ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
General
American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. (the “Company,” “AREM,” “we,” “us” or terms of similar meaning) is in the forefront of commercializing advanced materials and Rare Earths. Rare Earths, are a collection of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table occupying slots 21, 39 and 57-71, and include scandium, yttrium, and the fifteen lanthanides. Based upon its experience, AREM is positioned to provide solutions in extraction, sourcing, alloying, manufacturing and application development of certain of the Rare Earths, advanced metals, composites and chemical materials. The business platform is to provide a reliable supply of certain Rare Earths, which is supported by increased use of these materials in consumer and industrial applications. AREM to date has been a leader in the application of Scandium in the sports industry with its Scandium Alloy golf products, and has developed and/or commercialized advanced biofiber fishing equipment and Zeroloft Aerogel insulation for apparel and footwear. The business direction for AREM is to expand its revenue base to include extraction and sale of Rare Earths and development of products for consumer and industrial markets, in order to capitalize on the vertical integration that AREM has developed.
The company has historically been focused on selected consumer markets including golf equipment and fishing products for the sporting goods industry. In 2010, the company began to offer advanced materials products (Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels) also for the sporting goods industry. The company is now working to extend its capabilities beyond consumer markets and explore opportunities in industrial markets. This includes industries that use Rare Earths including aerospace, alternative energy, automotive, power transmission, shipbuilding, and transportation. American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. is committed to becoming America's best and most reliable source for Rare Earths and to fully leverage the global mega-trends in these categories.
Business Strategy
Since 2002, American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. has been commercializing a number of advanced materials, including Scandium, biofiber and aerogel. This has led to the development of a unique value chain that includes the extraction of Rare Earths, the development of patented Rare Earth metal super alloys (Scandium Super Alloys), and the design and manufacture of end products (golf equipment, fishing products, and insulation for apparel and footwear) using these materials. When AREM began this process in 2002, the commercial use of Rare Earths was relatively small. Today, commercial applications for Rare Earths have grown significantly and Rare Earths have become a critical strategic resource for industry even though the overall volume of Rare Earth metal production is still small (estimated 123,000 tons in 2006). Applications for Rare Earths include:
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Hybrid Vehicles
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Electric Motors
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Wind Turbines
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Thin Film Solar Technology
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Medical Laser Technology
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Military Applications
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Sports Equipment
Hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius are heavy users of Rare Earths including Dysprosium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Praseodymium, and Terbium. Each electric motor in the Prius requires 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of neodymium and each battery uses 10 to 15 kg (22-33 lb) of lanthanum. These numbers are expected to double under new plans to boost fuel economy even further. In addition, demand for Rare Earths is expected to increase as Toyota increases sales of the Prius from 100,000 in the US in 2009 to an estimated 200,000+ in 2010. Toyota believes that the ultimate market for the Prius in the US is 1 million units sold each year. In addition to hybrid vehicles, Rare Earths are used as battery alloys, magnets, catalysts, and other new applications in a wide range of other industries.
AREM has determined that its 9 year experience in extraction, production and applications of the Scandium and advanced materials, it has unique expertise in Rare Earths domain. The Company has relationships, partnerships, and proprietary expertise that can be applied to markets beyond consumer products and sporting goods equipment. The Company has the ability to solve challenging problems related to the extraction of Rare Earths. The Company believes it has untapped expertise in Rare Earths and their manufacturing that can be applied to industrial markets. This represents a new opportunity for growth. This new opportunity will build upon and leverage the Company’s expertise in commercializing Rare Earths for sporting goods.
As such, the business strategy for the Company is to:
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acquire or form a strategic partnership with a company currently engaged in metals and/or Rare Earths resource segment
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explore new opportunities in Rare Earths including the application of unique extraction technologies
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explore new opportunities in other metals where the Company has proprietary knowledge and capabilities
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expand applications of the Company’s patented Scandium Super Alloys
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offer products to large industrial categories where Rare Earths and other metals can be applied including aerospace, alternative energy, automotive, power transmission, shipbuilding, and transportation
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continue to grow the Company’s products and revenues in the sporting goods market
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continue to grow the Company’s brands in the sporting goods market including E21, CARROT STIX™ and other brands
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expand beyond retail stores and individual consumers and pursue large industrial Fortune 500 customers
American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. is committed to becoming America's best and most reliable source for Rare Earths and advanced materials to fully leverage the global mega-trend in the Rare Earths marketplace.
Sporting Goods Industry
AREM currently has three fully developed sporting goods product lines: (1) fishing products; (2) Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels - sport wear apparel and footwear and related sports specialty items; (3) golf equipment;. The Company has determined that it currently operates in one reportable segment: outdoor sporting goods.
The US sporting goods (equipment) manufacturing industry includes about 1,800 companies with combined annual revenue of about $13 billion. Large companies include Callaway Golf Company; Easton-Bell Sports; the Spalding division of Russell Brands; ICON Health & Fitness; Rawlings Sporting Goods; and Wilson Sporting Goods. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 60 percent of industry revenue. The US retail sporting goods industry includes about 20,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $35 billion. Large chain operators include Academy, Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Hibbett Sports, REI, and The Sports Authority. The industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for less than 50 percent of revenue. Only about 170 companies have more than five stores.
Roughly $7 billion each year is spent on hunting and fishing equipment, making this industry somewhat larger than the $5.5 billion golf equipment market. In general, the demographics of an aging population have reflected a flattening of the hunting and fishing category. Sales of licensed guns increased substantially just prior to the 2008 election and have continued strong since that time. Fishing licenses have grown 5% in 2009 in 12 key states that participate in the American Sport Fishing Association’s license sales index. Counterintuitively, industry watchers believe that both hunting and fishing categories have been propelled by the recession due in part to consumers facing under-employment and unemployment now have more time to pursue hunting and fishing. The overall result has been that spending on hunting and fishing equipment has grown 22% from 2005-09 according to Mintel Group. Industry experts believe that the market will continue to grow robustly into 2010.
The overall golf industry is a $60 billion market. Approximately $5.5 billion each year is spent on golf equipment, with roughly half of that coming from the key U.S. market. Metal woods alone account for $1 billion in annual sales. The explosion of oversized clubs in 1992, titanium clubs in 1995, and multi-metal undersized clubs has proven that innovative designs and new materials promising improved performance are quickly embraced by the consumer and offer tremendous marketing advantages for the innovating companies. Companies such as Adams, with its patented Tight Lies® fairway woods grew from $2 million in sales to over $100 million between 1995 and 1997. However, since the introduction of titanium, there have been no significant introductions of new materials into the golf equipment market. Advances in shaft design/composition have been refinements of existing technology. It is common knowledge within the community of golf professionals that the most important part of the performance of any club is the shaft, and the easiest way to improve performance is with a better shaft quality. From a retail perspective, there are 2,000 golf-only stores as listed by The National Golf Foundation’s (“NGF”) Directory of Golf Retailers: Off-Course Golf Retail Stores in the U.S. This does not include on-course stores for which The NGF has over 16,000 listed golf courses in the U.S. Additionally, there are a significant number of multi-line Sporting Goods stores such as Dick’s and Sport Authority that sell golf equipment, there are golf-only internet-based retailers and multi-line sporting goods internet-based retailers that sell golf equipment.
Zeroloft Insulation as an integrated solution for the needs of the estimated $2.4 billion worldwide sports apparel and footwear market. Hanesbrands use over $200 million in insulation products annually. Management believes its early focus will be on seeking distribution relationships with larger worldwide apparel and footwear manufacturers that are leaders in their categories or known for their state-of-the-art products.
Fishing Products
On June 21, 2007, the Company entered into a non-exclusive, world-wide License with Advanced Light Alloys Corporation (“Advanced”) by which Advanced licensed AREM to make, use, and sell a line of fishing equipment utilizing certain of Advanced’s patents.
The Company hired a fishing rod designer to provide fishing rod designs for the market. Several new SKUs of fishing rods were created to be marketed under the E21 Fishing brand. The initial designs consisted of the ‘Carrot Stix’ design in both casting and spinning rod variations. The CARROT STIX™ Casting Rod measures 6’9" with a parabolic action and is used for crankbaits, top water, spinner baits and jerk baits. The CARROT STIX™ Spinning Rod is a 6'7" medium action spinning rod, ideal for tubes, worms, grubs, and small crank baits, etc. This rod is also used for walleye fishing. To date, over 90 product SKU’s have been designed in the Carrot Stix line of products, which represents AREM’s complete line of rods.
AREM’s CARROT STIX™ represents the latest in cutting edge technology. Nano level cellulose bio-fibers are extracted from carrots, processed into a super high strength epoxy matrix and then this matrix is molded around a thin walled ultra high modulus graphite skeleton. When the two materials bond they create what we believe to be the finest rod blank ever made, unparalleled in its light weight, sensitivity, strength and performance.
Another first for CARROT STIX™ is a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) program that was used to design the blank. By using FEA, “Hot Spots”, or areas in the blanks that show a high propensity for breakage, are identified and removed. This allows for the creation of a blank that is evenly stressed when loaded, thereby reducing the potential of failure. The blank is bonded to a fully exposed grip, for full contact with the rod. This set up is found on both spinning and casting models.
Each CARROT STIX™ is hand made using the highest quality components and meticulous attention to detail. The butt on each are a removable anodized Scandium butt cap, providing easy access to the rod’s weight port and allowing for personalized balancing to individual specs and comfort. When we add new Caxin Lite guides with TiCH inserts, frames and our “Maximum Exposure” split reel seats, we believe we deliver to the consumer one of the finest competition rods ever built.
At the 2007 ICAST show, the Company won a trifecta of awards:
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Best Freshwater Rod;
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Best Saltwater Rod;
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Overall Best Product In Show.
At the 2008 ICAST show AREM won:
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Best Apparel with the introduction of its CarrotexTM line of outdoor apparel.
In the summer of 2008, AREM appeared at the 2008 ICAST show with a full line of fishing rods, each developed with a nano-bio-fiber technology blank. The original product line was developed with 15 separate product SKUs and has now increased to 94 product SKUs. In early 2008, AREM engaged 3 of the industry’s sales representation agencies. Taken in combination with the company’s internal sales team, these sales groups began providing representation to the entire US (including Alaska and Hawaii) as well as all of Canada. During the last year, through the various channels AREM has grown its North American accounts to over 700 locations.
In 2009, AREM introduced:
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New fishing rod guides made from Rare Earths (Scandium)
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AREM fishing products to more retailers with the number of retailers carrying AREM fishing products reaching 370
These new retailers included Bass Pro, Cabelas, Academy, West Marine, Sportsman's Warehouse, and Gander Mountain.
New distributors included Big Rock, Farris Brothers, Pitman Creek, Patches, Bishop, Hicks and Sports Supply. As a result, AREM was ranked #1 as the Fastest Growing Company in Canada by Profit Magazine with three-year sales growth of 1918% and worldwide distribution.
At the 2010 ICAST show, AREM introduced:
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New micro-guided fishing rods
At the 2011 ICAST show, AREM introduced:
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Wild Black Freshwater Micro-Guided fishing rods
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Wild Green Inshore Saltwater Micro-Guided fishing rods
AREM has now entered the fast-growing micro guide fishing segment with both a refinement of the original AREM micro lineup, but also two entirely new lines of micro-guided rods: professional grade and value-priced. The Company has also contracted top pro-staffers to represent, use and test Carrot Stix technology. The Company focuses on top pros who the Company believes will help us with brand awareness and sales. Our pro-staffers currently include the following:
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Henry Wazczuk, with over 25 years on TV, and a media distributor across Canada and the USA, Henry is the host of the popular Fins and Skins, and Fishing the Flats series;
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Chad Morgenthaler - A former firefighter and now a fulltime Professional Bass Angler with over 14 top 20 finishes
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Matt Greenblatt - is an accomplished professional angler. Matt has been a fixture on the FLW Tour and is now a BassMaster Elite Series Pro.
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Russell Lane - Bassmaster Elite Series Professional Angler that has been a fixture in the Bassmaster Elite series for the last 8 years.
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Greg Vinson - Bassmaster Elite Series Professional Angler that has qualificed for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
ZeroLoft Aspen AerogelsTM Products
In the 1930s American chemical engineers invented one of the world’s lightest known solids by drying a form of silicon dioxide under intense pressure and high temperature. The new invention - aerogels - was initially used in selected chemical applications and came to be seen as an excellent insulator of both heat and cold and ultimately used by NASA as an insulation material in space suits and for the Mars Rover. Commercialization for the consumer apparel market has been slow. Aspen Aerogels, a spinoff from NASA contractor Aspen Systems, developed aerogels insulation materials for the oil industry and other selected heavy industries. AREM had experimented with nanotechnology based processes that could be applied to a several different types of technologies, including aerogels, and the two companies have worked together to develop Zeroloft Aspen AerogelsTM.
In 2010, AREM announced that Russell Outdoors, a leader in the hunting apparel and outdoor sportswear industry, will debut several hunting apparel products using Zeroloft Aspen AerogelsTM insulated apparel. Russell Outdoors new hunting apparel is low weight with reduced bulk and thickness as well as ultimate performance under compression. AREM also announced that Hanesbrands Inc. will unveil cutting edge technology apparel made with Zeroloft Aspen AerogelsTM insulation. The new “super-suit” from Hanesbrands was used in a Spring 2010 expedition of Mount Everest by world-class mountain climber Jamie Clarke. AREM is working with other sports apparel and sports equipment makers for additional applications of the new Zeroloft Aspen AerogelsTM technology. This includes CamelBak, the maker of sports water bottles. In 2010, AREM announced the launch of a new series of products with CamelBak.
Golf Equipment and Products
AREM is focusing on the distribution of golf equipment components made from Rare Earths (Scandium) primarily to Original Equipment Manufacturers and specialty club fitting centers. The components include Scandium shafts and heads. The market for golf shafts has been estimated to be close to 30 million units in the US and 60 million units worldwide, with the size of the market for high performance premium shafts at 27 million units worldwide. This is the target market for the Company. AREM’s proprietary Scandium metal alloy golf products have outstanding potential in the industry based on the following factors:
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The results of player and robotic testing (Golf Labs) indicate Scandium’s improved performance over leading titanium, steel and graphite clubs and shafts, providing increased distance and less dispersion. This allows longer more accurate golf performance that can be achieved with current metals and manufacturing techniques.
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Scandium metal alloy can be engineered to provide AREM’s trademarked ShockBlokTM benefits (see below)
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55% reduced density and 25% specific strength advantage over titanium alloys.
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Scandium is softer than titanium providing superior feel and workability for the player.
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Scandium is lower in cost and easier to fabricate than titanium and 75% reduced density compared to stainless steel.
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Significant cost and performance advantages over composite materials such as graphite.
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Scandium has excellent fatigue resistance and Scandium is wieldable with extremely high consistency of manufacture to extremely tight tolerances. This feature, particularly in golf shafts, is of utmost importance in providing a set of clubs that play consistently, one to the other.
On average, based on the robotic testing conducted by the Golf Labs of San Diego and player testing, the AREM Scandium Alloy shaft registers substantially longer distance than any other shaft it tested against, in some cases by as much as 16 yards at identical swing speeds, using identical 6 iron heads for the test.
Concurrent with the development of the overall shaft design, the Company has developed a shock absorbing system under the trademark ShockBlokTM which redirects shaft vibration back into the club head, generating an added energy kick for extra distance and reducing the amount of vibration transfer to the player's hands. Hitting a golf ball with a conventional, steel-shafted club can have a negative effect on the body. High shock energy transferred by the steel shafts to the player’s hands during a round of golf creates fatigue. For frequent golfers, this may lead to stress injuries to a player’s hands, wrist, elbows or shoulders, much like ‘tennis elbow’. According to an analysis commissioned by a consultant to the Company, Dr. Howard Butler, along with two orthopedic physicians, during a typical round of golf, the extra energy transmitted to the hands of a golfer using steel shafts is 300% higher than Scandium shafts. Over the last 5 years of consumer and professional golf tour player testing, the Company’s experience has shown that most users of its shafts would immediately notice the superior shock absorption provided by Scandium shafts and that Scandium also contributes to a measurably superior feel as compared with steel and graphite clubs. However, since the restructuring of the company goals, golf component sales have been put on hold.
Specialty Metals and the Rare Earths Industry
In emerging markets, an industrial revolution is underway driving the growth of global mining production. In developed markets and mature industries, the demand for specialty metals has increased as engineers look for new advantages, new capabilities, and new opportunities for better, faster, more efficient, and more effective new products. In addition, the challenges in the energy industry, including higher prices and a changing global climate, have increased development of alternative energy technologies.
Rare Earths have unique properties that can help solve many of these challenges. Rare Earths can operate as a catalyst to improve efficiency or as an extreme magnetic agent in batteries and engine technologies or as a powerful amplifier of image visualization. Elements such as Cerium, Dysprosium, Europium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Praseodymium, Samarium, Terbium, Yttrium and others are becoming strategically important to Aerospace & Defense, Alternative Energy, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Medical Technology, and other key industries. Global production of Rare Earth metal oxide, estimated to be 123,000 tons in 2006, is projected to be 188,000 tons in 2012 - although many experts believe the growth in hybrid cars and various consumer electronics could drive demand for Rare Earths to be in excess of 200,000+ tons. Any serious growth in alternative energy including solar power, wind power, and other alternative energy technologies will drive demand for Rare Earths even higher.
The challenge for industries who want to use Rare Earths is that 95% of Rare Earth metal mining and production is in China. This globally dominant position is the result of a long term strategy by the Chinese government and industry to leverage aggressive mining tactics, low labor costs, selected acquisitions, and low pricing strategies. In August, 2010 the Wall Street Journal reported that China will decrease Rare Earth global shipments by 72% for the second half of this year. Industry watchers expect this to be a prelude to a strategy by China to force manufacturers to set up Rare Earth processing plants in China.
The result is there is global strategic interest in developing non-Chinese sources of Rare Earths. In the U.S., the General Accounting Office issued a report in April 2010 on the subject: Rare Earth Materials in the Defense Supply Chain and concluded that defense systems will likely continue to depend on Rare Earth materials and that China’s dominant position in the Rare Earths market gives it market power which could affect global Rare Earth supply and prices. A more detailed study on the US Military dependence on Rare Earths is expected to be completed in September 2010. In addition, both Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colorado, have introduced legislation to address the strategic risk to the United States military and to American industry given a lack of domestic production of Rare Earth elements. There are several mining operations in North America and Australia that are working to develop the facilities and technologies required to effectively extract Rare Earths. In summary, the market for Rare Earths is growing and the need for expertise and non-Chinese based sources of Rare Earths is urgent.
New Products and Projects in Development
AREM has overcome scientific, engineering, and metallurgical challenges in working to commercialize Rare Earths since 2002. The company has built a global value chain that extends from Rare Earths extraction to refining to production of end products. The result is a strong foundation of proprietary expertise in Rare Earths. AREM is now working to establish a position in the industrial market for Rare Earths beyond sporting goods. These new products and projects from AREM are in development. They include:
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New Rare Earth metal extraction technologies
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New sources of Rare Earths
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New applications of the company’s patented Rare Earth metal Scandium super alloys
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New opportunities in mining and refining of other metals
AREM is interested in pursuing projects that generate strong revenue growth and return on investment. This includes mining projects where the company’s unique expertise can provide a strategic advantage. The company is working on a wide range of opportunities and expects to announce new products, projects, and partnerships in late 2010 and into 2011.
Company History
AREM was originally formed as OIA, Inc., a Delaware corporation, in 1986. In 1992, the Company changed its name to Biorelease Corp., and was engaged in the business of biotechnology from 1992 through 1995. From mid-1995 through September, 2001, the Company sponsored a number of early-stage ventures. In June 2001, the Company changed its name from Biorelease Corp. to BRL Holdings, Inc.
In September, 2002, we acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of BRL Holdings, Inc (BRL), a Delaware corporation, in exchange for 2,123,621 restricted shares of our common stock (“the Acquisition”). We also converted options to acquire 321,600 shares of BRL common stock into options to acquire 321,600 shares of our common stock. This Acquisition was accounted for as a “reverse” acquisition using the purchase method of accounting, since the shareholders of the Company owned a majority of the outstanding stock of BRL immediately following the Acquisition. Following the Acquisition, we changed our name to Element 21 Golf Company. Upon completion of the Acquisition, the previous officers and directors of the Company resigned.
Element 21 was formed on September 18, 2002 to acquire partially-developed golf technology to further design, develop and bring to market golf club shafts and golf heads made from a patented scandium alloy licensed exclusively (the “E21 Alloy”) to the Company. The exclusive license to produce and sell the E21 Alloy for golf club shafts and golf heads is founded on two US patents (Scandium alloy US Patent #5,597,529 and sports applications - US Patent #5,620,652. These rights do not cover all mixes of scandium alloy; however, the Company believes that any scandium alloy mix outside the range of its patent-protected rights cannot be used to produce golf club shafts or heads in an economically feasible manner. The exclusive golf license carries zero royalty. The active ingredient in the E21 Alloy is Scandium, which is element number 21 in the Periodic Table of Elements. E21 Alloy shafts exhibit properties that out-perform titanium with a higher strength-to-weight ratio of up to 25% and a specific density advantage of 55%. The E21 Alloy is lighter, stronger and more cost effective than titanium. This advanced metal technology was originally developed in the 1970’s in the former Soviet Union for military applications. Scandium alloys have been used in intercontinental ballistic missiles, jet aircraft, the Mir space station and most recently, in the International Space Station.
On April 25, 2008, in conjunction with shareholders’ approval, the Company effected a reverse split of the Company’s common stock, issuing 1 new common share for every 20 common shares issued and outstanding prior to this date. Coincident with this reverse split, the Company also changed its ticker symbol to ETGF.OB.
The Company has commercialized scandium’s use in the golf industry with a line of golf shafts and clubs. During the past two years, the Company has developed an updated and improved product line of drivers, irons, hybrids, shafts and golf bags using proprietary materials and production techniques.
In June, 2007 the Company began an expansion into recreational fishing equipment. On June 21, 2007, the Company entered into a non-exclusive, world-wide license agreement with Advanced Light Alloys Corporation (“Advanced”) by which AREM was licensed by Advanced to make, use, and sell fishing equipment utilizing certain of Advanced’ technology and products. The Company is obligated to pay a 20% royalty based on the net selling price of all fishing products. AREM has expanded its fishing distribution to 700 store fronts, including:
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Chain stores - Bass Pro, Gander Mountain, Academy, Cabelas, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
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Distributors to independent dealers - Hicks, Big Rock, Simmons, Farris Brothers, Sportsman’s Supply and Pitman Creek
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Internet dealers - Tacklewarehouse and Tackle Direct
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Buying groups for independent dealers - Nation Best Sports
In May 2008, the Company signed a three year licensing agreement with Kanata Shaft Company, LLC (“Kanata”), whereby the Company granted Kanata the exclusive right to market and distribute the Company’s golf shafts in the United States. Kanata agreed to purchase a minimum of $4,120,000 scandium shafts over the term of the contract. As of June 30, 2009, Kanata total orders were $289,338, which is below the minimum requirement of $600,000 set by the first year contract terms. Because of the minimum order shortfall, Kanata’s exclusivity has been terminated. See, Part I, Item 1A
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS
Risk Factors
We have a limited operating history and a history of substantial operating losses and we may not be able to continue our business.
We have a history of substantial operating losses and an accumulated deficit of $37,686,569 as of June 30, 2011 and negative working capital of $4,140,970. For the year ended June 30, 2011, our net loss was $6,207,600. We have historically experienced cash flow difficulties primarily because we have been till recently a development stage company and our expenses have exceeded our revenues. We expect to incur additional operating losses for the immediate near future; however, we may be able to generate positive cash flows from operations within the next 12 months. These factors and uncertainties, among others, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to generate sufficient revenue from our operations to pay expenses or we are unable to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
We will need additional financing in order to continue our operations which we may not be able to raise.
We will require additional capital to finance our future operations. We can provide no assurance that we will obtain additional financing sufficient to meet our future needs on commercially reasonable terms or otherwise. If we are unable to obtain the necessary financing, our business, operating results and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.
We have only five employees and our success is dependent on our ability to retain and attract consultants to operate our business and there is no assurance that we can do so.
As of June 30, 2011, we had five employees and utilize the services of consultants. Our consultants are bound by non-compete provisions; however, they are not otherwise prohibited from terminating their consulting relationship with the Company. Once we are sufficiently capitalized, we will need to recruit new executive managers and hire employees to help us execute our business strategy and help manage the growth of our business. Our business could suffer if we were unable to attract and retain additional highly skilled personnel or if we were to lose any key personnel and are unable to find appropriate replacements in a timely manner.
Our performance depends on market acceptance of our products and we cannot be sure that our products are commercially viable.
We expect to derive a substantial portion of our future revenues from the sales of metals and Rare Earths in addition to the current sales of, fishing rod sales and Zeroloft management fees and royalties that are only now entering the initial marketing phase. Although we believe our products and technologies will be commercially viable, these are new and untested products. If markets for our products fail to develop further, develop more slowly than expected or are subject to substantial competition, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
We depend on strategic marketing relationships and if we fail to maintain or establish them, our business plan may not succeed.
We expect our future marketing efforts will focus in part on developing business relationships with distributors that will market our products to their customers. The success of our business depends on selling our products and technologies to a large number of distributors and retail customers.
Competition from traditional sports equipment providers may increase and we may not be able to adequately compete.
The market for fishing rods and specialized apparel is highly competitive. There are a number of other established providers that have greater resources, including more extensive research and development, marketing and capital than we do and also have greater name recognition and market presence. These competitors could reduce their prices and thereby decrease the demand for our products and technologies. We expect competition to intensify in the future, which could also result in price reductions, fewer customer and lower gross margins.
Rapidly changing technology and substantial competition may adversely affect our business.
Our business is subject to rapid changes in technology. We can provide no assurances that research and development by competitors will not render our technology obsolete or uncompetitive. We compete with a number of companies that have technologies and products similar to those offered by us and have greater resources, including more extensive research and development, marketing and capital than we do. If our technology is rendered obsolete or we are unable to compete effectively, our business, operating results and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.
Litigation concerning intellectual property could adversely affect our business.
We rely on a combination of trade secrets, trademark law, contractual provisions, confidentiality agreements and certain technology and security measures to protect our trademarks, license, proprietary technology and know-how. However, we can provide no assurance that competitors will not infringe upon our rights in our intellectual property or that competitors will not similarly make claims against us for infringement. If we are required to be involved in litigation involving intellectual property rights, our business, operating results and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.
It is possible that third parties might claim infringement by us with respect to past, current or future technologies. We expect that participants in our markets will increasingly be subject to infringement claims as the number of services and competitors in our industry grows. Any claims, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and could cause service upgrade delays or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. These royalty or licensing agreements might not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
On September 4th, 2009, we terminated the exclusive distribution agreement that we had with Kanata Shaft Company LLC (“Kanata”).
At this time we are without an exclusive distributor of our golf products. Although we have resumed our direct relationships with the OEM manufacturers and other large wholesale and retail distributors of our products, and we have a website-based sales capability, if we are unable to replace Kanata with another exclusive distributor, our revenues from the sale of golf shafts, clubs and other products may decline, which could have a material adverse affect on our ability to grow our golf related business and, in turn, may have a material adverse affect on our ability to continue golf related operations.
Defects in our products may adversely affect our business.
Complex technologies such as the technologies developed by us may contain defects when introduced and also when updates and new products are released. Our introduction of technology with defects or quality problems may result in adverse publicity, product returns, reduced orders, uncollectible or delayed accounts receivable, product redevelopment costs, loss of or delay in market acceptance of our products or claims by customers or others against us. Such problems or claims may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The inability to obtain a sufficient amount of scandium or of scandium alloy or other Rare Earths and Zeroloft Aspen would adversely affect our business.
Although we currently believe that we will continue to be able to have access to sufficient amounts of scandium or scandium alloy at feasible prices, there is no assurance of this, and any failure to be able to obtain a sufficient supply of scandium at reasonable prices would have a material adverse affect on our business.
We have only one supplier for Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels and any failure to be able to obtain a sufficient supply at reasonable prices would have a material adverse affect on our business.
The large number of shares eligible for public sale could cause our stock price to decline.
The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and any outstanding convertible promissory notes and the exercise of outstanding warrants or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. The conversion of these securities into common stock will also result in substantial dilution of the interests of our current stockholders.
Our stock price can be extremely volatile.
Our common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board. There can be no assurance that an active public market will continue for the common stock, or that the market price for the common stock will not decline below its current price. Such price may be influenced by many factors, including, but not limited to, investor perception of us and our industry and general economic and market conditions. The trading price of the common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to announcements of our business developments or our competitors, quarterly variations in operating results, and other events or factors. In addition, stock markets have experienced extreme price volatility in recent years. This volatility has had a substantial effect on the market prices of companies, at times for reasons unrelated to their operating performance. Such broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our common stock.
Trading on the OTC Bulletin Board may be sporadic because it is not a stock exchange, and stockholders may have difficulty reselling their shares.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board. Trading in stock quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. Moreover, the OTC Bulletin Board is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities on the OTC Bulletin Board is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on the NASDAQ SmallCap.
If we fail to remain current on our reporting requirements, we could be removed from the OTC Bulletin Board which would limit the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.
Companies trading on the OTC Bulletin Board, such as us, must be reporting issuers under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and must be current in their reports under Section 13, in order to maintain price quotation privileges on the OTC Bulletin Board. If we fail to remain current on our reporting requirements, shares of our common stock could be removed from the OTC Bulletin Board. As a result, the market liquidity for our securities could be severely adversely affected by limiting the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.
Our common stock is subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC and the trading market in our securities is limited, which makes transactions in our stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in our stock.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9 which establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks and the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.
In order to approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person and make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the Commission relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination and that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction.
Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our stock.
Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
We do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock.
We have not declared dividends on our common stock since our incorporation and we have no present intention of paying dividends on our common stock. The Company is prohibited from paying dividends on common stock as long as there are any unpaid accrued dividends due to the Series B Convertible Stock shareholders.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company’s offices are located at 200 Queens Quay East, Unit #1, Toronto, Canada. Our office space measures a total of approximately 1,927 square feet. We entered into a four year lease that ends in May, 2013. Our minimum rent is $12 per sq. ft. from June 1st 2009 to March 31st 2010 ($23,124 Canadian dollars per annum) which decreases to $4.5 per sq.ft. From April 1, 2010 to May 31, 2013 ($8,672 Canadian dollars per annum) plus additional rent for property taxes and operations and maintenance.
The Company’s inventory is currently managed by Professional Marketing Associates (“PMA”), located in Tempe, Arizona. PMA provides complete assembly facilities, warehousing, and shipping and receiving capabilities.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In March 2010, John Grippo, the former CFO of the Company, and John Grippo Inc. (“Plaintiffs”) filed suit against the Company in the Superior Court in the County of Westchester, New York. The Plaintiffs are seeking in excess of $75,000 in damages and prejudgment interest related to allegations involving breach of contract. The Company believes the claim is without merit and is vigorously defending the lawsuit and has filed a counterclaim in excess of $375,000 plus costs. On March 13, 2010, the Plaintiffs obtained a temporary restraining order over our bank accounts held at JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America which hold cash of $78,198 at June 30, 2011.
In June 2010, Rick Smith Enterprises, Inc. (“Plaintiff”), filed a complaint against the Company in the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida in and for Orange County Civil Division. The Plaintiff is seeking cash of $175,000 and shares of common stock of the Company valued at $175,000 plus costs and interest for allegations involving breach of contract. The Plaintiff is also seeking additional cash of $100,000 and shares of common stock of the Company valued at $100,000 for alleged continuing and anticipatory breach of contract. The action is in its very preliminary stages. As a result, we are unable to estimate a potential loss or range of loss, if any, at this time.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
There has never been any established trading market for our shares of common stock and there is no assurance that a trading market will develop. Our common stock is presently quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) of the National Association of Securities Dealers under the symbol “AREM” as reflected below. No assurance can be given that any market for our common stock will develop in the future or be maintained. If an established trading market ever develops in the future, the sale of our common stock pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or otherwise, by members of our management or others may have a substantial adverse impact on any such market.
The range of high and low bid quotations for our common stock during each of the last two fiscal years and the most recent interim quarter is shown below. Prices shown in the table below represent inter-dealer quotations, without adjustment for retail markup, markdown, or commission, and do not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Holders
The number of record holders of our common stock as of September 6, 2011 was approximately 5,162.
Dividends and Stock Splits
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and it is not anticipated that any cash dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. The Board of Directors intends to follow a policy of using retained earnings, if any, to finance our growth. The declaration and payment of dividends in the future will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including our earnings, if any, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company issued 250,000 shares of its common stock to consultants for services rendered and to be rendered by them and for an aggregate value of $62,500. The shares were issued in reliance on exemptions from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”). At April 1, 2011, the Company issued 253,916 shares of its common stock valued at $60,000 to the holders of the Series B Stock for accrued dividends through March 31, 2011.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Since 2002, our Company has been commercializing Rare Earths and advanced materials. This led to a vertical integration that began with the extraction of pure Scandium and other Rare Earths applications in the form of extruded, rolled or forged products and components. Today, that expertise has positioned us to become a leader in commercializing Rare Earths and advanced materials and quickly delivering revolutionary new products to consumer and industrial markets. Our objective is to become North America’s best, most reliable source for Rare Earths and provide solutions to their applications. We are developing opportunities to distribute Rare Earths like Scandium, Neodymium, Europium and Lithium that will help major industries launch major industrial brands such as hybrid cars, flat screen televisions, LED light bulbs and wind turbines. We will also have significant exposure to large market categories such as transportation, shipbuilding, power transmission, automotive and aerospace.
The first products manufactured using the Company’s proprietary golf technology have been produced and the Company commenced distribution to wholesalers and retail markets during the last quarter of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. In June, 2007 the Company expanded its sales into recreational fishing equipment.
In January 2010, the Company entered into a Trademark License, Product Distribution Agreement and Management Agreement with Zeroloft Corp. Within the field of sportswear apparel, footwear and related sports specialty items, the Company obtained: (i) an exclusive license to the Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels trademarks; and (ii) a limited, worldwide, exclusive right to distribute the products bearing the Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels Trademark for production and sales of items in such field. The License Agreement has a term of five years, which term is automatically renewable for one year terms.
Our business, financial condition, cash flows and results from operations are subject to seasonality resulting from factors such as weather and spending patterns. Due to seasonality of our business, one quarter’s results are not indicative of the full fiscal year’s expected financial results. A majority of our revenue is earned in the third and fourth quarters of the year and revenues generally decline in the first and second quarters.
Going Concern Status
Our financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of assets and the liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The Company has incurred substantial losses from operations and it has negative operating cash flow which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The Company sustained a net loss of $6,207,600 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 and an accumulated deficit of $37,686,569.
We intend to continue our investment in the development of our Rare Earths business and other business lines, but we do not have sufficient realized revenues in order to finance these activities internally. As such, we intend to seek capital in order to fund our working capital and capital expenditure needs. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to obtain sufficient additional funds to develop and sustain our businesses and alleviate doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We cannot be certain that additional funds, even if available, will be on acceptable terms. To the extent the Company raises additional funds by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. Any debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants that impact our ability to conduct business.
The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Results of Operations
Years Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company had revenue of $4,426,436 which includes non-cash barter revenue of $25,671 and reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs incurred on behalf Zeroloft Corp. of $1,592,616, which is an increase of 2% over the prior year’s revenues of $4,341,362 which includes non-cash barter revenue of $58,802. This increase is primarily the result of an increase in the reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs incurred on behalf of Zeroloft and sales of Zeroloft products of $1,167,193 in current period. This increase in revenue is offset by decreases in our fishing and golf sales from the prior year of $933,252 and $148,867, respectively.
For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company incurred costs of sales of $2,849,691, which is an increase of 9% over the prior year’s costs of sales of $2,606,199. This increase is primarily the result of an impairment charge on golf inventory of $349,534 in the current period.
For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company incurred general and administrative expenses of $7,780,313, which is an increase of 28% of general and administrative expenses for the prior year of $6,086,881. Included in general and administrative expense is a non-cash charge of $863,653 representing the value of compensatory common stock and warrants for services provided by consultants, representing an decrease in these non-cash charges over the prior year period of $3,031,736. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of an impairment charge of $3,140,944 of an intangible asset. The intangible asset was for consideration paid to Zeroloft Corp. to enter into a License Agreement. The unamortized balance of the intangible asset was determined to be impaired at the end of the third quarter of the current fiscal year because we did not reach our sales forecasts in the second and third quarters and due to production delays of Zeroloft products.
For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company recognized interest income of $297, and incurred interest expense of $4,329, as compared to interest income of $1,725, and interest expense of $127,571, for the prior year period. These expenses decreased during the current year primarily as a result of the conversion of convertible debt into shares of common stock in the prior period and payment in full of outstanding principal and interest of a loan payable to shareholder in the current period. The reduction in these outstanding debts resulted in the decrease in interest expense.
Accordingly, for the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company had a net loss of $6,207,600, as compared with the year ended June 30, 2010 in which the Company had a net loss of $4,477,564, or an increase of 39%, as a result of the increase to impairment charges for golf inventory and intangible asset in the current year period.
The Company has expanded its number of stock-keeping units or SKUs in the fishing rods segment to over 100 SKUs with new lines.
Our net accounts receivable balances were $492,240 and $789,920 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in accounts receivable compared to June 30, 2010 is primarily due to decrease in fishing sales during the fiscal year 2011. The Company is subject to risk of non-payment of its trade accounts receivable. For the year ended June 30, 2011, three customers (which was as of 2010, two customers) respectively represent approximately 36%, 15% and 13% of sales (which was as of 2010, 23% and 10%) and 31%, 25% and 8% (which was as of 2010, 29% and 13%) of the total outstanding accounts receivable. Management continually monitors its credit terms with customers to reduce credit risk exposure.
Our accrued receivable balances were $0 and $554,143 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The accrued receivable resulted from an agreement with Zeroloft Corp. to reimburse $554,143 of out-of pocket costs incurred by us as at June 30, 2010. As was agreed the total expenditures of $111,231 paid in cash by AREM at June 30, 2010 was reimbursed in cash by Zeroloft Corp. and total expenditures paid in stock-based compensation of $442,912 by AREM at June 30, 2010 was applied to reduce the liability ‘Due to Zeroloft Corp.’
Our net inventory balances were $536,716 and $919,158 at June 30, 2011 and, 2010. The decrease in our inventory balance is due to an increase in our provision for inventory obsolescence from $542,195 to $891,730 during this year. The provision relates to golf equipment and components. Our inventory comprises golf and fishing products and components. We concentrate our new purchases of inventory on where we anticipate our future sales; golf shafts and our best selling SKUs. During the year we were successful in placing our fishing rods in Dick’s Sporting Goods, which increased its distribution from 13 trial stores to a current 70 stores.
Our royalty payable and accrued expenses were in total $4,056,463 and $3,514,585 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in the balances is primarily due to unpaid royalties to Advanced Light Alloys and unpaid compensation to senior management. The royalty is calculated as 20% of the net selling price of fishing products sold by the Company and any sub licensee.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has negative working capital as of June 30, 2011 of $4,140,970. The Company retains consultants to perform development and public company reporting activities in exchange for stock of the Company. At June 30, 2010, we had a working capital deficiency of $124,889. Our working capital deficiency is due to unpaid royalties and unpaid management compensation. Our continuation as a going concern will require that we raise significant additional capital. Included in accrued expenses is $1,942,806 owed by the Company to the President (which was at June 30, 2010, $1,795,746). There is no assurance that consultants will continue to accept stock compensation for services. If consultants discontinue accepting stock compensation we may not be able to continue to retain the services of such consultants.
During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company sold a redeemable guaranteed investment certificate for $250,000, which resulted in receiving $251,875 including accrued interest of $1,875 and repaid loan payable-shareholder of $350,000.
On November 1, 2010, 110,000 warrants were exercised at $0.001 per share of common stock resulting in the Company receiving $110.
Absent continued stock payment for services to our consultants and continued advances by stockholders of the Company, the Company cannot manufacture its golf shaft or fishing product lines or market its products based on its technologies or continue as a going concern.
In consideration for the License Agreement, the Company issued to Zeroloft 4,444,444 of shares of common stock of the Company valued at $2,888,888 on January 14, 2010 and, at the sole discretion of Zeroloft, it will either: (i) issue an additional $1 million worth of Shares, at the then market price; or make installment payments of $200,000 per year for five years. Pursuant to the License Agreement, the Company shall have the right to sublicense and shall pay to Zeroloft a royalty of 50% of the net license revenue resulting from the manufacture, distribution or sale of products by sublicensees. Since payments of royalties only arrive upon the occurrence of sales, the Company expects that royalty payments will not have a negative effect on its revenues and it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its obligation.
On January 14, 2010, the Company entered into a Management Agreement with Zeroloft (“Management Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company will render services for the operation and expansion of Zeroloft’s manufacturing and licensing of its proprietary, Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels™ branded weather-resistant fabric, product made of such fabric, thermal insulation and related insulating fabrics in the field of use. In consideration for providing such services, the Company will receive a management fee of approximately: (i) five percent (5%) on gross receipts of sales of items made of Zeroloft product with a value of less than two (2) US dollars per square foot, less royalties; and (ii) ten percent 10% on gross receipts of sales of items made of Zeroloft product with a value greater than two (2) US dollars per square foot from sales made through the efforts of the Company. For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company has generated revenue of $264,386 from royalties, management fees, product and services related to Zeroloft product and $1,592,616 of revenue for recovery of out of pocket costs from Zeroloft Corp. The terms of our contract with our Zeroloft customers require a prepayment which will cover our expected upfront costs.
Although the Company has previously been able to raise capital as needed, such capital may not continue to be available at all, or if available, that the terms of such financing will not be dilutive to existing stockholders or otherwise on terms not favorable to the Company or existing stockholders. Further, the current global financial situation may offer additional challenges to raising the required capital. If the Company is unable to secure additional capital, as circumstances require, it may not be able to continue operations.
If adequate funds are not available or not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to continue operations; develop, enhance and market products, retain qualified personnel; take advantage of future operations; or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business; operating results; financial condition and/or liquidity.
With the introduction of new materials in fishing and apparel markets, Element 21 changed its name from Element 21 Golf Company to American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. on July 12, 2010 expanding our market designation from golf, fishing and recreation products to materials and their applications. In addition, Element 21 re-domesticate from the State of Delaware to the State of Nevada. The Element 21 brand name, Carrot Stix, and all related consumer brands will remain as is. The Company has a new corporate master brand and it will expand its portfolio of products to provide metals and materials.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 (r) “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on results of operations and financial condition, which is incorporated herein.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company follows FASB ASC Subtopic 718, Stock Compensation, for accounting for stock-based compensation. Compensation cost is calculated on the date of the grant using the Black Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula. The compensation expense is then amortized over the vesting period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula in determining the fair value of the Company’s options at the grant date and applies judgment in estimating the key assumptions that are critical to the model such as the expected term, volatility and forfeiture rate of an option. The Company’s estimate of these key assumptions is based on historical information and judgment regarding market factors and trends.
For non-employee stock-based compensation, the Company follows ASC Topic 505 - Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees, which requires stock-based compensation related to non-employees to be accounted for based on the fair value of the related stock or options or the fair value of the services on the grant date, whichever is more readily determinable in accordance with ASC Topic 718.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required, which would be charged against earnings.
Product Warranty
The Company reserves for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized based on historical claim experience and any additional future costs on previously sold products. Our liability incorporates the cost of product replacement, packaging and freight charges. Our current warranty relates entirely to fishing rods on which we generally provide a lifetime warranty. Considerable judgment is used to determine the estimate. If actual costs differ significantly from our estimates, the Company would record the impact of these unforeseen costs in subsequent periods.
Income Taxes
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating the actual current tax liabilities together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the consolidated balance sheet. The most significant tax assets are available net operating loss carryforwards. We must then assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase or decrease this allowance in a period, the impact will be included in the tax provision in the statement of operations. Significant management judgment is required to determine our provision for income taxes and the recoverability of the deferred tax asset. It is based on our estimates of future taxable income by jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which the deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, a valuation allowance may need to be established which could result in a tax provision equal to the carrying value of the deferred tax assets.
Inventories
Inventory consists primarily of goods held for resale and their components. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the weighted-average method. In evaluating whether inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, management considers such factors as the amount of inventory on hand and in the distribution channel, estimated time required to sell such inventory, remaining shelf life and current and expected market conditions, including levels of competition. As appropriate, a provision is recorded to reduce inventory to its net realizable value.
Intangible Asset Subject to Amortization
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for indicators of possible impairment. Intangible assets subject to amortization held and used by the Company is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its net book value may not be recoverable. When such factors and circumstances exist, the Company compares the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination was made.
Inflation
Our opinion is that inflation has not had, and is not expected to have for the current year, a material effect on our operations.
Climate Change
Our opinion is that neither climate change, nor governmental regulations related to climate change, have had, or are expected to have for the current year, any material effect on our operations.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent to period end, the Company issued 3,195,114 shares of its common stock to consultants for an aggregate value of $356,794 based on the quoted market price of the shares at time of issuance.
On July 1, 2011, the Company issued 368,158 shares of its common stock to holders of Series B Stock for accrued dividends of $60,000 through to June 30, 2011.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Consolidated Financial Statements and schedules that constitute Item 8 are attached at the end of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company and its subsidiary in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on their evaluation as of June 30, 2011, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a -15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Because of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2011 based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2011.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This annual report does not include an attestation report from our registered independent public accounting firm, regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Identification of Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the names and the nature of all positions and offices held by all directors and executive officers of our Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, and the period or periods during which each such director or executive officer has served in his or her respective positions.
Term of Office
The term of office of the current Directors shall continue until the annual meeting of our stockholders, which is scheduled in accordance with the direction of the Board of Directors. The annual meeting of our Board of Directors immediately follows the annual meeting of our stockholders, at which officers for the coming year are elected.
Business Experience
Dr. Nataliya Hearn, Ph.D., P.Eng. - Chairman, President and CEO
Dr. Hearn has been affiliated with the Company since September 2002. She has been selected as a director based on her extensive experience in technology evaluation, development, and transfer and technology acquisition. Dr. Hearn has been responsible for the development, design and production of the AREM high performance Scandium golf products. She is responsible for assembling the Company’s current team of experts. Dr. Hearn holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from University of Cambridge. Associated Professor University of Windsor (1999-2008). Ex-Board member of Mg Industries (MAA.V TSX) (resigned 2008).
Mary Bryan - Director
Ms. Bryan currently is a consultant for Links Magazine and Bob Betterton Sports Marketing, and is a representative for State Farm Insurance. Ms. Bryan brings to AREM, as a director, a multi-faceted 30 year background in the golf industry that includes 25 years on the LPGA and Senior LPGA Tours, TV/radio golf announcing on major networks, and teaching and conducting golf clinics in the U.S. and around the world. She has served as a tour representative for various companies and has been involved in numerous charity golf fundraisers. Ms. Bryan also has experience with public speaking and working with the media. Ms. Bryan has performed over 300 golf telecasts for CBS, NBC and ESPN and was the first woman to cover a men’s major golf event. Her teaching experience includes the position of Administrator and Teacher at Carol Mann Golf Schools for Golf Magazine and as Assistant Golf Professional at Paradise Hills Country Club in Albuquerque NM.
Errol Farr - Director (Head of Audit Committee)
Mr. Farr presently is the President and CEO of ADEX Mining Inc. (“ADEX”), which is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. Mr. Farr was originally hired as the CFO of ADEX in 1999. ADEX is a mining company developing the Mount Pleasant mineral property in New Brunswick. Mr. Farr also serves as the President and CEO of Outlook Resources Inc., also a TSX Venture Exchange listed resource company. From 1999 to 2008, Mr. Farr was the Chief Financial Officer of Magindustries Corp., a TSX Venture Exchange listed resource company with potash, magnesium and forestry projects in the Republic of Congo. Mr. Farr, as a director, brings to AREM financial expertise and knowledge of the mining sector.
Werner Zapfe - Director (Head of Compensation Committee)
Mr. Zapfe has been the owner of Fourseason Drywall Inc. for the past 45 years and the owner of Camdon Glass for the past 30 years, both highly successful construction companies in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Zapfe currently serves as Chairman of the Good Sheppard Centre, President of the Interior Contractor's Association and as a Director of Dinor Resources (TSX-V: DOR). Mr Zapfe, as a director, brings to AREM a distinguished business career, a mining background and business connections which will assist the Company in raising new capital.
Philip Clark, CA, CPA, CFA - Chief Financial Officer
Philip Clark is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Accountant with over twenty years experience in public accounting. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Clark was a senior manager and partner of Danziger Hochman Partners LLP. From 1992 to 2005, Mr. Clark was a manager, then Partner, and then Managing Partner of Mackay Landau, Chartered Accountants. He has also served as Audit Committee Chair and Director of a Canadian crown corporation. Mr. Clark has experience accounting and auditing SEC registrants, Canadian public companies, government entities and owner managed businesses. He articled with Ernst & Young, Chartered Accountants, and received a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Honours) from McMaster University in 1986. Philip Clark was hired as an executive officer on October 12, 2009.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors serves as the Company’s audit committee. Director Errol Farr qualifies as a “financial expert” pursuant to Item 401 of Regulation S-B, and the Audit Committee is comprised solely of independent directors.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
An executive officer and director of the Company was late with their Form 3 and Form 4 filings. However, there were no delinquent Form 3 or Form 4 filings that were not covered by a Form 5 filing for the fiscal year. Additionally, the Company is not aware of any Section 16(a) filings that were required to have been made that were not made.
Code of Ethics
The Company adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for its principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The Board of Directors approved adoption of Code of Conduct and Ethics on June 11, 2010.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth in summary form the compensation of the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer and each other executive officer that received total salary and bonus exceeding $100,000 since its inception (“Named Executive Officers”).
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the aggregate executive compensation paid by our Company for services rendered during the periods indicated (each person is referred to in this Item 10 as a “Named Executive Officer”).
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
(1)
Nataliya Hearn serves as the CEO and President of the Company. Dr. Hearn began serving as an executive officer of the Company on October 4, 2002. Beginning January 1, 2006, at Dr. Hearn’s election, she could elect to receive monthly either $15,000 cash compensation or $20,000 in warrants at a purchase price of $0.20 per share. In 2008, the Board of Directors approved renewal of Dr. Hearn’s contract to serve as President and CEO of AREM. Also in 2008, the Company granted Dr. Hearn a warrant to purchase 200,000 common shares at a purchase price of $1.60 per share. Under the terms of the contract renewed in 2008, Dr. Hearn has the option of cash compensation of $20,000 in cash/stock or warrants per month. In addition, Dr. Hearn receives a bonus of 200,000 warrants each year priced at $0.12 per share in 2010 and 2011 on January 1 of each year. Dr. Hearn earned $28,917, $83,116 and $69,617 in cash compensation for the years ended June 30, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Dr. Hearn received 200,000, 200,000 and 200,000 warrants at a purchase price of $0.12 per share in 2009, 2010 and 2011 valued at $26,560, $135,803 and $50,824 for the years ended June 30, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Dr. Hearn’s current three year contract expires December 31, 2011.
(2)
Philip Clark was hired as an executive officer on October 12, 2009. Mr. Clark earned $19,867 and $30,142 in cash compensation for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively, and $81,686 and $38,786 in warrants for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively and $25,939 in options for the year ended June 30, 2010. Mr. Clark received 75,000 warrants on February 17, 2010 with an exercise price of $0.60, 75,000 warrants on April 1, 2010 with an exercise price of $0.62, 75,000 warrants on July 1, 2010 with and exercise price of $25, 75,000 warrants on October 1, 2010 with an exercise price of $0.30 and 63,000 options on May17, 2010 with an exercise price of $0.50. On January 3, 2011, the Company repriced warrants to purchase 225,000 shares of common stock. The exercise price of 75,000 warrants originally issued on February 17, 2010 was reduced from $0.60 per share to $0.29 per share. The exercise price of 75,000 warrants originally issued on April 1, 2010 was reduced from $0.62 per share to $0.29 per share. The exercise price of 75,000 warrants originally issued on October 1, 2010 was reduced from $0.30 per share to $0.29 per share.
Except as indicated above, no cash compensation, deferred compensation or long-term incentive plan awards were issued or granted to our Company’s management during the years ended June 30, 2011, or 2010, or the period ending on the date of this Annual Report. Accordingly, no tables relating to such items have been included within this Item.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table sets forth information concerning equity awards granted to the Named Executive Officers that are outstanding at June 30, 2011.
OPTION AWARDS
All awards were made under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Options are fully vested.
WARRANTS AWARDS
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Compensation Committee
The Board of Directors serves as the Company’s compensation committee. Werner Zapfe heads Compensation Committee.
Compensation of Directors and Consultants
In a year ended June 30, 2011, directors and consultants were given compensation in the form of common stock purchase warrants as specified below:
No additional amounts are payable to our Company’s directors for committee participation or special assignments.
Termination of Employment and Change of Control Arrangement
Except for the Company’s Agreements with Dr. Hearn, there are no compensatory plans or arrangements, including payments to be received from our Company, with respect to any person named in the Summary Compensation Table set out above which would in any way result in payments to any such person because of his or her resignation, retirement or other termination of such person’s consulting relationship with our Company or our subsidiaries, or any change in control of our Company, or a change in the person’s responsibilities following a change in control of our Company.
Nataliya Hearn
Under the terms of her employment agreement, if the Company will terminate the agreement, she is entitled to cash compensation in the amount of $500,000 and stock compensation in the amount of 2,000,000 shares of free-trading stock.
On November 23, 2009, the Board of Directors resolved to permit $250,000 of debt due to the President to be converted into shares of common stock of the Company at $0.45 per share. The Board of Directors further resolved that the remaining debt outstanding at November 23, 2009 of $1,436,415 due to the President may be converted into shares of common stock of the Company at $0.45 per share upon the Company’s common stock reaching a price of $1.50 per share. At June 30, 2011, $1,942,806 (which was at June 30, 2010, $1,795,746) was owed by the Company to the President. Amounts due to the President are payable on demand, non-interest bearing and unsecured.
ITEM 12
ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.
All tables as of September 6, 2011.
(1)
Represents 429,798 shares of Common Stock owned directly and 3,000,007 shares of Common Stock that the reporting person has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days upon the conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.
(2)
Represents 1,669,675 shares of Common Stock owned directly and 3,000,007 shares of Common Stock that the reporting person has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days upon the conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.
(3)
Calculated based on 29,345,571 of Common Stock outstanding as of September 6, 2011 plus an aggregate of 3,000,007 shares of Common Stock issuable to Clearline Capital LLC and Vladimir Goryunov as described above.
(4)
Address is c/o American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp., 200 Queens Quay East, Unit #1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 4K9
(b) Security Ownership of Management. Except as indicated in the footnotes below, each person has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares indicated.
(1) Includes 239,590 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of 1,221,910 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock held by the holder.
Includes 600,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of 600,000 warrants granted.
(2) Address is c/o American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp., 200 Queens Quay East, Unit #1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 4K9
(3) Calculated based on 29,345,571 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of September 6, 2011 plus an aggregate of 839,590 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of granted warrants and the conversion of outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as described above.
(4) Calculated based on 29,345,571 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of September 6, 2011 plus an aggregate of 1,474,590 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of granted warrants and the conversion of outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as described above.
* Less than 1%.
Changes in Control
Two stockholders, Clearline Capital LLC and Vladimir Goryunov, as a group, beneficially own over 25% of our common stock. As a result, they may be able to control our company and direct our affairs, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may also delay, defer or prevent a change in control of our company, and make some transactions more difficult or impossible without their support. These transactions might include proxy contests, tender offers, open market purchase programs or other share purchases that could give our shareholders the opportunity to realize a premium over the then prevailing market price of our common stock. As a result, this concentration of ownership could depress our stock price. Even though the management does not hold majority ownership, its ownership of the Preferred A Stock gives them control of the Company based on the 50 to 1 super-voting rights of these class of shares.
Currently, no known change of control is anticipated.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Transactions with Management and Others
The Board of Directors has considered the independence of each director and has determined that Mary Bryan, Errol Farr and Werner Zapfe are independent and have no direct or indirect material relationships with us. Additionally, each would qualify as independent for the Audit Committee or any Committee of the Board of Directors.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors serves as the Company’s audit committee. Director Errol Farr qualifies as a “financial expert” pursuant to Item 401 of Regulation S-B, and the Audit Committee is comprised solely of independent directors.
Nominating Committee
We have not had a nominating committee. The independent directors have determined that it is best to allow all directors the opportunity to participate in the nomination process. The Board does not have a policy with regard to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by security holders, except that such recommendations are given fair and fulsome consideration by the entire board.
Each nominee must possess fundamental qualities of intelligence, honesty, good judgment, and high standards of ethics, integrity, fairness and responsibility. The Board also will consider the following criteria, among others deemed appropriate at the time of consideration, including the specific needs of the Board at the time:
•
experience in corporate management, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly held company, and a general understanding of marketing, finance and other elements relevant to the success of a publicly-traded company in the then current business environment;
•
the director’s past attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board (if applicable);
•
experience in our industry and with relevant social policy concerns;
•
understanding of our business on a technical level;
•
educational and professional background and/or academic experience in an area of our operations;
•
experience as a board member of another publicly held company;
•
practical and mature business judgment, including ability to make independent analytical inquiries;
•
“independence,” as defined by Nasdaq listing standards;
•
financial literacy;
•
standing in the community; and
•
ability to foster a diversity of backgrounds and views and to complement the Board’s existing strengths.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Fees
MSCM LLP is the Company’s independent auditors. Audit and review fees for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 for MSCM LLP are $66,650 and $95,173, respectively.
Tax Fees
MSCM fees for tax services for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are $3,642 and $42,710, respectively.
All Other Fees
For the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company was not billed for products and services other than those described above.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
The Board of Directors, which is performing the equivalent functions of an audit committee, has pre-approved all audit services provided by the independent auditors, and the compensation, fees and terms for such services. No permitted non-audit services were provided or approved by the Board of Directors.
ITEM 15
ITEM 15 EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
Exhibit Description
3(i)(1)
Amended Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, File No. 33-43976 filed on November 14, 1991.
3(i)(2)
Certificate of Amendment to Amended Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 12, 2006.
3(i)(3)
Certificate of the Powers, Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.10 par value per share, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 2006.
3(i)(4)
Certificate of the Powers, Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.10 par value per share, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 3, 2006.
3(i)(5)
Certificate of the Powers, Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.10 par value per share, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Company’s Form 8-K dated June 18, 2007.
3(i)(6)
Amended and Restated Certificate of the Powers, Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.10 par value per share, dated July 10, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on August 3, 2009.
3(ii)(1)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, File No. 33-43976 filed on November 14, 1991.
3(ii)(2)
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company to effectuate a 1 for 20 reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock, incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K dated April 24, 2008.
3(iii)
Audit Committee Charter.*
4.1
Form of Element 21 Golf Company 10% Convertible Promissory Note, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 2006.
4.2
Element 21 Golf Company 10% Convertible Promissory Note issued to Oleg Muzyrya, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 2006.
4.3
Common Stock Purchase Warrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 2006.
4.4
Form of Element 21 Golf Company 10% Convertible Promissory Note, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 23, 2006.
4.5
Common Stock Purchase Warrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 23, 2006.
4.6
Form of Warrant for Purchase of 3,750,000 Shares of Common Stock dated July 31, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 3, 2006.
4.7
Form of Warrant for Purchase of 5,073,530 Shares of Common Stock dated July 31, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 3, 2006.
4.8
Form of Warrant for Purchase of 3,750,000 Shares of Common Stock dated July 31, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated December 1, 2006.
4.9
Form of Warrant for Purchase of 5,073,530 Shares of Common Stock dated July 31, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated December 1, 2006.
4.10
Common Stock Purchase Warrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated June 18, 2006.
4.11
Form of Warrant for Purchase of 5,882,400 Shares of Common Stock dated June 15, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated June 18, 2007.
4.12
Convertible Note, dated January 20, 2009, in the amount of $300,000, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on February 5, 2009.
4.13
Common Stock Purchase Warrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on February 5, 2009.
4.14
Subscription Agreement dated January 2, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on February 5, 2009.
10.1
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement and Acknowledgement dated as of February 22, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 2006.
10.2
Element 21 Golf Company 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Annex C to the Company’s Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed on April 7, 2006.
10.3
Form of Subscription Agreement for Shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock dated as of July 31, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 3, 2006.
10.4
Form of Subscription Agreement for Shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock dated as of November 30, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 3, 2006.
10.5
Form of Subscription Agreement for Shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock dated as of June 15, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated June 18, 2007.
10.6
Form of Subscription Agreement for Shares of Common Stock dated as of June, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated June 18, 2007
10.7
License Agreement with Advanced Light Alloys Corporation dated as of June 21, 2007 incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10K dated June 21, 2007.
10.8
Consulting Agreement with Nataliya Hearn dated as of January 4, 2006 incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10K dated October 13, 2006.
10.9
Consulting Agreement with John Grippo dated as of November 10, 2005 incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10K dated October 13, 2006.
10.10
Extension and Modification of Promissory Note, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2009.
10.11
Investment Banking Agreement with Legend Securities, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2009.
10.12
Trademark License and Product Distribution Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2010.
10.13
Management Agreement, with Zeroloft Corp., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2010.
10.14
Consulting Agreement with Gaynell Douglas dated May 1, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on October 15, 2010.
10.15
Consulting Agreement with Yell Services, dated October 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on October 15, 2010.
10.16
Consulting Agreement with Altaf Kassam, dated October 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on October 15, 2010.
10.17
Consulting Agreement with Tolkun Salieva, dated October 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on October 15, 2010.
10.18
Consulting Agreement with Charles E. Fitzgerald, dated May 1, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on October 15, 2010.
10.19
Consulting Agreement with Nataliya Hearn, Ph.D., dated January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on October 15, 2010.
10.20
Consulting Agreement with Dorset Solutions, Inc, dated November 19, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on October 15, 2010.
10.21
Consulting Agreement with Dorset Solutions, Inc, dated January 1, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on October 15, 2010.
14.1
Code of Conduct and Ethics, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed on September 24, 2010.
21.1
Principal Subsidiaries.*
23.1
Consent of Auditors.*
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15a-14(a) Certifications of Chief Executive Officer.*
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15a-14(a) Certifications of Chief Financial Officer.*
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
*filed herewith
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Nataliya Hearn and Werner Zapfe, or any of them, as attorneys-in-fact to sign on his behalf, individually, and in each capacity stated below, and to file all amendments and/or supplements to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Date: September 23, 2011
By:
/s/Nataliya Hearn
Nataliya Hearn, Ph.D.
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson
Date: September 23, 2011
By:
/s/ Werner Zapfe
Werner Zapfe
Director
Date: September 23, 2011
By:
/s/ Mary Bryan
Mary Bryan
Director
Date: September 23, 2011
By:
/s/ Errol Farr
Errol Farr
Director
Date: September 23, 2011
By
/s/ Philip Clark
Philip Clark, CA, CPA, CFA
Chief Financial Officer
AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
Page
REPORT OF REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. and subsidiaries, (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 and the consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1(b), the Company’s recurring losses from operations and its dependency on future financing raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters are also discussed in Note 1(b). The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
/s/ MSCM LLP
MSCM LLP
Toronto, Canada
September 23, 2011
Page
AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page
AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page
AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page
AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page
AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
(a)
Organization and Basis of Presentation:
American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company” and or “AREM”) is a developer of applications of high tech materials used in the sports industry including advanced Scandium Alloy golf products, bio-fiber fishing equipment and Zeroloft Aerogel insulation for sports apparel and footwear. New materials applications developed by AREM are incorporated by manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) into their product lines including AREM’s own line of Scandium Sc TM golf and Carrot Stix TM fishing equipment.
AREM has developed proprietary Scandium Alloys, bio-fiber composites and Zeroloft insulation manufacturing paths and product engineering for various sports, apparel and footwear applications. AREM secured international recognition by winning several top honors at shows, and recording wins for professional athletes using equipment manufactured by AREM or incorporating AREM materials.
In September of 2002, BRL Holdings, Inc. (“BRL”) acquired Element 21 Technologies, Inc. (“Technologies”) under an Amended and Restated Agreement (the “Agreement”) wherein BRL issued 106,181 shares of its common stock to shareholders of Technologies and assumed Technologies’ obligations under option agreements allowing for the purchase of 16,080 additional shares of common stock. Technologies was a development stage company formed to design, develop and market AREM alloy golf clubs. This acquisition was accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the purchase method of accounting, as the shareholders of Technologies assumed control immediately following the acquisition.
In October 2003, BRL Holdings, Inc. changed its name to Element 21 Golf Company (“Element 21”).
Upon the closing of the Technologies acquisition, as discussed above, Element 21 reported as a development stage enterprise effective September 17, 2002. During fiscal year 2005, Element 21 commenced active operations and began reporting revenues during the last quarter of the year.
The first products manufactured using the Company’s proprietary golf technology have been produced and the Company commenced distribution to wholesalers and retail markets during the last quarter of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
In May 2007, the Board of Directors adopted resolutions approving an amendment and a majority of shareholders also approved amending the AREM’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of capital stock to 300,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
In June 2007, the Company expanded into recreational fishing equipment. On June 21, 2007, the Company entered into a non-exclusive, world-wide patent license with Advanced Light Alloys Corporation, a Barbados Corporation (“Advanced”) pursuant to which AREM received a license from Advanced to make, use, and sell fishing equipment utilizing certain of Advanced’s technologies. The Carrot Stix line of fishing rods is sold in major box stores (such as Bass Pro, Gander Mountain, Cabela’s and Academy) and smaller retailers across North America and internationally.
On April 25, 2008, AREM effected a 1 for 20 reverse stock split. All share and per share amounts in this report have been retroactively restated to reflect the 1 for 20 reverse split.
On January 14, 2010, the Company signed an exclusive Trademark License and Product Distribution Agreement (“License Agreement”) with Zeroloft Corp. pursuant to which the Company received an exclusive license for the applications of the Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels patented technology in the sports apparel and footwear market.
On July 12, 2010, Element 21 Golf Company effected a re-domestication merger from the State of Delaware to the State of Nevada and changed its name to American Rare Earths and Materials, Corp.
The Company is subject to a number of risks similar to those of other companies in the early stages of operations. Principal among these risks are dependencies on key individuals, competition from other current or substitute products and larger companies, the successful marketing of its products and the need to obtain adequate additional financing necessary to fund future operations.
Page
AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
(b)
Going Concern:
These consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company began generating revenues in fiscal 2005. Even with the generation of revenues from the sale of golf and fishing products now being produced and sold and Zeroloft royalties and management fees, the Company expects to incur expenses in excess of revenues for an indefinite period.
Key financial information follows:
As shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, during the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company incurred a net loss of $6,207,600 and cash utilized in operations during this period was $158,559. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, the Company realized a net loss of $4,477,564 and utilized cash of $252,349 in operations.
These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
The Company’s continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash flow and meet its obligations on a timely basis and ultimately attain profitability. Since acquiring the proprietary technology golf development business, the Company has depended on financings and consulting services from consultants engaged by the Company some of whom have agreed to accept full or partial compensation for services with the share-based compensation rather than cash.
Absent these continuing advances, services and financings, the Company could not continue with the development and marketing of its golf and fishing products and Zeroloft Aspen AerogelsTM. Managements’ plans for the Company include more aggressive marketing, obtaining additional capital to fund operations and other strategies designed to optimize stockholder value. However, no assurance can be given that management will be successful in fulfilling all components of its plan. The failure to achieve these plans will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and ability to continue as a going concern.
(c)
Principles of Consolidation:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries (Element 21 Golf Canada Inc. and Element 21 Sports Inc.). All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
(d)
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America 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. Significant estimates and assumptions relate to, but are not limited to, allowances for doubtful accounts, product warranty, inventory valuation, impairment of intangible assets and stock-based payments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(e)
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions:
The Company’s reporting and functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency denominated monetary balance sheet items are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rates in effect at the end of the reporting period, the historical rate for non-monetary balance sheet items and shareholders’ equity, and the average rate for the year for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. Foreign currency gains or losses on translation are included in the consolidated statement of operations.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
(f)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
The Company adopted FASB ASC 820 for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company adopted FASB ASC 820 effective July 1, 2009 for all non-financial assets and liabilities. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The statement establishes market or observable inputs as the preferred sources of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. The statement requires fair value measurements be classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2 - Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level 3 - Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.
Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The carrying amounts on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accrued receivable, accounts payable, royalty payable, accrued expenses and current and long-term debt are carried at cost, which approximates market value. Short-term investments comprised a redeemable guaranteed investment certificate earning interest at 0.75% per annum that matured on August 12, 2010.
(g)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
(h)
Inventories:
Inventories, which consist primarily of goods held for resale, are stated at the lower of cost (weighted-average method) or market and are comprised as follows:
In evaluating whether inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, management considers such factors as the amount of inventory on hand and in the distribution channel, estimated time required to sell such inventory, remaining shelf life and current and expected market conditions, including levels of competition. As appropriate, a provision is recorded to reduce inventory to its net realizable value.
(i)
Accounts Receivable and Bad Debts:
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts. The Company’s estimate is based on a review of the current status of trade receivables. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts may change.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
(j)
Fixed Assets and Depreciation:
Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of its economic life or the term of the respective lease. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
Furniture and fixtures
5 years
Transportation equipment
5 years
Computer equipment
4 years
Office equipment
5 years
Tools and dies
2 years
Leasehold improvements
3 years
(k)
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets:
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for indicators of possible impairment. Fixed assets and intangible assets subject to amortization held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its net book value may not be recoverable. When such factors and circumstances exist, the Company compares the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination was made. The most important factor in the calculation of the fair value of the intangible asset is the projected sales of Zeroloft products which are estimated by extrapolating the current growth trends of the product and applying judgment as to the appropriate future growth rate among other factors. We conducted a test for impairment which was triggered because the Company did not reach its sales forecasts for Zeroloft products during the year ended June 30, 2011 due to delays in production of Zeroloft products. An impairment charge of $3,140,944 and $0 was recorded and included in general and administrative expense in the statement of operations during the year ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(l)
Revenue Recognition:
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605 - Revenue Recognition. Under Topic 605 revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues from product sales are recognized when title passes to customers, which is when goods are shipped. Cash received from product shipped to third-party sales representatives where title has not passed to a customer is reflected as deferred revenue. Revenue from product sales of Zeroloft materials are recognized on a gross basis as the indicators for recording revenue on a gross basis as outlined in ASC Topic 605 are persuasive. Reimbursement received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred are characterized as revenue in the statement of operations.
Included in revenues on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended June 30, 2011 is the recovery of out of pocket expenses paid on behalf of Zeroloft Corp. of $1,592,616 (2010 - $554,143) and Zeroloft sales of $264,385 (2010 - $135,663). Cost of sales includes $585,047 of expenditures related to Zeroloft activities (2010 - $135,027), and general and administrative expenses includes $1,245,734 of expenditures related to Zeroloft activities (2010 - $419,116) and amortization of intangible asset of $392,085 (2010 - $355,859) and impairment of intangible asset of $3,140,944 (2010 - $0).
(m)
Product Warranty:
The Company reserves for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized based on historical claim experience and any additional future costs on previously sold products. Our liability incorporates the cost of product replacement, packaging and freight charges. Our current warranty relates entirely to fishing rods on which we generally provide a lifetime warranty. Considerable judgment is used to determine the estimate. If actual costs differ significantly from our estimates, the Company would record the impact of these unforeseen costs in subsequent periods.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
Changes in product warranty liability, which are included as a component of accrued liabilities classified as current liabilities on the balance sheet, are as follows:
(n)
Income Taxes:
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method prescribed by ASC Topic 740 - Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years for differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax incurred for the period and the change during the period of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
In accordance with accounting literature related to uncertainty in income taxes, tax benefits from uncertain tax positions that are recognized in the financial statements are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in general and administrative expenses. The Company accrued $30,000 for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at June 30, 2011 ($0 - 2010).
(o)
Stock-Based Compensation:
The Company follows FASB ASC Subtopic 718, Stock Compensation, which requires that new, modified and unvested share-based payment transactions with employees, such as grants of stock options and restricted stock, be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair value at the grant date and recognized as compensation expense over their vesting periods. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and restricted stock based on the quoted market price. For non-employee stock-based compensation, the Company follows ASC Topic 505 - Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees, which requires stock-based compensation related to non-employees to be accounted for based on the fair value of the related stock or options or the fair value of the services on the grant date, whichever is more readily determinable in accordance with ASC Topic 718.
(p)
Loss Per Share:
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the periods. Diluted loss per share reflects, in addition to the weighted average number of common shares, the potential dilution of stock options and warrants outstanding, exercised and/or converted into common stock, unless the effect of such equivalent shares was anti-dilutive.
For the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the effect of stock options and other potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per common share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Therefore diluted loss per share is equal to basic loss per share. Such securities, shown below, presented on a common share equivalent basis and outstanding as at June 30, 2011 and 2010 have been excluded from the twelve month diluted loss per share computations:
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
(q)
Advertising costs:
Advertising costs are recognized when incurred. For the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, advertising costs were approximately $389,410 and $729,000, respectively.
(r)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-13, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): “Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades” (“ASU 2010-13”). ASU 2010-13 provides guidance on the classification of a share-based payment award as either equity or a liability. A share-based payment that contains a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition is required to be classified as a liability. ASU 2010-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010, July 1, 2011 for AREM. The adoption of ASU 2010-13 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2 - FIXED ASSETS:
Fixed assets consist of the following:
Depreciation expense for the fiscal 2011 and 2010 years aggregated $18,977 and $28,359, respectively.
NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSET SUBJECT TO AMORTIZATION, NET
Intangible asset represents a Trademark License and Product Distribution Agreement (“License Agreement”) entered into with Zeroloft Corp. (“Zeroloft”) on January 14, 2010. License Agreement acquisition costs were $3,888,888 at June 30, 2011 and at June 30, 2010. These costs are presented on the consolidated balance sheet net of impairment charge and accumulated amortization of $3,888,888 and $355,859 at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively. The Company amortized the License Agreement using the straight-line method over its estimated remaining useful life, which was estimated at 5 years. The Company recorded amortization expense of $392,085 and $355,859 related to intangible asset subject to amortization during the year ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for indicators of possible impairment. The intangible asset subject to amortization held and used by the Company is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its net book value may not be recoverable. When such factors and circumstances exist, the Company compares the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination was made. The most important factor in the calculation of the fair value of the intangible asset is the projected sales of Zeroloft products which are estimated by extrapolating the current growth trends of the product and applying judgment as to the appropriate future growth rate among other factors. We conducted a test for impairment which was triggered because the Company did not reach its sales forecasts for Zeroloft products during the second and third quarters of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 due to delays in production of Zeroloft products. An impairment charge of $3,140,944 and $0 was recorded and included in general and administrative expense in the statement of operations during the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSET SUBJECT TO AMORTIZATION, NET (continued):
Within the field of sport wear apparel, footwear and related sports specialty items, the Company obtained: (i) an exclusive license (the “License”) to the Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels trademarks; and (ii) a limited, worldwide, exclusive right to distribute the products bearing the Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels Trademark for production and sales of items in such field. The License
Agreement has a term of five years, which is automatically renewable for one year terms unless terminated by either party pursuant to a notice of termination delivered at least ninety days prior to any such anniversary date. In consideration for the License, the Company issued to Zeroloft 4,444,444 shares of our common stock valued at $2,888,888 based on the closing price of $0.65 per share on January 14, 2010. In addition, the Company agreed to pay, at the sole discretion of Zeroloft, either:
(i) a further $1,000,000 in the form of additional Company shares of common stock at the then market price; or installment payments of $200,000 per year for five years. The balance due to Zeroloft Corp. is non-interest bearing.
On May 19, 2010, the Company issued and Zeroloft Corp. agreed to accept 306,122 shares of common stock to pay $150,000 on the amount due to Zeroloft Corp. On September 1, 2010, the balance due to Zeroloft Corp. was decreased by $442,912 by offsetting accrued receivable due to the Company by Zeroloft Corp. During the six months ended December 31, 2010, the Company and Zeroloft Corp. agreed to apply $129,207 of stock-based compensation paid on behalf of Zeroloft Corp. against the amount due to Zeroloft Corp. At June 30, 2011, $277,881 (2010 - $850,000) is due to Zeroloft Corp.
Pursuant to the License Agreement, the Company has the right to sublicense and receive from sub licensees a minimum royalty of at least two and one half cents and up to ten cents ($0.025 - $0.10) US per square foot of thermal insulation or insulating fabric using or relating to one or more of the Trademarks or underlying technology and shall pay to Zeroloft Corp. a royalty of 50% of the net license revenue resulting from the manufacture, distribution or sale of products by sub-licensees.
In conjunction with the License Agreement, on January 14, 2010, the Company entered into a Management Agreement (“Management Agreement”) with Zeroloft pursuant to which the Company will render services for the operation and expansion of Zeroloft’s manufacturing and licensing of its proprietary, Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels branded weather-resistant fabric, product made of such fabric, thermal insulation and related insulating fabrics. In consideration for providing such services, the Company will receive a management fee of approximately: (i) five percent (5%) on gross receipts of sales of items made of Zeroloft product with a value of less than two (2) US dollars per square foot, less royalties; and (ii) ten percent 10% on gross receipts of sales of items made of Zeroloft product with a value greater than $2.00 per square foot, less royalties. The Management Agreement has a one year term which is automatically renewable, unless terminated by either party according to conditions set out in the Management Agreement.
Accrued receivables of $0 at June 30, 2011 (2010 - $554,143) comprise out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Company which are due from Zeroloft Corp.
NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY ADVANCES AND LOANS PAYABLE:
As of June 30, 2011 and 2010, $219,627 and $120,627 of trade payables were due to a Series A Convertible Preferred stockholder, ASA Commerce.
On November 23, 2009, the Board of Directors resolved to permit $250,000 of debt due to the President to be converted into shares of common stock of the Company at $0.45 per share. The Board of Directors further resolved that the remaining debt outstanding at November 23, 2009 of $1,436,415 due to the President may be converted into shares of common stock of the Company at $0.45 per share upon the Company’s common stock reaching a price of $1.50 per share. At June 30, 2011, $1,942,806 (which was at June 30, 2010, $1,795,746) was owed by the Company to the President of which $0 (which was at June 30, 2010, $400,814) is included in long-term liabilities on the balance sheet and $0 is included in accrued expenses classified as long-term liabilities on the balance sheet (which was at June 30, 2010, $1,394,932). Amounts due to the President are payable on demand, non-interest bearing and unsecured.
At June 30, 2011, $39,000 (which was at June 30, 2010, $0) was due to the Chief Financial Officer in accrued compensation owing.
The Company entered into an unsecured promissory note of $825,000 with a stockholder on May 27, 2008 with a stated interest rate of 10% and a repayment date of November 1, 2008. During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company repaid $350,000 (2010 - $325,000) of the loan. The remaining unpaid balance as of June 30, 2011 was $0 (2010 - $350,000). On January 20, 2011, all outstanding interest payable totaling $141,953 related to the promissory note was fully paid.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 5 - ROYALTY PAYABLE
During the year ended June 30, 2011 the Company incurred a royalty expense of $424,971 (which was at June 30, 2010, $549,212) for the sale of fishing equipment which is included in cost of sales. The royalty is calculated as 20% of the net selling price of fishing products sold by the Company and any sub licensee. The royalty is payable to Advanced. During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company paid $0 (June 30, 2010 - $50,000) to Advanced. Royalty payable at June 30, 2011 is $1,564,748 (which was at June 30, 2010, $1,139,776).
NOTE 6 - CONVERTIBLE NOTES:
Secured Convertible Note
The Company consummated a three hundred thousand dollar ($300,000) Convertible Bridge financing on January 20, 2009 by entering into a Convertible Bridge Loan Note (“Convertible Note”), Warrant Agreement and Subscription Agreement (collectively the “Subscription Agreements”).
Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, a purchaser made a loan to the Company of $300,000 in exchange for a nine month Convertible Note at the rate of 7% per annum, payable at maturity. The Convertible Note can be converted by the purchaser (“Purchaser”) at anytime prior or on the maturity date at a conversion price equal to 45 cents per share. On November 12, 2009, the note was fully converted into 666,667 shares of common stock.
In addition the Company issued to the Purchaser a warrant to purchase 857,143 shares of our common stock at $0.35 per share for a period of 12 months, commencing on January 30, 2009. The warrant was exercised for stock on January 19, 2010.
The convertible debenture was accounted for in accordance with Topic 470-20 Debt With Conversion and Other Options. The following summarizes the significant terms and accounting for each convertible debenture entered into by the Company.
Black-Scholes Model Assumptions: risk free interest (1.96%); expected volatility (205%); expected life (12 months); no dividends.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 7 - PREFERRED SHARES:
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock:
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of common stock at the option of the holder. Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into that number of shares of common stock of the Company as is equal to the original issue price of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of $1.00, by the conversion price of $5.10, subject to adjustment in certain cases. Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock carries with it the right to 50 votes per Preferred A share. During the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 there were 2,113,556 Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding.
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock:
On July 20, 2009, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware an Amended and Restated Certificate of the Powers, Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company dated July 10, 2009 (the “Amendment”). In connection with the Amendment, the Company agreed to pay quarterly dividends on the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (the “Series B Stock”) and the current holders of the Series B Stock (the “Holders”) agreed that such dividends could be paid by delivery of the Company’s common shares valued at the price that is the average of the closing price for Common Stock for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the payment date for such dividends. In connection with the Amendment, each Series B Stock is convertible into 5.57 shares of Common Stock. A Holder returned to the Company 294,118 unregistered common shares received by reason of the conversion of its Series B Stock in consideration for the reissuance to the Holder of 58,823 shares of unregistered post-Amendment Series B Stock. On July 16, 2009, the Company issued 1,715,354 shares of its common stock valued at $857,678 to the holders of the Series B Stock for accrued dividends through June 30, 2009. Prior to this Amendment the Holders of the Series B Stock had waived all dividends.
Prior to filing the Amendment, Series B Stock had a conditional 4% dividend attached. The Company has no obligation to pay a dividend except in certain circumstances. The conditional dividend obligation accrued annually on the anniversary of each issuance whether the Board of Directors declares a dividend payment or not. All dividends were waived by the Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock for the years ended 2007, 2008 and 2009. If dividends were instead earned based on the accrual date of June 30, 2010 versus the anniversary dates, then an additional $86,667 in dividends would have been earned in the year ended June 30, 2010.
On June 7, 2011, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada a Certificate of Designation, amending the Designation of Series B Stock contained in Section 4 of its Articles of Incorporation filed on May 10, 2010. In connection with the Amendment, each Series B is convertible into 17 shares (formerly 5.57 shares) of Common Stock. In addition, the right of Holders to approve certain transactions and certain issues of securities including but not limited to certain mergers, acquisitions, liquidations, sales of equity securities that are senior to the Series B Stock or the issuance of debt instruments in excess of $1,000,000 was removed.
The Series B Stock dividend has a priority over junior equity issuances upon the occurrence of a liquidating event. Additionally, no dividends may be paid to holders of common stock unless all cumulative Preferred Stock dividends have been paid.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 8 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company issued 2,862,427 shares of its common stock to consultants for services rendered by them for an aggregate fair value of $709,044 based on the quoted market price of the shares at time of issuance.
At July 1, 2010, the Company issued 191,084 shares of its common stock valued at $60,000 to the holders of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock for accrued dividends through June 30, 2010.
On July 1, 2010, the Company issued 75,000 warrants to its CFO with an exercise price of $0.25 and term of three years which vest immediately. The warrants were measured at their fair value on July 1, 2010 using the following Black-Scholes Model Assumptions: risk free interest (1.01%); expected volatility (172%); expected life (36 months) and no dividends. These warrants were valued at $16,221 and expensed immediately.
On July 12, 2010, the Company reduced the par value of common stock per share from $0.01 to $0.001 upon a redomestication merger from the State of Delaware to the State of Nevada. The reduction in the par value from $0.01 to $0.001 has been adjusted on a retroactive basis; accordingly, all previous balances have been adjusted.
On October 1, 2010, the Company issued 249,742 shares of its common stock to holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock for accrued dividends of $60,000 through September 30, 2010.
On October 1, 2010, the Company issued 75,000 warrants to the CFO with an exercise price of $0.30 and a life of three years which vest immediately. The warrants were measured at their fair value on October 1, 2010 using the following Black-Scholes Model Assumptions: risk free interest (0.63%); expected volatility (185%); expected life (36 months) and no dividends. These warrants were valued at $20,065 and expensed immediately.
On November 1, 2010, 110,000 warrants were exercised at $0.001 per share of common stock for total cash proceeds of $110.
On November 10, 2010, 25,000 warrants with an exercise price of $3.40 expired.
On January 1, 2011, the Company issued 237,522 shares of its common stock to holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock for accrued dividends of $60,000 through December 31, 2010.
On January 1, 2011, the Company issued 200,000 warrants to the CEO with an exercise price of $0.12 and a life of one year which vest immediately. The warrants were measured at their fair value on January 1, 2011 using the following Black-Scholes Model Assumptions: risk free interest (0.29%); expected volatility (193%); expected life (12 months) and no dividends. These warrants were valued at $50,824 and expensed immediately.
On January 3, 2011, the Company repriced warrants to purchase 225,000 shares of common stock, previously issued to the Chief Financial Officer. The exercise price of 75,000 warrants originally issued on February 17, 2010 was reduced from $0.60 per share to $0.29 per share. The exercise price of 75,000 warrants originally issued on April 1, 2010 was reduced from $0.62 per share to $0.29 per share. The exercise price of 75,000 warrants originally issued on October 1, 2010 was reduced from $0.30 per share to $0.29 per share. All other terms for these warrants remained unchanged. The original term of these warrants was 3 years. As a result of this repricing, the original warrants were deemed cancelled at their fair value and the repriced warrants were deemed issued at their fair value. The warrants were measured at their fair value on January 3, 2011 using the following Black-Scholes Model Assumptions: risk free interest (0.65% to 0.93%); expected volatility (195% to 203%); expected life equal to remaining legal life of the respective warrants and no dividends. The incremental fair value of these repriced warrants was valued at $2,500 and expensed immediately.
On January 5, 2011, 400,000 warrants with an exercise price of $0.10 expired.
On February 17, 2011, 100,000 and 100,000 warrants with an exercise price of $1.25 and $1.50, respectively, expired.
On February 23, 2011, the Company issued 340,985 warrants to a consultant with an exercise price of $0.10 and a life of two years which vest immediately. The warrants were measured at their fair value on February 23, 2011 using the following Black-Scholes Model Assumptions: risk free interest (0.74%); expected volatility (179%); expected life (24 months) and no dividends. These warrants were valued at $65,000 and expensed immediately.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 8- SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):
On April 1, 2011, the Company issued 253,916 shares of its common stock to holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock for accrued dividends of $60,000 through March 11, 2011.
Equity Instruments Issued for Services Rendered
During the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued stock warrants and shares of common stock in exchange for services rendered to the Company. The fair value of each stock warrant was valued using the Black Scholes pricing model which takes into account as of the grant date the exercise price and expected life of the stock warrant, the current price of the underlying stock and its expected volatility, expected dividends on the stock and the risk free interest rate for the term of the stock warrant. Shares of common stock are valued at the quoted market price on the date of grant. The fair value of each grant was charged to the related expense in the consolidated statement of operations for the services received.
The following is a summary of the common stock warrants granted, forfeited or expired and exercised:
As of June 30, 2011, the Company has the following warrants to purchase common stock outstanding:
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 9 - STOCK OPTION PLANS:
As of June 30, 2011, there are three stock option plans in effect; the 1992 Directors' Stock Option Plan (“Directors' Plan”), 1992 Stock Option Plan (“Option Plan”) and the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”).
Directors Plan
The Directors' Plan allows for the grant of options to purchase up to 12,500 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price no less than the stock market price at the date of grant. Options granted under this Plan vest immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant. The Board sets vesting and expiration dates. No stock options have been granted under this plan since 2002. During the year ended June 30, 2011, 80 options expired. There were no stock options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding under Director’s Plan as at June 30, 2011.
Option Plan
The Option Plan allows for the grant of options to employees to purchase up to 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company, not to exceed 50,000 shares, at an exercise price equal to the stock’s market price at the date of grant. The Board sets vesting and expiration dates. There were no stock options outstanding under the Option Plan at June 30, 2011 and 2010. No stock options have been granted under this plan since 2002.
Incentive Plan
The Incentive Plan allows for the grant of options to employees, officers, directors, consultants, advisors of the Company and to any other person who is determined by the Board of Directors to have made (or is expected to make) contributions to the Company. The number of common stock that may be issued under the Plan is 1,000,000 shares. No participant of the Plan may be awarded more than 500,000 shares of common stock in any one fiscal year. The exercise price cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant and may not have a life greater than ten years from the date of grant. In the case of a shareholder representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant and may not have a life greater than five years from the date of grant. At June 30, 2011 and 2010, options to purchase 425,000 shares of common stock were outstanding under the Incentive Plan.
Share-based compensation related to common stock option grants for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $0 and $174,983, respectively, and is reported in the consolidated statement of operations.
The following is a summary of the common stock options granted, forfeited or expired and exercised:
The following table summarizes information on stock options outstanding and exercisable as of June 30, 2011:
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES:
Income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method of accounting. Under the asset and liability method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. The measurement of deferred income tax assets is adjusted by a valuation allowance, if necessary, to recognize future tax benefits only to the extent that, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not those benefits will be realized. The Company’s deferred tax assets were fully reserved at June 30, 2011 and 2010.
Income taxes differ from the amount that would be computed by applying the Federal statutory income tax rates of 35% (2010 - 35%) as of June 30. The reasons for the differences are as follows:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following as of June 30:
The tax years 1996 through 2010 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company expects no material changes to unrecognized tax positions within the next twelve months. As the Company is based in Canada, there are no material state net operating loss carryforwards.
NOTE 11 - CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS:
(a)
Legal Matters
The Company is involved in litigation claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal fees and other costs associated with such actions are expensed as incurred. In addition, the Company assesses, in conjunction with its legal counsel, the need to record a liability for litigation and contingencies. The Company reserves for costs relating to these matters when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the amount of future reserves required associated with these claims, if any, cannot be determined with certainty.
In March 2010, John Grippo, the former CFO of the Company, and John Grippo Inc. (“Plaintiffs”) filed suit against the Company in the Superior Court in the County of Westchester, New York. The Plaintiffs are seeking in excess of $75,000 in damages and prejudgment interest related to allegations involving breach of contract. The Company believes the claim is without merit and is vigorously defending the lawsuit and has filed a counterclaim in excess of $375,000 plus costs. On March 13, 2010, the Plaintiffs obtained a temporary restraining order over our bank accounts held at JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America. As such, included in cash and cash equivalents is restricted cash of $78,198 and $79,842 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 11 - CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Continued):
In June 2010, Rick Smith Enterprises, Inc. (“Plaintiff”), filed a complaint against the Company in the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida in and for Orange County Civil Division. The Plaintiff is seeking cash of $175,000 and shares of common stock of the Company valued at $175,000 plus costs and interest for allegations involving breach of contract. The Plaintiff is also seeking additional cash of $100,000 and shares of common stock of the Company valued at $100,000 for alleged continuing and anticipatory breach of contract. The action is in its very preliminary stages. As a result, we are unable to estimate a potential loss or range of loss, if any, at this time.
(b)
Operating Lease:
In May 2009, the Company entered into a lease agreement for office space in Toronto, Canada for a four year period. Rent expense (including taxes) for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 aggregated $44,442 and $46,506, respectively. In addition, the Company rents office space on a month to month basis in Buffalo, New York for which it pays $219 per month. Future annual minimum lease payments, including taxes, are as follows:
(c)
Royalty agreement:
On June 21, 2007, the Company signed a licensing agreement with Advanced Light Alloys Corporation for the licensing of scandium patents for fishing equipment applications. The Company has agreed to pay a 20% royalty on the net sales derived from fishing related products. The minimum annual royalty amount due under this agreement is $100,000. The agreement expires coterminous with the patent expirations, which expire in June 2014. The agreement may be terminated by the Company in May of each year. See also Note 5.
(d)
Employment contracts:
On January 1, 2009, the Board of Directors approved a three year employment contract for Dr. Hearn, President and CEO, which expires December 31, 2011. Under the terms of the contract, Dr. Hearn is entitled to compensation in the amount of $20,000 per month, to be paid at Dr. Hearn’s discretion, in cash, stock or warrants. In addition, Dr. Hearn is also entitled to receive a bonus of 200,000 warrants each year at an exercise price of $0.12 per share.
On October 12, 2009, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Philip Clark as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Clark was compensated $3,000 Canadian dollars per month in cash for the three months ended December 31, 2009. Commencing January 1, 2010 Mr. Clark’s compensation was $2,000 Canadian dollars per month in cash and 75,000 warrants to purchase shares of common stock per quarterly period with an exercise price equal to the closing price on the first day of each quarter and with a life of three years. On April 26, 2011, the Board of Directors approved a one year contract for Mr. Clark commencing January 1, 2011. Under the terms of contract, Mr. Clark’s compensation is $3,000 Canadian dollars per month paid in cash and deferred cash fee of $6,500 per month payable in cash, shares of common stock or warrants at the option of Mr. Clark. The exercise price of the warrants issued on February 17, 2010, April 1, 2010 and October 1, 2010 was reset to the closing price of AREM shares of common stock effective and on January 3, 2011 of $0.29 per share.
On October 15, 2009 the Board of Directors approved a contract for Mr. Dmitry Sindalovsky, Materials and Manufacturing Consultant. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Sindalovsky is compensated with 70,000 of 144 Rule common shares per month issued at the 5 day closing average at the date of issue. This contract expired on September 30, 2010. On November 12, 2010, the Board of Directors approved a contract for Mr. Sindalovsky for the period October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Sindalovsky is compensated with 250,000 of 144 Rule common shares per quarter.
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AMERICAN RARE EARTHS AND MATERIALS, CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
NOTE 12 - RISK MANAGEMENT:
Credit risk
The Company is subject to risk of non-payment on its trade accounts receivable. For the year ended June 30, 2011, three customers (2010 - two customers), respectively, represent approximately 36%, 15% and 13% of revenues (2010 - 23% and 10%) and 31%, 25% and 8% (2010 - 29% and 13%) of the total outstanding accounts receivable. Management continually monitors its credit terms with customers to reduce credit risk exposure.
For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company purchased approximately 55% and 41% of its inventory from two vendors (2010 - two vendors 49% and 43%). The accounts payable to these vendors aggregated approximately $255,234 and $261,000 as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
NOTE 13 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
Subsequent to period end, the Company issued 3,195,114 shares of its common stock to consultants for an aggregate value of $356,794 based on the quoted market price of the shares at time of issuance.
On July 1, 2011, the Company issued 368,158 shares of its common stock to holders of Series B Stock for accrued dividends of $60,000 through to June 30, 2011.
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