Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

OR

For the transition period from ___________________________

000-54987

(Commission File Number)

Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

370 Interlocken Blvd, Suite 680, Broomfield, CO 80021

(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

303-277-1625

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer,” “small reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [  ] No [X]

As of June 25, 2020, the Registrant had 63,203,575 shares outstanding of its $.001 par value common stock.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL & ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

*These numbers were derived from the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.

**Includes 1,240,000 and 887,500 shares issuable at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, per terms of note agreements.

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL & ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL & ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL & ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Organization and Going Concern

Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. (“SEER,” or the “Company”), a Nevada corporation, is a provider of next-generation clean-technologies, waste management innovations and related services. SEER has three wholly owned operating subsidiaries and three majority-owned subsidiaries; all of which together provide technology solutions and services to companies primarily in the oil and gas, refining, landfill, food, beverage & agriculture and renewable fuel industries. The three wholly-owned subsidiaries include: 1) REGS, LLC (d/b/a Resource Environmental Group Services (“REGS”)) provided industrial and proprietary cleaning services to refineries, oil fields and other private and governmental entities, which is included in discontinued operations for fiscal years 2019. REGS is solely engaged in building kilns after the industrial cleaning has been discontinued; 2) MV, LLC (d/b/a MV Technologies) (“MV”), designs and builds biogas conditioning solutions for the production of renewable natural gas, odor control systems and natural gas vapor capture primarily for landfill operations, waste-water treatment facilities, oil and gas fields, refineries, municipalities and food, beverage & agriculture operations throughout the U.S.; 3) Strategic Environmental Materials, LLC,(“SEM”), a materials technology company focused on development of cost-effective chemical absorbents.

The three majority-owned subsidiaries include 1) Paragon Waste Solutions, LLC (“PWS”), 2) ReaCH4Biogas (“Reach”), and 3) PelleChar, LLC (“PelleChar”). PWS is currently owned 54% by SEER, Reach is owned 85% by SEER and PelleChar is owned 90% by SEER.

PWS has and continues to develop specific opportunities to deploy and commercialize patented technologies for a non-thermal plasma-assisted oxidation process that makes possible the clean and efficient destruction of solid hazardous chemical and biological waste (i.e., regulated medical waste, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and refinery tank waste, etc.) without landfilling or traditional incineration and without harmful emissions. Additionally, PWS’ technology “cleans” and conditions emissions and gaseous waste streams (i.e., volatile organic compounds and other greenhouse gases) generated from diverse sources such as refineries, oil fields, and many others.

Reach (the trade name for BeneFuels, LLC), is currently owned 85% by SEER and focuses specifically on treating biogas for conversion to pipeline quality gas and/or compressed natural gas (“CNG”) for fleet vehicle fuel. Reach had minimal operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

PelleChar was established in September 2018 and is owned 90% by SEER as of December 31, 2019. Pellechar has secured third-party pellet manufacturing capabilities from one of the nation’s premier pellet manufacturer. Working closely with Biochar Now, LLC, Pellechar commenced sales in late 2019 of its proprietary pellets containing the proven and superior Biochar Now product starting with the landscaping and big agriculture markets. At this time, Pellechar is the only company able to offer a soil amendment pellet containing the Biochar Now product that is produced using the patented pyrolytic process. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 PelleChar had minimal activity related to formation, and an increasing sales effort.

Principals of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SEER, its wholly owned subsidiaries, REGS, MV and SEM and its majority-owned subsidiaries PWS, Reach and PelleChar, since their respective acquisition or formation dates. All material intercompany accounts, transactions, and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company has non-controlling interest in joint ventures, which are reported on the equity method.

Going Concern

As shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has experienced recurring losses, and has accumulated a deficit of approximately $27.6 million as of March 31, 2020, and $27.0 million as of December 31, 2019. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company incurred net losses from continuing operations of approximately $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The Company had a working capital deficit of approximately $7.6 million at March 31, 2020, a increase of $0.6 million in working capital deficit from $7.0 million at December 31, 2019. These factors raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue to operate as a going concern.

Realization of a major portion of the Company’s assets as of March 31, 2020, is dependent upon continued operations. The Company is dependent on generating additional revenue or obtaining adequate capital to fund operating losses until it becomes profitable. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 the Company raised approximately $0.2 million from the issuance of short-term and long-term debt, offset by payments of principal on short term notes and capital leases of $0.1 million. In addition, the Company has undertaken a number of specific steps to continue to operate as a going concern. The Company continues to focus on developing organic growth in our operating companies and improving gross and net margins through increased attention to pricing, aggressive cost management and overhead reductions, including discontinuing a line of business with insufficient margins. Critical to achieving profitability will be the ability to license and or sell, permit and operate though the Company’s joint ventures and licensees the CoronaLux™ waste destruction units. The Company has increased business development efforts to address opportunities identified in expanding markets attributable to increased interest in energy conservation and emission control regulations. In addition, the Company is evaluating various forms of financing which may be available to it. There can be no assurance that the Company will secure additional financing for working capital, increase revenues and achieve the desired result of net income and positive cash flow from operations in future years. These financial statements do not give any effect to any adjustments that would be necessary should the Company be unable to report on a going concern basis.

Basis of presentation Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all the normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations as of and for the periods presented. The interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the interim information presented not misleading. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Report on Form 10-K filed on May 15, 2020 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of intangible assets; valuation allowances and reserves for receivables and inventory and deferred income taxes; revenue recognition related to contracts accounted for under the percentage of completion method; share-based compensation; and loss contingencies, including those related to litigation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on reported consolidated net loss.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers that superseded most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The underlying principle of the guidance is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance requires an evaluation of revenue arrangements with customers following a five-step approach: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the company satisfies each performance obligation. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised services are transferred to the customers in an amount that reflects the expected consideration in exchange for those services. A customer obtains control when it has the ability to direct the use of and obtain the benefits from the services. Other major provisions of the guidance include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of the time value of money in the transaction price and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Company adopted the provisions of this guidance effective January 1, 2018 as required under the guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not have any material impact on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements (see Note 3).

Research and Development

Research and development (“R&D”) costs are charged to expense as incurred. R&D expenses consist primarily of salaries, project materials, contract labor and other costs associated with ongoing product development and enhancement efforts. R&D expenses were $0 for both the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and maintained on a first in, first out basis and includes the following amounts at March 31:

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes, which utilizes the asset and liability method of computing deferred income taxes. The objective of this method is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for any temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled.

ASC 740 also provides detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in the financial statements. Tax positions must meet a “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 the Company recognized no adjustments for uncertain tax positions.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. No interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions were recognized at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The Company expects no material changes to unrecognized tax positions within the next twelve months.

The Company has filed federal and state tax returns through December 31, 2018. The tax periods for the years ending December 31, 2016 through 2019 are open to examination by federal and state authorities.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

Changes to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the form of accounting standards updates (ASU’s) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all new or revised ASU’s.

New Accounting Pronouncements Implemented

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP. ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (including interim periods within those periods) using a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of 2019. (See Note 6).

NOTE 3 – REVENUE

Products Revenue

Product revenue generated from contracts with customers, for the manufacture of products for the removal and treatment of hazardous vapor and gasses. Total estimated revenue includes all of the following: (1) the basic contract price, (2) contract options, and (3) change orders. Once contract performance is underway, the Company may experience changes in conditions, client requirements, specifications, designs, materials, and expectations regarding the period of performance. Such changes are “change orders” and may be initiated by us or by our clients. In many cases, agreement with the client as to the terms of change orders is reached prior to work commencing; however, sometimes circumstances require that work progress without obtaining client agreement. Revenue related to change orders is recognized as costs are incurred if it is probable that costs will be recovered by changing the contract price. The Company does not incur pre-contract costs. Under the new revenue recognition guidance, the Company found no change in the manner product revenue is recognized. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded in the period in which the losses are identified and included as additional loss. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts are shown separately as liabilities on the balance sheet, if significant, except in circumstances in which related costs are accumulated on the balance sheet, in which case the provisions are deducted from the accumulated costs. A provision as a liability is reported as a current liability.

The Company includes in current assets and current liabilities amounts related to contracts realizable and payable. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts represent the excess of contract costs and profits recognized to date over billings to date and are recognized as a current asset. Revenue contract liabilities represent the excess of billings to date over the amount of contract costs and profits recognized to date and are recognized as a current liability.

Products revenue also includes media sales which are recognized as the product is shipped to the customer for use.

Services Revenue

Services revenue is primarily comprised of services related to industrial cleaning and mobile railcar cleaning, which is recognized as services are rendered.

Solid Waste Revenue

The Company’s revenues from waste destruction licensing agreements are recognized as a single accounting unit over the term of the license. Revenue from joint venture operations of the Company’s CoronaLux™ units is recognized as the revenue is earned by the joint venture. Revenue from management services is recognized as services are performed.

Disaggregation of Revenue

Contract Balances

Where a performance obligation has been satisfied but not yet invoiced at the reporting date, a contract asset is recognized on the balance sheet. Where a performance obligation has not yet been satisfied but an invoice has been raised at the reporting date, a contract liability is recognized on the balance sheet.

The opening and closing balances of the Company’s accounts receivables and contract liabilities (current and non-current) are as follows:

The majority of the Company’s revenue is generally invoiced on a weekly or monthly basis, and the payments are generally received within approximately 30-60 days. Deferred revenue is recorded when cash payments are received or due in advance of the Company’s performance, including amounts that are refundable.

Remaining Performance Obligations

As of March 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations was approximately $1.1 million, of which the Company expects to recognize 100% of this revenue over the next 12 months.

The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amounts to which it has the right to invoice for services performed.

NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment was comprised of the following:

Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $35,900 and $100,700, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense included in cost of goods sold was $21,000 and $83,400, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses was $14,900 and $17,300, respectively.

Depreciation expense on leased CoronaLux™ units included in accumulated depreciation and amortization above is $9,700 and $26,700 as of March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Property and equipment included the following amounts for leases that have been capitalized at:

NOTE 5 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets were comprised of the following:

The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets range from seven to ten years. Amortization expense was $8,000 and $11,700 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

NOTE 6 – LEASES

The Company has entered operating leases primarily for real estate. These leases have terms which range from 4 year to 6 years, and often include one or more options to renew. These renewal terms can extend the lease term from 1 year to month-to-month and are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. These operating leases are included in “Other assets” on the Company’s March 31, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The Company’s obligation to make lease payments are included in “Accrued liabilities” and “Other non-current liabilities” on the Company’s March 31, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Based on the present value of the lease payments for the remaining lease term of the Company’s existing leases, the Company recognized right-of-use assets of approximately $225,300 and lease liabilities for operating leases of approximately $246,100 on January 1, 2019. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities commencing after January 1, 2019 are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, total right-of-use assets were $396,400 and $437,300, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, total operating lease liabilities were $426,800 and $437,300, respectively. All operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized approximately $52,300 and $65,600, respectively, in operating lease costs for right-of-use assets.

Because the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments. The Company has certain contracts for real estate which may contain lease and non-lease components which it has elected to treat as a single lease component.

Information related to the Company’s right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities were as follows:

NOTE 7 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities were comprised of the following:

NOTE 8 – UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS

Costs, estimated earnings and billings on uncompleted contracts are as follows:

NOTE 9 – INVESTMENT IN PARAGON WASTE SOLUTIONS LLC

Since its inception through March 31, 2020, the Company has provided approximately $6.9 million in funding to PWS for working capital and the further development and construction of various prototypes and commercial waste destruction units. No members of PWS have made capital contributions or other funding to PWS other than SEER. The intent of the operating agreement is to provide the funding as an advance against future earnings distributions made by PWS.

Payments received for non-refundable licensing and placement fees have been recorded as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and are being recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the contract.

NOTE 10 – PAYROLL TAXES PAYABLE

In 2009 and 2010, REGS, a subsidiary of the Company, became delinquent for unpaid federal employer and employee payroll taxes, accrued interest and penalties were incurred related to these unpaid payroll taxes.

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance due to the IRS by REGS was $1,060,400, and $1,052,200, respectively.

Other than this outstanding payroll tax matter owed exclusively by REGS arising in 2009 and 2010, all state and federal payroll taxes have been paid by REGS in a timely manner.

NOTE 11 – DEBT

Debt as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, was comprised of the following:

NOTE 12 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Notes payable, related parties

Related parties accrued interest due to certain related parties are as follows:

NOTE 13 –DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

2019 REGS services division

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company ceased bidding on, and accepting contracts for the services division of its REGS subsidiary. No contracts have been uncompleted; therefore, the division does not have any performance obligations at December 31, 2019. Fifteen employees in the division were terminated at December 31, 2019. The Company is investigating the sale of REGS services division assets as of December 31, 2019. Accordingly, the revenue and expenses associated with the services division are presented as “Discontinued operations” on our consolidated statement of operations and on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and corresponding 2019 results were reclassified from the reporting classification in fiscal year 2019 for comparative purposes. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 we recorded net loss from discontinued operations equal to $0 and $336,700, respectively.

Major classes of line items constituting pretax loss on discontinued operations:

NOTE 14 – EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

2020

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded 352,500 shares of $.001 par value common stock as issued and issuable to short-term note holders as required under their respective short-term notes valued at approximately $33,100. (See Note 11)

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company issued options to purchase 60,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock to a short-term note holder of the Company, at $0.10 per share. The options were in connection with a new short-term note, and therefore recorded as debt discount. The Company valued the options using the Black-Sholes model, using a volatility of 134%, a risk-free rate of 0.29%, and an expected term, using the simplified method, of 3.0 years. The fair value at grant date of $3,500 will be amortized over the vesting period and recorded as interest expense.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company issued options to purchase 30,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock to a short-term note holder of the Company, at $0.10 per share. The options were in connection with a new short-term note, and therefore recorded as debt discount. The Company valued the options using the Black-Sholes model, using a volatility of 134%, a risk-free rate of 0.30%, and an expected term, using the simplified method, of 3.0 years. The fair value at grant date of $2,000 will be amortized over the vesting period and recorded as interest expense.

2019

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company issued 200,000 shares of $.001 par value common stock to short-term note holders as required under their respective agreements. (See Note 11)

Non-controlling Interest

The non-controlling interest presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements reflects a 46% non-controlling equity interest in PWS and 49% non-controlling equity interest in PelleChar. Net losses attributable to non-controlling interest, as reported on our condensed consolidated statements of operations, represents the net loss of each entity attributable to the non-controlling equity interest. The non-controlling interest is reflected within stockholders’ equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

NOTE 15 – CUSTOMER CONCENTRATIONS

The Company had sales from operations to three customers for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, that surpassed the 10% threshold of total revenue. In total, these customers represented approximately 50% and 74% of our total sales, respectively. The concentration of the Company’s business with a relatively small number of customers may expose us to a material adverse effect if one or more of these large customers were to experience financial difficulty or were to cease being customers for non-financial related issues.

NOTE 16 – NET LOSS PER SHARE

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of common shares that would be issued assuming exercise or conversion of all potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation when their effect would be anti-dilutive. For all periods presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements, all potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the diluted share calculations as they were anti-dilutive as a result of the net losses incurred for the respective years. Accordingly, basic shares equal diluted shares for all years presented.

Potentially dilutive securities were comprised of the following:

NOTE 17 – ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS AND REGULATION

Significant federal environmental laws affecting us are the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), also known as the “Superfund Act”, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”).

Pursuant to the EPA’s authorization of the RCRA equivalent programs, a number of states have regulatory programs governing the operations and permitting of hazardous waste facilities. Our facilities are regulated pursuant to state statutes, including those addressing clean water and clean air. Our facilities are also subject to local siting, zoning and land use restrictions. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all federal, state and local laws regulating our business.

NOTE 18 – SEGMENT INFORMATION AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The Company currently has identified two segments as follows:

The composition of our reportable segments is consistent with that used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to evaluate performance and allocate resources. All of our operations are located in the U.S. The Company has not allocated corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, and stock-based compensation to the segments. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

NOTE 19 – LITIGATION

In January 2016, an employee of SEM was involved in a vehicle accident while on Company business. Various actions were filed by the claimants in both state and federal courts. In August 2016, an involuntary proceeding was commenced by one of the claimants against SEM under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy code. In September 2016, the case was converted to a Chapter 11 under the Bankruptcy code. During the pendency of all actions, SEM continued to manage its affairs and operate normally. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the parties reached a settlement concerning the distribution of insurance proceeds and all issues of liability. On March 27, 2017 the Bankruptcy Courts confirmed the dismissal of the SEM Chapter 11 case. As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the Company reached a settlement with claimants and recorded an accrued litigation expense of $212,500 at December 31, 2016. It was agreed among the parties that all pending state and/or federal claims will be dismissed with prejudice. The accrued litigation outstanding at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $150,000 and $150,000, respectively.

NOTE 20 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 29, 2020, the Company borrowed $10,000 under a short-term note, from a related party. The note bears interest at an annual rate of 8% and matured on June 1, 2020. This note was subsequently paid on May 11, 2020.

On May 4, 2020, the Company borrowed $140,000 under a short-term note, from a related party. The note bears interest at an annual rate of 15% and matured on June 3, 2020. This note was subsequently paid on May 11, 2020.

Under the Small Business Administration (“SBA”), the Company applied for the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan. These loans are forgiven if used for payroll, payroll benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, as well as certain rent payments, leases, and utility payments, which are limited to 40% of the loan proceeds, all of which if paid within either 8 weeks or 24 weeks of the receipt of the loan proceeds. At the time of this filing, we have been funded for $590,300 in loans through SEER and our subsidiaries. At the time of this filing, we anticipate having a significant amount of this loan forgiven, however the forgiveness application process is not yet complete. If we do have a portion of these loans not being forgiven, the unqualified portion is to be repaid over 5 years, accruing interest at 1% per annum.

The Company owes two notes to a lender, that accrue penalty shares until the notes are paid in full. The aggregate principal of these notes is $650,000, and shares accrued after April 1, 2020, to the date of this filing total 160,000 shares.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our business and the results of our operations. It should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this report as well as our Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2020. Certain statements made in our discussion may be forward looking. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and a number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from our expectations. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others, the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other risks described in this Quarterly Report. Unless the context requires otherwise, when we refer to “we,” “us” and “our,” we are describing Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

SEER BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. (“the Company” or “SEER”) was originally organized under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 13, 2002 for the purpose of acquiring one or more businesses, under the name of Satellite Organizing Solutions, Inc (“SOZG”). In January 2008, SOZG changed its name to Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc., reduced its number of outstanding shares through a reverse stock split and consummated the acquisition of both, REGS, LLC and Tactical Cleaning Company, LLC. SEER is dedicated to assembling complementary service and environmental, clean-technology businesses that provide safe, innovative, cost effective, and profitable solutions in the oil & gas, environmental, waste management and renewable energy industries. SEER currently operates five companies with four offices in the western and mid-western U.S. Through these operating companies, SEER provides products and services throughout the U.S. and has licensed and owned technologies with many customer installations throughout the U.S. Each of the five operating companies is discussed in more detail below. The Company also has non-controlling interests in joint ventures, some of which have no or minimal operations.

The Company’s domestic strategy is to grow internally through SEER’s subsidiaries that have well established revenue streams and, simultaneously, establish long-term alliances with and/or acquire complementary domestic businesses in rapidly growing markets for renewable energy, waste and water treatment and industrial services. The focus of the SEER family of companies, however is to increase margins by securing or developing proprietary patented and patent-pending technologies and then leveraging its 20 plus-year service experience to place these innovations and solutions into the growing markets of emission capture and control, renewable “green gas” capture and sale, compressed natural gas fuel generation, as well as general solid waste and medical/pharmaceutical waste destruction. Many of SEER’s current operating companies share customer bases and each provides truly synergistic services, technologies and products as well as annuity type revenue streams.

The company now owns and manages four operating entities and two entities that has no significant operations to date.

Subsidiaries

REGS, LLC d/b/a Resource Environmental Group Services (“REGS”): (operating since 1994) designs and manufactures environmental systems and provides general industrial cleaning services and waste management consulting to many industry sectors. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company ceased bidding on, and accepting contracts for the services division of its REGS subsidiary. The results from the subsidiary are included in discontinued operations for the years ended 2019 and 2018. No contracts have been uncompleted; therefore, the division does not have any performance obligations at December 31, 2019. Fifteen employees in the division were terminated at December 31, 2019. Subsequent to January 1, 2020, REGS is engaged solely to build kilns for PWS, and other customers. The Company is investigating the sale of REGS assets as of December 31, 2019.

MV, LLC (d/b/a MV Technologies), (“MV”): (operating since 2003) MV designs and sells patented and/or proprietary, dry scrubber solutions for management of Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) in biogas, landfill gas, and petroleum processing operations. These system solutions are marketed under the product names H2SPlus™ and OdorFilter™. The markets for these products include land fill operations, agricultural and food product processors, wastewater treatment facilities, and petroleum product refiners. MV also develops and designs proprietary technologies and systems used to condition biogas for use as renewable natural gas (“RNG”), for a number of applications, such as transportation fuel and natural gas pipeline injection.

Paragon Waste Solutions, LLC (“PWS”): (formed late 2010) PWS is an operating company that has developed a patented waste destruction technology using a pyrolytic heating process combined with “non-thermal plasma” assisted oxidation. This technique involves gasification of solid waste by heating the waste in a low-oxygen environment, followed by complete oxidation at higher temperatures in the presence of plasma. The term “non-thermal plasma” refers to a low energy ionized gas that is generated by electrical discharges between two electrodes. This technology, commercially referred to as CoronaLux™, is designed and intended for the “clean” destruction of hazardous chemical and biological waste (i.e., hospital “red bag” waste) thereby eliminating the need for costly segregation, transportation, incineration or landfill (with their associated legacy liabilities). PWS is a 54% owned subsidiary.

ReaCH4BioGas (“Reach”) (trade name for Benefuels, LLC): (formed February 2013) owned 85% by SEER. Reach develops renewable natural gas projects that convert raw biogas into pipeline quality gas and/or Renewable, “RNG”, for fleet vehicles. Reach had minimal operations as of March 31, 2020.

SEER Environmental Materials, LLC (“SEM”): (formed September 2015) is a wholly owned subsidiary established as a materials technology business with the purpose of developing advanced chemical absorbents and catalysts that enhance the capability of biogas produced from, landfill, wastewater treatment operations and agricultural digester operations.

PelleChar, LLC (“PelleChar”): (formed September 2018) owned 51% by SEER. PelleChar has secured third-party pellet manufacturing capabilities from one of the nation’s premier pellet manufacturer. Working closely with Biochar Now, LLC, PelleChar commenced sales in 2019 of its proprietary pellets containing the proven and superior Biochar Now product starting with the landscaping and big agriculture markets. At this time, PelleChar is the only company able to offer a soil amendment pellet containing the Biochar Now product that is produced using the patented pyrolytic process.

Joint Ventures

MV RCM Joint Venture: In April 2013, MV Technologies, Inc (“MV”) and RCM International, LLC (“RCM”) entered into an Agreement to develop hybrid scrubber systems that employ elements of RCM Technology and MV Technology (the “Joint Venture”). RCM and MV Technologies will independently market the hybrid scrubber systems. The contractual Joint Venture has an initial term of five years and will automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless either Party gives the other Party one hundred and eighty (180) days’ notice prior to the applicable renewal date. Operations to date of the Joint Venture have been limited to formation activities.

Paragon Waste (UK) Ltd: In June 2014, PWS and PCI Consulting Ltd (“PCI”) formed Paragon Waste (UK) Ltd (“Paragon UK Joint Venture”) to develop, permit and exploit the PWS waste destruction technology within the territory of Ireland and the United Kingdom. PWS and PCI each own 50% of the voting shares of Paragon UK Joint Venture. Operations to date of the Paragon UK Joint Venture have been limited to formation, the delivery of a CoronaLux™ unit with a third party in the United Kingdom and application and permitting efforts with regulatory entities.

P&P Company: In February 2015, PWS and Particle Science Tech of Environmental Protection, Inc. (“Particle Science”) formed a joint venture, Particle & Paragon Environmental Solutions, Inc (“P&P”) to exploit the PWS technology in China, including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. PWS and Particle Science each own 50% of P&P. Operations to date have been limited to formation of P&P and the sale and delivery of a CoronaLux™ unit to Particle Science in China.

PWS MWS Joint Venture: In October 2014, PWS and Medical Waste Services, LLC (“MWS”) formed a contractual joint venture to exploit the PWS medical waste destruction technology. In 2015, MWS licensed and installed a CoronaLux™ unit at an MWS facility, and subsequently received a limited permit to operate from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (“SCAQMD”) and the California Department of Public Health. In November 2017, PWS received final air quality permit approval from SCAQMD allowing for full operations of the CoronaLux™ unit at the MWS facility.

Paragon Southwest Joint Venture: In December 2017, PWS and GulfWest Waste Solutions, LLC (“GWWS”) formed Paragon Southwest Medical Waste, LLC (“PSMW”) to exploit the PWS medical waste destruction technology. PSMW will have an exclusive license to the CoronaLux™ technology in a six-state area of the Southern United States. In addition to the equity position, PWS will be the operating partner for the business and sell a number of additional systems to the joint venture over the next five years. In 2017, PSMW purchased and installed three CoronaLux™ units at an PSMW facility.

SEER’s Financial Condition and Liquidity

As shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has experienced recurring losses, and has accumulated a deficit of approximately $27.6 million as of March 31, 2020, and $27.0 million as of December 31, 2019. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 we had net losses from continuing operations before adjustment for losses attributable to non-controlling interest of approximately $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019 our current liabilities exceed our current assets by approximately $7.6 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The primary reason for the increase in negative working capital from December 31, 2019 to March 31, 2020 is due to a net increase in short term debt of approximately $0.2 million, and losses from operations. The Company has limited common shares available for issue which may limit the ability to raise capital or settle debt through issuance of shares. These factors raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue to operate as a going concern for a period of at least one year after the date of the issuance of our audited financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2019.

Realization of a major portion of our assets as of March 31, 2020, is dependent upon our continued operations. The Company is dependent on generating additional revenue or obtaining adequate capital to fund operating losses until it becomes profitable. In addition, we have undertaken a number of specific steps to continue to operate as a going concern. We continue to focus on developing organic growth in our operating companies, diversifying our service customer base and market concentrations and improving gross and net margins through increased attention to pricing, aggressive cost management and overhead reductions, including discontinuing a line of business with insufficient margins. Critical to achieving profitability will be our ability to license and or sell, permit and operate through our joint ventures and licensees our CoronaLux™ waste destruction units. We have increased our business development efforts to address opportunities identified in expanding domestic markets attributable to increased federal and state emission control regulations (particularly in the nation’s oil and gas fields) and a growing demand for energy conservation and renewable energies. In addition, the Company is evaluating various forms of financing that may be available to it. There can be no assurance that the Company will secure additional financing for working capital on favorable terms or at all, increase revenues and achieve the desired result of net income and positive cash flow from operations in future years. These financial statements do not give any effect to any adjustments that would be necessary should the Company be unable to report on a going concern basis.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

Total revenues were $0.8 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease of approximately $0.4 million or 33% in revenues comparing the three months ended March 31, 2020 to the three months ended March 31, 2019 is primarily attributable to the decreases in revenues from our products segment revenue, which includes our environmental solutions segment, which decreased from $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, a decrease of approximately $0.3 million or approximately 30%. Environmental solutions segment generated less revenue as the volume of media sales decreased, primarily due to a shortage of capital to produce the media internally.

Operating expenses, which include cost of products, cost of solid waste and general and administrative (G&A) expenses, and salaries and related expenses, were approximately $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase primarily consists of an increase in salaries and related expenses of approximately $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2020 from the first quarter of 2019, which was a result of classifying most REGS employees in the first quarter of 2019 in discontinued operations, resulting in less comparable employees remaining in continuing operations in 2019. Also contributing, was an increase in stock-based compensation in 2020. Product costs as a percentage of product revenues was 81% in 2020 compared to 59% in 2019. The decrease in margin is primarily due to more media being produced internally in 2019, and REGS costs, related to building kilns, being included in product costs in 2020, which did not exist in 2019. Solid waste costs remained consistent in 2020 and 2019.

Total non-operating other expense, net was a $400 benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $39,900 expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease in expense in 2020 compared to 2019 is primarily due to an increase in other income of $0.1 million due to a gain on sale of disposed assets. This was offset by an increase in interest expense of $0.1 million as a result of the increase overall debt outstanding.

There is no provision for income taxes for both the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, due to our net losses for both periods and we continue to maintain full allowances covering our net deferred tax benefits as of March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Net loss, before non-controlling interest, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $0.7 million compared to a net loss, before non-controlling interest, of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The net loss attributable to SEER after deducting $27,300 for the non-controlling interest was $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to $0.6 million, after deducting $28,300 in non-controlling interest, and $0.3 million for discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019. As noted above, the 30% decrease in revenue in 2020 compared to 2019 and an increase of operating expenses of 8% and offset by non-operating expenses during 2020 of 101% was the primary reason for the increase in the net loss.

Results of Discontinued Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company ceased bidding on, and accepting contracts for the services division of its REGS subsidiary. All revenue and expenses of our REGS subsidiary for 2019 are classified as discontinued operations. Commencing in 2020, all REGS operations involve the building of kilns for PWS and other customers. All discontinued operations consist of our industrial cleaning operations, reported during 2019. We are presenting these in a table form, as the industrial cleaning business operations did not have results in 2020.

There is no provision for income taxes for both the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, due to our net losses for both periods and we continue to maintain full allowances covering our net deferred tax benefits as of March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Changes in Cash Flow

Operating Activities

The Company had net cash used by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 of $0.3 million compared to net cash used by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 of $0.6, an decrease of cash used of approximately $0.3 million. Cash used by operating activities is driven by our net loss and adjusted by non-cash items as well as changes in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash adjustments primarily include depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense and non-cash interest expense. Non-cash adjustments were consistent and totaled $0.1 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Changes in account receivable provided $0.6 million more cash in the first quarter of 2020. Increase in account payable and accrued expenses provided $0.4 million, and the increase in deferred revenue provided $0.2 million more in 2020. These were offset by increase in costs in excess of billing using $0.5 more cash in 2020, the increase in prepaid expenses using $0.2 million in 2020, and the increase in inventory used $0.1 million more in cash in the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Investing activities

Net cash used by investing activities was $19,300 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $211,000 of cash provided for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The purchase of property and equipment was $19,300 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $15,000 for the purchase of property and equipment for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The proceeds from notes receivable totaled $0.0 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in notes receivable proceeds relates to the Company’s negotiation of an early earnout payment received in full.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The net proceeds related to debt of approximately $150,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to approximately $500,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and principal payments on debt of $52,500 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $119,400 for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of intangible assets; valuation allowances and reserves for receivables, inventory and deferred income taxes; revenue recognition related to contracts accounted for under the percentage of completion method; share-based compensation; and loss contingencies, including those related to litigation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our accounts receivable. We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon an aging of accounts receivable, historical experience and management judgment. Accounts receivable balances are reviewed individually for collectability, and balances are charged off against the allowance when we determine that the potential for recovery is remote. An allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $11,700 and $11,800 has been reserved as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

We are exposed to credit risk in the normal course of business, primarily related to accounts receivable. Our customers operate primarily in the oil production and refining, rail transport, biogas generating and wastewater treatment industries in the United States. Accordingly, we are affected by the economic conditions in these industries as well as general economic conditions in the United States. To limit credit risk, management periodically reviews and evaluates the financial condition of its customers and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts. As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, we do not believe that we have significant credit risk.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including accounts receivable and accounts payable, are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value due to their short-term maturities. We believe that the carrying value of notes payable with third parties, including their current portion, approximate their fair value, as those instruments carry market interest rates based on our current financial condition and liquidity. We believe the amounts due to related parties also approximate their fair value, as their carried interest rates are consistent with those of our notes payable with third parties.

Long-lived Assets

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An asset is considered to be impaired when the anticipated undiscounted future cash flows of an asset group are estimated to be less than its carrying value. The amount of impairment recognized is the difference between the carrying value of the asset group and its fair value. Fair value estimates are based on assumptions concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows. No impairments were determined as of March 31, 2020.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers that superseded most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The underlying principle of the guidance is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance requires an evaluation of revenue arrangements with customers following a five-step approach: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the company satisfies each performance obligation. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised services are transferred to the customers in an amount that reflects the expected consideration in exchange for those services. A customer obtains control when it has the ability to direct the use of and obtain the benefits from the services. Other major provisions of the guidance include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of the time value of money in the transaction price and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Company adopted the provisions of this guidance effective January 1, 2018 as required under the guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not have any material impact on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements.

Stock-based Compensation

We account for stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognize compensation over the service period that they are expected to vest. We estimate the fair value of stock options and stock purchase warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The estimated value of the portion of a stock-based award that is ultimately expected to vest, taking into consideration estimated forfeitures, is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The estimate of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent that actual forfeitures differ from estimated forfeitures, such differences are accounted for as a cumulative adjustment to compensation expenses and recorded in the period that estimates are revised.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not Applicable.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

As of the end of the period covered by this report, and under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the person performing the similar function as Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

Not Applicable.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

Please review our report on Form 10-K Part 1, Item 1A for a complete statement of “Risk Factors” that pertain to our business.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

From January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020, we had the following sales and issuances of unregistered equity securities: