QSAM Biosciences, Inc. - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the year ended: December 31, 2017
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the period ended:
Q2Earth, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware | 000-55148 | 20-1602779 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
420 Royal Palm Way, #100
Palm Beach, FL 33480
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(561) 693-1423
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code)
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $0.0001
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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.
(1) Yes [X] No [ ] (2) Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes [X ] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or emerging growth company:
Large accelerated filer | [ ] | Accelerated filer | [ ] |
Non-accelerated filer | [ ] | Smaller reporting company | [X] |
Emerging Growth Company | [X] |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new 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 [X]
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common stock was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common stock, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed fiscal quarter.
March 31, 2018 - $1,749,053. There are approximately 31,800,967 shares of common voting stock of the Registrant beneficially owned by non-affiliates on March 31, 2018. There is a limited public market for the common stock of the Registrant, so this computation is based upon the closing bid price of $0.055 per share of the Registrant’s common stock on the OTCQB.
APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. [ ] Yes [ ] No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
April 9, 2018: | Common – 48,384,009 |
Documents incorporated by reference: None.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains certain forward looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including or related to our future results, events and performance (including certain projections, business trends and assumptions on future financings), and our expected future operations and actions. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “plan,” “future,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” “predict,” “hope,” “potential,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to our plans and objectives for future operations and are based upon management’s reasonable estimates of future results or trends. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider the risks that the anticipated outcome is subject to, including the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere. These factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Actual results may differ from projected results due, but not limited to, unforeseen developments, including those relating to the following:
● | We fail to raise capital; |
● | We fail to implement our business plan; |
● | We fail to compete at producing cost effective products; |
● | Market demand for compost and engineered soils; |
● | The availability of additional capital at reasonable terms to support our business plan; |
● | Economic, competitive, demographic, business and other conditions in our markets; |
● | Changes or developments in laws, regulations or taxes; |
● | Actions taken or not taken by third-parties, including our suppliers and competitors; |
● | Changes in our business strategy or development plans; |
● | The availability and adequacy of our cash flow to meet its requirements; and |
● | Other factors discussed under the section entitled “RISK FACTORS” or elsewhere herein. |
You should read this Annual Report completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, future financings, performance, or achievements. Moreover, we do not assume any responsibility for accuracy and completeness of such statements in the future. We do not plan to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report to conform such statements to actual results.
JUMPSTART OUR BUSINESS STARTUPS ACT DISCLOSURE
We qualify as an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”). An issuer qualifies as an “emerging growth company” if it has total annual gross revenues of less than $1.0 billion during its most recently completed fiscal year, and will continue to be deemed an emerging growth company until the earliest of:
● | the last day of the fiscal year of the issuer during which it had total annual gross revenues of $1.0 billion or more; | |
● | the last day of the fiscal year of the issuer following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities of the issuer pursuant to an effective registration statement; | |
● | the date on which the issuer has, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or | |
● | the date on which the issuer is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer,” as defined in Section 240.12b-2 of the Exchange Act. |
As an emerging growth company, we are exempt from various reporting requirements. Specifically, we are exempt from the following provisions:
● | Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which requires evaluations and reporting related to an issuer’s internal controls; | |
● | Section 14A(a) of the Exchange Act, which requires an issuer to seek shareholder approval of the compensation of its executives not less frequently than once every three years; and | |
● | Section 14A(b) of the Exchange Act, which requires an issuer to seek shareholder approval of its so-called “golden parachute” compensation, or compensation upon termination of an employee’s employment. |
Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies may delay adopting new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until such time as those standards apply to private companies.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
In this Annual Report, references to “Q2Earth,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” and words of similar import refer to Q2Earth, Inc., the Registrant, a Delaware corporation. References to “Q2P” or the “Subsidiary” refer to Q2Power Corp., a Delaware corporation, our subsidiary and former operating company.
Organizational History and Merger with Q2P
The Company, formerly known as Anpath Group, Inc. (“Anpath”), was organized pursuant of the laws of the State of Delaware on August 26, 2004. On January 10, 2006, the Company completed the acquisition of EnviroSystems Inc., a Nevada corporation (“ESI”), pursuant to which ESI became a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of the Company. The Company conducted all its business through ESI, and on January 12, 2007, changed its name to Anpath. Effective August 5, 2015, Anpath effected a one for seven (1 for 7) reverse split of our outstanding common stock (the “Reverse Split”). All computations contained herein take into account the Reverse Split.
On November 12, 2015, the Company, its newly formed and wholly-owned subsidiary, AnPath Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Subsidiary”), and Q2P consummated their Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), resulting in the Merger Subsidiary merging with and into Q2P. As a result, Q2P was the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AnPath (the “Merger”).
As a result of the Merger, all outstanding shares of Q2P were exchanged for 24,034,475 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing approximately 93% of the total issued and outstanding common stock of the Company, excluding stock options, warrants and convertible notes outstanding at such time. In addition, the Company assumed both the Q2P 2014 Founders Stock Option Plan and the 2014 Employees Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plans”), and 1,095,480 options outstanding thereunder. Also pursuant to the Merger, the officers and directors of Q2P took over the management and Board of Directors of the Company.
In connection with the Merger, the Company sold the former operating entity of Anpath, ESI, to three former officers and shareholders of Anpath in exchange for the return of 470,560 shares of common stock of the Company and ESI retaining all of the old liabilities of ESI including a litigation judgment.
In December 2015, the Company officially changed its name to Q2Power Technologies, Inc. to reflect the new business direction of the Company – that of Q2P, namely the development of waste heat and waste fuel-to-power systems – after the Merger. In February 2016, the Company changed its fiscal year end from March 31 to December 31 to reflect the year-end of its operating Subsidiary, and up-listed its common stock to the OTCQB. The financial statements and footnotes to the financial statements reflect this change of fiscal year end.
In August 2017, the Company sold its waste-to-power technology to a licensee and focused its efforts and resources to the pursuit of acquisitions of the companies and assets in the business of compost and soil manufacturing. This business model arose from the work the Company was doing with wastewater treatment plants and other external factors that led its Board to believe that opportunities would present the most beneficial path forward for the Company and its shareholders. In June 2017, the Company changed its name to Q2Earth, Inc. to better reflect its new business model.
Q2P’s Prior Waste-to-Power Business
Q2P was originally formed as a Florida limited liability company by Cyclone Power Technologies, Inc. (“Cyclone”) to pursue development and commercialization of its patented waste heat recovery engine. In July 2014, Q2P commenced operations as an independent company after receiving its initial round of funding and signing a formal Separation Agreement with Cyclone. From then until the end of 2016, the business of Q2P was the development of waste heat and waste fuel-to-power systems based on core technology licensed from Cyclone on a worldwide exclusive basis for 20 years, with two 10-year renewal terms.
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Q2P’s prime target market for its waste-to-power technology (the “Q2P Technology”) was small-scale Waste Water Treatment Plants (“WWTPs”), whereby the Q2P Technology could capture methane produced from the WWTPs and convert it into power and usable heat. The Q2P Technology was comprised of our unique external heat engine (the “Q2P Engine”) as well as waste fuel burners, controls and other subcomponents (collectively with the Q2P Engine, referred to as a “CHP System”). We developed the CHP System from proof-of-concept to a working “pilot stage” product between 2014 and 2015.
Our pilot program operated in central Ohio for approximately six months, during which time we collected significant information about the technology itself, and the operations and cost structures of WWTPs generally. A large portion of a WWTP’s operating expenditures are spent removing the residual sludge (called “biosolids”) from digesters, that vast portion of which is either combusted, landfilled or applied directly to the land. Technologies and processes that can convert biosolids to other useful products, such as compost and engineered soils, we determined, could provide additional value to agricultural and construction sector customers and new revenue streams for this waste value chain. In mid-2016, along with the addition of two new Board of Director members with vast experience in the waste water, biosolids and waste recycling sectors, the Company started pursuing synergistic alliances with companies that have both technology and business networks for the manufacturing and sale of such beneficial re-use products. This led us to the composting industry.
Current Business Model: Compost and Engineered Soils
Overview. According to the U.S Composting Council, one-third of the world’s arable land has been lost to soil erosion. In the United States, 99 million acres (28% of all cropland) are eroding above soil tolerance rates, meaning the long-term productivity of the soil cannot be maintained and new soil is not adequately replacing the lost soil. This erosion reduces the ability of the soil to support plant growth and store water, making food production more difficult, reducing the earth’s ability to filter out carbon and produce oxygen, and adding significant pressure on water resources.
Management believes that soil health may be one of the most important issues facing our planet, affecting the food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe. Composting is a critical process for recycling organic wastes for beneficial uses to replenish top soil, conserve water and reduce pollution. Composting further protects our climate by sequestering carbon in the soil, and reducing methane production from landfills by reducing the volume of organic wastes disposed in this manner.
The composting industry is highly fragmented, comprised of over 5,000 facilities throughout the United States, most of which are small in size and supplying varying product qualities. An estimated $5.6 billion in compost is sold annually in the United States, according to the U.S. Compost Council, but less than 10% of farms nationwide currently utilize compost to supplement top soil and reduce chemical and water requirements. New applications for compost such as engineered soils used in general construction, infrastructure projects, land reclamation, sod and turf farms and other green landscape projects are creating additional business opportunities globally.
One of the most compelling business aspects of the compost industry in management’s opinion is the trend among certain facilities to view their business less as simply a waste management solution (making money through “tipping fees” – i.e., the fees paid to take waste), and more as a manufacturing process to produce higher end compost and soil products that can be sold at higher margins and have beneficial uses for our planet.
We also believe that the composting industry in the United States is prime for consolidation, operational and technological efficiency improvements, and comprehensive sales and marketing strategies to increase demand and usage. We have a plan in place to build the Company over the next years by acquiring strategic compost facilities and established distribution channels and brands, and developing procedures and programs to foster organic growth.
Acquisition and Funding Strategy. The Company seeks to acquire companies and assets in the compost and soils sector. These targets include both operating compost facilities and independent sales companies with established distribution and product brands. Through a mixture of these acquisitions located in key regions, management believes we can grow rapidly but prudently.
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The Company is currently in discussions and has letters of intent, terms sheets, exclusivity agreements and other agreements with multiple potential acquisition targets, which it may acquire solely or in connection with strategic partners. Initial acquisitions include leaders in the industry with well-run facilities focused on end product (i.e., compost and soil) production and sales, and established brands, and well as companies that demonstrate qualities that, given proper funding and management, could become leaders in the field. Management believes that other future acquisition targets may include undervalued facilities in key locations that, through better management and more focus on end product production, management believes can become profitable in a short period of time.
Bridge Financing. In connection with this plan, on March 31, 2017, the Company closed the initial $1,050,000 in its Convertible Promissory Note “Bridge” offering (the “Bridge Offering”). In addition, as part of that initial closing, three of the Company’s directors and one shareholder converted $168,152 of prior notes and cash advances, including interest thereon, into the Bridge Offering. As of the end of 2017, an additional $600,000 was raised under the Bridge Offering and $23,756 of additional prior notes were converted into this round.
The Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Notes”) convert at a 50% discount to the post-funding valuation of the Company at the closing of its next offering in the minimum amount of $5,000,000 (the “Equity Offering”). The conversion valuation has a ceiling of $12,000,000, and a “floor” company value of $6,000,000 in the event there is no Equity Offering before the Notes are able to be converted. The Notes convert into common stock, or preferred stock if received by investors in the Equity Offering, commencing on the soonest of the Equity Offering closing or December 31, 2017, at the discretion of the holder. Maturity is 36 months from issuance with 15% annual interest which will be capitalized each year into the principal of the Notes and paid in kind. There are no warrants issued in connection with the Bridge Offering.
Funds from the Bridge Offering have been used over the last year to secure acquisitions of compost and soil companies with closings expected to occur concurrently with the closing of the Equity Offering. The Bridge Offering was led by two accredited investors and joined by 29 additional accredited investors which included the Company’s Directors. Management conducted the Bridge Offering and no broker fees were paid in connection with the initial closing.
Future Financing. Management is currently working on securing the next round of funding needed to close the initial projected acquisitions. We believe this round would be a minimum of $10 million inclusive of debt and equity securities, and be consummated sometime in 2018 at a valuation to be determined based on the consolidated pro-forma revenue/EBITDA projections of initial acquisitions. Management can make no guaranty that such financing can be completed on terms acceptable to the Company if at all.
Business of Compost and Soils
Tipping Fees. The business of composting, especially biosolids, has historically been driven by tipping fees – the amount paid to the compost facility to haul and receive waste products. In the case of biosolids, tipping fees range from $35 to $60 (or more based on location) per ton, with $44 per ton being the average. In the case of yard or “green” waste, these fees are significantly less, ranging from $4 per ton to $8 per ton. A medium to large compost facility may accept between 100 and 200 tons of biosolids per day, or between 30,000 and 60,000 tons per year. A facility accepting yard waste may take in up to 10 times that amount per day.
Costs of hauling wastes are typically the largest portion of receiving these feedstocks, comprising about 50% of the tipping fee. Costs to manufacture compost, mainly labor, equipment, fuel and other direct overhead, usually comprise between 30% and 40% of the tipping fee. This provides a typical compost facility with gross margins on the manufacturing of a finished compost product of 10% to 20%.
Product Sales. For many compost facilities (especially those that work with biosolids), margins made on tipping fees drive their business model, and little effort or expense is made on producing a quality and consistent end product. For these facilities, limited additional revenue and margin is made on the back end – at times only about 10% to 20% of their revenue is from soil sales. They may give away product to landfills for cover or sell it to farmers for prices between $4 and $8 per cubic yard on average.
As mentioned above, one of the more compelling aspects of the compost industry is the trend among certain facilities to view their business less as a waste management solution, and more as a manufacturing process to produce higher end compost and soil products. Management believes this is a fundamental transition in thinking about operations, procedures and priorities. Those facilities that have made the transition to focus on end product may have higher production costs to assure consistency of feedstock, better manufacturing procedures, and greater marketing costs, but the financial benefit can be material. Whereas average low quality compost may sell for $4/yard, high quality products can fetch much higher prices – between $12/yard and $80/yard for the top end soil products.
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Business Plan and Value Appreciation Strategy
The Company believes that by creating a regional or, ultimately, nationwide footprint of composting facilities that can manufacture consistent, quality product, combined with strong sales and marketing strategies, we can create substantial added value from acquired assets. When combined with a solid acquisition plan backed by the proper financial partners and executed by an experienced team, management believes there is great potential for building a dominant company in this sector over the next two to three years, with further significant growth opportunities in the following years.
Product Focus. As discussed above, the Company plans to achieve organic growth by maximizing sales of high end compost and soils through a network of distribution channels. Part of this strategy would include transitioning facilities that are more reliant on tipping fees to better manufacturing processes that can achieve higher quality products. For those facilities that already have these procedures in place, we plan to introduce new branded and blended soils products into their regional markets that command higher prices and margins.
Sales Channels/Distribution. Current sales of compost and soils predominately involve selling to one farm at a time / one project at a time. The trend in farmland is moving towards PE and REIT owned assets, which creates the ability to negotiate long-term compost sales with corporate customers, and acquire composters strategically located where these large customers control land. The Company will seek to develop nationwide marketing and sales channels with large corporate customers, government agencies, etc. Marketing is a major component of compost sales that seems to be lacking in the industry and can result in significant strides in organic growth in management’s opinion.
The engineered soils market is generally in its early growth stages. Management believes there are substantial opportunities to promote these products for construction, federal/municipal infrastructure programs, and land reclamation/mining projects. As infrastructure projects increase nationwide, as is expected in the current political environment, so will the soils market. The Company plans to invest in sales and marketing to attract nationwide landscape engineering firms, state and municipal planning agencies and other customers that can benefit from and place large orders for engineered soils. To the extent that we can divert more compost to construction and infrastructure projects, we can better grow revenue and margins organically, while always being cognizant of cyclical changes in this market.
Efficiencies. Management expects that consolidating composting companies can lead to better operational and sales efficiencies. Activities such as safety, accounting, legal, advertising, lobbying, training and others can be done at the corporate level, thus reducing overlapping personnel and efforts. To create greater efficiencies, the Company’s employee base is expected to include operational experts with successful track records of consolidating operations and cultures in a merger strategy.
Letters of Intent and Pending Acquisition Agreements
The Company currently has three letters of intent and/or exclusivity agreements with three compost manufacturing companies in Florida, Georgia and Texas. Management is in different stages of due diligence and definitive contract negotiation with these companies, with the intention of having all three companies in a position to close under acquisition in 2018. Management can make no guaranty that these acquisitions will close due to many factors including failure to raise required funding, failure to reach definitive agreements, and findings of items in the diligence process that would make closing not in the best interests of the Company.
In additional to the letters of intent, in August 2017 the Company and Environmental Turnkey Solutions LLC (“ETS”) signed a definitive Purchase Agreement to acquire all of the membership interests in ETS. Consideration under the Purchase Agreement includes $2.5 million cash subject to adjustment based on net accounts receivable at closing, $3.5 million in sellers’ notes which are payable to the sellers within nine months of closing, $4.5 million in Q2Earth common stock valued at $0.15 per share, and a $1.5 million stock earnout. The Company will assume approximately $2.5 million in commercial equipment loans and $1.5 million in a real property loan. This agreement was supposed to close in the first quarter of 2018; however, due to items that Management uncovered in due diligence, and the complications such findings caused to our fund raising process, Management provided the owners of ETS with a revised valuation and purchase price offer in the first quarter of 2018. This revised offer has not been accepted to date, and as a result, our Board has decided to defer the closing of this transaction until a later date, if at all.
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Composting Industry
Size and Composition. According to research conducted by the U.S. Composting Counsel, there are approximately 5,000 commercial composters in the United States diverting an estimated 19.4 million tons of organics from landfills. These organic waste streams primarily consist of yard trimmings, food scraps, biosolids (from waste water treatment plants) and some agricultural waste streams, including manure.
Of the approximately 5,000 composting sites in the U.S., most are small producers generating under $1 million per year in revenue. Less than 400 composters in the U.S., by the Company’s count based on industry data, generate more than $5 million in revenue per year, and even few over $10 million.
Compost manufacturers can also be segmented by the types of waste they collect for processing. The three main feedstocks are biosolids from waste water treatment plants, yard (or “green”) waste from commercial or municipal waste collection firms, and pre or post-consumer food waste. The largest number of composters utilize green waste, however, the largest volume of compost in the U.S. comes from biosolids.
Applications/Sectors for Compost Sales. The applications for agricultural compost and engineered soils are wide and growing. Engineered soils (sometimes called manufactured soils) are blends of soil, soil components and soil-like material used in horticulture, landscape, construction and site restoration applications. Using engineered soils allows for “tailoring” of soil properties to specific needs. Soil blending is performed at a production scale across the U.S., generating millions of cubic yards of product annually. Compost is a primary component of engineered soils, typically comprising 1/3 of its volume.
The largest segments for the application of compost and engineered soils include the following:
Agriculture. Making farmland more productive and sustainable is the largest application of compost. Compost improves infiltration rates, water holding capacity and soil tilth; and fertilizes the soil to supplement nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Use of compost can save farmers money by decreasing water, chemical fertilizer and pesticide uses by up to 80%. Despite the utilization of compost on farmland being an age-old practice, the market for this in the U.S. is still largely untapped, estimated at only a 10% utilization rate relative to all farmable land, according to the U.S. Composting Council.
Construction: For both traditional construction and LEED certified projects, use of engineered soils for control of erosion, water retention, sedimentation and pollution can result in cost savings and easier compliance with permitting. Further, Low Impact Development (LID) approaches – maintaining and enhancing pre-development watershed regimes – have become critically important, especially in urban settings. Engineered soils play a major role in green roofs, bio-retention cells, rain gardens, infiltration trenches and open grid pavement systems. The goals of these systems are to reduce the flow rate, volume and contaminant level of storm water runoff (compost can retain 20X its weight in water).
Silviculture and Land Reclamation (Mining): Engineered soils are being used to repopulate forests (silviculture) and other land where heavy use, industry or other activities such as mining have decimated the vegetation. This is an important area to help control water conservation and climate change.
Sod and Turf: Engineered soils are being used to improve sod and turf quality, produce a lighter material, and enhance growth efficiency. They are being used for college and high school athletic fields (especially to replace synthetic turf fields), and for golf course construction and maintenance.
Competition
The composting industry is highly fragmented with no clear leader on a national basis. As composting is very much a localized business constrained by the costs of transporting soils over long distances, each region or community that we may enter in the future will have a dominant market player. The Company views these local leaders as potential acquisition targets or partners; however, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to acquire or build a dominant business in each location it chooses to enter.
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Large waste companies such as Waste Management (“WM”) and Republic Industries own compost facilities in their respective portfolios. WM in particular owns over 40 compost facilities, typically connected to a landfill property. Management believes that these compost sites are under-utilized and not geared to creating the highest value end-products for sale into multiple markets. As a result, we believe there is an opportunity to work with large companies like WM to help them expand their sales and marketing operations.
Intellectual Property
Compost. With respect to the Company’s future composting business model, we do not hold any specific intellectual property; however, certain of the companies we have identified for acquisition or partnership do have trade secrets in soil formulas, manufacturing processes, and patentable compost additives, all of which could be valuable for our on-going growth strategy.
Engine Development. On August 8, 2017, the Company sold the intellectual property developed in connection with the Q2P Engine and the CHP System to Phoenix Power Group, in consideration for value of approximately $162,500 comprised of payment and elimination of certain payments to the Company’s vendors. This intellectual property consisted of designs, drawings, manufacturing processes, and potentially patentable technology, as well as a license agreement with Cyclone Power Technologies.
Patents. The Company currently does not hold any patents.
Trade Secrets. With respect to proprietary know-how that is not patentable and processes for which patents are difficult to enforce, we rely on among other things, trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to safeguard our interests. We also require our customers and business partners to enter into confidentiality agreements before we disclose any sensitive aspects of our technology or business plans.
Trademarks. We have received approval from the USPTO for use of our Q2P and Q2Power trademarks. We acquired from Cyclone the U.S. trademarks for “WHE”, WHE Generation” and “Generation WHE” in connection with our Separation Agreement. The Company is not currently using any of these marks.
Exchange Act
We are subject to the following regulations of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and applicable securities laws, rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act by the SEC. Compliance with these requirements of the Exchange Act increases our legal and accounting costs.
Smaller Reporting Company
We are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Exchange Act, and subject to the disclosure requirements of Regulation S-K of the SEC, as a “smaller reporting company.” That designation will relieve us of some of the informational requirements of Regulation S-K.
Emerging Growth Company
We are also an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or “JOBS Act.” As long as we remain an “emerging growth company,” we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not an “emerging growth company,” like those applicable to a “smaller reporting company,” including, but not limited to, a scaled down description of our business in SEC filings; no requirements to include risk factors in Exchange Act filings; no requirement to include certain selected financial data and supplementary financial information in SEC filings; not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements that we file under the Exchange Act; no requirement for Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404(b) auditor attestations of internal control over financial reporting; and exemptions from the requirements of holding an annual nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and seeking nonbinding stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We are also only required to file audited financial statements for the previous two fiscal years when filing registration statements, together with reviewed financial statements of any applicable subsequent quarter.
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We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” We can remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years. We would cease to be an “emerging growth company” prior to such time if we have total annual gross revenues of $1 billion or more and when we become a “larger accelerated filer,” have a public float of $700 million or more or we issue more than $1 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period.
Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
Sarbanes/Oxley Act
Except for the limitations excluded by the JOBS Act discussed under the preceding heading “Emerging Growth Company,” we are also subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Sarbanes/Oxley Act created a strong and independent accounting oversight board to oversee the conduct of auditors of public companies and strengthens auditor independence. It also requires steps to enhance the direct responsibility of senior members of management for financial reporting and for the quality of financial disclosures made by public companies; establishes clear statutory rules to limit, and to expose to public view, possible conflicts of interest affecting securities analysts; creates guidelines for audit committee members’ appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of public companies’ auditors; management assessment of our internal controls; prohibits certain insider trading during pension fund blackout periods; requires companies and auditors to evaluate internal controls and procedures; and establishes a federal crime of securities fraud, among other provisions. Compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes/Oxley Act will substantially increase our legal and accounting costs.
Exchange Act Reporting Requirements
Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act requires all companies with securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, like we are, to comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC regarding proxy solicitations, as outlined in Regulation 14A. Matters submitted to shareholders at a special or annual meeting thereof or pursuant to a written consent will require us to provide our shareholders with the information outlined in Schedules 14A (where proxies are solicited) or 14C (where consents in writing to the action have already been received or anticipated to be received) of Regulation 14, as applicable; and preliminary copies of this information must be submitted to the SEC at least 10 days prior to the date that definitive copies of this information are forwarded to our shareholders.
We are also required to file annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q with the SEC on a regular basis, and will be required to timely disclose certain material events (e.g., changes in corporate control; acquisitions or dispositions of a significant amount of assets other than in the ordinary course of business; and bankruptcy) in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Number of Total Employees and Number of Full Time Employees
As of the date of this Annual Report, we have two full-time employees, and one part-time employee.
Reports to Security Holders
You may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also find all of the reports that we have filed electronically with the SEC at their Internet site www.sec.gov.
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Item 1a. Risk Factors
A number of factors could affect the business of the Company, which include the following:
WE HAVE LIMITED OPERTING HISTORY AND ARE OPERATING AT A LOSS, AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL REMAIN AS A GOING CONCERN OR BECOME PROFITABLE.
We recently began operations and anticipate that we will operate at a loss for some time. Since we have limited operating history and no history of profitability, we have no financial results upon which you may judge our potential. There can be no guarantee that we will remain as a going concern or ever become profitable. In the future, we may experience under-capitalization, development delays, set-backs with closing or integrating acquisitions, lack of funding options, setbacks and many of the problems, delays and expenses encountered by any early stage business, many of which are beyond our control. These include, but are not limited to:
● | inability to identify suitable companies for acquisition, joint venture and/or customer sales; | |
● | inability to raise sufficient capital to fund our business plan; | |
● | development and marketing problems encountered in connection with new and existing products; | |
● | competition from larger and more established companies; and | |
● | lack of market acceptance of our anticipated products and services. |
BECAUSE OUR HISTORY IS LIMITED AND WE ARE SUBJECT TO INTENSE COMPETITION, ANY INVESTMENT IN US WOULD BE INHERENTLY RISKY.
Because we are a company with no operational history and no profitability until we presumably complete our initial acquisitions, our business activity can be expected to be extremely early-staged and subject to numerous risks. The compost and soil business is highly competitive in different regions with many companies having access to the same market. Some of them have greater financial resources and longer operating histories than we have and can be expected to compete within the business in which we engage and intend to engage. There can be no assurance that we will have the necessary resources to become or remain competitive. We are subject to the risks which are common to all companies with a limited history of operations and profitability. Therefore, investors should consider an investment in us to be an extremely risky venture.
WE WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FINANCING.
For the foreseeable future, we expect to rely upon funds raised from current convertible debt financing and future debt or equity offerings to provide initial seed capital and further operating capital for the Company. As of the filing of this Report, management forecasts that it has operating capital to last through the second quarter of 2018, but we will need to complete a future larger funding in order to complete our expected acquisitions. Therefore, we will have to obtain additional financing in order to expand our business consistent with our proposed operations and plan. There can be no guarantee that additional funds will be available when and if needed. If we are unable to obtain such financing, or if the terms thereof are too costly, we may be forced to curtail or cease operations until such time as alternative financing may be arranged, which could have a materially adverse impact on our planned operations and our shareholders’ investment.
WE REMAIN AT RISK REGARDING OUR ABILITY TO CONDUCT SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS.
The results of our operations will depend, among other things, upon our ability to complete acquisitions, integrate their operations and culture into a cohesive unit, and manage and grow those operations. Further, it is possible that our operations will not generate income sufficient to meet operating expenses or will generate income and capital appreciation, if any, at rates lower than those anticipated or necessary to sustain ourselves. Our operations may be affected by many factors, some known by us, some unknown, and some which are beyond our control. Any of these problems, or a combination thereof, could have a materially adverse effect on our viability as an entity and might cause the investment of our shareholders or debtors to be impaired or lost. Our acquisitions are in various stages of development and our management team has not yet been fully formed. Some of our projects may not be completed in time to allow production or marketing due to the inherent risks of product development, limitations on financing, competition, obsolescence, loss of key personnel and other factors. Unanticipated obstacles can arise at any time and result in lengthy and costly delays or in a determination that further development is not feasible.
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The consummation of our acquisition plan may take longer than anticipated and could be additionally delayed. We may not be able to complete acquisitions at valuations and prices that provide upside appreciation to shareholders. Therefore, there can be no assurance of timely completion and introduction of projects on a cost-effective basis, or that such projects, if introduced, will achieve the results anticipated such that, in combination with existing projects, they will sustain us or allow us to achieve profitable operations.
OUR SUCCESS WILL BE DEPENDENT UPON OUR MANAGEMENT.
Our success is dependent upon the decision making of our directors and executive officers. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our key employees and our ability to hire additional key employees when and as needed. Although we currently intend to retain our existing management, we cannot assure you that such individuals will remain with us. Further, we cannot assure that we will be able to find and recruit new employees on terms acceptable to the Company. We have fixed term employment agreements with our two key employees – Messrs. Bolin and Nelson — but have not obtained key man life insurance on the lives of either of them. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of our key executives, directors and advisors, or the inability to find new key employees within a reasonable period of time could have a material adverse effect on the economic condition and results of operations of the Company.
We may not be able to effectively control and manage our growth.
Our strategy envisions a period of potentially rapid growth. We currently maintain nominal administrative and personnel capacity due to the startup nature of our business, and our expected growth may impose a significant burden on our future planned administrative and operational resources. The growth of our business will require significant investments of capital and increased demands on our management, workforce and facilities. We will be required to substantially expand our administrative and operational resources and attract, train, manage and retain qualified management and other personnel. Failure to do so or satisfy such increased demands would interrupt or would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Future acquisitions may be unsuccessful and may negatively affect operations and financial condition.
The integration of businesses, personnel, product lines and processes can be difficult, time consuming and subject to significant risks. Any difficulties could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and employees, increase our expenses and decrease our revenue.
Our sales cycles may be long.
We expect that the period between our initial contact with a potential customer for new products such as engineered soils and the purchase of our products may be long and subject to delays associated with the budgeting, approval, and competitive evaluation processes which frequently accompany such projects. We believe that a customer’s decision to purchase our products may be discretionary and is influenced by budgetary cycles or forces such as commodity costs. Further, industries such as construction are historically cyclical, and to the extent we focus manufacturing and sales resources on products geared towards these markets, we could experience a material effect on our revenue and profitability if we are caught in a market downturn.
Our failure to develop and introduce improved products could HURT OUR GROWTH.
We plan to invest financial resources in research and development and marketing of new soil products and technologies. These activities are inherently uncertain and we could encounter practical difficulties in commercializing our results, and our expenditures may not produce corresponding benefits. Other companies are developing a variety of competing products and could produce solutions that prove more cost-effective or have better performance than ours.
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Problems with product quality May damage our market reputation and prevent us from maintaining or increasing our market share.
Any widespread product failures may damage our market reputation and cause our sales to decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. Such product failures may open us to litigation for which we may not be properly insured, and for which an unfavorable result could have a material adverse effect on our operations and value of your holdings.
Potential Conflicts of Interest.
The officers and directors of the Company are involved in other business activities and may, in the future, become involved in other business opportunities. If a specific business opportunity becomes available, such person(s) may face a conflict in selecting between the Company and his other business interests. The Company has not formulated a policy for the resolution of such conflicts.
Liquidity risks associated with our COMMON Stock.
Limited Public Market. There is a limited trading market for our shares of common stock and a robust trading market for our securities may not develop in the foreseeable future. If no market develops, it may be difficult or impossible for you to sell your shares if you should desire to do so. Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB. There is extremely limited and sporadic trading of our common stock and no assurance can be given, when, if ever, an active trading market will develop or, if developed, that it will be sustained.
No Trading of Stock. Current rules promulgated by the SEC may prohibit shareholders from trading their shares of common stock under Rule 144 for at least six months unless registered.
Limited Marketability, Transferability and Liquidity. There is a limited market through which our common stock may be sold and transfer of these shares is subject to significant restrictions. Unless our shares are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any required state authorities, or an appropriate exemption from registration is available, a holder of the shares may be unable to liquidate an investment in such securities, even though his or her personal financial condition may dictate such a liquidation. In addition, the shares will likely not be readily acceptable as collateral for loans. Therefore, prospective stockholders who require liquidity in their investments should not invest in our common stock.
The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, which could lead to losses for stockholders.
The securities of public companies can experience extreme price and volume fluctuations, which can be unrelated or out of proportion to the operating performance of such companies. We expect our common stock price will be subject to similar volatility. Any negative change in the public’s perception of the prospects of our Company or companies in our market could also depress our common stock price, regardless of our actual results. Factors affecting the trading price of our common stock may include:
* | Regulatory actions; | |
* | Variations in our operating results; | |
* | Announcements of technological innovations, new products or product enhancements, strategic alliances or significant agreements by us or by our competitors; | |
* | Recruitment or departure of key personnel; | |
* | Litigation, legislation, regulation or technological developments that adversely affect our business; | |
* | Changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in recommendations by any securities analysts that elect to follow our common stock; and | |
* | Market conditions in our industry, the industries of our customers and the economy as a whole. |
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If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our stock, the price of our stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock may be affected by research and reports that industry or financial analysts may in the future publish about us or our business, over which we will have no control. There are many large, well-established publicly traded companies active in our industry and market, which means it will be unlikely that we will receive widespread, if any, analyst coverage. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who in the future elect to cover us, downgrade our stock, our stock price would likely decline rapidly.
The application of the “penny stock” rules could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and increase your transaction costs to sell those shares.
As long as the trading price of our common stock is below $5.00 per share, the open-market trading of our common stock will be subject to the “penny stock” rules. The penny stock rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1 million or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 together with their spouses). For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of securities and have received the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction before the purchase. Additionally, for any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the broker-dealer must deliver, before the transaction, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the Commission relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information on the limited market in penny stocks. These additional burdens imposed on broker-dealers may restrict the ability or decrease the willingness of broker-dealers to sell our common stock, and may result in decreased liquidity of our common stock and increased transaction costs for sales and purchases of our common stock as compared to other securities.
We do not intend to pay dividends.
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock since inception and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Earnings, if any, that we may realize will be retained in the business for further development and expansion.
We WILL need TO raise capital WHICH WILL CAUSE DILUTION.
We are currently operating at a loss and intend to increase our operating expenses significantly as we complete acquisitions and expand our development and marketing. We expect that the proceeds received from the sale of convertible debt securities will not be sufficient to fund day-to-day operations longer than through the second quarter of 2018 and will not allow us to consummate all of the acquisitions we have planned. After operations begin, the operating expenses will be significant and the Company will have to generate substantial revenues to achieve profitability. As a result, we may never achieve or sustain profitability, which would cause the value of our shares to decline. Additionally, we may encounter unforeseen costs that could also require us to seek additional capital. We currently do not have any permanent arrangements or credit facilities in place as a source of funds should this need arise, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient, if any, additional capital, nor is there any assurance that we will be able to raise such capital on acceptable terms. Any additional financing may result in significant dilution to existing shareholders.
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Concentration of Stock Ownership and Control.
Our plan entails conducting multiple acquisitions and fund raising rounds, much of which may utilize our common stock. In this regard, future investors and target owners may control a significantly large amount of equity, and as a result, these stockholders acting together will be able to influence many matters requiring stockholder approval including the election of directors and approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control, and could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares of common stock as part of a sale of our company and may affect the market price of our stock.
THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL DOUBT ON OUR ABILITY TO CONTINUE AS A GOING CONCERN.
The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm issued in connection with our audited financial statements for the calendar year ended December 31, 2017 expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, due to the fact that we have recurring operating losses and our lack of liquidity and working capital.
Because our common stock is A “penny stock,” you may have greater difficulty selling your shares.
Our common stock is a “penny stock” as defined in Rule 3a51-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Section 15(g) of the Exchange Act and Rule 15g-2 of the Securities and Exchange Commission require broker/dealers dealing in penny stocks to provide potential investors with a document disclosing the risks of penny stocks and to obtain a manually signed and dated written receipt of the document before making any transaction in a penny stock for the investor’s account. In addition, Rule 15g-9 of the Securities and Exchange Commission requires broker/dealers in penny stocks to approve the account of any investor for transactions in these stocks before selling any penny stock to that investor. Compliance with these requirements may make it harder for our selling stockholders and other stockholders to resell their shares.
The Company has Preferred Stock with additional priority rights.
The Company has 600 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) outstanding with a purchase value of $600,000, held by two institutional investors. The Preferred Stock converts into common stock at $0.10 per share, per a March 2018 amendment, subject to price protection provisions in the instance certain shares are issued at a lower price. The Preferred Stock must be redeemed by the Company if not converted prior to July 31, 2018, per the 2018 amendment. Holders of the Preferred Stock have additional rights to approve extraordinary transactions, including a sale or merger, additional debt and other similar items. The holders of the Preferred Stock can control significant influence over the Company.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None. Not required for smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company currently conducts its business from offices in Palm Beach, Florida. The Company has no formal agreement for this space which is leased by Greenblock Capital, a company for which our President is also Managing Director, but owns no equity or voting position. In 2017, the Company also leased temporary office space in Atlanta, Georgia from a company that our CEO was previously an executive. The Company pays $500 per month for this space, which it believes to be market rates.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not a party to any pending legal proceeding and, to the knowledge of our management, no federal, state or local governmental agency is presently contemplating any proceeding against us. No director, executive officer, affiliate of ours, or owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent of our common stock is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to us in any proceeding.
When the Company sold the ESI subsidiary to three former shareholders following the Merger, that company had a judgment against it from a litigation brought in the Superior Court of the County of Iredell, North Carolina, seeking payment of wages of approximately $25,000, together with vacation pay, the value of health insurance benefits and medical expenses. On April 10, 2015, the Court entered judgment against ESI in favor of the plaintiff. Claims made by the plaintiff against AnPath (the Company at that time) and certain of the officers and directors of Anpath at that time were dismissed by the Court. The Company does not believe it has any liability in this matter, and that the judgment was properly retained by ESI in the sale; however, the judgment is to the knowledge of management still outstanding and management cannot guaranty that it will not be brought back into the litigation or collection efforts in the future.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None; not applicable.
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part II
ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
There is no “established trading market” for our shares of common stock. No assurance can be given that any market for our common stock will develop or be maintained. If a public market ever develops in the future, the sale of shares of our common stock that are deemed to be “restricted securities” pursuant to Rule 144 of the SEC by members of management or others may have a substantial adverse impact on any such market.
Set forth below are the high and low closing bid prices for our common stock for each quarter of the years 2016 and 2017. These bid prices were obtained from OTC Markets Group, Inc. All prices listed herein reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.
Period | High | Low | ||||||
January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.25 | ||||
April 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.10 | ||||
July 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.05 | ||||
October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.03 | ||||
April 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017 | $ | 0.17 | $ | 0.10 | ||||
July 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017 | $ | 0.17 | $ | 0.11 | ||||
October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.08 |
Rule 144
The following is a summary of the current requirements of Rule 144:
Affiliate or Person Selling on Behalf of an Affiliate |
Non-Affiliate (and has not been an Affiliate During the Prior Three Months) | |||
Restricted Securities of Reporting Issuers |
During six-month holding period – no resales under Rule 144 permitted.
After six-month holding period – may resell in accordance with all Rule 144 requirements including: ● Current public information, ● Volume limitations, ● Manner of sale requirements for equity securities, and ● Filing of Form 144. |
During six- month holding period – no resales under Rule 144 permitted.
After six-month holding period but before one year – unlimited public resales under Rule 144 except that the current public information requirement still applies.
After one-year holding period – unlimited public resales under Rule 144; need not comply with any other Rule 144 requirements. |
Restricted Securities of Non-Reporting Issuers |
During one-year holding period – no resales under Rule 144 permitted.
After one-year holding period – may resell in accordance with all Rule 144 requirements including: ● Current public information, ● Volume limitations, ● Manner of sale requirements for equity securities, and Filing of Form 144. |
During one-year holding period – no resales under Rule 144 permitted.
After one-year holding period – unlimited public resales under Rule 144; need not comply with any other Rule 144 requirements. |
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Holders
The number of record holders of our common stock as of the date of this Annual Report is 304. This figure does not include approximately 450 beneficial owners who may hold their shares in “street name,” based on a recent NOBO list.
Dividends
We have not declared any cash dividends with respect to our common stock, and do not intend to declare dividends in the foreseeable future. The future dividend policy of our Company cannot be ascertained with any certainty, and if and until we determine to engage in any business or we complete any acquisition, reorganization or merger, no such policy will be formulated. There are no material restrictions limiting, or that are likely to limit, our ability to pay dividends on our securities.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity Compensation Plan Information.
Plan Category | Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, stock appreciation rights and common stock awards* | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, stock appreciation rights and common stock awards | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans excluding securities reflected in column (a) | |||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | None | None | None | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | 6,915,480 | $ | 0.21 | 1,084,520 | ||||||||
Total | 6,915,480 | $ | 0.21 | 1,084,520 |
● | All securities in this table are issued under the Company’s 2014 Founder’s Stock Option Plan, 2014 Employee Stock Option Plan, and the 2016 Omnibus Plan. All securities are common stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock awards. There are no warrants or other securities issued under these plans. |
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The following table sets forth the sales of unregistered securities by the Company in 2017 and 2018 up to the date of filing that were not previously reported in Form 10-Q or 8-K filings. Further, the following table does not reflect sales of unregistered securities made by Q2P prior to the consummation of the Merger.
To whom | Date | Number of shares | Consideration | |||
None not previously reported. |
We issued all securities previously reported to persons who were “accredited investors” as that term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D of the SEC, or to “sophisticated investors” or key employees; and each such person had prior access to all material information about us prior to the offer and sale of these securities, and had the right to consult legal and accounting professionals. We believe that the offer and sale of these securities were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to Sections 4(a)(2) and 4(6) thereof, and Rule 506 of Regulation D of the SEC.
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Purchases of Equity Securities by Us and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not required for smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-looking Statements
Statements made in this Annual Report which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements with respect to the goals, plan objectives, intentions, expectations, financial condition, results of operations, future performance and business of our Company and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Q2P, including, without limitation, (i) our ability to raise capital, and (ii) statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “targets” or similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including the following, general economic or industry conditions, nationally and/or in the communities in which we may conduct business, changes in the interest rate environment, legislation or regulatory requirements, conditions of the securities markets, our ability to raise capital, changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines, financial or political instability, acts of war or terrorism, other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technical factors affecting our current or potential business and related matters. Accordingly, results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results in these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements. We have no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements other than as required by law.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND PLAN OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s plans, estimates and beliefs, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The Company’s operating subsidiary, Q2P, was originally formed in April 2010 in the state of Florida as a limited liability company called “Cyclone-WHE LLC.” The purpose of the Company at such time was essentially the same as it was through most of 2016: to complete research and development on its waste-to-power technology with the goal of pursuing business opportunities in the renewable power sector. The Company re-domiciled to Delaware as a corporation in April 2014, formally split from its former parent in July 2014, and changed its name to “Q2Power Corp.” in February 2015. It is licensed to do business in Florida, where it maintains an office.
On November 12, 2015, Q2P consummated its Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with the Company (then called Anpath Group, Inc.) and the Company’s newly formed and wholly-owned subsidiary, AnPath Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Subsidiary”), resulting in the Merger Subsidiary merging with and into Q2P. As a result, Q2P was the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AnPath (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger, all outstanding shares of Q2P were exchanged for 24,034,475 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing approximately 93% of the total issued and outstanding common stock of the Company, excluding stock options, warrants and convertible notes outstanding at such time. In addition, the Company assumed both the Q2P 2014 Founders Stock Option Plan and the 2014 Employees Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plans”), and 1,095,480 options outstanding thereunder. As of the date of the Merger, the officers and directors of Q2P took over the management and Board of Directors of the Company.
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In connection with the Merger, the Company sold the former operating entity of Anpath, ESI, to three former officers and shareholders of Anpath in exchange for the return of 470,560 shares of common stock of the Company and ESI retaining all of the old liabilities of ESI including a litigation judgment. In December 2015, the Company officially changed its name to Q2Power Technologies, Inc. to reflect the new business direction of the Company – that of Q2P – after the Merger. In February 2016, the Company changed its fiscal year end from March 31 to December 31 to reflect the year-end of its operating Subsidiary, and up-listed its common stock to the OTCQB. The financial statements and footnotes to the financial statements reflect this change of fiscal year end. On August 18, 2017, the Company changed its name to Q2Earth, Inc.
Since May 2016, the Company began to pursue opportunities in business of manufacturing of compost and soils from yard waste, biosolids and other waste streams. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company received and fulfilled its first paid services contract to provide a feasibility study for the manufacturing of soils from a large-scale development project; signed two letters of intent providing for an exclusivity period to acquire two separate compost manufacturing companies in the southeastern United States, and executed a definitive purchase agreement with one of those companies (described below).
Pending Purchase Agreement with ETS. On August 28, 2017, the Company signed a definitive Membership Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Environmental Turnkey Solutions LLC (“ETS”) of Naples, Florida, and its three members to acquire 100% of the membership interests of ETS, and all subsidiaries wholly-owned by ETS. ETS is a compost and soil manufacturing company founded in 2011 that operates in an area from the Florida Keys to Sarasota, Florida.
Consideration under the Purchase Agreement included $2.5 million cash subject to adjustment based on net accounts receivable at closing, $3.5 million in sellers’ notes which are payable to the sellers within nine months of closing, and $4.5 million in Q2Earth common stock valued at $0.15 per share, which is at or above current market prices. ETS also had a $1.5 million earnout payable in common stock if ETS achieves greater than $2.5 million in annual run rate adjusted EBITDA over a six-month period within 12 months after closing. This agreement was supposed to close in the first quarter of 2018; however, due to items that Management uncovered in due diligence, and the complications such findings caused to our fund raising process, Management provided the owners of ETS with a revised valuation and purchase price offer in the first quarter of 2018. This offer has not been accepted to date, and as a result, our Board has decided to defer the closing of this transaction until a later date, if at all.
Additional Term Sheets and Exclusivities. The Company currently has three letters of intent and/or exclusivity agreements with three compost manufacturing companies in Florida, Georgia and Texas. Management is in different stages of due diligence and definitive contract negotiation with these companies, with the intention of having all three companies in a position to close under acquisition in 2018. Management can make no guaranty that these acquisitions will close due to many factors including failure to raise required funding, failure to reach definitive agreements, and findings of items in the diligence process that would make closing not in the best interests of the Company.
Sale of Engine Technology. On August 14, 2017, the Company closed a Technology Transfer and Assignment Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with Phoenix Power Group LLC (“Phoenix”) to transfer to Phoenix all of the Company’s technology and materials associated with Q2P’s external combustion engine, controls and auxiliary systems (the “Q2P Technology”), developed both in conjunction with its license agreement with Cyclone Power Technologies, Inc. (“Cyclone”) and such other Q2P Technology developed independently from the license agreement. Pursuant to a consent from Cyclone, the Company also transferred and assigned the license agreement to Phoenix. In consideration for the transfer and assignment, which included net property and equipment of $4,927, unamortized license fees to Cyclone of $47,396 and a payment to Cyclone of $15,000 to consent to the transfer, Phoenix satisfied and provided releases for $162,500 in past liabilities of Q2P associated with the development of the Q2P Technology, made certain other payments to the Company’s prior engine manufacturer, and provided full releases from liability from both Phoenix and Cyclone. The Company recorded a net gain from the extinguishment of liabilities of $95,178 in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Moving forward, the Company intends focus entirely on the business of compost and engineered soils manufacturing and sales.
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Bridge Offering. In May 2017, the Company completed its Convertible Promissory Note “Bridge” offering (the “Bridge Offering”) with $1,450,000 of new cash raised and an additional $191,908 in old debt converted into the round. The Company raised an additional $200,000 in a follow-on Bridge Offering on the same terms in September 2017. Discussion of the Bridge Offering is provided in “Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources”. Funds from the Bridge Offering are sufficient to provide for operations for the Company through the second quarter of 2018, including advancing its strategy to acquire cash-flowing composting businesses.
A. Plan of Operation
In the second half of 2016, the Company announced that it had taken several important steps to expand its business model into the commercial composting and sustainable soils sector. This included starting an alliance with a leading company in this space based in Georgia and adding a key advisor with over 40 years of experience in this industry to our team. Two of the Company’s independent Directors also have significant experience and contacts in waste water, biosolids, waste management and other areas that are synergistic and overlapping with composting.
In 2016, the Company, ERTH Products LLC and Exceptional Products Inc. (the “ERTH Companies”), entered into a letter of intent (the “LOI”) contemplating the acquisition of the ERTH Companies by the Company. The ERTH Companies, based in Georgia, manufacture agricultural compost and engineered soils for the construction industry from waste water biosolids. The Company also added Wayne King Sr., the founder of the ERTH Companies, to the Company’s Board of Advisors. The exclusivity period of this LOI has been extended from September 30, 2017 until September 30, 2018 by agreement of the parties.
In August 2017, the Company and ETS signed a definitive Purchase Agreement to acquire all of the membership interests in ETS. Consideration under the Purchase Agreement includes $2.5 million cash subject to adjustment based on net accounts receivable at closing, $3.5 million in sellers’ notes which are payable to the sellers within nine months of closing, $4.5 million in Q2Earth common stock valued at $0.15 per share, and a $1.5 million stock earnout. The Company would assume at closing approximately $2.5 million in commercial equipment loans and $1.5 million in a real property loan. Currently, the closing of this transaction is in doubt, and a more detail description of this transaction and its possibility of closing is provided above in Overview – Pending Purchase Agreement with ETS.
The Company currently has three letters of intent and/or exclusivity agreements with three compost manufacturing companies in Florida, Georgia and Texas. Management is in different stages of due diligence and definitive contract negotiation with these companies, with the intention of having all three companies in a position to close under acquisition in 2018. Management can make no guaranty that these acquisitions will close doe to many factors including failure to raise required funding, failure to reach definitive agreements, and findings of items in the diligence process that would make closing not in the best interests of the Company.
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In connection with these new plans the Company began to phase out its R&D overhead in 2016, including scaling back all of its engineering and technical personnel in order to dedicate more resources to pursuing partnerships and acquisitions in the compost industry. This process was completed in 2017 as discussed below.
In January 2017, the Company transferred its sales agreement with MagneGas to Phoenix Power Group (“Phoenix”), a licensee of the Company’s technology. Under this agreement, Phoenix assumed all responsibility and liabilities associated with delivering a waste-to-power system to the customer utilizing the Company’s technology and will receive any additional fees paid by the customer for successful performance. Phoenix released the Company of approximately $250,000 in deferred revenue liabilities in connection with this contract assignment and agreed to certain royalty fees payable to the Company for sales of the engine and system. This release from performance was recorded as a component of gain from extinguishment of liabilities in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
In August 2017, the Company closed its Transfer Agreement which transferred to Phoenix all of the Company’s technology and materials associated with the old Q2P Technology, including transferring and assigning its License Agreement with Cyclone to Phoenix. In consideration for the transfer and assignment, which included net property and equipment of $4,927, unamortized license fees to Cyclone of $47,396 and a payment to Cyclone of $15,000 to consent to the transfer, Phoenix satisfied and provided releases for $162,500 in past liabilities of Q2P associated with the development of the Q2P Technology, made certain other payments to the Company’s prior engine manufacturer, and provided full releases from liability from both Phoenix and Cyclone. The Company recorded a net gain from the extinguishment of liabilities of $95,178 in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. Management reviewed the accounting treatment for discontinued operations in connection with this transaction and determined that such treatment would not be appropriate due to the Company’s gradual re-focusing of its business away from technology development over an 18 month period, which resulted in a minimal financial impact on the Company’s operations and financial results upon the consummation of this transaction.
In May 2017, the Company completed its Bridge Offering with $1,450,000 of new cash raised and an additional $191,908 in old debt converted into the round. In September 2017, the Company raised an additional $200,000 in a follow-on Bridge Offering on the same terms. Discussion of the Bridge Offering is provided in “Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources”. Funds from the Bridge Offering are sufficient to provide for operations for the Company through the second quarter of 2018, which includes advancing its strategy to acquire cash-flowing composting businesses, but not enough for closing proposed acquisitions.
Management is currently working on securing the next round of funding needed to close the initial projected acquisitions, but can make no guaranty that such financing can be completed on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.
B. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016.
Statement of Operations
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company generated $74,759 of sales related to the completion of Phase I and II of a soil manufacturing feasibility study contract. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company generated $40,000 of sales related to the Company completing its first milestone under a contract with a customer for a waste liquid fuel-to-power system. Cost of sales during these periods was $63,297 and $7,172, respectively.
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The Company recorded total expenses of $1,336,580 in the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $7,435,558 (36%) from our total expenses of $2,080,138 for the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease in expenses resulted in a loss from operations of $1,325,118 in 2017, down from $2,047,310 (35%) in the previous year period. Some of the principal reasons behind the lower expenses and loss from operations in 2017 over the previous year included the significantly reduced R&D operations and the termination of many of the Company’s engineering and technical personnel in the second half of 2016 due to limited funds.
Included in the expenses for 2017 and 2016 were the following material items: Payroll decreased to $265,473 in 2017 from $583,949 in the prior year (55%) due to fewer people employed by the Company and the two executives being paid as consultants through most of 2017. Professional fees decreased to $876,372 from $988,848 in the prior year (11%) due to reduced legal costs and one less consultant retained in 2017. Research and development decreased to $0 in 2017 from $352,583 in the previous year (100%) primarily due to the full scale back of these operations during the second half of 2016.
In total, the Company incurred a net loss of $2,718,205 in 2017 compared to $1,497,723 in 2016, an increase of $1,220,482. The change in net loss was due to the higher operating expenses in 2016, as described above, offset by a change in the fair value of the bridge subscription of $1,254,379 in 2017, whereas in 2016, the Company recorded a gain on derivative liabilities of $808,011.
Balance Sheet
Material changes in the Company’s balance sheet in 2017 over 2016 were due in part to the following transactions and events: closing of $1,650,000 in the Company’s Bridge Offering in September 2017 (not inclusive of an additional conversion of $191,908 in previously recorded notes, advances and payables from three board members and three investors for a total issuance of Bridge Offering debentures of $1,841,908); a decrease of $739,519 in accounts payable and accrued expenses (including the sale of the Q2P Technology in exchange for a release on $168,000 in liabilities) offset by settlements and conversions of accounts payable and accrued expenses of $67,040; and a decrease of $300,000 in deferred revenue from the transfer of the MagneGas Agreement and release from the Phoenix agreement.
Primarily as a result of these transactions, and specifically the Bridge Offering, the Company’s total liabilities in 2017 increased to $3,556,459 from $1,778,703 in 2016. Accumulated deficit at December 31, 2017 was $9,969,974 as compared to $6,863,102 at the end of 2016, resulting from the continued net loss, and off-set in part by the change in the fair value of the bridge subscription.
Results of Operations
Between July 2014 and mid-2016, the Company through Q2P primarily devoted its efforts to commercializing the Q2P engine and CHP system, developing its waste-to-power business model, and recruiting executive management and key employees. Starting in the second half of 2016, the Company began to phase out its R&D operations, and in August 2017, sold its old engine technology. The Company is now entirely focused on promoting its compost manufacturing business model, including providing soil management services to one customer and acquiring other compost manufacturing companies. As a new entity, the Company has limited current business operations and nominal assets. The Company currently operates at a loss with minimal to no revenue.
Since the change in business direction to focus on strategic partnerships and acquisitions in the compost and soil manufacturing space, the Company has reduced its operating expenses from approximately $150,000 per month to approximately $75,000 per month by laying-off engineering employees and terminating our R&D budget, which is off-set in part by added expenses in connection with our acquisition plans. As of the date of this Report, our CEO and President are receiving fees as consultants, even though they spend virtually all of their time on Company operations. We also have one additional financial consultant who serves as the Principal Accounting Officer. Other expenses include legal and accounting, payment of fees for exclusivity and LOIs with acquisition targets, and other general expenses. We have also used equity, including common stock and stock options, to pay some expenses over the last year; and we reduced $423,179 in payables with settlements of stock and assets over the past year.
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The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $2,718,205 was off-set primarily by non-cash operating expenses of: $236,149 in stock option grants and related amortization expense, $1,125,379 from the net change in fair value of the bridge subscriptions, $456,720 in gain from extinguishment of liabilities, $209,600 in restricted shares used for outside services, $23,127 of depreciation and amortization, and a $112,689 net increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. As a result, net cash used in operating activities amounted to $1,207,157 in 2017.
With respect to our technology, in January 2017, the Company transferred its sales agreement with MagneGas to Phoenix Power Group, a licensee of the Company’s technology. Under this agreement, Phoenix assumed all responsibility and liabilities associated with delivering a waste-to-power system to the customer and will receive any additional fees paid by the customer for successful performance. Phoenix released the Company of approximately $250,000 in deferred revenue liabilities in connection with this contract assignment and agreed to certain royalty fees payable to the Company for sales of the engine and system. In August 2017, the Company closed its Transfer Agreement which transferred to Phoenix all of the Company’s technology and materials associated with the old Q2P Technology, including transferring and assigning its License Agreement with Cyclone to Phoenix.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company believes its funds as of the date of this filing are sufficient to support operations through the second quarter of 2018. The Company will need to raise additional capital to close its initial acquisitions and support operations through the end of 2018; therefore, management believes there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. See “Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Going Concern” in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Through the end of June 2018, management expects to spend approximately $380,000 on operations, not including funds required to close the previously discussed or future acquisitions, which may require as much as $10 million in capital to complete if all potential targets are included. Our average monthly burn-rate, not including acquisition costs, is approximately $70,000 per month. Additional amounts will be spent on signing LOI’s containing exclusivity periods with potential acquisition targets.
Since July 2014, Q2P has raised in excess of $6 million in capital over several financings, inclusive of cash invested and some debt and payables converted to stock. With these funds, the Company has been able to complete the prototype stage of its original technology, place our first operating pilot unit in the field, recruit a solid engineering and business team, and secure strong Directors with significant industry experience. Specifically, with the closing of our Bridge Offering, described below, we have also been able to pivot our business model to the compost and soil manufacturing business, and secure letters of intent to acquire operating compost companies.
Bridge Financing. In May 2017, the Company completed its Bridge Offering with $1,450,000 of new cash raised and an additional $191,908 in old debt converted into the round. In September 2017, the Company completed an additional $200,000 follow-up Bridge Offering on the same terms.
The Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Notes”) convert at a 50% discount to the post-funding valuation of the Company at the closing of its next offering in the minimum amount of $5,000,000 (the “Equity Offering”). The conversion valuation has a ceiling of $12,000,000, and a “floor” company value of $6,000,000 in the event there is no Equity Offering before the Notes are able to be converted.
The Notes convert into common stock, or preferred stock if received by investors in the Equity Offering, commencing on the earliest of the Equity Offering closing or December 31, 2017, at the discretion of the holder. Maturity is 36 months from issuance with 15% annual interest which will be capitalized each year into the principal of the Notes and paid in kind. There are no warrants issued in connection with the Bridge Offering.
Funds from the Bridge Offering will be used to secure acquisitions of compost and soil companies with closings expected to occur concurrently with the closing of the Equity Offering, and operating capital through the first quarter of 2018. A limited portion of the funds have also been used to eliminate liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet.
The Bridge Offering was led by two accredited investors and joined by approximately 29 additional accredited investors which included the Company’s Directors. Management conducted the Bridge Offering and no broker fees were paid in connection with the initial closing. All securities issued in the Bridge Offering and debt settlements were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933.
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Company’s Prior Financings.
Subsequent to the Merger into the public company, the Company raised $600,000 in its Series A 6% Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) from two separate accredited investors in November 2015 and January 2016, respectively. The Preferred Stock was originally convertible at $0.26 per share at the discretion of the holders and contains price protection provisions in the instance that the Company issues shares at a lower price, subject to certain exemptions. As a result of the July 2016 common stock offering described below, the conversion price for these Preferred Shares automatically reduced to $0.21 per share, and as a result of the Bridge Offering, the conversion price was reset to $0.15 per share. In March 2018, the conversion price was reset again for $0.10 per share per an amendment which also extended the redemption date to July 31, 2018. Preferred Stock holders also received other rights and protections including piggy-back registration rights, rights of first refusal to invest in subsequent offerings, security over the Company’s assets (secondary to the Company’s debt holders), and certain negative covenant guaranties that the Company will not incur non-ordinary debt, enter into variable pricing security sales, redeem or repurchase stock or make distributions, and other similar warranties. The Preferred Stock is redeemable by July 31, 2018, per the 2018 amendment, and has no voting rights until converted to common stock. The Preferred Stock holders also received 50% warrant coverage at an exercise price of $0.50, with a five-year term and similar price protections as in the Preferred Stock. Pursuant to agreements and amendments with the warrant holders, this conversion price remains at $0.50 as of March 31, 2018.
The Preferred Stock bears a 6% dividend per annum, calculable and payable per quarter in cash or additional shares of common stock as determined in the Certificate of Designation. The Preferred Stock has no voting rights until converted to common stock and has a liquidation preference equal to the Purchase Price.
On March 15, 2016, the Company entered into a 120-day term loan agreement with one accredited investor in the principal amount of $150,000. The loan bears 20% interest with interest payments due monthly. The holders received loan issuance costs of a 100,000 share equity kicker valued at $26,000, $3,000 cash and a second security interest in the assets of the Company. This loan matured on July 15, 2016, and a 10% late penalty was assessed on July 15, 2016. On March 22, 2017, the Company and the lenders entered into an Addendum to the loan agreement which extended the maturity date to December 31, 2017, allowed for conversion at the discretion of the holders to common stock at a price of $0.15 per share, and waived all defaults in return for payment of $30,000 which included the late fee and accrued but unpaid interest. These fees and interest payments were paid in April 2017, and the loan was repaid in full in December 2017.
On April 29, 2016, the Company’s three independent Directors loaned to the Company a total of $60,200 pursuant to three Convertible Notes which are automatically convertible into the equity securities issued in the Company’s next financing of at least $1,000,000 at the same price and same terms. The Convertible Notes bore 8% interest and had a 10% Original Issuance Discount. The total principal amount of all three Notes was $66,000. The Notes matured in six months and could have been converted to common stock at $0.26 per share if a qualified financing event has not occurred by such time. In June 2016, three other shareholders of the Company provided an additional $30,000 to the Company on the same loan terms. All of these loans were converted into the Company’s recent Bridge Offering.
In July and August 2016, the Company received subscription agreements from six accredited investors (four of whom were previous shareholders) to purchase 750,000 shares of restricted common at a price of $.21 per share for an aggregate of $157,500, less $610 in financing costs.
In September 2016, the Company’s three independent Board members advanced the Company $3,000 for payment of insurance premiums. In the fourth quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017, the three Board members advanced an additional $29,500 to cover expenses. All of these advances were converted into the Company’s recent Bridge Offering.
All promissory notes and shares in these offerings were sold pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission under Regulation D to accredited or sophisticated investors who completed questionnaires confirming their status. Unless otherwise described in this Current Report, reference to “restricted” common stock means that the shares have not been registered and are restricted from resale pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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Separation from Cyclone and Related License Agreement
On July 28, 2014, Q2P (which at such time was called WHE Generation Corp., and renamed Q2Power Corp. on January 26, 2015) commenced operations as an independent company after receiving its initial round of seed funding and signing a formal separation agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) from Cyclone. The Separation Agreement between Q2P and Cyclone provided for a formal division of certain assets, liabilities and contracts related to Q2P’s business, as well as establishing procedures for exchange of information, indemnification of liability, and releases and waivers for the principals moving forward. As part of the separation from Cyclone, Q2P also purchased for $175,000 certain licensing rights to use Cyclone’s patented technology on a worldwide, exclusive basis for 20 years with two 10-year renewal terms for Q2P’s waste heat and waste-to-power business (the “License Agreement”). The License Agreement contains a royalty provision equal to 5% of gross sales payable to Cyclone on sales of engines derived from technology licensed from Cyclone.
Also, as part of the separation from Cyclone, Q2P assumed a license agreement between Cyclone and Phoenix Power Group, which included deferred revenue of $250,000 from payments previously made to Cyclone for undelivered products. The net balances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 for the Cyclone licensing rights were $0 and $69,271, respectively. The licensing rights were amortized over its estimated useful life of 4 years.
Accumulated amortization for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $0 and $105,729, respectively. The net balances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 for the Phoenix deferred revenue were $0 and $250,000, respectively, due to the release of this contract liability item with the transfer of the Magnegas contract to Phoenix in January 2017.
In August 2017, the Company closed its Transfer Agreement which transferred to Phoenix all of the Company’s technology and materials associated with the old Q2P Technology, including transferring and assigning its License Agreement with Cyclone to Phoenix.
The Company also assumed a contract with Clean Carbon of Australia and a corresponding $10,064 prepayment for services or other value to be provided in the future. This deposit has been presented as deferred revenue on the December 31, 2017 and 2016 consolidated balance sheets.
Cash and Working Capital
We have incurred negative cash flows from operations since inception. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $9,969,974. Details of this are discussed above in the Balance Sheet disclosure.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Disclosures regarding our Critical Accounting Policies are provided in Note 3 of the footnotes to our consolidated financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company did not engage in any “off-balance sheet arrangements” (as that term is defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K) as of December 31, 2017.
ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not required for smaller reporting companies.
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ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Q2Earth, Inc. (f/k/a Q2Power Technologies, Inc.)
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Q2Earth, Inc. (f/k/a Q2Power Technologies, Inc.) and Subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company’s lack of liquidity and working capital and its recurring operating losses raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for the classification of certain equity-linked financial instruments with down-round features in 2017 due to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-11.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ EisnerAmper LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016. (Note: Partners of Mallah Furman joined EisnerAmper LLP in 2015. Mallah Furman had served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.)
EISNERAMPER LLP
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
April 9, 2018
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Q2EARTH, INC. (F/K/A Q2POWER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 298,673 | $ | 3,330 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 5,833 | 8,753 | ||||||
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 304,506 | 12,083 | ||||||
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET | 553 | 6,732 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||
Licensing rights in Cyclone, net | - | 69,271 | ||||||
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS | - | 69,271 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 305,059 | $ | 88,086 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 111,396 | $ | 798,444 | ||||
Debentures | 165,000 | 165,000 | ||||||
Deferred revenue and license deposits | 10,064 | 310,064 | ||||||
Notes payable | - | 183,000 | ||||||
Notes payable - related parties | - | 107,567 | ||||||
Derivative liabilities | - | 213,042 | ||||||
Capitalized lease obligations-current portion | - | 1,586 | ||||||
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | 286,460 | 1,778,703 | ||||||
Convertible bridge notes, at fair value | 3,270,000 | - | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 3,556,460 | 1,778,703 | ||||||
Redeemable convertible preferred stock - Series A; $0.0001 par value, 1,500 shares designated Series A, 600 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation preference of $671,836) | 670,773 | 513,729 | ||||||
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||||||||
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding | - | - | ||||||
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 48,384,009 and 29,645,814 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively | 4,838 | 2,964 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 6,046,749 | 4,659,579 | ||||||
Subscription receivable | (3,787 | ) | (3,787 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit | (9,969,974 | ) | (6,863,102 | ) | ||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | (3,922,174 | ) | (2,204,346 | ) | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | $ | 305,059 | $ | 88,086 |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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Q2EARTH, INC. (F/K/A Q2POWER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
REVENUES | $ | 74,759 | $ | 40,000 | ||||
COST OF REVENUES | 63,297 | 7,172 | ||||||
Gross profit | 11,462 | 32,828 | ||||||
EXPENSES | ||||||||
Payroll | 265,473 | 583,949 | ||||||
Professional fees | 876,372 | 988,848 | ||||||
Research and development | - | 352,583 | ||||||
General and administrative | 194,735 | 154,758 | ||||||
Total Expenses | 1,336,580 | 2,080,138 | ||||||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | (1,325,118 | ) | (2,047,310 | ) | ||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) | ||||||||
Financing costs, including interest | (345,428 | ) | (226,728 | ) | ||||
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of liabilities | 456,720 | (31,696 | ) | |||||
Acquisition transaction costs | (250,000 | ) | - | |||||
Change in fair value of convertible bridge notes | (1,254,379 | ) | - | |||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities | - | 808,011 | ||||||
Total Other Income (Expenses) | (1,393,087 | ) | 549,587 | |||||
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (2,718,205 | ) | (1,497,723 | ) | ||||
INCOME TAXES | - | - | ||||||
NET LOSS | (2,718,205 | ) | (1,497,723 | ) | ||||
PREFERRED STOCK | ||||||||
Series A convertible contractual dividends | (31,890 | ) | (35,918 | ) | ||||
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | $ | (2,750,095 | ) | $ | (1,533,641 | ) | ||
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS: BASIC AND DILUTED | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | ||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: BASIC AND DILUTED | 46,662,469 | 28,437,204 |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
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Q2EARTH, INC. (F/K/A Q2POWER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
Prepaid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid In | Treasury | with Common | Subscription | Accumulated | Total Stockholders’ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Value | Shares | Value | Capital | Stock | Stock | Receivable | Deficit | Deficit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2015 as previously reported | - | $ | - | 26,624,227 | $ | 2,662 | $ | 3,106,369 | $ | (150,000 | ) | $ | (135,321 | ) | $ | (3,787 | ) | $ | (5,365,379 | ) | $ | (2,545,456 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Adjustment to reconcile shares outstanding with independent transfer agent | - | - | (5,617 | ) | (1 | ) | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of shares purchased in Rights Offering and paid via salary deductions | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9,692 | - | - | 9,692 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock option grants and restricted stock units | - | - | - | - | 665,680 | - | - | - | - | 665,680 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series A, preferred stock contractual dividends | - | - | - | - | (35,918 | ) | - | - | - | - | (35,918 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted shares for employee services | - | - | 450,000 | 45 | 116,955 | - | - | - | - | 117,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of accounts payable with common stock | - | - | 187,919 | 19 | 49,840 | - | - | - | - | 49,859 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of debentures to common stock | - | - | 1,289,285 | 129 | 270,621 | - | - | - | - | 270,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of derivative liabilities to additional paid in capital at conversion of debentures | - | - | - | - | 125,975 | - | - | - | - | 125,975 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of shares for Greenblock consulting agreement | - | - | - | - | 97,500 | - | (97,500 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of Greenblock agreement | - | - | - | - | 21,666 | - | 223,129 | - | - | 244,795 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for note payable issuance costs | - | - | 100,000 | 10 | 25,990 | - | - | - | - | 26,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of related party obligation for treasury shares - Cyclone | - | - | - | - | - | 150,000 | - | - | - | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of accounts payable with common stock and software, property and equipment | - | - | 50,000 | 5 | 10,495 | - | - | - | - | 10,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales of common stock | - | - | 750,000 | 75 | 157,425 | - | - | - | - | 157,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted shares for outside services | - | - | 200,000 | 20 | 46,980 | - | - | - | - | 47,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss year ended December 31, 2016 | - | - | (1,497,723 | ) | (1,497,723 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2016 | - | - | 29,645,814 | 2,964 | 4,659,579 | - | - | (3,787 | ) | (6,863,102 | ) | (2,204,346 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock option and warrant grants | - | - | - | - | 236,149 | - | - | - | - | 236,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series A, preferred stock contractual dividends | - | - | - | - | (31,890 | ) | - | - | - | - | (31,890 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock to senior management | - | - | 15,000,000 | 1,500 | (1,500 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock to settle accounts payable and accrued expenses | - | - | 1,738,195 | 174 | 260,505 | - | - | - | - | 260,679 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forgiveness of deferred salary by officer | - | - | - | - | 112,797 | - | - | - | - | 112,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock to consultants for services | - | - | 2,000,000 | 200 | 209,400 | - | - | - | - | 209,600 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of derivative liabilities upon adoption of ASU 2017-11 | - | - | - | - | 601,709 | - | - | - | (388,667 | ) | 213,042 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss year ended December 31, 2017 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (2,718,205 | ) | (2,718,206 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2017 | - | $ | - | 48,384,009 | $ | 4,838 | $ | 6,046,749 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (3,787 | ) | $ | (9,969,974 | ) | $ | (3,922,174 | ) |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Q2EARTH, INC. (F/K/A Q2POWER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the years ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (2,718,205 | ) | $ | (1,497,723 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 23,127 | 71,270 | ||||||
Restricted shares issued for outside services | 209,600 | 68,667 | ||||||
Restricted shares issued for employee services | - | 117,000 | ||||||
Amortization of stock option grants and restricted stock unit grants | 236,149 | 665,680 | ||||||
Amortization of prepaid expenses via common stock | - | 232,821 | ||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities | - | (808,011 | ) | |||||
Change in fair value of convertible bridge notes | 1,254,379 | - | ||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | 125,154 | 137,585 | ||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs | 3,750 | 42,758 | ||||||
Paid-in-kind interest – convertible bridge notes | 184,963 | - | ||||||
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of liabilities | (456,720 | ) | 31,696 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||
Decrease in prepaid expenses | 2,920 | 15,580 | ||||||
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses | (72,274) | 355,839 | ||||||
Increase in deferred revenue and license deposits | - | 50,000 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (1,207,157 | ) | (516,838 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Expenditures for property and equipment | - | (4,013 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | - | (4,013 | ) | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Payment of capitalized leases | (600 | ) | (8,140 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from notes payable, net of issuance costs | - | 173,709 | ||||||
Proceeds from notes payable - related parties, net of issuance costs | 18,100 | 100,100 | ||||||
Repayments of notes payable | (150,000 | ) | - | |||||
Proceeds from convertible bridge notes, net of issuance costs | 1,635,000 | - | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of redeemable preferred stock and common stock warrant | - | 100,000 | ||||||
Proceeds from sales of common stock | - | 157,500 | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 1,502,500 | 523,169 | ||||||
NET INCREASE IN CASH | 295,343 | 2,318 | ||||||
CASH - Beginning of period | 3,330 | 1,012 | ||||||
CASH - End of period | $ | 298,673 | $ | 3,330 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE: | ||||||||
Payment of interest in cash | $ | 60,309 | $ | 20,458 | ||||
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Forgiveness of deferred salary by officer | $ | 112,797 | $ | - | ||||
Conversion of payables, accrued interest, notes payable and notes payable - related parties to debentures | $ | 191,908 | $ | - | ||||
Settlement of accounts payable and accrued expenses to 1,738,195 shares of common stock | $ | 260,679 | $ | - | ||||
Reclassification of derivative liabilities to equity upon adoption of ASU 2017-11 | $ | 213,042 | $ | - | ||||
Settlement of accounts payable with property, equipment and licensing rights in Cyclone | $ | 147,500 | $ | - | ||||
Accrual of contractual dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock | $ | 31,890 | $ | 35,918 | ||||
Conversion of debentures to 1,289,285 shares of common stock | $ | - | $ | 270,750 | ||||
Reclassification of derivative liabilities to additional paid in capital at conversion of debentures | $ | - | $ | 125,975 | ||||
Issuance of 100,000 shares of common stock for note payable issuance costs | $ | - | $ | 26,000 | ||||
Settlement of accounts payable to 187,919 shares of common stock | $ | - | $ | 49,859 | ||||
Settlement of accounts payable with software, property and equipment and 50,000 shares of stock | $ | - | $ | 49,299 | ||||
Settlement of related party obligation for treasury shares – Cyclone | $ | - | $ | 150,000 |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
29 |
Q2EARTH INC. (F/K/A Q2POWER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Q2Earth, Inc. (hereinafter the “Company”), incorporated in Delaware on August 26, 2004, is currently engaged in the business of compost and soil manufacturing, and is pursuing a plan of strategic acquisitions in this sector. The Company previously owned and licensed technology that converts waste fuels and heat to power, technology it sold to a licensee in August 2017. Formerly, the Company’s name was Q2Power Technologies, Inc., and before that, Anpath Group, Inc. (“Anpath”).
Q2Power Corp. (the “Subsidiary” or “Q2P”) operated as a renewable power R&D company focused on the conversion of waste to energy and other valuable “reuse” products since July 2014. The operations of the Company have from the time of the Merger (described below) until recently been essentially those of the Subsidiary. In 2017, the Company shifted its focus from technology R&D to the acquisition and operation of facilities that manufacture compost and sustainable soils from waste resources.
In May 2016, the Company began exploring other synergistic business lines such as compost and soil manufacturing from waste water biosolids. The Company began to phase out its R&D activities in mid-2016, and in August 2017, sold its waste-to-power technology to a licensee. The Company’s current focus is entirely on the business of compost and engineered soils manufacturing and sales.
On August 28, 2017, the Company signed a definitive Membership Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Environmental Turnkey Solutions LLC (“ETS”) of Naples, Florida, and its three members to acquire 100% of the membership interests of ETS, and all subsidiaries wholly-owned by ETS. The Company paid ETS $250,000 to secure exclusivity until January 15, 2018 under the Purchase Agreement, which is reflected as transaction costs in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company has decided to defer the closing of this transaction until a later date, if at all.
NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND GOING CONCERN
The Company has incurred a net loss of $2,718,205 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and used cash in operating activities of $1,207,157. The accumulated deficit since inception is $9,969,974, which is comprised of operating losses and other expenses. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. There is no guarantee whether the Company will be able to generate sufficient revenue and/or raise capital sufficient to support its operations. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on management’s plans which include implementation of its business model to acquire cash-flowing businesses, grow revenue and earnings of those companies, and continue to raise funds through debt or equity offerings.
On March 31, 2017, the Company completed the first $1,050,000 tranche of a $1,500,000 convertible bridge note offering (the “Bridge Offering”). As of December 31, 2017, the Company closed an additional $600,000 of follow-on investments in the Bridge Offering. The proceeds from this offering are expected to provide working capital for the Company through the second quarter of 2018, though there can be no assurances.
The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
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U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires the Company to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, cash flows and the related footnote disclosures during the period. On an on-going basis, the Company reviews and evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those that relate to the realizable value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets, derivative liabilities, convertible bridge notes, income taxes and contingencies. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its Subsidiary. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. References herein to the Company include the Company and its Subsidiary, unless the context otherwise requires.
Cash
The Company considers all unrestricted cash, short-term deposits, and other investments with original maturities of no more than ninety days when acquired to be cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the statement of cash flows. The Company maintains cash balances at two financial institutions and has experienced no losses with respect to amounts on deposit.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue for services from the Company’s compost and soil business includes contracts where the Company is paid to do feasibility studies, site assessment studies and other similar services in connection with a third party soil or compost manufacturing business. Revenue from such services is recognized at the date of delivery of deliverables to customers when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery or milestone deliverable is completed, no other significant obligations of the Company exist, and collectability is reasonably assured. Payments received before all of the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied are recorded as deferred revenue.
Revenue from the Company’s prior waste-to-power operations was recognized at the date of shipment of engines and systems, engine prototypes, engine designs or other deliverables to customers when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery or milestone deliverable is completed, no other significant obligations of the Company exist, and collectability is reasonably assured. Payments received before all of the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied was recorded as deferred revenue. The Company did not allow its customers to return prototype products.
Research and Development
Research and development activities for product development are expensed as incurred and were primarily comprised of salaries. Costs for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $0 and $352,583, respectively.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company applies the fair value method of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, “Share Based Payment”, in accounting for its stock-based compensation. This standard states that compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. The Company values stock based compensation at the market price for the Company’s common stock and other pertinent factors at the grant date.
The Company accounts for transactions in which services are received from non-employees in exchange for equity instruments based on the fair value of the equity instruments exchanged, in accordance with ASC 505-50, “Equity Based payments to Non-employees”. The Company measures the fair value of the equity instruments issued based on the market price of the Company’s stock at the time services or goods are provided.
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Common Stock Options
The Black-Scholes option pricing valuation method is used to determine fair value of these options consistent with ASC 718, “Share Based Payment”. Use of this method requires that the Company make assumptions regarding stock volatility, dividend yields, expected term of the awards and risk-free interest rates.
Derivatives
Derivatives were recognized initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives were measured at fair value, and changes are therein generally recognized in profit or loss. In 2017, the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) which resulted in a reclassification of the Company’s prior year derivative liabilities to equity on January 1, 2017.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Years | ||
Furniture and equipment | 7 | |
Computers | 5 |
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.
Impairment of Long Lived Assets
The Company continually evaluates the carrying value of intangible assets and other long-lived assets to determine whether there are any impairment losses. If indicators of impairment are present and future cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the assets’ carrying amount, an impairment loss would be charged to expense in the period identified. To date, the Company has not recognized any impairment charges.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method as stipulated by FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets 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. Under ASC 740, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities or a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced to estimated amounts to be realized by the use of a valuation allowance. A valuation allowance is applied when in management’s view it is more likely than not (50%) that such deferred tax will not be utilized.
In the event that an uncertain tax position exists in which the Company could incur income taxes, the Company would evaluate whether there is a probability that the uncertain tax position taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. Reserves for uncertain tax positions would be recorded if the Company determined it is probable that a position would not be sustained upon examination or if payment would have to be made to a taxing authority and the amount is reasonably estimated. As of December 31, 2017, the Company does not believe it has any uncertain tax positions that would result in the Company having a liability to the taxing authorities. Interest and penalties related to any unrecognized tax benefits is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as a component of income taxes.
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Basic and Diluted (Loss) Per Share
Net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss less preferred dividends by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss less preferred dividends by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus any potentially dilutive shares related to the issuance of stock options, shares from the issuance of stock warrants, shares issued from the conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock and shares issued for the conversion of convertible debt. There were no potentially dilutive shares as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
At December 31, 2017, there were the following potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from diluted net loss per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive: 6,915,480 shares from common stock options, 3,568,845 shares from common stock warrants, 1,100,000 shares from the conversion of debentures, 21,058,000 shares that may be converted from the Bridge Round (based upon an assumed conversion price at January 1, 2018 of $0.096 per share), and 4,000,000 shares from the conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock. At December 31, 2016, there were the following potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from diluted net loss per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive: 6,115,480 shares from common stock options, 1,568,845 shares from common stock warrants, 785,714 shares from the conversion of debentures, and 2,857,142 shares from the conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock.
Effective January 1, 2016, the number of shares issued and outstanding was adjusted by 5,617 shares to align the Company’s records with its independent transfer agent. The shares previously reported in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 were 29,651,431 and are now reported at 29,645,814. The impact to the consolidated financial statements of this adjustment was not material.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” ASU 2014-09 eliminated transaction- and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaced it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 requires that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. In April 2016, the FASB also issued ASU 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” implementation guidance on principal versus agent, identifying performance obligations, and licensing. ASU 2016-10 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company has completed the evaluation of this ASU impact on the results of operations and financial condition. The Company has concluded, after completing a detailed contract review, that the adoption of the new standard does not have an impact on the financial results and determined that no material adjustments were necessary to the existing accounting policies. The Company has adopted the ASU using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2018.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, requiring management to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, , including implementation if management determines that such action is required for the period beginning January 1, 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, requiring management to recognize any right-to-use-asset and lease liability on the statement of financial position for those leases previously classified as operating leases. The criteria used to determine such classification is essentially the same as under the previous guidance, but it is more subjective. The lessee would classify the lease as a finance lease if certain criteria at lease commencement are met. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” This standard amends and adjusts how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years and will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless impracticable. If impracticable the Company would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date possible. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-15 will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the period beginning January 1, 2018.
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In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Scope of Modification Accounting.” The amendments in ASU 2017-09 provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017; and the Company is currently evaluating the impact that it will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the period beginning January 1, 2018.
In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, “Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815).” The amendment changes the classification of certain equity-linked financial instruments (or embedded features) with down round features. The amendments also clarify existing disclosure requirements for equity-classified instruments. When determining whether certain financial instruments (or embedded features) should be classified as liabilities or equity instruments, under ASU 2017-11, a down round feature no longer precludes equity classification when assessing whether the instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to an entity’s own stock. As a result, a freestanding equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded conversion option) no longer would be accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value solely as a result of the existence of a down round feature. The adoption of ASU 2017-11 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company has early adopted this standard for the year ended December 31, 2017, applying the standard retrospectively by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit in the amount of $388,667 as of January 1, 2017 (see Note 8).
Concentration of Risk
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet concentrations of credit risk. The Company expects cash to be the asset most likely to subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. The Company’s policy is to maintain its cash with high credit quality financial institutions to limit its risk of loss exposure.
The Company historically purchased much of its machined parts through Precision CNC, a related party company that sublet office space to Q2P through June 27, 2016, and owns a non-controlling interest in the Company. See Note 6.
NOTE 4 –PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
December 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | |||||||
Furniture and computers | $ | 1,328 | $ | 1,328 | ||||
Shop equipment | - | 9,540 | ||||||
Total | 1,328 | 10,868 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation | (775 | ) | (4,136 | ) | ||||
Net property and equipment | $ | 553 | $ | 6,732 |
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1,252 and $22,380, respectively.
The Company disposed of $4,927 of net property and equipment as part of the transfer of its licensing rights with Cyclone Power Technologies, Inc. (“Cyclone”) during the year ended December 31, 2017 (see Note 5).
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NOTE 5 – CYCLONE SEPARATION, LICENSE RIGHTS AND DEFERRED REVENUE
In 2014, Q2P purchased for $175,000 certain licensing rights to use Cyclone’s patented technology on a worldwide, exclusive basis for 20 years with two 10-year renewal terms for Q2P’s waste heat and waste-to-power business. This agreement contained a royalty provision equal to 5% of gross sales payable to Cyclone on sales of engines derived from technology licensed from Cyclone. Also, as part of a separation agreement with Cyclone, Q2P assumed a license agreement between Cyclone and Phoenix Power Group (“Phoenix”), which included deferred revenue of $250,000 from payments previously made to Cyclone for undelivered products. The net balances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 for the Cyclone licensing rights were $0 and $69,271, respectively; and the net balances for the Phoenix deferred revenue in the same periods were $0 and $250,000, respectively, which were included as a component of deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets. The licensing rights were amortized over its estimated useful life of 4 years. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $21,875 and $43,750, respectively.
On January 9, 2017, the Company transferred and assigned to Phoenix its Technology Sales Agreement with MagneGas Corporation (the “MagneGas Agreement”) to deliver a waste-to-power system to this customer. Under the MagneGas Agreement, the Company had been paid $90,000 as of the date of transfer, and $68,000 was still due from the customer based on milestones set forth in the MagneGas Agreement. Phoenix assumed the MagneGas Agreement, including deferred revenue of $50,000, with all rights to receive the future payments thereunder, and responsibility to perform the services and provide the products to the customer. The Company has no further responsibility under the MagneGas Agreement. In consideration for this transfer, Phoenix agreed that the Company had completed and satisfied all financial obligations associated with all past agreements between Phoenix and the Company, specifically: (1) $150,000 previously paid by Phoenix for durability testing of the Q2P engine, and (2) delivery by the Company of the first ten (10) Q2P engines at the rate of $10,000 per delivered Engine for $100,000 in total. This deferred revenue in the total amount of $250,000 was recorded as gain from the extinguishment of liabilities in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
On August 14, 2017, the Company closed a Technology Transfer and Assignment Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with Phoenix to transfer to Phoenix all of the Company’s technology and materials associated with Q2P’s external combustion engine, controls and auxiliary systems (the “Q2P Technology”), developed both in conjunction with its license agreement with Cyclone and such other Q2P Technology developed independently from the license agreement. Pursuant to a consent from Cyclone, the Company also transferred and assigned the license agreement to Phoenix. In consideration for the transfer and assignment, which included net property and equipment of $4,927, unamortized license fees to Cyclone of $47,396 and a payment to Cyclone of $15,000 to consent to the license transfer, Phoenix satisfied and provided releases for $162,500 in past liabilities of Q2P associated with the development of the Q2P Technology, made certain other payments to the Company’s prior engine manufacturer, and provided full releases from liability from both Phoenix and Cyclone. The Company recorded a net gain from the extinguishment of liabilities of $95,178 in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
In connection with the separation agreement with Cyclone, the Company also assumed a contract with Clean Carbon of Australia and a corresponding $10,064 prepayment for services or other value to be provided in the future. This deposit has been presented as deferred revenue on the December 31, 2017 and 2016 consolidated balance sheets.
NOTE 6 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Through June 2016, the Company sublet approximately 2,500 square feet of assembly, warehouse and office space within the Precision CNC facility located at 1858 Cedar Hill Road in Lancaster, Ohio. The sublease provided for the Company to pay rent monthly in the amount of $2,500, which covered space and some utilities. Occupancy costs for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $0 and $15,000, respectively. The sublease was terminated as of June 27, 2016.
The Company also purchased much of its machined parts through Precision CNC up until June 2016. Precision CNC owns a non-controlling interest in the Company. For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amounts invoiced from Precision CNC totaled $0 and $13,868, respectively, and consisted of rent and research and development expenses for machined parts.
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On June 27, 2016, the Company and Precision CNC entered into an agreement to eliminate $49,299 in payables owed to Precision CNC in return for the transfer of certain net assets of the Company with a remaining book value of $70,495, which included office furniture, software and computer systems, and 50,000 shares of restricted common stock valued at $10,500. The Company recorded a loss on this transaction in the amount of $31,696. There were no accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2017 and 2016 to Precision CNC.
The Company currently maintains an executive office in Florida, which is leased by GreenBlock Capital LLC, an investment firm that the Company’s President serves as a Managing Director but holds no equity or voting rights. The Company has no formal agreement for this space and pays no rent. The Company also sublets office space in Atlanta, Georgia, where it pays $500 per month on a month-to-month basis. The lessor is a company that our CEO previously served as a senior executive.
In March 2017, all outstanding Director accounts payable, accrued expenses and notes payable – related parties with an aggregate amount of $156,368 were converted into the Company’s Bridge Offering (see Note 8).
In April 2017, the Company’s President forgave $112,797 of deferred salary. This amount was reclassified from accrued expenses to additional paid in capital during 2017.
NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the differences between the effective income tax rates and the statutory federal tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (computed by applying the U.S. Federal corporate tax rate of 34 percent to the loss before taxes) is as follows:
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate | $ | 924,190 | $ | 509,226 | ||||
State taxes, net of federal benefit | 60,548 | — | ||||||
Stock and stock based compensation | (80,291 | ) | (362,519 | ) | ||||
Change in fair value of convertible bridge notes and derivatives | (426,489 | ) | 274,724 | |||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | (42,552 | ) | (46,779 | ) | ||||
Gain on extinguishment of liabilities | 155,285 | — | ||||||
Change of U.S. federal rate | (695,021 | ) | — | |||||
Other permanent differences | 36,973 | (24,877 | ) | |||||
Change in valuation allowance | 67,357 | (349,775 | ) | |||||
$ | — | $ | — |
The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following:
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Net operating loss carry-forward | $ | 1,387,476 | $ | 1,410,055 | ||||
Deferred tax assets – accrued salaries | — | 79,412 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets – accrued interest | 46,069 | 11,269 | ||||||
Depreciation expense | 343 | 509 | ||||||
Net deferred tax assets | 1,433,888 | 1,501,245 | ||||||
Valuation allowance | (1,433,888 | ) | (1,501,245 | ) | ||||
Total net deferred tax asset | $ | — | $ | — |
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $1,433,888 and $1,501,245 principally arising from net operating loss carry-forwards for income tax purposes. As management of the Company cannot determine that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the net deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance equal to the net deferred tax asset has been established at December 31, 2017 and 2016. At December 31, 2017, the Company has net operating loss carry forwards totaling $5,885,676, which will begin to expire in 2034.
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act which was enacted on December 22, 2017 reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21%. On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. Additionally, SAB 118 allows the Company to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. Because the Company is still in the process of analyzing certain provisions of the Tax Act, the Company has determined that the adjustment to its deferred taxes is a provisional amount as permitted under SAB 118. Due to the reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate the Company has reduced the value of its net deferred tax asset by approximately $695,000. This amount was offset by a corresponding change to the valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets.
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The Company’s NOL and tax credit carryovers may be significantly limited under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). NOL and tax credit carryovers are limited under Section 382 when there is a significant “ownership change” as defined in the IRC. During the year ended December 31, 2017 and in prior years, the Company may have experienced such ownership changes, which could impose such limitations.
The limitations imposed by the IRC would place an annual limitation on the amount of NOL and tax credit carryovers that can be utilized. When the Company completes the necessary studies, the amount of NOL carryovers available may be reduced significantly. However, since the valuation allowance fully reserves for all available carryovers, the effect of the reduction would be offset by a reduction in the valuation allowance.
NOTE 8 – NOTES PAYABLE AND DEBENTURES
In March 2017, the Company entered into a Modification and Extension Agreement with two holders of its Original Issue Discount Senior Secured Convertible Debentures (the “Debentures”) to extend the maturity date to July 31, 2017, reset the conversion price from $0.21 to $0.15, and waive any defaults under the Debentures from the expiration of the maturity date or otherwise. The exercise price of the Warrants that were issued with the Debentures’ exercise price, which had been reset to $0.50 per verbal agreement of the parties in the third quarter of 2016, was formally documented under this March 2017 modification agreement. The Debentures do not bear interest, but contained an Original Issue Discount of $20,750. All assets of the Company are secured under the Debentures, including our Subsidiary and its assets. The Debentures and warrants contain certain anti-dilutive protection provisions in the instance that the Company issues stock at a price below the stated conversion price of the Debentures, as well as other standard protections for the holder. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the two Debentures was $165,000. As of the date of this Annual Report, the Debentures were in default based on the July 31, 2017 maturity date. The Company and holders have extended the maturity date of the Debentures until July 31, 2018 in return for a reduction of the conversion price to $0.10 per share, per agreement with the holders.
On December 12, 2017, the Company paid-off in full a term loan agreement with one accredited investor in the principal amount of $150,000, initially issued in March 2016. The loan bore 20% interest with interest payments due monthly. The Company incurred loan issuance costs of 100,000 shares of common stock valued at $26,000, $3,000 cash and provided a second security interest in the assets of the Company to the holders. The issuance costs were fully expensed in 2016. On March 22, 2017, prior to repayment, the Company and the term loan holder entered into an addendum to the loan agreement which extended the maturity date to December 31, 2017, allowed for conversion of the principal amount and accrued interest at the discretion of the holder to common stock at a price of $0.15 per share, and waived all defaults in return for payment of $30,000 which included a $15,000 late penalty and $15,000 of accrued but unpaid interest. The Company determined that the new conversion feature had no intrinsic value and that the amended terms did not result in a significantly different instrument, and, accordingly, accounted for the addendum as a modification of debt.
On March 31, 2017, the Company closed the initial $1,050,000 tranche in a Convertible Promissory Note (the “Bridge Offering”). In addition, as part of that initial closing, three of the Company’s directors and one shareholder converted $168,152 of prior notes and cash advances, including interest thereon, into the Bridge Offering. As of the end of 2017, an additional $600,000 was raised under the Bridge Offering and $23,756 of additional prior notes were converted into this round.
The Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Notes”) from the Bridge Offering convert at a 50% discount to the post-funding valuation of the Company at the closing of its next offering in the minimum amount of $5,000,000 (the “Equity Offering”). The conversion valuation has a ceiling of $12,000,000, and a “floor” company value of $6,000,000 in the event there is no Equity Offering before the Notes are able to be converted.
Pursuant to ASC 825-10-25-1, Fair Value Option, the Company made an irrevocable election at the time of issuance to report the Notes at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded through the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as other income (expense) in each reporting period. The fair value recorded as of December 31, 2017 was $3,270,000 (see Note 9) and the principal amount due was $1,841,908. The change in fair value resulted in a charge to earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $1,254,379.
The Notes convert into common stock, or preferred stock if received by investors in the Equity Offering, commencing on the earliest of the Equity Offering closing or December 31, 2017, at the discretion of each holder. Maturity is 36 months from issuance with 15% annual interest which will be capitalized each year into the principal of the Notes and paid in kind. There are no warrants issued in connection with the Offering.
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NOTE 9 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND DERIVATIVES
The Company measures fair value in accordance with a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques 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 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; | |
Level 2 | Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and | |
Level 3 | Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity). |
As disclosed in Note 8, the Notes are reported at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded through the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as other income (expense) in each reporting period.
All derivatives recognized by the Company were reported as derivative liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and were adjusted to their fair value at each reporting date. Unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments were included in change in value of derivative liabilities on the consolidated statement of operations.
The following tables set forth the Company’s consolidated financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value at | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
Convertible bridge notes | $ | 3,270,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,270,000 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 3,270,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,270,000 |
Fair value at | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
Preferred stock embedded conversion feature | $ | 123,266 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 123,266 | ||||||||
Anti-dilution provision in common stock warrants included with preferred stock | 52,904 | - | - | 52,904 | ||||||||||||
Debenture embedded conversion feature | 25,884 | - | - | 25,884 | ||||||||||||
Anti-dilution provision in common stock warrants included with debentures | 10,988 | - | - | 10,988 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 213,042 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 213,042 |
There were no transfers between levels during 2017. However, in accordance with ASU 2017-11, “Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480);” Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), the financial instruments previously classified and fair valued as derivative liabilities due to down round features, have been retrospectively adjusted by means of a cumulative-effect to the consolidated balance sheet as January 1, 2017. The cumulative change effect of $388,667 is recognized as an adjustment of the opening balance of accumulated deficit for the year.
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The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) and the related realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded in the consolidated statement of operations during the period. The tables also show the cumulative change effect of the derivative liabilities that were recorded as an adjustment of the opening balance of accumulated deficit for the year:
Year Ended December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred
stock embedded conversion feature | Anti-dilution
provision in common stock warrants included with preferred stock | Debenture
embedded conversion feature | Anti-dilution
provision in common stock warrants included with debentures | Convertible
Bridge Notes | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, December 31, 2016 | $ | 123,266 | $ | 52,904 | $ | 25,884 | $ | 10,988 | $ | - | $ | 213,042 | ||||||||||||
Reclassification of derivatives to equity upon adoption of ASU 2017-11 | (123,266 | ) | (52,904 | ) | (25,884 | ) | (10,988 | ) | - | (213,042 | ) | |||||||||||||
Issuances of debt | - | - | - | - | 1,841,908 | 1,841,908 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accrued interest | - | - | - | - | 184,963 | 184,963 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unamortized debt issuance costs | - | - | - | - | (11,250 | ) | (11,250 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized loss on convertible bridge notes | - | - | - | - | 1,254,379 | 1,254,379 | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair value, December 31, 2017 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,270,000 | $ | 3,270,000 |
Year Ended December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock embedded conversion feature | Anti-dilution provision in common stock warrants included with preferred stock | Debenture embedded conversion feature | Anti-dilution provision in common stock warrants included with debentures | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value, December 31, 2015 | $ | 376,065 | $ | 51,203 | $ | 560,778 | $ | 79,943 | $ | 1,067,989 | ||||||||||
Net unrealized gain on derivatives | (277,337 | ) | (52,800 | ) | (408,919 | ) | (68,955 | ) | (808,011 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchases and issuances (sales and settlements) | 24,538 | 54,501 | (125,975 | ) | — | (46,936 | ) | |||||||||||||
Fair value, December 31, 2016 | $ | 123,266 | $ | 52,904 | $ | 25,884 | $ | 10,988 | $ | 213,042 | ||||||||||
Changes in unrealized gains, included in income on instruments held at end of year | $ | (277,337 | ) | $ | (52,800 | ) | $ | (408,919 | ) | $ | (68,955 | ) | $ | (808,011 | ) |
The Company’s convertible bridge notes are valued by using Monte Carlo Simulation methods and discounted future cash flow models. Where possible, the Company verifies the values produced by its pricing models to market prices. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit spreads, measures of volatility and correlations of such inputs. These convertible bridge notes do not trade in liquid markets, and as such, model inputs cannot generally be verified and do involve significant management judgment. Such instruments are typically classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The following assumptions were used to value the Company’s convertible bridge notes at December 31, 2017: dividend yield of -0-%, volatility of 75 – 120%, risk free rate of 1.91% and an expected term of 2.25 years.
NOTE 10 – COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK AND WARRANTS
Common Stock
During 2017, the Company issued 18,738,195 shares of common stock valued at $470,279. Details of these issuances are provided below.
On February 27, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 15,000,000 shares of restricted common stock subject to forfeiture to its CEO and President. The expense of these shares is not recorded until the terms of forfeiture have been satisfied by the respective employees. Those terms of the stock issuances and forfeitures are materially as follows:
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To fully earn 10,000,000 shares, the Company’s CEO must continue to serve with the Company for a period of at least 12 months from July 2017, during which 12 month or extended period: (1) the Company must complete at least $3 million in funding and (2) complete its first strategic acquisition. To fully earn 5,000,000 shares, the Company’s President must continue to serve the Company as a senior executive on a full-time basis for a period of at least 18 months from December 2016, during which 18 month or extended period: (1) the Company must complete at least $3 million in funding and (2) complete its first strategic acquisition. If these conditions are not met, the executives may forfeit all of their shares at the discretion of the Board.
In April 2017, the Company issued 1,738,195 shares of common stock valued at $260,679 as consideration for the payment of accounts payable and accrued expenses to former employees and vendors. Additionally, the Company paid $85,623 in cash and recognized a gain on extinguishment of liabilities of $33,313 in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
On May 1, 2017, the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of common stock valued at $209,600 to a consultant for investor relations services.
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company has 600 shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, which currently are convertible at $0.10 per share of the Company’s common stock (the “Conversion Price”), as per the terms of a March 2018 Modification and Extension Agreement (the “2018 Modification”). The Preferred Stock bears a 6% dividend per annum, calculable and payable per quarter in cash or additional shares of common stock as determined in the Certificate of Designation. The Preferred Stock has no voting rights until converted to common stock, and has a liquidation preference equal to the aggregate purchase price of $600,000 plus accrued dividends. In December 2017 and January 2018, the Company was obligated to redeem all of the then outstanding Preferred Stock, for an amount in cash equal to the Two Year Redemption Amount (such redemption, the “Two Year Redemption”). The Company has extended the redemption date to July 31, 2018, per the 2018 Modification. Each share of Preferred Stock received warrants (the “Warrants”) equal to one-half of the Purchase Price to purchase common stock in the Company exercisable for five (5) years following closing at a price of $0.50 per share.
The Preferred Stock has price protection provisions in the case that the Company issues any shares of stock not pursuant to an “Exempt Issuance” at a price below the Conversion Price. Exempt Issuances include: (i) shares of Common Stock or common stock equivalents issued pursuant to the Merger or any funding contemplated by the Merger; (ii) any common stock or convertible securities outstanding as of the date of closing; (iii) common stock or common stock equivalents issued in connection with strategic acquisitions; (iv) shares of common stock or equivalents issued to employees, directors or consultants pursuant to a plan, subject to limitations in amount and price; and (v) other similar transactions. The Certificate of Designation contains restrictive covenants not to incur certain debt, repurchase shares of common stock, pay dividends or enter into certain transactions with affiliates without consent of holders of 67% of the Preferred Stock. The unconverted shares of Preferred Stock must be redeemed in two years from issuance.
Management has determined that the Preferred Stock is more akin to a debt security than equity primarily because it contains a mandatory 2-year redemption at the option of the holder, which only occurs if the Preferred Stock is not converted to common stock. Therefore, management has presented the Preferred Stock outside of permanent equity as mezzanine equity, which does not factor in to the totals of either liabilities or equity. In 2016, the proceeds were allocated between the three features of the stock offering: the embedded conversion feature in the Preferred Stock, the warrants, and the Preferred Stock itself. The fair values of the embedded conversion feature and warrants were recorded as a discount against the stated value of the Preferred Stock on the date of issuance. This discount was amortized to interest expense over the term of the redemption period (2 years), which would result in the accretion of the Preferred Stock to its full redemption value. Unamortized discount as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1,062 and $126,217, respectively. Interest expense related to the preferred stock discount for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $125,155 and $137,585, respectively.
In accordance with ASU 2017-11, the embedded conversion feature of the Preferred Stock previously classified and fair valued as a derivative liability has been retrospectively adjusted by means of a cumulative-effect to the consolidated balance sheet as January 1, 2017. The cumulative change effect of $42,925 is recognized as an adjustment of the opening balance of accumulated deficit for the year. The agreement setting forth the terms of the common stock warrants issued to the holders of the Preferred Stock also includes an anti-dilution provision that requires a reduction in the warrant’s exercise price, currently $0.50, should the conversion ratio of the Preferred Stock be adjusted due to anti-dilution provisions. In accordance with ASU 2017-11, these warrants previously classified and fair valued as a derivative liability have been retrospectively adjusted by means of a cumulative-effect to the consolidated balance sheet as January 1, 2017. The cumulative change effect of $69,957 is recognized as an adjustment of the opening balance of accumulated deficit for the year.
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The Preferred Stock also carries a 6% per annum dividend calculated on the stated value of the stock and is cumulative and payable quarterly beginning July 1, 2016. These dividends are accrued at each reporting period. They add to the redemption value of the stock; however, as the Company shows an accumulated deficit, the charge has been recognized in additional paid-in capital.
Warrants
The following is a summary of all outstanding common stock warrants as of December 31, 2017:
Number
of Warrants | Exercise
price per share | Average remaining term in years | ||||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with issuance of Debentures | 415,000 | $ | 0.50 | 1.50 | ||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with issuance of Preferred Stock | 1,153,845 | $ | 0.50 | 2.80 | ||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with a services contract | 1,000,000 | $ | 0.20 | 2.23 | ||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with a services contract | 1,000,000 | $ | 0.35 | 2.23 |
NOTE 11 – STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
On July 31, 2014, the Board of Directors of Q2P approved the Founders Stock Option Plan (“Founders Plan”) and the 2014 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “2014 Plan”), collectively the “Option Plans”. The Option Plans were developed to provide a means whereby directors and selected employees, officers, consultants, and advisors of the Company may be granted incentive or non-qualified stock options to purchase restricted common stock of the Company. On February 25, 2016, to accommodate the appointment of new Board members and additional incentive stock options and stock grants to key employees of the Company, the Board approved the 2016 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (“2016 Plan”), which allowed for an additional 4 million shares of common stock, stock options, stock rights (restricted stock units), or stock appreciation rights to be granted by the Board in its discretion.
In May 2017, the Company issued 400,000 common stock options under the 2016 Plan to one new Board member and 400,000 common stock options under the 2016 Plan to one new Board of Advisor Member. The options vest one-half immediately and the balance in 6 months, with a 10-year term and exercisable at $0.21 per share. The options were valued at $96,800 (pursuant to the Black Scholes valuation model, and as shown in the table detailing the calculation of fair value below), based on an exercise price of $0.21 per share and with a maturity life of 5.25 years.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the charge to the consolidated statements of operations for the amortization of stock option grants awarded under the Option Plans and 2016 Plan and for warrants was $236,149.
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A summary of the common stock options issued under the Option Plans and the 2016 Plan for the period from December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2017 follows:
Number Outstanding | Weighted Avg. Exercise Price | Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | ||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2015 | 1,745,480 | $ | 0.30 | 7.1 | ||||||||
Options issued | 4,410,000 | 0.21 | 3.5 | |||||||||
Options exercised | — | — | — | |||||||||
Options cancelled | (40,000 | ) | 0.30 | 5.1 | ||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2016 | 6,115,480 | $ | 0.21 | 7.1 | ||||||||
Options issued | 800,000 | 0.21 | 9.2 | |||||||||
Options exercised | — | — | — | |||||||||
Options cancelled | — | — | — | |||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2017 | 6,915,480 | $ | 0.21 | 5.6 |
The vested and exercisable options at period end follows:
Exercisable/
Vested Options Outstanding |
Weighted
Avg. Exercise Price |
Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2017 | 6,828,813 | $ | 0.21 | 5.6 |
The fair value of new stock options and warrants granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was calculated using the following assumptions:
Year
Ended December 31, 2017 | ||||
Risk free interest rate | 1.28-1.84 | % | ||
Expected volatility | 101.2-125.0 | % | ||
Expected dividend yield | 0 | % | ||
Expected term in years | 2.08-5.25 | |||
Average value per options | $ | 0.04-0.08 |
Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s own common stock. Short Term U.S. Treasury rates were utilized as the risk free interest rate. The expected term of the options was calculated using the alternative simplified method codified as ASC 718 “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation,” which defined the expected life as the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted average vesting period for all issuances.
NOTE 12 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
On April 1, 2017, the Company entered into two Employment Agreements, the first with its Chairman and, as of July 2017, CEO; and the second with its previous CEO and, as of July 2017, President and General Counsel. The Chairman receives a $12,500 per month fee starting April 1 and continuing until the Company raises its next round of funding in the minimum amount of $5,000,000, at which time, his base salary will be increased to $350,000 per year. The President and General Counsel receives a $10,000 per month fee starting on April 1, and at such time that the Company raises its next round of funding in the minimum amount of $5,000,000, he will receive a base salary of $220,000 per year. Both agreements have provisions for a 12-month severance in the instance either executive is terminated without cause or after a change in control; however, the CEO’s severance was extended to 24 months in the first quarter of 2018 by resolution of the Company’s Compensation Committee.
NOTE 13 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In March and April 2018, the Company extended the redemption date of its Series A Preferred Stock and the maturity date of its convertible debentures to July 31, 2018, per agreement with the holders. Any prior defaults were waived by the holders, and the conversion prices for both securities were reduced to $0.10 per share.
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ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report, management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted 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 management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedure were not effective based on the criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO, version 2013.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Principal Accounting Officer, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
● | Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; |
● | Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the Board of Directors; and |
● | Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in 2013. As a result of this assessment, management identified certain material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The identified material weaknesses are disclosed below:
● | Management lacks knowledge and expertise with accounting for stock-based compensation and income taxes. |
● | Management does not have the adequate resources to accurately close the books and records and prepare the required financial statements and related disclosures in a timely manner. |
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As a result of the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described above, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective based on the criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.
The Company is in the process of addressing and correcting these material weaknesses. Management will be diligent in its efforts to continue to improve the reporting processes of the Company, including the addition of accounting resources and the continued development of proper accounting policies and procedures.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. We were not required to have, nor have we, engaged our independent registered public accounting firm to perform an audit of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In 2017, we formed an Audit Committee made up of our three independent Board members. This Committee is governed by a Charter approved and adopted by the Committee and the Board as a whole and oversees all aspects of the Company’s audit review process and interaction with our auditors.
There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B: OTHER INFORMATION
There was no other information required to be disclosed in the fourth quarter of 2017 that was not filed by the Company in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
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PART III
ITEM 10: DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Identification of Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the names of all of our current directors and executive officers. The Directors will serve until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed and qualified, or their prior resignation or termination.
Name | Positions Held | Age | Date
of Election or Designation |
Date
of Termination or Resignation | ||||
Kevin Bolin | Chairman and CEO | 54 | February 2016 | * | ||||
Christopher Nelson | President, General Counsel & Director | 48 | July 2014 | * | ||||
Joel Mayersohn | Director | 60 | July 2014 | * | ||||
Scott Whitney | Director | 61 | March 2016 | * | ||||
Tristan Peitz | Director | 34 | May 2017 | * |
*These persons presently serve in the capacities indicated. On February 28, 2017, Michelle Murcia resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Ms. Murcia’s position as Principal Accounting Officer was taken over by Peter Dunleavy, who was previously Controller, on a part-time, non-executive basis.
Business Experience
Kevin M. Bolin – Chairman and CEO. Mr. Bolin is a waste management and renewable energy senior executive with over 20 years experience in the sectors. Mr. Bolin’s current and previous industry positions include: Executive Chairman of the Board and interim CEO of Alter NRG (2009-2015), a publicly-traded (Toronto Stock Exchange) leader in plasma gasification of waste feedstock technology acquired from Westinghouse. At Alter NRG, he oversaw the corporate restructuring, operational turnaround, capital raising of over $35 million, and eventual sale of the company in July 2015 at a 160% premium to market which represented a 7x return to investors during his tenure as Chairman. Prior to that, he was CEO, President and Director of EnerTech Environmental (1992-2010), a renewable energy and biosolids technology company, which he grew to $20 million in annual sales anchored by long-term contracts valued at $390 million, and raised over $200 million in funding. He is currently an Industrial Advisor to EQT Infrastructure (2013-present), a global private equity firm with over 20 Billion Euros under management. In addition to these accomplishments, Mr. Bolin has won awards, been issued patents, and published numerous articles in the waste and renewable energy sectors. He is a certified public accountant with his BBA from the University of Notre Dame.
Christopher Nelson – President, General Counsel & Director. Mr. Nelson oversees the strategic direction of the Company, including finance, business development, and legal aspects. He also serves as Managing Director of GreenBlock Capital LLC in Palm Beach, Florida, a boutique merchant bank specializing in technology investments and growth capital. Until July 31, 2014, Mr. Nelson served as President and General Counsel of Cyclone, positions he held since March 2011. During his tenure at Cyclone, Mr. Nelson assisted and oversaw all aspects of the company’s business and legal affairs, including: public securities filings and over $8 million in financing transactions, licensing and development agreements with major corporations and the military, investors and public relations, and general corporate matters. Mr. Nelson has practiced law in Florida for over 20 years, and since 2001 has represented many start-up, early stage and established businesses seeking financing, acquisitions and general growth management counseling. Between 1997 and 2000, Mr. Nelson was an associate with Greenberg Traurig PA, and between 1995 and 1997 an associate with Akerman Senterfitt PA, both in Miami, Florida. At both firms he served in their corporate and securities practice, representing NYSE and NASDAQ companies. Mr. Nelson was heavily involved in the legal end of the 1995 – 2000 roll-up of both Republic Industries and AutoNation. Mr. Nelson received a BA from Princeton University, and JD from University of Miami School of Law.
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Scott W. Whitney – Director. Mr. Whitney is currently CEO of Green Harvest One Corporation. Until September 2017, he was CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling Co., the world’s largest provider of tire recycling services, reclaiming approximately 140 million discarded tires per year in the US and Canada. Prior to this, he was CEO of Greenwood Fuels, a Green Bay, WI based company that manufactures renewable fuel pellets from non-recyclable by-products of various manufacturing processes such as paper, label and packaging production. For over 25 years, Mr. Whitney served in several executive roles at Covanta Holding Corp., a $2 Billion waste-to-power company traded on the NYSE, including President of Covanta’s European group, and Senior Vice President of business development at Covanta Energy Group where he oversaw the development of their waste-to-energy, independent power and water/wastewater treatment businesses in North America, South America, Europe and the Middle East. He is a currently member of the Board of Directors of Epcot Crenshaw, a research and development company based in West Chester, PA, and its subsidiary, Green Harvest, a company that develops and operates integrated anaerobic digestion and gasification facilities. In addition, Mr. Whitney is a frequent speaker at various industry events for organizations such as Forbes Magazine, UK Trade & Investment, and the US Department of Commerce. He received his BS in Marine Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and served as an officer in the United States Navy.
Joel Mayersohn – Director. Mr. Mayersohn is a Partner in the Ft. Lauderdale, FL, office of Dickinson Wright PLLC, where he specializes in corporate, securities and business law. Over the last 30 years, he has advised a diversified client base in private placements, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, financing transactions and general securities law matters. He also has experience in venture capital, bridge loans and pipe financings. Mr. Mayersohn was previously on the Board of Directors of Cyclone, until July 31, 2014. He is a member of the Florida and New York Bars.
Tristan Peitz – Director. Mr. Peitz was appointed to the Board on May 1, 2017, as one of the lead investors for the Company’s recent Bridge Offering. Over the last seven years, he has worked at Cohen Capital Management (“CCM”), a $600 million family office, where he built and manages a credit book which consists of $120 million of municipal bonds and a $60 million high yield book. On the equity side of the business, Mr. Peitz is a generalist with deep sector experience and responsibility for energy and healthcare. At CCM, he has also served as financial adviser for mergers and acquisitions, analysis on several early stage and venture investments, and creation and implementation of complex tax strategies. Prior to CCM, Mr. Peitz served at AlixPartners, a premier turnaround and restructuring focused consulting firm. At AlixPartners, he assisted organizations in the areas of financial advisory services, corporate strategy & operations, restructuring and turnarounds, divestitures and business exits, and forensic investigations related to internal fraud and abuse. Projects he worked on at AlixPartners included Tribune Company, MEI Conlux, Building Materials Holding Corp., Mattson Technology and others. Prior to joining AlixPartners, Mr. Peitz was a research analyst at Eminence Capital, a New York based $4 billion hedge fund, and before that an investment banking analyst with Jefferies & Company focused on healthcare, biotech and biofuel companies to evaluate leveraged buyouts, refinancings, restructurings, IPOs and M&A transactions. Mr. Peitz attended the University of Michigan where he graduated with distinction from the Ross School of Business with a BA in Business Administration - concentration in finance and accounting.
Employment Agreements
Both Mr. Nelson and Mr. Bolin have Employment Agreements that provide for terms from two to three years with renewal terms, base salary and performance-based bonuses, a 12-month severance for termination without cause or for “good reason”, non-compete / non-solicitation, and other standard features. In 2018, Mr. Bolin’s severance package was extended to 24 months. He is currently receiving a fee of $12,500 per month, which will increase to an annual base salary of $350,000 upon the completion of at least $3 million in funding.
Mr. Nelson’s agreement was effective as of April 1, 2017, at which time he began to receive a fee of $10,000 per month. Upon Mr. Bolin’s assumption of the role of CEO of the Company, Mr. Nelson assumed the role of President and General Counsel, with an annual base salary to be $220,000 upon the Company completing at least $3 million in funding.
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Director Compensation
Directors receive 400,000 stock options per year, vesting half immediately and half in six months, with a 10-year term and priced at current market rates. Directors are also eligible to receive other cash or equity based compensation, including Restricted Stock Units, at the discretion of the Board (with such interested members abstaining from a vote). Only one Director who was appointed in 2017 received 400,000 stock options in the second quarter of 2017. No other options were awarded to the Directors in 2017.
Executive Recruitment
Management is currently in discussions with several individuals to fill other key positions including CFO, COO and Sales & Marketing Director. Several of these individuals are well known to our management and have been selected because of their experience, top reputations and performance history. Others may be appointed in connection with acquisitions. All members of senior management are expected to have employments agreements with non-compete provisions similar to current executives.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of the Company’s directors or executive officers or any person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer.
Directorships
None of our directors or executive officers is a director of a company that is required to file reports under Sections 15 or 13(d) of the Exchange Act.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
During the past 10 years, none of our present or former directors, executive officers or persons nominated to become directors or executive officers or control person of our Company:
● | has filed a petition under federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency laws, nor had a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing; | |
● | was convicted in a criminal proceeding or named subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); | |
● | was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him or her from or otherwise limiting the following activities: |
Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;
Engaging in any type of business practice; or
Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of Federal or State securities laws or Federal commodities laws;
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● | was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in the preceding bullet point, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; | |
● | was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC to have violated any Federal or State securities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the SEC has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated; | |
● | was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any Federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated; | |
● | was the subject of, or a party to, any Federal or State judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of: |
any Federal or State securities or commodities law or regulation; or
any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order; or
any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud in connection with any business activity; or
● | was the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, or any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
Promoters and Control Person
To the best of our management’s knowledge, and except as indicated below, no person who may be deemed to have been a promoter or founder of our Company was the subject of any of the legal proceedings listed under the heading “Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings” above.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Our shares of common stock are registered under the Exchange Act, and therefore the officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of our outstanding shares are subject to the provisions of Section 16(a), which requires them to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and our other equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely upon review of the copies of such forms furnished to us during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, all forms have been filed.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics for our principal executive and financial officers. Our code of ethics was posted to our web site as November 2015.
Corporate Governance
Audit Committee. In 2017 we established an Audit Committee made up of our three independent Directors. The Audit Committee formally instituted its governance procedures, and actively oversees the quarterly and year-end review and audit process.
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Compensation Committee. In 2017 we established a Compensation Committee made up of two independent Directors and our Chairman. The Compensation Committee formally instituted its governance procedures, and actively oversees all executive-level salary and compensation matters for the Company.
Nominating Committee. We have not established a Nominating Committee. We believe that we are able to effectively manage the issues normally considered by a Nominating Committee through the Board of Directors. If we do establish a Nominating Committee, we will disclose this change to our procedures in recommending nominees to our Board of Directors.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides, in general, that a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, such as the Company, may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. In the case of a derivative action, a Delaware corporation may indemnify any such person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification will be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person will have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in which such action was brought determines such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents to the extent and in the manner permitted by the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Any repeal or modification of these provisions shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of our directors or officers existing prior to the time of such repeal or modification. We are also permitted to apply for insurance on behalf of any director, officer, employee or other agent for liability arising out of his actions, whether or not the Delaware General Corporation Law would permit indemnification.
ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by us for services rendered during the periods indicated. Ms. Murcia terminated her employment in 2017.
Summary Executive Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position (a) | Year (b) | Salary ($) (c) | Bonus ($) (d) | Stock Awards ($) (e) | Option Awards ($) (f) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) (g) | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation ($) (h) | All Other Compensation ($) (i) | Total Earnings ($) (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kevin
Bolin, Chairman & CEO | 2017 2016 | 118,500 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 118,500 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Christopher
Nelson, President & GC | 2017 2016 | 96,000 174,459 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | $ | 96,000 174,459 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michelle
Murcia, CFO | 2017 2016 | 2,600 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,600 22,000 | $ | 2,600 22,000 |
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(c) | Salaries include those amounts paid and accrued as an expense on the books of the Company. | |
(e)(f) | Stock and Option Awards are calculated based on the face value of awards as of the date of grant. | |
(i) | All Other Compensation is comprised of consulting fees. |
Outstanding Option and Stock Awards
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name (a) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable (b) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable (c) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) (d) |
Option
Exercise Price (e) |
Option Expiration Date (f) |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) (g) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) (h) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Vested Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (i) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) (j) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kevin Bolin Chairman & CEO |
400,000 1,800,000 |
- - |
- - |
$ $ |
0.21 0.21 |
2/29/21 12/28/21 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Christopher Nelson, President |
255,000 60,000 |
- |
- - |
$ $ |
0.21 0.21 |
7/30/24 11/17/25 |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michelle Murcia, CFO (former) |
34,000 34,000 34,000 60,000 60,000 |
- |
- |
$ $ $ $ $ |
0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 |
12/4/24 6/29/25 6/29/25 11/16/25 11/17/25 |
- - - - - |
- - - - |
- - - - |
- - - - |
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Director Compensation
The Company did not provide any cash compensation to its outside directors in 2017. Only one director who was appointed to the Board in 2017 received a stock option grant in 2017. Directors typically will receive stock option awards each year; however, other than the issuance to the one new director, no other stock options were issued in 2017. Directors shall also be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with meetings of the Board of Directors, but no such expenses were incurred in 2017. The following table excludes fees paid to the two executive directors, Messrs. Bolin and Nelson, for their services in their respective officer capacities.
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Stock Awards ($) | Option Awards ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Kevin Bolin | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Scott Whitney | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Joel Mayersohn | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tristan Peitz | - | - | $ | 30,000 | - | - | - | $ | 30,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Christopher Nelson | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Security ownership of certain beneficial owners. As of March 31, 2018, there were no persons outside of management and Directors known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of the registrant's voting securities (including any “group” as that term is used in section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act). The percent of class is based on 48,384,009 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018.
Security ownership of management. The following information as of March 31, 2018, is provided for all current management and Directors as to each class of equity securities of the registrant or any of its parents or subsidiaries, including directors’ qualifying shares, beneficially owned by all directors and nominees, all stock options and stock appreciation rights that are vested or will vest within the following 60 days. The percent of class is based on 48,384,009 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018, and includes in the total outstanding the additional shares of common stock underlying any vested options (or vesting in the following 60 days) for the specific beneficial owner.
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(1) Title of class |
(2) Name of beneficial owner |
(3) Amount and nature of beneficial ownership |
(4) Percent of class |
|||||||
Common | Kevin Bolin (1) | 12,200,000 | 25.2 | % | ||||||
Common | Christopher Nelson (2) | 6,822,200 | 14.1 | % | ||||||
Common | Joel Mayersohn (3) | 631,842 | 1.3 | % | ||||||
Common | Scott Whitney (4) | 800,000 | 1.7 | % | ||||||
Common | Tristan Peitz (5) | 400,000 | * | |||||||
Common | All Officers and Directors | 20,854,042 | 43.1 | % |
* Under 1%
(1) | Mr. Bolin’s holdings include 2,200,000 vested stock options and 10,000,000 shares subject to forfeiture (see below). |
(2) | Mr. Nelson’s holdings include 295,000 vested stock options and 5,000,000 shares subject to forfeiture (see below). |
(3) | Mr. Mayersohn’s holdings include 576,000 vested stock options. |
(4) | Mr. Whitney’s holdings are all vested stock options. |
(5) | Mr. Peitz’s holdings are all vested stock options. |
None of our officers and directors own any Preferred Stock or other classes of securities other than common stock options, and notes under the Company’s 2017 Bridge Offering. Currently, there are no other shareholders that hold 5% or more of the total outstanding common stock of the company.
Forfeiture of Executive Shares
In December 2016, the Board of Directors approved for Mr. Bolin 10,000,000 shares of common stock, and for Mr. Nelson 5,000,000 shares of common stock, both as compensation and both subject to forfeiture provisions. These shares were not actually issued until February 2017. The forfeiture provisions provide that by July 1, 2017, Mr. Bolin must join the Company as a senior executive on a full-time basis for a period of at least 12 months, during which 12 month or extended period: (1) the company must complete at least $3 million in funding and (2) complete its first strategic acquisition. Mr. Nelson’s forfeiture provision is the same, however, the period of time to remain as an employee is 18 months commencing January 1, 2017. If these individuals do not fulfill their commitments and performance goals, the Board of Directors may in its full discretion, terminate the shares and retire them to treasury. Until such time, however, the shareholders may exercise all rights of voting and otherwise afforded to the common stock of the Company.
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ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTORS INDEPENDENCE
Transactions with Related Persons
In 2016, the Company’s three independent directors loaned to the Company an aggregate of $93,167 pursuant to 8% interest convertible promissory notes, and advanced to the Company an additional $14,400. All of these loans and advances were converted into the Company’s Bridge Offering in March 2017.
Joel Mayersohn, our Director, is also a partner in the law firm of Dickinson Wright PLLC, which provides legal services for the Company, including SEC work.
Promoters and Certain Control Persons
See the heading “Transactions with Related Persons” above.
Parents of the Smaller Reporting Company
We have no parents.
Director Independence
We had three independent directors serving on our Board of Directors as of the end of 2017 – Messrs. Whitney, Mayersohn and Peitz.
ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following is a summary of the fees billed to the Company by our independent registered public accounting firm for professional services rendered for 2017 and 2016:
Fee Category | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Audit Fees | $ | 126,585 | $ | 107,139 | ||||
Audit-related Fees | - | - | ||||||
Tax Fees | - | - | ||||||
All Other Fees | - | - |
Audit fees - Consists of fees for professional services rendered by EisnerAmper LLP for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and the review of interim consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by our principal accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit-related fees - Consists of fees for assurance and related services by our principal accountants that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit fees.”
Tax fees - Consists of fees for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
All other fees - Consists of fees for products and services provided by our principal accountants, other than the services reported under “Audit fees,” “Audit-related fees” and “Tax fees” above.
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PART IV
ITEM 15: EXHIBITS AND FINANCAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) | Financial Statements. |
Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Statements of Cash Flows of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) | Exhibits. |
(c) | Financial Statement Schedules. |
The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
1. | Financial Statements |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Q2POWER TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Date: | 4/9/18 |
By: | /s/ Kevin Bolin |
Kevin Bolin | |||
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | |||
Date: | 4/9/18 |
By: | /s/ Peter Dunleavy |
Peter Dunleavy | |||
Principal Accounting Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: | 4/9/18 |
By: | /s/ Kevin Bolin |
Kevin Bolin | |||
Chairman of the Board of Directors | |||
Date: | 4/9/18 |
By: | /s/ Christopher M. Nelson |
Christopher M. Nelson | |||
President, General Counsel and Director | |||
Date: | 4/9/18 |
By: | /s/ Joel Mayersohn |
Joel Mayersohn | |||
Director | |||
Date: | 4/9/18 |
By: | /s/ Scott Whitney |
Scott Whitney | |||
Director | |||
Date: | 4/9/18 |
By: | /s/ Tristan Peitz |
Tristan Peitz | |||
Director |
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