Item 1. Business.
US Highland, Inc. was originally formed as a limited liability company on February 5, 1999 under the name The Powerhouse, L.L.C. pursuant to the laws of the State of Oklahoma. On November 9, 2006, Powerhouse Productions, L.L.C. filed Articles of Conversion changing the entity from a limited liability company to a corporation under the name Harcom Productions, Inc. On January 25, 2010, Articles of Merger were filed with the State of Oklahoma merging U.S. Highland, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation into Harcom Productions, Inc. and the name of the corporation was changed to US Highland, Inc. US Highland, Inc. (the “Company”) was a recreational power sports Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”), developing motorcycles, quads, single cylinder engines, and v-twin engines under its own brand and for other OEMs. During 2017, the Company exited the recreational power sports OEM and leisure activity vehicles markets.
On March 8, 2018, the Company entered the fast-casual restaurant space through its share-exchange acquisition of TruFood Provision Co., a healthy dining establishment that plans to expand across the south east. TruFood Provision Co. is a healthy dining pure play, and positions the Company in the rapidly growing healthy eating space.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
As a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide the information required by this item of Form 10-K.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Property.
The Company currently has no ownership or leases of property. The Company’s business mailing address is 3500 Lennox Road, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The Company’s primary phone number is (404) 419-2253.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business.
On February 22, 2016, the Company entered into a Release of Claims and Settlement Agreement with John R. Fitzpatrick, III, Steven Pfaff, and certain of the Company’s officers and directors. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the parties discharged each other from all claims actions, demands, costs, losses, damages, and expenses relating to Mr. Fitzpatrick’s and Mr. Pfaff’s previous employment with the Company in consideration for an aggregate settlement amount of $200,000 in two installments. The Company and the directors also agreed to execute and deliver a pocket judgement against them which shall not be filed unless the Company fails to make the scheduled payments under the settlement agreement.
On February 13, 2017, Baum Glass & Jayne PLLC (“Plaintiff”) obtained a default judgment against the Company in the amount of $27,083.74. Plaintiff has not attempted enforced collection. The amount was included in accounts payable as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
On March 17, 2008, our common stock was listed for the first time on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “HRCM”. On March 31, 2010, due to our name change, our symbol was changed to “UHLN”. Over the course of the past 52 weeks, UHLN has traded at a low of $0.0003 and a high of $0.0091.
Registered Holders of Our Common Stock
As at December 31, 2017, there were approximately 132 record holders of our common stock.
Dividends
Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by its board of directors. No dividends on the Company’s common stock have ever been paid, and the Company does not anticipate that dividends will be paid on its common stock in the foreseeable future.
Securities Authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.
No securities are authorized for issuance by the Registrant under equity compensation plans.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On July 13, 2017, the Company issued 29,788,980 shares of common stock to settle $8,800 in principal and $1,924 of interest on a debt conversion with Union Capital, LLC, a significant shareholder of the Company.
The Company issued the above-mentioned notes in reliance on the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) for the offer and sale of securities not involving a public offering, and Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. The Company’s reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act in issuing the securities was based upon the following factors: (a) the issuance of the securities was an isolated private transaction by us which did not involve a public offering; (b) there was only one recipient; (c) there were no subsequent or contemporaneous public offerings of the securities by the Company; (d) the securities were not broken down into smaller denominations; (e) the negotiations for the issuance of the securities took place directly between the individual and the Company; and (f) each purchaser of the securities was an “accredited investor,” as defined under the Securities Act.
Capitalization
Under our Articles of Incorporation, as amended, we are authorized to issue up to 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and up to 3,550,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2017, there were 345,450,049 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 2017, 3,500,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock were designated as Series A Preferred Stock and 10,000 shares were designated as Series B Preferred Stock, of which 3,381,520 and 5,000 were issued and outstanding, respectively.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Not applicable to a smaller reporting company.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Results of Operations
The twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 compared to the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016
Revenues
The Company had no revenues.
Operating Expenses
Operating general and administrative expenses decreased 96% due to a decrease in ongoing business operations. External professional fees decreased 64% due to due to a decrease in ongoing business operations.
Net Income (Loss)
During 2016, the Company recognized gains in connection with writing off accounts payable aged over five years. During 2016, the Company incurred losses to the extent of writing off of various assets at book value. In addition, the Company experienced a decrease in the fair value of its derivatives over the prior-year period from the conversion of promissory notes from the prior year. See Note 1 to the Company’s Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Initially, because the Company borrowed funds on a convertible basis, the Company’s cash position was positive. Overall, however, the Company, experienced a decreased cash position due to the decrease in ongoing business operations, because all operating expenses were paid out of cash on hand. In addition, the Company experienced a decrease in non-cash resources in connection the conversion of promissory notes. See Notes 5 and 7 to the Company’s Financial Statements.
Going Concern
The Company has no revenues and has incurred net losses. In addition, at December 31, 2017, there was an accumulated deficit of $75,244,112. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
There can be no assurance that sufficient funds required during the next year or thereafter will be generated from operations or available from external sources such as debt or equity financings, or other potential sources. The inability to generate cash flow from operations or to raise capital from external sources will force the Company to substantially curtail and cease operations, therefore, having a material adverse effect on its business. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that any funds, if available, will possess attractive terms or not have a significant dilutive effect on the Company’s existing stockholders.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
As a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide the information required by this item of Form 10-K.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of US Highland, Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of US Highland, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for the years then ended. US Highland, Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of US Highland, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 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 that US Highland, Inc. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, US Highland, Inc. has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a working capital deficiency that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Fruci & Associates II, PLLC
Fruci & Associates II, PLLC
Spokane, Washington
March 30, 2018
US Highland, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.)
US Highland, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.)
US Highland, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit
For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.)
US Highland, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.)
US HIGHLAND, INC.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2017
1. Summary of Business and Basis of Presentation
Organization and Business
US Highland, Inc. was originally formed as a limited liability company on February 5, 1999 under the name The Powerhouse, L.L.C. pursuant to the laws of the State of Oklahoma. On November 9, 2006, Powerhouse Productions, L.L.C. filed Articles of Conversion changing the entity from a limited liability company to a corporation under the name Harcom Productions, Inc. On January 25, 2010, Articles of Merger were filed with the State of Oklahoma merging U.S. Highland, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation into Harcom Productions, Inc. and the name of the corporation was changed to US Highland, Inc. US Highland, Inc. (the “Company”) is a recreational power sports Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”), developing motorcycles, quads, single cylinder engines, and v-twin engines under its own brand and for other OEMs. During 2017, the Company exited the recreational power sports OEM and leisure activity vehicles markets.
On March 8, 2018, the Company entered the fast-casual restaurant space through its share-exchange acquisition of TruFood Provision Co., a healthy dining establishment that plans to expand across the south east. TruFood Provision Co. is a healthy dining pure play, and positions the Company in the rapidly growing healthy eating space.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments unless otherwise indicated) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.
Certain information in footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such principles and the financial results for the periods presented may not be indicative of the full year’s results. The Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going-concern basis. The going concern basis assumes that assets are realized and liabilities are extinguished in the ordinary course of business at amounts disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. The Company has incurred recurring losses from operations, and as of December 31, 2017, current liabilities exceed current assets by $2,637,087 and the Company has an accumulated deficit of $75,244,112. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern depends upon its ability to obtain adequate funding to support its operations through continuing investments of debt and/or equity by qualified investors/creditors, internally generated working capital and monetization of intellectual property assets. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern. Management is currently pursuing a business strategy which includes raising the necessary funds to finance the Company’s development and marketing efforts.
Description of New Business Decisions
On September 30, 2016, the company recognized a write off of debt and prepaid expenses under the Oklahoma Statutes, Title 12, Section 12-95.A.1. and Section 12-95.A.2. for expired period of limitations.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
a) Principles of Consolidation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, USH Distribution Corp., and Powersports Brand Alliance, Inc. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
b) Use of Estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to useful life and recoverability of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation, derivative liabilities, deferred income tax asset valuations, fair values of financial instruments and loss contingencies. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
c) Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior period presented have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported net loss.
d) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with maturities of three months or less at the time of issuance to be cash equivalents.
e) Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures and discloses the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities using the fair value hierarchy prescribed by US generally accepted accounting principles. The fair value hierarchy has three levels, which are based on reliable available inputs of observable data. The hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The three-level hierarchy is defined as follows:
Level 1 - quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and.
Level 3 - fair value measurements derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
Financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, loans payable and convertible debentures. Derivative liabilities are determined based on “Level 3” inputs, which are significant and unobservable and have the lowest priority. There were no transfers into or out of “Level 3” during the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2016. The recorded values of all other financial instruments approximate their current fair values because of their nature and respective relatively short maturity dates or durations.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial statement. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. See Note 8 for additional information.
f) Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rate is recognized in income or expense in the period that the change is effective. Tax benefits are recognized when it is probable that the deduction will be sustained. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely that not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. No such interest or penalties were recognized during the period presented. The Company had no accruals for interest and penalties at December 31, 2017 or 2016.
g) Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
h) Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net profit attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the year. The calculation of basic earnings (loss) per share excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and other stock-based compensation, which are included in diluted earnings per share. When a company is in a loss situation, all outstanding dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings because their inclusion would be antidilutive; and the basic and fully diluted common shares outstanding are stated to be the same. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately 518,500,000 and 115,600,915 shares, respectively, underlying the convertible debentures and preferred shares were antidilutive.
i) Subsequent Events
The Company’s management reviewed all material events through the issuance date of this report for disclosure purpose.
j) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its consolidated financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
3. Deposit on TruFood Provisions Co. Acquisition
On March 8, 2018, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement with TruFood Provisions Co (TruFood). Per the agreement, the Company will exchange 65% of the issued and outstanding stocks of US Highland and $75,000 for 100% of the equity of TruFood. It is expected that all other debt related to the operation of TruFood will be retired at or prior to the closing date. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had deposited $30,000 related to this acquisition and recorded the remaining balance of $45,000 in accounts payable.
4. Property and Equipment
Depreciation expense amounted to $0 and $2,252 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
On September 30, 2016, the company wrote off the property and equipment that was disposed.
5. Loans Payable
As of December 31, 2017, these loans are past due and therefore classified as current debt.
6. Related Party Transactions
Certain directors and management are no longer with the Company, and as such, there are no longer any related-party transactions. Prior year amounts consisted of notes payable, accrued interest, and wages and consulting fee expenses accrued and owed to former officers and directors.
7. Convertible Debentures
a) Effective January 25, 2010, the Company issued a convertible note for $225,000. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the loan was unsecured, non-interest bearing, and was due on December 21, 2010. The note was convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at a variable conversion price equal to 65% of the average of the closing bid prices of the common stock during the 28 trading days prior to the date of the conversion notice and was subject to adjustment upon the issuance of certain dilutive instruments. Due to these provisions, the embedded conversion option qualified for derivative accounting and bifurcation under ASC 815-15 Derivatives and Hedging. The initial fair value of the derivative liability of $538,249 resulted in a full discount to the note payable of $225,000 and the recognition of a loss on derivatives of $313,249. The note was written off during 2016 under the statute of limitations (See Note 1).
b) On July 25, 2013, the Company issued a convertible note for up to $500,000 and warrants to purchase 12,500,000 underlying shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrants are exercisable into 10,000,000 common shares of the Company at $0.05 per share and 2,500,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per share until July 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company received proceeds of $500,000 under the note. The note bears interest at 8% per annum compounded monthly, and principal and interest are due on July 31, 2014. In addition, so long as any amounts are due hereunder, the Company is obligated to remit to the lender 100% of all revenues, payments and receivables from the sale of the first 50 engines sold by the Company. The note is secured against substantially all of the assets of the Company.
The note may be prepaid by the Company without penalty with 30 days prior notice. The note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at a conversion price equal to $0.02 per share and is subject to adjustment upon the issuance of certain dilutive instruments and other events. The conversion price was subsequently reduced to $0.01 per share upon the failure to file various reports with the SEC within 120 days of the issuance of the note.
On December 31, 2015, the Company and the note holder agreed to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2016. Interest shall accrue at 12% per annum but may be reduced to 8% for any period of time in which the interest is paid in cash and not accrued. The Company accounted for the modification in accordance with ASC 405-20 and ASC 470-50-40. As the present value of the future cash flows was more than 10% different than the cash flows of the original debt, it was determined that the original and new debt instruments are substantially different and the Company treated the original convertible note extinguished and exchanged for a new convertible note. The Company recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt of $492,585. The Company also recognized the fair value of the embedded conversion feature of $16,507,415 as a derivative liability and reduced the value of the convertible loan to $nil.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded total accretion of $500,000. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying value of the note was $500,000.
c) On February 11, 2016, the Company entered into two convertible promissory notes for a total of $275,000, pursuant to which the Company received proceeds of $237,500, net of an original issue discount of $25,000 and legal fees of $12,500. The notes are convertible at a price equal to 60% of the lowest trading price of the Company’s common stock for the 20 prior trading days, bearing interest at 8% per annum and due on February 11, 2017. Due to these provisions, the embedded conversion options qualified for derivative accounting and bifurcation under ASC 815-15 Derivatives and Hedging . The initial fair value of the derivative liabilities of $308,492 resulted in a full discount to the note payable of $250,000 and the recognition of $59,492 as additional interest expense.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the entire balance of the discounts and costs were recognized in full. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying value of the notes was $275,000 and $135,260 with unamortized discount of $nil and $139,740, respectively. These notes are past due as of the issuance of these financial statements, as a result the interest rate increased to 24%.
d) On May 17, 2016, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note for $55,000, pursuant to which the Company received proceeds of $48,000, net of an original issue discount of $5,000 and legal fees of $2,000. The notes are convertible at a price equal to 55% of the lowest trading price of the Company’s common stock for the 20 prior trading days, bearing interest at 8% per annum and due on May 17, 2017. Due to these provisions, the embedded conversion options qualified for derivative accounting and bifurcation under ASC 815-15 Derivatives and Hedging. The initial fair value of the derivative liabilities of $95,047 resulted in a full discount to the note payable of $50,000 and the recognition of $45,047 as additional interest expense.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying value of the notes was $55,000 and $9,544 with unamortized discount of $nil and $45,456, respectively. These notes are past due as of the issuance of these financial statements, as a result the interest rate increased to 24%.
e) On October 30, 2017, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note for $25,000, pursuant to which the Company received proceeds of $25,000. The notes are convertible at any time after September 13, 2018 at a mutually agreed upon conversion price, bearing interest rate at 10% per annum and due on October 30, 2019. Due to these provisions, the embedded conversion options does not currently qualify for derivative accounting and bifurcation under ASC 815-15 Derivatives and Hedging.
At December 13, 2017, the carrying value of the note was $25,000.
f) On November 18, 2017, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note for $25,000, pursuant to which the Company received proceeds of $25,000. The notes are convertible at any time after September 13, 2018 at a mutually agree upon conversion price, bearing interest rate at 10% per annum and due on November 30, 2019. Due to these provisions, the embedded conversion options does not currently quality for derivative accounting and bifurcation under ASC 815-15 Derivatives and Hedging.
At December 13, 2017, the carrying value of the note was $25,000.
8. Derivative Liabilities
The embedded conversion options of the Company’s convertible debentures described in Note 7 contain conversion features that qualify for embedded derivative classification. The fair value of these liabilities will be re-measured at the end of every reporting period and the change in fair value will be reported in the statement of operations as a gain or loss on derivative financial instruments.
The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial liabilities:
The Company uses Level 3 inputs for its valuation methodology for the warrant derivative liabilities and embedded conversion option liabilities as their fair values were determined by using the Black- Scholes option pricing model based on various assumptions. The model incorporates the price of a share of the Company’s common stock (as quoted on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board), volatility, risk free rate, dividend rate and estimated life. Significant changes in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significant change in the fair value measurement. As, required, these are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following table shows the assumptions used in the calculations:
9. Preferred Stock
a) On September 30, 2015, the Company designated 3,500,000 shares of the Company’s 3,550,000 authorized “blank check” preferred stock as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shall, with respect to dividend rights, rights on liquidation, winding up and dissolution, rank senior to (i) all classes of common stock of the Company and (ii) any class or series of capital stock of the Company hereafter created (unless, with the consent of the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock). The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall not entitled to receive any dividends and shall have the voting equivalency of 10 shares of common stock. Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall have the right at any time or from time to time from and after the day immediately following the date the Series A Preferred Stock is first issued, to convert each share of Series A Preferred Stock into 10 fully-paid and non-assessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company. In connection with any conversion hereunder, each holder of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock if such conversion would cause such holder or any of its assignees to beneficially own more than 4.99% of the common stock of the Company.
b) On September 30, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of 3,381,520 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at a fair value of $12,849,776 to settle convertible and promissory notes in the amount of $1,487,000 and accrued interest of $203,760. The Company recorded a gain on settlement of debt of $1,495,529.
c) On November 20, 2015, the Company designated 10,000 shares of the Company’s 3,550,000 authorized “blank check” preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock shall, with respect to dividend rights, rights on liquidation, winding up and dissolution, rank senior to (i) all classes of common stock of the Company and (ii) any class or series of capital stock of the Company hereafter created (unless, with the consent of the holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock). The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock shall not entitled to receive any dividends and shall have the voting equivalency of 4,000 shares of common stock. Each holder of Series B Preferred Stock shall have the right at any time or from time to time from and after the day immediately following the date the Series B Preferred Stock is first issued, to convert each share of Series B Preferred Stock into 4,000 fully-paid and non-assessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company. In connection with any conversion hereunder, each holder of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock if such conversion occurred would cause such holder or any of its assignees to beneficially own more than 4.99% of the common stock of the Company.
10. Common Stock
a) During August, 2016, the Company issued 38,479,487 shares of common stock to settle $47,904 on debt conversions with two significant shareholders of the Company.
b) During September, 2016, the Company issued 115,989,052 shares of common stock to settle $56,552 on a debt conversion with two significant shareholders of the Company.
c) On October 6, 2016, the Company issued 24,655,278 shares of common stock to settle $4,330 on a debt conversion with two significant shareholders of the Company.
d) During November, 2016, the Company issued 78,374,583 shares of common stock to settle $11,234 on a debt conversion with two significant shareholders of the Company.
e) On July 13, 2017, the Company issued 29,788,980 shares of common stock to settle $8,800 of principal and $1,924 of interest on a debt conversion with a significant shareholder of the Company.
f) As of September 30, 2017, there was an insufficient amount of the Company’s authorized common stock to satisfy the potential number of shares that would be required to satisfy the outstanding convertible preferred shares and convertible debt into common stock. In accordance with ASC 815 Derivatives and hedging, the Company analyzed which contracts could be classified as equity through the following sequencing methodology: contracts with no maturity date (convertible preferred shares) then contracts with the earliest maturity date first. Under this methodology, the management determined there was no additional liability, as there is already a derivative liability recorded for the embedded conversion feature.
11. Commitments
a) On February 22, 2016, the Company entered into a Release of Claims and Settlement Agreement with John R. Fitzpatrick, III, Steven Pfaff, and certain of the Company’s officers and directors. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the parties discharged each other from all claims actions, demands, costs, losses, damages, and expenses relating to Mr. Fitzpatrick’s and Mr. Pfaff’s previous employment with the Company in consideration for an aggregate settlement amount of $200,000 in two installments. The Company and the directors also agreed to execute and deliver a pocket judgement against them which shall not be filed unless the Company fails to make the scheduled payments under the settlement agreement. On September 6, 2016, the company paid the remaining $150,000 to settle this dispute in full
b) On October 5, 2017, the Company entered into a letter of intent for an acquisition of 100% equity of TruFood Provisions Co in exchange for 65% of US Highland’s issued and outstanding stock and $75,000. This letter shall terminate, unless extended by mutual written agreement, upon the earliest to occur of a) written notice by the Company to TruFood, b) execution of a purchase agreement, or c) January 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the company had paid $30,000 as deposit for this acquisition and $45,000 in accounts payable for the remaining balance due.
12. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
A reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted net income per common share is presented in the tables below:
13. Income Taxes
The Company is required to compute tax asset benefits for net operating losses carried forward. The potential benefit of net operating losses have not been recognized in the consolidated financial statements because the Company cannot be assured that it is more likely than not that it will utilize the net operating losses carried forward in future years. The Company did not incur any income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016. At December 31, 2017, $6,758,513 of federal and state net operating losses were available to the Company to offset future taxable income, which will expire commencing in 2030. Given the short history of the Company and the uncertainty as to the likelihood of future taxable income, the Company has recorded a 100% valuation reserve against the anticipated recovery from the use of the net operating losses created at the inception or generated thereafter. The Company will evaluate the appropriateness of the valuation allowance on an annual basis and adjust the allowance as considered necessary. There is a potential that the NOL not be able to be used. The company is currently evaluating the ability to use the NOL in future periods.
The items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the statutory rates and the provisions for income taxes are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC Subtopic 740-10-65-1, Income Taxes. As of December 31, 2017, and 2016, the valuation allowance was $6,526,656 and $6,407,215, respectively. The change in the valuation allowance was $119,441 and $8,228,044 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. As of December 31, 2017, and 2016, the Company did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S., federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, as described below, it has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances. These amounts are provisional and subject to change operations.
14. Subsequent Events
a)
Subsequent to year end the deposit due to Tru-Food was paid in full.
b)
Subsequent to year end Adar Bays converted $11,159.39 of principal into 11,702,490 shares of common stock. In Addition, GW holdings, also converted $16,000.00 in principal into 29,023,731 shares of common stock
c)
On January 4th 2018, the Company issued a convertible note payable of $25,000. The note bears interest at an annual rate of 10% per annum, is uncollateralized, and matures 1 year after the date of issuance. Monthly payment are required beginning on the maturity date. The note becomes convertible September 13, 2018.
d)
On January 14th 2018 the Company issued a convertible note payable of $25,000. The note bears interest at an annual rate of 10% per annum, is uncollateralized and and matures 1 year after the date of issuance. Monthly payment are required beginning on the maturity date. The note becomes convertible September 13, 2018.
e)
Refer to 8-K’s filed subsequent to year end.
f)
Subsequent to year end the articles were amended to increase the authorized to 1 billion.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
As previously reported in a Form 8-K filed on January 11, 2018, we engaged Fruci & Associates II, PLLC (“Fruci”) as our principal independent accountants. We dismissed GBH CPAs PC (“GBH”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The decision to terminate the services of GBH and retain Fruci as the principal independent accountants was approved by our board of directors.
In connection with the foregoing change in accountants, there was no disagreement of the type described in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) if Item 304 of Regulation S-K or any reportable event as described in paragraph (a)(1)(v) of such Item.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Management’s Report on Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “‘Exchange Act’“). Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon our evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2017 in ensuring that material information that we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. The effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting is subject to various inherent limitations, including cost limitations, judgments used in decision making, assumptions about the likelihood of future events, the soundness of our systems, the possibility of human error, and the risk of fraud. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions and the risk that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate over time. Because of these limitations, there can be no assurance that any system of disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will be successful in preventing all errors or fraud or in making all material information known in a timely manner to the appropriate levels of management.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
For events subsequent to the time period covered herein, see Note 1 in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company recognized a write off of notes payable and accounts payable under the Oklahoma Statutes, Title 12, Section 12-95.A.1. and Section 12-95.A.2. with respect to expired period of limitations. The Company obtained a legal opinion in support of its decision to write-off the referenced notes payable and accounts payable.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our directors and executive officers:
Directors are elected to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the annual meeting of stockholders and hold office until the expiration of the term for which he or she was elected and until a successor has been elected and qualified.
A majority of the authorized number of directors constitutes a quorum of the Board of Directors for the transaction of business. The directors must be present at the meeting to constitute a quorum. However, any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors individually or collectively consent in writing to the action.
Executive officers are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors of the Company, subject to any contractual arrangements.
Everett M. Dickson, Director
On June 27, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Everett M. Dickson as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Since June 28, 2018, Mr. Dickson has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Dickson has been serving as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since June 2017. From 2012 until his joining the Company in June 2017, Mr. Dickson worked in the moist tobacco and alternative fuels industry. From 2005 through 2011, Mr. Dickson worked in the alternative fuels industry.
Director Independence
We are not currently subject to listing requirements of any national securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system which has requirements that a majority of the Board of Directors be “independent” and, as a result, we are not at this time required to have our Board of Directors comprised of a majority of “independent directors.”
Family Relationships
There are no familial relationships among any of our directors or officers.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
None of our directors or executive officers has been involved in any of the following events during the past ten years:
any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time;
any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offences);
being subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his or her involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; or
being found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated.
Audit Committee
We currently do not have a separately standing Audit Committee due to our limited size and our Board performs the functions that would otherwise be performed by an Audit Committee.
Compensation Committee
The Company does not have a Compensation Committee due to our limited size and our Board performs the functions that would otherwise be performed by a Compensation Committee. Our Board intends to form a Compensation Committee when needed.
Other Committees
We do not currently have a separately-designated standing nominating committee. Further, we do not have a policy with regard to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by security holders. To date, no security holders have made any such recommendations. The entire Board of Directors performs all functions that would otherwise be performed by committees. Given the present size of our Board, it is not practical for us to have committees other than those described above, or to have more than two directors on such committees. If we are able to grow our business and increase our operations, we intend to expand the size of our board and our committees and allocate responsibilities accordingly.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Because we do not have an audit or compensation committee comprised of independent directors, the functions that would have been performed by such committees are performed by our directors. The Board of Directors has not established an audit committee and does not have a financial expert, nor has the Board established a nominating committee. The Board is of the opinion that such committees are not necessary since the Company has only five directors, and to date, such directors have been performing the functions of such committees. Thus, there is a potential conflict of interest in that our directors and officers have the authority to determine issues concerning management compensation, nominations, and audit issues that may affect management decisions. We are not aware of any other conflicts of interest with any of our executive officers or directors.
Significant Employees
We do not have any significant employees other than our current executive officers and directors named in this Report.
Code of Ethics
We have not yet adopted a code of business conduct and ethics for all of our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and directors. We intend to do so in the near future and to post it on our website at www.ushighland.com.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC initial statements of beneficial ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership of our common stock and other equity securities, on Forms 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by the SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports that they file.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, none of our officers and directors filed Section 16(a) reports. The Company’s current officers and directors intends to file such reports in the near future.
Other than the foregoing, based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The following information concerns the total compensation paid or accrued by the Company during the last two fiscal years indicated to (i) all individuals that served as the Company’s principal executive officer or acted in a similar capacity for the Company at any time during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; (ii) the two most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers of the Company at the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 whose total compensation exceeded $100,000; and (iii) up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided pursuant to clause (ii) above but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an executive officer of the Company at the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
NONE
Director Compensation
The Company does not compensate its directors other than the Chairman of the Board for their services as such. The Registrant reimburses the directors for their reasonable out-of pocket expenses for attending meetings of the board of directors.
Long-Term Incentive Plans
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had no group life, health, hospitalization, or medical reimbursement or relocation plans in effect. Further, the Company had no pension plans or plans or agreements which provide compensation on the event of termination of employment or corporate change in control.
Item 12.
Item 12. Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules, shares of our Common Stock which may be acquired upon exercise of stock options or warrants which are currently exercisable or which become exercisable within 60 days of the date of the applicable table below are deemed beneficially owned by the holders of such options and warrants and are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of such person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of any other person. Subject to community property laws, where applicable, the persons or entities named in the tables below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our Common Stock indicated as beneficially owned by them.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of each class of our voting securities as of December 31, 2017, by (i) each of our directors and executive officers, (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group and (iii) each stockholder known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding voting capital stock. To the best of our knowledge, except as otherwise indicated, each of the persons named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of our capital stock beneficially owned by such person, except to the extent such power may be shared with a spouse. To our knowledge, none of the shares listed below are held under a voting trust or similar agreement, except as noted. To our knowledge, there is no arrangement, including any pledge by any person of securities of the Company or any of its parents, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.
Unless otherwise indicated in the following table, the address for each person named in the table is c/o US Highland, Inc. 3500 Lennox Road, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
We have not adopted any equity compensation plans.
Changes in Control
We are not aware of any arrangements, including any pledge by any person of our securities, the operation of which may result in a change in control of the Company. However, pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation, our board has the authority, without further stockholder approval, to provide for the issuance of up to 3,550,000 shares of our preferred stock in one or more series and to determine the dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, rights in terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation of such series. Our Board has the power to afford preferences, powers and rights (including voting rights) to the holders of any preferred stock preferences, such rights and preferences being senior to the rights of holders of common stock. As of December 31, 2017, 40,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock remain available for designation and issuance. Although we have no present intention to issue any additional shares of preferred stock, the issuance of shares of preferred stock, or the issuance of rights to purchase such shares, may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our Company.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Under Rule 404 of Regulation S-K, we are required to describe any transaction, since the beginning of December 31, 2015, or any currently proposed transaction, in which the Company was or is to be a participant and in which any related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest involving the lesser of $120,000 or one percent (1%) of the average of the Company’s total assets as of the end of last two completed fiscal years. A related person is any executive officer, director, nominee for director, or holder of 5% or more of the Company’s Common Stock, or an immediate family member of any of those persons.
None.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
On January 11, 2018, we appointed Fruci & Associates II, PLLC of Spokane, Washington, as our new independent certified public accountants beginning with the period ended September 30, 2016, and for subsequent periods.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 for professional services rendered by Fruci & Associates II, PLLC (“Fruci”), our principal accountants, respectively, for their audit of our annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were:
Audit-Related Fees
The aggregate fees billed the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under Item 9(e)(1) of Schedule 14A.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.
All Other Fees
The aggregate fees billed the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in Items 9(e)(1) through 9(e)(3) of Schedule 14A.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
We have not used Fruci or GBH for financial information system design and implementation. These services, which include designing or implementing a system that aggregates source data underlying the financial statements or generates information that is significant to our financial statements, are provided internally or by other service providers. We never engaged Fruci or GBH to provide compliance outsourcing services. Our board of directors pre-approves all services provided by our independent auditors. All of the above services and fees were reviewed and approved by the board of directors either before or after the respective services were rendered. The board of directors has considered the nature and amount of fees billed by Fruci and GBH and believes that the provision of services for activities unrelated to the audit is compatible with maintaining our independence.
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits
Financial statement included in Part II hereof:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements 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.
U.S. HIGHLAND, INC.
Date: April 4, 2018 By: /s/ Everett M. Dickson
Name:
Everett M. Dickson
Title: Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: April 4, 2018
By:
/s/ Everett M Dickson
Name:
Everett M Dickson
Title:
Interim Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)