The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION
GrowLife, Inc. (“GrowLife” or the “Company”) is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington. The Company was founded in 2012 with the Closing of the Agreement and Plan of Merger with SGT Merger Corporation.
On October 15, 2018, the Company closed the Purchase and Sale Agreement with EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc., a California corporation (the “Agreement”). On November 5, 2019, the Company amended the Agreement with one 24.5% shareholder of EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc. (“EZ-CLONE”), to extend the date to purchase the remaining 49% of stock of EZ-CLONE in exchange for a 20% extension fee (a total of $171,000 for the 49% or $85,500 for each 24.5% shareholder) of the $855,000 cash payable at the earlier of the closing of $2,000,000 in funding or nine months (July 2020). The Company did not close the purchase of the remaining 49% of stock of EZ-CLONE by the extended deadline.
On September 15, 2020, the Company received notice that William Blackburn and Brad Mickelsen (“Plaintiffs”), minority shareholders of EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, filed a complaint against the Company and its officers Marco Hegyi and Mark Scott (“Officers”), in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento (“Complaint”) for claims related to breach under the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 15, 2018 between the Company and Plaintiffs. The Complaint also alleges that the Company and its Officers made certain false representations and other claims to consummate the Transaction and as a result has failed to complete the second closing as required under Purchase and Sale Agreement. The Plaintiffs are seeking rescission of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, unspecified damages in excess of ten thousand dollars, and other equitable relief. As of December 4, 2020, the Company’s officers were dismissed from the case. The Plaintiffs are seeking rescission of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, unspecified damages in excess of ten thousand dollars, and other equitable relief. See Note 17 for description of Legal Proceedings.
On September 15, 2020, the Company filed a notice of removal with the California Superior Court, County of Sacramento and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. The case was removed to Federal District Court for the Eastern District of California and Plaintiffs filed an Ex Parte Application for TRO and an Order for Preliminary Injunction with the Federal Court. The TRO was granted on September 16, 2020 and a preliminary injunction hearing was scheduled for September 29, 2020. After reviewing all pleadings and oral arguments at the hearing, the Court issued a ruling granting Plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction.
The parties provided legal briefs to the Federal court to determine if rescission should be granted. The Court did not reach a decision on this issue, and denied without prejudice, the Company’s effort to reverse the preliminary injunction. The Company is currently reviewing whether to pursue the matter further and engaging in settlement discussions. If we are unsuccessful and the court grants Plaintiffs’ request for rescission the resulting actions are speculative at this time but could include the return of the consideration exchanged as part of the acquisition subject to certain adjustments as the result of several variables which the court will consider. If the court denies Plaintiffs request for rescission the litigation will continue regarding the breach of contract claims and contractual remedies for breach and the Court may or may not dissolve the preliminary injunction as a result.
A decision to grant rescission could materially harm our business as EZ-CLONE represents a significant portion of our operations.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded a liability of $2,131,000 for acquisition payable of which a $1,105,000 is payable in stock and $1,026,000 is payable in cash.
As of March 4, 2019, the Company began to trade on the Pink Sheet stocks system. Our bid price had closed below $0.01 for more than 30 consecutive calendar days. As of March 17, 2020, the Company commenced trading on the OTCQB Market ("OTCQB") after successfully up-listing from the OTC Pink Market.
On November 5, 2021, the Company held its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, where stockholders approved an increase in the authorized shares of common stock (“Common Stock”) from 120,000,000 to 740,000,000 shares. As such, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 8, 2021. As a result of the increase, the Company an aggregate 750,000,000 authorized shares consisting of: (i) 740,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
NOTE 2 – GOING CONCERN
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company incurred net losses of $5,472,688 and $6,379,838 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities was $1,462,515 and $1,950,870 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company anticipates that it will record losses from operations for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s accumulated deficit was $160,314,038. The Company has limited capital resources, and operations to date have been funded with the proceeds from private equity and debt financings. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company believes that its cash on hand will be sufficient to fund our operations only until May 31, 2022. The Company needs additional financing to implement our business plan and to service our ongoing operations and pay our current debts. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure any needed funding, or that if such funding is available, the terms or conditions would be acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional financing when it is needed, we will need to restructure our operations, and divest all or a portion of our business. We may seek additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and strategic collaborations. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, and could increase our expenses and require that our assets secure such debt. Equity financing, if obtained, could result in dilution to the Company’s then-existing stockholders and/or require such stockholders to waive certain rights and preferences. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available at all, the Company may be required to delay, scale back, eliminate the development of business opportunities and our operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
NOTE 3 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Basis of Presentation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Inter-Company items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - We classify highly liquid temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased as cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances at various financial institutions. Balances at US banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant risk for cash on deposit. At December 31, 2021, the Company had uninsured deposits in the amount of $108,948.
Accounts Receivable and Revenue – The company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires the application of the five-step-principles-based-accounting-model for revenue recognition. These steps include (1) a legally enforceable contract, written or unwritten is identified; (2) performance obligations in the contracts are identified; (3) the transaction price reflecting variable consideration, if any, is identified; (4) the transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations; and (5) revenue is recognized when the control of goods is transferred to the customer at a particular time or over time. Our hydroponic sales are cash or credit card. Our EZ-CLONE sales include credit, cash, 3% discount upon receipt within ten days and, we extend thirty day terms to select customers. We have not incurred any costs to acquire contracts that would require capitalization as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Accounts receivable are reviewed periodically for collectability. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company has an allowance for doubtful accounts totaling $10,000 and $5,690, respectively.
Sales Returns - We allow customers to return defective products when they meet certain established criteria as outlined in our sales terms and conditions. It is our practice to regularly review and revise, when deemed necessary, our estimates of sales returns, which are based primarily on actual historical return rates. We record estimated sales returns as reductions to sales, cost of goods sold, and accounts receivable and an increase to inventory. Returned products which are recorded as inventory are valued based upon the amount we expect to realize upon its subsequent disposition.
Concentration of Credit and Sales Risk -
The Company had the following concentrations of credit and sales risk-
Customers with over 10% of sales- the Company had two customers of EZ-CLONE that represented approximately 53% and 15% of consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Customers with over 10% of outstanding accounts receivable- one customer totaling 84.9% and 88.8% as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Inventories - Inventories are recorded on a first in first out basis Inventory consists of raw materials, work in process and finished goods and components sold by EZ-CLONE to it distribution customers. The Company reviews its inventory on a periodic basis to identify products that are slow moving and/or obsolete, and if such products are identified, the Company records the appropriate inventory impairment charge at such time.
Property and Equipment – Equipment consists of machinery, equipment, tooling, computer equipment and leasehold improvements, which are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or lease period of the relevant asset, generally 3-10 years, except for leasehold improvements which are depreciated over the lesser of the life of the lease or 10 years.
Long Lived Assets – The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment annually or when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets under certain circumstances are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value. Assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide any future service potential to the Company are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value (less the projected cost associated with selling the asset). To the extent carrying values exceed fair values, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results.
Intangible Assets – Intangible assets are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life, if the life is determinable. If the life is not determinable, amortization is not recorded. We regularly perform reviews to determine if facts and circumstances exist which indicate that the useful lives of our intangible assets are shorter than originally estimated or the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. When an indication exists that the carrying amount of intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of our assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Such impairment test is based on the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value of those assets.
Goodwill - The Company reviews its acquired goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In reviewing its goodwill, the Company performs a qualitative analysis to determine if it is more-likely-than-not that the goodwill is impaired. If the qualitative analysis indicates that goodwill is likely impaired, the Company calculates the fair value of its goodwill by allocating the fair value of the business unit containing the goodwill to all its tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, with the residual fair value allocated to goodwill. The excess, if any, of the goodwill carrying value in excess of its fair value would be recognized as an impairment loss. Management has concluded that, based on a qualitative analysis, it is more-likely-than-not that goodwill has not been impaired as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments – ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This topic also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires classification based on observable and unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and an entity’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level 2 – Inputs other than level one inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and.
Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
The recorded value of other financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are considered Level 3 instruments. See Note 12.
Derivative Financial Instruments –Pursuant to ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”, the Company evaluates all of its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. The Company then determines if embedded derivative must bifurcated and separately accounted for. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The variable conversion features of the Convertible Notes Payable are considered derivatives, see Note 12. For derivative financial instruments, the Company uses the Binomial pricing model to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The Company uses the following assumptions when using the model: (i)risk-free interest rate of 1%; (ii) expected life of one year; (iii) expected dividend of 0%; and (iv) expected volatility ranging from 140% – 184%. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within twelve months of the balance sheet date.
Stock Based Compensation – We have share-based compensation plans under which employees, consultants, suppliers and directors may be granted restricted stock, as well as options to purchase shares of our common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. Stock-based compensation cost is measured by us at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, over the requisite service period using an estimated forfeiture rate. For options issued to employees, we recognize stock compensation costs utilizing the fair value methodology over the related period of benefit. Grants of stock options and stock to non-employees and other parties are accounted for in accordance with the ASC 718.
Convertible Securities – Based upon ASC 815-15, we have adopted a sequencing approach regarding the application of ASC 815-40 to convertible securities issued subsequent to September 30, 2015. We will evaluate our contracts based upon the earliest issuance date.
Net Loss Per Share - Under the provisions of ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share,” basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the periods presented. Diluted net loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would then share in the income of the Company, subject to anti-dilution limitations. The common stock equivalents have not been included as they are anti-dilutive.
As of December 31, 2021, there are warrants for the purchase of 686,666 shares of common shares at a $1.64 average exercise price. In addition, we have an unknown number of common shares to be issued under the convertible notes with Bucktown and Silverback Capital financing agreements and warrants because the number of shares ultimately issued depends on the price at which the holder converts its debt to shares and exercises its warrants. The lower the conversion or exercise prices, the more shares that will be issued to the holder upon the conversion of debt to shares. The Company will not know the exact number of shares of stock issued to the holder until the debt is actually converted to equity.
As of December 31, 2020, there were (i) stock option grants outstanding for the purchase of 506,667 common shares at an $1.496 average exercise price; and (ii) warrants for the purchase of 3,451,737 shares of common shares at a $2.428 average exercise price. In addition, the Company have an unknown number of common shares to be issued under the Crossover financing agreements in the case of default. In addition, the Company had an unknown number of common shares to be issued under the Chicago Venture, Iliad and St. George financing agreements because the number of shares ultimately issued to Chicago Venture depends on the price at which Chicago Venture converts its debt to shares and exercises its warrants. The lower the conversion or exercise prices, the more shares that will be issued to Chicago Venture upon the conversion of debt to shares.
Dividend Policy - The Company has never paid any cash dividends and intends, for the foreseeable future, to retain any future earnings for the development of our business. Our future dividend policy will be determined by the board of directors on the basis of various factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and investment opportunities.
Use of Estimates - In preparing these consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions included in our consolidated financial statements relate to the valuation of long-lived assets, estimates of sales returns, inventory reserves and accruals for potential liabilities, and valuation assumptions related to derivative liability, equity instruments and share based compensation.
Advertising – Advertising costs are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred. Advertising and marketing costs for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $105,621 and $144,964, respectively. Comprehensive loss – Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity of a business during a period from non-owner sources. There were no differences between net loss for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and comprehensive loss for those periods.
Research and Development Expenses – There are no research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Right of Use Assets and Liabilities- ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases are now classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the statement of operations.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The amendment is meant to simplify the accounting for convertible instruments by removing certain separation models in subtopic 470-20 for convertible instruments. The amendment also changed the method used to calculate dilutes EPS for convertible instruments and for instruments that may be settled in cash. The amendment is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption for years beginning after December 15, 2020 including interim periods for those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption this standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Based on the Company’s review of accounting standard updates issued , there have been no other newly issued or newly applicable accounting pronouncements that have had, or are expected to have, a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 4 –BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, ACQUISITION PAYABLE AND OTHER TRANSACTION
Acquisition of EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc.
On October 15, 2018, the Company closed the Purchase and Sale Agreement with EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc. (“EZ-CLONE”), a California corporation (the “Agreement”). The total purchase price was $4 million of which $1,500,000 is payable in cash and $2.5 million payable in stock. At closing, we paid 51% of this amount totaling $2,040,000 via a (i) a cash payment of $645,000; and (ii) the issuance of 715,385 restricted shares of our common stock valued $1,395,000. The Agreement called for the Company, upon delivery of the remaining 49% of EZ-Clone stock, to acquire such stock within one year for $1,960,000, payable as follows: (i) a cash payment of $855,000; and (ii) the issuance of Company’s common stock at a value of $1,105,000.
On November 5, 2019, the Company amended the Agreement with one 24.5% shareholder of EZ-CLONE to extend the date to purchase the remaining 49% of stock of EZ-CLONE in exchange for a 20% extension fee (a total of $171,000 for the 49% or $85,500 for each 24.5% shareholder) of the $855,000 cash payable at the earlier of the closing of $2,000,000 in funding or nine months (July 2020). The Company did not close the purchase of the remaining 49% of stock of EZ-CLONE by the extended deadline.
On September 15, 2020, the Company received notice that William Blackburn and Brad Mickelsen (“Plaintiffs”), minority shareholders of EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, filed a complaint against the Company and its officers Marco Hegyi and Mark Scott (“Officers”), in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento (“Complaint”) for claims related to breach under the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 15, 2018 between the Company and Plaintiffs. As of December 4, 2020, the Company’s officers were dismissed from the case. The Plaintiffs are seeking rescission of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, unspecified damages in excess of ten thousand dollars, and other equitable relief. See Note 17 for description of Legal Proceedings.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has recorded a liability of $2,131,000 for acquisition payable of which a $1,105,000 is payable in stock and $1,026,000 is payable in cash.
This acquisition accelerated the Company’s revenue growth, increased the Company gross margins and added additional personnel.
The Company accounted for the acquisition in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations”. ASC 805 defines the acquirer in a business combination as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in a business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control. ASC 805 requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date.
For accounting purposes, from the October 15, 2018 the Company consolidated EZ-Clone given their control and treated its obligation to acquire the remaining interest in EZ-Clone. The Company considers EZ-Clone considers EZ-Clone to be 100% owned. At December 31, 2020 and 2021 the Company has recorded $213,100 as a liability, $1,026,000 of which is due in cash and $1,105,000 is due in stock..
The fair value of the intangible assets associated with the assets acquired was $2,351,000 estimated by using a discounted cash flow approach based on future economic benefits. In summary, the estimate was based on a projected income approach and related discounted cash flows over five years, with applicable risk factors assigned to assumptions in the forecasted results.
NOTE 5 – INVENTORY
Inventory as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following:
| | December 31, 2021 | | | December 31, 2020 | |
| Raw materials | | $ | 723,834 | | | $ | 456,723 | |
| Work in proess | | | 375,083 | | | | 83,792 | |
| Finished goods | | | 183,318 | | | | 26,557 | |
| Inventory deposits | | | 17,325 | | | | 3,452 | |
| | $ | 1,299,560 | | | $ | 570,524 | |
Inventory consist of supplies for product lines at EZ-CLONE.
NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 consists of the following:
| | December 31, 2021 | | | December 31, 2020 | |
Machinery, equipment and tooling | | $ | 356,867 | | | $ | 356,867 | |
Computer equipment | | | 16,675 | | | | 16,675 | |
Leasehold equipment | | | 14,702 | | | | 14,702 | |
Automobile | | | 157,728 | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 545,972 | | | $ | 388,244 | |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | (296,066 | ) | | | (258,914 | ) |
Net property and equipment | | $ | 249,906 | | | $ | 129,330 | |
Total depreciation expense was $37,152 and $37,152 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. All equipment is used for manufacturing, selling, general and administrative purposes and accordingly all depreciation is classified in cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses.
NOTE 7 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following:
| | Estimated life | | December 31, 2021 | | | December 31, 2020 | |
Customer lists | | 3.5 Years | | $ | 1,297,000 | | | $ | 1,297,000 | |
Intellectual property | | 3.5 Years | | | 1,054,000 | | | | 1,054,000 | |
Less accumulated amortization | | | | | (1,891,998 | ) | | | (1,220,282 | ) |
| | | | $ | 459,002 | | | $ | 1,130,718 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill | | Indefinite | | $ | 781,749 | | | $ | 781,749 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Intangibles and Goodwill | | | | $ | 1,240,751 | | | $ | 1,912,467 | |
Total amortization expense was $671,716 and $671,716 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE 8- LEASES
The Company previously entered into operating leases for warehouse and corporate facilities. These leases have terms which range from less than one to two years, and often include options to renew. These operating leases are listed as a separate line item on the Company's December 31, 2021 Consolidated Balance Sheet and represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The Company’s obligation to make lease payments are also listed as separate line items on the Company's December 31, 2021 Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2021, total right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities for remaining long-term lease was $407,166 and $427,137, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized approximately $232,524 and $222,984, respectively, in total lease costs for the lease.
Because the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments.
Cash paid for ROU operating lease liability amounted to $230,385 and $211,575 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Minimum future lease payments as of December 31, 2021
Year ended | | Amount | |
December 31, 2022 | | $ | 232,741 | |
December 31, 2023 | | | 236,352 | |
| | $ | 469,093 | |
Imputed interest using 10% | | | (41,956 | ) |
Right of Use Liability | | $ | 427,137 | |
NOTE 9- ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Accounts payable were $1,146,344 and $1,146,195 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Such liabilities consisted of amounts due to vendors for inventory purchases, audit, legal and other expenses incurred by the Company.
NOTE 10- ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses were $219,398 and $2,592,251 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Such liabilities consisted of amounts due to sales tax, payroll and restructuring expense liabilities. On April 5, 2021, the Company entered into a Warrant Settlement Agreement dated March 31, 2021 with St. George and Iliad to resolve a dispute regarding prior financings. The Company entered into a joint warrant settlement agreement with St. George and Iliad to resolve a dispute regarding prior financings wherein St. George and Iliad agreed once they have exercised the warrants for an aggregate 14,250,000 shares of stock valued at approximately $2,423,000, the balance of the warrant would be cancelled so long as the Company has increased its authorized common stock. This amount was adjusted in 2021 due to the fair value of the stock resulted in a gain (reversal of original amount recorded as a loss/liability) of $1,025,000.
NOTE 11 –NOTES PAYABLE
Notes Payable as of December 31, 2021 consisted of the following:
| | Inteerest Rate | | | Principal | | | Accrued Interest | | | Balance | |
| Government Assistance Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EZC) | | | 3.75 | % | | $ | 149,900 | | | $ | 10,524 | | | $ | 160,424 | |
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (GLI) | | | 3.75 | % | | | 149,900 | | | | 15,652 | | | | 165,552 | |
Paycheck Protection Program | | | 1 | % | | | 362,500 | | | | 6,350 | | | | 368,850 | |
Paycheck Protection Program | | | 1 | % | | | 337,050 | | | | 3,118 | | | | 340,168 | |
| | | | | | $ | 999,350 | | | $ | 35,644 | | | $ | 1,034,994 | |
Secured Promisory Note | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Coomercial Bank | | | 3.44 | % | | $ | 137,728 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 137,728 | |
| | Inteerest Rate | | | Principal | | | Accrued Interest | | | Discount | | | Balance | |
| Convertible Promisory Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bucktown 2-6-21 | | | 8 | % | | $ | 780,791 | | | $ | 10,303 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 791,094 | |
Silverback 2-12-21 | | | 10 | % | | | 1,125,118 | | | | 82,308 | | | | - | | | | 1,207,426 | |
Bucktown 8-25-21 | | | 8 | % | | | 335,000 | | | | 9,511 | | | | - | | | | 344,511 | |
Bucktown 11-5-21 | | | 8 | % | | | 225,000 | | | | 2,665 | | | | - | | | | 227,665 | |
| | | | | | $ | 2,465,909 | | | $ | 104,788 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 2,570,697 | |
Amortizing Promisory Note | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
First Fire | | | 12 | % | | | 12,141 | | | | 978 | | | | - | | | | 13,119 | |
| | | | | | $ | 2,478,050 | | | $ | 105,766 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 2,583,816 | |
Notes payable as of December 31, 2020 consisted of the following:
| | Inteerest Rate | | | Principal | | | Accrued Interest | | | Balance | |
| Government Assistance Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EZC) | | | 3.75 | % | | $ | 149,900 | | | $ | 3,075 | | | $ | 152,975 | |
Economic Injury Disaster Loan | | | 3.75 | % | | | 149,900 | | | | 3,001 | | | | 152,901 | |
Paycheck Protection Program | | | 1 | % | | | 362,500 | | | | 2,638 | | | | 365,138 | |
Paycheck Protection Program (EZC) | | | 1 | % | | | 203,329 | | | | 1,371 | | | | 204,700 | |
| | | | | | $ | 865,629 | | | $ | 10,085 | | | $ | 875,714 | |
Less long-term portion | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 485,679 | |
Current portion of Government Assistance Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 390,035 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Parties related to EZC founders | | | | | | $ | 49,144 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 49,144 | |
| | Inteerest Rate | | | Principal | | | Accrued Interest | | | Discount | | | Balance | |
| Convertible Promisory Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Iliad 8-17-18 | | | 10 | % | | $ | 250,637 | | | $ | 319,982 | | | | | | $ | 570,619 | |
Odyssey 7-22-19 | | | 10 | % | | $ | 390,000 | | | $ | 59,595 | | | | | | $ | 449,595 | |
CVP 1-29-20 | | | 10 | % | | $ | 555,000 | | | $ | 50,088 | | | | | | $ | 605,088 | |
Silverback 9-1-20 (from Iliad) | | | 10 | % | | | 140,146 | | | | 585 | | | | | | | 140,731 | |
Silverback 11-18-20 (from Iliad) | | | 10 | % | | | 117,380 | | | | 1,894 | | | | | | | 119,274 | |
PowerUp Lending Group | | | 12 | % | | | 253,000 | | | | 5,888 | | | | (13,912 | ) | | | 244,976 | |
| | | | | | $ | 1,706,163 | | | $ | 438,032 | | | $ | (13,912 | ) | | $ | 2,130,283 | |
Amortizing Promisory Note | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Labrys | | | 12 | % | | | 592,144 | | | | 986 | | | | (454,430 | ) | | | 138,700 | |
EMA | | | 12 | % | | | 221,000 | | | | 6,030 | | | | (87,535 | ) | | | 139,495 | |
First Fire | | | 12 | % | | | 156,602 | | | | 3,964 | | | | (73,891 | ) | | | 86,675 | |
| | | | | | $ | 2,675,909 | | | $ | 449,012 | | | $ | (629,768 | ) | | $ | 2,495,153 | |
Government Assistance Notes Payable
On April 17, 2020, the Company received $362,500 under the Paycheck Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 7(a) Loan Program pursuant to the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. Law 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (2020). The interest rate is one percent (1%). At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded interest expense of $3,712 and $2,638, respectively. The loan is due April 2022. The Company is utilizing the funds in accordance with the legal requirements and expects this loan to be forgiven during 2022.
On May 7, 2020, EZ-CLONE received $203,329 under the Paycheck Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 7(a) Loan Program pursuant to the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. Law 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (2020). The interest rate is one percent (1%). At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded interest expense of $1,587 and $1,371, respectively. The loan is due April 2022. The Company is utilizing the funds in accordance with the legal requirements. This loan was forgiven in October 2021.
On June 19, 2020, the Company, including its EZ-CLONE subsidiary, received two loans totaling $299,800 under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 7(a) Loan Program pursuant to the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. Law 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (2020). Repayment terms on the loans are monthly principal and interest totaling approximately $1,392 over a 30-year term at 3.75%. In addition, the loan contains a 12-month payment deferral beginning on the loan date. There is no prepayment penalty on the EIDL loans. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded interest expense of $11,856 and $7,152, respectively.
On February 3, 2021, the Company received $337,050 under the Paycheck Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 7(a) Loan Program pursuant to the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. Law 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (2020). The interest rate is one percent (1%). At December 31, 2021, the Company recorded interest expense of $3,113 at 1%. The loan is due February 2023. The Company is utilizing the funds in accordance with the legal requirements and expects this loan to be forgiven during 2023.
Convertible Promissory Notes
Chicago Venture Partners, L.P.
Funding from Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. (“Chicago Venture” or “CVP”), Iliad Research and Trading, L.P. (“Iliad”) and Odyssey Research and Trading, LLC, (“Odyssey”). The Company typically issues original issuance discount notes with these parties that has a stated interest rate of typically 10%. Accrued interest represents the interest to be accreted over the remaining term of the notes. These notes contain terms and conditions that are deemed beneficial conversion features and the Company recognizes a derivative liability related to these terms until the notes are converted. Upon the conversion of these notes, the Company records a loss on debt conversion and reduces their derivative liability. The notes may be converted to common stock after six months until they are converted.
On April 5, 2021, the Company finalized a a joint Warrant Settlement Agreement with St. George Investments LLC (“St. George”) and Iliad Research and Trading, L.P. (“Iliad”) to resolve a dispute related the calculation of shares issuable under warrants issued in prior financings. In the Warrant Settlement Agreement, in exchange for certain covenants by the Company, St. George and Iliad agreed that upon the exercise of its warrant of up to 14,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock they would cancel the balance of the warrant related to a February 9, 2018, subscription agreement. The Company recorded a loss on debt settlement of $2,423,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and accrued a liability for the future issuance of shares. During 2021, the Company issued the 14,250,000 shares of common stock in connection with the warrant settlement. The Company recognized a gain on settlement of $1,025,400 in 2021 when the fair value of the common shares issued were based on the stock price on the date of settlement.
As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance due to Chicago Venture, Iliad and Odyssey was $1,195,637 and accrued interest was $429,665 which results in a total amount of $1,625,302.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, Chicago Venture and Iliad converted principal and accrued interest of $600,000 into 4,882,919 shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of $0.123 with a fair value of $1,006,518. The Company recognized $287,466 loss on debt conversions during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Odyssey Research and Trading, LLC, (“Odyssey”)
On July 23, 2019, the Company executed the following agreements with Odyssey: (i) Securities Purchase Agreement; (ii) Secured Promissory Notes; and (iii) Security Agreement (collectively the “Odyssey Agreements”). The Company entered into the Odyssey Agreements with the intent to acquire working capital to grow the Company’s businesses.
The total amount of funding under the Odyssey Agreements is $1,105,000. The Convertible Promissory Note carries an original issue discount of $100,000 and a transaction expense amount of $5,000, for total debt of $1,105,000. As of December 31, 2020 the principal balance owed Odyssey is $390,000. The Company agreed to reserve three times the number of shares based on the redemption value with a minimum of 3,333,334 shares of its common stock for issuance upon conversion of the Debt, if that occurs in the future. The Debt carries an interest rate of ten percent (10%). The Debt is convertible, at Odyssey’s option, into the Company’s common stock at $1.50 per share subject to adjustment as provided for in the Secured Promissory Notes.
Labrys Fund L.P.
On August 31, 2020, the Company executed the following agreements with Labrys: (i) Securities Purchase Agreement; and (ii) Self-Amortization Promissory Note for $750,000 (“Note”); (collectively the “Labrys Agreements”). The Company entered into the Labrys Agreements with the intent to acquire working capital to grow the Company’s businesses and complete the EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc. acquisition.
The total amount of funding received under the Labrys Agreements, after deducting the $75,000 original issue discount and $42,250 of fees was $632,750. The Note required a payment of $250,000 on November 30, 2020, and $51,042 at each month end from December 2020 through November 30, 2021. The Company issued commitment shares of 1,662,000 shares related to the Labrys Agreement and the value of such shares are being treated as a discount and being amortized over the term of the note. The Debt was due on or before November 30, 2021. The Debt carried an interest rate of twelve percent (12%). Upon an event of default as defined in the agreement, the Debt was convertible into the Company’s common stock at the closing price the day before the conversion, subject to adjustment as provided for in the Note. The Company agreed to reserve 5,043,859 shares of its common stock for issuance if any Debt is converted.
Labrys Fund Amendment #2
On November 30, 2020, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 of the Self-Amortization Promissory Note (“Amendment No. 2”) amendment that certain Self-Amortization Promissory Note originally issued by the Company to Labrys on August 31, 2020 (the “Note”). Amendment No. 2 included the following amendments to the Note:
1. The Company issued 550,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Amendment Shares”) to the Holder on or before December 2, 2020, and the value of such shares are being amortized as a debt discount through the remaining term of the note.
2. The first Amortization Payment (as defined in the Note) of $250,000 originally due on November 30, 2020, shall instead be due as follows: $125,000 was paid by December 3, 2020, and $125,000 is due on or before December 31, 2020.
Labrys Fund Amendment #3
On December 31, 2020, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3. Pursuant to Amendment No. 3 the Company issued 340,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Amendment Shares”) and issued a common stock purchase warrant for the purchase of 1,033,057 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Warrant”). The value of the Amendment shares, and the Warrant are being amortized as a debt discount through the remaining term of the note. In exchange for the Warrant and Amendment Shares, the outstanding payment of $125,000 owed on or before December 31, 2020 (as described in Amendment No. 2) (“Outstanding Payment”), was amended so that no payment was required and that the future monthly payments beginning in January 2021 through November 30, 2022, have been increased to $61,458 from $51,042. This Note was assumed by Silverback in 2021.
EMA Financial LLC
On October 2, 2020, the Company executed the following agreements with EMA Financial LLC : (i) Securities Purchase Agreement; and (ii) Self-Amortization Promissory Note for $221,000 (“Note”). The Note has an interest rate of twelve percent (12%). The Company made monthly payments in the amount of $19,550. The final payment was made on December 30, 2021.
FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC
On October 2, 2020, the Company executed the following agreements with FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC: (i) Securities Purchase Agreement; and (ii) Self-Amortization Promissory Note for $156,600 (“Note”). The Note has an interest rate of twelve percent (12%). The Company made monthly payments in the amount of $13,851. The final payment was made on January 12, 2022.
Silverback Capital Corporation
During 2020 Silverback Capital Corporation (“Silverback”) purchased from Iliad $993,855 of Iliad’s outstanding note balance with the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2020, Silverback Capital Corporation converted principal and accrued interest of $746,632 into 9,510,000 shares of our common stock at an average per share conversion price of $0.0757. The Company recognized $447,324 loss on Silverback debt conversions during the year ended December 31, 2020.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, Silverback purchased all of the remaining outstanding notes the Company had with Chicago Ventures, Iliad and Odyssey of $1,139,182. Silverback assumed the terms of the original notes. On March 16, 2021, the Company executed the following agreements with Silverback: (i) Securities Purchase Agreement; and (ii) Convertible Promissory Note for $165,000.
The 10% Notes are convertible at the holder’s option into the Company’s common stock at 65% of the lower of $1.35 or the current fair market value of the stock. During the year ended December 31, 2021, Silverback converted principal and interest of $2,217,916 into 40,223,000 shares of our common stock at an average per share conversion price of $0.055. The Company recognized $2,442,903 loss on Silverback debt conversions during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Power Up Lending Group Ltd.
As of the beginning of 2020, the Company owed Power Up Lending Group Ltd (“Power Up”) $281,600. During 2020 the Company entered an additional $199,100 of convertible notes which were settled by year end. These $480,700 of notes were settled when $395,700 of notes were converted to common stock and a cash payment of $85,000 was made. As of December 31, 2020 the following Power Up convertible notes that the Company also entered into with Power Up on July 13, 2020, November 30, 2020, and December 8, 2020 for $253,000 to fund short-term working capital were still outstanding The Notes accrue interest at a rate of 12% per annum and became due in one year and are convertible into common stock at 75% of market value after six months. The Company received cash of $220,000 under these three notes after deducting original issue discount and fees.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, Power Up converted principal of $84,680 into 1,039,018 shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of $0.082. The Company recognized a loss on the conversion of $87,698 which represents the difference between the closing price of the shares and the exercise price.
Bucktown Capital LLC
On February 26, 2021, the Company executed the following agreements with Bucktown Capital LLC (“Bucktown”): (i) Securities Purchase Agreement; (ii) Secured Convertible Promissory Note; and (iii) Security Agreement (collectively the “Bucktown Agreements”). The Company entered the Bucktown Agreements with the intent to acquire working capital to grow the Company’s businesses and to repay all outstanding obligations owed to: (i) Labrys in the amount of $615,333; and (ii) Power Up in the amount of $128,858.
The total amount of funding under the Bucktown Agreements is $3,088,000 as represented in the Secured Convertible Promissory Note (“Note”). The total purchase price for this Note is $2,850,000; the Note carries an aggregate original issue discount of $228,000 and a transaction expense amount of $10,000. The Note is comprised of two (2) tranches (each, a “Tranche”), consisting of (i) an initial Tranche in an amount equal to $928,000 and any interest, costs, fees or charges accrued thereon or added thereto under the terms of the Note and the Bucktown Agreements (the “Initial Tranche”), and (ii) an additional Tranche, which is exclusively dedicated for the purchase of the remaining equity interest in EZ-CLONE, in the amount of $2,160,000.00, plus any interest, costs, fees or charges accrued thereon or added thereto under the terms of the Note and the Bucktown Agreements (the “Subsequent Tranche”). The Initial Tranche shall correspond to $68,000 of the OID and the Transaction Expense Amount and may be converted into shares of Common Stock at any time after the Purchase Price Date. The Subsequent Tranche corresponds to the Investor Note and $160,000 of the aggregate OID. The Bucktown Agreement limits the shares to be held at any time not to exceed 9.9% of the Company’s outstanding shares.
The Company agreed to reserve three times the number of shares based on the redemption value with a minimum of 23,340,000 shares of its common stock for issuance upon conversion of the Note, if that occurs in the future. If not converted sooner, the Note is due on or before February 26, 2022. The Note has an interest rate of eight percent (8%). The Note is convertible, at Bucktown’s option, into the Company’s common stock at $0.30 per share (“Lender Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment as provided for in the Note. However, in the event the Market Capitalization (as defined in the Note) falls below the Minimum Market Capitalization the Lender Conversion Price shall equal the lower of the Lender Conversion Price and the Market Price as of any applicable date of Conversion.
On August 25, 2021, and on November 5, 2021, the Company entered into the following agreements with Bucktown: (i) Securities Purchase Agreements; (ii) Secured Convertible Promissory Notes; and (iii) Security Agreements. The total amount for these Notes is $560,000; the Note carries an aggregate original issue discount of $50,000 and a transaction expense amount of $10,000. The Notes have an interest rate of eight percent (8%). The Note is convertible, at Bucktown’s option, into the Company’s common stock at $0.10 per share (“Lender Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment as provided for in the Note. However, in the event the Market Capitalization (as defined in the Note) falls below the Minimum Market Capitalization the Lender Conversion Price shall equal the lower of the Lender Conversion Price and the Market Price as of any applicable date of Conversion.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, Bucktown converted principal of $200,000 into 8,583,691 shares of our common stock at a per share conversion price of $0.023. The Company recognized on loss on the conversion of $117,597 which represents the difference between the closing price of the shares and the exercise price.
The Company’s obligation to pay the Notes, or any portion thereof, are secured by all the Company’s assets.
NOTE 12 – DERIVATIVE LIABILITY
The Convertible Notes payable include a conversion feature that pursuant ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”, has been identified as an embedded derivative financial instrument and which the Company accounts for under the fair value method of accounting.
If the conversion features of conventional convertible debt provide for a rate of conversion that is below market value, this feature is characterized as a beneficial conversion feature (BCF). A BCF is recorded by the Company as a debt discount pursuant to ASC Topic 470-20. Debt with Conversion and Other Options. In those circumstances, the convertible debt is recorded net of the discount related to the BCF and the Company amortizes the discount to interest expense over the life of the debt using the effective interest method. The debt is convertible at range of 75% to 65% of the fair value of the Company’s common stock requiring the conversion feature to be bifurcated from the host debt contract and accounting for separately as a derivative, resulting in periodic revaluations. The notes underlying the derivatives are short term in nature and generally converted to stock in less than one year. The derivative is valued at period end with the key inputs being current stock price and the conversion feature.
There was a derivative liability of $2,583,816 and $1,101,436 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded non-cash income of $973,101 and $199,479, respectively, related to the “change in fair value of derivative” expense related to the convertible note financing. These were the only changes in level 3 fair value instruments during such periods.
Derivative liability as of December 31, 2021 was as follows:
Balance, December 31, 2020 | | $ | 1,101,436 | |
Additions | | | 1,402,519 | |
Conversions | | | (1,778,784 | ) |
Change in fair value | | | 973,101 | |
Balance, December 31, 2021 | | $ | 1,698,272 | |
NOTE 13 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
Since January 1, 2019, the Company engaged in the following reportable transactions with our directors, executive officers, holders of more than 5% of our voting securities, and affiliates or immediately family members of our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 5% of our voting securities.
Certain Relationships
Please see the transactions with Chicago Venture Partners, L.P. discussed in Notes 11 and 14.
Transactions with Marco Hegyi
On October 21, 2018, a 5-year Warrant for Mr. Hegyi to purchase up to 66,666 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share vested. The warrant was valued at $390,000 and we recorded $178,750 as compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2018. On October 15, 2018, Mr. Hegyi received Warrants to purchase up to 320,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.80 per share and which vest on October 15, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The Warrants are exercisable for 5 years. The warrants that vested on October 15, 2019 and 2018 were valued at $192,000 and the Company recorded compensation expense of $78,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
On October 15, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an Employment Agreement with Marco Hegyi pursuant to which the Company engaged Mr. Hegyi as its Chief Executive Officer through October 15, 2021. See Note 17 for additional details.
Transaction with Thom Kozik
Mr. Kozik was appointed as a director on October 5, 2017. On April 16, 2020, the Company issued 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to Mr. Kozik valued at $0.295 per share or $5,900. On December 31, 2021, the Company issued 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to Mr. Kozik valued at $0.02 per share or $24,000. This issuance was an award for independent director services.
Notes Payable and Receivable Related Parties
EZ-CLONE had $49,144 due to relatives of the shareholders as of December 31, 2020. The amounts were repaid on May 10, 2021. At December 31, 2021 EZ-CLONE has $161,000 due from the two founders. The notes bear interest at 3% and are due in July 2041.
NOTE 14 – EQUITY
Authorized Capital Stock
On November 5, 2021, the Company held its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, where stockholders approved an increase in the authorized shares of common stock (“Common Stock”) from 120,000,000 to 740,000,000 shares. As such, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 8, 2021. As a result of the increase, the Company an aggregate 750,000,000 authorized shares consisting of: (i) 740,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
On October 9, 2019, the Company approved the reduction of authorized capital stock, whereby the total number of the Company’s authorized common stock decreased from 6,000,000,000 by a ratio of 1 for 50, to 120,000,000 shares. On November 20, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The reverse stock split of 1 for 150 was effective at the open of business on November 27, 2019 whereupon the shares of the Company’s common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis. Our CUSIP number will change to 39985X203.
Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our articles of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of non-voting preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. Our board of directors has the discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of non-voting preferred stock.
The purpose of authorizing our board of directors to issue non-voting preferred stock and determine our rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of non-voting preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, future financings and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire or could discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, a majority of our outstanding voting stock. Other than the Series B and C Preferred Stock discussed below, there are no shares of preferred stock presently outstanding, and we have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Capital Stock Issued and Outstanding
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had issued and outstanding securities of 117,952,697 shares of common stock.
Voting Common Stock
Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights. An election of directors by our stockholders shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the election. On all other matters, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote is required for approval, unless otherwise provided in our articles of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately any dividends as may be declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferential dividend rights of outstanding preferred stock.
In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately all assets available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
Unless otherwise indicated, all of the following sales or issuances of Company securities were conducted under the exemption from registration as provided under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (and also qualified for exemption under 4(5), formerly 4(6) of the Securities Act of 1933, except as noted below). All of the shares issued were issued in transactions not involving a public offering, are considered to be restricted stock as defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 and stock certificates issued with respect thereto bear legends to that effect.
The Company has compensated consultants and service providers with restricted common stock during the development of our business and when our capital resources were not adequate to provide payment in cash.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had the following issuances of unregistered equity securities to accredited investors unless otherwise indicated:
Debt and accrued interest of $2,502,596 was converted into 49,845,718 shares of our common stock at an average per share conversion price of $0.099.
Liability settlements of $2,442,500 was converted into 14,250,000 shares of our common stock at an average per share conversion price of $0.097.
The Company issued 813,758 shares of the Company’s common stock in a cashless exercise of warrants.
The Company issued 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to Thom Kozik, valued at $0.02 per share or $24,000. This issuance was an annual award for independent director services.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had the following issuances of unregistered equity securities to accredited investors unless otherwise indicated:
Debt and accrued interest of $1,947,819 was converted into 19,573,905 shares of our common stock at an average per share conversion price of $0.099.
The Company issued 15 shares related to a previous reverse stock split.
The Company issued 154 shares of common stock related to the exercise of warrants for $485, or $3.151 per share.
On April 16, 2020, the Company issued 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock each to Katherine McLain and Thom Kozik, directors valued at $0.295 per share or $5,900. This issuance was an annual award for independent director services.
Warrants
The Company had the following warrant activity during the year ended December 31, 2021:
On April 5, 2021, the Company finalized a joint Warrant Settlement Agreement with St. George Investments LLC (“St. George”) and Iliad Research and Trading, L.P. (“Iliad”) to resolve a dispute related the calculation of shares issuable under warrants issued in prior financings. In the Warrant Settlement Agreement, in exchange for certain covenants by the Company, St. George and Iliad agreed that upon the issuance of 14,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock it would cancel the balance of the warrants related to previous subscription agreements. The Company recorded a loss on debt settlement of $2,423,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and accrued a liability for the future issuance of shares. On April 5, 2021, the Company issued 2,500,000 shares upon the exercise of the warrant to reduce by $425,000 its obligation. On May 7, 2021, the Company issued another 3,500,000 shares upon the exercise of the warrant to further reduce by $595,000 its debt settlement obligation. On June 10, 2021, the Company issued 3,750,000 shares upon the exercise of the warrant to reduce its obligation by $637,500. On August 23, 2021, the Company issued another 2,300,000 shares upon the exercise of the warrant to reduce its obligation by $391,000. On September 29, 2021, the Company issued 2,200,000 shares upon the exercise of the warrant to reduce its obligation by $374,000 and completely payoff the balance of its obligation. The Company received no proceeds from these April, May, June, August, and September 2021 cashless warrant exercises. During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized a gain on settlement of $571,060 when the fair value of the common shares issued were based on the stock price on the date of settlement. In addition, as final settlement the Company issued 813,758 shares of common stock related to the cashless exercise of warrants
The Company had the following warrant activity during the year ended December 31, 2020:
On December 31, 2020, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Self-Amortization Promissory Note (“Amendment No. 3”) as originally issued by the Company to Labrys on August 31, 2020 (the “Note”), Pursuant to Amendment No. 3 the Company issued a common stock purchase warrant for the purchase of 1,033,057 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Warrant”) to the Holder on December 31, 2020. The exercise price is $0.121 or $125,000. The three year warrant expires on December 31, 2023.
The Company issued 154 shares of common stock related to the exercise of warrants for $485, or $3.151 per share.
On April 5, 2021, the Company finalized a joint Warrant Settlement Agreement dated March 31, 2021 with St. George and Iliad to settle a dispute regarding prior financings. The Company agreed to issue St. George 11,750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to cancel a warrant related to a February 9, 2018 subscription agreement. The Company agreed to issue Iliad 2,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to cancel a warrant related to a October 15, 2018 securities Purchase agreement. We recorded a loss on debt settlement of $2,423,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and accrued the liability as of December 31, 2020.
A summary of the warrants activity as of December 31, 2021 is as follows:
| | December 31, 2021 | |
| | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |
Outstanding on January 1, 2021 | | | 3,451,736 | | | $ | 2.464 | |
Exercised | | | (1,138,344 | ) | | | 2.225 | |
Forefeited | | | (1,626,726 | ) | | | 2.742 | |
| | | 686,666 | | | $ | 1.640 | |
Exerciseable on December 31, 2021 | | | 686,666 | | | | | |
Warrants had no intrinsic value as of December 31, 2021.
NOTE 15– STOCK OPTIONS
Description of Stock Option Plan
On November 5, 2021, at our annual shareholder meeting the Second Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Incentive Plan was adopted to increase the shares issuable under the plan from 1,333,333 to 75,000,000 shares. All terms of the Plan shall remain the same with the exception of the amount of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan. We have 75,000,000 shares available for issuance under the Second Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company had no outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2021; and, had outstanding unexercised stock option grants totaling 506,667 shares at an average exercise price of $1.496 per share as of December 31, 2020, all of which were forfeited in 2021. The Company filed registration statements on Form S-8 to register 1,333,333 shares of our common stock related to the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan and First Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Incentive Plan.
Determining Fair Value under ASC 718
The Company records compensation expense associated with stock options and other equity-based compensation using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model for estimating fair value of stock options granted under our plan. The Company amortizes the fair value of stock options on a ratable basis over the requisite service periods, which are generally the vesting periods. The expected life of awards granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding. The Company estimates the volatility of our common stock based on the historical volatility of its own common stock over the most recent period corresponding with the estimated expected life of the award. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black Scholes-Merton option valuation model on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award. The Company has not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the Company uses an expected dividend yield of zero in the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model and adjusts share-based compensation for changes to the estimate of expected equity award forfeitures based on actual forfeiture experience. The effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed.
Stock Option Activity
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had the following stock option activity:
Stock option grants for 506,667 and 43,333 shares of common stock expired in the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. No options to purchase common shares were exercised during either year.
As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, there are zero and 506,667, respectively, options to purchase common stock at an average exercise price of $1.496 per share outstanding under the 2017 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan. The Company recorded $15,475 and $47,170 of compensation expense, net of related tax effects, relative to stock options for the year ended December 31, 2021and 2020 in accordance with ASC Topic 718.
NOTE 16 - SEGMENT REPORTING
The management of the Company consider the business to have one operating segment for the year ended December 31, 2021. The management of the Company considers the business to have two operating segments (i) the distribution of GrowLife products and GrowLife, Inc. and (ii) EZ-CLONE, a manufacturer of cloning products. EZ-CLONE has provided the majority of the Company’s gross margins during 2020. The financial results from GrowLife products has been diminishing with the Company’s focus on EZ-CLONE.
The reporting for the year ended December 31, 2020, was as follows (in thousands):
Segment | | Revenue | | | Gross Margin | | | Operating Profit (Loss) | | | Assets | |
GrowLife | | $ | 1,568 | | | $ | 314 | | | $ | (2,465 | ) | | $ | 108 | |
EZ-CLONE Enterprises | | | 5,433 | | | | 2,666 | | | | 575 | | | | 4,247 | |
Total | | $ | 7,001 | | | $ | 2,980 | | | $ | (1,890 | ) | | $ | 4,355 | |
NOTE 17 – COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company may become subject to various legal proceedings that are incidental to the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business. Although we cannot accurately predict the amount of any liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of these matters, it makes provision for potential liabilities when it deems them probable and reasonably estimable. These provisions are based on current information and may be adjusted from time to time according to developments.
As of September 30, 2019, the Company closed retail stores in Portland, Maine, Encino, California and Calgary, Canada. The Company has recorded restructuring reserves related to the store closures. The Company cannot determine the outcome of these proceedings.
On October 15, 2018, the Company closed the Purchase and Sale Agreement with EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc., a California corporation (the “Agreement”). On November 5, 2019, the Company amended the Agreement with one 24.5% shareholder of EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc. (“EZ-CLONE”), to extend the date to purchase the remaining 49% of stock of EZ-CLONE in exchange for a 20% extension fee (a total of $171,000 for the 49% or $85,500 for each 24.5% shareholder) of the $855,000 cash payable at the earlier of the closing of $2,000,000 in funding or nine months (July 2020). The Company did not close the purchase of the remaining 49% of stock of EZ-CLONE by the extended deadline.
On September 15, 2020, the Company received notice that William Blackburn and Brad Mickelsen, minority shareholders of EZ-CLONE Enterprises, Inc. (“Plaintiffs”), a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, filed a complaint against the Company and its officers Marco Hegyi and Mark Scott (“Officers”), in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento (“Complaint”) for claims related to breach under the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 15, 2018 between the Company and Plaintiffs. On September 15, 2020, the Company filed a notice of removal with the California Superior Court, County of Sacramento and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. The case was removed to Federal District Court for the Eastern District of California and Plaintiffs filed an Ex Parte Application for TRO and an Order for Preliminary Injunction with the Federal Court. The TRO was granted on September 16, 2020 and a preliminary injunction hearing was scheduled for September 29, 2020. After reviewing all pleadings and oral arguments at the hearing, the Court issued a ruling granting Plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction. After reviewing all pleadings and oral arguments at the hearing, the Court issued a ruling granting Plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction.
The Complaint also alleges that the Company and its Officers made certain false representations and other claims to consummate the Transaction and as a result has failed to complete the second closing as required under Purchase and Sale Agreement. As of December 4, 2020, the company’s officers were dismissed from the case. The Plaintiffs are seeking rescission of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, unspecified damages in excess of ten thousand dollars, and other equitable relief. The parties provided legal briefs to the Federal court to determine if rescission should be granted. The Court did not reach a decision on this issue, and denied without prejudice, the Company’s effort to reverse the preliminary injunction. The Company is currently reviewing whether to pursue the matter further and engaging in settlement discussions. We cannot determine the outcome of these proceedings.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a liability of $2,131,000 for acquisition payable of which a $1,105,000 is payable in stock and $1,026,000 is payable in cash.
On April 23, 2021, the Company was notified that it was in default on its notes held by Silverback Capital Corporation. The reason for the default was the Company’s inability to provide the reserve share requirement as specified in the notes. The penalty for the reserve share default was an increase in the outstanding note balances by 15%, an increase in the conversion discount by 5%, and a default interest rate on the outstanding note balances of 22%. The company recorded such amounts as debt extinguishment and as all amount were considered due on demand, such amount was expensed.
As a result of the reserve share default, on May 7, 2021, Silverback demanded immediate payment in full of all their notes. On May 10, 2021, when Silverback had not been paid in full, Silverback presented another default notice for lack of payment. The penalty for the non-payment default was an increase in the outstanding note balances by another 15%, an additional increase in the conversion discount by 5%, and a default interest rate on the outstanding note balances of 22%. The company recorded such amount as debt extinguishment and as all amounts were considered due in demand, such amount was immediately expensed.
Operating Leases
The Company is obligated under the following leases for its various facilities.
On May 31, 2021, the Company rented space at 11335 NE 122nd Way, Suite 105, Kirkland, Washington 98034 for $623 per month for the Company’s corporate office and use of space in the Regus network, including California. The Company’s agreement expires May 31, 2022.
On December 14, 2018, GrowLife, Inc. entered into a lease agreement with Pensco Trust Company for a 28,000 square feet industrial space at 10170 Croydon Way, Sacramento, California 95827 used for the assembly and sales of plastic parts by EZ-CLONE. The monthly lease payment is $17,500 and increases approximately 3% per year. The lease expires on December 31, 2023.
Employment Agreements
Employment Agreement with Marco Hegyi
On October 15, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an Employment Agreement with Marco Hegyi pursuant to which we engaged Mr. Hegyi as its Chief Executive Officer through October 15, 2021.
Mr. Hegyi’s annual compensation is $275,000. Mr. Hegyi is also entitled to receive an annual bonus equal to four percent (4%) of the Company’s EBITDA for that year. The annual bonus shall be paid no later than 31 days following the end of each calendar year.
Mr. Hegyi received 320,000 warrants in October 2018 as follows: (i) Warrant to purchase up to 106,667 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.80 per share which vested immediately; and (ii) two Warrants to purchase up to 106,667 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $1.80 per share. One warrant for 106,667 shares of our common stock vested on October 15, 2019. Additional warrants for 106,667 shares of the Company’s common stock vest on October 15, 2020 and 2021, respectively. The Warrants are exercisable for 5 years.
Mr. Hegyi is entitled to participate in all group employment benefits that are offered by the Company to its senior executives and management employees from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans, including any eligibility requirements. In addition, the Company will purchase and maintain during the Term an insurance policy on Mr. Hegyi’s life in the amount of $2,000,000 payable to Mr. Hegyi’s named heirs or estate as the beneficiary.
If the Company terminates Mr. Hegyi’s employment at any time prior to the expiration of the Term without Cause, as defined in the Employment Agreement, or if Mr. Hegyi terminates his employment at any time for “Good Reason” or due to a “Disability”, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to receive (i) his Base Salary amount through the end of the Term; and (ii) his Annual Bonus amount for each year during the remainder of the Term.
The Employment Agreements for Mr. Hegyi expired October 15, 2021
NOTE 18 – INCOME TAXES
The Company has incurred losses since inception, which have generated net operating loss carryforwards. The net operating loss carryforwards arise solely from United States sources. EZ-CLONE currently files its own separate tax return as it does not meet the qualifications for being included in the Company’s consolidated tax returns. Taxable losses and the future benefit of EZ-CLONE losses since our transaction with them in October 2018 have not been material through 2019. During 2021 and 2020 EZ-CLONE generated taxable income and our current tax expense below relates to estimated taxes owed by EZ-CLONE.
The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $25.8 million of which $14.1 million related to years prior to 2018 which expire in 2022 through -2038. Because it is not more likely than not that sufficient tax earnings will be generated to utilize the net operating loss carryforwards, the deferred tax asset related to the net operating loss carryforwards has a corresponding 100% valuation allowance. Additionally, under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the amounts of, and benefits from, net operating losses may be limited in certain circumstances, including a change in control.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code generally imposes an annual limitation on the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that may be used to offset taxable income when a corporation has undergone significant changes in its stock ownership. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to utilize any net operating loss carryforwards in the future. The Company is subject to possible tax examination for the years 2014 through 2021.
For the year ended December 31, 2020 the Company’s effective tax rate was 4% which is higher than expected because the Company’s subsidiary EZ-CLONE files its own tax return and generated taxable income for the year. In accordance with the ASC 740, “Accounting for income taxes”, and in connection with the acquisition of EZ-CLONE the Company recorded a deferred tax liability of $587,750 related to the inside basis difference between book and tax basis of intangible assets acquired. Beginning in 2019, the deferred tax liability is reduced as the intangible assets are reduced. The reduction of the deferred tax liability resulted in a tax benefit of $117,550 in 2021 and 2020. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 the deferred tax liability totals $235,097 and $352,649, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, income tax (expense) benefit consisted of the following:
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
Current income tax (expense) | | | | | | |
Federal | | | (189,333 | ) | | $ | (263,982 | ) |
State | | | (79,905 | ) | | | (85,520 | ) |
Total current tax (expense) | | | (269,238 | ) | | | (349,502 | ) |
Deferred tax benefit | | | | | | | | |
Federal | | | 210,925 | | | | 117,550 | |
State | | | 80,900 | | | | - | |
Total deferred benefit | | | 291,825 | | | | 117,550 | |
Total income tax (expense) | | $ | (22,587 | ) | | $ | (231,952 | ) |
The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
Net operating loss carryforwards | | $ | 7,018,000 | | | $ | 5,232,524 | |
Less valuation allowance | | | (7,018,000 | ) | | | (5,232,524 | ) |
Net deferred tax asset | | | - | | | | - | |
Deferred tax liability - intangible basis | | | (106,000 | ) | | | (352,649 | ) |
Net deferred tax liability | | $ | (106,000 | ) | | $ | (352,649 | ) |
A reconciliation of the United States Federal Statutory rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
Federal statutory rate | | | 21 | % | | | 21 | % |
State statutory rate | | | 6 | % | | | 6 | % |
Non-deductible interest and loss on extinguishment | | | -24 | % | | | -27 | % |
Change in valuation allowance | | | -6 | % | | | -6 | % |
Change in fair value of derivatives | | | 3 | % | | | 2 | % |
Effective tax (expense) rate | | | 0 | % | | | -4 | % |
NOTE 19– SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluates subsequent events, for the purpose of adjustment or disclosure, up through the date the financial statements are available.
These were the material events after December 31, 2021:
Securities Purchase Agreements and Convertible Promissory Notes
On January 4, 2022 and on March 8, 2022 the Company executed the following agreements with Sixth Street Lending, LLC:
(i) Securities Purchase Agreement; and (ii) Convertible Promissory Note; an (collectively the “Sixth Street Agreements”).
The total amount of funding under the Sixth Street Agreements is $275,000 as represented in the Convertible Promissory Notes (“Note”). The total purchase price for these Notes are $310,200; the Notes carry an aggregate original issue discount of $28,200 and a transaction expense amount of $7,000. The Notes have maturity dates one year from the date of execution. The Notes have an interest rate of eight percent (8%). The Notes are convertible, at Sixth Street’s option, into the Company’s common stock at a 25% discount to market price (“Lender Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment as provided for in the Note.
Debt Conversions
On January 4, 2022, Silverback Capital Corporation converted principal and accrued interest of $50,400 into 4,800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per share conversion price of $0.0105.
On February 10, 2022, Bucktown converted principal and accrued interest of $180,000 into 11,764,706 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per share conversion price of $0.0153.
On March 22, 2022, Silverback converted principal and accrued interest of $126,500 into 11,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per share conversion price of $0.0115.