Stratos Renewables Corp - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
Form
10-Q
x |
Quarterly
report pursuant Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of
1934
For
the quarterly period ended September 30,
2008
|
o |
Transition
report pursuant Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of
1934
For
the transition period from _______ to
_______.
|
Commission
file number 000-1321517
STRATOS
RENEWABLES CORPORATION
(Exact
name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
Nevada
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
|
20-1699126
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
|
9440 Little Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 401
Beverly Hills, California
(Address of principal executive offices)
|
90210
(Zip Code)
|
(310)
402-5901
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
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 o No x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See
the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large
accelerated filer o Accelerated
filer o
Non-accelerated
filer o Smaller
reporting company x
(Do
not
check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
As
of
November 10, 2008, the Company had 61,569,800 outstanding shares of common
stock.
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
3
|
|||
Item 1.
|
Financial
Statements
|
3
|
|
Item 2.
|
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
|
22
|
|
Item 3.
|
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
|
34
|
|
Item 4.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
34
|
|
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
|
34
|
||
Item 1.
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
34
|
|
Item
1A.
|
Risk
Factors
|
34
|
|
Item 2.
|
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
34
|
|
Item 3.
|
Defaults
Upon Senior Securities
|
37
|
|
Item 4.
|
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
37
|
|
Item
5.
|
37
|
||
Item
6.
|
Exhibits
|
38
|
2
Part
I –
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item
1. Financial Statements
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
September 30,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|
||||||
ASSETS
|
|||||||
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
|
3,402,174
|
$
|
3,357,417
|
|||
Debt
issuance costs
|
21,324
|
56,948
|
|||||
Prepaid
expenses
|
228,871
|
155,020
|
|||||
|
|
||||||
TOTAL
CURRENT ASSETS
|
3,652,369
|
3,569,385
|
|||||
PLANT
AND EQUIPMENT, net
|
4,859,940
|
4,600,923
|
|||||
LAND
DEPOSITS
|
376,665
|
-
|
|||||
VAT
RECEIVABLE
|
1,212,190
|
899,567
|
|||||
DEBT
ISSUANCE COSTS, net
|
1,261,497
|
-
|
|||||
OTHER
ASSETS
|
109,889
|
21,711
|
|||||
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
$
|
11,472,550
|
$
|
9,091,586
|
|||
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|||||||
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|||||||
Accounts
payable
|
$
|
1,001,028
|
$
|
173,032
|
|||
Accrued
interest and redemption premium
|
255,728
|
709,398
|
|||||
Other
payables
|
519,545
|
84,648
|
|||||
Convertible
promissory notes, net of debt discount of $306,450 and $552,369
|
|||||||
as
of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
|
1,543,550
|
2,495,631
|
|||||
Accrued
beneficial conversion liability
|
-
|
250,938
|
|||||
Accrued
warrant liability
|
5,037,502
|
1,164,501
|
|||||
TOTAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
8,357,353
|
4,878,148
|
|||||
ACCRUED
INTEREST
|
102,214
|
-
|
|||||
CONVERTIBLE
PROMISSORY NOTES, net of debt discount of $4,586,686 and $0
|
|||||||
as
of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
|
2,763,314
|
-
|
|||||
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
11,222,881
|
4,878,148
|
|||||
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
|
|
||||||
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
|
|||||||
Preferred
stock; $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares
|
|||||||
authorized;
8,571,429 and 7,142,857 shares issued and outstanding
|
|||||||
as
of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
|
8,572
|
7,143
|
|||||
Common
stock; $0.001 par value; 250,000,000 shares
|
|||||||
authorized; 61,569,801
and 57,666,794 shares issued and outstanding
|
|||||||
as
of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
|
61,571
|
57,667
|
|||||
Additional
paid-in-capital
|
12,008,038
|
5,721,864
|
|||||
Other
comprehensive income
|
153,611
|
14,021
|
|||||
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
(11,982,123
|
)
|
(1,587,257
|
)
|
|||
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
249,669
|
4,213,438
|
|||||
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
$
|
11,472,550
|
$
|
9,091,586
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
3
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Statements
of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss
For the period
|
For the period
|
|||||||||||||||
from inception
|
from inception
|
|||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
Nine Months Ended
|
(February 27, 2007)
|
(February 27, 2007)
|
|||||||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
September 30, 2008
|
to September 30, 2007
|
to September 30, 2008
|
||||||||||||
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||||||
REVENUE
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
||||||
COST
OF REVENUE
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
GROSS
PROFIT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
OPERATING
EXPENSES
|
||||||||||||||||
Consulting
fees
|
466,386
|
-
|
1,574,174
|
-
|
1,718,958
|
|||||||||||
General
and administrative
|
526,726
|
-
|
2,059,928
|
-
|
2,580,707
|
|||||||||||
Professional
fees
|
499,294
|
-
|
1,637,685
|
-
|
1,738,296
|
|||||||||||
Wages
|
813,481
|
-
|
1,958,755
|
-
|
2,169,683
|
|||||||||||
TOTAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
|
2,305,887
|
-
|
7,230,542
|
-
|
8,207,644
|
|||||||||||
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSES)
|
||||||||||||||||
Amortization
of debt discounts and debt issuance costs
|
(962,665
|
)
|
-
|
(1,670,923
|
)
|
-
|
(2,280,240
|
)
|
||||||||
Interest
and financing costs
|
(334,096
|
)
|
-
|
(875,853
|
)
|
-
|
(1,597,315
|
)
|
||||||||
Change
in value of beneficial conversion feature
|
238,270
|
-
|
511,926
|
-
|
1,135,978
|
|||||||||||
Change
in value of warrant liability
|
(1,460,928
|
)
|
-
|
(974,011
|
)
|
-
|
(878,039
|
)
|
||||||||
Foreign
currency loss
|
(11,208
|
)
|
-
|
(154,832
|
)
|
-
|
(154,832
|
)
|
||||||||
Other
|
(12,893
|
)
|
-
|
219
|
-
|
819
|
||||||||||
TOTAL
OTHER EXPENSES, net
|
(2,543,520
|
)
|
-
|
(3,163,474
|
)
|
-
|
(3,773,629
|
)
|
||||||||
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
(4,849,407
|
)
|
-
|
(10,394,016
|
)
|
-
|
(11,981,273
|
)
|
||||||||
INCOME
TAX PROVISION
|
-
|
-
|
850
|
-
|
850
|
|||||||||||
NET
LOSS
|
$
|
(4,849,407
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(10,394,866
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(11,982,123
|
)
|
|||
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
||||||||||||||||
Foreign
currency translation gain
|
77,251
|
-
|
139,590
|
-
|
153,611
|
|||||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
|
$
|
(4,772,156
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(10,255,276
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(11,828,512
|
)
|
|||
LOSS
PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED
|
$
|
(0.08
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(0.17
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|||
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE COMMON EQUIVALENT
|
||||||||||||||||
SHARES
OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED
|
61,310,574
|
-
|
59,948,493
|
-
|
53,069,810
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
4
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Statements
of Stockholders' Equity
Deficit
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional
|
Other
|
During the
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock
|
Common Stock
|
Paid-in
|
Comprehensive
|
Development
|
Stockholders'
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Capital
|
Income (loss)
|
Stage
|
Equity
|
||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
February 27, 2007
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Purchase
of shares for cash
|
45,000,000
|
45,000
|
(44,666
|
)
|
334
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
issued in connection with reverse merger transaction
|
10,000,000
|
10,000
|
(9,789
|
)
|
211
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Common
stock issued for cash
|
2,666,794
|
2,667
|
1,442,065
|
1,444,732
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred
stock issued for cash
|
7,142,857
|
7,143
|
4,334,254
|
4,341,397
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Gain
on translation
|
14,021
|
14,021
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
loss
|
(1,587,257
|
)
|
(1,587,257
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2007
|
7,142,857
|
7,143
|
57,666,794
|
57,667
|
5,721,864
|
14,021
|
(1,587,257
|
)
|
4,213,438
|
||||||||||||||||
Issuance
of common stock and warrants for cash
|
-
|
-
|
2,410,639
|
2,411
|
1,173,586
|
-
|
-
|
1,175,997
|
|||||||||||||||||
Cashless
exercise of warrants (595,713 warrants exercised
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
for
325,763 shares)
|
-
|
-
|
325,763
|
326
|
(326
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||||||||
Issuance
of preferred stock and warrants for cash
|
1,428,572
|
1,429
|
-
|
-
|
611,405
|
-
|
-
|
612,834
|
|||||||||||||||||
Conversion
of convertible notes to common stock
|
-
|
-
|
1,166,605
|
1,167
|
815,457
|
-
|
-
|
816,624
|
|||||||||||||||||
Reclassify
beneficial conversion feature to equity
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,686,052
|
-
|
-
|
3,686,052
|
|||||||||||||||||
Gain
on translation
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
139,590
|
-
|
139,590
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net
loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(10,394,866
|
)
|
(10,394,866
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||
Balance,
September 30, 2008 (unaudited)
|
8,571,429
|
$
|
8,572
|
61,569,801
|
$
|
61,571
|
$
|
12,008,038
|
$
|
153,611
|
$
|
(11,982,123
|
)
|
$
|
249,669
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
5
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Statements
of Cash Flows
For the period
|
For the period
|
|||||||||
from inception
|
from inception
|
|||||||||
Nine Months Ended
|
(February 27, 2007)
|
(February 27, 2007)
|
||||||||
September 30, 2008
|
to September 30, 2007
|
to September 30, 2008
|
||||||||
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||||
Net
loss
|
$
|
(10,394,866
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
(11,982,123
|
)
|
||
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash
|
||||||||||
used
in operating activities:
|
||||||||||
Amortization
of debt discounts and debt issuance costs
|
1,670,923
|
-
|
2,280,240
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
20,271
|
-
|
22,365
|
|||||||
Change
in value of beneficial conversion feature
|
(511,926
|
)
|
-
|
(1,135,978
|
)
|
|||||
Change
in value of warrant liability
|
974,012
|
-
|
878,040
|
|||||||
Amortization
of prepaid consulting
|
260,058
|
-
|
311,730
|
|||||||
Accretion
of interest
|
461,292
|
-
|
1,131,442
|
|||||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||
Other
assets
|
(235,035
|
)
|
-
|
(255,903
|
)
|
|||||
Accounts
payable
|
772,095
|
-
|
942,714
|
|||||||
Interest
payable
|
211,401
|
-
|
250,649
|
|||||||
Other
payables
|
488,420
|
-
|
569,782
|
|||||||
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
(6,283,355
|
)
|
-
|
(6,987,042
|
)
|
|||||
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||||
Acquisition
of plant and equipment
|
(253,691
|
)
|
-
|
(4,858,329
|
)
|
|||||
Deposit
for land lease
|
(366,248
|
)
|
-
|
(366,248
|
)
|
|||||
VAT
receivable
|
(316,461
|
)
|
-
|
(1,181,118
|
)
|
|||||
Cash
acquired with acquisition
|
-
|
-
|
211
|
|||||||
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
(936,400
|
)
|
-
|
(6,405,484
|
)
|
|||||
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||||
Proceeds
from sale of common stock
|
1,685,794
|
-
|
3,552,884
|
|||||||
Proceeds
from sale of preferred stock
|
1,000,000
|
-
|
6,000,000
|
|||||||
Payment
of offerings cost associated with common and preferred
stock
|
(263,000
|
)
|
-
|
(519,593
|
)
|
|||||
Proceeds
from issuance of convertible debenture
|
9,200,000
|
-
|
12,248,000
|
|||||||
Payment
of offerings costs associated with convertible debenture
|
(1,241,602
|
)
|
-
|
(1,355,499
|
)
|
|||||
Principal
payment of convertible debt
|
(3,199,500
|
)
|
-
|
(3,199,500
|
)
|
|||||
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
7,181,692
|
-
|
16,726,292
|
|||||||
Effect
of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
82,820
|
-
|
68,408
|
|||||||
NET
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS
|
44,757
|
-
|
3,402,174
|
|||||||
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period
|
3,357,417
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period
|
$
|
3,402,174
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
3,402,174
|
||||
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
|
||||||||||
Interest
paid
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
||||
Income
taxes paid
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
||||
SUPPLEMENTAL
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||||
Costs
associated with acquisition:
|
||||||||||
Beneficial
conversion feature associated with convertible debenture
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
874,990
|
||||
Issuance
of warrants in acquisition
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
229,748
|
||||
Acquisition
of shell company
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
211
|
||||
Issuance
of common stock for conversion of principal and interest
|
$
|
816,624
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
816,624
|
||||
Issuance
of warrants for debt issuance costs
|
$
|
186,747
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
186,747
|
||||
Reclassify
beneficial conversion feature to equity
|
$
|
3,686,052
|
-
|
$
|
3,686,052
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
6
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note
1 - Organization and Basis of Presentation
The
unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Stratos
Renewables Corporation, formerly New Design Cabinets, Inc., or the Company,
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission.
The
information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal
recurring accruals and adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management,
necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally present in annual
consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted
pursuant to such rules and regulations. These consolidated financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements
and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB. The
results for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December
31,
2008.
Organization
and line of business
The
Company was incorporated in the State of Nevada on September 29, 2004. Stratos
del Peru S.A.C. was incorporated in Lima, Peru, on February 27, 2007, with
the
name of Estratosfera del Perú S.A.C. On July 11, 2007, the general meeting of
shareholders agreed to change the Company’s name to its current one, Stratos del
Peru S.A.C., or Stratos Peru, which was officially registered with the Tax
Administration of Peru on October 11, 2007.
On
November 14, 2007, Stratos Peru entered into a share exchange agreement, or
the
Share Exchange, with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company issued
45,000,000 shares of its common stock to the former security holders of Stratos
Peru in exchange for 999, or 99.9%, of the issued and outstanding shares of
common stock of Stratos Peru. Upon closing the Share Exchange, the Company
had
55,000,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as a result of the
issuance of 45,000,000 shares of common stock to the former security holders
of
Stratos Peru. Effective November 20, 2007, the Company amended its articles
of
incorporation to change the name of the corporation from “New Design Cabinets,
Inc.” to “Stratos Renewables Corporation.”
The
Share
Exchange is deemed to be a reverse acquisition under the purchase method of
accounting. As the acquired entity, Stratos Peru is regarded as the predecessor
entity as of November 14, 2007. Accordingly, the merger of the Company and
Stratos Peru was recorded as a recapitalization of Stratos Peru, with Stratos
Peru being treated as the continuing entity and the management and board of
directors of Stratos Peru were appointed as officers and directors of the
Company. The accompanying consolidated statements of operations present the
amounts as if the acquisition occurred on February 27, 2007 (date of inception
for Stratos Peru).
Additionally,
in connection with the reverse merger transaction, the Company conducted a
private placement of common stock, preferred stock and convertible promissory
notes totaling approximately $10 million during 2007.
The
Company’s business objectives are the purchase, sale, production, distribution,
marketing, transport, warehousing, mixture, export and import of all kinds
of
products derived from hydrocarbons and bio-fuels, being solids, liquids or
gases. The Company is currently a development stage company under the provisions
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 7, “Accounting and
Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises,” as it has not commenced generating
revenue. The Company’s offices and administrative headquarters are located in
Lima, Peru.
Basis
of presentation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars
and
have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Stratos Renewables Corporation and its 99.99%
owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
7
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Minority
interest
Minority
interest has not been presented on the consolidated balance sheets due to
accumulated losses which exceed the minority stockholders’ equity. In accordance
with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of
Accounting for Investments in Common Stock,” the minority interest has been
written down to zero on the accompanying balance sheet.
Foreign
currency translation
The
reporting currency of the Company is the US dollar. The Company uses its local
currency, Peruvian Nuevos Soles (“PEN”) as its functional currency. Such
financial statements were translated into U.S. Dollars (“USD”) in accordance
with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation,” with the PEN as the functional
currency. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rates
prevailing at the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments resulting from
this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the
consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses
that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a
currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of
operations as incurred.
The
Company recorded translation gains of $77,251 and $139,590 for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2008. The Company recorded zero translation
gains for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and for the period from
February 27, 2007 (date of inception) to September 30, 2007. Translation
adjustments included in the balance sheets were $153,611 and $14,021 at
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Asset and liability
amounts at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were translated at 2.977
and
2.997 PEN to $1.00 USD, respectively. Equity accounts were stated at their
historical rates. The average translation rate applied to the statement of
operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 2.884 PEN to $1.00
USD. Cash flows are also translated at average translation rates for the period;
therefore, amounts reported on the statement of cash flows will not necessarily
agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the consolidated balance
sheets.
Note
2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use
of
estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of
assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities
at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could materially differ
from these estimates.
Cash
and cash equivalents
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible
into cash, with original maturities of three months or less when purchased,
to
be cash and cash equivalents.
Concentration
of credit risk
Cash
includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained within Peru
and
the United States. The Company maintains balances at financial institutions
which, from time to time, may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
insured limits for the banks located in the United States. Balances at financial
institutions within Peru are not covered by insurance. As of September 30,
2008
and December 31, 2007, the Company had deposits in excess of federally-insured
limits totaling $3,338,071 and $3,403,946, respectively. The Company has not
experienced any losses on cash and cash equivalents.
8
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The
Company extends credit based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial
condition, generally without collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables
is
principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition. The Company
monitors its exposure for credit losses and maintains allowances for anticipated
losses, as required.
VAT
receivable
At
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company recognized a VAT (value
added tax) receivable of $1,212,190 and $899,567, respectively, in Peru. VAT
is
charged at a standard rate of 19% and the Company obtains income tax credits
for
VAT paid in connection with the purchase of capital equipment and other goods
and services employed in its operations. The Company is entitled to use the
credits against its Peruvian income tax liability or to receive a refund credit
against VAT payable or sales. As the Company does not anticipate incurring
either a Peruvian tax or a VAT liability during the next fiscal year, the
receivable is classified as noncurrent.
Plant
and equipment
Plant
and
equipment are stated at historical cost and are depreciated using the
straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 10
years. The useful life and depreciation method are reviewed periodically to
ensure that the depreciation method and period are consistent with the
anticipated pattern of future economic benefits. Expenditures for maintenance
and repairs are charged to operations as incurred while renewals and betterments
are capitalized. Gains and losses on disposals are included in the results
of
operations.
Impairment
of long-lived assets
The
Company follows the guidance of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), which addresses financial
accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.
The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets
to be
held and used in accordance with SFAS 144. SFAS 144 requires impairment losses
to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indications of
impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated
by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. In that event, a
loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds
the
fair market value of the long-lived assets. Loss on long-lived assets to be
disposed of is determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values
are reduced for the cost of disposal. The Company believes that as of September
30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, there were no significant impairments of its
long-lived assets.
Income
taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting
for Income Taxes.” SFAS 109 requires a company to use the asset and liability
method of accounting for income taxes, whereby deferred tax assets are
recognized for deductible temporary differences, and deferred tax liabilities
are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are
the
differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their
tax
bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the
opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all
of
the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on
the
date of enactment. The income tax rate applicable to Peruvian companies is
30%.
If the Company distributes its earnings fully or partially, it shall apply
an
additional rate of 4.1% on the distributed amount, which will be borne by the
shareholders, as long as they are individuals or companies non-domiciled in
Peru. The 4.1% tax will be borne by the Company and will apply on any amount
or
payment in kind subject to income tax that may represent an indirect disposition
not subject to subsequent tax control, including amounts charged to expenses
and
undeclared revenues. From January 1, 2007, the taxpayer must liquidate and
pay
the 4.1% tax directly together with its monthly obligations without the
requirement of a previous tax audit by the Tax Administration of Peru.
9
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The
Company adopted FASB Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty
in Income Taxes,” during 2007. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if
it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax
examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount
recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely
of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely
than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The adoption of FIN 48 had no affect
on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Basic
and Diluted Losses per share
The
Company reports earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings
per Share.” Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income by
the weighted average number of common shares available. Diluted earnings per
share is computed similar to basic earnings per share except that the
denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares
that
would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued
and
if the additional common shares were dilutive. All preferred shares, warrants,
and options were excluded from the diluted loss per share due to the
anti-dilutive effect.
Accrued
warrant liability and accrued beneficial conversion feature
Pursuant
to Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 00-19, “Accounting for Derivative
Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own
Stock”, the Company has recorded the fair value of all outstanding warrants as
an accrued warrant liability since the Company’s convertible promissory
notes are convertible into an undetermined number of shares of common
stock. As a result, the Company may not have enough authorized shares to satisfy
the exercise of its outstanding warrants. In addition, the fair value of the
beneficial conversion feature associated with the convertible promissory notes
is recorded as an accrued beneficial conversion liability.
Fair
value of financial instruments
On
January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.”
SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy
for disclosures of fair value measurement, and enhances disclosures requirements
for fair value measures. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated
balance sheets for receivables and current liabilities each qualify as financial
instruments and are a reasonable estimate of their fair values because of the
short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their
expected realization and their current market rate of interest. The three levels
of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:
·
|
Level
1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted)
for
identical assets or liabilities in active
markets.
|
·
|
Level
2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar
assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable
for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for
substantially the full term of the financial
instrument.
|
·
|
Level
3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant
to
the fair value measurement.
|
The
Company analyzes all financial instruments with features of both liabilities
and
equity under SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with
Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity,” SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and EITF 00-19.
The
Company’s beneficial conversion liability is carried at fair value totaling $0
and $250,938, as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
The
beneficial conversion feature was reclassified to equity on September 18, 2008
(See “Reclassification of Beneficial Conversion Feature” in Note 6). The Company
carries its warrants at fair value totaling $5,037,502 and $1,164,501 as of
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The Company used Level
2
inputs for its valuation methodology for the beneficial conversion liability,
and warrant liability, and their fair values were determined by using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model based on various assumptions.
10
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
|
Fair Value
As of
September 30, 2008
|
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2008
Using Fair Value Hierarchy
|
|||||||||||
Liabilities
|
|
Level
1
|
Level
2
|
Level
3
|
|||||||||
Warrant
liability
|
$
|
5,037,502
|
|
$
|
5,037,502
|
|
The
Company recognized a gain of $238,270 and $511,926, on the beneficial conversion
liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
The Company recognized a loss of $1,460,928 and $974,011 on the warrant
liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
The
Company did not identify any other non-recurring assets and liabilities that
are
required to be presented on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value in
accordance with SFAS No. 157.
Recently
issued accounting pronouncements
In
December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or (“FASB”) issued SFAS
No. 141 (Revised 2007 (“SFAS 141R”)), “Business Combinations.” SFAS 141R
changes how a reporting enterprise accounts for the acquisition of a business.
Also, SFAS 141R requires an acquiring entity to recognize all the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair
value, with limited exceptions, and applies to a wider range of transactions
or
events. SFAS 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008 and early adoption and retrospective application is
prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS
141R
on its consolidated financial statements.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 (“SFAS 160”), “Noncontrolling
Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements,” which is an amendment of
Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51. SFAS 160 clarifies that
a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the
consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated
financial statements. This statement changes the way the consolidated
income statement is presented, thus requiring consolidated net income to be
reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both parent and
the
noncontrolling interest. This statement is effective for the fiscal
years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of
SFAS 160 will have a significant impact on its consolidated results of
operations or consolidated financial position.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option
for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 permits entities to
choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value.
Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been
elected are reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning
of
an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company
adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, and the Company chose not to elect the
option to measure the fair value of eligible financial assets and liabilities.
In
June
2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. EITF 07-3, “Accounting for
Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for use in Future
Research and Development Activities” (“FSP EITF 07-3”), which addresses whether
nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services that used or rendered
for
research and development activities should be expensed when the advance payment
is made or when the research and development activity has been performed.
Management is currently evaluating the effect of FSP EITF 07-3 on its
consolidated financial statements.
11
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
In
June
2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 07-5 “Determining whether an Instrument (or
Embedded Feature) is indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (“EITF 07-5”). EITF 07-5
is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early
application is not permitted. Paragraph 11(a) of SFAS No. 133 specifies that
a
contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative but is both
(a) indexed to the Company’s own stock and (b) classified in
stockholders’ equity in the statement of financial position would not be
considered a derivative financial instrument. EITF 07-5 provides a new two-step
model to be applied in determining whether a financial instrument or an embedded
feature is indexed to an issuer’s own stock and thus able to qualify for the
SFAS 133 paragraph 11(a) scope exception. The Company believes adopting this
statement will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements
because among other things, any option or warrant previously issued and all
new
issuances denominated in US dollars will be required to be carried as a
liability and marked to market each reporting period.
In
April
2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 142-3 “Determination of the useful life of
Intangible Assets,” which amends the factors a company should consider when
developing renewal assumptions used to determine the useful life of an
intangible asset. FSP SFAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within
those fiscal years. SFAS 142 requires companies to consider whether renewal
can
be completed without substantial cost or material modification of the existing
terms and conditions associated with the asset. FSP SFAS 142-3 replaces the
previous useful life criteria with a new requirement—that an entity consider its
own historical experience in renewing similar arrangements. If historical
experience does not exist, then the Company would consider market participant
assumptions regarding renewal including 1) highest and best use of the asset
by
a market participant, and 2) adjustments for other entity-specific factors
included in SFAS 142. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that
adopting FSP SFAS No.142-3 will have on its consolidated financial
statements.
In
June
2008, FASB issued EITF Issue No. 08-4, “Transition Guidance for Conforming
Changes to Issue No. 98-5 (“EITF No. 08-4”).” The objective of EITF No.08-4
is to provide transition guidance for conforming changes made to EITF No. 98-5,
“Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or
Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios,” that result from EITF No. 00-27
“Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments,” and SFAS No.
150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both
Liabilities and Equity.” This Issue is effective for financial statements issued
for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Early application is
permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of
EITF No. 08-4 on the accounting for the convertible notes and related warrants
transactions.
On
October 10, 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a
Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active,” which clarifies
the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an
example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a
financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP
157-3 became effective on October 10, 2008, and its adoption did not have a
material impact on the financial position or results for the quarter ended
September 30, 2008.
Note
3 - Development Stage Company and Going Concern
The
Company is a new development stage company and is subject to risks and
uncertainties that include: new product development, actions of competitors,
reliance on the knowledge and skills of its employees to be able to service
customers, and availability of sufficient capital and a limited operating
history. Accordingly, the Company presents its consolidated financial statements
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America that apply in establishing new operating enterprises. As a
development stage enterprise, the Company discloses the deficit accumulated
during the development stage and the consolidated accumulated statements of
operations and cash flows from inception of the development stage to the date
on
the current balance sheet. Contingencies exist with respect to this matter,
the
ultimate resolution of which cannot presently be determined.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America,
which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern. However,
the
Company has not generated any operating revenues and has working capital
deficits, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company
recorded a loss of $10,394,866 and as of September 30, 2008, the Company has
a
deficit accumulated during the development state of $11,982,123.
12
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
In
view
of these matters, realization of certain of the assets in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets is dependent upon continued operations of the
Company, which in turn is dependent upon the Company’s ability to meet its
financial requirements, raise additional capital, and the success of its future
operations.
In
the
nine months ended September 30, 2008, management raised approximately $11.9
million in debt and equity capital and is attempting to raise additional debt
and equity capital. Management believes that this plan provides an opportunity
for the Company to continue as a going concern.
Note
4 - Plant and Equipment
Plant
and
equipment consist of the following:
Description
|
September 30, 2008
|
December 31, 2007
|
|||||
Sugar
plant
|
$
|
4,612,086
|
$
|
4,552,247
|
|||
Buildings
|
62,075
|
-
|
|||||
Computer
equipment and software
|
175,773
|
48,439
|
|||||
Other
|
31,837
|
2,416
|
|||||
4,881,771
|
4,603,102
|
||||||
Accumulated
depreciation
|
(21,831
|
) |
(2,179
|
) | |||
Plant
and equipment, net
|
$
|
4,859,940
|
$
|
4,600,923
|
Depreciation
expense amounted to $7,699 and $19,652 for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2008, respectively. Due to significant modifications to the
sugar plant, the plant is currently not in service and is not being depreciated.
During
the nine month period ended September 30, 2008, the Company made initial
payments of $376,665 to unaffiliated third parties towards the acquisition
of
rights to both agricultural and industrial land.
Note
5 - Stockholders’ Equity
Private
Placement of Common Stock
From
October 8, 2007 to June 26, 2008 the Company conducted a private placement
of
its securities, or Private Placement. Pursuant to this Private Placement, on
November 14, 2007, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,666,794 shares of common
stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,333,396 shares of common stock.
The issuance of 2,666,794 shares of common stock has been included as a
component in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.
The aggregate gross proceeds raised by the Company in connection with the
Private Placement were $1,866,760. Each share of common stock was sold to
investors at $0.70 per share. The fair value of the warrants amounted to
$352,268. The fair value was computed using the Black-Scholes model under the
following assumptions: (1) expected life of 1 year; (2) volatility of 100%;
and
(3) risk free interest of 5.0%. The warrants expire after five (5) years from
the date of issuance and are exercisable at $0.75 per share, subject to
adjustment in certain circumstances.
On
March
7, 2008, the Company received proceeds of $1,587,447 from the Private Placement.
Pursuant to this financing, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,267,782 shares
of common stock at a purchase price of $0.70 per share and warrants to purchase
an aggregate of 1,133,888 shares of common stock with an exercise price of
$0.75
per share. The fair value of the warrants amounted to $294,360. The fair value
was computed using the Black-Scholes model under the following assumptions:
(1)
expected life of 1 year; (2) volatility of 100%; and (3) risk free interest
of
3.0%. The warrants expire after five (5) years from the date of issuance and
are
exercisable at $0.75 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
On
June
26, 2008, the Company received proceeds of $100,000 from the Private Placement,
pursuant to which it issued an aggregate of 142,857 shares of common stock
at a
purchase price of $0.70 per share and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
71,428 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The
fair value of the warrants amounted to $37,488. The fair value was computed
using the Black-Scholes model under the following assumptions: (1) expected
life
of 2.5 years; (2) volatility of 100%; and (3) risk free interest of 3.44%.
The
warrants expire after five (5) years from the date of issuance and are
exercisable at $0.75 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
13
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Series
A Preferred Stock Private Placements
On
November 14, 2007 the Company completed a Series A Private Placement, or Series
A Private Placement, pursuant to which we issued to MA Green 7,142,857 shares
of
Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 1,785,714 shares of common
stock. The issuance of 7,142,857 shares of Preferred Stock has been included
as
a component in the accompanying statements of stockholders’ equity. The gross
proceeds raised by the Company in connection with the Series A Private Placement
were $5,000,000. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock was sold at $0.70 per
share. The warrants expire five (5) years from the date of issuance and are
exercisable at $0.75 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
The Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Steven Magami, is the manager
of MA Green.
The
fair
value of the 1,785,714 warrants issued with the Series A Private Placement
was
$471,765. The fair value was computed using the Black-Scholes model under the
following assumptions: (1) expected life of 1 year; (2) volatility of 100%,
(3)
risk free interest of 5.0% and (4) dividend rate of 0%. In addition, since
this
convertible preferred stock is convertible into shares of common stock at a
one
to one ratio, an embedded beneficial conversion feature was recorded as a
discount to additional paid in capital in accordance with Emerging Issues Task
Force No. 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible
Instruments.” The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature was
$471,765. The beneficial conversion feature is considered a deemed dividend,
however, since the Company has an accumulated deficit there would be no effect
on the consolidated stockholders’ equity.
Subsequent
to September 30, 2008, the Company issued 829,081 shares of common stock as
part
of the cashless exercise of MA Green’s 1,785,714 warrants.
On
April
18, 2008, the Company completed a private placement of our Series A Preferred
Stock, or the Grey K Private Placement to three accredited investors, Grey
K LP,
a Delaware limited partnership, Grey K Offshore Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands
exempt company, and Grey K Offshore Leveraged Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands
exempt company, collectively referred to herein as “Grey K”, consisting of the
sale of an aggregate of 1,428,572 shares of Series A preferred stock at a
purchase price of $0.70 per share, which are convertible into shares of the
Company’s common stock. Grey K also received warrants to purchase up to an
aggregate of 357,143 shares of common stock. The warrants have a five-year
term
and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The purchasers were also granted
certain demand and piggyback rights with respect to the shares of common stock
underlying the Series A preferred stock and the warrants. In connection with
the
Grey K Private Placement, the Company received gross proceeds of $1,000,000,
less a funding fee paid to Grey K equal to 2% of the purchase price paid and
other expenses.
The
fair
value of the 357,143 warrants issued with the Grey K Private Placement was
$142,166. The fair value was computed using the Black-Scholes model under the
following assumptions: (1) expected life of 2.5 years; (2) volatility of 100%,
(3) risk free interest of 2.35% and (4) dividend rate of 0%. In addition, since
this convertible preferred stock is convertible into shares of common stock
at a
one to one ratio an embedded beneficial conversion feature was recorded as
a
discount to additional paid in capital in accordance with EITF No. 00-27,
“Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments.” The
intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature was $145,854. The
beneficial conversion feature is considered a deemed dividend, however, since
the Company has an accumulated deficit, there would be no effect on the
consolidated stockholders’ equity.
14
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Warrants
The
following is a summary of the warrant activity:
Outstanding
at December 31, 2007
|
4,739,968
|
|||
Granted
|
6,069,180
|
|||
Forfeited
|
-
|
|||
Exercised
|
(595,713
|
) | ||
Outstanding
at September 30, 2008 (unaudited)
|
10,213,435
|
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company issued 325,763 shares
of
common stock for the cashless exercise of 595,713 warrants.
Following
is a summary of the status of warrants outstanding at September 30,
2008:
|
|
Outstanding Warrants
|
Exercisable Warrants
|
|||||||||||
Average
|
Average
|
Average
|
||||||||||||
Exercise
|
Remaining
|
Remaining
|
||||||||||||
Price
|
Warrants
|
Contractual Life
|
Warrants
|
Contractual Life
|
|
|||||||||
$
|
0.70
|
750,000
|
4.14
|
666,667
|
4.14
|
|||||||||
$
|
0.75
|
9,028,143
|
4.31
|
6,278,143
|
4.07
|
|||||||||
$
|
0.85
|
435,292
|
4.70
|
435,292
|
4.70
|
|||||||||
Total |
10,213,435
|
7,380,102
|
Note
6 - Convertible Promissory Notes
Bridge
Financing
On
November 14, 2007, the Company entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase
Agreement, or Bridge Financing, with investors and issued an aggregate of
$3,048,000 in convertible promissory notes and warrants to purchase an aggregate
of 870,858 shares of common stock. The convertible promissory notes issued
in
connection with the Bridge Financing bear interest at 10% per annum. The bridge
note holders received one (1) warrant to purchase one (1) share of common stock,
at an exercise price of $0.75 per share, for every $3.50 invested in the Company
in connection with the Bridge Financing. The aggregate gross proceeds raised
by
the Company in connection with the Bridge Financing were approximately $3.0
million. The warrants will expire three (3) years from the closing date of
Bridge Financing.
Further,
upon the earlier to occur of (i) three (3) months from the closing date of
the
Bridge Financing (the “Maturity Date”), and (ii) the consummation of a private
investment in a public entity financing with institutional investors for at
least $25 million, net of offering expenses, or the PIPE, the bridge note
holders are entitled to repayment (in cash or in common stock) equal to 25%
to
30% in excess of the principal and accrued interest then due and outstanding
under the terms of the notes, or the Repayment Amount. The bridge note holders
entitled to a Repayment Amount of 25% in excess of the principal and accrued
interest due under the terms of the notes will receive a 5% origination fee
as
consideration for making loans to the Company. The bridge note holders entitled
to a Repayment Amount of 30% in excess of the principal and accrued interest
due
under the terms of the notes will not be entitled to an origination fee. Upon
the earlier to occur of the Maturity Date or the consummation of the PIPE,
the
bridge note holders will have the right to convert (in whole or in part) 110%
of
the Repayment Amount into shares of common stock of the Company at the fair
market value of each share of common stock, or at the price per share of common
stock sold to investors in the PIPE, as the case may be.
15
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
In
accordance with EITF 00-19, these convertible promissory notes do not meet
the
definition of a “conventional convertible debt instrument” since the debt is not
convertible into a fixed number of shares. The debt can be converted into
common stock at a conversion price that is a percentage of the market price.
Therefore, the number of shares that could be required to be delivered upon
“net-share settlement” is essentially indeterminate. As such, the convertible
promissory notes are considered “non-conventional,” and the detachable warrants
and the conversion feature are bifurcated from the debt and shown as a separate
derivative liability.
A
portion
of the $3,048,000 proceeds from the convertible promissory notes were allocated
to the detachable warrants. The fair value of the 870,858 warrants issued in
connection with this transaction was $229,748. The fair value was determined
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following
assumptions: term of 1 year, a risk free interest rate
of 5.0%, a dividend yield of 0% and volatility of 100%. In addition,
the fair value of the beneficial conversion feature associated with the
convertible promissory notes was $874,990. Both the value assigned to the
warrants ($229,748) and the beneficial conversion feature ($874,990) is recorded
as debt discounts and will be amortized over the terms of the convertible
promissory notes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company
amortized $552,369 of the aforesaid debt discounts as other expense in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company made principal re-payments
in the total amount of $2,798,000 towards the $3,048,000 convertible promissory
notes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company paid $620,135
related to the interest and premium. For the nine months ended September 30,
2008, the Company issued 357,143 shares of common stock in the Company for
the
principal conversion of $250,000, issued 703,407 shares of common stock in
the
Company for the conversion of interest and premium of $492,385, and issued
106,055 shares of common stock in the Company for the 10% share conversion
premium of $74,239. As of September 30, 2008, all principal, interest and
premium have been paid. Total interest and premium expense for the nine months
ended September 30, 2008 amounted to $475,166.
Reclassification
of Beneficial Conversion Feature
In
September 2008, the Company reclassified the beneficial conversion feature
of
$3,686,052 from liability to equity. The reclassification was due to the Company
repaying all of the outstanding principal, interest and premiums of the
$3,048,000 convertible note. These convertible promissory notes did not meet
the
definition of a “conventional convertible debt instrument” since the debt was
not convertible into a fixed number of shares. Therefore, these convertible
promissory notes and all other convertible promissory notes were considered
“non-conventional,” and the detachable warrants and the conversion features were
bifurcated from the debt and shown as a separate derivative liability. Because
the convertible promissory notes were fully paid in September 2008, the Company
is no longer required to show the conversion feature as a derivative liability.
The Company valued the beneficial conversion features for all convertible
promissory notes on the date that the final payment of principal and interest
was made on the $3,048,000 Bridge Financing and reclassified the value of the
conversion features to additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance
sheets.
On
October 18, 2007, Stratos Peru, entered into an asset purchase agreement, or
the
Asset Purchase Agreement, and an escrow agreement, or the Escrow Agreement,
with
Gabinete Técnico de Cobranzas S.A.C., a Peruvian corporation, or Gabinete,
pursuant to which Stratos Peru acquired certain assets and rights from Gabinete
relating to the Estrella del Norte sugar mill located in the province of Chepen,
Peru. Stratos Peru paid approximately $4.5 million plus a value added tax of
19%
to acquire the sugar mill. Of the purchase price, Stratos Peru held back
$350,000, or the Holdback, representing approximately 7.74% of the purchase
price, which was placed into an escrow contingencies account with Banco
Continental in Lima, Peru, or the Escrow Account.
On
July
1, 2008, Stratos Peru and the Company agreed to release the Holdback to the
Company, subsequent to which the Company issued Gabinete an unsecured
convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $350,000, for the Company
to use as working capital. The parties have also terminated the Escrow Agreement
in order to transfer the funds from the Escrow Account to the Company as
consideration for the note. If any liability issues arise with respect to the
sugar mill, the amount will be offset from or against amounts payable by the
Company to Gabinete under the note.
16
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The
note
will mature on October 30, 2009, and bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum,
payable at the maturity date. Gabinete has the option to convert 110% of the
repayment amount into units of the Company at $0.70 per unit, with each unit
consisting of (i) one share of common stock and (ii) one half of a warrant
to
purchase a share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per
share, with a five-year term and cashless exercise provision.
The
fair
value of the beneficial conversion feature associated with the convertible
promissory note was $205,503 which is recorded as debt discounts and will be
amortized over the terms of the convertible promissory note.
Convertible
Note Financing
In
the
nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company issued unsecured convertible
promissory notes in the principal amount of $1,850,000, and warrants to purchase
up to 435,292 shares of common stock of the Company, to unaffiliated third
party
investors. The Company received gross proceeds of $1,850,000, less fees of
$47,500 of the purchase price paid and other expenses. The notes mature at
various times between November 23, 2008 and January 1, 2009 and bear interest
at
the rate of 12% per annum, payable in full at maturity. If at least $25 million
is not raised by the Company on or before the applicable maturity date, the
Company will have an additional 3 months (extending the maturity date) to repay
the note holders in full before the notes are in default. If the notes are
not
paid on or before the applicable maturity date, the Company will pay the
interest rate plus 2% per annum and increasing by 2% per annum each 30 days
thereafter until the extended maturity date, provided that in no event will
the
annual interest rate exceed 18%. The note holders will be entitled to receive
115% of the sum of the original principal and accumulated interest, if the
note
holders choose to be repaid in cash on the maturity date. The note holders
will
have the option to convert 110% of the repayment amount into shares of common
stock at $0.70 per share. The note holders will also be paid a monitoring fee
of
5% of the original principal amount of the note. If the note is not paid on
or
before the maturity date (as extended), the Company will issue to the note
holders shares of the common stock equal to 5% of the then unpaid portion of
the
original principal amount divided by $0.85, on each of the dates that are 7,
8
and 9 months from the date of issuance. The warrants expire 5 years from their
various dates of issuance, and have an exercise price of $0.85 per share. They
also contain a cashless exercise provision.
A
portion
of the $1,850,000 proceeds from the convertible promissory notes were allocated
to the detachable warrants. The fair value of the 435,292 warrants issued in
connection with this transaction was $181,420. The fair value was determined
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following
assumptions: term of 5 years, a risk free interest rate ranging
between 2.73% through 3.42%, a dividend yield of 0% and volatility
of 100%.
In
addition, the fair value of the beneficial conversion feature associated with
the convertible promissory notes was $592,169. Both the value assigned to the
warrants ($181,420) and the beneficial conversion feature ($592,169) are
recorded as debt discounts and will be amortized over the terms of the
convertible promissory notes.
Issuance
of $2,000,000 Secured Convertible Promissory Note
On
July
25, 2008, the Company completed a financing pursuant to which the Company issued
a secured convertible promissory note, in the principal amount of $2,000,000,
and warrants to purchase up to 714,286 shares of common stock of the Company,
to
Whitebox Hedged High Yield Partners, LP, a British Virgin Islands limited
partnership. The Company received gross proceeds of $2,000,000, less fees of
10%
of the purchase price paid and other expenses. The Company is using the proceeds
as working capital. The note matures on December 31, 2009 or if the note holder
elects to accelerate the maturity date, July 23, 2009. The note bears interest
at the rate of 12% per annum, payable in full at the maturity date.
So
long
as any principal or interest remains outstanding under the note, the note holder
will have the right to participate in debt or equity financings undertaken
by
the Company, up to a maximum of 25% of the amounts raised by the Company in
any
such financing, on the same terms as the other participants of such financing.
17
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The
note
may be prepaid by the Company in whole but not in part from time to time. If
the
note is prepaid by the Company more than 30 days prior to the maturity date,
the
Company has agreed to pay the note holder a prepayment fee equal to 25% of
the
sum of the principal amount of the note and all accrued and unpaid interest.
The
note holder will have the option to convert all of the unpaid principal and
accrued and unpaid interest on the note plus any prepayment fee, if applicable,
into shares of common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $0.70 per
share. Under certain circumstances, such as in the event of the sale of
securities of the Company at a price less than $0.70 per share, the conversion
price will be subject to adjustment. Upon the occurrence of any event of
default, in addition to all amounts owing to the note holder under the note
becoming due and payable in full, the Company will pay to the note holder an
additional sum of $100,000.
The
warrants have a five-year term and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The
warrants also contain certain provisions for the adjustment of the exercise
price in the event that during the term of the warrants, the Company sells
securities below the current exercise price of $0.75. This could result in
an
exercise price of less than $0.75 per share. The warrants also contain a
cashless exercise provision.
The
Company has also agreed to provide the note holder with piggyback registration
rights, pursuant to which the Company will use its best efforts to register
the
shares issuable upon the conversion of the note and the exercise of the warrants
in the event that it proposes to register any of its securities under the
Securities Act of 1933, prior to July 25, 2010.
The
note
is secured by 100% of the shares owned by the Company in its wholly owned U.S.
subsidiary and its two Peruvian subsidiaries.
A
portion
of the $2,000,000 proceeds from the convertible promissory notes were allocated
to the detachable warrants. The fair value of the 714,286 warrants issued in
connection with this transaction was $373,529. The fair value was determined
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following
assumptions: term of 5 years, a risk free interest rate of
3.01%, a dividend yield of 0% and volatility of 100%.
In
addition, the fair value of the beneficial conversion feature associated with
the convertible promissory notes was $922,914. Both the value assigned to the
warrants ($373,529) and the beneficial conversion feature ($911,914) is recorded
as debt discounts and will be amortized over the terms of the convertible
promissory note.
Issuance
of $5,000,000 Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note
On
August
27, 2008, the Company completed a financing pursuant to which the Company issued
an unsecured convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $5,000,000,
and warrants to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of common stock of the Company,
to an unaffiliated accredited investor. The Company received gross proceeds
of
$5,000,000, less placement fees of 10% of the principal amount of the note
and
other expenses. In connection with this financing, the Company also issued
warrants to purchase 357,143 shares of common stock of the Company to a finder.
The warrants were valued at $186,747 using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model and are included in the debt issuance costs on the accompanying
consolidated financial statements. The Company is using the proceeds as working
capital. The note matures on December 31, 2009, or if the note holder elects
to
accelerate the maturity date, July 23, 2009. The note bears interest at the
rate
of 10% per annum, payable in full at the maturity date.
The
note
may be prepaid by the Company in whole, but not in part, from time to time.
If
the note is prepaid by the Company more than 30 days prior to the maturity
date,
the Company has agreed to pay the note holder a prepayment fee equal to 15%
of
the sum of the principal amount of the note and all accrued and unpaid interest.
Upon the occurrence of any event of default, all amounts owing to the note
holder under the note become due and payable in full.
At
any
time prior to payment in full of the note, the note holder has the option to
convert any or all of the unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest
on
the note plus any prepayment fee, if applicable, into shares of common stock
of
the Company at a conversion price of $0.70 per share. Under certain
circumstances, such as in the event of the sale of securities of the Company
at
a price less than $0.70 per share, the conversion price will be subject to
adjustment.
18
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
So
long
as the note is outstanding, the Company and its subsidiaries are restricted
from
incurring certain items of debt without the prior written consent of the holders
a majority of the then outstanding aggregate unpaid principal amount of the
note
(plus any other additional notes of the same series which may be issued in
the
future, if at all, in the aggregate amount of up to $10,000,000).
The
warrants may be exercised at any time from and after the date commencing
February 27, 2009, and through and including August 27, 2013. The warrants
have
an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The warrants also contain certain
provisions for the adjustment of the exercise price in the event that during
the
term of the warrants, the Company sells securities below the stated conversion
price of the note. This could result in an exercise price of less than $0.75
per
share. The warrants also contain a cashless exercise provision.
The
Company has also agreed to provide piggyback registration rights with respect
to
the shares to be issued upon conversion, pursuant to which the Company will
use
its best efforts to register such shares in the event that it proposes to
register any of its securities under the Securities Act.
A
portion
of the $5,000,000 proceeds from the convertible promissory notes were allocated
to the detachable warrants. The fair value of the 2,500,000 warrants issued
in
connection with this transaction was $1,307,225. The fair value was determined
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following
assumptions: term of 5 years, a risk free interest rate of
3.02%, a dividend yield of 0% and volatility of 100%.
In
addition the fair value of the beneficial conversion feature associated with
the
convertible promissory notes was $2,226,455. Both the value assigned to the
warrants ($1,307,225) and the beneficial conversion feature ($2,226,455) is
recorded as debt discounts and will be amortized over the terms of the
convertible promissory note.
For
the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company amortized $962,665
and $1,670,923, respectively, of the aforesaid debt discounts and debt issuance
costs as other expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations.
The
Company has recorded interest expense of $341,080 and $889,133 for the three
and
nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
A
summary
of the convertible promissory notes and related discounts is below:
Unsecured
|
Secured
|
||||||||||||
Description
|
Bridge Financing
|
Convertible Notes
|
Convertible Notes
|
Combined
|
|||||||||
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Balance
at December 31, 2007
|
$
|
3,048,000
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
3,048,000
|
||||||
Debt
discounts
|
(552,369
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
(552,369
|
)
|
|||||||
Balance
at December 31, 2007, net
|
2,495,631
|
-
|
-
|
2,495,631
|
|||||||||
Payments
made
|
(2,798,000
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
(2,798,000
|
)
|
|||||||
Amortization
of debt discount
|
552,369
|
-
|
-
|
552,369
|
|||||||||
Conversion
of notes for shares
|
(250,000
|
) |
-
|
-
|
(250,000
|
)
|
|||||||
Issuance
of additional notes
|
-
|
7,200,000
|
2,000,000
|
9,200,000
|
|||||||||
Debt
discounts
|
-
|
(3,762,460
|
)
|
(1,130,676
|
)
|
(4,893,136
|
)
|
||||||
Balance
at September 30, 2008, net (unaudited)
|
-
|
3,437,540
|
869,324
|
4,306,864
|
|||||||||
Less
current portion
|
-
|
1,543,550
|
-
|
1,543,550
|
|||||||||
Long-term
portion
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
1,893,990
|
$
|
869,324
|
$
|
2,763,314
|
Note
7 - Intercompany Promissory Note
In
connection with the Share Exchange, the Company agreed to lend Stratos Peru
$5.5
million pursuant to the terms of a Promissory Note, dated as of November 14,
2007 (the “Promissory Note”). The Promissory Note is unsecured, bears interest
at a rate of 4.39% compounded annually, and must be repaid in full on or before
November 14, 2014. The agreement was amended which ceased the accrual of
interest as of January 1, 2008. As of September, 2008 and December 31, 2007
there is $30,181 of accrued interest. This amount has been eliminated in
consolidation.
19
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note
8 - Income taxes
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes
and
the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company has incurred net operating
losses in Peru and the United States for income tax purposes for the nine months
ended September 30, 2008. The net operating loss carry forwards amounted to
$4,164,432 and $4,788,789 for Peru and the United States, respectively, which
may be available to reduce future years’ taxable income. These carry forwards
will expire, if not utilized through 2012 and 2028 for Peru and the United
States, respectively. Management believes that the realization of the benefits
from these losses appears uncertain due to the Company’s limited operating
history and continuing losses for United States income tax purposes.
Accordingly, the Company has provided a 100% valuation allowance on the deferred
tax asset benefit to reduce the asset to zero. The net change in the valuation
allowance for the period ended September 30, 2008 was an increase of $2,923,428.
Management will review this valuation allowance periodically and make
adjustments as warranted.
Significant
components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30,
2008 are as follows:
Peru
|
U.S.
|
Total
|
||||||||
Deferred
tax assets (liabilities):
|
||||||||||
Net
operating loss carryforwards
|
$
|
4,164,432
|
$
|
4,788,789
|
$
|
8,953,221
|
||||
Deferred
tax assets, net
|
1,249,330
|
2,051,497
|
3,300,827
|
|||||||
Valuation
allowance
|
(1,249,330
|
)
|
(2,051,497
|
)
|
(3,300,827
|
)
|
||||
Net
deferred tax assets
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|
Peru
|
U.S.
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
Statutory
income tax rate
|
30
|
%
|
43
|
%
|
|||
|
|
|
|||||
Valuation
allowance
|
(30
|
)%
|
(43
|
)%
|
|||
|
|
|
|||||
Effective
income tax rate
|
0
|
%
|
0
|
%
|
Note
9 - Commitments and contingencies
The
Company entered into a four year lease agreement for office space in Lima,
Peru,
for monthly payments of $6,179. The lease began in January 2008. The Company
recorded rent expense of $18,537 and $55,611 for the three and nine months
ended
September 30, 2008.
Note 10
- Related party transactions
On
March
10, 2008, Stratos Peru entered into a services agreement with Iberocons S.A.
or
Iberocons, pursuant to which Iberocons has conducted a feasibility analysis
of
using desalinated sea water as part of the irrigation process for the Company’s
greenfields. The agreement terminated on April 29, 2008. During the nine months
ended September 30, 2008, the Company paid $33,000 for the services. Iberocons
owns 5% of a third party consulting company, and Antonio Salas, our former
director and Chief Executive Officer, is a 10% owner of Iberocons. Mr. Salas
resigned as our director and Chief Executive Officer on October 3,
2008.
20
Stratos
Renewables Corporation
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
On
January 7, 2008, Stratos Peru entered into a Consulting Services Agreement
with a third party consulting company, or Consultant, pursuant to which the
Consultant agreed to provide consulting services, including updating the use
of
funds for Phase I and structuring a financial model for the simulation of
various scenarios regarding the Company's ethanol production. Mr. Salas owns
95%
of the Consultant and the Chief Executive Officer of the Consultant is the
wife
of Mr. Salas. Mr. Salas was also a former member of the Board of Directors
of
the Consultant. As of September 30, 2008, the Company has paid the
Consultant $150,000 and has accrued approximately $220,000 for services which
have been provided and will be paid subject to an independent
review.
As
discussed in Note 5, the Company completed a Series A Private Placement and
issued to MA Green 7,142,857 shares of Series A preferred stock and warrants
to
purchase 1,785,714 shares of common stock. The gross proceeds raised by the
Company in connection with the Series A Private Placement were $5,000,000.
The
Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Steven Magami, is the manager of
MA Green.
Note
11 - Subsequent Events
Subsequent
to September 30, 2008, the Company issued 829,081 shares of common stock as
part
of the cashless exercise of MA Green’s 1,785,714 warrants.
21
Item
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of
Operation
Certain
statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or the Report, are
“forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements include, but are
not limited to, statements about the plans, objectives, expectations and
intentions of Stratos Renewables Corporation, a Nevada corporation (referred
to
in this Report as “we,” “us,” “our” or “registrant”) and other statements
contained in this Report that are not historical facts. Forward-looking
statements in this Report or hereafter included in other publicly available
documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission,
reports to our stockholders and other publicly available statements issued
or
released by us involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
which could cause our actual results, performance (financial or operating)
or
achievements to differ from the future results, performance (financial or
operating) or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Such future results are based upon management’s best estimates based
upon current conditions and the most recent results of operations. When used
in
this Report, the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,”
“seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify
forward-looking statements, because these forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties. There are important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements, including our plans, objectives, expectations and
intentions and other factors that are discussed under the section entitled
“Risk
Factors,” in this Report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year
ended December 31, 2007.
The
following discussion and analysis summarizes our plan of operation for the
next
twelve months. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with
the
Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation included in our Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2008.
Executive
Overview
We
intend to engage in the business of producing, processing and distributing
sugarcane ethanol in Peru. Ethanol is a renewable energy source that provides
significant economic and environmental benefits when mixed with gasoline and
used as motor fuel. We intend to utilize low-cost, locally grown sugarcane
feedstock and service international markets, with a focus on the U.S., which
allows for tariff-free exports. We intend to eventually produce more than 90%
of
the sugarcane we process, and purchase the remaining 10% from local unaffiliated
third party suppliers. We are executing on a vertically integrated, disciplined,
logistical strategy for production and expansion that eliminates commodity
price
volatility and leads to competitively high yields.
Sugarcane
Ethanol
Sugarcane
ethanol is a clean burning, high-octane biofuel. It is a renewable energy source
and can be grown year after year. Pure ethanol, a grain alcohol produced from
sources such as corn and sugarcane, is not typically used as a replacement
for
gasoline. Rather, anywhere from 10 – 85% ethanol can be integrated into a
gasoline supply to reduce both oil consumption and fuel burning emissions that
contribute to global warming. Sugarcane has become a primary fuel source for
Brazil, a country that is successfully weaned itself from a dependency on
foreign oil. We believe that Peru is capable of growing up to twice the amount
of sugarcane per hectare (ha) than an equivalent operation in Brazil. (1 ha
is
approximately equal to 2.5 acres.) Furthermore, Sugarcane produces up to seven
times per land mass what corn does and sugarcane-based ethanol is currently
the
only biofuel that creates no net carbon dioxide emissions.
Peru
Over
the
last five years, Peru has demonstrated significant exponential foreign direct
investment and gross domestic product growth, adding to its promise as an
attractive location for the cultivation, processing, distribution and use of
alternative fuels. Specifically, Peru’s superior soil and agro-climate
conditions allow for year-round sugarcane harvesting and high yields as water
and nutrient content can be managed using modern irrigation technology. This
compares favorably with uncontrolled climates in other countries where sugarcane
is being cultivated.
22
Land
prices in Peru are a fraction of the prices in developed countries currently
producing other feedstock. Low transportation costs for exporting and
distribution are also available due to coastal access and proximity to the
Pan-American Highway.
Peru
is
consistently ranked one of the highest yield sugarcane producers in the world
based on average yield per hectare. Peru also has a constructive tax, regulatory
and alternative energy-friendly legislative environment. Additionally,
investment-grade credit ratings were recently assigned to Peru’s long-term
foreign and local currency debt.
Megatrends
Driving Large Market Opportunity
Environmental,
geopolitical and economic macroforces are driving the large and underserved
biofuel market. Those forces are generating an increasing interest in the
biofuels that are most efficient in reducing carbon footprints. Current policy
initiatives, if fully implemented, could result in biofuels (mainly ethanol)
displacing up to 5% of the worldwide motor gasoline use by 2010. With regulatory
directives requiring a minimum level of ethanol content in gasoline, many
countries have instituted initiatives including tax incentives and biofuel
blending mandates to accelerate the rate of biofuel production. Currently these
mandates exist in 15 countries at national, regional or state levels – including
California. Peru has mandated that gasoline include 7.8% ethanol by 2010. The
U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates the use of 36 billion gallons of
renewable fuels per year by 2022, and production is currently behind these
mandated levels. With the institution of these initiatives, rural economic
development opportunities are facilitated, stimulating the economies and
communities in which they are produced.
We
believe that ethanol production in particular creates more labor opportunities
than other sources of energy. Sugarcane-based ethanol production enables
countries that have existing sugar industries to produce ethanol – a higher
value-added product rather than relying exclusively on the volatile sugar
commodity market. Brazil is currently the world’s largest producer of sugarcane
ethanol. We believe that we can produce at least 145 tons of sugarcane per
ha
per year, approximately twice the average ha in Brazil. Given Peru’s low cost of
production, free trade agreement with the U.S. and Canada, climatic advantages
and available land, its believed ethanol production in Peru could displace
portions of Brazil’s ethanol export market.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations section discusses our financial statements, which have been prepared
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America. The preparation of the financial statements requires management
to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis,
management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to
revenue recognition, recoverability of intangible assets, and contingencies
and
litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical
experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable
under
the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments
about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent
from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under
different assumptions or conditions. The most significant accounting estimates
inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include estimates as
to
the appropriate carrying value of certain assets and liabilities which are
not
readily apparent from other sources, primarily the valuation of our fixed assets
and the recoverability of our VAT receivable. The methods, estimates and
judgments we use in applying these most critical accounting policies have a
significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements.
Impairment
of long-lived assets
We
follow
the guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” or SFAS 144, which
addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal
of
long-lived assets. We periodically evaluate the carrying value of long-lived
assets to be held and used in accordance with SFAS 144. SFAS 144 requires
impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated
to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. In
that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying
amount exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived assets. Loss on
long-lived assets to be disposed of is determined in a similar manner, except
that fair market values are reduced for the cost of disposal. Based on our
review, we believe that, as of September 30, 2008, there were no significant
impairments of long-lived assets.
23
Plan
of Operations
Overview
This
current report contains forward-looking statements that involve significant
risks and uncertainties. The following discussion, which focuses on our plan
of
operation through the commencement of operations of our plant, consists almost
entirely of forward-looking information and statements. Actual events or results
may differ materially from those indicated or anticipated, as discussed in
the
section entitled “Forward Looking Statements.” This may occur as a result of
many factors, including those set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors.”
We
are an
emerging South American developmental-stage company with plans to develop
ethanol and sugar products through the cultivation, harvesting and processing
of
sugarcane in low cost growing locations. From a strategic value perspective,
our
management believes a geographic focus in Peru will be a key component in
achieving our goals.
We
are
creating long-term sustainable growth with a business model designed to
stimulate the local economy, and we believe that our operations could create
more than 2,000 jobs. There is currently no mass production of ethanol in Peru,
based largely on difficulty in securing the appropriate local land. However,
we
have leveraged our relationships and sound business model to secure extensive
tracts of unutilized land, and we plan to install a drip irrigation system
with
the assistance of a multidisciplinary and experienced land sourcing, and
assessment and hydrological studies team comprised of industry leading
specialists.
Our
business plan consists of two phases. Phase I will primarily be focused on
establishing, expanding and operating our initial ethanol production facilities
and developing our infrastructure. Phase II will primarily be focused on
developing and expanding our operations in strategic locations.
Phase
I
Phase
I
of our business plan is comprised of four components:
·
|
mill
and distillery acquisition, expansion and
modification;
|
·
|
land
sourcing;
|
·
|
field
installment; and
|
·
|
conducting
feasibility studies and generating a business plan for Phase
II.
|
Mill
and
distillery acquisition, expansion and modification
On
October 18, 2007, Stratos Peru entered into an asset purchase agreement with
Gabinete Tecnico de Cobranzas S.A.C., or Gabinete, pursuant to which it acquired
certain assets and rights relating to the Estrella del Norte sugar mill located
in the province of Chepen, Peru, or the Sugar Mill. Stratos Peru paid
approximately $4.5 million plus a value added tax of 19% to acquire the Sugar
Mill. Of the purchase price, we held back $350,000, or the Holdback,
representing approximately 7.74% of the purchase price, into an escrow
contingencies account with Banco Continental in Lima, Peru. The Holdback
was established to protect us in the event Gabinete failed to fulfill certain
tax obligations relating to the equipment for the years 2002 through 2007,
the
equipment was lost or damaged while in transit from Gabinete, the equipment
was
not delivered to us, or certain representations made by Gabinete in the asset
purchase agreement were discovered to be false.
24
On
July
1, 2008, we agreed to release the Holdback, subsequent to which we issued
Gabinete an unsecured convertible promissory note in the principal amount of
$350,000, for the Company to use as working capital. The parties have also
terminated the Escrow Agreement in order to transfer the funds from the Escrow
Account to us as consideration for the note. If any liability issues arise
with
respect to the sugar mill as previously contemplated by the Holdback, the amount
will be offset from or against amounts payable by our Company to Gabinete under
the note.
The
note
will mature on October 30, 2009, and bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum,
payable at the maturity date. Gabinete has the option to convert 110% of the
repayment amount into units of the Company at $0.70 per unit, with each unit
consisting of (i) one share of common stock and (ii) one half of a warrant
to
purchase a share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per
share, with a five-year term and cashless exercise provision.
We
are in
the process of relocating the Sugar Mill and we plan to acquire and install
a
distillery unit to adjoin it for the production of ethanol. Additionally, we
plan to upgrade the Sugar Mill’s capacity to crush sugarcane from 500 tons to
1,100 tons of sugarcane per day. We estimate that we will need a total of $9.6
million in investment and working capital to overhaul, expand and relocate
the
Sugar Mill, acquire the distillery and conduct operations at the mill and
distillery through the third quarter of 2009. We are currently in the site
selection process for the location of the Sugar Mill. This process has taken
longer than anticipated, and there will likely be some delay in the commencement
of operations as a result.
On
December 4, 2007 we entered into an agreement with an advisor to the Company,
for his services in providing us with a plan for us to hire a contractor to
dismantle, repair and overhaul the equipment from the Sugar Mill. He will also
provide us with engineering studies in order to determine the maximum capacity
of sugar cane processing of the Sugar Mill and to establish the process layout
and technical specifications that will be required for new machinery and
equipments.
On
February 27, 2008, Stratos Peru entered into an agreement with Panka S.A.C.
to
provide us with a basic engineering plan and new layout of the Sugar Mill after
the overhauling of the Sugar Mill. Panka S.A.C. has delivered preliminary
reports that identify the machinery standards that would be required for this
process to be successful.
On
March
12, 2008, Stratos Peru entered into an agreement, the CWE Agreement, CWE
Engineering & Supply S.A.C., or CWE, or CWE. The CWE Agreement relates
to the relocation of the Sugar Mill to the Industrial Lot, as described
below, that we have obtained the rights to in the Lambayeque region. Under
the terms of the CWE Agreement, we engaged CWE to clean, remove and disassemble
equipment located at the Sugar Mill. We have agreed to pay CWE a
service fee of approximately $150,000, payable in installments. In
connection with the payment of the service fee, CWE issued two promissory
notes in favor of Stratos Peru, each in the amount of $8,330 pursuant to
which Stratos Peru could collect such amount in the event that CWE did not
complete the project according to the timetable. The Notes had a due date of
May
22, 2008; however, Stratos Peru never exercised its rights under the
Notes. The CWE Agreement terminated on June 9, 2008 and we are negotiating
a new agreement with CWE to complete the project.
Also
on
March 12, 2008, we retained a consultant to provide us with architectural
services relating to the Sugar Mill, including the technical specifications
relating to the architecture of the Sugar Mill and any related property
regulations.
In
March
2008, we began the dismantling of all of the equipment. We anticipate that
the
dismantling will be complete by the first quarter of 2009.
25
After
modifying and expanding the Sugar Mill, we plan to use approximately 40% of
its
capacity to produce raw sugar to be sold in the local wholesale markets, and
60%
of its capacity to produce an estimated 4.8 million gallons of ethanol a year.
Land
Sourcing
The
second component of Phase I will be to secure land for sugarcane production
from
three potential sources: small and medium private land lots; peasant community
land lots; and state owned land lots. The most important factors in locating
land suitable for sugarcane production are water supply, soil composition,
climate, distance from the Sugar Mill and access to roads and other services.
We
plan
to acquire land holdings of at least 48,000 hectares in order to fulfill the
needs of operations in Phase II. On May 3, 2008, we entered into a lease with
an
unaffiliated third party in order to obtain the rights to use 24,000 hectares
of
undeveloped land in Peru, of which 15,000 hectares are plantable land. On
November 8, 2008, we entered into an addendum to this lease which gives us
the
right to plant on all 24,000 of those hectares, rather than just
15,000.
Field
Installment
The
third
component, as part of our main objective to be the market leader in sustainable
low-cost ethanol production, will be to take advantage of our “greenfield”
position to use only sophisticated crop management techniques to ensure maximum
yield with high sucrose and inverted sugar content. We believe that the Peruvian
coast is ideal for these modern farming techniques, as water and nutrient
content can be managed due to the sandy soil and irrigation equipment to be
installed. To ensure the maximum benefit from the genetically cleaned
sugar varieties that we intend to install on our comparatively low-cost land,
significant investment will go into channeling water to the sites from national
irrigation projects and on field irrigation installation with back-up water
supply, and land preparation to ensure the longevity and productivity of the
fields which includes grading, leveling, initial nutrient and organic
material installation, and field layout.
We
plan
to draw water directly from underground aquifers, thereby avoiding difficult
and
often costly and labor-intensive efforts of using canals and/or pipelines.
With
a replenishing supply of water buildup underneath the plantation fields,
feasibility studies have shown that there is ample water supply to support
our
planned operations. Wells will be dug to test the water and determine the best
method for accessing it.
Booker
and Tate has conducted an initial reconnaissance survey of our plant sites
and
is engaged in discussions with us to perform additional services for
us.
26
Conducting
feasibility studies and generating a business plan for Phase II
The
final component of Phase I will initially involve hiring consultants to conduct
a feasibility study based on the information provided by our land sourcing
efforts. The study will focus on generating cost estimates and designs based
on
analyzing the climactic, water, soil, topography and irrigation characteristics
of the properties identified by our land sourcing team. Following the completion
of the feasibility study, we will create a comprehensive business plan for
Phase
II consisting of an overview of the industry, a market analysis, competitive
analysis, marketing plan, management plan and financial plan.
We
have
evaluated a component of our business plan which previously contemplated
breeding our own sugarcane plantlets. In order to reduce the expenditures
associated with establishing a sugarcane seendling nursery, we have decided
to
use existing breeds with effective history results of sugarcane, rather than
genetically engineering the breeds.
Our
goal
is to have all of the components of Phase I completed by the third quarter
of
2009 so that we can begin executing Phase II.
Phase
II
Phase
II
of our business plan will consist of our expansion in strategic locations along
the northern Peruvian coast and the cultivation of our own sugarcane supplies
to
be used for production. In connection with Phase II, we anticipate raising
and
investing funds over an additional $700 million in order to plant sugarcane
on 48,000 hectares of raw land, and acquire and operate a total of four mills
with attached ethanol distilleries, with expandable capacities and distribution
port infrastructure. By the fourth quarter of 2014, it is our goal to be able
to
process a total of 25,000 tons of sugarcane per day, and produce approximately
180 million gallons of anhydrous ethanol annually.
We
expect
to initiate Phase II in 2009. The mill and distillers we plan to establish
in
Phase II will be located in regions that we have selected based on our extensive
research of agro climatic conditions, hydrology, basic services, logistic
supplies and social environment. We plan to establish the four locations in
two
stages.
Stage
One
During
the first stage, which will begin in the fourth quarter of 2009, we plan
to prepare and plant sugarcane on 24,000 hectares of land located
along the northern Peruvian coast, and will conduct the required feasibility
studies for the additional 24,000 hectares of land. We estimate that
the total cost for Stage One will be approximately $400 million.
Stage
Two
During
the second stage, which will begin in the third quarter of 2011, we plan to
plant the second 24,000 hectares of land located along the northern
Peruvian coast. We estimate that the total cost for this stage will be
approximately $355 million.
The
cost estimates
above for Phase II include VAT (value added tax) which is charged at a standard
rate of 19%. In the future, the Company will obtain income tax credits for
VAT
paid in connection with the purchase of capital equipment and other goods and
services employed in its operations.
Trends
and Uncertainties
Our
future growth will be dependent initially on our ability to establish reliable
sources of sugarcane for the operation of the Sugar Mill, and going forward,
on
our ability to develop our own supplies of sugarcane. Additionally, we must
be
successful in establishing our land sourcing program in order to allow us to
develop a consistent, reliable and cost-effective long-term supply of sugarcane.
We
will
require a significant amount of additional capital in the future to sufficiently
fund our operations. We may not be able to obtain additional capital on terms
favorable to us or at all. We expect to increase our operating expenses over
the
coming years. We estimate that Phase I of our business plan, which is currently
in effect, will cost a total of approximately $37 million. Furthermore, we
estimate that we will need over an additional $700 million to fund our
expansion during the course of Phase II of our operations, which is set to
commence during 2009 and continue for five years thereafter.
Most
of
our operations, including the Sugar Mill, the land we have obtained the rights
to and the land we propose to obtain the rights to on which to grow our
sugarcane supplies, are located in Peru. Although we believe that conducting
operations in Peru will provide us with significant competitive advantages,
we
will also be subject to risks not typically associated with ownership of United
States companies.
27
Financing
To
date,
we have had negative cash flows from operations and we have been dependent
on
sales of our equity securities and debt financing to meet our cash requirements.
We expect this situation to continue for the foreseeable future. We anticipate
that we will have negative cash flows from operations for our fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008.
Given
that we are a development stage company and have not generated any revenues
to
date, our cash flow projections are subject to numerous contingencies and risk
factors beyond our control, including our ability to manage our expected growth,
complete construction of our proposed plant and commence operations. We can
offer no assurance that our company will generate cash flows sufficient to
meet
our cash flow projections or that our expenses will not exceed our projections.
If our expenses exceed estimates, we will require additional monies during
the
next twelve months to execute our business plan.
There
are
no assurances that we will be able to obtain funds required for our continued
operation. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available
to us when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially
reasonable terms. If we are not able to obtain additional financing on a timely
basis, we will not be able to meet our other obligations as they become due
and
we will be forced to scale down or perhaps even cease the operation of our
business.
There
is
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern as the
continuation of our business is dependent upon obtaining further long-term
financing, completion of our proposed plant and successful and sufficient market
acceptance of our products once developed and, finally, achieving a profitable
level of operations. The issuance of additional equity securities by us could
result in a significant dilution in the equity interests of our current
stockholders. Obtaining commercial loans, assuming those loans would be
available, will increase our liabilities and future cash commitments.
Cash
Flows from Financing Activities
There
are
no assurances that we will be able to obtain further funds required for our
continued operations. We intend to pursue various financing alternatives to
meet
our immediate and long-term financial requirements. There can be no assurance
that additional financing will be available to us when needed or, if available,
that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. If we are not able
to
obtain additional financing on a timely basis, we will be unable to conduct
our
operations as planned, and we will not be able to meet our other obligations
as
they become due. In such event, we will be forced to scale down or perhaps
even
cease our operations.
Historically,
we have met our immediate and long-term financial requirements primarily through
the sale of common stock and other convertible equity securities. From February
27, 2007 (inception) and through September 30 of 2008, we conducted the
following private placements of our securities:
Private
Placement of Common Stock
From
October 8, 2007 to June 26, 2008 we conducted a private placement of our
securities, or Private Placement. Pursuant to this Private Placement, on
November 14, 2007, we issued an aggregate of 2,666,794 shares of common stock
and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,333,396 shares of common stock.
We
raised $1,866,760 aggregate gross proceeds in connection with the Private
Placement. We sold to investors each share of common stock at $0.70 per share.
The fair value of the warrants amounted to $352,268. We computed the fair value
using the Black-Scholes model under the following assumptions: (1) expected
life
of 1 year; (2) volatility of 100%; and (3) risk free interest of 5.0%. The
warrants expire after five (5) years from the date of issuance and are
exercisable at $0.75 per share, subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances.
28
On
March
7, 2008 we received proceeds of $1,587,447 from the Private Placement. Pursuant
to this financing, we issued an aggregate of 2,267,782 shares of common stock
at
a purchase price of $0.70 per share and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
1,133,888 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.75 per share.
The
fair value of the warrants amounted to $294,360. We computed the fair value
using the Black-Scholes model under the following assumptions: (1) expected
life
of 1 year; (2) volatility of 100%; and (3) risk free interest of 3.0%. The
warrants expire after five (5) years from the date of issuance and are
exercisable at $0.75 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
On
June
26, 2008, we received proceeds of $100,000 from the Private Placement, pursuant
to which we issued an aggregate of 142,857 shares of common stock at a purchase
price of $0.70 per share and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 71,428 shares
of common stock with an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The fair value of
the
warrants amounted to $37,488. The fair value was computed using the
Black-Scholes model under the following assumptions: (1) expected life of 2.5
years; (2) volatility of 100%; and (3) risk free interest of 3.44%. The warrants
expire after five (5) years from the date of issuance and are exercisable at
$0.75 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
Series
A Preferred Stock Private Placement
On
November 14, 2007 we completed a Series A private placement, or Series A Private
Placement, pursuant to which we issued to MA Green 7,142,857 shares of Series
A
Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 1,785,714 shares of common stock.
We
raised $5,000,000 in gross proceeds in connection with the Series A Private
Placement. We sold each share of Series A Preferred Stock at $0.70 per share.
The warrants expire five (5) years from the date of issuance and are exercisable
at $0.75 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Our Chairman
of the Board of Directors, Steven Magami, is the manager of MA Green.
The
fair
value of the 1,785,714 warrants issued with the Series A Private Placement
was
$471,765. The fair value was computed using the Black-Scholes model under the
following assumptions: (1) expected life of 1 year; (2) volatility of 100%,
(3)
risk free interest of 5.0% and (4) dividend rate of 0%. In addition, since
this
convertible preferred stock is convertible into shares of common stock at a
one-to-one ratio, an embedded beneficial conversion feature was recorded as
a
discount to additional paid in capital in accordance with Emerging Issues Task
Force No. 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible
Instruments.” The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature was
$471,765. The beneficial conversion feature is considered a deemed dividend,
however, since the Company has an accumulated deficit there would be no effect
on the consolidated stockholders’ equity.
Subsequent
to September 30, 2008, the Company issued 829,081 shares of common stock as
part
of the cashless exercise of MA Green’s 1,785,714 warrants.
On
April
18, 2008, we completed a private placement of our Series A Preferred Stock,
or
the Grey K Private Placement, to three accredited investors, Grey K LP, a
Delaware limited partnership, Grey K Offshore Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Island exempt
company, and Grey K Offshore Leveraged Fund, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempt
company, collectively referred to herein as “Grey K”, consisting of the sale of
an aggregate of 1,428,572 shares of Series A preferred stock at a purchase
price
of $0.70 per share, which are convertible into shares of common stock. Grey
K
also received warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 357,143 shares of
common stock. The warrants have a five-year term and an exercise price of $0.75
per share. The purchasers were also granted certain demand and piggyback rights
with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the Series A preferred
stock and the warrants. In connection with the Grey K Private Placement, we
received gross proceeds of $1,000,000, less a funding fee paid to Grey K equal
to 2% of the purchase price paid and other expenses.
The
fair
value of the 357,143 warrants issued with the Grey K Private Placement was
$142,166. The fair value was computed using the Black-Scholes model under the
following assumptions: (1) expected life of 2.5 years; (2) volatility of 100%,
(3) risk free interest of 2.35% and (4) dividend rate of 0%. In addition, since
this convertible preferred stock is convertible into shares of common stock
at a
one to one ratio an embedded beneficial conversion feature was recorded as
a
discount to additional paid in capital in accordance with Emerging Issues Task
Force No. 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible
Instruments.” The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature was
$145,854. The beneficial conversion feature is considered a deemed dividend,
however, since the Company has an accumulated deficit there would be no effect
on the consolidated stockholders’ equity.
29
Bridge
Financing
We
entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement on November 14, 2007, or
Bridge Financing, with investors and issued an aggregate of $3,048,000 in
convertible promissory notes and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 870,858
shares of common stock. The convertible promissory notes issued in connection
with the Bridge Financing bear interest at 10% per annum. The bridge note
holders received one (1) warrant to purchase one (1) share of common stock,
at
an exercise price of $0.75 per share, for every $3.50 invested in the Company
in
connection with the Bridge Financing. We raised approximately $3.0 million
aggregate gross proceeds in connection with the Bridge Financing. The warrants
will expire three (3) years from the closing date of Bridge Financing.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we made principal re-payments in
the
total amount of $2,798,000 towards the $3,048,000 convertible promissory notes.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we paid $620,135 related to the
interest and premium. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we issued
357,143 shares of common stock in the Company for the principal conversion
of
$250,000, issued 703,407 shares of common stock in the Company for the
conversion of interest and premium of $492,385, and issued 106,055 shares of
common stock in the Company for the 10% share conversion premium of $74,239.
As
of September 30, 2008, all principal, interest and premium have been
paid.
Issuance
of $350,000 Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note
On
October 18, 2007, we entered into an asset purchase agreement and an escrow
agreement with Gabinete Técnico de Cobranzas S.A.C., a Peruvian corporation
pursuant to which we acquired certain assets and rights from Gabinete relating
to the Estrella del Norte sugar mill located in the province of Chepen, Peru.
We
paid approximately $4.5 million plus a value added tax of 19% to acquire the
sugar mill. Of the purchase price, we held back $350,000, representing
approximately 7.74% of the purchase price, which was placed into an escrow
contingencies account with Banco Continental in Lima, Peru.
On
July
1, 2008, we agreed to release the holdback, subsequent to which we issued
Gabinete an unsecured convertible promissory note in the principal amount of
$350,000, for us to use as working capital. The parties have also terminated
the
escrow agreement in order to transfer the funds from the escrow account to
us as
consideration for the note. If any liability issues arise with respect to the
sugar mill, the amount will be offset from or against amounts payable by us
to
Gabinete under the note.
The
note
will mature on October 30, 2009, and bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum,
payable at the maturity date. Gabinete has the option to convert 110% of the
repayment amount into our units at $0.70 per unit, with each unit consisting
of
(i) one share of common stock and (ii) one half of a warrant to purchase a
share
of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share, with a five-year
term and cashless exercise provision.
Convertible
Note Financing
Between
May 23, 2008 and July 18, 2008, we issued unsecured convertible promissory
notes
in the principal amount of $1,850,000, and warrants to purchase up to 435,292
shares of common stock of the Company, to unaffiliated third party investors.
We
received gross proceeds of $1,850,000, less fees of $47,500 of the purchase
price paid and other expenses. The notes mature six months from issuance and
bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum, payable in full at maturity. If
at
least $25 million is not raised by us on or before the applicable maturity
date,
we will have an additional 3 months (extending the maturity date) to repay
the
note holders in full before the notes are in default. If the notes are not
paid
on or before the applicable maturity date, we will pay the interest rate plus
2%
per annum and increasing by 2% per annum each 30 days thereafter until the
extended maturity date; provided that in no event will the annual interest
rate
exceed 18%. The note holders will be entitled to receive 115% of the sum of
the
original principal and accumulated interest, if the note holders choose to
be
repaid in cash on maturity date. The note holders will have the option to
convert 110% of the repayment amount into shares of common stock at $0.70 per
share. The note holders will also be paid a monitoring fee of 5% of the original
principal amount of the note. If the note is not paid on or before the maturity
date (as extended), we will issue to the note holders shares of the common
stock
equal to 5% of the then unpaid portion of the original principal amount divided
by $0.85, on each of the dates that are 7, 8 and 9 months from the date of
issuance. The warrants expire 5 years from their various dates of issuance,
and
have an exercise price of $0.85 per share. They also contain a cashless exercise
provision.
30
Issuance
of $2,000,000 Secured Convertible Promissory Note
On
July
25, 2008, we completed a financing pursuant to which the Company issued a
secured convertible promissory note, in the principal amount of $2,000,000,
and
warrants to purchase up to 714,286 shares of our common stock, to Whitebox
Hedged High Yield Partners, LP, a British Virgin Islands limited partnership.
We
received gross proceeds of $2,000,000, less fees of 10% of the purchase price
paid and other expenses. We are using the proceeds as working capital. The
note
matures on December 31, 2009 or if the note holder elects to accelerate the
maturity date, July 23, 2009. The note bears interest at the rate of 12% per
annum, payable in full at the maturity date.
So
long
as any principal or interest remains outstanding under the note, the note holder
will have the right to participate in debt or equity financings undertaken
by
us, up to a maximum of 25% of the amounts raised by us in any such financing,
on
the same terms as the other participants of such financing.
We
may
prepay the note in whole but not in part from time to time. If we prepay the
note more than 30 days prior to the maturity date, we have agreed to pay the
note holder a prepayment fee equal to 25% of the sum of the principal amount
of
the note and all accrued and unpaid interest. The note holder will have the
option to convert all of the unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest
on
the note plus any prepayment fee, if applicable, into shares of our common
stock
at a conversion price of $0.70 per share. Under certain circumstances, such
as
in the event of the sale of our securities at a price less than $0.70 per share,
the conversion price will be subject to adjustment. Upon the occurrence of
any
event of default, in addition to all amounts owing to the note holder under
the
note becoming due and payable in full, we will pay to the note holder an
additional sum of $100,000.
The
warrants have a five-year term and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The
warrants also contain certain provisions for the adjustment of the exercise
price in the event that during the term of the warrants, we sell securities
below the current exercise price of $0.75. This could result in an exercise
price of less than $0.75 per share. The warrants also contain a cashless
exercise provision.
We
have
also agreed to provide the note holder with piggyback registration rights,
pursuant to which we will use our best efforts to register the shares issuable
upon the conversion of the note and the exercise of the warrants in the event
that it proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act
of
1933, prior to July 25, 2010.
The
note
is secured by 100% of the shares we hold in our wholly owned U.S. subsidiary
and
our two Peruvian subsidiaries.
Issuance
of $5,000,000 Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note
On
August
27, 2008, we completed a financing pursuant to which we issued an unsecured
convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $5,000,000, and warrants
to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, to an unaffiliated
accredited investor. We received gross proceeds of $5,000,000, less placement
fees of 10% of the principal amount of the note and other expenses. In
connection with this financing, we also issued warrants to purchase 357,143
shares of our common stock to a finder. The warrants were valued at $186,747
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and are included in the debt
issuance costs on the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We are
using the proceeds as working capital. The note matures on December 31, 2009,
or
if the note holder elects to accelerate the maturity date, July 23, 2009. The
note bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum, payable in full at the
maturity date.
We
may
prepay the note in whole, but not in part, from time to time. If we prepay
the
note more than 30 days prior to the maturity date, the Company has agreed to
pay
the note holder a prepayment fee equal to 15% of the sum of the principal amount
of the note and all accrued and unpaid interest. Upon the occurrence of any
event of default, all amounts owing to the note holder under the note become
due
and payable in full.
31
At
any
time prior to payment in full of the note, the note holder has the option to
convert any or all of the unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest
on
the note plus any prepayment fee, if applicable, into shares of our common
stock
at a conversion price of $0.70 per share. Under certain circumstances, such
as
in the event of the sale of our securities at a price less than $0.70 per share,
the conversion price will be subject to adjustment.
So
long
as the note is outstanding, we are restricted from incurring certain items
of
debt without the prior written consent of the holders a majority of the then
outstanding aggregate unpaid principal amount of the note (plus any other
additional notes of the same series which may be issued in the future, if at
all, in the aggregate amount of up to $10,000,000).
The
warrants may be exercised at any time from and after the date commencing
February 27, 2009 and through and including August 27, 2013. The warrants have
an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The warrants also contain certain
provisions for the adjustment of the exercise price in the event that during
the
term of the warrants, we sell securities below the stated conversion price
of
the note. This could result in an exercise price of less than $0.75 per share.
The warrants also contain a cashless exercise provision.
We
also
agreed to provide piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares
to be
issued upon conversion, pursuant to which we will use our best efforts to
register such shares in the event that it proposes to register any of its
securities under the Securities Act.
Cash
Used
for Investing Activities
On
October 18, 2007, we signed a purchase-sale contract with Gabinete Técnico de
Cobranza S.A.C., and have acquired certain assets that are part of the
sugar mill. This purchase price was $5,382,328:
·
|
$5,032,328
by bank draft issued to the order of Gabinete Técnico de Cobranza S.A.C.;
and
|
·
|
$350,000
to be deposited in a bank account in order to guarantee payment of
any
contingency that may arise from this transaction, which subsequently
was
converted into a convertible promissory
note.
|
We
acquired certain assets from Gabinete Técnico de Cobranza S.A.C. as part of its
overall business strategy to purchase, sale, produce, distribute, market,
transport, warehouse, export and import of all kinds of products derives from
hydrocarbons and bio-fuels.
The
following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: The fair values are
determined based on an appraisal:
Plant
and equipment
|
$
|
4,522,965
|
|
VAT
receivable
|
859,363
|
||
Purchase
price
|
$
|
5,382,328
|
We
have determined that the discounted cash flows generated by the
exploitation of the Sugar Mill will suffice to cover the carrying value of
the
assets acquired in this acquisition.
The
Sugar
Mill did not have any operations for the past several years.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
Our
company has no outstanding off-balance sheet guarantees, interest rate swap
transactions or foreign currency contracts. Neither our Company nor our
operating subsidiaries engage in trading activities involving non-exchange
traded contracts.
32
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In
December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or (“FASB”) issued SFAS
No. 141 (Revised 2007 (“SFAS 141R”)), “Business Combinations.” SFAS 141R
changes how a reporting enterprise accounts for the acquisition of a business.
Also, SFAS 141R requires an acquiring entity to recognize all the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair
value, with limited exceptions, and applies to a wider range of transactions
or
events. SFAS 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008 and early adoption and retrospective application is
prohibited. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 141R on its
consolidated financial statements.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 (“SFAS 160”), “Noncontrolling
Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements,” which is an amendment of
Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51. SFAS 160 clarifies that
a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the
consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated
financial statements. This statement changes the way the consolidated
income statement is presented, thus requiring consolidated net income to be
reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both parent and
the
noncontrolling interest. This statement is effective for the fiscal
years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of
SFAS 160 will have a significant impact on its results of operations or
financial position.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option
for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 permits entities to
choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value.
Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been
elected are reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning
of
an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company
adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, and the Company chose not to elect the
option to measure the fair value of eligible financial assets and liabilities.
In
June
2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. EITF 07-3, “Accounting for
Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for use in Future
Research and Development Activities” (“FSP EITF 07-3”), which addresses whether
nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services that used or rendered
for
research and development activities should be expensed when the advance payment
is made or when the research and development activity has been performed.
Management is currently evaluating the effect of FSP EITF 07-3 on its
consolidated financial statements.
In
June
2008, the FASB issued EITF 07-5 “Determining whether an Instrument (or Embedded
Feature) is indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (“EITF 07-5”). EITF 07-5 is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early
application is not permitted. Paragraph 11(a) of SFAS No. 133 specifies that
a
contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative but is both
(a) indexed to the Company’s own stock and (b) classified in
stockholders’ equity in the statement of financial position would not be
considered a derivative financial instrument. EITF 07-5 provides a new two-step
model to be applied in determining whether a financial instrument or an embedded
feature is indexed to an issuer’s own stock and thus able to qualify for the
SFAS 133 paragraph 11(a) scope exception. The Company believes adopting this
statement will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements
because among other things, any option or warrant previously issued and all
new
issuances denominated in US dollars will be required to be carried as a
liability and marked to market each reporting period.
In
April
2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 142-3 “Determination of the useful life of
Intangible Assets,” which amends the factors a company should consider when
developing renewal assumptions used to determine the useful life of an
intangible asset. FSP SFAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within
those fiscal years. SFAS 142 requires companies to consider whether renewal
can
be completed without substantial cost or material modification of the existing
terms and conditions associated with the asset. FSP SFAS 142-3 replaces the
previous useful life criteria with a new requirement—that an entity consider its
own historical experience in renewing similar arrangements. If historical
experience does not exist, then the Company would consider market participant
assumptions regarding renewal including 1) highest and best use of the asset
by
a market participant, and 2) adjustments for other entity-specific factors
included in SFAS 142. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that
adopting FSP SFAS No.142-3 will have on its consolidated financial
statements.
In
June
2008, FASB issued EITF Issue No. 08-4, “Transition Guidance for Conforming
Changes to Issue No. 98-5 (“EITF No. 08-4”).” The objective of EITF No.08-4
is to provide transition guidance for conforming changes made to EITF No.
98-5,
“Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features
or
Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios,” that result from EITF No. 00-27
“Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments,” and SFAS No.
150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both
Liabilities and Equity.” This Issue is effective for financial statements issued
for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Early application is
permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of
EITF No. 08-4 on the accounting for the convertible notes and related warrants
transactions.
On
October 10, 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a
Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active,” which clarifies
the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an
example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of
a
financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP
157-3 became effective on October 10, 2008, and its adoption did not have
a
material impact on the financial position or results for the quarter ended
September 30, 2008.
33
Not
applicable.
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As
of
September 30, 2008, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the
design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in
the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) under the supervision and with
the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer
and
our Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, we concluded that
our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Disclosure
controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed
to
ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or
submitted under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and
reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include,
without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.
During
the quarter ended September 30, 2008, there were no changes in our internal
control over financial reporting that have materially affected our internal
control over financial reporting.
None
In
addition to the other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully
consider the factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007, which to
our
knowledge have not materially changed. Those risks, which could materially
affect our business, financial condition or future results, are not the only
risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us
or
that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect
our
business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Private
Placement of Common Stock and Warrants
On
March
7, 2008 we received proceeds of $1,587,447 from the Private Placement. Pursuant
to this financing, we issued an aggregate of 2,267,782 shares of common stock
at
a purchase price of $0.70 per share and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
1,133,888 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.75 per share.
On
June 26, 2008, we received proceeds of $100,000 from the Private Placement,
pursuant to which we issued an aggregate of 142,857 shares of common stock
at a
purchase price of $0.70 per share and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
71,428 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The
warrants have a “cashless” exercise provision, expire five years from the date
of issuance, and are exercisable at $0.75 per share, subject to adjustment
under
certain circumstances. The common stock and warrants issued in connection with
this financing were not registered under the Securities Act and were issued
in
reliance upon exemptions set forth in Section 4(2), Regulation D and/or
Regulation S of the Securities Act. Our determination with regard to the
applicable exemptions from registration was based on the representations of
the
investors, which included, in pertinent part, that such investors were either:
(a) “accredited investors” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act, or (b) not a “U.S. person” as such term is
defined in Rule 902(k) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, and that the
investors understood that the securities may not be sold or otherwise disposed
of without registration under the Securities Act or an applicable exemption
therefrom.
34
Private
Placement of Series A Preferred Stock and Warrants
On
April
18, 2008, we completed a private placement of our Series A Preferred Stock
to
Grey K, consisting of the sale of an aggregate of 1,428,572 shares of Series
A
preferred stock at a purchase price of $0.70 per share, which are convertible
into shares of the Company’s common stock. Grey K also received warrants to
purchase up to an aggregate of 357,143 shares of common stock. The warrants
have
a five (5) year term and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The purchasers
were also granted certain demand and piggyback rights with respect to the shares
of common stock underlying the Series A preferred stock and the warrants. In
connection with this private placement, we received gross proceeds of
$1,000,000, less a funding fee paid to Grey K equal to 2% of the purchase price
paid and other expenses. We believe the securities were issued in reliance
from
exemptions from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) or Regulation D under
the
Securities Act.
Issuance
of $350,000 Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note
On
October 18, 2007, we entered into an asset purchase agreement and an escrow
agreement with Gabinete Técnico de Cobranzas S.A.C., a Peruvian corporation
pursuant to which we acquired certain assets and rights from Gabinete relating
to the Estrella del Norte sugar mill located in the province of Chepen, Peru.
we
paid approximately $4.5 million plus a value added tax of 19% to acquire the
sugar mill. Of the purchase price, we held back $350,000, representing
approximately 7.74% of the purchase price, which was placed into an escrow
contingencies account with Banco Continental in Lima, Peru.
On
July
1, 2008, we agreed to release the holdback, subsequent to which we issued
Gabinete an unsecured convertible promissory note in the principal amount of
$350,000, for us to use as working capital. The parties have also terminated
the
escrow agreement in order to transfer the funds from the escrow account to
us as
consideration for the note. If any liability issues arise with respect to the
sugar mill, the amount will be offset from or against amounts payable by us
to
Gabinete under the note.
The
note
will mature on October 30, 2009, and bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum,
payable at the maturity date. Gabinete has the option to convert 110% of the
repayment amount into our units at $0.70 per unit, with each unit consisting
of
(i) one share of common stock and (ii) one half of a warrant to purchase a
share
of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share, with a five-year
term and cashless exercise provision. We believe the securities were issued
in
reliance from exemptions from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) or
Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Unsecured
Convertible Note Financing
Between
May 23, 2008 and July 18, 2008, we issued unsecured convertible promissory
notes
in the principal amount of $1,850,000, and warrants to purchase up to 435,292
shares of common stock of the Company, to unaffiliated third party investors.
We
received gross proceeds of $1,850,000, less fees of $47,500 of the purchase
price paid and other expenses. The notes mature six months from issuance and
bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum, payable in full at maturity. If
at
least $25 million is not raised by us on or before the applicable maturity
date,
we will have an additional 3 months (extending the maturity date) to repay
the
note holders in full before the notes are in default. If the notes are not
paid
on or before the applicable maturity date, we will pay the interest rate plus
2%
per annum and increasing by 2% per annum each 30 days thereafter until the
extended maturity date; provided that in no event will the annual interest
rate
exceed 18%. The note holders will be entitled to receive 115% of the sum of
the
original principal and accumulated interest, if the note holders choose to
be
repaid in cash on maturity date. The note holders will have the option to
convert 110% of the repayment amount into shares of common stock at $0.70 per
share. The note holders will also be paid a monitoring fee of 5% of the original
principal amount of the note. If the note is not paid on or before the maturity
date (as extended), we will issue to the note holders shares of the common
stock
equal to 5% of the then unpaid portion of the original principal amount divided
by $0.85, on each of the dates that are 7, 8 and 9 months from the date of
issuance. The warrants expire 5 years from their various dates of issuance,
and
have an exercise price of $0.85 per share. They also contain a cashless exercise
provision. We believe the securities were issued in reliance from exemptions
from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) or Regulation D under the Securities
Act.
35
Issuance
of $2,000,000 Secured Convertible Promissory Note
On
July
25, 2008, we completed a financing pursuant to which the Company issued a
secured convertible promissory note, in the principal amount of $2,000,000,
and
warrants to purchase up to 714,286 shares of our common stock, to Whitebox
Hedged High Yield Partners, LP, a British Virgin Islands limited partnership.
We
received gross proceeds of $2,000,000, less fees of 10% of the purchase price
paid and other expenses. We are using the proceeds as working capital. The
note
matures on December 31, 2009 or if the note holder elects to accelerate the
maturity date, July 23, 2009. The note bears interest at the rate of 12% per
annum, payable in full at the maturity date.
So
long
as any principal or interest remains outstanding under the note, the note holder
will have the right to participate in debt or equity financings undertaken
by
us, up to a maximum of 25% of the amounts raised by us in any such financing,
on
the same terms as the other participants of such financing.
We
may
prepay the note in whole but not in part from time to time. If we prepay the
note more than 30 days prior to the maturity date, we have agreed to pay the
note holder a prepayment fee equal to 25% of the sum of the principal amount
of
the note and all accrued and unpaid interest. The note holder will have the
option to convert all of the unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest
on
the note plus any prepayment fee, if applicable, into shares of our common
stock
at a conversion price of $0.70 per share. Under certain circumstances, such
as
in the event of the sale of our securities at a price less than $0.70 per share,
the conversion price will be subject to adjustment. Upon the occurrence of
any
event of default, in addition to all amounts owing to the note holder under
the
note becoming due and payable in full, we will pay to the note holder an
additional sum of $100,000.
The
warrants have a five-year term and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The
warrants also contain certain provisions for the adjustment of the exercise
price in the event that during the term of the warrants, we sell securities
below the current exercise price of $0.75. This could result in an exercise
price of less than $0.75 per share. The warrants also contain a cashless
exercise provision.
We
have
also agreed to provide the note holder with piggyback registration rights,
pursuant to which we will use our best efforts to register the shares issuable
upon the conversion of the note and the exercise of the warrants in the event
that it proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act
of
1933, prior to July 25, 2010.
The
note
is secured by 100% of the shares owned by the Company in its wholly owned U.S.
subsidiary and its two Peruvian subsidiaries.
We
believe the securities were issued in reliance from exemptions from registration
pursuant to Section 4(2) or Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Issuance
of $5,000,000 Secured Convertible Promissory Note
On
August
27, 2008, we completed a financing pursuant to which we issued an unsecured
convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $5,000,000, and warrants
to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, to an unaffiliated
accredited investor. We received gross proceeds of $5,000,000, less placement
fees of 10% of the principal amount of the note and other expenses. In
connection with this financing, we also issued warrants to purchase 357,143
shares of our common stock to a finder. The warrants were valued at $186,747
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and are included in the debt
issuance costs on the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We are
using the proceeds as working capital. The note matures on December 31, 2009,
or
if the note holder elects to accelerate the maturity date, July 23, 2009. The
note bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum, payable in full at the
maturity date.
36
We
may
prepay the note in whole, but not in part, from time to time. If we prepay
the
note more than 30 days prior to the maturity date, the Company has agreed to
pay
the note holder a prepayment fee equal to 15% of the sum of the principal amount
of the note and all accrued and unpaid interest. Upon the occurrence of any
event of default, all amounts owing to the note holder under the note become
due
and payable in full.
At
any
time prior to payment in full of the note, the note holder has the option to
convert any or all of the unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest
on
the note plus any prepayment fee, if applicable, into shares of our common
stock
at a conversion price of $0.70 per share. Under certain circumstances, such
as
in the event of the sale of our securities at a price less than $0.70 per share,
the conversion price will be subject to adjustment.
So
long
as the note is outstanding, we are restricted from incurring certain items
of
debt without the prior written consent of the holders a majority of the then
outstanding aggregate unpaid principal amount of the note (plus any other
additional notes of the same series which may be issued in the future, if at
all, in the aggregate amount of up to $10,000,000).
The
warrants may be exercised at any time from and after the date commencing
February 27, 2009 and through and including August 27, 2013. The warrants have
an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The warrants also contain certain
provisions for the adjustment of the exercise price in the event that during
the
term of the warrants, we sell securities below the stated conversion price
of
the note. This could result in an exercise price of less than $0.75 per share.
The warrants also contain a cashless exercise provision.
We
also
agreed to provide piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares
to be
issued upon conversion, pursuant to which we will use our best efforts to
register such shares in the event that it proposes to register any of its
securities under the Securities Act.
We
believe the securities were issued in reliance from exemptions from registration
pursuant to Section 4(2) or Regulation D under the Securities Act.
None
No
matters were submitted to our stockholders, through the solicitation of proxies
or otherwise, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
We
entered into an employment agreement with Steven Magami for his services as
our
Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective May 15, 2008. The term of the
agreement is for two years, ending on May 14, 2010, with automatic renewals
of
one year periods, subject to termination with 90 days notice by us or by Mr.
Magami. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we have agreed to pay Mr. Magami
an annual salary of $250,000. In addition to his annual salary, Mr. Magami
will
be eligible for a bonus to be determined for each $50,000,000 of capital raised
by us from November 14, 2007 through the term of his agreement.
We
entered into an employment agreement with Tom Snyder for his services as our
President, effective May 5, 2008. The term of the agreement is for two years,
ending on May 5, 2010. The agreement provides for automatic renewals of one
year periods, subject to termination with 90 days notice by us or by Mr. Snyder.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we have agreed to pay Mr. Snyder an
annual base salary of $250,000. Mr. Snyder will also receive a bonus of
$250,000 on each anniversary date of this agreement, for so long as Mr.
Snyder is employed by us. Mr. Snyder will also be eligible for additional
incentive bonus amounts based on performance to be determined by our Board
of
Directors and its compensation committee. Mr. Snyder will also be provided
with
other executive benefits, including reimbursement on business travel expenses,
an apartment for his use while in Peru, and reasonable attorney and accounting
fees in connection with his duties as President. Finally, Mr. Snyder will be
entitled to participate in employee fringe benefits, health insurance, life
insurance and other programs which we may adopt from time to time.
37
We
entered into an employment agreement with Steve Norris for his services as
our
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective August 27, 2008. The term
of
the agreement is for two years, ending on August 27, 2010. We have agreed to
pay
Mr. Norris an annual salary of $180,000. Mr. Norris will also be eligible for
bonus amounts as may be determined by our Board of Directors and its
compensation committee. Mr. Norris will also be provided with other executive
benefits, including reimbursement on reasonable and customary business expenses.
Our
Board
of Directors approved of Mr. Snyder and Mr. Norris’ agreements at its October 5,
2008 Board of Directors Meeting, and also adopted a compensation plan, pursuant
to which each of our non-employee directors will receive $5,000 per month for
their service on the board.
The
following is a complete list of exhibits filed as part of the periodic
report on Form 10-Q, some of which are incorporated herein by reference
from the reports, registration statements and other filings of the issuer with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, as referenced below:
Number
|
|
Description
|
31.1
|
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 (1)
|
31.2
|
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 (1)
|
32.1
|
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 (1)
|
32.2
|
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 (1)
|
(1)
|
Filed
herewith.
|
38
SIGNATURES
In
accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused
this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
STRATOS
RENEWABLES CORPORATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
November 13, 2008
|
|
By:
|
/s/
Tom Snyder
|
|
|
|
Tom
Snyder,
|
|
|
|
President
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
November 13, 2008
|
|
By:
|
/s/
Julio Cesar Alonso
|
|
|
|
Julio
Cesar Alonso,
|
|
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
39