Item 1. Business.
Corporate History and Overview
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. (“we,” “us,” the “Company,” or “Jerrick Media”) (formerly Great Plains Holdings, Inc. or “GTPH”) was incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on December 30, 1999 under the name LILM, Inc. The Company changed its name on December 3, 2013 to Great Plains Holdings, Inc. as part of its plan to diversify its business through the acquisition and operation of commercial real estate, including, but not limited to, self-storage facilities, apartment buildings, 55+ senior manufactured home communities, and other income producing properties. Historically, the Company has principally engaged in the manufacture and marketing of the LiL Marc, a plastic boys’ toilet-training device, which we discontinued as of December 31, 2014.
On February 5, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), GTPH, GPH Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of GTPH (“Merger Sub”), and Jerrick Ventures, Inc., a privately-held Nevada corporation headquartered in New Jersey (“Jerrick”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which the Merger Sub was merged with and into Jerrick, with Jerrick surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTPH (the “Merger”). GTPH acquired, through a reverse triangular merger, all of the outstanding capital stock of Jerrick in exchange for issuing Jerrick’s shareholders (the “Jerrick Shareholders”), pro-rata, a total of 28,500,000 shares of GTPH’s common stock. GTPH assumed 33,415 shares of Jerrick’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Jerrick Series A Preferred”) and 8,064 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Jerrick Series B Preferred”).
In connection with the Merger, on the Closing Date, GTPH and Kent Campbell entered into a Spin-Off Agreement (the “Spin-Off Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Campbell purchased from GTPH (i) all of GTPH’s interest in Ashland Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and (ii) all of GTPH’s interest in Lil Marc, Inc., a Utah corporation, in exchange for the cancellation of 781,818 shares of GTPH’s Common Stock held by Mr. Campbell. In addition, Mr. Campbell assumed all debts, obligations and liabilities of GTPH, including any existing prior to the Merger, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Spin-Off Agreement.
Effective February 28, 2016, GTPH entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Statutory Merger Agreement”) with Jerrick, pursuant to which GTPH became the parent company of Jerrick Ventures, LLC, a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Jerrick (the “Statutory Merger”).
Upon closing of the Merger on February 5, 2016, the Company changed its business plan to that of Jerrick Media.
On February 28, 2016, GTPH changed its name to Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. to better reflect its new business strategy.
Jerrick Media Business
Jerrick Media is an Internet technology company that has developed Vocal, a proprietary software publishing platform, to enable creators of long form content to reach an engaged audience through our growing portfolio of genre-specific branded websites. By creating communities of engaged, topically focused users through our content creation process, we help advertisers and marketers find innovative ways to target and engage customers. Through Vocal, and other associated social media channels and outlets, we produce and distribute a variety of digital media content. The content for each branded website in our portfolio and for distribution through other media channels, is derived from internal generation, user contributions, and external collaborations. The content includes, but is not limited to: videos, imagery, articles, e-books, film, and television projects. Revenue is generated in a variety of ways, including: (i) the sale of advertising and marketing services related to our content, including but not limited to pre-roll videos, text and image advertisements, native advertisements, and affiliate marketing; (ii) the sale of genre-specific products related to our brands and, licensing of our content for download-to-own services; and (iii) royalties and production fees for original content, created for either film, television, or digital end-markets. Demand and pricing for our advertising depends on our user base and overall market conditions. We also drive additional demand through integrated sales of digital advertising inventory, through our marketing services, and by providing unique branded entertainment and custom sponsorship opportunities to our advertisers. Our advertising and e-commerce revenues may be affected by the strength of advertising markets and general economic conditions and may fluctuate depending on the success of our content, as measured by the number of people visiting our websites at any given time.
Our Strategy
We have developed a proprietary patent-pending technology platform, Vocal, designed to develop and cost-effectively acquire content that reaches audiences through our portfolio of genre-specific communities, as well as through other social and digital distribution channels. In addition to providing relevant and refreshing content, our technology is centered on efficiency and scalability in both input of content across a growing variety of topics, and output through a growing number of distribution methods. We believe our content-to-commerce model is an integral part of digital monetization. We focus on distribution of content through the Vocal platform that optimizes user-generated content through an algorithmically derived moderation process. Through the moderation process, we reduce manpower costs, and simultaneously increase our ability to publish content and rapidly produce genre-specific websites driven by usage data. Through these genre-specific websites, we are able to provide advertisers with a more transparent and targeted community for their brands, which we believe offers a very high value proposition. The Vocal platform and its proprietary technology can be white-labeled or licensed, to provide seamless integration to independent media companies and brands. We also use the Vocal platform for distribution and monetization of a substantial inventory of content featuring unpublished photographs, negatives, trademarks, videos, scripts, short stories, and articles across various genres. We believe we have a competitive advantage in the ownership of merchandising rights of such content which allows us to sell or license these properties.
As part of our strategy, we develop transmedia assets internally, in collaboration with other production and media companies, as well as with our expanding user base. The transmedia assets we produce, such as film, television, digital shorts, books, and comic series can be leveraged beyond digital media and can be distributed across multiple platforms and formats.
Our Website Communities
We are developing an ever-increasing number of genre-specific websites, designed to create self-sustaining communities, with each revolving around a specific topic or theme. The creation of these websites is driven by two factors: (i) the potential for monetization opportunities, and (ii) by the topical content provided by our users.
Examples of our current websites include the following:
OMNI.Media
OMNI Media is a science fiction themed website that explores science, technology, art, culture, design, and metaphysics. Its creation was the result of that certain acquisition we conducted in 2012, whereby we acquired the rights to sell certain art, photographs, sketches, written works, and illustrations, owned or created by late media mogul Robert Guccione, Sr. (“Guccione”) (the “Guccione Acquisition”). As part of that acquisition, we own the rights to sell certain art and written works that appeared in OMNI, an iconic science fiction magazine published in the U.S. and the U.K. from 1978 to 1995. OMNI contained articles on science, parapsychology, and short works of science fiction and fantasy that are still relevant today. OMNI Media offers products including video downloads, image downloads, photographs, art, magazines, action figures, apparel, and signed and unsigned collectibles.
In its initial run, OMNI published several stories that have become timeless genre classics, such as Orson Scott Card's "Unaccompanied Sonata", William Gibson's "Burning Chrome", "Johnny Mnemonic", and George R. R. Martin's "Sandkings". The magazine also featured Stephen King's short story "The End of the Whole Mess". OMNI also brought the works of numerous painters to the attention of a large audience, such as H. R. Giger, De Es Schwertberger and Rallé.
Filthy.Media
Filthy Media (“Filthy”) is a relationship and sexuality themed website that explores the boundaries of what defines us as sexual beings and the impact that has on interpersonal relationships. Filthy leverages additional rights from the Guccione Acquisition to include content from various media, such as, articles, photographs, written works, art, and illustrations, related to relationships and sexuality.
Longevity.Media
Longevity Media is a health and wellness themed website that explores a variety of health-related topics including medicine, nutrition, genetic engineering, psychology, and cosmetics. Longevity Media also leverages content rights from the Guccione Acquisition to include the content of Longevity, a magazine published by Guccione from 1989-1996.
Potent.Media
Potent Media is a cannabis themed website that explores the history of marijuana, cannabis culture, and its effect on pop culture today. The site keeps its user base informed on all things involving cannabis culture including movies, TV, books, festivals, conventions and politics.
Intellectual Property
We regard our technology and other proprietary rights as essential to our business. We rely on trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, contract provisions, and trademark law to protect our technology and intellectual property. We have also entered into confidentiality agreements with our consultants and corporate partners and intend to control access to and distribution of our products, documentation, and other proprietary information.
Protecting our Content from Copyright Theft
The theft of pictures, video and other entertainment content presents a significant challenge to our industry, and we take many steps to address this concern. Where possible, we make use of technological protection tools, such as encryption, to protect our content. Notwithstanding these efforts and the many legal protections that exist to combat piracy, the proliferation of content theft and technological tools with which to carry it out continue to escalate. The failure to obtain enhanced legal protections and enforcement tools could make it more difficult for us to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could negatively impact its value.
Competition
We face significant competition from many other websites. We face formidable competition in every aspect of our business, and particularly from other companies that seek to connect people with information on the web similar to ours, and provide them with relevant advertising. Although we face severe competition, we believe we have a competitive advantage in that the majority of our content is timeless, as opposed to many of our competitors, who focus mainly on providing timely content that has a limited lifespan, and therefore negligible long term monetization value. Competitive factors include:
● community cohesion, interaction and size;
● website or mobile platform and application ease-of-use and accessibility;
● user engagement;
● system reliability;
● reliability of delivery and payment; and
● quality of content.
We may be unable to compete successfully against current and future competitors. Some current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, larger user bases and greater brand recognition in other internet sectors than we do. Other online sites with similar business models may be acquired by, receive investments from, or enter into other commercial relationships with well-established and well-financed companies. As a result, some of our competitors with other revenue sources may be able to devote more resources to marketing and promotional campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies and devote more resources to website, mobile platforms and applications and systems development than we can.
In addition, we compete with internet advertising companies, particularly in the areas of pay-for-performance and keyword-targeted internet advertising. Also, we may compete with companies that sell products and services online because these companies, like us, are trying to attract users to their websites to search for information about products and services and content like ours.
We also compete with destination websites that seek to increase their search-related traffic. These destination websites may include those operated by internet access providers, such as cable and DSL service providers. Because our users need to access our services through internet access providers, they have direct relationships with these providers. If an access provider or a computer or computing device manufacturer offers online services that compete with ours, the user may find it more convenient to use the services of the access provider or manufacturer. In addition, the access provider or manufacturer may make it hard to access our services by not listing them in the access provider’s or manufacturer’s own menu of offerings. Also, because the access provider gathers information from the user in connection with the establishment of a billing relationship, the access provider may be more effective than we are in tailoring services and advertisements to the specific tastes of the user.
There has been a trend toward industry consolidation among our competitors, and so smaller competitors today may become larger competitors in the future. If our competitors are more successful than we are at generating traffic, our revenues may decline.
Where You Can Find More Information
Our corporate website address is located at https://jerrick.media/. We do not intend our website address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate by reference the contents of the website into this Report. The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0030. The SEC maintains an Internet website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
RISK FACTORS
RISKS RELATED TO JERRICK MEDIA’S BUSINESS
Our independent auditors have expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing.
As reflected in the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements, the Company had a net loss of approximately $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and a working capital deficit and accumulated deficit of approximately $3.3 million and approximately $13.3 respectively, at December 31, 2016. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The ability of the Company to continue its operations is dependent on management’s plans, which include the raising of capital through debt and/or equity markets with some additional funding from other traditional financing sources, including term notes, until such time that funds provided by operations are sufficient to fund working capital requirements. The Company may need to incur liabilities with certain related parties to sustain the Company’s existence.
The Company will require additional funding to finance the growth of its current and expected future operations as well as to achieve its strategic objectives. The Company believes its current available cash, along with anticipated revenues, may be insufficient to meet its cash needs for the near future. There can be no assurance that financing will be available in amounts or terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.
In response to these problems, management has taken the following actions:
● seeking additional third party debt and/or equity financing;
● execute a plan to recapitalize the company;
● continue with the implementation of the business plan;
● generate new sales from international customers; and
● allocate sufficient resources to continue with advertising and marketing efforts.
In their report dated March 31, 2017, our independent auditors stated that our financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2016, were prepared assuming that we would continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
We are not profitable and may never be profitable.
From inception through the present, we have been dependent on raising capital to support our working capital needs. During this same period, we have recorded net accumulated losses and are yet to achieve profitability. Our ability to achieve profitability depends upon many factors, including our ability to develop and commercialize our websites. There can be no assurance that we will ever achieve any significant revenues or profitable operations.
Our operating expenses exceed our revenues and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
We are in the early stage of our development and we have not generated sufficient revenues to offset our operating expenses. Our operating expenses will likely continue to exceed our operating income for the foreseeable future, until such time as we are able to monetize our brands and generate substantial revenues, particularly as we undertake payment of the increased costs of operating as a public company.
Our Operating subsidiary has a limited operating history.
Our operating subsidiary has been in existence for approximately three years. Our limited operating history means that there is a high degree of uncertainty in our ability to: (i) develop and commercialize our products; (ii) achieve market acceptance; or (iii) respond to competition. Additionally, even if we do implement our business plan, we may not be successful. No assurances can be given as to exactly when, if at all, we will be able to recognize profits high enough to sustain our business. We face all the risks inherent in a new business, including the expenses, difficulties, complications, and delays frequently encountered in connection with conducting operations, including capital requirements. Given our limited operating history, we may be unable to effectively implement our business plan, which would result in a loss of your investment.
WE have assumed A significant amount of debt and our operations may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our debt obligations, which could reduce our financial flexibility and adversely impact our operations.
Currently the Company has considerable convertible notes, related party notes and lines of credit outstanding with various debtors. Our ability to make payments on such indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash flow. The Company may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to enable us to repay this indebtedness and to fund other liquidity needs, including capital expenditure requirements. Such indebtedness could affect our operations in several ways, including:
● a significant portion of our cash flows could be required to be used to service such indebtedness;
● a high level of debt could increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
● any covenants contained in the agreements governing such outstanding indebtedness could limit our ability to borrow additional funds, dispose of assets, pay dividends and make certain investments;
● a high level of debt may place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less leveraged and, therefore, our competitors may be able to take advantage of opportunities that our indebtedness may prevent us from pursuing; and
● debt covenants to which we may agree may affect our flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in the economy and in our industry.
A high level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may default on our debt obligations. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to pay the principal or interest on our debt. If we cannot service or refinance our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling significant assets, seeking additional equity financing (which will result in additional dilution to stockholders) or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. If we do not have sufficient funds and are otherwise unable to arrange financing, our assets may be foreclosed upon which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We will need additional capital, which may be difficult to raise as a result of our limited operating history or any number of other reasons.
We expect that we will have adequate financing for the next 6 months. However, in the event that we exceed our expected growth, we would need to raise additional capital. There is no assurance that additional equity or debt financing will be available to us when needed, on acceptable terms or even at all. Our limited operating history makes investor evaluation and an estimation of our future performance substantially more difficult. As a result, investors may be unwilling to invest in us or such investment may be on terms or conditions which are not acceptable. In the event that we are not able to secure financing, we may have to scale back our growth plans or cease operations.
We depend on our key management personnel and the loss of their services could adversely affect our business.
We place substantial reliance upon the efforts and abilities of Jeremy Frommer, our Chief Executive Officer, and our other executive officers and directors. Though no individual is indispensable, the loss of the services of these executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, revenues or prospects. We do not currently maintain key man life insurance on the lives of these individuals.
We have not adopted various corporate governance measures, and as a result stockholders may have limited protections against interested director transactions, conflicts of interest and similar matters.
Recent Federal legislation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has resulted in the adoption of various corporate governance measures designed to promote the integrity of corporate management and the securities markets. Because our securities are not yet listed on a national securities exchange, we are not required to adopt these corporate governance measures and have not done so voluntarily in order to avoid incurring the additional costs associated with such measures. Among these measures is the establishment of independent committees of the Board of Directors. However, to the extent a public market develops for our securities, such legislation will require us to make changes to our current corporate governance practices. Those changes may be costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, the absence of the governance measures referred to above with respect to our Company may leave our shareholders with more limited protection in connection with interested director transactions, conflicts of interest and similar matters.
We face intense competition. If we do not provide digital content that is useful to users, we may not remain competitive, and our potential revenues and operating results could be adversely affected.
Our business is rapidly evolving and intensely competitive, and is subject to changing technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of new products and services. Our ability to compete successfully depends heavily on providing digital content that is useful and enjoyable for our users and delivering our content through innovative technologies in the marketplace.
We have many competitors in the digital content creation industry and media companies. Our current and potential competitors range from large and established companies to emerging start-ups. Established companies have longer operating histories and more established relationships with customers and users, and they can use their experience and resources in ways that could affect our competitive position, including by making acquisitions, investing aggressively in research and development, aggressively initiating intellectual property claims (whether or not meritorious) and competing aggressively for advertisers and websites. Emerging start-ups may be able to innovate and provide products and services faster than we can.
Additionally, our operating results would suffer if our digital content is not appropriately timed with market opportunities, or if our digital content is not effectively brought to market. As technology continues to develop, our competitors may be able to offer user experiences that are, or that are seen to be, substantially similar to or better than ours. This may force us to compete in different ways and expend significant resources in order to remain competitive. If our competitors are more successful than we are in developing compelling content or in attracting and retaining users and advertisers, our revenues and operating results could be adversely affected.
We face competition from traditional media companies, and we may not be included in the advertising budgets of large advertisers, which could harm our operating results.
In addition to internet companies, we face competition from companies that offer traditional media advertising opportunities. Most large advertisers have set advertising budgets, a very small portion of which is allocated to Internet advertising. We expect that large advertisers will continue to focus most of their advertising efforts on traditional media. If we fail to convince these companies to spend a portion of their advertising budgets with us, or if our existing advertisers reduce the amount they spend on our programs, our operating results would be harmed.
Our business depends on strong brands and relationships, and if we are not able to maintain our relationships and enhance our brands, our ability to expand our base of users, advertisers and affiliates will be impaired and our business and operating results could be harmed.
We believe that maintaining and enhancing the “Filthy Media”, “OMNI”, “Geeks”, “Longevity”, and "Potent" brands is critical to expanding our base of users, advertisers and affiliates. Maintaining and enhancing our brands' profiles may require us to make substantial investments and these investments may not be successful. If we fail to promote and maintain the “Filthy Media”, “OMNI”, “Geeks”, “Longevity”, and “Potent” brands' profiles, or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business and operating results could be harmed. We anticipate that, as our market becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining and enhancing our brands' profiles may become increasingly difficult and expensive. Maintaining and enhancing our brands will depend largely on our ability to be a technology leader and to continue to provide attractive products and services, which we may not do successfully.
We need to manage growth in operations to maximize our potential growth and achieve our expected revenues and our failure to manage growth will cause a disruption of our operations, resulting in the failure to generate revenue.
In order to maximize potential growth in our current and potential markets, we believe that we must expand our marketing operations. This expansion will place a significant strain on our management and our operational, accounting, and information systems. We expect that we will need to continue to improve our financial controls, operating procedures, and management information systems. We will also need to effectively train, motivate, and manage our employees. Our failure to manage our growth could disrupt our operations and ultimately prevent us from generating the revenues we expect.
In order to achieve the general strategies of our company we need to maintain and search for hard-working employees who have innovative initiatives, while at the same time, keep a close eye on any and all expanding opportunities in our marketplace.
We plan to generate a significant portion of our revenues from advertising and affiliate sales relationships, and a reduction in spending by or loss of advertisers and general decrease in online spending could adversely harm our business.
We plan to generate a substantial portion of our revenues from advertisers. Our advertisers may be able to terminate prospective contracts with us at any time. Advertisers will not continue to do business with us if their investment in advertising with us does not generate sales leads, and ultimately customers, or if we do not deliver their advertisements in an appropriate and effective manner. If we are unable to remain competitive and provide value to our advertisers, they may stop placing ads with us, which would adversely affect our revenues and business. In addition, expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. Our advertising and e-commerce revenues may be affected by the strength of advertising markets and general economic conditions and may fluctuate depending on the success of our content, as measured by the number of people visiting our websites at any given time. Adverse macroeconomic conditions can also have a material negative impact on the demand for advertising and cause our advertisers to reduce the amounts they spend on advertising, which could adversely affect our revenues and business.
Security breaches could harm our business.
Security breaches have become more prevalent in the technology industry. We believe that we take reasonable steps to protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of the information we collect, use, store and disclose, but there is no guarantee that inadvertent (e.g., software bugs or other technical malfunctions, employee error or malfeasance, or other factors) or unauthorized data access or use will not occur despite our efforts. Although we have not experienced any material security breaches to date, we may in the future experience attempts to disable our systems or to breach the security of our systems. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to personal information, confidential information and/or the systems on which such information is stored and/or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target. As a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures.
If an actual or perceived security breach occurs, the market perception of our security measures could be harmed and we could lose sales and customers and/or suffer other negative consequences to our business. A security breach could adversely affect the digital content experience and cause the loss or corruption of data, which could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. Any failure to maintain the security of our infrastructure could result in loss of personal information and/or other confidential information, damage to our reputation and customer relationships, early termination of our contracts and other business losses, indemnification of our customers, financial penalties, litigation, regulatory investigations and other significant liabilities. In the event of a major third-party security incident, we may incur losses in excess of their insurance coverage.
Moreover, if a high profile security breach occurs with respect to us or another digital entertainment company, our customers and potential customers may lose trust in the security of our business model generally, which could adversely impact our ability to retain existing customers or attract new ones.
The laws and regulations concerning data privacy and data security are continually evolving; our or our platform providers’ actual or perceived failure to comply with these laws and regulations could harm our business.
Customers view our content online, using third-party platforms and networks and on mobile devices. We collect and store significant amounts of information about our customers-both personally identifying and non-personally identifying information. We are subject to laws from a variety of jurisdictions regarding privacy and the protection of this player information. For example, the European Union (EU) has traditionally taken a broader view than the United States and certain other jurisdictions as to what is considered personal information and has imposed greater obligations under data privacy regulations. The U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) also regulates the collection, use and disclosure of personal information from children under 13 years of age. While none of our content is directed at children under 13 years of age, if COPPA were to apply to us, failure to comply with COPPA may increase our costs, subject us to expensive and distracting government investigations and could result in substantial fines.
Data privacy protection laws are rapidly changing and likely will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The U.S. government, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce, is continuing to review the need for greater regulation over the collection of personal information and information about consumer behavior on the Internet and on mobile devices and the EU has proposed reforms to its existing data protection legal framework. Various government and consumer agencies worldwide have also called for new regulation and changes in industry practices. In addition, in some cases, we are dependent upon our platform providers to solicit, collect and provide us with information regarding our players that is necessary for compliance with these various types of regulations.
Customer interaction with our content is subject to our privacy policy and terms of service. If we fail to comply with our posted privacy policy or terms of service or if we fail to comply with existing privacy-related or data protection laws and regulations, it could result in proceedings or litigation against us by governmental authorities or others, which could result in fines or judgments against us, damage our reputation, impact our financial condition and harm our business. If regulators, the media or consumers raise any concerns about our privacy and data protection or consumer protection practices, even if unfounded, this could also result in fines or judgments against us, damage our reputation, and negatively impact our financial condition and damage our business.
In the area of information security and data protection, many jurisdictions have passed laws requiring notification when there is a security breach for personal data or requiring the adoption of minimum information security standards that are often vaguely defined and difficult to implement. Our security measures and standards may not be sufficient to protect personal information and we cannot guarantee that our security measures will prevent security breaches. A security breach that compromises personal information could harm our reputation and result in a loss of confidence in our products and ultimately in a loss of customers, which could adversely affect our business and impact our financial condition. This could also subject us to liability under applicable security breach-related laws and regulations and could result in additional compliance costs, costs related to regulatory inquiries and investigations, and an inability to conduct our business.
If any of our relationships with internet search websites terminate, if such websites' methodologies are modified or if we are outbid by competitors, traffic to our websites could decline.
We depend in part on various internet search websites, such as Google.com, Bing.com, Yahoo.com and other websites to direct a significant amount of traffic to our websites. Search websites typically provide two types of search results, algorithmic and purchased listings. Algorithmic listings generally are determined and displayed as a result of a set of unpublished formulas designed by search engine companies in their discretion. Purchased listings generally are displayed if particular word searches are performed on a search engine. We rely on both algorithmic and purchased search results, as well as advertising on other internet websites, to direct a substantial share of visitors to our websites and to direct traffic to the advertiser customers we serve. If these internet search websites modify or terminate their relationship with us or we are outbid by our competitors for purchased listings, meaning that our competitors pay a higher price to be listed above us in a list of search results, traffic to our websites could decline. Such a decline in traffic could affect our ability to generate advertising revenue and could reduce the desirability of advertising on our websites.
Our business involves risks of liability claims arising from our media content, which could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and could increase our operating expenses.
As a distributor of media content, we face potential liability for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, obscenity, violation of rights of publicity and/or obscenity laws and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials distributed. These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully, against broadcasters, publishers, online services and other disseminators of media content. Any imposition of liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, measures to reduce our exposure to liability in connection with content available through our internet websites could require us to take steps that would substantially limit the aesthetic of our internet websites and/or their availability in certain geographic areas, which could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and could increase our operating expenses.
Intellectual property litigation could expose us to significant costs and liabilities and thus negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to claims of infringement of third party patents and trademarks and other violations of third party intellectual property rights. Intellectual property disputes are generally time-consuming and expensive to litigate or settle, and the outcome of such disputes is uncertain and difficult to predict. The existence of such disputes may require us to set-aside substantial reserves, and has the potential to significantly affect our overall financial standing. To the extent that claims against us are successful, they may subject us to substantial liability, and we may have to pay substantial monetary damages, change aspects of our business model, and/or discontinue any of our services or practices that are found to be in violation of another party's rights. Such outcomes may severely restrict or hinder ongoing business operations and impact the value of our business. Successful claims against us could also result in us having to seek a license to continue our practices. Under such conditions, a license may or may not be offered or otherwise made available to us. If a license is made available to us, the cost of the license may significantly increase our operating burden and expenses, potentially resulting in a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although we have been and are currently involved in multiple areas of commerce, internet services, and high technology where there is a substantial risk of future patent litigation, we have not obtained insurance for patent infringement losses. If we are unsuccessful in resolving pending and future patent litigation in a reasonable and affordable manner, it could disrupt our business and operations, including by negatively impacting areas of commerce or putting us at a competitive disadvantage.
If we are unable to obtain or maintain key website addresses, our ability to operate and grow our business may be impaired.
Our website addresses, or domain names, are critical to our business. We currently own more than 252 domain names. However, the regulation of domain names is subject to change, and it may be difficult for us to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to ours, that infringe our trademarks or that otherwise decrease the value of our brands. If we are unable to obtain or maintain key domain names for the various areas of our business, our ability to operate and grow our business may be impaired.
We may have difficulty scaling and adapting our existing network infrastructure to accommodate increased traffic and technology advances or changing business requirements, which could cause us to incur significant expenses and lead to the loss of users and advertisers.
To be successful, our network infrastructure has to perform well and be reliable. The greater the user traffic and the greater the complexity of our products and services, the more computer power we will need. We could incur substantial costs if we need to modify our websites or our infrastructure to adapt to technological changes. If we do not maintain our network infrastructure successfully, or if we experience inefficiencies and operational failures, the quality of our products and services and our users' experience could decline. Maintaining an efficient and technologically advanced network infrastructure is particularly critical to our business because of the pictorial nature of the products and services provided on our websites. A decline in quality could damage our reputation and lead us to lose current and potential users and advertisers. Cost increases, loss of traffic or failure to accommodate new technologies or changing business requirements could harm our operating results and financial condition.
Because some of our brands contain adult content, companies providing products and services on which we rely may refuse to do business with us.
Many companies that provide products and services we need are concerned that associating with us could lead to their becoming the target of negative publicity campaigns by public interest groups and boycotts of their products and services. As a result of these concerns, these companies may be reluctant to enter into or continue business relationships with us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our existing business relationships with the companies, domestic or international, that currently provide us with services and products. Our inability to maintain such business relationships, or to find replacement service providers, would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We could be forced to enter into business arrangements on terms less favorable to us than we might otherwise obtain, which could lead to our doing business with less competitive terms, higher transaction costs and more inefficient operations than if we were able to maintain such business relationships or find replacement service providers.
Our business is exposed to risks associated with online commerce security and credit card fraud.
Consumer concerns over the security of transactions conducted on the internet or the privacy of users may inhibit the growth of the internet and online commerce. To transmit confidential information such as customer credit card numbers securely, we rely on encryption and authentication technology. Unanticipated events or developments could result in a compromise or breach of the systems we use to protect customer transaction data. Furthermore, our servers may also be vulnerable to viruses and other attacks transmitted via the internet. As a payment processor, we are required to comply with PCI DSS and a credit card information breach could subject us to penalties or fines, litigation, regulatory investigation or regulatory action. While we proactively check for intrusions into our infrastructure, a new and undetected virus could cause a service disruption. Under current credit card practices, we may be held liable for fraudulent credit card transactions and other payment disputes with customers. A failure to control fraudulent credit card transactions adequately would adversely affect our business.
Risk Factors Related to our Potent Media Brand
Cannabis remains illegal under Federal law.
Our Potent Media brand is a website devoted to exploring the history of marijuana, the cannabis culture and its effect on pop culture today. The site keeps its user base informed on all things involving cannabis culture including movies, tv and books and festivals, conventions and politics. However, despite the development of a legal cannabis industry under the laws of certain states, these state laws legalizing medical and adult cannabis use are in conflict with the Federal Controlled Substances Act, which classifies cannabis as a schedule-I controlled substance and makes cannabis use and possession illegal on a national level. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the Federal government has the right to regulate and criminalize cannabis, even for medical purposes, and thus Federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis preempts state laws that legalize its use. Although the Obama Administration determined that it is not an efficient use of resources to direct Federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those lawfully abiding by state laws allowing the use and distribution of medical and recreational cannabis. There is no guarantee that the Trump Administration will not introduce a less favorable policy or decide to enforce the Federal laws strongly. Any such change in the Federal government’s enforcement of Federal laws could cause significant financial damage to us and our shareholders.
As the possession and use of cannabis is illegal under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, we may be deemed to be aiding and abetting illegal activities through the services that we provide to users. As a result, we may be subject to enforcement actions by law enforcement authorities, which would materially and adversely affect our business.
Under Federal law, and more specifically the Federal Controlled Substances Act, the possession, use, cultivation, and transfer of cannabis is illegal. Our business provides services to customers that are engaged in the business of possession, use, cultivation, and/or transfer of cannabis. As a result, law enforcement authorities, in their attempt to regulate the illegal use of cannabis, may seek to bring an action or actions against us, including, but not limited, to a claim of aiding and abetting another’s criminal activities. The Federal aiding and abetting statute provides that anyone who “commits an offense against the United States or aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures its commission, is punishable as a principal.” 18 U.S.C. §2(a). As a result of such an action, we may be forced to cease operation of our Potent Media brand. Such an action could have a material negative effect on our business and operations.
Federal enforcement practices could change with respect to services provided to participants in the cannabis industry, which could adversely impact us. If the Federal government were to change its practices, or were to expend its resources on enforcement actions against service providers in the cannabis industry, such actions could have a materially adverse effect on our operations, our customers, or the sales of our products.
It is possible that additional Federal or state legislation could be enacted in the future that would prohibit our advertisers from selling cannabis and cannabis related products, and, if such legislation were enacted, such advertisers may discontinue the use of our services, our potential source of customers would be reduced, and our revenues would decline. Further, additional government disruption in the cannabis industry could cause potential customers and users to be reluctant use and advertise on our products, which would be detrimental to the Company. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our business.
Operating a network open to all internet users may result in legal consequences.
Our Terms and Conditions clearly state that our network and services are only to be used by users who are over 18 years old and located where the use of cannabis is permissible under state law and only in a manner which would be permissible under the applicable state law. However, it is impractical to independently verify that all activity occurring on our network fits into this description. As such, we run the risk of federal and state law enforcement prosecution.
Although the Obama Administration has determined that it is not an efficient use of resources to direct Federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those following certain state laws allowing for the use and distribution of medical and recreational cannabis, there can be no assurance that the administration, or future administrations, will not change its stated policy and begin enforcement of the Federal laws against us or our users. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we will not face criminal prosecution from states where the use of cannabis is permitted for the use of cannabis in ways which do not fall under the state law. Finally, even if we attempt to prevent the use of our product in states where cannabis use is not permitted under state law, use of our websites by those in such states may still occur and state authorities may still bring an action against us for the promotion of cannabis related material by those residing in such states.
Risks Related to FILTHY MEDIA
Changes in laws regulating adult content could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our brand, Filthy Media, presents content related to culture of erotic art. Regulation, investigations and prosecutions of adult content could prevent us from making such content available in certain jurisdictions and may otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Government officials may also place additional restrictions on adult content affecting the way people interact on the internet. The governments of some countries, such as China and India, have sought to limit the influence of other cultures by restricting the distribution of products deemed to represent foreign or “immoral” influences. Regulation aimed at limiting minors’ access to adult content both in the United States and abroad could also increase our cost of operations and introduce technological challenges by requiring development and implementation of age verification systems. U.S. government officials could amend or construe and seek to enforce more broadly or aggressively the adult content recordkeeping and labeling requirements set forth in 18 U.S.C. Section 2257 and its implementing regulations in a manner that is unfavorable to our business. Court rulings may place additional restrictions on adult content affecting how people interact on the internet, such as mandatory web labeling.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK
The price of our Common Stock may be subject to wide fluctuations.
Even though we have our shares quoted on the OTCQB, a consistently active trading market for our Common Stock may not exist. You may not be able to sell your shares quickly or at the current market price if trading in our stock is not active. You may lose all or a part of your investment. The market price of our Common Stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors and risks, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to the risks noted elsewhere in this prospectus, some of the other factors affecting our stock price may include:
● variations in our operating results;
● the level and quality of securities analysts’ coverage of our Common Stock;
● announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
● announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us; and
● future sales of our Common Stock.
For these reasons, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on past results as an indication of future performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against the public company. Regardless of its outcome, this type of litigation could result in substantial costs to us and a likely diversion of our management’s attention. You may not receive a positive return on your investment when you sell your shares and you may lose the entire amount of your investment.
We may, in the future, issue additional SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, which would reduce investors’ percent of ownership and dilute our share value.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 300,000,000 shares of Common Stock, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Currently the Company has issued 33,414 shares of Series A Preferred, 8,063 shares of Series B Preferred and 914,557 of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series D Preferred”). Additionally, the Company has issued warrants to purchase 14,986,667 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $0.36. As of December 1, 2016, the Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred, are convertible into 25,382,880 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to adjustment. Assuming all of the Company’s currently outstanding preferred stock be converted and all outstanding warrants be exercised, the Company would have to issue an additional 40,369,547 shares of common stock representing 54% of our current issued and outstanding common stock. The future issuance of this Common Stock would result in substantial dilution in the percentage of our Common Stock held by our then existing shareholders. We may value any Common Stock issued in the future on an arbitrary basis. The issuance of Common Stock for future services or acquisitions or other corporate actions may have the effect of diluting the value of the shares held by our investors, and might have an adverse effect on any trading market for our Common Stock.
OUR COMMON SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO THE “PENNY STOCK” RULES OF THE SEC AND THE TRADING MARKET IN OUR SECURITIES IS LIMITED, WHICH MAKES TRANSACTIONS IN OUR STOCK CUMBERSOME AND MAY REDUCE THE VALUE OF AN INVESTMENT IN OUR STOCK.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9 which establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions.
For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require:
(a) that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks; and
(b) the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.
In order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must: (a) obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person; and (b) make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the Commission relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form: (a) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination, and (b) that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our Common shares and cause a decline in the market value of our stock.
Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS FOR BREACH OF DUTY OF CARE IS LIMITED.
According to Nevada law (NRS 78.138(7)), all Nevada corporations limit the liability of directors and officers, including acts not in good faith. Our stockholders’ ability to recover damages for fiduciary breaches may be reduced by this statute. In addition, we are obligated to indemnify our directors and officers regarding stockholder suits which they successfully defend (NRS 78.7502).
BECAUSE WE DO NOT INTEND TO PAY ANY CASH DIVIDENDS ON OUR COMMON STOCK, OUR STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RECEIVE A RETURN ON THEIR SHARES UNLESS THEY SELL THEM.
We intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Unless we pay dividends, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them. There is no assurance that stockholders will be able to sell shares when desired.
WE MAY ISSUE ADDITIONAL SHARES OF PREFERRED STOCK IN THE FUTURE THAT MAY ADVERSELY IMPACT YOUR RIGHTS AS HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
Our articles of incorporation authorize us to issue up to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in various classes. As of December 31, 2016 there are 33,974,582 outstanding shares of common stock. Currently, the Company has issued 33,414 shares of Series A Preferred, 8,063 shares of Series B Preferred and 914,557 shares of Series D Preferred stock outstanding. As of December 8, 2016, our outstanding preferred stock is convertible into 25,382,880 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Our board of directors will have the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred shares, as well as the authority to issue additional shares, without further stockholder approval. As a result, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders preferred rights to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividends before dividends are declared to holders of our Common Stock, and the right to the redemption of such preferred shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of the Common Stock. To the extent that we do issue such additional shares of preferred stock, your rights as holders of Common Stock could be impaired thereby, including, without limitation, dilution of your ownership interests in us. In addition, shares of preferred stock could be issued with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control or make removal of management more difficult, which may not be in your interest as a holder of Common Stock.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not applicable.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
Prior to the Merger our business office along with the staging area for our Florida property maintenance operations was located at 4060 NE 95th Road, Wildwood, Florida 34785. As of February 5, 2016, our corporate headquarters which houses operations and support personnel, is located at 202 S Dean Street, Englewood, NJ 07631, an office consisting of a total of 12,000 square feet. The current lease term is effective from January 8, 2014 through February 28, 2024 (the “Term”) with an annual rent of $8,500 until December 31, 2015 and $14,165 for each subsequent year of the Term thereafter.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We are not currently involved in any litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of our Company our subsidiary, threatened against or affecting our Company, our common stock, our subsidiary or of our Company’s or our Company’s subsidiary’ officers or directors in their capacities as such, in which an adverse decision could have a material adverse effect.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
(a) Market Information
Our shares of Common Stock are quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “JMDA”. Prior to March 3, 2016, our shares of Common Stock were quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “GTPH”. The OTCQB is a quotation service that displays real-time quotes, last-sale prices, and volume information in over-the-counter (“OTC”) equity securities. An OTCQB equity security is not listed or traded on a national securities exchange.
The following table sets forth the high and low bid price for our common stock for each quarter during the 2016 and 2015 fiscal years. The prices reflect inter-dealer quotations, do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions and do not necessarily reflect actual transactions.
(b) Holders of Common Equity
As of March 31, 2017, there were approximately 166 stockholders of record. An additional number of stockholders are beneficial holders of our Common Stock in “street name” through banks, brokers and other financial institutions that are the record holders.
(c) Dividend Information
We have not paid any cash dividends to our holders of common stock. The declaration of any future cash dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors and depends upon our earnings, if any, our capital requirements and financial position, our general economic conditions, and other pertinent conditions. It is our present intention not to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, but rather to reinvest earnings, if any, in our business operations.
(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
There are currently 2,400,000 outstanding options to purchase our securities.
Option Plan
Pursuant to the Merger, on February 5, 2016, the Company assumed Jerrick’s 2015 Stock Incentive and Award Plan (the “Plan”) which provides for the issuance of up to 18,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
The purpose of the Plan is to provide additional incentive to those officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company’s business.
Eligible recipients of option awards are employees, officers, consultants or directors (including non-employee directors) of the Company or of any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company. Upon recommendation from the board or the Compensation Committee, the board has the authority to grant to any eligible recipient any options, restricted stock or other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, our common stock.
The provisions of each option granted need not be the same with respect to each option recipient. Option recipients shall enter into award agreements with us, in such form as the board shall determine.
The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee consisting of two or more independent, non-employee and outside directors. In the absence of such a Committee, the board of the Company shall administer the Plan.
Each Option shall contain the following material terms:
(i) the purchase price of each share of Common Stock with respect to Incentive Options shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value (defined as the closing price on the final trading day immediately prior to the grant on the principal exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted, as applicable) of the Common Stock of the Company, provided that if the recipient of the Option owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of the Company, the exercise price shall be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value;
(ii) The purchase price of each share of Common Stock purchasable under a Non-qualified Option shall be at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock on the date the Non-qualified Option is granted, unless the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, determines to set the purchase price of such Non-qualified Option below Fair Market Value.
(iii) the term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee, provided that such Option shall not be exercisable more than five (5) years after the date such Option is granted, and provided further that with respect to an Incentive Option, if the recipient owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of the Company, the Incentive Option shall not be exercisable more than five (5) years after the date such Incentive Option is granted;
(iv) subject to acceleration in the event of a Change of Control of the Company (as further described in the Plan), the period during which the Options vest shall be designated by the Committee or, in the absence of any Option vesting periods designated by the Committee at the time of grant, shall vest and become exercisable in equal amounts on each fiscal quarter of the Company through the four (4) year anniversary of the date on which the Option was granted;
(vi)
no Option is transferable and each is exercisable only by the recipient of such Option except in the event of the death of the recipient; and
(vii) with respect to Incentive Options, the aggregate Fair Market Value of Common Stock exercisable for the first time during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000.
Each award of Restricted Stock is subject to the following material terms:
(i) no rights to an award of Restricted Stock are granted to the intended recipient of Restricted Stock unless and until the grant of Restricted Stock is accepted within the period prescribed by the Compensation Committee;
(ii) Restricted Stock shall not be delivered until they are free of any restrictions specified by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant;
(iii) recipients of Restricted Stock have the rights of a stockholder of the Company as of the date of the grant of the Restricted Stock;
(iv) shares of Restricted Stock are forfeitable until the terms of the Restricted Stock grant have been satisfied or the employment with the Company is terminated; and
(v) the Restricted Stock is not transferable until the date on which the Compensation Committee has specified such restrictions have lapsed.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
As a Smaller Reporting Company, the Company is not required to include the disclosure under this Item 6 Selected Financial Data.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION OF OUR PLAN OF OPERATION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT. THIS DISCUSSION CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT RELATE TO FUTURE EVENTS OR OUR FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE. THESE STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS, LEVELS OF ACTIVITY, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM ANY FUTURE RESULTS, LEVELS OF ACTIVITY, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE RISKS AND OTHER FACTORS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, THOSE LISTED UNDER “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” AND “RISK FACTORS” AND THOSE INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT.
Overview
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. (“we,” “us,” the “Company,” or “Jerrick Media”) (formerly Great Plains Holdings, Inc.)
Results of Operations
Summary of Statements of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
Net Revenue
Net revenue was $223,927 for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $767,527 for the comparable year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of $543,600. The decrease in net revenue is primarily attributable to the Company's transitioning its ecommerce business from direct sale of products and Company owned memorabilia, through various web-based distribution channels, toward generating revenue through native advertising, branded marketing, and affiliate sales, resulting from the creation of genre specific, user generated content community websites. As part of that transition, the Company focused its efforts throughout 2016 on the development of its proprietary Vocal software platform to support the scalability of its business model. Revenue was also negatively impacted by management's decision to reduce its marketing efforts in selling artwork and memorabilia related to the Guccione Acquisition in the second half of 2016, while it negotiated an agreement to conduct future sales of Guccione artwork and memorabilia as well as certain other products through Everything But The House ("EBTH"), a premier online marketplace for estate sales. The Company reached an agreement with EBTH in the fourth quarter of 2016 and resumed sales through EBTH based on an auction revenue sharing model in December 2016. The Company expects revenue derived from its Vocal platform websites as well as its EBTH relationship to increase in 2017.
Gross Profit
Gross profit percentage increased from a gross profit of 76% during the year ended December 31, 2015, to a gross profit of 81% during the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in gross margin is primarily attributable to the Company's higher margin advertising and branded content revenue resulting from increased traffic on its websites. The Company expects its gross margins to fluctuate as its business model continues to evolve in 2017.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, were $3,872,362 as compared to $3,435,042 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase of $437,320 in operating expenses is a result of a $534,728 increase in G&A expenses related to the development and launch of its Vocal platform, a $216,584 increase in employee compensation, and a $173,949 increase in professional fees related to the Company’s reverse acquisition of a public vehicle, partially offset by a $487,941 decrease in stock based compensation.
Loss from Operations
Loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $(3,691,756) as compared to loss of $(2,851,043) for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in net loss is primarily attributable to a decrease in revenue and the increase in operating expenses associated with the development and launch of its Vocal platform and the Company’s reverse acquisition of a public vehicle.
Other Expenses
Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $(3,700,151), as compared to $(488,725) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Other expenses during the year ended December 31, 2016 was comprised of interest expense of $169,075 on notes payable, liquidating damages of $3,329,993, and debt discount of $211,198 recorded by the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2015, other expenses were comprised of interest expense of $475,481 on the bridge loans which were converted into equity during 2015 and dividends of $13,244 recorded by the Company.
Net Loss
Net loss attributable to common shareholder for year ended December 31, 2016, was $(7,391,907), or loss per share of $(0.23), as compared to $(3,339,768) or loss per share of $(0.12), for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Inflation did not have a material impact on the Company’s operations for the applicable period. Other than the foregoing, management knows of no trends, demands, or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes total current assets, liabilities and working capital at December 31, 2016, compared to December 31, 2015:
At December 31, 2016, we had a working capital deficit of $(3,360,502), as compared to a working capital deficit of $(528,208) at December 31, 2015, an increase of $(2,832,294). The decrease is primarily attributable to an increase of $708,031 to accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $1,660,093 to an increase of debt.
Net Cash
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, was $(2,517,113) and $(2,287,682), respectively. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $(7,391,907) and $(3,339,768), respectively. Net cash used in operations for the current period is due primarily to an increase in infrastructure, continued develop of the business plan, and the Company’s move toward being a publicly traded company.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $43,957 and $69,198.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $2,296,936 and $2,970,446. During 2016, the Company was predominantly financed by issuance of notes, related party notes, convertible notes and preferred stock. During 2015, the Company was financed by preferred stock.
Inflation
In the opinion of management, inflation has not and will not have a material effect on our operations in the immediate future. Management will continue to monitor inflation and evaluate the possible future effects of inflation on our business and operations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Under Commission regulations, we are required to disclose our off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, such as changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. As of December 31, 2016, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies
We believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”
Use of Estimates
We use estimates and assumptions in preparing financial statements. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Financial assets are marked to bid prices and financial liabilities are marked to offer prices. Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.
The Company recognizes income and expenses based on the accrual method of accounting.
Advertising
The Company expenses all advertising costs as they are incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are defined as demand deposits, money market accounts and overnight investments at banks. Cash is maintained in banks insured by the FDIC for an aggregate of up to $250,000. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Concentrations of Risk
Financial Instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions. At December 31, 2016, the Company has $0 in excess of federally insured limits.
Dividend Policy
The Company has not yet adopted a policy regarding dividends.
Income Taxes
The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and the tax bases of the assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect, when the differences are expected to reverse. An allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that such tax benefits will not be realized.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset is determined not to be recoverable, a write-down to fair value is recorded. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows, or external appraisals, as applicable. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment at the individual asset or the asset group level for which the lowest level of independent cash flows can be identified.
Long Term Investments
Non-marketable equity investments are carried at cost. Investments held by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. Impairment expenses of $83,333 and $17,788 have been recorded on long term investments for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financials include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries from its inception. All significant intercompany accounts and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Property & Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property, as follows:
Expenditures for additions, improvements and betterments that extend the useful lives of existing assets, if material, are generally capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Recognition of Rental Income
Revenue from lease of residential and commercial properties is recognized when earned with the passage of time per the terms of the leases in effect.
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share amounts are computed based on the weighted average number of shares actually outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share amounts are computed using the weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding as if shares had been issued on the exercise of any common share rights unless the exercise becomes antidilutive and then the basic and diluted per share amounts are the same.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company does not expect that the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on its financial statements.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We do not hold any derivative instruments and do not engage in any hedging activities.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements.
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.
December 31, 2016 and 2015
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the entity will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the entity has suffered recurring losses from operations that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 3. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ KLJ & Associates, LLP
KLJ & Associates, LLP
Edina, MN
March 31, 2017
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.
December 31, 2016 and 2015
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Organization and Operations
Great Plains Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on December 30, 1999 under the name LILM, Inc. The Company changed its name on December 3, 2013 as part of its plans to diversify its business through the acquisition and operation of commercial real estate, including but not limited to self-storage facilities, apartment buildings, 55+ senior manufactured homes communities, and other income producing properties. Historically, the Company has principally engaged in manufacture and marketing of the LiL Marc urinal used in the training of young boys, but is changing its focus to residential and commercial rental real estate as well as exploring other business opportunities.
On February 5, 2016, Great Plains Holdings, Inc. a Nevada corporation (“GTPH”, or the “Company”), GPH Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of GTPH (“Merger Sub”), and Jerrick Ventures, Inc., a privately-held Nevada corporation headquartered in New Jersey (“Jerrick”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which the Merger Sub was merged with and into Jerrick, with Jerrick surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTPH (the “Merger”). The transaction (the “Closing”) took place on February 5, 2016 (the “Closing Date”). The Company acquired, through a reverse triangular merger, all of the outstanding capital stock of Jerrick in exchange for issuing Jerrick’s shareholders (the “Jerrick Shareholders”), pro-rata, a total of 28,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. GTPH shall assume 33,414.89 shares of Jerrick’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred”) and 8,063.33 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred”) and file the appropriate certificates of designation to reflect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Jerrick’s Series A Preferred and Series B Preferred. Jerrick shareholders that hold either Series A Preferred or Series B Preferred will be able to exchange such shares for the equivalent in GTPH on a one for one basis. Additionally, GTPH shall assume 12,391,667 outstanding common stock purchase warrants of Jerrick such that each Jerrick shareholder that holds a warrant to purchase shares of Jerrick common stock will by virtue of the Merger, be able to purchase the equivalent number of shares of GTPH Common Stock under the same terms and conditions.
In connection with the Merger, on February 5, 2016, the Company and Kent Campbell entered into a Spin-Off Agreement (the “Spin-Off Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Campbell purchased from the Company (i) all of the Company’s interest in Ashland Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and (ii) all of the Company’s interest in Lil Marc, Inc., a Utah corporation, in exchange for the cancellation of 781,818 shares of the Parent Company’s Common Stock held by Mr. Campbell. In addition, Mr. Campbell assumed all debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company existing prior to the Merger, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Spin-Off Agreement.
On February 5, 2016 and in conjunction with the Merger, the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with Kent Campbell, Denis Espinoza and Sarah Campbell (the “Exchange Agreement”). Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, (i) Kent Campbell cancelled 363,636 shares of the Company’s common stock, 6,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock and 10,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock in exchange for 1,648,881 shares of the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock, (ii) Denis Espinoza cancelled 58,951 shares of the Company’s common stock and 4,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for 265,676 shares of the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock, and (iii) Sarah Campbell cancelled 21,818 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for 98,933 shares of the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock.
In connection with the Statutory Merger, the Company changed its name to Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.
Jerrick Ventures, Inc. (“Ventures”) was incorporated on November 24, 2014 under the laws of the State of Nevada. Ventures develops digital transmedia content, including videos, imagery, articles, e-books, as well as traditional film and television, for each brand in its portfolio.
Jerrick Ventures, LLC (“Jerrick LLC”) was incorporated in Delaware in 2013. On December 1, 2014, Jerrick LLC entered into a share exchange agreement whereby the members of Jerrick LLC exchanged all of their membership interests in Jerrick LLC for Common Stock in Ventures (the “Jerrick Share Exchange”). As result of the Jerrick Share Exchange, Jerrick LLC became the operating subsidiary of Ventures
The Merger is being accounted for as a “Reverse Business Combination,” and Ventures is deemed to be the accounting acquirer in the merger. Consequently, the assets and liabilities and the historical operations that will be reflected in the financial statements prior to the Reverse Business Combination will be those of Ventures, and the consolidated financial statements after completion of the Merger will include the assets and liabilities of Ventures, historical operations of Ventures and combined operations of Ventures and Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. from the Closing Date of the Merger.
The Reverse Business Combination will be treated as a recapitalization of the Company for financial accounting purposes. The historical financial statements of Predecessor before the Reverse Business Combination will be replaced with the historical financial statements of Ventures before the Reverse Business Combination in all future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Note 2 - Significant and Critical Accounting Policies and Practices
Management of the Company is responsible for the selection and use of appropriate accounting policies and the appropriateness of accounting policies and their application. Critical accounting policies and practices are those that are both most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company’s significant and critical accounting policies and practices are disclosed below as required by generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis of Presentation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Use of Estimates and Assumptions and Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Critical accounting estimates are estimates for which (a) the nature of the estimate is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change and (b) the impact of the estimate on financial condition or operating performance is material. The Company’s critical accounting estimates and assumptions affecting the financial statements were:
(i) Assumption as a going concern: Management assumes that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.
(ii) Fair value of long-lived assets: Fair value is generally determined using the asset’s expected future discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable. If long-lived assets are determined to be recoverable, but the newly determined remaining estimated useful lives are shorter than originally estimated, the net book values of the long-lived assets are depreciated over the newly determined remaining estimated useful lives. The Company considers the following to be some examples of important indicators that may trigger an impairment review: (i) significant under-performance or losses of assets relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (ii) significant changes in the manner or use of assets or in the Company’s overall strategy with respect to the manner or use of the acquired assets or changes in the Company’s overall business strategy; (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends; (iv) increased competitive pressures; (v) a significant decline in the Company’s stock price for a sustained period of time; and (vi) regulatory changes. The Company evaluates acquired assets for potential impairment indicators at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of such events.
(iii) Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets: Management assumes that the realization of the Company’s net deferred tax assets resulting from its net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forwards for Federal income tax purposes that may be offset against future taxable income was not considered more likely than not and accordingly, the potential tax benefits of the net loss carry-forwards are offset by a full valuation allowance. Management made this assumption based on (a) the Company has incurred recurring losses, (b) general economic conditions, and (c) its ability to raise additional funds to support its daily operations by way of a public or private offering, among other factors.
(iv) Estimates and assumptions used in valuation of equity instruments: Management estimates expected term of share options and similar instruments, expected volatility of the Company’s common shares and the method used to estimate it, expected annual rate of quarterly dividends, and risk free rate(s) to value share options and similar instruments.
These significant accounting estimates or assumptions bear the risk of change due to the fact that there are uncertainties attached to these estimates or assumptions, and certain estimates or assumptions are difficult to measure or value.
Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of consolidation
The Company applies the guidance of Topic 810 “Consolidation” of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) to determine whether and how to consolidate another entity. Pursuant to ASC Paragraph 810-10-15-10, all majority-owned subsidiaries-all entities in which a parent has a controlling financial interest-shall be consolidated except (1) when control does not rest with the parent, the majority owner; (2) if the parent is a broker-dealer within the scope of Topic 940 and control is likely to be temporary; (3) consolidation by an investment company within the scope of Topic 946 of a non-investment-company investee. Pursuant to ASC Paragraph 810-10-15-8, the usual condition for a controlling financial interest is ownership of a majority voting interest, and, therefore, as a general rule ownership by one reporting entity, directly or indirectly, of more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting shares of another entity is a condition pointing toward consolidation. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders, or by court decree. The Company consolidates all less-than-majority-owned subsidiaries, if any, in which the parent’s power to control exists.
The Company's consolidated subsidiaries and/or entities are as follows:
All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company follows paragraph 825-10-50-10 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for disclosures about fair value of its financial instruments and paragraph 820-10-35-37 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Paragraph 820-10-35-37”) to measure the fair value of its financial instruments. Paragraph 820-10-35-37 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, Paragraph 820-10-35-37 establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three (3) broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three (3) levels of fair value hierarchy defined by Paragraph 820-10-35-37 are described below:
Level
Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
Level
Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level
Pricing inputs that are generally observable inputs and not corroborated by market data.
Financial assets are considered Level 3 when their fair values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable.
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. If the inputs used to measure the financial assets and liabilities fall within more than one level described above, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
The carrying amount of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, such as cash, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and accrued liquidating damages approximate their fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s-length basis, as the requisite conditions of competitive, free-market dealings may not exist. Representations about transactions with related parties, if made, shall not imply that the related party transactions were consummated on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm’s-length transactions unless such representations can be substantiated.
Fair Value of Non-Financial Assets or Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis
The Company’s non-financial assets include inventory. The Company identifies potentially excess and slow-moving inventory by evaluating turn rates, inventory levels and other factors. Excess quantities are identified through evaluation of inventory aging, review of inventory turns and historical sales experiences. The Company provides lower of cost or market reserves for such identified excess and slow-moving inventories. The Company establishes a reserve for inventory shrinkage, if any, based on the historical results of physical inventory cycle counts.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
The Company minimizes its credit risk associated with cash by periodically evaluating the credit quality of its primary financial institution. The balance at times may exceed federally insured limits.
Inventories
Inventory Valuation
The Company values inventory, entirely consisting of finished goods, at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the first-in and first-out (“FIFO”) method. The Company reduces inventory for the diminution of value, resulting from product obsolescence, damage or other issues affecting marketability, equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated market value. Factors utilized in the determination of estimated market value include: (i) current sales data and historical return rates, (ii) estimates of future demand, and (iii) competitive pricing pressures.
Inventory Obsolescence and Markdowns
The Company evaluates its current level of inventory considering historical sales and other factors and, based on this evaluation, classify inventory markdowns in the income statement as a component of cost of goods sold pursuant to Paragraph 420-10-S99 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to adjust inventory to net realizable value. These markdowns are estimates, which could vary significantly from actual requirements if future economic conditions, customer demand or competition differ from expectations.
The Company recorded a markdown of $0 and $21,861 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, due to slow moving inventory.
There was no lower of cost or market adjustments for the reporting period ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method (after taking into account their respective estimated residual values) over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:
Upon sale or retirement of property and equipment, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
Investments - Cost Method, Equity Method and Joint Venture
The Company accounts for marketable debt and equity securities, available for sale, in accordance with sub-topic 320-10 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Sub-topic 320-10”).
Pursuant to Paragraph 320-10-35-1, investments in debt securities that are classified as available for sale and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values that are classified as available for sale shall be measured subsequently at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets at each balance sheet date. Unrealized holding gains and losses for available-for-sale securities (including those classified as current assets) shall be excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized except an available-for-sale security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge, from which all or a portion of the unrealized holding gain and loss of shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, pursuant to paragraphs 815-25-35-1 through 815-25-35-4.
The Company follows Paragraphs 320-10-35-17 through 320-10-35-34E and assess whether an investment is impaired in each reporting period. An investment is impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its cost. Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to the following: a. a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality, or business prospects of the investee; b. a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technological environment of the investee; c. a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographic area or the industry in which the investee operates; d. a bona fide offer to purchase (whether solicited or unsolicited), an offer by the investee to sell, or a completed auction process for the same or similar security for an amount less than the cost of the investment; e. factors that raise significant concerns about the investee's ability to continue as a going concern, such as negative cash flows from operations, working capital deficiencies, or noncompliance with statutory capital requirements or debt covenants. If the fair value of an investment is less than its cost basis at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which impairment is assessed, the impairment is either temporary or other than temporary. Pursuant to Paragraph 320-10-35-34, if it is determined that the impairment is other than temporary, then an impairment loss shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s cost and its fair value at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which the assessment is made. The measurement of the impairment shall not include partial recoveries after the balance sheet date. The fair value of the investment would then become the new basis of the investment and shall not be adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. For presentation purpose, the entity shall present the total other-than-temporary impairment in the statement of earnings with an offset for the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment that is recognized in other comprehensive income, in accordance with paragraph 320-10-35-34D, if any, pursuant to Paragraph 320-10-45-8A; and separately present, in the financial statement in which the components of accumulated other comprehensive income are reported, amounts recognized therein related to held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in earnings pursuant to Paragraph 320-10-45-9A. Pursuant to Paragraphs 320-10-35-36 and 37 the entire change in the fair value of foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale debt securities shall be reported in other comprehensive income and An entity holding a foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale debt security is required to consider, among other things, changes in market interest rates and foreign exchange rates since acquisition in determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Pursuant to FASB ASC Paragraph 320-10-50-2, the entity shall disclose all of the following by major security type as of each date for which a statement of financial position is presented: (a) cost basis (net of amortization of debt discount for debt securities), aggregate fair value, total other-than-temporary impairment recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income; (b) Total gains for securities with net gains in accumulated other comprehensive income; (c) Total losses for securities with net losses in accumulated other comprehensive income; and (d) Information about the contractual maturities of those securities as of the date of the most recent statement of financial position presented.
On January 2, 2013, the Company purchased a minority interest in a business for proceeds of $83,333. The interest is accounted for under the cost method. The Company tests the carrying value annually for impairment.
Related Parties
The Company follows subtopic 850-10 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions.
Pursuant to Section 850-10-20 FASB Accounting Standards, the related parties include (a) affiliates of the Company (“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act); (b) entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, absent the election of the fair value option under the Fair Value Option Subsection of Section 825-10-15 FASB Accounting Standards, to be accounted for by the equity method by the investing entity; (c) trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; (d) principal owners of the Company and members of their immediate families; (e) management of the Company and members of their immediate families; (f) other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests; and (g) other parties that can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or that have an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests.
Pursuant to ASC Paragraphs 850-10-50-1 and 50-5 financial statements shall include disclosures of material related party transactions, other than compensation arrangements, expense allowances, and other similar items in the ordinary course of business. The disclosures shall include: (a) the nature of the relationship(s) involved; (b) a description of the transactions, including transactions to which no amounts or nominal amounts were ascribed, for each of the periods for which income statements are presented, and such other information deemed necessary to an understanding of the effects of the transactions on the financial statements; (c) the dollar amounts of transactions for each of the periods for which income statements are presented and the effects of any change in the method of establishing the terms from that used in the preceding period; and (d) amounts due from or to related parties as of the date of each balance sheet presented and, if not otherwise apparent, the terms and manner of settlement. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm's-length basis, as the requisite conditions of competitive, free-market dealings may not exist. Representations about transactions with related parties, if made, shall not imply that the related party transactions were consummated on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm's-length transactions unless such representations can be substantiated.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company follows subtopic 450-20 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to report accounting for contingencies. Certain conditions may exist as of the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or un-asserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or un-asserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.
If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potential material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, would be disclosed.
Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.
Revenue Recognition
The Company follows paragraph 605-10-S99-1 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for revenue recognition. The Company will recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. The Company considers revenue realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) the product has been shipped or the services have been rendered to the customer, (iii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.
Stock-Based Compensation for Obtaining Employee Services
The Company accounts for share-based payment transactions issued to employees under the guidance of the Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation” of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC Topic 718”).
Pursuant to ASC Section 718-10-20 an employee is an individual over whom the grantor of a share-based compensation award exercises or has the right to exercise sufficient control to establish an employer-employee relationship based on common law as illustrated in case law and currently under U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Revenue Ruling 87-41. A non-employee director does not satisfy this definition of employee. Nevertheless, non-employee directors acting in their role as members of a board of directors are treated as employees if those directors were elected by the employer’s shareholders or appointed to a board position that will be filled by shareholder election when the existing term expires. However, that requirement applies only to awards granted to non-employee directors for their services as directors. Awards granted to non-employee directors for other services shall be accounted for as awards to non-employees.
Pursuant to ASC Paragraphs 718-10-30-2 and 718-10-30-3 a share-based payment transaction with employees shall be measured based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued and an entity shall account for the compensation cost from share-based payment transactions with employees in accordance with the fair value-based method, i.e., the cost of services received from employees in exchange for awards of share-based compensation generally shall be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued or the fair value of the liabilities incurred/settled.
Pursuant to ASC Paragraphs 718-10-30-6 and 718-10-30-9 the measurement objective for equity instruments awarded to employees is to estimate the fair value at the grant date of the equity instruments that the entity is obligated to issue when employees have rendered the requisite service and satisfied any other conditions necessary to earn the right to benefit from the instruments (for example, to exercise share options). That estimate is based on the share price and other pertinent factors, such as expected volatility, at the grant date. As such, the fair value of an equity share option or similar instrument shall be estimated using a valuation technique such as an option pricing model. For this purpose, a similar instrument is one whose fair value differs from its intrinsic value, that is, an instrument that has time value.
If the Company’s common shares are traded in one of the national exchanges, the grant-date share price of the Company’s common stock will be used to measure the fair value of the common shares issued, however, if the Company’s common shares are thinly traded the use of share prices established in its most recent private placement memorandum (“PPM”), or weekly or monthly price observations would generally be more appropriate than the use of daily price observations as such shares could be artificially inflated due to a larger spread between the bid and asked quotes and lack of consistent trading in the market.
Pursuant to ASC Paragraph 718-10-55-21 if an observable market price is not available for a share option or similar instrument with the same or similar terms and conditions, an entity shall estimate the fair value of that instrument using a valuation technique or model that meets the requirements in paragraph 718-10-55-11 and takes into account, at a minimum, all of the following factors:
a. The exercise price of the option.
b. The expected term of the option, taking into account both the contractual term of the option and the effects of employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior: The expected life of options and similar instruments represents the period of time the option and/or warrant are expected to be outstanding. Pursuant to paragraph 718-10-S99-1, it may be appropriate to use the simplified method , i.e., expected term = ((vesting term + original contractual term) / 2) , if (i) A company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term due to the limited period of time its equity shares have been publicly traded; (ii) A company significantly changes the terms of its share option grants or the types of employees that receive share option grants such that its historical exercise data may no longer provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term; or (iii) A company has or expects to have significant structural changes in its business such that its historical exercise data may no longer provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term. The Company uses the simplified method to calculate expected term of share options and similar instruments as the company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term.
c. The current price of the underlying share.
d. The expected volatility of the price of the underlying share for the expected term of the option. Pursuant to ASC Paragraph 718-10-55-25 a newly publicly traded entity might base expectations about future volatility on the average volatilities of similar entities for an appropriate period following their going public. A nonpublic entity might base its expected volatility on the average volatilities of otherwise similar public entities. For purposes of identifying otherwise similar entities, an entity would likely consider characteristics such as industry, stage of life cycle, size, and financial leverage. Because of the effects of diversification that are present in an industry sector index, the volatility of an index should not be substituted for the average of volatilities of otherwise similar entities in a fair value measurement. Pursuant to paragraph 718-10-S99-1 if shares of a company are thinly traded the use of weekly or monthly price observations would generally be more appropriate than the use of daily price observations as the volatility calculation using daily observations for such shares could be artificially inflated due to a larger spread between the bid and asked quotes and lack of consistent trading in the market. The Company uses the average historical volatility of the comparable companies over the expected term of the share options or similar instruments as its expected volatility.
e. The expected dividends on the underlying share for the expected term of the option. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s current dividend yield as the best estimate of projected dividend yield for periods within the expected term of the share options and similar instruments.
f. The risk-free interest rate(s) for the expected term of the option. Pursuant to ASC 718-10-55-28 a U.S. entity issuing an option on its own shares must use as the risk-free interest rates the implied yields currently available from the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve over the contractual term of the option if the entity is using a lattice model incorporating the option’s contractual term. If the entity is using a closed-form model, the risk-free interest rate is the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term used as the assumption in the model.
Pursuant to ASC Paragraphs 718-10-30-11 and 718-10-30-17 a restriction that stems from the forfeitability of instruments to which employees have not yet earned the right, such as the inability either to exercise a non-vested equity share option or to sell non-vested shares, is not reflected in estimating the fair value of the related instruments at the grant date. Instead, those restrictions are taken into account by recognizing compensation cost only for awards for which employees render the requisite service and a non-vested equity share or non-vested equity share unit awarded to an employee shall be measured at its fair value as if it were vested and issued on the grant date.
Pursuant to ASC Paragraphs 718-10-35-2 and 718-10-35-3 the compensation cost for an award of share-based employee compensation classified as equity shall be recognized over the requisite service period, with a corresponding credit to equity (generally, paid-in capital). The requisite service period is the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for an award, which often is the vesting period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized at the end of the requisite service period for an award of share-based compensation shall be based on the number of instruments for which the requisite service has been rendered (that is, for which the requisite service period has been completed). An entity shall base initial accruals of compensation cost on the estimated number of instruments for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. That estimate shall be revised if subsequent information indicates that the actual number of instruments is likely to differ from previous estimates. The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the estimated number of instruments for which the requisite service is expected to be or has been rendered shall be recognized in compensation cost in the period of the change. Previously recognized compensation cost shall not be reversed if an employee share option (or share unit) for which the requisite service has been rendered expires unexercised (or unconverted).
Under the requirement of ASC Paragraph 718-10-35-8 the Company made a policy decision to recognize compensation cost for an award with only service conditions that has a graded vesting schedule on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
Equity Instruments Issued to Parties Other Than Employees for Acquiring Goods or Services
The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to parties other than employees for acquiring goods or services under the guidance of Sub-topic 505-50 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Sub-topic 505-50”).
Pursuant to ASC paragraphs 505-50-25-6 and 505-50-25-7, a grantor shall recognize the goods acquired or services received in a share-based payment transaction when it obtains the goods or as services are received. A grantor may need to recognize an asset before it actually receives goods or services if it first exchanges share-based payment for an enforceable right to receive those goods or services. Nevertheless, the goods or services themselves are not recognized before they are received. If fully vested, nonforfeitable equity instruments are issued at the date the grantor and grantee enter into an agreement for goods or services (no specific performance is required by the grantee to retain those equity instruments), then, because of the elimination of any obligation on the part of the counterparty to earn the equity instruments, a measurement date has been reached. A grantor shall recognize the equity instruments when they are issued (in most cases, when the agreement is entered into). Pursuant to ASC paragraph 505-50-45-1, a grantor may conclude that an asset (other than a note or a receivable) has been received in return for fully vested, nonforfeitable equity instruments that are issued at the date the grantor and grantee enter into an agreement for goods or services (and no specific performance is required by the grantee in order to retain those equity instruments). Such an asset shall not be displayed as contra-equity by the grantor of the equity instruments. The transferability (or lack thereof) of the equity instruments shall not affect the balance sheet display of the asset. This guidance is limited to transactions in which equity instruments are transferred to other than employees in exchange for goods or services.
Pursuant to Paragraphs 505-50-25-8 and 505-50-25-9, an entity may grant fully vested, non-forfeitable equity instruments that are exercisable by the grantee only after a specified period of time if the terms of the agreement provide for earlier exercisability if the grantee achieves specified performance conditions. Any measured cost of the transaction shall be recognized in the same period(s) and in the same manner as if the entity had paid cash for the goods or services or used cash rebates as a sales discount instead of paying with, or using, the equity instruments. A recognized asset, expense, or sales discount shall not be reversed if a stock option that the counterparty has the right to exercise expires unexercised.
Pursuant to ASC Paragraphs 505-50-30-2 and 505-50-30-11 share-based payment transactions with nonemployees shall be measured at the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The issuer shall measure the fair value of the equity instruments in these transactions using the stock price and other measurement assumptions as of the earlier of the following dates, referred to as the measurement date: (a) The date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached (a performance commitment); or (b) The date at which the counterparty's performance is complete. If the Company’s common shares are traded in one of the national exchanges the grant-date share price of the Company’s common stock will be used to measure the fair value of the common shares issued; however, if the Company’s common shares are thinly traded the use of share prices established in the Company’s most recent private placement memorandum (“PPM”), or weekly or monthly price observations would generally be more appropriate than the use of daily price observations as such shares could be artificially inflated due to a larger spread between the bid and asked quotes and lack of consistent trading in the market.
Pursuant to ASC Paragraph 718-10-55-21 if an observable market price is not available for a share option or similar instrument with the same or similar terms and conditions, an entity shall estimate the fair value of that instrument using a valuation technique or model that meets the requirements in paragraph 718-10-55-11 and takes into account, at a minimum, all of the following factors:
a. The exercise price of the option.
b. The expected term of the option, taking into account both the contractual term of the option and the effects of employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior: Pursuant to Paragraph 718-10-50-2(f)(2)(i) of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification the expected term of share options and similar instruments represents the period of time the options and similar instruments are expected to be outstanding taking into consideration of the contractual term of the instruments and holder’s expected exercise behavior into the fair value (or calculated value) of the instruments. The Company uses historical data to estimate holder’s expected exercise behavior. If the Company is a newly formed corporation or shares of the Company are thinly traded the contractual term of the share options and similar instruments is used as the expected term of share options and similar instruments as the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term.
c. The current price of the underlying share.
d. The expected volatility of the price of the underlying share for the expected term of the option. Pursuant to ASC Paragraph 718-10-55-25 a newly publicly traded entity might base expectations about future volatility on the average volatilities of similar entities for an appropriate period following their going public. A nonpublic entity might base its expected volatility on the average volatilities of otherwise similar public entities. For purposes of identifying otherwise similar entities, an entity would likely consider characteristics such as industry, stage of life cycle, size, and financial leverage. Because of the effects of diversification that are present in an industry sector index, the volatility of an index should not be substituted for the average of volatilities of otherwise similar entities in a fair value measurement. Pursuant to paragraph 718-10-S99-1 if shares of a company are thinly traded the use of weekly or monthly price observations would generally be more appropriate than the use of daily price observations as the volatility calculation using daily observations for such shares could be artificially inflated due to a larger spread between the bid and asked quotes and lack of consistent trading in the market. The Company uses the average historical volatility of the comparable companies over the expected term of the share options or similar instruments as its expected volatility.
e. The expected dividends on the underlying share for the expected term of the option. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s current dividend yield as the best estimate of projected dividend yield for periods within the expected term of the share options and similar instruments.
f. The risk-free interest rate(s) for the expected term of the option. Pursuant to ASC 718-10-55-28 a U.S. entity issuing an option on its own shares must use as the risk-free interest rates the implied yields currently available from the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve over the contractual term of the option if the entity is using a lattice model incorporating the option’s contractual term. If the entity is using a closed-form model, the risk-free interest rate is the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term used as the assumption in the model.
Pursuant to ASC paragraph 505-50-S99-1, if the Company receives a right to receive future services in exchange for unvested, forfeitable equity instruments, those equity instruments are treated as unissued for accounting purposes until the future services are received (that is, the instruments are not considered issued until they vest). Consequently, there would be no recognition at the measurement date and no entry should be recorded.
Deferred Tax Assets and Income Tax Provision
The Company accounts for income taxes under Section 740-10-30 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management concludes it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statements of operations in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company adopted section 740-10-25 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Section 740-10-25”). Section 740-10-25 addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under Section 740-10-25, the Company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent (50%) likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Section 740-10-25 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, accounting in interim periods and requires increased disclosures.
The estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities are reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as tax credit carry-backs and carry-forwards. The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of deferred tax assets recorded on its consolidated balance sheets and provides valuation allowances as management deems necessary.
Management makes judgments as to the interpretation of the tax laws that might be challenged upon an audit and cause changes to previous estimates of tax liability. In addition, the Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in these jurisdictions. In management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years. If actual taxable income by tax jurisdiction varies from estimates, additional allowances or reversals of reserves may be necessary.
Cash Flows Reporting
The Company adopted paragraph 230-10-45-24 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for cash flows reporting, classifies cash receipts and payments according to whether they stem from operating, investing, or financing activities and provides definitions of each category, and uses the indirect or reconciliation method (the “Indirect Method”) as defined by paragraph 230-10-45-25 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to report net cash flow from operating activities by adjusting net income to reconcile it to net cash flow from operating activities by removing the effects of (a) all deferrals of past operating cash receipts and payments and all accruals of expected future operating cash receipts and payments and (b) all items that are included in net income that do not affect operating cash receipts and payments
Subsequent Events
The Company follows the guidance in Section 855-10-50 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for the disclosure of subsequent events. The Company will evaluate subsequent events through the date when the financial statements were issued. Pursuant to ASU 2010-09 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, the Company as a filer with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) considers its financial statements issued when they are widely distributed to users, such as through filing them on EDGAR.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2014, the FASB issued the FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”).
In connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, an entity’s management should evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable). Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued (or at the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable). Substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists when relevant conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, indicate that it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The term probable is used consistently with its use in Topic 450, Contingencies.
When management identifies conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, management should consider whether its plans that are intended to mitigate those relevant conditions or events will alleviate the substantial doubt. The mitigating effect of management’s plans should be considered only to the extent that (1) it is probable that the plans will be effectively implemented and, if so, (2) it is probable that the plans will mitigate the conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, but the substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, the entity should disclose information that enables users of the financial statements to understand all of the following (or refer to similar information disclosed elsewhere in the footnotes):
a. Principal conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern (before consideration of management’s plans)
b. Management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations
c. Management’s plans that alleviated substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and substantial doubt is not alleviated after consideration of management’s plans, an entity should include a statement in the footnotes indicating that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). Additionally, the entity should disclose information that enables users of the financial statements to understand all of the following:
a. Principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern
b. Management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations
c. Management’s plans that are intended to mitigate the conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The amendments in this Update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company has elected to adopt early application of ASU No. 2014-15.
In November 2015, the FASB issued the FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). This update simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes; the amendments in this Update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position.
For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods.
In January 2016, the FASB issued the FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”).
This Update makes limited amendments to the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The new standard significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Some of the major changes as a result of the ASU 2016-01 are summarized below.
● Requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.
● Simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. When a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value.
● Eliminate the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet.
● Require public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes.
● Require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments.
● Require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is, securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements.
● Clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets.
For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, which will amend current lease accounting to require lessees to recognize (i) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis, and (ii) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 does not significantly change lease accounting requirements applicable to lessors; however, certain changes were made to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of this ASU to determine if there will be any impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation" which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. For public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption will be permitted in any interim or annual period for which financial statements have not yet been issued or have not been made available for issuance. If early adoption is elected, all amendments in the ASU that apply must be adopted in the same period. In addition, if early adoption is elected in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the annual period that includes that interim period. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 “Revenue from Contract with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”. The amendments in this Update do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. Rather, the amendments in this Update clarify the following two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. Topic 606 includes implementation guidance on (a) contracts with customers to transfer goods and services in exchange for consideration and (b) determining whether an entity’s promise to grant a license provides a customer with either a right to use the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied at a point in time) or a right to access the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied over time). The amendments in this Update are intended render more detailed implementation guidance with the expectation to reduce the degree of judgment necessary to comply with Topic 606. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of this ASU to determine if there will be any impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case it would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-15 on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory”, which eliminates the exception that prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income tax effects for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the update is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)”, requiring that the statement of cash flows explain the change in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The provisions of this guidance are to be applied using a retrospective approach which requires application of the guidance for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard.
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, when adopted, will have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Note 3 - Going Concern
The Company has elected to adopt early application of ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”).
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.
As reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit at December 31, 2016, a net loss and net cash used in operating activities for the reporting period then ended. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company is attempting to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues; however, its cash position may not be sufficient to support its daily operations. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues and in its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering, there can be no assurance to that effect. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues and its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering.
The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Note 4 - Property and Equipment
Property and equipment stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, consisted of the following:
Depreciation expense was $42,634 and $10,001 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Note 5 - Line of Credit
On March 19, 2009 Astoria Surgical Supplies North LLC signed a revolving note (the “Note”) at PNC Bank (the “Bank”). The outstanding balance of this Note is limited to $200,000 and expired March 19, 2010. The outstanding balance accrues interest at a variable rate. The interest rate is subject to change based on changes in an independent index which is the highest Prime Rate as published in the “Money Rates” section of the Wall Street Journal. Interest is payable monthly and the rate as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 3.75% and 4.50%, respectively.
The Company has been in payment default since March 19, 2010. The Company does not believe it is probable that the loan will be called or that the interest rate shall be increased to the default interest rate due to the fact that the Company is current and has been current since the maturity date with its monthly installment payment obligation.
The balance outstanding on the revolving note at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $219,176 and $202,422, respectively.
Note 6 -Note Payable
On October 24, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with an individual (the “Lender”), pursuant to which on October 24, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $15,000 (the “Loan”).
The maturity date of the Loan is April 24, 2017 (the “Maturity Date”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Loan bears interest at a rate of 9% per annum. All outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the Loan are due on the Maturity Date.
As additional consideration for entering in the Loan Agreement, the Company issued Lender a warrant to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.30 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of five (5) years
On October 25, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with an individual (the “Lender”), pursuant to which on October 25, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $25,000 (the “Loan”).
The maturity date of the Loan is April 25, 2017 (the “Maturity Date”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Loan bears interest at a rate of 9% per annum. All outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the Loan are due on the Maturity Date.
As additional consideration for entering in the Loan Agreement, the Company issued Lender a warrant to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.30 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of five (5) years.
As of December 31, 2016, the total outstanding balance of notes payable was $30,579, net of debt discount of $9,421.
Note 7 - Convertible Note Payable
On December 2, 2015, the Company issued a convertible note to a third party lender totaling $100,000. The note accrues interest at 12% per annum and matures with interest and principal both due on December 1, 2016. In addition the Company issued a warrant to purchase 300,000 shares of Company common stock. The note and accrued interest are convertible at a conversion price of $0.35 per share subject to adjustment.
The warrant entitles the holder to purchase the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $0.35 per share for a period of five years from the issue date.
On December 21, 2015, the notes were automatically converted into Series B preferred stock.
On March 17, 2016, the Company issued a convertible note to a third party lender totaling $200,000. The note accrues interest at 12% per annum and matures with interest and principal both due on April 21, 2016. In addition the Company issued a warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of Company common stock. The note and accrued interest are convertible at a conversion price as defined.
The warrant entitles the holder to purchase the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $0.40 per share for a period of five years from the issue date.
On May 27, 2016, the notes and accrued interest were paid off in full satisfaction.
On August 2, 2016, the Company issued a convertible note to a third party lender totaling $50,000. The note accrues interest equal to 10% of the principal balance and matures with interest and principal both due on August 31, 2016. The note and accrued interest are convertible at a conversion price as defined. On August 22, 2016, the notes and accrued interest were paid off in full satisfaction.
During the months of November and December 2016, the Company issued a convertible notes to third party lenders totaling $400,000. The note accrues interest at 10% per annum and mature with interest and principal both due on November 1, 2017. In addition the Company issued a warrant to purchase 400,000 shares of Company common stock. The note and accrued interest are convertible at a conversion price as defined.
The warrant entitles the holder to purchase the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $0.30 per share for a period of five years from the issue date.
On December 27, 2016, the Company issued a convertible note to a third party lender totaling $100,000. The note accrues interest at 10% per annum and matures with interest and principal both due on December 27, 2017. In addition, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of Company common stock. The note and accrued interest are convertible at a conversion price of $0.30 per share subject to adjustment.
The warrant entitles the holder to purchase the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $0.40 per share for a period of five years from the issue date.
As of December 31, 2016, the total outstanding balance of convertible notes payable was $268,823, net of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $184,398 and $46,779, respectively.
Note 8 - Related Party Loan
On May 26, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Arthur Rosen, an individual (the “Lender”), pursuant to which on May 26, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Lender issued the Company a secured term loan of $1,000,000 (the “Loan”). In connection with the Loan Agreement, on May 26, 2016, the Company and Lender entered into a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company granted to Lender a senior security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets as security for repayment of the Loan.
The maturity date of the Loan is May 26, 2017 (the “Maturity Date”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Loan bears interest at a rate of 12.5% per annum, compounded annually and payable on the Maturity Date. All outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the Loan are due on the Maturity Date.
As additional consideration for entering in the Loan Agreement, the Company issued Lender a warrant to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.40 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of five (5) years and contains anti-dilution provisions as further described therein.
On September 12, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Arthur Rosen, an individual (the “Lender”), pursuant to which on September 12, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $100,000 (the “Loan”).
The original maturity date of the Loan was October 12, 2016 (the “Maturity Date”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Loan bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum. All outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the Loan are due on the Maturity Date. On October 12, 2016 the Company entered into an amendment to the note. The note’s Maturity Date was extended 90 days.
As additional consideration for entering in the Loan Agreement, the Company issued Lender a warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.40 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of five (5) years.
On September 20, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with 202 S Dean LLC, a company partially owned by an officer of the Company, (the “Lender”), pursuant to which on September 20, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $10,000 (the “Loan”).
The maturity date of the Loan is March 20, 2017 (the “Maturity Date”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Loan bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum.
As additional consideration for entering in the Loan Agreement, the Company issued Lender a warrant to purchase 235,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.40 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of five (5) years.
On October 13, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Chris Gordon, an individual (the “Lender”), pursuant to which on October 13, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $50,000 (the “Loan”).
The original maturity date of the Loan was November 12, 2016 (the “Maturity Date”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Loan bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum. All outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the Loan are due on the Maturity Date. The Company is currently in payment default.
As additional consideration for entering in the Loan Agreement, the Company issued Lender a warrant to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.40 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of five (5) years.
On October 31, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Arthur Rosen, an individual (the “Lender”), pursuant to which on October 31, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $10,000 (the “Loan”).
The original maturity date of the Loan was November 10, 2016 (the “Maturity Date”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Loan bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum. All outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the Loan are due on the Maturity Date. The Company is currently in payment default.
As additional consideration for entering in the Loan Agreement, the Company issued Lender a warrant to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.30 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of five (5) years.
On December 21, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Chris Gordon, an individual (the “Lender”), pursuant to which on December 21, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $275,000 (the “Loan”).
The maturity date of the Loan is January 20, 2017 (the “Maturity Date”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Loan bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum. All outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the Loan are due on the Maturity Date. The Company is currently in payment default.
As additional consideration for entering in the Loan Agreement, the Company issued Lender a warrant to purchase 166,666 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.40 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of five (5) years.
As of December 31, 2016, the total outstanding balance of related party notes payable was $1,350,325 net of debt discount of $94,675.
Note 9 - Capital Leases Payable
Capital lease obligation consisted of the following:
The capital leases mature as follows:
Note 10 - Stockholders’ Deficit
Shares Authorized
Upon incorporation, the total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Company is authorized to issue is One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of which Ninety Million (90,000,000) shares shall be Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share and Ten Million (10,000,000) shall be Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share. The designations, rights, and preferences of such preferred stock are to be determined by the Board of Directors.
Preferred Stock
Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
On February 13, 2015, 100,000 shares of preferred stock were designated as Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A”). Each share of Series A shall have a stated value equal to $100.00 (as adjusted for any stock dividends, combinations or splits with respect to such shares) (the "Series A Stated Value").
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold 24,400 shares of Series A for proceeds of $2,450,000. In addition, $800,000 in convertible notes and $91,400 in accrued interest were converted into 8,914 shares of the Company’s Series A.
The holders of the Series A shall be entitled to receive preferential dividends at the rate of 6% per share per annum on the Series A Stated Value, but before any dividend or other distribution will be paid or declared and set apart for payment on any shares of any Junior Stock, as defined. Such dividends shall compound annually and be fully cumulative, and shall accumulate from the date of original issuance of the Series A and shall be payable quarterly, in arrears, commencing on the first day of the calendar quarter following the date on which the Series A is issued. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined below) and while such Event of Default is outstanding, such dividend rate shall be increased to 15% per annum on the Series A Stated Value. At the Company's option, such dividend payments may be made in (i) cash (ii) additional shares of Series A valued at the Series A Stated Value thereof, in an amount equal to 150% of the cash dividend otherwise payable or (iii) a combination of cash and additional shares of Series A, provided there is not an existing current Event of Default on the date on which a dividend payment is payable, in which event the Holder entitled to receive such dividend may elect to receive such dividends in cash or additional shares of Series A Preferred.
The dividends on the Series A shall be cumulative whether or not declared so that, if at any time full cumulative dividends at the rate aforesaid on all shares of the Series A then outstanding from the date from and after which dividends thereon are cumulative to the end of the annual dividend period next preceding such time shall not have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, or if the full dividend on all such outstanding Series A for the then current dividend period shall not have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, the amount of the deficiency shall be paid or declared and set apart for payment before any sum shall be set apart for or applied by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation to the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of the Series A or any shares of any other class of stock ranking on a parity with the Series A and before any dividend or other distribution shall be paid or declared and set apart for payment on any Junior Stock and before any sum shall be set aside for or applied to the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of any Junior Stock.
Holder of Series A shall have the right at any time after the issuance, to convert such shares, accrued but unpaid declared dividends on the Series A and any other sum owed by the Corporation arising from the Series A into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (the "Conversion Shares") of the Corporation determined in accordance with the applicable conversion price (the "Conversion Price").
The number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion shall equal (i) the sum of (A) the Series A Stated Value being converted and/or (B) at the Holder's election, accrued and unpaid dividends or any other component of the Conversion Amount, divided by (ii) the Conversion Price. The Conversion Price of the Series A shall be $0.25, subject to adjustment.
The Corporation and the Holder may not convert that amount of the Conversion Amount on a Conversion Date in amounts that would result in the Holder having a beneficial ownership of Common Stock which would be in excess of the sum of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates on such Conversion Date, and (ii) the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Conversion Amount with respect to which the determination of this proviso is being made on such Conversion Date, which would result in the aggregate beneficial ownership by the Holder and its Affiliates of more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation. For the purposes of the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence, beneficial ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act and Regulation 13d-3 thereunder. Subject to the foregoing, the Holder shall not be limited to successive exercises which would result in the aggregate issuance of more than 4.99%. The Holder may allocate which of the equity of the Corporation deemed beneficially owned by the Holder shall be included in the 4.99% amount described above and which shall be allocated to the excess above 4.99%. The Holder may waive the conversion limitation described in this Section in whole or in part, upon and effective after sixty one (61) days' prior written notice to the Corporation.
The holders of our Series A do vote together with the holders of our Common Stock on an as converted basis on each matter submitted to a vote of holders of Common Stock. The number of votes that may be cast by a holder of Series A shall be equal to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such Holder's Series A on the record date for determining those stockholders entitled to vote on the matter. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding Series A is required to for the following actions:
(a) amending the Corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws if such amendment would adversely affect the Series A
(b) purchasing any of the Corporation's securities other than required redemptions of Series A and repurchase under restricted stock and option agreements authorizing the Corporation's employees;
(c) effecting a Liquidation Event;
(d) declaring or paying any dividends other than in respect of the Series A; and
(e) issuing any additional securities having rights senior to or on parity with the Series A.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company accrued $3,318,353 for liquidating damages on the Series A and $309,665 on the warrants associated with the Series A.
Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
On December 21, 2015, 20,000 shares of preferred stock were designated as Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B”). Each share of Series B shall have a stated value equal to $100.00 (as adjusted for any stock dividends, combinations or splits with respect to such shares) (the "Series B Stated Value").
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold 7,000 shares of Series B for proceeds of $700,000.
The holders of outstanding shares of Series B shall be entitled to receive preferential dividends at the rate of 6% per share per annum on the Series B Stated Value, but before any dividend or other distribution will be paid or declared and set apart for payment on any shares of any Junior Stock as defined. Such dividends shall compound annually and be fully cumulative, and shall accumulate from the date of original issuance of the Series B, and shall be payable quarterly, in arrears, commencing on the first day of the calendar quarter following the date on which the Series B is issued. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default as defined below and while such Event of Default is outstanding, such dividend rate shall be increased to 15% per annum on the Series B Stated Value. At the Corporation's option, such dividend payments may be made in (i) cash (ii) additional shares of Series B valued at the Series B Stated Value thereof, in an amount equal to 100% of the cash dividend otherwise payable or (iii) a combination of cash and additional shares of Series B, provided there is not an existing current Event of Default on the date on which a dividend payment is payable, in which event the Holder entitled to receive such dividend may elect to receive such dividends in cash or additional shares of Series B Preferred.
The dividends on the Series B shall be cumulative whether or not declared so that, if at any time full cumulative dividends at the rate aforesaid on all shares of the Series B then outstanding from the date from and after which dividends thereon are cumulative to the end of the annual dividend period next preceding such time shall not have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, or if the full dividend on all such outstanding Series B for the then current dividend period shall not have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, the amount of the deficiency shall be paid or declared and set apart for payment before any sum shall be set apart for or applied by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation to the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of the Series B or any shares of any other class of stock ranking on a parity with the Series B and before any dividend or other distribution shall be paid or declared and set apart for payment on any Junior Stock and before any sum shall be set aside for or applied to the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of any Junior Stock.
Holders of shares of Series B shall have the right at any time commencing after the issuance to convert such shares, accrued but unpaid declared dividends on the Series B into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (the "Conversion Shares") of the Corporation determined in accordance with the applicable conversion price (the "Conversion Price"). All declared or accrued but unpaid dividends may be converted at the election of the Holder together with or independent of the conversion of the Series B Stated Value of the Series B.
The number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount shall equal (i) the sum of (A) the Series B Stated Value being converted and/or (B) at the Holder's election, accrued and unpaid dividends or any other component of the Conversion Amount, divided by (ii) the Conversion Price. The Conversion Price of the Series B shall be $0.30, subject to adjustment.
The Corporation and the Holder may not convert that amount of the Conversion Amount on a Conversion Date in amounts that would result in the Holder having a beneficial ownership of Common Stock which would be in excess of the sum of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates on such Conversion Date, and (ii) the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Conversion Amount with respect to which the determination of this proviso is being made on such Conversion Date, which would result in the aggregate beneficial ownership by the Holder and its Affiliates of more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation. For the purposes of the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence, beneficial ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act and Regulation 13d-3 thereunder. Subject to the foregoing, the Holder shall not be limited to successive exercises which would result in the aggregate issuance of more than 4.99%. The Holder may allocate which of the equity of the Corporation deemed beneficially owned by the Holder shall be included in the 4.99% amount described above and which shall be allocated to the excess above 4.99%. The Holder may waive the conversion limitation described in this Section in whole or in part, upon and effective after sixty one (61) days' prior written notice to the Corporation.
The holders of our Series B do vote together with the holders of our Common Stock on an as converted basis on each matter submitted to a vote of holders of Common Stock. The number of votes that may be cast by a holder of Series B shall be equal to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such Holder's Series B on the record date for determining those stockholders entitled to vote on the matter. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding Series B is required to for the following actions:
(a) amending the Corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws if such amendment would adversely affect the Series B
(b) purchasing any of the Corporation's securities other than required redemptions of Series B and repurchase under restricted stock and option agreements authorizing the Corporation's employees;
(c) effecting a Liquidation Event;
(d) declaring or paying any dividends other than in respect of the Company's Series A or Series B; and
(e) issuing any additional securities having rights senior to the Series B.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company accrued $667,313 for liquidating damages on the Series B and $51,159 on the warrants associated with the Series B.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 1,063 shares of Series B upon conversion of interest totaling $108,844.
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock
On January 29, 2016, 2,100,000 shares of preferred stock were designated as Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series D”). Each share of Series A shall have a stated value equal to $100.00 (as adjusted for any stock dividends, combinations or splits with respect to such shares) (the "Series D Stated Value").
Holders of shares of Series D shall have the right at any time commencing after the issuance to convert such shares into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (the "Conversion Shares") of the Corporation determined in accordance with the applicable conversion price (the "Conversion Price").
The number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Conversion Amount shall equal (i) the sum of (A) the Series D Stated Value being converted and/or (B) at the Holder's election, accrued and unpaid dividends or any other component of the Conversion Amount, divided by (ii) the Conversion Price. The Conversion Price of the Series B shall be $0.25, subject to adjustment.
The Corporation and the Holder may not convert that amount of the Conversion Amount on a Conversion Date in amounts that would result in the Holder having a beneficial ownership of Common Stock which would be in excess of the sum of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates on such Conversion Date, and (ii) the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Conversion Amount with respect to which the determination of this proviso is being made on such Conversion Date, which would result in the aggregate beneficial ownership by the Holder and its Affiliates of more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation. For the purposes of the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence, beneficial ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act and Regulation 13d-3 thereunder. Subject to the foregoing, the Holder shall not be limited to successive exercises which would result in the aggregate issuance of more than 4.99%. The Holder may allocate which of the equity of the Corporation deemed beneficially owned by the Holder shall be included in the 4.99% amount described above and which shall be allocated to the excess above 4.99%. The Holder may waive the conversion limitation described in this Section in whole or in part, upon and effective after sixty one (61) days' prior written notice to the Corporation.
The holders of Series D Preferred shall not be entitled to a vote on matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company. Also, as long as any shares of Series D Preferred are outstanding, the Company shall not, without the affirmative vote of all of the Holders of the then outstanding shares of the Series D Preferred,
(a) alter or change adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series D Preferred or alter or amend this Certificate of Designation,
(b) amend its articles of incorporation or other charter documents in any manner that adversely affects any rights of the Holders,
(c) increase the number of authorized shares of Series D Preferred, or
(d) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing.
On August 31, 2016, a holder of Series D converted 1,099 shares of Series A into 1,098,933 shares of the Company’s common stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, a holder of common stock converted to 2,013 shares of Series D.
Common Stock
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company awarded various employees, consultants and advisors 1,500,000 shares of common stock for services rendered. The Company recorded the shares based on the estimated fair value of the Company’s common stock at issuance ($0.25/per share). The Company recorded $375,000 in compensation expense.
On February 1, 2016, the Company issued 268,333 shares of its restricted common stock to its Placement Agent. Such shares were issued pursuant to a Placement Agent Agreement with the Company and services rendered in connection with a private placement of the Company’s securities.
On February 6, 2016, the Company entered into Stock Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreements”) with three investors providing for the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 2,626,308 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,626.
On August 17, 2016, the Company entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with an accredited investor for the sale of 666,666 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Shares”) and warrants to purchase 333,333 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Warrant”) for a purchase price of $250,000. The Warrant is exercisable at any time after the date of issuance and has a five year term. The Warrant is exercisable at price of $0.40 per share.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 392,764 common shares for cashless exercise of warrants.
Stock Options
The Company applied fair value accounting for all share based payments awards. The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The assumptions used for options granted during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity:
At December 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was $47,500 and $47,500, respectively.
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2016:
Warrants
The Company applied fair value accounting for all share based payments awards. The fair value of each warrant granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The assumptions used for warrants granted during the year ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:
Warrant Activities
The following is a summary of the Company’s warrant activity:
During the year ended December 31, 2016, a total of 80,000 warrants were issued with promissory notes (See Note 6 above). The warrants have a grant date fair value of $41,633 using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the above assumptions.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, a total of 575,000 warrants were issued with convertible notes (See Note 7 above). The warrants have a grant date fair value of $255,203 using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the above assumptions.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, a total of 226,666 warrants were issued with notes payable - related party (See Note 8 above). The warrants have a grant date fair value of $255,203 using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the above assumptions.
Stock Incentive Plan
On December 9, 2015, Jerrick adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive and Award Plan (the “Plan”) which will provide for the issuance of up to 18,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.
The purpose of the Plan is to provide additional incentive to those officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company’s business.
Eligible recipients of option awards are employees, officers, consultants or directors (including non-employee directors) of the Company or of any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company. Upon recommendation from the Compensation Committee, the board has the authority to grant to any eligible recipient any options, restricted stock or other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, our Common Stock.
The provisions of each option granted need not be the same with respect to each option recipient. Option recipients shall enter into award agreements with us, in such form as the board shall determine.
The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee consisting of two or more independent, non-employee and outside directors. In the absence of such a Committee, the Board of the Company shall administer the Plan.
Each Option shall contain the following material terms:
(i) the purchase price of each share of Common Stock with respect to Incentive Options shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value (defined as the closing price on the final trading day immediately prior to the grant on the principal exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted, as applicable) of the Common Stock of the Jerrick, provided that if the recipient of the Option owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of the Jerrick, the exercise price shall be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value;
(ii) The purchase price of each share of Common Stock purchasable under a Non-qualified Option shall be at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock on the date the Non-qualified Option is granted, unless the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, determines to set the purchase price of such Non-qualified Option below Fair Market Value.
(iii) the term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee, provided that such Option shall not be exercisable more than five (5) years after the date such Option is granted, and provided further that with respect to an Incentive Option, if the recipient owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of the Jerrick, the Incentive Option shall not be exercisable more than five (5) years after the date such Incentive Option is granted;
(iv) subject to acceleration in the event of a Change of Control of the Jerrick (as further described in the Plan), the period during which the Options vest shall be designated by the Committee or, in the absence of any Option vesting periods designated by the Committee at the time of grant, shall vest and become exercisable in equal amounts on each fiscal quarter of the Jerrick through the four (4) year anniversary of the date on which the Option was granted;
(vi) no Option is transferable and each is exercisable only by the recipient of such Option except in the event of the death of the recipient; and
(vii) with respect to Incentive Options, the aggregate Fair Market Value of Common Stock exercisable for the first time during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000.
Each award of Restricted Stock is subject to the following material terms:
(i) no rights to an award of Restricted Stock are granted to the intended recipient of Restricted Stock unless and until the grant of Restricted Stock is accepted within the period prescribed by the Compensation Committee;
(ii) Restricted Stock shall not be delivered until they are free of any restrictions specified by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant;
(iii) recipients of Restricted Stock have the rights of a stockholder of the Jerrick as of the date of the grant of the Restricted Stock;
(iv) shares of Restricted Stock are forfeitable until the terms of the Restricted Stock grant have been satisfied or the employment with the Company is terminated; and
(v) the Restricted Stock is not transferable until the date on which the Compensation Committee has specified such restrictions have lapsed.
Note 11 - Income Taxes
Deferred Tax Assets
At December 31, 2016, the Company has available for federal income tax purposes a net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forwards of approximately $9,000,000 that may be used to offset future taxable income through the fiscal year ending December 31, 2035. No tax benefit has been reported with respect to these net operating loss carry-forwards in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since the Company believes that the realization of its net deferred tax asset of approximately $3,100,000 was not considered more likely than not and accordingly, the potential tax benefits of the net loss carry-forwards are fully offset by a full valuation allowance.
Deferred tax assets consist primarily of the tax effect of NOL carry-forwards. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets because of the uncertainty regarding its realizability. The valuation allowance changed by approximately $1,900,000 and $1,200,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Components of deferred tax assets are as follows:
Income Tax Provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate as a percentage of income before income taxes is as follows:
Note 12 - Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated all events that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date when the financial statements were issued to determine if they must be reported.
Private Placement Offering:
On February 22, 2017, the Company conducted the initial closing (the “Initial Closing”) of a private placement offering (the “Offering”) of the Company’s securities by entering into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) for gross proceeds of $140,605.
On March 17, 2017, the Company conducted the final closing of the Offering by entering into Subscription Agreements with eight accredited investors for additional gross proceeds of $775,980. In the aggregate, the Company entered into Subscription Agreements offering up to $1,000,000 of face value in secured promissory notes with an original issue discount of six percent (6%) and warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, the Company issued $975,511 aggregate principal amount of the Notes due on September 1, 2017 and warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $916,585.
The Notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the time of Company’s next round of financing (the “Subsequent Offering”) at a price equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the price per share offered in the Subsequent Offering (the “Conversion Price”). The Warrants have a five-year term. Investors received Warrants in the following amounts: (i) Investors purchasing $150,000 or more of the Offering received a Warrant equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of the dollar amount invested in the Offering; (ii) Investors purchasing at least $100,000 but less than $150,000 of the Offering received a Warrant equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the dollar amount invested in the Offering; and (iii) Investors purchasing less than $100,000 of the Offering received to a Warrant equal to seventy percent (70%) of the dollar amount invested in the Offering. The Warrants entitle the holder to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.20 per share (the “Exercise Price”).
The Conversion Price and the Exercise Price are subject to adjustments for issuances of (i) the Company’s common stock, (ii) any equity linked instruments or (iii) securities convertible into the Company’s common stock, at a purchase price of less than the prevailing Conversion Price or Exercise Price. Such adjustments shall result in the Conversion Price or Exercise Price being reduced to such lower purchase price, as described in the Notes and Warrants.
Issuance of Related Party Notes:
On January 25, 2017, the Company issued a related party an unsecured convertible promissory note in the amount fo $50,000. The Note matures on April 14, 2017 and bears interest at 10%. The Note is convertible at a rate of $0.30.
On January 26, 2017, The Company issued a related party an unsecured promissory note in the amount of $50,000. The Note matures on November 22, 2017 and bears interest at a rate of 10%.
On February 7, 2017, the Company issued a related party an unsecured promissory note in the amount of $10,000. The Note matures on February 7, 2018 and bears interest at a rate of 10%.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
There are no reportable events under this item for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure and Control Procedures
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(c) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in report that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
This Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
(1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer;
(2) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the registrant; and
(3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the issuer’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods.
Management has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
Based on this assessment, management concluded that as of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, it had material weaknesses in its internal control procedures.
As of period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective. The Company’s assessment identified certain material weaknesses which are set forth below:
Functional Controls and Segregation of Duties
Because of the Company’s limited resources, there are limited controls over information processing.
There is an inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives. Our Company’s management is composed of a small number of individuals resulting in a situation where limitations on segregation of duties exist. In order to remedy this situation we would need to hire additional staff to provide greater segregation of duties. Currently, it is not feasible to hire additional staff to obtain optimal segregation of duties. Management will reassess this matter in the following year to determine whether improvement in segregation of duty is feasible.
Accordingly, as the result of identifying the above material weakness we have concluded that these control deficiencies resulted in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by the Company’s internal controls.
Management believes that the material weaknesses set forth above were the result of the scale of our operations and are intrinsic to our small size. Management believes these weaknesses did not have a material effect on our financial results and intends to take remedial actions upon receiving funding for the Company’s business operations.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report herein.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table and biographical summaries set forth information, including principal occupation and business experience, about our directors and executive officers at March 30, 2017:
(1) Effective February 5, 2016, Jeremy Frommer was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and Rick Schwartz was appointed as our President.
(2) Effective February 5, 2016, Jeremy Frommer and Leonard Schiller were appointed as members of the board of directors.
(3) Effective February 5, 2016, Kent Campbell, Denis Espinoza and Sarah Campbell resigned as members of the board of directors.
(4) Effective February 5, 2016, Kent Campbell resigned as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Denis Espinoza resigned as our President and Chief Operating Officer.
(5) Effective May 2, 2016, Andrew Taffin was appointed as a member of the board of directors.
Jeremy Frommer, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mr. Frommer, age 48, combines over 20 years of experience in the financial technology industry. Previously, Mr. Frommer held key leaderships roles in the investment banking and trading divisions of large financial institutions. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Frommer was briefly retired until beginning concept formation for Jerrick Ventures which he officially founded in 2013. From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Frommer was Managing Director of Global Prime Services at RBC Capital Markets, the investment banking arm of the Royal Bank of Canada, the largest financial institution in Canada, after the sale of Carlin Financial Group, a professional trading firm. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Frommer was the Chief Executive Officer of Carlin Financial Group after the sale of NextGen Trading, a software development company focused on building equity trading platforms. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Frommer was Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NextGen Trading. From 2000 to 2002, he was Managing Director of Merger Arbitrage Trading at Bank of America, a financial services firm. Mr. Frommer was also a director of LionEye Capital, a hedge fund from June 2012 to June 2014. He holds a B.A. from the University of Albany.
Rick Schwartz, President
Mr. Schwartz, age 48, is a film and television producer and financier based in New York. Notable credits include The Departed, Black Swan, Gangs of New York, The Aviator, Machete, and The Others. Mr. Schwartz began his film career at Miramax under Harvey and Bob Weinstein, working there for seven years and eventually serving as the company’s Senior Vice President of Production. From 2008 to 2014, Mr. Schwartz was CEO and Founder of Overnight Productions. In 2014, Mr. Schwartz and partner Jimmy Fallon created Eight Million Plus Productions, a New York-based production company, which produces shows such as Spike TV’s Lip Sync Battle and NBC’s Sharing.
Leonard Schiller, Director
Leonard Schiller, age 72, is President and Managing Partner of the Chicago law firm of Schiller Klein PC and has been associated with the firm since 1977. Mr. Schiller also has served as the President of The Dearborn Group, a residential property management and real estate company with properties located in the Midwest. Mr. Schiller has also been involved in the ownership of residential properties and commercial properties throughout the country. Mr. Schiller has acted as a principal in numerous private loan transactions and has been responsible for the structure, and management of these transactions. Mr. Schiller has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of IMALL, an internet search engine company, which was acquired by Excite@Home. He also served as a member of the Board of AccuMed International, Inc., a company which manufactured and marketed medical diagnostic screening products, which was acquired by Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. He presently serves as a director of Milestone Scientific, Inc., a Delaware company. He also serves as a director of Gravitas Cayman Corp. and a Limited Partner of Gravitas Capital Partners LLC, a private hedge fund.
Andrew Taffin, Director
Andrew Taffin has over 25 years of entrepreneurial and executive leadership experience. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Tallen Technology Rentals (“Tallen”), a leading provider of technology services and short-term rental AV equipment for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Under Mr. Taffin’s leadership, Tallen has experienced consistent revenue growth, secured multimillion dollar contracts with Fortune 100 companies, expanded into multiple business categories including pharmaceutical and financial services, and established a global presence to include supporting clients across the globe. Mr. Taffin was also one of the founding members and former president of the International Technology Rental Associations (“ITRA”). Mr. Taffin is a consistent speaker at industry conferences and events and contributes regularly to several technology publications. Mr. Taffin graduated from Plymouth State University with a B.A. in communications.
The members of the Board of Directors serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders, or until their successors have been elected.
When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to enable the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of the Company’s business and structure, the Board of Directors focuses primarily on the industry and transactional experience, and other background, in addition to any unique skills or attributes associated with a director. With regard to Mr. Frommer, the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background with regard to the Company’s business and his prior experience as a chief executive for other business enterprises. With regard to Mr. Schiller, the Board of Directors considered his background and experience as an investor in many different businesses, together with his prior experience serving on the boards of public and private companies. With regard to Mr. Taffin, the Board of Directors considered his management experience in growing small businesses.
Family Relationships
There are currently no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
Board Committees
Our Board of Directors does not have any committees formed. As independent directors are added to our board, we intend to form a formal Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and adopt appropriate written charters for such committees. Presently, however, there are no plans to appoint certain directors to specific committees. Until such time as an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is formed, the full Board of Directors fulfills the functions normally undertaken by such committees.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own 10% or more of a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act to file reports of beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership with the SEC. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders are required by the rules and regulations of the SEC to furnish the Company with copies of all reports filed by them in compliance with Section 16(a).
Based solely on our review of certain reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the reports required to be filed with respect to transactions in our common stock during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, were timely.
Code of Ethics
The Company does not currently maintain a Code of Ethics but plans to adopt one in the near future.
Legal Proceedings
There are no material proceedings to which any director or officer, or any associate of any such director or officer, is a party that is adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries. No director or executive officer has been a director or executive officer of any business which has filed a bankruptcy petition or had a bankruptcy petition filed against it during the past ten years. No director or executive officer has been convicted of a criminal offense or is the subject of a pending criminal proceeding during the past ten years. No director or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment or decree of any court permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities during the past ten years. No director or officer has been found by a court to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law during the past ten years.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The following summary compensation table sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the named executive officers paid by us during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
(1) Effective February 5, 2016, Kent Campbell resigned as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Denis Espinoza resigned as our President and Chief Operating Officer.
(2) Effective February 5, 2016, Jeremy Frommer was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and Rick Schwartz was appointed as our President.
Employment Agreements
As of March 31, 2017, the Company has not entered into any employments agreements, but intends on entering into such agreements with its Chief Executive Officer and President in fiscal 2017.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2016
At December 31, 2016, we had outstanding equity awards as follows:
(1) Effective February 5, 2016, Kent Campbell resigned as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Denis Espinoza resigned as our President and Chief Operating Officer.
(2) Effective February 5, 2016, Jeremy Frommer was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and Rick Schwartz was appointed as our President.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
As of the close of business on March 31, 2017, we had outstanding 33,974,582 shares of common stock. Each share of common stock is currently entitled to one vote on all matters put to a vote of our stockholders. The following table sets forth the number of common shares, and percentage of outstanding common shares, beneficially owned as of March 31, 2017, by:
● each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of our outstanding common stock;
● each of our current directors;
● each our current executive officers and any other persons identified as a “named executive” in the Summary Compensation Table above; and
● all our current executive officers and directors as a group.
Shares beneficially owned and percentage ownership before this offering is based on 33,974,582 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2017.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes general voting power and/or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options or warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the record date, and shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of other securities currently convertible or convertible within 60 days, are deemed outstanding for computing the beneficial ownership percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the beneficial ownership percentage of any other person. Under the applicable SEC rules, each person’s beneficial ownership is calculated by dividing the total number of shares with respect to which they possess beneficial ownership by the total number of outstanding shares. In any case where an individual has beneficial ownership over securities that are not outstanding, but are issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants or similar rights within the next 60 days, that same number of shares is added to the denominator in the calculation described above. Because the calculation of each person’s beneficial ownership set forth in the “Percentage Beneficially Owned” column of the table may include shares that are not presently outstanding, the sum total of the percentages set forth in such column may exceed 100%. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the following persons is 202 S Dean Street, Englewood, NJ 07631, and, based upon information available or furnished to us, each such person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite his, her or its name.
* Denotes less than one percent
(1)
The securities “beneficially owned” by a person are determined in accordance with the definition of “beneficial ownership” set forth in the regulations of the SEC and accordingly, may include securities owned by or for, among others, the spouse, children or certain other relatives of such person, as well as other securities over which the person has or shares voting or investment power or securities which the person has the right to acquire within 60 days.
(2) This total include shares issuable upon exercise of warrants for 1,060,000 shares of common stock, and shares issuance upon exercise of stock options to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock.
(3) This total consists of: (i) 3,048,316 shares issuable upon the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) 2,540,263 shares issuable upon the conversion of Series B Preferred Stock, (iii)750,000 shares issuable upon the conversion of notes, and (iv) 2,916,666 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants.
(4) This total consists of: (i) 832,190 shares issuable upon the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock, (ii)400,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants, and (iv) 400,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(5) This total consists of: (i) 678,555 shares issuable upon the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock, (ii)340,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants, and (iv) 300,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
Market for our Securities
While there is no established public trading market for our Common Stock, our Common Stock is quoted on the OTC Markets OTCQB under the symbol “JMDA”.
The market price of our Common Stock is subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in our quarterly operating results, general trends in the market and other factors, over many of which we have little or no control. In addition, broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, business and political conditions, may adversely affect the market for our Common Stock, regardless of our actual or projected performance.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire or may discourage acquisition bids for us. Our Board may, without action of our stockholders, issue authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock. The existence of unissued preferred stock may enable the Board, without further action by the stockholders, to issue such stock to persons friendly to current management or to issue such stock with terms that could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us, thereby protecting the continuity of our management. Our shares of preferred stock could therefore be issued quickly with terms that could delay, defer, or prevent a change in control of us, or make removal of management more difficult.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
Upon completion of the Merger, as of February 5, 2016, the Company has a commercial lease agreement with 202 S Dean, LLC for its current office building located at 202 S Dean Street, Englewood, NJ 07631. Under the agreement, the Company pays monthly rent to 202 S. Dean LLC, which is 50% owned by our Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Frommer. Monthly rent is $8,500 through 2015. Commencing 2016 through 2023, monthly rent will be $14,165. The lease expires February 28, 2024.
Director Independence
Our Board of Directors will periodically review relationships that directors have with the Company to determine whether the directors are independent. Directors are considered “independent” as long as they do not accept any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee (other than director fees) from the Company, are not an affiliated person of the Company or its subsidiaries (e.g., an officer or a greater-than-ten-percent stockholder) and are independent within the meaning of applicable laws, regulations and the Nasdaq listing rules. In this latter regard, the Board of Directors will use the Nasdaq listing rules (specifically, Section 5605(a)(2) of such rules) as a benchmark for determining which, if any, of its directors are independent, solely in order to comply with applicable SEC disclosure rules. However, this is for disclosure purposes only. It should be understood that, as a corporation whose shares are not listed for trading on any securities exchange, our Company is not required to have any independent directors at all on its Board of Directors, or any independent directors serving on any particular committees of the Board of Directors.
As of the date of this Form 10-K, the Board of Directors has determined that Leonard Schiller and Andrew Taffin are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing rule cited above.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company's quarterly reports or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
* Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
JERRICK MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC.
Date: March 31, 2017 By: /s/ Jeremy Frommer
Name: Jeremy Frommer
Title: Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Rick Schwartz
President
March 31, 2017
Rick Schwartz
/s/ Leonard Schiller
Director
March 31, 2017
Leonard Schiller
/s/ Andrew Taffin
Director
March 31, 2017
Andrew Taffin