Item 1.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Develocap, Inc. is a closed-end management investment company following our filing, in September 2004, of a notice of election to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We were incorporated on January 23, 2004 and have not conducted any operations to date. We were organized to provide investors with the opportunity to participate with a modest amount in venture capital investments that are generally not available to the public and that typically require substantially larger financial commitments. In addition, we will provide professional management and administration that might otherwise be unavailable to investors if they were to engage directly in venture capital investing. We are regulated as a business development company under the 1940 Act, and will operate as a non-diversified company as that term is defined in Section 5(b)(2) of the 1940 Act.
We have decided to explore taking the steps necessary to cease being a BDC and becoming a consulting firm. It is likely that we will pursue these steps prior to March 31, 2008. If we decide to become a consulting firm, we will outsource much of the work that we obtain to independent firms that are known to us.
As a business development company, we are required to invest at least 70% of our total assets in qualifying assets, which, generally, are securities of private companies or securities of public companies whose securities are not eligible for purchase on margin (which includes many companies with thinly traded securities that are quoted in the pink sheets or the NASD Electronic Quotation Service. We must also offer to provide significant managerial assistance to these portfolio companies. Qualifying assets may also include:
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cash,
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cash equivalents,
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U.S. Government securities, or
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High quality debt investments maturing in one year or less from the date of investment.
We may invest a portion of the remaining 30% of our total assets in debt and/or equity securities of companies that may be larger than target portfolio companies.
Nature of a BDC
The 1940 Act defines a BDC as a closed-end management investment company that provides small businesses that qualify as an eligible portfolio company with investment capital and also significant managerial assistance. A BDC is required under the 1940 Act to invest at least 70% of its total assets in qualifying assets consisting of:
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eligible portfolio companies as defined in the 1940 Act and
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certain other assets including cash and cash equivalents.
An eligible portfolio company generally is a United States company that is not an investment company and that:
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does not have a class of securities registered on an exchange or included in the Federal Reserve Board's over-the-counter margin list;
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is actively controlled by a BDC and has an affiliate of a BDC on its board of directors; or
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meets such other criteria as may be established by the SEC.
Control under the 1940 Act is presumed to exist where a BDC owns more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of the eligible portfolio company.
An example of an eligible portfolio company is a new start-up company or a privately-owned company that has not yet gone public by selling its shares in the open market and has not applied for having its shares listed on a nationally recognized exchange such as the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange, or the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System, National Market System. An eligible portfolio company can also be one which is subject to filing, has filed, or has recently emerged from reorganization protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Act.
A BDC may invest the remaining 30% of its total assets in non-qualifying assets, including companies that are not eligible portfolio companies. The foregoing percentages will be determined, in the case of financings in which a BDC commits to provide financing prior to funding the commitment, by the amount of the BDC's total assets represented by the value of the maximum amount of securities to be issued by the borrower or lessee to the BDC pursuant to such commitment.
Strategy
We have significant relative flexibility in selecting and structuring our investments. We are subject to many of the regulatory limitations that govern traditional lending institutions such as banks. We will seek to structure our investments so as to take into account the uncertain and potentially variable financial performance of our portfolio companies. This will enable our future portfolio companies to retain access to committed capital at different stages in their development and eliminate some of the uncertainty surrounding their capital allocation decisions. We will calculate rates of return on invested capital based on a combination of up-front commitment fees, current and deferred interest rates and residual values, which may take the form of common stock, warrants, equity appreciation rights or future contract payments. We believe that this flexible approach to structuring investments will facilitate positive, long-term relationships with our portfolio companies and enable us to become a preferred source of capital to them. We also believe our approach should enable debt financing to develop into a viable alternative capital source for funding the growth of target companies that wish to avoid the dilutive effects of equity financings for existing equity holders.
Longer Investment Horizon - We will not be subject to periodic capital return requirements. These requirements, which are standard for most private equity and venture capital funds, typically require that these funds return to investors the initial capital investment after a pre-agreed time, together with any capital gains on such capital investment. These provisions often force such funds to seek the return of their investments in portfolio companies through mergers, public equity offerings or other liquidity events more quickly than they otherwise might, which can result in a lower overall return to investors and adversely affect the ultimate viability of the affected portfolio companies. Because we may invest in the same portfolio companies as these funds, we are subject to these risks if these funds demand a return on their investments in the portfolio companies. We believe that our flexibility to take a longer-term view should help us to maximize returns on our invested capital while still meeting the needs of our portfolio companies.
Established Deal Sourcing Network - We believe that, through our management and directors, we have solid contacts and sources from which to generate investment opportunities. These contacts and sources include:
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public and private companies,
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investment bankers,
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attorneys,
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accountants,
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consultants and
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commercial bankers.
However, we cannot assure you that such relationships will lead to the origination of debt or other investments.
Investment Process
We will at all times conduct our business so as to retain our status as a BDC. We may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC without the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting stock as defined under the 1940 Act.
As a matter of policy, we will not:
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purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate or real estate investment trusts except that we may:
i.
purchase and sell real estate or interests in real estate in connection with the orderly liquidation of investments, or in connection with foreclosure on collateral,
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own the securities of companies that are in the business of buying, selling or developing real estate, or
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finance the purchase of real estate by our portfolio companies;
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sell securities short except with regard to managing the risks associated with publicly-traded securities issued by our portfolio companies;
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purchase securities on margin (except to the extent that we may purchase securities with borrowed money); or
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engage in the purchase or sale of commodities or commodity contracts, including futures contracts except where necessary in working out distressed loan or investment situations or in hedging the risks associated with interest rate fluctuations, and, in such cases, only after all necessary registrations or exemptions from registration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have been obtained.
Prospective Portfolio Company Characteristics - We have identified several criteria that we believe will prove important in seeking our investment objective with respect to target companies. These criteria will provide general guidelines for our investment decisions; however, we caution readers that not all of these criteria will be met by each prospective portfolio company in which we choose to invest.
Experienced Management - We will generally require that our portfolio companies have an experienced president or management team. We will also require the portfolio companies to have in place proper incentives to induce management to succeed and to act in concert with our interests as investors, including having significant equity interests.
Products or Services - We will seek companies that are involved in products or services that do not require significant additional capital or research expenditures. In general, we will seek target companies that make innovative use of proven technologies or methods.
Proprietary Advantage - We expect to favor companies that can demonstrate some kind of proprietary sustainable advantage with respect to their competition. Proprietary advantages include, but are not limited to:
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patents or trade secretes with respect to owning or manufacturing its products, and
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a demonstrable and sustainable marketing advantage over its competition
In order to be sustainable, marketing strategies impose unusual burdens on management to be continuously ahead of its competition, either through some kind of technological advantage or by being continuously more creative than its competition.
Profitable or Nearly Profitable Operations Based On Cash Flow From Operations - We will focus on target companies that are profitable or nearly profitable on an operating cash flow basis. Typically, we would not expect to invest in start-up companies unless there is a clear exit strategy in place.
Potential for Future Growth - We will generally require that a prospective target company, in addition to generating sufficient cash flow to cover its operating costs and service its debt, demonstrate an ability to increase its revenues and operating cash flow over time. The anticipated growth rate of a prospective target company will be a key factor in determining the value that we ascribe to any warrants or other equity securities that we may acquire in connection with an investment in debt securities.
Exit Strategy - Prior to making an investment in a portfolio company, we will analyze the potential for that company to increase the liquidity of its common equity through a future event that would enable us to realize appreciation, if any, in the value of our equity interest. Liquidity events may include:
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an initial public offering,
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a private sale of our equity interest to a third party,
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a merger or an acquisition of the portfolio company or
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a purchase of our equity position by the portfolio company or one of its stockholders.
We may acquire warrants to purchase equity securities and/or convertible preferred stock of the eligible portfolio companies in connection with providing financing. The terms of the warrants, including the expiration date, exercise price and terms of the equity security for which the warrant may be exercised, will be negotiated individually with each eligible portfolio company, and will likely be affected by the price and terms of securities issued by the eligible portfolio company to other venture capitalists and other holders. We anticipate that most warrants will be for a term of five to ten years, and will have an exercise price based upon the price at which the eligible portfolio company most recently issued equity securities or, if a new equity offering is imminent, will next issue equity securities. The equity securities for which the warrant will be exercised generally will be common stock of which there may be one or more classes or convertible preferred stock. Substantially all the warrants and underlying equity securities will be restricted securities under the 1933 Act at the time of the issuance. We will generally negotiate for registration rights with the issuer that may provide:
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"piggyback" registration rights, which will permit us, under certain circumstances, to include some or all of the securities owned by us in a registration statement filed by the eligible portfolio company, or
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in certain circumstances, "demand" registration rights permitting us, under certain circumstances, to require the eligible portfolio company to register the securities under the 1933 Act, in some cases at our expense. We will generally negotiate net issuance provisions in the warrants, which will allow us to receive upon exercise of the warrant without payment of any cash a net amount of shares determined by the increase in the value of the issuer's stock above the exercise price stated in the warrant.
Liquidation Value of Assets - Although we do not intend to operate as an asset-based lender, the prospective liquidation value of the assets, if any, collateralizing any debt securities that we hold will be an important factor in our credit analysis. We will emphasize both tangible assets, such as:
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accounts receivable,
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inventory, and
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equipment,
and intangible assets, such as:
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intellectual property,
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customer lists,
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networks, and
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databases.
Due Diligence - If a target company generally meets the characteristics described above, we will perform initial due diligence, including:
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company and technology assessments,
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market analysis,
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competitive analysis,
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evaluation of management, risk analysis and transaction size,
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pricing, and
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structure analysis.
Much of this work will be done by management and professionals who are known to management.
The criteria delineated below provide general parameters for our investment decisions, although not all of such criteria will be followed in each instance. Upon successful completion of this preliminary evaluation, we will decide whether to deliver a non-binding letter of intent and move forward towards the completion of a transaction.
Management Team
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Interviews with management and significant shareholders, including any financial or strategic sponsor;
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Review of financing history;
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Review of management's track record with respect to product development and marketing, mergers and acquisitions, alliances, collaborations, research and development outsourcing and other strategic activities;
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Assessment of competition; and
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Review of exit strategies.
Financial Condition
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Evaluation of future financing needs and plans;
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Detailed analysis of financial performance;
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Development of pro forma financial projections; and
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Review of assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, if any, and legal and regulatory risks.
Product or Service Assessment
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Evaluation of intellectual property position,
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Review of existing customer or similar agreements and arrangements,
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Analysis of core technology;
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Assessment of collaborations,
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Review of sales and marketing procedures, and
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Assessment of market and growth potential.
Upon completion of these analyses, we will conduct on-site visits with the target company's management team. Also, in cases in which a target company is at a mature stage of development and if other matters that warrant such an evaluation, we will obtain an independent appraisal of the target company
Ongoing Relationships with Portfolio Companies
Monitoring - We will continuously monitor our portfolio companies in order to determine whether they are meeting our financing criteria and their respective business plans. We may decline to make additional investments in portfolio companies that do not continue to meet our financing criteria. However, we may choose to make additional investments in portfolio companies that do not do so, but that we believe will nevertheless perform well in the future.
We will monitor the financial trends of each portfolio company to assess the appropriate course of action for each company and to evaluate overall portfolio quality. Our management team and consulting professionals who are well known to our management team will closely monitor the status and performance of each individual company on at least a quarterly and, in some cases, a monthly basis.
We will use several methods of evaluating and monitoring the performance and fair value of our debt and equity positions, including but not limited to the following:
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Assessment of business development success, including product development, financings, profitability and the portfolio company's overall adherence to its business plan;
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Periodic and regular contact with portfolio company management to discuss financial position, requirements and accomplishments;
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Periodic and regular formal update interviews with portfolio company management and, if appropriate, the financial or strategic sponsor;
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Attendance at and participation in board meetings; and
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Review of monthly and quarterly financial statements and financial projections for portfolio companies.
Managerial Assistance - As a business development company, we will offer, and in many cases may provide, significant managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. This assistance will typically involve:
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monitoring the operations of our portfolio companies,
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participating in their board and management meetings,
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consulting with and advising their officers, and
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providing other organizational and financial guidance.
Diversification
As a BDC, we must invest at least 70% of our total assets in qualifying assets consisting of investments in eligible portfolio companies and certain other assets including cash and cash equivalents. In order to receive favorable pass-through tax treatment on its distributions to our shareholders, we intend to diversify our pool of investments in such a manner so as to qualify as a diversified closed end management investment company. However, because of the limited size of the funding which is likely to be available to us, we will likely be classified as a non-diversified closed end investment company under the 1940 Act. Until we qualify as a registered investment company (RIC), we will not be subject to the diversification requirements applicable to RICs under the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, we will not receive favorable pass through tax treatment on distributions to our shareholders. In the future, we will seek to increase the diversification of our portfolio so as to make it possible to meet the RIC diversification requirements, as described below. We cannot assure you, however, that we will ever be able to meet those requirements.
To qualify as a RIC, we must meet the issuer diversification standards under the Internal Revenue Code that require that, at the close of each quarter of our taxable year,
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not more than 25% of the market value of our total assets is invested in the securities of a single issuer, and
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at least 50% of the market value of our total assets is represented by
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cash,
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cash items,
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government securities,
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securities of other RICs, and
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other securities.
Each investment in these other securities is limited so that not more than 5% of the market value of our total assets is invested in the securities of a single issuer and we do not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. For purposes of the diversification requirements under the Internal Revenue Code, the percentage of our total assets invested in securities of a portfolio company will be deemed to refer, in the case of financings in which we commit to provide financing prior to funding the commitment, to the amount of our total assets represented by the value of the securities issued by the eligible portfolio company to us at the time each portion of the commitment is funded.
Investment Amounts
The amount of funds committed to a portfolio company and the ownership percentage received will vary depending on the maturity of the portfolio company, the quality and completeness of the portfolio company’s management team, the perceived business opportunity, the capital required compared to existing capital, and the potential return. Although investment amounts will vary considerably, we expect that the average investment, including follow-on investments, will be between $250,000 and $1,000,000.
Competition
Our primary competitors to provide financing to target companies will include private equity and venture capital funds, other equity and non-equity based investment funds and investment banks and other sources of financing, including traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks and specialty finance companies. Many of these entities have substantially greater financial and managerial resources than we will have. We believe that our competitive advantage with regard to quality target companies relates to our ability to negotiate flexible terms and to complete our review process on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in implementing our strategies.
Tax Information
The following is a general summary of certain of the United States Federal income tax laws relating to us and our future investors if any. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, published rulings and procedures and court decisions as of the date hereof. The tax law, as well as the implementation thereof, is subject to change, and any such change might interfere with our ability ever to qualify as a RIC or, if we so qualify, to maintain such qualification. This discussion does not purport to deal with all of the United States Federal income tax consequences applicable to us or to all categories of investors, some of whom may be subject to special rules. In addition, it does not address state, local, foreign or other taxes to which we or our investors may be subject, or any proposed changes in applicable tax laws. Investors should consult their tax advisers with respect to an investment in our securities.
Taxation of Develocap as an Ordinary Corporation - We anticipate that, in the future, we will seek to meet the requirements, including diversification requirements, to qualify for the special pass-through status available to RICs under the Internal Revenue Code, and thus to be relieved of Federal income tax on that part of our net investment income and realized capital gains that we distribute to shareholders. Unless and until we meet these requirements, we will be taxed as an ordinary corporation on our taxable income even if that income is distributed to shareholders, and all distributions out of our earnings and profits will be taxable to shareholders as dividends. Thus, such income will be subject to a double layer of tax although corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends-received deduction. We cannot assure you that we will ever meet the requirements to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC, we would not be able to deduct distributions to stockholders, nor would they be required to be made.
Taxation of Develocap as a RIC - Consequences of Converting from an Ordinary Corporation to a RIC - In order to qualify as a RIC, we must, at the end of the first year in which we so qualify have no accumulated earnings and profits from years in which we were not taxed as a RIC. To meet this requirement, we must, before the end of the first year in which we qualify as a RIC, distribute as dividends all of our accumulated earnings and profits.
RIC Qualification Requirements - To qualify as a RIC, we must distribute to our shareholders for each taxable year at least 90% of our investment company taxable income consisting generally of net investment income and net short-term capital gains and must meet several additional requirements. Among the requirements are the following:
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We must derive at least 90% of our gross income each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of securities and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in securities ("Income Requirement");
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We must derive less than 30% of our gross income each taxable year from gains from the sale or other disposition of securities held for less than three months;
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We must diversify our assets so that, at the close of each quarter of our taxable year,
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not more than 25% of the market value of our total assets is invested in the securities of a single issuer or in the securities of two or more issuers that we control and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, and
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at least 50% of the market value of our total assets is represented by cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with each investment in such other securities limited so that not more than 5% of the market value of our total assets is invested in the securities of a single issuer and we do not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer; and
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We must file an election to be treated as a RIC. If, after initially qualifying as a RIC, we fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, we would be taxed as an ordinary corporation on our taxable income for that year and all distributions out of our earnings and profits would be taxable to shareholders as dividends (that is, ordinary income). In such a case, there may be substantial tax and other costs associated with re-qualifying as a RIC.
Taxation of Develocap's Shareholders - Dividends paid to shareholders that are attributable to our net investment income will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Capital gain distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of how long the shareholder has held our shares. It is not anticipated that a significant portion of our dividends will qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.
Distributions are generally taxable to shareholders at the time the distribution is received. However, any distribution declared by Develocap in October, November or December, made payable to shareholders of record in such a month and paid the following January, is deemed to have been paid by Develocap and received by shareholders on December 31 of the year declared. This will prevent the application of the excise tax to Develocap as a result of the delay in the payment of the dividends.
If, for any calendar year, Develocap's total distributions exceed its net investment income and net capital gains, the excess will generally be considered a tax-free return of capital to a shareholder to the extent of the shareholder's adjusted basis in its shares and then as capital gain. The amount treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce the adjusted basis of a shareholder's shares, thereby increasing the potential gain or reducing the potential loss on the sale of the shares.
In general, upon the sale or other disposition of shares, the selling shareholder will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the seller's adjusted basis in the shares. Any loss realized will be disallowed to the extent the seller has acquired (or entered into a contract to acquire) substantially identical shares within a period beginning 30 days before the disposition of shares and ending 30 days after the disposition. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Gain or loss realized upon a sale of shares generally will be treated as a capital gain or loss. The gain or loss will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year. In addition, if the shares sold were not held for more than six months, any loss on the sale will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividend received by the shareholder with respect to these shares.
Develocap is required to withhold amounts on distributions to individuals and certain other non-corporate shareholders who do not provide Develocap with a correct taxpayer identification number or who otherwise are subject to backup withholding.
Federal withholding taxes at a rate of 30% or a lesser treaty rate, may apply to distributions to shareholders who are nonresident aliens or foreign partnerships, trust or corporations. The rules governing United States federal income taxation of foreign shareholders are complex, and prospective non-U.S. shareholders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state and local income tax laws with regard to an investment in shares, including any reporting requirements.
Individuals and certain other shareholders will be required to include in their gross income an amount of certain Develocap expenses relating to the production of gross income that are allocable to the shareholder. These shareholders, therefore, will be deemed to receive gross income from Develocap in excess of the distributions that they actually receive. These allocated expenses may be deductible by an individual shareholder as a miscellaneous itemized deduction, subject to the limitation on miscellaneous itemized deductions not exceeding 2% of adjusted gross income. Develocap will notify shareholders following the end of each calendar year of the amounts of dividends and capital gain distributions paid or deemed paid during the year.
Tax-Exempt Investors - Qualified plans, individual retirement accounts and investors exempt from taxation under the internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) are generally exempt from taxation except to the extent that they have unrelated business taxable income (UBTI),determined in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Sections 511-514. If Develocap qualifies as a RIC, it is likely that distributions to a tax-exempt entity shareholder that are treated as dividends will not be considered UBTI and will therefore be exempt from federal income tax even if Develocap borrows to acquire its investment assets. Under Section 512(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, UBTI does not include dividends received by a tax-exempt entity. As a general rule, the income tax provisions relating to a corporation apply to RICs, unless Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code provides otherwise, and thus Section 512(b) should apply to exclude from UBTI dividends paid by a RIC to a tax-exempt entity. This conclusion is also supported by Revenue Ruling 66-106, which applies Section 512(b) to exclude from UBTI dividends paid to the tax-exempt shareholders of a real estate investment trust, a conduit entity that invests in real estate and is substantially similar to a RIC for tax purposes, on the same theory. However, if a tax-exempt entity borrows money to purchase its shares, a portion of its income from Develocap will constitute UBTI pursuant to the "debt-financed property rules."
Social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associates, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal service organizations that are exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code Sections 501(c)(7), (9), (17) and (20), respectively, are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions from Develocap as UBTI. Dividends distributions by Develocap to a charitable organization that is a private foundation should constitute investment income for purposes of the excise tax on net investment income of private foundations imposed by Section 4940 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Other Regulatory Matters
We are a business development company under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between business development companies and their affiliates, including any investment advisers or sub-advisers, principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters and requires that a majority of the directors be persons other than interested persons, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the 1940 Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw our election as, a business development company unless approved by a majority of our outstanding voting securities.
We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes. Regulations governing our operation as a BDC will affect our ability to, and the way in which we raise additional capital, which may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.
Determination of Net Asset Value
The net asset value per share of our outstanding shares of common stock will be determined quarterly, as soon as practicable after, and as of the end of, each calendar quarter, by dividing the value of total assets minus total liabilities by the number of shares outstanding at the date as of which such determination is made.
In calculating the value of our total assets, we will value securities that are publicly traded at the closing price on the valuation date for exchange traded and NASDAQ listed securities or the average of the bid and asked prices for other securities. Debt and equity securities that are not publicly traded will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by a valuation committee of our board of directors which will be established when we commence operations based on the recommendation by our investment adviser and under valuation guidelines adopted by our board of directors, and then approved by our entire board of directors. Initially, the fair value of these securities will be their original cost. Debt securities valued at cost would be revalued for significant events affecting the issuer’s performance and equity securities valued at cost would be revalued if significant developments or other factors affecting the investment provide a basis for valuing the security at a price other than cost, such as:
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results of subsequent financing,
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the availability of market quotations,
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the portfolio company’s operations and
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changes in market conditions.
For warrants, our cost usually will be a nominal amount, such as $.01 per share. Debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at the time of purchase will be valued at amortized cost. Debt securities which are publicly traded will be valued by using market quotations obtained from pricing services or dealers. Our valuation guidelines will be subject to periodic review by our board of directors and may be revised in light of our experience, regulatory developments or otherwise.
Determination of fair values involves subjective judgment and estimates not susceptible to substantiation by auditing procedures. Accordingly, under current auditing standards, the notes to our financial statements will refer to the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our financial statements.
Employees
At October 15, 2007, we had one employee, Stephen B. Schneer, who currently devotes minimal hours per week to us. Various aspects of due diligence of prospective portfolio companies and monitoring the activities of portfolio companies or any other work that needs to be done will be subcontracted to outside consultants.
Code of Ethics
We will adopt a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain personal securities transactions. Personnel subject to each code may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the code's requirements. The Code of Ethics will be adopted prior to our commencing any investment activities.
Item 1A.
Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
We are a development stage company with no resources or source of revenues.
We are a development stage company and have not yet entered into any financing transactions with any portfolio companies. We have no experience relating to the identification, evaluation and acquisition of target businesses and, accordingly, there is only a limited basis upon which to evaluate our prospects for achieving our intended business objectives. To date, our efforts have been limited primarily to organizational activities and preparation of a registration statement and other regulatory filings. We have no resources and have realized no revenues to date. In addition, we will not achieve any revenues until, at the earliest, we are able to obtain funding, make investments and sell our position of securities in an underlying portfolio company for a profit. Develocap will be wholly dependent for the selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of all of its investments on the diligence and skill of its management, acting under the supervision of Develocap's board of directors. None of these individuals (currently three persons) has substantial experience in acquiring and investing in growth stage companies, the negotiation of the terms of such investments and the monitoring of such investments after they are made. We cannot assure you that Develocap will attain its investment objective.
Our independent registered auditors included an explanatory paragraph in their report on our fiscal 2006 financial statements that indicated that we are in the development stage and, among other things, have negative working capital of $46,000, accumulated deficit of $125,150, and no revenues, all of which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Investments in Develocap by new shareholders will be diluted immediately.
The present shareholders of Develocap have acquired an interest in Develocap at a total cost substantially less than the total cost the public investors will likely pay for their shares. Therefore, the public investors will bear most of the risk of loss. As of January 23, 2004 (inception date), Develocap authorized a total of 199,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance and 1,000,000 shares of our preferred stock for issuance. As of October 15, 2007, there were 66,500,000 common shares outstanding, all of which are held by founders and consultants/professionals in consideration for their services in developing our business concept and plan as well as related documents. All shares were considered issued at their fair value.
We are required to comply with significant regulatory requirements.
Develocap has filed notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission of our intent to be regulated as a Business Development Company under the 1940 Act and be subject to Sections 54 through 65 of said Act. Upon making this election, Develocap became subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act as it applies to BDCs. Being subject to the BDC provisions requires us to meet significant numbers of regulatory and financial requirements. Compliance with these regulations is expensive and may create financial problems for us in the future. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may be changed from time to time. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
If we do not remain a business development company, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act, which would decrease our operating flexibility. We cannot assure you that we will successfully retain our BDC status.
BDC Risks
Investing in small and growth stage companies is inherently risky.
Investments in growth stage companies offer the opportunity for significant gains. However, each investment involves a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses. Among these are the risks associated with:
·
investing in companies in an early-stage of development or with little or no operating history,
·
companies operating at a loss or with substantial variations in operating results from period to period, and
·
companies with the need for substantial additional capital to support expansion or to achieve or maintain a competitive position.
These companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with:
·
greater financial resources,
·
more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and service capabilities, and
·
a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel.
Although we intend to mitigate our risk exposure by limiting our investments in early stage companies, we cannot assure you that the portfolio companies in which we choose to place a majority of our investment capital are not facing the same risks of companies that are inherent in start-up companies. In addition, growth stage companies are likely to have a very limited operating history and thus evaluating their worthiness for investment will be more subjective on their future potential for growth and cannot be predicated on operating successes.
We will be dependent on the quality and actions of management of portfolio companies
Our success will depend upon the success of the portfolio companies and, in great part, upon the abilities of their management. Although our management expects to provide portfolio companies with assistance (particularly with regard to capital formation, major personnel decisions, and strategic planning), the day-to-day operations of the portfolio companies will be controlled by their own management teams. As the portfolio companies have yet to be identified, investors must rely upon our management to select portfolio companies that have, or can obtain, the necessary management resources. Problems may arise at portfolio companies that local management do not recognize or cannot resolve. In addition, the management of portfolio companies may conceal the existence of problems from us.
Portfolio companies are likely to need additional funding.
We expect that many portfolio companies will require additional financing to satisfy their working capital requirements. The amount of additional financing needed will depend upon the maturity and objectives of the particular company. Each round of venture financing, whether from Develocap or other investors is typically intended to provide a portfolio company with enough capital to reach the next major valuation milestone. If the funds provided are not sufficient, a portfolio company may have to raise additional capital at a price unfavorable to the existing investors, including Develocap. The availability of capital is generally a function of capital market conditions that are beyond the control of Develocap or any portfolio company. We cannot assure you that Develocap's management or the managements of portfolio companies will be able to predict accurately the future capital requirements necessary for success or that additional funds will be available to portfolio companies from any source. If funding is not available, some portfolio companies may be forced to cease operations.
BDC investments are generally illiquid.
We anticipate that most of our holdings in portfolio companies will be securities that are subject to restrictions on resale. Generally, unless the securities are subsequently registered under the 1933 Act, Develocap will not be able to sell these securities unless we meet all of the conditions of Rule 144 or another rule under the 1933 Act that permits limited sales under specified conditions. When restricted securities are sold to the public, Develocap may be deemed an underwriter, or possibly a controlling person, with respect thereto for the purpose of the Securities Act and may be subject to liability as such under the 1933 Act. Even if we meet all of the conditions of the 1933 Act, there may be no market for the securities that we hold. These limitations on liquidity of a BDC’s investments could prevent a successful sale thereof, result in delay of any sale, or substantially reduce the amount of proceeds that might otherwise be realized.
BDCs generally require substantial amounts of time to realize the benefits from investments.
We anticipate that there will be a significant period of time ranging from one to three years before Develocap has obtained funding and completed the initial selection of portfolio companies for our first round of equity investments. Venture capital investments typically take from four to eight years from the date of initial investment to reach a state of maturity at which time liquidation can be considered practical. In light of the foregoing, it is unlikely that any significant distributions of the proceeds from the liquidation of equity investments will be made for several years after inception, if at all.
Risks of Develocap
We have not obtained any source of funding.
We intend to attempt raising our initial capital through the sales of shares of our common stock. The offer and sale of the shares will not be registered under the 1933 Act on the grounds that their issuance and sale is exempt from such registration requirements pursuant to Regulation E of the 1933 Act. Because the first $5,000,000 raised will be from shares that will be acquired by investors in transactions involving an exempt public offering pursuant to Regulation E, they will be unrestricted or free-trading securities and may be freely traded, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise disposed of at the time of issuance.
We cannot assure you that we will be successful in selling the common shares or, if sold, at what price. We will not be able to commence operations as a BDC or make any investments until and unless we obtain funding.
We have not identified any prospective portfolio companies.
We have not made any commitments to any prospective portfolio company. Therefore investors will not have an opportunity to carefully evaluate any of the portfolio companies that we may eventually invest in and such evaluation will be entirely dependent upon our management for selecting and negotiating with these portfolio companies. We cannot assure you that we will locate or successfully negotiate a transaction with a portfolio company.
We are likely to incur substantial losses in the first years of operations.
If funding is obtained, it is anticipated that most of such funding, except for operating cash reserves and funds set aside for follow-on investments in then-existing portfolio companies, will be expended or committed within two years, which is expected to be prior to the receipt of any substantial realized gains by Develocap. Our management anticipates that we and a number of the portfolio companies will sustain substantial losses in the initial years of operation. It is possible that these losses may never be recovered. We cannot assure you that we will ever be profitable.
We are totally reliant on management.
We will be wholly dependent for the selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of all of our investments on the diligence and skill of our management, acting under the supervision of Develocap's board of directors. None of these individuals (currently 2 persons) has substantial experience in acquiring and investing in growth stage companies, the negotiation of the terms of such investments and the monitoring of such investments after they are made.
In addition, we will engage outside consultants and professionals known to management to assist in evaluating and monitoring portfolio companies and maintaining regulatory compliance.
We cannot assure you that we will attain our investment objective.
We have broad discretionary use of the proceeds from any funding that we obtain.
Our management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of any funding that we obtain, although substantially all of the net proceeds from any offering is intended to be applied for investments in eligible portfolio companies which satisfy Develocap's investment criteria.
We will be confronted by competition from entities having substantially greater resources and experience.
Other entities and individuals compete for investments similar to those proposed to be made by Develocap, many of whom will have greater financial and management resources than Develocap. Furthermore, Develocap must comply with provisions of the 1940 Act pertaining to BDCs and, if Develocap qualifies as a RIC, provisions of the Internal Revenue Code pertaining to RICs might restrict Develocap's flexibility as compared with its competitors. The need to compete for investment opportunities may make it necessary for us to offer portfolio companies more attractive transaction terms than otherwise might be the case. These factors may prevent us from ever becoming profitable.
We are unlikely to qualify for the income tax benefits offered to RICs.
We will be classified as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act. We will not be subject to the diversification requirements applicable to RICs under the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, we will not receive favorable pass through tax treatment on distributions to our shareholders. This means that we will be taxed as an ordinary corporation on our taxable income even if that income is distributed to shareholders, and all distributions out of our earnings and profits will be taxable to shareholders as dividends. Thus, this income will be subject to a double layer of tax
Distributions to shareholders may never equal the amount invested by the shareholders.
We cannot assure you that any distributions to shareholders will be made by Develocap or that aggregate distributions, if any, will equal or exceed the shareholders' investment in Develocap. Sales of portfolio company securities will be the principal source of distributable cash to shareholders. The directors have absolute discretion in the timing of distributions to shareholders. Securities acquired by Develocap through equity investments will be held by Develocap and will be sold or distributed at the sole discretion of the directors.
We indemnify officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by Nevada law.
Our articles of incorporation provide for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents of Develocap to the full extent permitted by Nevada law and the 1940 Act.
There are significant potential conflicts of interest, which could impact our investment returns
Our executive officer and directors serve or may serve as officers and directors of entities who operate in the same or related line of business as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. In addition, they may not be available to us if there are time conflicts involving other entities.
Our common stock has no prior trading market or liquidity, and we cannot assure you that any trading market will develop.
There is no established trading market for our common stock, and there is currently no market whatsoever for our securities. We will seek to have a market maker file an application with the NASD on our behalf to quote the shares of our common stock on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board ("OTCBB"). There can be no assurance as to whether such market maker’s application will be accepted or, if accepted, the prices at which our common stock will trade if a trading market develops, of which there can be no assurance. We are not permitted to file such application on our own behalf. If the application is accepted, we cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in us will lead to the development of an active, liquid trading market. Active trading markets generally result in lower price volatility and more efficient execution of buy and sell orders for investors.
In addition, our common stock is unlikely to be followed by any market analysts, and there may be few institutions acting as market makers for the common stock. Either of these factors could adversely affect the liquidity and trading price of our common stock. Also, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume volatility that has especially affected the market prices of securities of many companies. At times, this volatility has been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of the common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
The market price and liquidity of the market for shares of our common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, which may adversely affect our ability to raise capital through future equity financings. These factors, many over which we have no control and that may not be directly related to us, include the following:
·
significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of closed-end investment companies, business development companies or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;
·
changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs;
·
a loss of BDC status;
·
changes in earnings or variations in operating results;
·
changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;
·
any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;
·
departure of key personnel;
·
potential legal and regulatory matters;
·
operating performance of companies comparable to us; and
·
general economic trends and other external factors.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock
If a market does develop for our shares of common stock, of which we can make no assurances, subsequent sales of substantial amounts of our common stock or the availability of such shares for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock. If this scenario occurs, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities should we desire to do so.
We are authorized to issue up to 199,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share. Our board of directors also has authority, without action or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of the authorized but unissued shares. Any such issuance will dilute the percentage ownership of shareholders and may further dilute the book value of the common stock. These issuances may also serve to enhance existing management’s ability to maintain control of Develocap.
For all of the foregoing reasons and others set forth herein, an investment in the Company’s securities in any market which may develop in the future involves a high degree of risk. Any person considering an investment in such securities should be aware of these and other risk factors set forth in this Form 10-K.
Item 1B.
Item 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
Item 2.
Item 2.
PROPERTY
We have not commenced business and have no assets. We currently operate out of office space located at 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158 which is provided to us by our founder at no cost which serves as our principal address.
Item 3.
Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not involved in any litigation.
Item 4.
Item 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
In April 2007, Stephen B. Schneer was appointed acting Chairman and President. The positions were vacant since October 2005.
Part II
Item 5.
Item 5.
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
We became subject to the Exchange Act Reporting Requirements as of May 2, 2004.
There is no current market for the shares of our common stock. No symbol has been assigned for our securities, and our securities have not been listed or quoted on any Exchange to date. There can be no assurance that a symbol will be assigned or that a liquid market will develop in the foreseeable future. Transfer of our common stock may also be restricted under the securities or blue sky laws of certain states and foreign jurisdictions. Consequently, investors may not be able to liquidate their investments and should be prepared to hold the common stock for an indefinite period of time.
We have never paid any cash dividends on shares of our common stock and do not anticipate that we will pay dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to apply any earnings to fund the development of our business. The purchase of shares of common stock is inappropriate for investors seeking current or near term income.
As of the close of business on December 15, 2007, there were ten stockholders of record of our common stock, and 77,500,000 shares were issued and outstanding.
The foregoing issuances of 66,500,000 shares include:
·
60,000,000 founder shares that were effectuated in reliance upon exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended; and
·
17,500,000 shares issued from our 2004 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (as approved by our Board of Directors on January 28, 2004) and in accordance with our Form S-8 Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on June 28, 2004 (SEC File No.: 000-50613).
No underwriter participated in the issuance of our shares, and no underwriting discounts or commissions were paid to anyone.
The Company has never repurchased any of its equity securities.
Blue Sky Considerations
Because our securities have not been registered for resale under the blue sky laws of any state, the holders of such shares and persons who desire to purchase them in any trading market that might develop in the future, should be aware that there may be significant state blue-sky law restrictions upon the ability of investors to sell the securities and of purchasers to purchase the securities. Accordingly, investors should consider any secondary market for the Company’s securities to be a limited one.
Item 6.
Item 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 7.
Item 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain matters discussed in this annual report on Form 10-K are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements contained in this annual report involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:
·
our future operating results,
·
our business prospects,
·
our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties,
·
the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we may be involved,
·
the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital, and
·
other factors identified in our filings with the SEC, press releases and other public communications.
These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as we “believe," “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are described in close proximity to such statements and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this Form 10-K. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this report and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Operations
We are a development stage and have not yet entered into any definitive financing transactions with any portfolio companies. We have no experience relating to the identification, evaluation and acquisition of target businesses and, accordingly, there is only a limited basis upon which to evaluate our prospects for achieving our intended business objectives. To date, our efforts have been limited primarily to organizational activities and preparation of documents to be filed with the SEC. We have no resources and have realized no revenues to date. In addition, we will not achieve any revenues until, at the earliest, we are able to obtain funding, make investments and sell our position of securities in an underlying portfolio company for a profit. Develocap will be wholly dependent for the selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of all of its investments on the diligence and skill of its management, acting under the supervision of Develocap's board of directors. None of these individuals has substantial experience in acquiring and investing in growth stage companies, the negotiation of the terms of such investments and the monitoring of such investments after they are made. We cannot assure you that Develocap will attain our investment objective.
We will not commence operations as a BDC until and unless we raise capital through the sales of shares pursuant to Regulation E of the 1933 Act. We will not attempt to raise funds through a Regulation E offering unless and until we receive a trading symbol for our securities. We cannot predict the likelihood or timing of getting such a symbol.
We have decided to explore taking the steps necessary to cease being a BDC and becoming a consulting firm. It is likely that we will pursue these steps prior to March 31, 2008. If we decide to become a consulting firm, we will outsource much of the work that we obtain to independent firms that are known to us.
At the time that we are preparing this Annual Report, we are still a BDC. The 1940 Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw our election as, a business development company unless approved by a majority of its outstanding voting securities. We have no resources and have realized no revenues to date.
Liquidity
We have not obtained any source of funding. If we remain a BDC, we will attempt to raise our initial capital through the sale of shares of our common stock. The offer and sale of the shares will not be registered under the 1933 Act because their issuance and sale is exempt from such registration requirements pursuant to Regulation E of the 1933 Act. Because the first $5,000,000 raised will be from shares that will be acquired by investors in transactions involving an exempt public offering pursuant to Regulation E, they will be unrestricted or free-trading securities and may be freely traded, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise disposed of at the time of issuance.
We cannot make any assurances that we will be successful in selling the common shares or, if sold, at what price.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted final rules under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Commencing with our annual report for the year ended January 31, 2008, we will be required to include a report of management on our internal control over financial reporting. The internal control report must include a statement
·
of management’s responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting;
·
of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of year end;
·
of the framework used by management to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; and
·
that our independent accounting firm has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, which report is also required to be filed.
Seasonality
We do not yet have a basis to determine whether our business will be seasonal.
Item 7A.
Item 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Since we have no assets and do not have any investments in eligible portfolio companies there is no quantitative information, as of January 31, 2006, about market risk that has any impact on our present business. Once we begin making investments in eligible portfolio companies there will be market risk sensitive instruments and we will disclose the applicable market risk information at that time.
Item 8.
Item 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Develocap’s financial statements as of January 31, 2006 and the year then ended start on page.
Item 9.
Item 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
a)
On October 26, 2007, Develocap, Inc (“Registrant’) dismissed its independent registered public accounting firm, Most & Company, LLP (“Mostco”)
b)
The reports of Mostco on our financial statements as of and for the year ended January 31, 2005 and for the period from January 23, 2004 (Inception) through January 31, 2004 and January 23, 2004 (Inception) through January 31, 2006 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
c)
The decision to change independent registered public accounting firms was approved by the members of our Board of Directors.
d)
During our two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim periods through October 26, 2007, there were no disagreements with Mostco on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Mostco, would have caused it to make reference thereto in its reports on the financial statements for such years.
e)
We engaged Li & Company, PC as our new independent certified public accounting firm to audit our financial statements effective October 26, 2007. Prior to such engagement, we did not consult such firm on any of the matters referenced in Regulation S-B Item 304(a)(2).
Item 9A.
Item 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer/ Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are, as of the date covered by this Annual Report, effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms.
Item 9B
Item 9B
OTHER INFORMATION
No event occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 that would have required disclosure in a report on Form 8-K.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Our executive officers and directors are as follows:
Name
Age
Title
Stephen B. Schneer
Chairman, President and CFO
Stephen B. Schneer - is an attorney who practices law in New York City. He holds a BA from Washington & Jefferson and a JD from Columbia University. He is also a director of Innocap, Inc., a business development company based in Atlanta, GA.
Board of Directors
All directors hold office until the completion of their term of office, which is not longer than three years, or until their successors have been elected and have qualified. All officers are appointed annually by the board of directors and, subject to existing employment agreements, serve at the discretion of the board. Currently, directors receive no compensation.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Concurrent with having sufficient members and resources, the Develocap board of directors will establish an audit committee, investment committee and a compensation committee. The audit committee will review the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by the independent auditors and review and evaluate the system of internal controls. The investment committee will review and approve all investments in excess of $50,000 and assist in determining the carrying values of portfolio investments. The compensation committee will manage the stock option plan and review and recommend compensation arrangements for the officers. No final determination has yet been made as to the memberships of these committees or when we will have sufficient members to establish committees.
All directors will be reimbursed by Develocap for any expenses incurred in attending directors' meetings provided that Develocap has the resources to pay these fees. Develocap will consider applying for officers and directors liability insurance at such time when it has the resources to do so.
Stock Option Plan
Pursuant to the January 28, 2004 board of directors approval and subsequent stockholder approval, we adopted our 2004 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan whereby Develocap reserved for issuance up to 20,000,000 shares of its common stock.
Management issued 17,500,000 options under the plan to certain current members of the management team as well as other persons whom it considers to be important to its current and proposed business activities. All options were exercisable at $.001 par value per share for a period of five years from the date of issuance and were exercised in full in August 2004.
As previously indicated, the board of directors, on January 28, 2004, adopted the plan so as to provide a long-term incentive for employees, non-employee directors, consultants, attorneys and advisors of Develocap and its subsidiaries, if any. The board of directors believes that Develocap’s policy of granting stock options to such persons will continue to provide it with a critical advantage in attracting and retaining qualified candidates. In addition, the plan is intended to provide Develocap with maximum flexibility to compensate plan participants. We believe that such flexibility will be an integral part of Develocap’s policy to encourage employees, non-employee directors, consultants, attorneys and advisors to focus on the long-term growth of stockholder value. The board of directors believes that important advantages to Develocap are gained by an option program such as:
·
the plan which includes incentives for motivating employees of Develocap, while at the same time promoting a closer identity of interest between employees,
·
non-employee directors,
·
consultants,
·
attorneys, and
·
advisors on the one hand, and the stockholders on the other.
The principal terms of the plan are summarized below, however it is not intended to be a complete description thereof and such summary is qualified in its entirety by the actual text of the plan.
Summary Description of the Develocap, Inc. 2004 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
The purpose of the plan is to provide directors, officers and employees of, consultants, attorneys and advisors to Develocap and its subsidiaries, if any, with additional incentives by increasing their ownership interest in Develocap. Directors, officers and other employees of Develocap and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the plan. Options in the form of Non-Statutory Stock Options may also be granted to directors who are not employed by Develocap and consultants, attorneys and advisors to Develocap providing valuable services to Develocap and its subsidiaries. In addition, individuals who have agreed to become an employee of, director of or an attorney, consultant or advisor to Develocap and/or its subsidiaries are eligible for option grants, conditional in each case on actual employment, directorship or attorney, advisor and/or consultant status. The plan provides for the issuance of NSO’s only, which are not intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
The board of directors of Develocap or a compensation committee will administer the plan with the discretion generally to determine the terms of any option grant, including the:
·
exercise price,
·
number of option shares,
·
term,
·
vesting schedule, and
·
the post-termination exercise period.
Notwithstanding this discretion:
·
the term of any option may not exceed 10 years, and
·
an option will terminate as follows:
o
if such termination is on account of termination of employment for any reason other than death, without cause, such options shall terminate one year thereafter;
o
if such termination is on account of death, such options shall terminate 15 months thereafter; and
o
if such termination is for cause (as determined by the board of directors and/or compensation committee), such options shall terminate immediately.
Unless otherwise determined by the board of directors or compensation committee, the exercise price per share of common stock subject to an option shall be equal to no less than 10% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date such option is granted. No NSO shall be assignable or otherwise transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or except as permitted in accordance with SEC Release No.33-7646 as effective April 7, 1999.
The plan may be amended, altered, suspended, discontinued or terminated by the board of directors without further stockholder approval, unless such approval is required by law or regulation or under the rules of the stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the common stock is then listed or quoted. Thus, stockholder approval will not necessarily be required for amendments which might increase the cost of the plan or broaden eligibility except that no amendment or alteration to the plan shall be made without the approval of stockholders which would:
·
decrease the NSO price (except as provided in paragraph 9 of the plan) or change the classes of persons eligible to participate in the plan, or
·
extend the NSO period, or
·
materially increase the benefits accruing to plan participants, or
·
materially modify plan participation eligibility requirements, or
·
extend the expiration date of the plan.
Unless otherwise indicated the Plan will remain in effect for a period of ten years from the date adopted unless terminated earlier by the board of directors except as to NSOs then outstanding, which shall remain in effect until they have expired or been exercised.
Conflicts of Interest
None of our key personnel is required to commit full time to our affairs and, accordingly, these individuals may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among their various business activities. In the course of their other business activities, certain key personnel may become aware of investment and business opportu­nities which may be appropriate for presentation to us, as well as the other entities with which they are affiliated. As such, they may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
Each officer and director is, so long as he is an officer or director, subject to the restriction that all opportunities contemplated by our plan of operation that come to his attention, either in the performance of his duties or in any other manner, will be considered opportunities of, and be made available to us and the companies that he is affiliated with on an equal basis. A breach of this requirement will be a breach of the fiduciary duties of the officer or director. If we or the companies to which the officer or director is affiliated each desire to take advantage of an opportunity, then the applicable officer or director would abstain from negotiating and voting upon the opportunity. However, the officer or director may still take advantage of opportunities if we should decline to do so. Except as set forth above, we have not adopted any other conflict of interest policy in connection with these types of transactions.
Item 11.
Item 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
None of our employees are subject to a written employment agreement nor has any officer received a cash salary since our founding.
The Summary Compensation Table shows certain compensation information for services rendered in all capacities for the fiscal periods ended January 31, 2005 and 2004. Other than as set forth herein, no executive officer's salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 in any of the applicable years. The following information includes the dollar value of base salaries, bonus awards, the number of stock options granted and certain other compensation, if any, whether paid or deferred.
Item 12.
Item 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth information known to us regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of October 15, 2007 by:
·
each person known or believed by us to own, directly or beneficially, more than 5% of our common stock,
·
each of our directors, and
·
all of our officers and directors as a group.
Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that the beneficial owners of the common stock listed below, based on information furnished by the owners, have sole investment and voting power over the shares.
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned 1
Percent
of Class
Stephen B. Schneer
605 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10158
4,000,000
5.2%
Gary B. Wolff
488 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
12,000,000
15.5%
GCND, Inc.
PO Box 5240
Ridge, NY 11961
28,000,000
36%
Jimmy B. Holten
605 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10158
11,000,000
14.2%
Jody Walker
7841 South Garfield Way
Centennial, CO 80122
6,000,000
7.7%
R. Bret Jenkins
11291 Palisade View Drive
South Jordan, Utah 84095
6,000,000
7.7%
Doyle S. Elliott
501 Manatee Avenue
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
10,000,000
12.9%
Officers and Directors
as a group (1 members)
4,000,000
5.2%
Unless otherwise indicated, Develocap believes that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all common shares beneficially owned by them. A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities which may be acquired by such person within 60 days from the date indicated above upon the exercise of options, warrants or convertible securities. Each beneficial owner’s percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options, warrants or convertible securities that are held by such person (but not those held by any other person) and which are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, have been exercised. K. Ivan F. Gothner has sole voting and investment power for all shares held by GCND, Inc.
Shareholder Matters
As a Nevada corporation, we are subject to the Nevada Revised Statutes ("NRS" or "Nevada law"). Certain provisions of Nevada law create rights that might be deemed material to our shareholders. Other provisions might delay or make more difficult acquisitions of our stock or changes in our control or might also have the effect of preventing changes in our management or might make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that some of our shareholders may believe to be in their best interests.
Directors' Duties - Section 78.138 of the Nevada law allows our directors and officers, in exercising their powers to further our interests, to consider the interests of our employees, suppliers, creditors and customers. They can also consider the economy of the state and the nation, the interests of the community and of society and our long-term and short-term interests and shareholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by our continued independence. Our directors may resist a change or potential change in control if they, by a majority vote of a quorum, determine that the change or potential change is opposed to or not in our best interest. Our board of directors may consider these interests or have reasonable grounds to believe that, within a reasonable time, any debt which might be created as a result of the change in control would cause our assets to be less than our liabilities, render us insolvent, or cause us to file for bankruptcy protection
Amendments to Bylaws - Our articles of incorporation provide that the power to adopt, alter, amend, or repeal our bylaws is vested exclusively with the board of directors. In exercising this discretion, our board of directors could conceivably alter our bylaws in ways that would affect the rights of our shareholders and the ability of any shareholder or group to effect a change in our control; however, the board would not have the right to do so in a way that would violate law or the applicable terms of our articles of incorporation.
Item 13.
Item 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
a.
None, except as indicated in Part I, Item 2 as relates to our office space; and
b.
Except for the following issuance of shares and/or options, all since converted into shares as a result of option exercise as follows:
The options were granted under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. No underwriter participated in the transactions and no underwriting discounts or commissions were paid to anyone. The shares underlying the options were registered on a Form S8 filed on June 28, 2004. All options have been exercised.
Item 14.
Item 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Fees: Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our year-end financial statements and services that are normally provided by Li & Company, PC in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Fees incurred $500 for each quarterly review associated with our Form 10-Q filings and $5,000 for the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements included as part of our Form 10-K filing.
Audit-Related Fees: Audit-related services consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include attest services that are not required by statute or regulation and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards and were not incurred for 2006.
Tax Services Fees: Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance. These services include assistance regarding federal, state, and local tax compliance. Tax fees were not incurred during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006.
All Other Fees: Other fees, which were not incurred, would include fees for products and services other than the services reported above.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
a.
Exhibits
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
b.
Financial Statement Schedules
None
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
/s/ Stephen B. Schneer
STEPHEN B. SCHNEER
Title: President and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: December 13, 2007
DEVELOCAP, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
January 31, 2006
Contents
Page(s)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
BALANCE SHEETS
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Develocap, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
New York, New York
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Develocap, Inc. (a development stage company) (the “Company”) as of January 31, 2006 and 2005 and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for the years ended January 31, 2006 and 2005, the period from January 23, 2004 (inception) through January 31, 2004 and the period from January 23, 2004 through January 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Develocap, Inc. as of January 31, 2006 and 2005 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended January 31, 2006, 2005, the period from January 23, 2004 (inception) through January 31, 2004, and the period from January 23, 2004 through January 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company is in the development stage and, among other things, has negative working capital of $46,000, an accumulated deficit of $125,150, and no revenues, all of which 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/ Li & Company, PC
Li & Company, PC
Skillman, New Jersey
November __, 2007
DEVELOCAP, INC.
(A development stage company)
Balance Sheets
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
DEVELOCAP, INC.
(A development stage company)
Statements of Operations
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
DEVELOCAP, INC.
(A development stage company)
Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
DEVELOCAP, INC.
(A development stage company)
Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
DEVELOCAP, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Financial Statements
January 31, 2006 and 2005
NOTE 1 -- ORGANIZATION
Develocap, Inc. (a development stage company) (“Develocap”, or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on January 23, 2004. In September 2004, it filed a notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission of its intent to elect in good faith to be regulated as a Business Development Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and be subject to Sections 54 through 65 of said Act.
NOTE 2 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Development stage company
The Company is a development stage company as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 7, Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises (“SFAS No. 7”). All losses accumulated since inception have been considered as part of the Company’ development stage activities.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
If the Company is successful in raising funds and becoming a business development company, its principal estimates will involve the determination of the value of its portfolio companies.
The net asset value per share of our outstanding shares of common stock will be determined quarterly, as soon as practicable after, and as of the end of, each calendar quarter, by dividing the value of total assets minus total liabilities by the number of shares outstanding at the date as of which such determination is made.
In calculating the value of our total assets, we will value securities that are publicly traded at the closing price on the valuation date for exchange traded and NASDAQ listed securities or the average of the bid and asked prices for other securities. Debt and equity securities that are not publicly traded will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the valuation committee of our board of directors based on the recommendation by our investment adviser and under valuation guidelines adopted by our board of directors, and then approved by our entire board of directors. Initially, the fair value of these securities will be their original cost. Debt securities valued at cost would be revalued for significant events affecting the issuer’s performance and equity securities valued at cost would be revalued if significant developments or other factors affecting the investment provide a basis for valuing the security at a price other than cost, such as results of subsequent financing, the availability of market quotations, the portfolio company’s operations and changes in market conditions.
For warrants, our cost usually will be a nominal amount, such as $.01 per share. Debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at the time of purchase will be valued at amortized cost. Debt securities which are publicly traded will be valued by using market quotations obtained from pricing services or dealers. Our valuation guidelines are subject to periodic review by our board of directors and may be revised in light of our experience, regulatory developments or otherwise.
Determination of fair values involves subjective judgment and estimates not susceptible to substantiation by auditing procedures. Accordingly, under current auditing standards, the notes to our financial statements will refer to the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our financial statements.
Year-end
The Company has elected a fiscal year ending on January 31.
Cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”). 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.
Net loss per common share
Basic and diluted loss per common share has been calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding of common stock and potentially outstanding shares of common stock during the period after giving retroactive effect to stock splits. There were no potentially dilutive common shares outstanding as of January 31, 2007.
Recently issued accounting Pronouncements
In June 2003, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted final rules under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 404”). Commencing with the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended January 31, 2008, the Company is required to include a report of management on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The internal control report must include a statement of management’s responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company; of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of year end; of the framework used by management to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and that the Company’s independent accounting firm has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which report is also required to be filed as part of the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation Number 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN No. 48”). FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken in a tax return. The Company must determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. FIN No. 48 applies to all tax positions related to income taxes subject to FASB Statement No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes”. The interpretation clearly scopes out income tax positions related to FASB Statement No. 5 “Accounting for Contingencies”. FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Earlier adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an enterprise’s fiscal year, provided the enterprise has not yet issued financial statements, including financial statements for any interim period, for that fiscal year. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
On September 15, 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
In September 2006, FASB issued FASB Statement No. 158 “Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 requires the recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and the recognition of changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS No. 158 also requires the measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the date of the year-end statement of financial position. SFAS No. 158 is effective as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006 for an employer with publicly traded equity securities. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this statement will have any effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations since the Company does not have any defined benefit or other postretirement plans.
On February 15, 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities: Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits all entities to elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Management does not believe that any other issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, if adopted, would have had a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.
NOTE 3 -- GOING CONCERN
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. At January 31, 2006 the Company had negative working capital of $46,000, an accumulated deficit of $125,150, and no revenues. These factors, among others, indicate that the Company's continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to achieve profitable operations or obtain adequate financing. The 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 in existence.
The Company is considering withdrawing its election as a business development company and converting into a consulting business.
NOTE 4 - STOCKHODERS’ DEFICIT
On January 23, 2004, the Board of Directors issued 60,000,000 shares of common stock for $60,000 in services to the founding shareholders of the Company.
Preferred stock
The Company’s certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with designations, rights and preferences determined from time to time by its board of directors. Accordingly, the Company’s board of directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue shares of preferred stock with voting, liquidation, conversion, or other rights that could adversely affect the rights of the holders of the common stock. At January 31, 2006, the Company had no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.
Common stock
The holders of the Company’s common stock:
·
Have equal ratable rights to dividends from funds legally available for payment of dividends when, as and if declared by the board of directors;
·
Are entitled to share ratably in all of the assets available for distribution to holders of common stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;
·
Do not have preemptive, subscription or conversion rights, or redemption or access to any sinking fund; and
·
Are entitled to one noncumulative vote per share on all matters submitted to stockholders for a vote at any meeting of stockholders.
Stock option plan
Pursuant to a January 28, 2004 Board of Directors approval and subsequent stockholder approval, the Company adopted its 2004 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) whereby it reserved for issuance up to 20,000,000 shares of its common stock. The purpose of the Plan is to provide directors, officers and employees of, consultants, attorneys and advisors to the Company and its subsidiaries with additional incentives by increasing their ownership interest in the Company. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the Plan. Options in the form of Non-Statutory Stock Options (“NSO”) may also be granted to directors who are not employed by the Company and consultants, attorneys and advisors to the Company providing valuable services to the Company and its subsidiaries. In addition, individuals who have agreed to become an employee of, director of or an attorney, consultant or advisor to the Company and/or its subsidiaries are eligible for option grants, conditional in each case on actual employment, directorship or attorney, advisor and/or consultant status. The Plan provides for the issuance of NSO’s only, which are not intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
The Board of Directors of the Company or a Compensation Committee (once established) will administer the Plan with the discretion generally to determine the terms of any option grant, including the number of option shares, exercise price, term, vesting schedule and the post-termination exercise period. Notwithstanding this discretion (i) the term of any option may not exceed 10 years and (ii) an option will terminate as follows: (a) if such termination is on account of termination of employment for any reason other than death, without cause, such options shall terminate one year thereafter; (b) if such termination is on account of death, such options shall terminate 15 months thereafter; and (c) if such termination is for cause (as determined by the Board of Directors and/or Compensation Committee), such options shall terminate immediately. Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee, the exercise price per share of common stock subject to an option shall be equal to no less than 10% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date such option is granted. No NSO shall be assignable or otherwise transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or except as permitted in accordance with SEC Release No.33-7646 as effective April 7, 1999.
The Plan may be amended, altered, suspended, discontinued or terminated by the Board of Directors without further stockholder approval, unless such approval is required by law or regulation or under the rules of the stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the common stock is then listed or quoted. Thus, stockholder approval will not necessarily be required for amendments which might increase the cost of the Plan or broaden eligibility except that no amendment or alteration to the Plan shall be made without the approval of stockholders which would (a) decrease the NSO price (except as provided in paragraph 9 of the Plan) or change the classes of persons eligible to participate in the Plan or (b) extend the NSO period or (c) materially increase the benefits accruing to Plan participants or (d) materially modify Plan participation eligibility requirements or (e) extend the expiration date of the Plan. Unless otherwise indicated the Plan will remain in effect for a period of ten years from the date adopted unless terminated earlier by the board of directors except as to NSOs then outstanding, which shall remain in effect until they have expired or been exercised.
The Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 on June 28, 2004 to register those 20,000,000 shares of common stock underlying the options in the Plan
Management issued 17,500,000 of the aforesaid options to certain current members of its management team, as well as to other persons whom it considers to be important to its current and proposed business activities, with all options exercisable at $.001 per share for a period of five years from date of issuance. The fair value of these options of $1,650 was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following range of assumptions for the year ended January 31, 2005:
Risk free interest rate
3.0%
Expected dividend yield
0%
Expected lives
5 years
Expected volatility
0%
All options were exercised in August 2004. No options are outstanding at January 31, 2006.
NOTE 5 -- INCOME TAXES
At January 31, 2006, the Company has available for federal income tax purposes a net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forwards of $123,500 that may be used to offset future taxable income through the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026. No tax benefit has been reported with respect to these net operating loss carry-forwards in the accompanying financial statements since the Company believes that the realization of its net deferred tax assets of approximately $41,990 was not considered more likely than not and accordingly, the potential tax benefits of the net loss carry-forwards are fully offset by a valuation allowance of $41,990.
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 increased approximately $6,800, $14,790 and $20,400 for the years ended January 31, 2006 and 2005, the period from January 23, 2004 (inception) through January 31, 2004, respectively.
Components of deferred tax assets as of January 31, 2006 are as follows:
NOTE 6 -- QUARTERLY SUMMARY
A summary of the Company’s quarterly information follows:
NOTE 7 -- RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company is provided office space by an affiliate, owned by officers of the Company, without cost.
Accrued expenses of $26,000 and $16,000 at January 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were due to professional firms controlled by individuals who are also Company shareholders.