019, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with USMC pursuant to which USMC may purchase up to $1,000,000 of the Company’s 5% unsecured convertible two-year promissory notes in one or more closings. The notes are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.16 per share. As of April 7, 2022, USMC had purchased notes totaling $1,000,000 with maturity dates ranging from December 1, 2021, through November 25, 2022 (see Note 5). Interest expense on these notes totaled $20,756 and $37,530 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Interest expense on these notes totaled $0 and $12,750 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. On April 7, 2022, the December 1, 2019, January 1, 2020 and February 1, 2020 notes were amended to extend the maturity dates to April 30, 2022. Thereafter, on April 7, 2022, USMC converted the aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1,000,000 of the December 1, 2019, January 1, 2020, February 1, 2020 and December 1, 2020 notes, plus accrued interest totaling $75,346 through such date, into shares of the Company’s common stock.
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On November 25, 2020, the Company entered a securities purchase agreement with USMC pursuant to which USMC may purchase up to $2,000,000 of the Company’s 5% unsecured two-year promissory notes in one or more closings. The notes are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.088 per share. As of April 7, 2022, USMC has purchased notes totaling $1,579,769 with a maturity date of March 17, 2023 (see Note 5). Interest expense on these notes totaled $8,800 and $13,300 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Interest expense on these notes totaled $0 and $7,400 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. On March 14, 2022, in connection with the November 25, 2020, securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party, the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $884,492.28 to USMC, with a maturity date of March 14, 2024. The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock, at any time at the option of the Holder, at a conversion price of $0.088 per share. Interest expense on this note totaled $2,908 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. There was no interest expense on this note for the three months ended August 31, 2022. On April 7, 2022, USMC converted the aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1,464,337 of the November 25, 2020 note and March 14, 2022 note, plus accrued interest totaling $33,564 through such date, into shares of the Company’s common stock.
On April 7, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with USMC, effective March 23, 2022, pursuant to which USMC may purchase up to $1,000,000 of the Company’s 5% unsecured convertible two-year promissory notes in one or more closings. The notes are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.39 per share. As August 31, 2022, USMC has purchased notes totaling $470,862 with a maturity date of August 30, 2024 (see Note 5). Interest expense on these notes totaled $0 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. Interest expense on these notes totaled $0 for the three months ended August 31, 2022.
August 30, 2022
On August 30, 2022, in connection with the April 7, 2022, securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party (see Note 10), the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the amount of $470,862 to USMC, with a maturity date of August 30, 2024 (“Tranche #7”). The note bears interest at 5% per annum which is payable on maturity. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at the option of the noteholder, at a conversion price of $0.39 per share. Total interest expense on Tranche #7 was approximately $0 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. Total interest expense on Tranche #7 was $0 for the three months ended August 31, 2022.
The outstanding balance due on the above notes to USMC was $470,862 and $1,579,769 at August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021, respectively.
On April 22, 2020, the Company entered into a Material Supply Agreement (the “Supply Agreement”) with USMC which amended the prior Materials Supply Agreement entered into on October 12, 2018. All kaolin clay purchased by the Company from USMC under the Supply Agreement must be used exclusively for agricultural products and supplementary cementitious materials. Under the terms of the Supply Agreement, the Company will pay $25 per ton for the kaolin clay for supplementary cementitious materials and $145 per ton for bagged products for clay for agriculture (in each case plus an additional $5 royalty fee per ton). The Supply Agreement also provides that if USMC provides pricing to any other customer which is more favorable than that provided to the Company, USMC will adjust the cost to the Company to conform to the more favorable terms. The initial term of the Agreement is three years, which automatically renews for three successive one-year terms, unless either party provides notice of termination at least sixty days prior to the end of the then current term. Either party has the right to terminate the Agreement for a material breach which is not cured within 90 days. For the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022, the Company purchased $33,150 and $101,400, respectively, under the Supply Agreement. Since April 22, 2020, the Company has purchased $251,156 under the Supply Agreement.
US Mine, LLC
On May 27, 2021, the Company entered into the Extraction Agreement with US Mine, LLC, pursuant to which the Company acquired the right to extract up to 100,000,000 of certain raw clay materials. The Extraction Agreement is effective until 100,000,000 tons of material are extracted. As compensation for such right, the Company issued a ten-year convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $50,000,000 to US Mine, LLC (the “US Mine Note”). The US Mine Note bears interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum which is payable upon maturity. Amounts due under the US Mine Note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at the option of the noteholder, at a conversion price of $ per share. The noteholder may convert (i) up to 50% of the outstanding balance on or after such date as the Company’s common stock is listed for trading on any national securities exchange, (ii) up to an additional 25% of the outstanding balance on or after the six-month anniversary of such initial trading date, and (iii) the remaining 25% on or after the twelve-month anniversary of such initial trading date. In addition, the Company will pay US Mine, LLC a royalty fee of $5.00 per ton of materials extracted and any royalty not paid in a timely manner with be subject to 15% interest per annum and compounded monthly.
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On October 6, 2021, and prior to consummation of activities under the Extraction Agreement, the Company and US Mine executed an amendment to the Extraction Agreement (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, the US Mine Note was retroactively rescinded, ab initio and an option to purchase an aggregate of shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $ per share until April 6, 2028, was issued to US Mine, LLC as compensation. Shares subject to the option vest as to shares on April 6, 2022, shares on October 6, 2022, and shares on April 6, 2023. For the nine months ended August 31, 2022, the Company expensed $ in stock-based compensation expense related to the issuance of the option on October 16, 2021 to US Mine, LLC under the Extraction Agreement.
Transactions with Officers
On August 31, 2017, the Company issued a note in the amount of $197,096 to A. Scott Dockter, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, to consolidate the total amounts due to Mr. Dockter. The note bears interest at 6% and is due upon demand. During the nine months ended August 31, 2022, the Company paid $20,000 towards the outstanding balance of the note. The balance on the note was $38,716 and $58,716 as of August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on the note was $2,291 and $4,761 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total interest expense on the note was $586 and $1,346 for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Convertible Debt – Board of Directors
On April 8, 2021, the Company entered into a twelve-month Director Agreement with Jeffrey Guzy whereby Mr. Guzy will receive a $1,000 cash fee each month for services performed. The fee will accrue as 0% interest debt to the Company until the Company has its first cash-flow positive month. If a debt is still owed at the end of the term, the debt shall be converted into common stock at the lower price of the market value of such common stock on the date of termination or renewal of the Director Agreement, as the case may be, or the 20-day VWAP immediately prior to the end of the term or renewal date. The Director Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement at least 30 days prior to the end of the then current term. As of August 31, 2022, the Company has debt in the amount of $17,000 owed to Mr. Guzy.
On August 10, 2021, the Company entered into a twelve-month Director Agreement with Dr. Kimberly Kurtis whereby Dr. Kurtis will receive a $1,000 cash fee each month for services performed. The fee will accrue as 0% interest debt to the Company until the Company has its first cash-flow positive month. If a debt is still owed at the end of the term, the debt shall be converted into common stock at the lower price the market value of such common stock on the date of termination or renewal date of the Director Agreement, as the case may be, or the 20-day VWAP immediately prior to the end of the term or renewal date. The Director Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement at least 30 days prior to the end of the then current term. As of August 31, 2022, the Company has debt in the amount of $13,000 owed to Dr. Kurtis.
Leases
On October 1, 2020, the Company entered into a two-year lease agreement for its office space with USMC with a monthly rent of $1,500 (See Note 7).
NOTE 11 – CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Cash Deposits
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. As of August 31, 2022 and November 30, 2021, the Company had no deposits in excess of the FDIC insured limit.
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Revenues
Four customers accounted for 99% of total revenue for the nine months ended August 31, 2022, as set forth below:
Customer A | 42 | % | ||
Customer B | 29 | % | ||
Customer C | 16 | % | ||
Customer D | 12 | % |
Four customers accounted for 98% of total revenue for the nine months ended August 31, 2021, as set forth below:
Customer A | 46 | % | ||
Customer B | 24 | % | ||
Customer C | 17 | % | ||
Customer D | 11 | % |
Accounts Receivable
Three customers accounted for 99% of the accounts receivable as of August 31, 2022, as set forth below:
Customer A | 54 | % | ||
Customer B | 28 | % | ||
Customer C | 17 | % |
One customer accounted for 100% of the accounts receivable as of November 30, 2021.
Vendors
Five suppliers accounted for 87% of purchases as of August 31, 2022, as set forth below:
Vendor A | 29 | % | ||
Vendor B | 18 | % | ||
Vendor C | 17 | % | ||
Vendor D, a related party | 13 | % | ||
Vendor E | 11 | % |
Two suppliers accounted for 88% of purchases as of August 31, 2021, as set forth below:
Vendor A, a related party | 75 | % | ||
Vendor B | 13 | % |
NOTE 12 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the filing date and determined that none require disclosure herein.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are statements in respect of future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our management team, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 15, 2022, any of which may cause our company’s or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. These risks and factors include, by way of example and without limitation:
● | absence of contracts with customers or suppliers; |
● | our ability to maintain and develop relationships with customers and suppliers; |
● | the impact of competitive products and pricing; |
● | supply constraints or difficulties; |
● | the retention and availability of key personnel; |
● | general economic and business conditions; |
● | substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern; |
● | our ability to successfully implement our business plan; |
● | our need to raise additional funds in the future; |
● | our ability to successfully recruit and retain qualified personnel in order to continue our operations; |
● | our ability to successfully acquire, develop or commercialize new products; |
● | the commercial success of our products; |
● | the impact of any industry regulation; |
● | our ability to develop existing mining projects or establish proven or probable reserves; |
● | our dependence on one vendor for our minerals for our products; |
● | the impact of potentially losing the rights to properties; |
● | the impact of the increase in the price of natural resources; and |
● | the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Quarterly Report, except as required by law.
As used in this Quarterly Report and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” refer to PureBase Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, PureBase Agricultural, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“PureBase AG”) and U.S. Agricultural Minerals, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Purebase SCM”).
Business Overview
We are an industrial mineral and natural resource company that provides solutions to the agriculture and construction materials markets in the United States, through our two subsidiaries, Purebase AG, and Purebase SCM, respectively. The Company has not yet commenced mining operations.
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Agricultural Sector
We develop specialized fertilizers, sun protectants, soil amendments and bio-stimulants for organic and non-organic sustainable agriculture. We have developed and will seek to develop additional products derived from mineralized materials of leonardite, kaolin clay, laterite, and other natural minerals. These mineral and soil amendments are used to protect crops, plants and fruits from the sun and winter damage, to provide nutrients to plants, and to improve dormancy and soil ecology to help farmers increase the yields of their harvests. We are building a brand family under the parent trade name “Purebase,” consisting of its Purebase Shade Advantage WP product, a kaolin-clay based sun protectant for crops.
Construction Sector
We have been developing and testing a kaolin-based product that it believes will help create a lower CO2-emitting concrete through the use of high-quality supplementary cementitious materials (“SCMs”). We are developing a SCM that we believe can potentially replace up to 40% of cement, the most polluting part of concrete. As government agencies continue to enact stricter requirements for less-polluting forms of concrete, we believe there are significant opportunities for high-quality SCM products in the construction-materials sector.
We utilize the services of US Mine Corporation (“USMC”), a Nevada corporation and a significant shareholder of the Company, for the development and contract mining of industrial mineral and metal projects, exploration drilling, preparation of feasibility studies, mine modeling, on-site construction, production, site reclamation and for product fulfillment. Exploration services include securing necessary permits, environmental compliance, and reclamation plans. In addition, a substantial portion of the minerals used by the Company are obtained from properties owned or controlled by USMC. A. Scott Dockter, the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and a director, and John Bremer, a director, are also officers, directors and owners of USMC.
Recent Developments
A settlement agreement was entered into between the Company and Agregen International Corp, Robert Hurtado, James Todd Gauer and John Gingerich, effective June 3, 2022 (the “Settlement Agreement”), and a Notice of Settlement was filed in the Second Judicial District Court in the State of Nevada, Washoe County pursuant to which, among other things, 8,669,400 shares of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by the defendants were surrendered to the Company on August 11, 2022.
On June 3, 2022, in conjunction with the Settlement Agreement, the Company granted Mr. Gauer an immediately exercisable option to purchase 8,669,400 shares of common stock, the equivalent number of common shares surrendered to the Company, at an exercise price of $2.50.
On August 26, 2022, the Company granted immediately exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 2,223,788 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.24 per share to certain directors, consultants and employees for services provided to the Company.
On August 30, 2022, the Company issued a two-year convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $470,862 to USMC. The note bears interest at 5% per annum. Amounts due under the note may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at the option of the noteholder at a conversion price of $0.39 per share.
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Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three Months Ended August 31, 2022 and the Three Months Ended August 31, 2021
A comparison of the Company’s operating results for the three months ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:
August 31, | August 31, | |||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | Variance | ||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 226,060 | $ | 338,700 | $ | (112,640 | ) | |||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
Selling, general & administrative | 8,232,007 | 293,293 | 7,938,714 | |||||||||
Product fulfillment, exploration and mining | 34,329 | 85,343 | (51,014 | ) | ||||||||
Loss from operations | (8,040,276 | ) | (39,936 | ) | (8,000,340 | ) | ||||||
Other expense | (1,038 | ) | (42,129 | ) | (41,019 | ) | ||||||
Net Loss | $ | (8,041,314 | ) | $ | (82,065 | ) | $ | (7,959,249 | ) |
Revenues
Revenue decreased by $112,640, or 33%, for the three months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended August 31, 2021. This was primarily due to a decrease in purchases by the Company’s customers during the three months ended May 31, 2022.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased by $7,887,700 for the three months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended August 31, 2021, primarily as a result of an increase in stock compensation cost of $7,830,799 resulting from the Company’s issuance of stock options to US Mine, LLC, directors, consultants and employees. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $51,014 in product fulfillment, exploration and mining expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2022.
Other Expense
Other expense decreased by $41,091, or 98%, for the three months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended August 31, 2021, primarily due to a decrease in interest expense as a result of the Company’s conversion of convertible debt into common stock in April 2022.
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended August 31, 2022 and the Nine Months Ended August 31, 2021
A comparison of the Company’s operating results for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:
August 31, | August 31, | |||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | Variance | ||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 454,536 | $ | 368,700 | $ | 85,836 | ||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
Selling, general & administrative | 27,055,218 | 927,080 | 26,128,138 | |||||||||
Product fulfillment, exploration and mining | 125,611 | 103,051 | 22,560 | |||||||||
Loss from operations | (26,726,293 | ) | (661,431 | ) | (26,064,862 | ) | ||||||
Other expense | (30,942 | ) | (64,977 | ) | 34,035 | |||||||
Net Loss | $ | (26,757,235 | ) | $ | (726,408 | ) | $ | (26,030,827 | ) |
Revenues
Revenue increased by $85,836, or 23%, for the nine months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to the nine months ended August 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase in purchases from the Company’s customers during our second fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2022.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased by $26,150,698 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to the nine months ended August 31, 2021, primarily as a result of an increase in stock compensation cost of $26,129,138 resulting from the Company’s issuance of stock options to US Mine, LLC. Product fulfillment, exploration and mining expenses for the nine months ended August 31, 2022, increased $22,569, or 22%, as compared to the nine months ended August 31, 2021 due to an increase in exploration costs.
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Other Expense
Other expense decreased by $34,035, or 52%, for the nine months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to the nine months ended August 31, 2021, primarily due to a decrease in interest expense as a result of the Company’s conversion of convertible debt into common stock in April 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of August 31, 2022, we had $11,782 in cash on hand and a working capital deficiency of $384,264, as compared to cash on hand of $132,209 and a working capital deficiency of $2,241,254 as of November 30, 2021. The decrease in working capital deficiency is mainly due to the conversion of notes due to USMC into an aggregate of 22,889,337 shares of common stock.
We will require additional funds to implement our growth strategy. We do not believe that our current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for the next twelve months. We have had negative cash flow from operating activities as we have not yet begun to generate sufficient and consistent revenues to cover our operating expenses. Until we are able to establish a sufficient revenue stream from operations, our ability to meet our current financial liabilities and commitments will be primarily dependent upon proceeds from outside capital sources including USMC, an affiliated entity. On April 7, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with USMC, a related party, pursuant to which the Company may issue up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 of two-year convertible promissory notes to USMC, a related party. The notes bear interest at 5% per annum and any outstanding principal or interest under the notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, at any time at the option of the holder, at a conversion price of $0.39 per share. Currently, the Company has issued $470,862 of convertible notes under such securities purchase agreement and may issue an additional $529,138 of convertible notes. However, there currently are no other arrangements or agreements for financing, and management cannot guarantee any other potential debt or equity financing will be available, or if available, on favorable terms. Furthermore, additional equity financing may dilute the stock ownership of current shareholders while debt financing may subject the Company to restrictions on its operations and corporate actions. As such, these matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of twelve months from the issue date of this report. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, or at all, the Company will need to curtail operations, or cease operations completely.
Going Concern
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report have been prepared under the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has accumulated losses from inception through August 31, 2022 of $47,818,460, as well as negative cash flows from operating activities. During the nine months ended August 31, 2022, the Company received net cash proceeds of $620,000 from USMC, an affiliated entity. Additionally, USMC paid $6,296 to vendors on behalf of the Company during the nine months ended August 31, 2022. Presently the Company does not have sufficient cash to meet its obligations in the twelve months following the date of this Quarterly Report. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management is in the process of evaluating various financing alternatives in order to finance the capital requirements of the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful with its fund-raising initiatives.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
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Working Capital Deficiency
Our working capital deficiency as of August 31, 2022, in comparison to our working capital deficiency as of November 30, 2021, is summarized as follows:
August 31, | November 30, | |||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Current assets | $ | 227,500 | $ | 138,903 | ||||
Current liabilities | 611,764 | 2,380,157 | ||||||
Working capital deficiency | $ | (384,264 | ) | $ | (2,241,254 | ) |
The $88,597, or 64%, increase in current assets is primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable of $207,809, partially offset by a decrease in cash of $120,527. Current liabilities decreased $1,768,393, or 74%, during the nine months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to the nine months ended August 31, 2021, primarily due to a decrease in convertible notes payable of $963,671 and a decrease of amounts due to affiliated entities of $729,059 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022.
Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
August 31, 2022 | August 31, 2021 | |||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (720,527 | ) | $ | (935,034 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 600,000 | 940,361 | ||||||
Increase or (decrease) in cash | $ | (120,527 | ) | $ | 5,327 |
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $720,527 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to $935,034 for the same period ended August 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable of $160,891 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $44,003.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $600,000 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022, as compared to $940,361 for the same period ended August 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in advances of $359,461 to the Company by USMC, which was partially offset by a decrease of $19,100 of payments on notes due to officers.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Procedures
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021, as filed with the SEC on March 15, 2022.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Our recently adopted accounting pronouncements are more fully described in Note 2 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of August 31, 2022 due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A material weakness, as defined in the standards established by the Sarbanes-Oxley is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The ineffectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was due to the following material weaknesses:
● | Inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives; |
● | Lack of formal policies and procedures; |
● | Lack of risk assessment procedures on internal controls to detect financial reporting risks on a timely manner; and |
● | Lack of personnel with GAAP experience, including a chief financial officer. |
Management’s Plan to Remediate the Material Weakness
Management has been implementing and continues to implement measures designed to ensure that control deficiencies contributing to the material weakness are remediated, such that these controls are designed, implemented, and operating effectively. The remediation actions include:
● | Continue to search for and evaluate qualified independent outside directors; |
● | Continue to search for a qualified chief financial officer; |
● | Identify gaps in our skills base and the expertise of our staff required to meet the financial reporting requirements of a public company; and |
● | Continue to develop policies and procedures on internal control over financial reporting and monitor the effectiveness of operations on existing controls and procedures. |
Management will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and is committed to taking further action and implementing additional enhancements or improvements, as necessary and as funds allow.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended August 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Except as described below, there are no material pending legal proceedings in which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party or in which any director, officer or affiliate of ours, any owner of record or beneficially of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or security holder is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adverse to us.
On July 8, 2020, former Chief Financial Officer, Al Calvanico (“Calvanico”), filed a demand for arbitration alleging retaliation, wrongful termination, and demand for a minimum of $600,000 in alleged stock value, plus interest, recovery of past and future wages, attorneys’ fees, and punitive damages (collectively, the “Calvanico Claims”). The Company denied all Calvanico Claims. The Company believes Calvanico is owed nothing because it takes the position that Calvanico was not terminated, but rather, his employment contract expired on September 21, 2019, in accordance with its terms, and was not renewed by Company and because Calvanico never exercised his stock options. On February 14, 2020, the Company requested in writing that Calvanico exercise his stock options within 30 days. Calvanico failed to do so. To date, Calvanico has not exercised his stock options. This dispute is currently in the arbitration discovery phase. An arbitration hearing is scheduled for January 10 - 13, 2023,before arbitrator, Scott Silverman in Los Angeles.
On January 11, 2019, the Company filed a complaint in the Second Judicial District Court in the State of Nevada, Washoe County (Case # CV19-00097) against Agregen International Corp (“Agregen”) and Robert Hurtado alleging the misuse of proprietary and confidential information acquired by Mr. Hurtado while employed by the Company as Vice President of Agricultural Research and Development. Mr. Hurtado was terminated in March 2018 and since that time the Company alleges that he conspired with Agregen to improperly use proprietary and confidential information to compete with the Company which constitute breaches of the non-compete and confidentiality provisions of his employment agreement with the Company. On March 14, 2019, Agregen and Mr. Hurtado filed an answer to the Company’s Complaint that the allegations were false. On March 13, 2020, the Company filed a First Amended Complaint, adding James Todd Gauer and John Gingerich as additional defendants. A settlement agreement was entered into between the parties, effective June 3, 2022 (the “Settlement Agreement”) and a Notice of Settlement was filed in the District Court pursuant to which, among other things, certain shares of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by the defendants will be surrendered to the Company. The lawsuit was fully settled and dismissed on August 9, 2022.
On March 29, 2019, the Company was served with a complaint filed by Superior Soils Supplements LLC (“Superior Soils”) in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Kings (Case #19C-0124) relating to 64 truckloads of soil amendments delivered to a customer by the Company on behalf of Superior Soils. Superior Soils alleged that the soil amendments were not labeled correctly requiring the entire shipment of product to be returned to the Company. The complaint alleges breach of contract, misrepresentations, fraudulent concealment and unfair competition. The complaint seeks damages of approximately $300,000. The Company filed its answer on May 6, 2019, denying responsibility for the mislabeling and denying any liability for damages therefrom. The matter is set for trial in April 2023.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Except as set forth below, there were no sales of equity securities during the period covered by this Report that were not registered under the Securities Act and were not previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company.
On June 3, 2022, pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company granted Mr. Gauer an immediately exercisable option to purchase 8,669,400 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.50.
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On July 7, 2022, the Company issued an aggregate of 23,741,655 shares of its common stock to USMC pursuant to USMC’s conversion of $2,464,262 of principal amount and $108,909 of accrued interest under convertible promissory notes.
On August 26, 2022, the Company granted immediately exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 2,223,788 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.24 per share to certain directors, consultants and employees for services provided to the Company.
The above issuance did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering and we believe are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
There are no defaults upon senior securities that were not previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number |
Description | |
31* | Section 302 Certification under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | |
32* | Section 906 Certification under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer | |
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document | |
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
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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.
PUREBASE CORPORATION
By: | /s/ A. Scott Dockter | |
A. Scott Dockter | ||
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | ||
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||
Date: | October 13, 2022 |
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