Vystar Corp - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

For the transition period from _______________ to ________________

Commission File Number 000-53754

VYSTAR CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

725 Southbridge St

Worcester, MA 01610

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

(508) 791-9114

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

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

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

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

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

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

INFORMATION RELATING TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, this Form 10-Q contains statements relating to our future results (including certain projections and business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”). This Report contains certain forward-looking statements and the Company’s future operating results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Our disclosure and analysis included in this Report concerning our operations, cash flows and financial position, including, in particular, the likelihood of our success in expanding our business and raising debt and capital securities include forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “estimate”, “may”, “project”, “will likely result”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including prevailing market conditions and are more fully described under “Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. In any event, these and other crucial factors, including those set forth in Item 1A - “Risk Factors” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements.

Although we believe that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we cannot guarantee future results and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date of this filing. There can be no assurance that (i) we have correctly measured or identified all of the factors affecting our business or the extent of these factors’ likely impact, (ii) the available information with respect to these factors on which such analysis is based is complete or accurate, (iii) such analysis is correct or (iv) our strategy, which is based in part on this analysis, will be successful. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

All references to “we”, “us”, “our” or “Vystar” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q mean Vystar Corporation, and affiliates.

VYSTAR CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2020

INDEX

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VYSTAR CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

VYSTAR CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

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

VYSTAR CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements

VYSTAR CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019

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

VYSTAR CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

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

VYSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

History and Nature of Business

Vystar Corporation (“Vystar”, the “Company”, “we,” “us,” or “our”) is based in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Company uses patented technology to produce a line of innovative air purifiers, which destroy viruses and bacteria through the use of ultraviolet light. Vystar also manufactures and sells reduced allergen natural rubber latex used primarily in various bedding products. In addition, Vystar has a majority ownership in Murida Furniture Co., Inc. dba Rotmans Furniture (“Rotmans”), the largest furniture and flooring store in New England and one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the U.S.

Vystar is the creator and exclusive owner of the innovative technology to produce Vytex^® Natural Rubber Latex (“NRL”). Vytex NRL uses a global multi-patented technology and proprietary formulation to reduce non-rubber particles including the antigenic proteins associated with latex allergies, resulting in a cleaner form of latex. The antigenic protein levels are reduced to virtually undetectable levels.

In May of 2018, Vystar acquired substantially all of the assets of UV Flu Technologies, Inc., formerly traded on the OTC under the ticker UVFT, whose patented ViraTech™ UV light air purification technology destroys greater than 99% of airborne bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms and virtually eliminates concentrations of odors and volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”).

As part of Vystar’s mission to offer eco-friendly, sustainable materials and products that create a better environment for consumers and workers throughout the product lifecycle, UV Flu Technologies is an excellent counterpart to our Vytex materials and Vytex bedding products. Vystar products will help create a perfect natural sleep environment starting with Vytex bedding made from the purest latex in the world and UV Flu Technologies’ RxAir™ air purifier ensuring every breath is free of harmful pathogens, VOCs and odors.

In May of 2019, Vystar acquired the assets of Fluid Energy Conversion Inc. (“FEC”), primarily consisting of its patent on the Hughes Reactor, which has the ability to control, enhance, and focus energy in flowing liquids and gases. Vystar intends to use this technology to enhance the effectiveness of Vystar’s RxAir purification system to destroy airborne pathogens while decreasing the cost and size of Vystar’s RxAir units.

In July of 2019, Vystar acquired 58% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Rotmans. Rotmans sells a broad line of residential furniture and decorative accessories and serves customers throughout the New England region. The acquisition is expected to add approximately $30 million in top line revenue and enable Vystar to capitalize on the infrastructure already in place at Rotmans for accounting, retail sales facilities and staff, customer service, warehousing, and delivery. In addition, Rotmans will offer significant marketing and advertising opportunities for all of Vystar’s brands to Rotmans’ thousands of existing customers. The Company and Rotmans are exploring a number of initiatives relating to environmentally friendly product development and distribution that will utilize the access to the capital markets afforded by this combination.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of the filing of its Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other than those events disclosed in Note 18, the Company is not aware of any other significant events that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to the filing of this report that would have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Basis of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned or controlled operating subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

COVID-19

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) emerged and has subsequently spread worldwide. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic resulting in federal, state, and local governments mandating various restrictions, including travel restrictions, restrictions on public gatherings, stay at home orders and advisories and quarantining of people who may have been exposed to the virus. On March 24, 2020, Massachusetts required all non-essential businesses to close their physical workplaces. As a result, the Rotmans showroom, offices and warehouse temporarily closed. During that time, associates worked remotely where possible. The Company re-opened on June 10, 2020 and continues to monitor developments, including government requirements and recommendations.

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. The pandemic has resulted in significant economic disruption. Although our showroom has reopened, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact on Vystar should the pandemic persist or worsen. Accordingly, the estimates and assumptions made as of March 31, 2020 could change in subsequent interim reports and upon final determination at year-end, and it is reasonably possible that such changes could be significant (although the potential effects cannot be measured at this time).

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions on how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the chief executive officer. The Company and the chief executive officer view the Company’s operations and manage its business as one reportable segment with different operating segments.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Significant estimates made by management include, among others, allowance for obsolete inventory, the allocation of purchase price related to acquisitions, the recoverability of long-lived assets, fair values of right of use assets and lease liabilities, valuation of derivative liabilities, share-based compensation and other equity issuances. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash, accounts receivable, investments - equity securities, accounts payable, accrued expenses and interest payable, lines of credit, shareholder notes payable, long-term debt and unearned revenue. The carrying values of all the Company’s financial instruments approximate or equal fair value because of their short maturities and market interest rates or, in the case of equity securities, being stated at fair value.

In specific circumstances, certain assets and liabilities are reported or disclosed at fair value. Fair value is the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the Company’s principal market for such transactions. If there is not an established principal market, fair value is derived from the most advantageous market.

Valuation inputs are classified in the following hierarchy:

Highest priority is given to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. Acceptable valuation techniques include the market approach, income approach, and cost approach. In some cases, more than one valuation technique is used. The derivative liabilities were recognized at fair value on a recurring basis through the date of the settlement and March 31, 2020 and are level 3 measurements. There have been no transfers between levels during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Acquisitions

Amounts paid for acquisitions are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Acquisition-related costs, including, legal, accounting, and other costs, are capitalized in asset acquisitions and for business combinations are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The results of operations of acquired assets are included in the financial statements from the acquisition date.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all liquid investments with a maturity date of less than three months when purchased. Cash equivalents also include amounts due from third-party financial institutions for credit and debit card transactions which typically settle within five days.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. The Company routinely sells, without recourse, trade receivables resulting from retail furniture sales to various financial institutions at an average service charge of 5.9% in 2020. Amounts sold during the first quarter of 2020 were approximately $1,691,000. There were no sales of trade receivables in the first quarter of 2019. Retail furniture receivables retained by the Company are generally collateralized by the merchandise sold, represent valid claims against debtors for sales arising on or before the balance sheet date and are reduced to their estimated net realizable value. In addition, the Company grants credit to Vytex customers without requiring collateral. The amount of accounting loss for which Vystar is at risk in these unsecured accounts receivable is limited to their carrying value. Management provides for uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon its assessment of the current status of individual accounts. Balances that are still outstanding after management has performed reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company considers accounts receivable to be fully collectible and no allowance for doubtful accounts was recorded.

Inventories

Inventories include those costs directly attributable to the product before sale. Inventories consist primarily of finished goods of foam toppers, furniture, mattresses and pillows and are carried at net realizable value, which is defined as selling price less cost of completion, disposal and transportation. The Company evaluates the need to record write-downs for inventory on a regular basis. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, slow-moving and other factors in evaluating net realizable values. Inventories not expected to be sold within 12 months are classified as long-term.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets include amounts related to prepaid insurance policies, which are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the underlying policy, and other expenses.

Investments - Equity Securities

Marketable equity securities have been categorized as available-for-sale and, as a result, are stated at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reflected in the statement of operations. The Company periodically reviews the available-for-sale securities for other than temporary declines in fair value below cost and more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. As of March 31, 2020, the Company believes that the carrying value of the available-for-sale securities was recoverable in all material respects.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally 5 to 10 years, using straight-line and accelerated methods.

Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized, while routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When property items are retired or otherwise disposed of, the asset and related reserve accounts are relieved of the cost and accumulated depreciation, respectively, and the resultant gain or loss is reflected in earnings. As of March 31, 2020, the net balance of property and equipment is $1,787,616 with accumulated depreciation of $300,922. As of December 31, 2019, the net balance of property and equipment is $1,879,739 with accumulated depreciation of $208,799.

Intangible Assets

Patents represent legal and other fees associated with the registration of patents. The Company has five issued patents with the United States Patent and Trade Office (“USPTO”) as well as five issued international Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) patents. Patents are carried at cost and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, typically ranging from 9 to 20 years.

The Company has trademark protection for “Vystar”, “Vytex”, and “RxAir” among others. Trademarks are carried at cost and since their estimated life is indeterminable, no amortization is recognized. Instead, they are evaluated annually for impairment.

Customer relationships, tradename and marketing related intangibles are carried at cost and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years.

Long-Lived Assets

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. We evaluate assets for potential impairment by comparing estimated future undiscounted net cash flows to the carrying amount of the assets. If the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is measured based on the difference between the carrying amount of the assets and fair value. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the consolidated balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposal group classified as held-for-sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the consolidated balance sheet, if material. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we did not recognize any impairment of our long-lived assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, rather, it is subject to a periodic assessment for impairment by applying a fair value-based test. We perform our annual impairment test at the end of each calendar year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired.

Accounting for acquisitions requires us to recognize, separately from goodwill, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred and the net of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement.

The impairment model permits, and we utilize, a simplified approach for determining goodwill impairment. In the first step, we evaluate the recoverability of goodwill by estimating the fair value of our reporting unit using multiple techniques, including an income approach using a discounted cash flow model and a market approach. Based on an equal weighting of the results of these two approaches, a conclusion of fair value is estimated. The fair value is then compared to the carrying value of our reporting unit. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company recognizes this amount as an impairment loss. Impairment losses, limited to the carrying value of goodwill, represent the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over its implied fair value.

Convertible Notes Payable

Borrowings are recognized initially at the principal amount received. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortized cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized as interest expense in the statements of operations over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

Derivatives

The Company evaluates its debt instruments or other contracts to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for under the relevant sections of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815-40, Derivative Instruments and Hedging: Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity. The result of this accounting treatment could be that the fair value of a financial instrument is classified as a derivative instrument and is marked-to-market at each balance sheet date and recorded as a liability. In the event the fair value is recorded as a liability, the change in fair value is recorded in the statements of operations as other income or other expense. Upon conversion or exercise of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the conversion date and then that fair value is reclassified to equity. Financial instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification under ASC Topic 815-40 are reclassified to a liability account at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date.

The Company applies the accounting standard that provides guidance for determining whether an equity-linked financial instrument, or embedded feature, is indexed to an entity’s own stock. The standard applies to any freestanding financial instrument or embedded features that have the characteristics of a derivative, and to any freestanding financial instruments that are potentially settled in an entity’s own common stock. From time to time, the Company has issued notes with embedded conversion features. Certain of the embedded conversion features contain price protection or anti-dilution features that result in these instruments being treated as derivatives for accounting purposes. Accordingly, during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company has classified all conversion features as derivative liabilities and has estimated the fair value of these embedded conversion features using a Monte Carlo simulation model.

Unearned Revenue

Unearned revenue consists of customer advance payments, deposits on sales of undelivered merchandise and deferred warranty revenue on self-insured stain protection warranty coverage. There was no unearned revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Changes to unearned revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2020 are summarized as follows:

Loss Per Share

The Company presents basic and diluted loss per share. Because the Company reported a net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, common stock equivalents, including stock options and warrants, were anti-dilutive; therefore, the amounts reported for basic and dilutive loss per share were the same. Excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share were options to purchase 27,983,271 and 29,098,270 shares of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as their effect would be anti-dilutive. Warrants to purchase 14,237,315 and 14,382,380 shares of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were also excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive. In addition, preferred stock convertible to 4,661,180 and 4,382,730 shares of common stock three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Revenue

Our principal activities from which we generate our revenue are product sales. Revenue is measured based on considerations specified in a contract with a customer. A contract exists when it becomes a legally enforceable agreement with a customer. The contract is based on either the acceptance of standard terms and conditions at the retail store, on the websites for e-commerce customers and via telephone with our third-party call center for our print media and direct mail customers, or the execution of terms and conditions contracts with retailers and wholesalers. These contracts define each party’s rights, payment terms and other contractual terms and conditions of the sale.

Consideration is typically paid prior to shipment via credit card or check when our products are sold direct to consumers, which is typically within 1 to 2 days or approximately 30 days from the time control is transferred when sold to wholesalers, distributors and retailers. We apply judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a variety of factors including the customer’s historical payment experience and, in some circumstances, published credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product to the customer, which for us is transfer of finished goods to our customers. Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the goods is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. We have concluded the sale of finished goods and related shipping and handling are accounted for as the single performance obligation.

The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when or as the customer receives the benefit of the performance obligation. The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which we will be entitled to receive in exchange for transferring goods to the customer. We issue refunds to retail, e-commerce and print media customers, upon request, within 30 days of delivery. We estimate the amount of potential refunds at each reporting period using a portfolio approach of historical data, adjusted for changes in expected customer experience, including seasonality and changes in economic factors. For retailers, distributors and wholesalers, we do not offer a right of return or refund and revenue is recognized at the time products are shipped to customers. In all cases, judgment is required in estimating these reserves. Actual claims for returns could be materially different from the estimates. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, reserves for estimated sales returns totaled $3,000, respectively, and are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses.

We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation in a contract by transferring control over a product to a customer when product is shipped based on fulfillment by the Company. The Company considers fulfillment when it passes all liability at the point of shipping through third party carriers or in-house delivery services. Delivery fees are charged to customers and are included in revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and the costs associated with these deliveries are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by us from a customer, are excluded from revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The Company also defers revenues for separately-priced stain protection warranty coverage for which it is ultimately self-insured. Revenue is recognized from the extended warranty sales on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. The extended warranty terms primarily range from three to five years from the date of delivery. At March 31, 2020, deferred warranty revenue was approximately $812,000 and is included in unearned revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded total proceeds of approximately $98,000 and recognized total revenues of approximately $134,000 related to deferred warranty revenue arrangements. Commission costs in obtaining extended warranty contracts are capitalized and recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the period of the warranty contract. At March 31, 2020, deferred commission costs are approximately $336,000 and included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. All other costs, such as costs of services performed under the contract, general and administrative expenses, and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of product and freight costs and fees paid to online retailers.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Research and development costs include all costs incurred related to the research, development and testing of the Company’s process to produce Vytex NRL.

Vytex NRL has produced protein test results on finished products that are both “below detection” and “not detectable” in terms of the amount of proteins remaining in these finished goods made with Vytex NRL. These results have been reproduced in many subsequent tests. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, Vystar’s research and development costs were not significant.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs, which include television, radio, newspaper and other media advertising, are expensed upon first showing. Advertising costs included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were approximately $447,000 and $20,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, based on weighted average assumptions. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common stock. The Company has elected to use the simplified method described in the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 14C to estimate the expected term of employee stock options. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The value of restricted stock awards is determined using the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.

Income Taxes

Vystar recognizes income taxes on an accrual basis based on a tax position taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns. A tax position is defined as a position in a previously filed tax return or a position expected to be taken in a future tax filing that is reflected in measuring current or deferred income tax assets or liabilities. Tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not (i.e., likelihood of greater than 50%), based on technical merits, that the position would be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. Tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold will be measured using a probability-weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if all, or some portion, of such assets will more likely than not be realized. Should they occur, interest and penalties related to tax positions are recorded as interest expense. No such interest or penalties have been incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

The Company remains subject to income tax examinations from Federal and state taxing jurisdictions for 2016 through 2019.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Certain financial instruments potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. These financial instruments consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. Cash held in operating accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, insurance limits. While the Company monitors cash balances in our operating accounts on a regular basis and adjust the balances as appropriate, these balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, the Company has experienced no loss or lack of access to our cash; however, the Company can provide no assurances that access to our cash will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. Credit concentration risk related to accounts receivable is mitigated as customer credit is checked prior to the sales and accounts receivable consists of a high number of relatively small balances.

Other Risks and Uncertainties

The Company is exposed to commodity price risk, mainly associated with variations in the market price for NRL as well as wintering of the Hevea trees, which differs for each country. The timing and magnitude of industry cycles are difficult to predict and are impacted by general economic conditions including the buying climate in China. The Company responds to changes in NRL prices by adjusting sales prices on a weekly basis and by turning rather than holding inventory in anticipation of higher prices. The Company actively manages its exposure to commodity price risk and monitors the actual and expected spread between forward selling prices and purchase costs and processing and shipping expense. The Company also currently spreads the processing of Vytex NRL among three continents. Sales contracts are based on forward market prices, and generally orders are placed 30 to 90 days ahead of shipment date due to these fluctuations. However, financial results may be negatively impacted where selling prices fall more quickly than purchase price adjustments can be made or when levels of inventory have an anticipated net realizable value that is below cost. The Company is also exposed to risks pertinent to the operations of a retailer, including, but not limited to, the ability to acquire new customers and maintain a strong brand as well as broader economic factors such as interest rates and changes in customer spending patterns.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, including eliminating the requirement to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, and requiring the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption, either of the entire standard or only the provisions that eliminate or modify requirements, is permitted. The Company has evaluated the disclosure requirements of this standard and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

The Company’s financial statements are prepared using the accrual method of accounting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. However, the Company has incurred significant losses and experienced negative cash flow since inception. At March 31, 2020, the Company had cash of $403,091 and a deficit in working capital of approximately $7.8 million. Further, at March 31, 2020 the accumulated deficit amounted to approximately $42.5 million. We use working capital to finance our ongoing operations, and since those operations do not currently cover all our operating costs, managing working capital is essential to our Company’s future success. Because of this history of losses and financial condition, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

A successful transition to attaining profitable operations is dependent upon obtaining sufficient financing to fund the Company’s planned expenses and achieving a level of revenue adequate to support the Company’s cost structure. Management plans to finance future operations using cash on hand, increased revenue from RxAir air purification units and Vytex license fees that now also include the Company’s association with foam cores made from Vytex used in mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows, and stock warrant exercises from existing shareholders. The Company has also focused the efforts of key internal employees on the goal of creating efficiencies in each department in our retail furniture business, including purchasing, marketing, inventory control, advertising, accounting, warehousing and customer service. In addition, the Company has invested in new accounting and operations software, which will improve our ability to control inventory levels and monitor the financial performance of our operations.

There can be no assurances that the Company will be able to achieve projected levels of revenue in 2020 and beyond. If the Company is not able to achieve projected revenue and obtain alternate additional financing of equity or debt, the Company would need to significantly curtail or reorient operations during 2020, which could have a material adverse effect on the ability to achieve the business objectives, and as a result, may require the Company to file bankruptcy or cease operations. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts classified as liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be forced to take any such actions.

The Company’s future expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including: the rate at which the Company can introduce RxAir air purification units and license Vytex NRL raw materials and foam cores made from Vytex to manufacturers, and subsequently retailers; the costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights; market acceptance of the Company’s products, services and competing technological developments; the Company’s ability to successfully realize synergies through the integration of the merged companies, acquire new customers and maintain a strong brand; the success of our efforts to reduce expenses in our retail furniture business; and broader economic factors such as interest rates and changes in customer spending patterns. As the Company expands its activities and operations, cash requirements are expected to increase at a rate consistent with revenue growth after the Company has achieved sustained revenue generation.

Cost and fair value of investments - equity securities are as follows as of March 31, 2020:

Net unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities were approximately $50,000 in the first quarter of 2020 and have been included in other income (expenses) in the accompanying statements of operations. There were no investments – equity securities prior to the Rotmans acquisition in July 2019. Investments represent equity securities in a publicly traded company.

Property and equipment, net consists of the following: