UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20222023
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission file numberFile Number: 000-56148
TraQiQ,Titan Environmental Solutions Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
30-0580318 | ||
(State or | (I.R.S. Employer | |
Identification | ||
300 E. Long Lake Road, Suite 100A | ||
Bloomfield Hills,Michigan | 48304 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
14205 SE 36th Street, Suite 100
Bellevue, WA(248) 98006775-7400
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (425)818-0560Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value $0.0001 per share
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities ActAct. Yes ☐ Yes ☒ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☒☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sectionsection 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrantRegistrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☒ No ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☒ No ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non- acceleratednon-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “non-accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth”growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Smaller reporting company | ☒ | Non-accelerated filer | |
Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes ☐ No ☐☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ Yes No ☒No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equitystock, other than shares held by non-affiliates computed by reference topersons who may be deemed affiliates of the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity,registrant, as of June 30, 2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed Secondsecond fiscal quarter, was approximately $5,234,744, based upon12,808,304, computed by reference to the closing sales price for the registrant’s common stock on June 30, 2023, as reported on The OTCQB market operated by OTC Markets Group.
There were of $4.10 on the OTCQB as of that date shares of the registrant’s common stock, . Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the outstanding common stock of the registrant have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. Without acknowledging that any individual director of registrant is an affiliate, all directors have been included as affiliates with respect to shares owned by them.
As of March 30, 2023, there were shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $0.0001 par value, per share, outstanding.outstanding as of March 29, 2024.
TITAN ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
Summary of Principal Risk Factors
As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “we”, “us”, “our” and the “Company” mean Titan Environmental Solutions Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, taken as a whole (unless the context indicates a different meaning).
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections titled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business,” but are also contained elsewhere in this report. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “objective,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue” and “ongoing,” or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance or condition and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievement to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements discussed in Item 1 (Business), Item 1A (Risk Factors), Item 3 (Legal Proceedings), Item 7 (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in other materials and oral statements that TraQiQ, Inc. (the “Company”) releases from time to time to the public constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements concerning management’s expectations, strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated economic performance and financial condition and other similar matters involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements discussed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors are discussed in Item 1A (Risk Factors) and Item 7 (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations). In addition, these statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It should be understood that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors.
These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,’’ “will,’’ “expect,’’ “intend,’’ “estimate,’’ “anticipate,’’ “believe,’’ “continue’’ or similar terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, you are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ from projections include, for example:
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● | diminishing landfill capacity, resulting in increased costs and the | |
● | failure to attract, hire and retain key team members and a high quality workforce; | |
● | increases in labor costs due to union organizing activities or changes in wage and labor related regulations; | |
● | disruption and costs resulting from extreme weather and destructive climate events; | |
● | public health risk, increased costs and disruption due to a future resurgence of pandemic conditions and restrictions; | |
● | macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical conflict and market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints, inflationary cost pressures and fluctuations in commodity prices, fuel and other energy costs; | |
● | increased competition; | |
● | pricing actions; |
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● | impacts from international trade restrictions; | |
● | competitive disposal alternatives, diversion of waste from landfills and declining waste volumes; | |
● | weakness in general economic conditions and capital markets, including potential for an economic recession; instability of financial institutions; | |
● | adoption of new tax legislation; | |
● | shortages of fuel and/or other energy resources; | |
● | failure to develop and protect new technology; | |
● | failure of technology to perform as expected; | |
● | the risks associated with the legislative, judicial, accounting, regulatory, political and economic risks and conditions; | |
● | claims, demands and lawsuits to which we are, and may in the future, be subject and the risk that our insurance or indemnities coverage may not be sufficient; | |
● | our ability to | |
● | our ability to implement additional finance and accounting systems, procedures and controls in order to satisfy public company reporting requirements; | |
● | our ability to obtain additional financing when and as needed; | |
● | the | |
● | the future |
Unless otherwise required by low,You should read this report, including the section titled “Risk Factors,” and the documents that we also disclaim any obligation to update our view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements madereference elsewhere in this annual report on form 10-k
When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements inand have filed as exhibits to this annual report, on Form 10-Kcompletely and in our other filings with the SEC. We cannot assure youunderstanding that theour actual results may differ materially from what we expect as expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements in this annual report on Form 10-K will prove to be accurate.statements. Furthermore, if our forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may prove to be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time-frame,time frame, or at all. Any
These forward-looking statement made by us in this annual report of Form 10-K speaksstatements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date on whichof this report. Except as required by law, we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement,statements, whether as a result of new information, future developmentsevents or otherwise except as may be requiredafter the date of this report. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by law. You are advised, however,the cautionary statements contained or referred to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our public announcements and SEC filings.herein.
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PART I
Item 1. BusinessSUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS
This summary briefly lists the principal risks and uncertainties facing our business, which are only a select portion of those risks. A more complete discussion of those risks and uncertainties is set forth in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report, entitled Risk Factors. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect us. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Our business is subject to the following principal risks and uncertainties:
● | Since our recent transition to an environmental solutions company in January 2023, we lack an established operating history on which to evaluate our consolidated business and determine if we will be able to execute our business plan, and we can give no assurance that our operations will result in profits. | |
● | We have had a history of losses and may incur future losses, which may prevent us from attaining profitability. | |
● | If we are unable to obtain additional funding when needed, our business operations will be harmed, and if we do obtain additional financing, our then-existing shareholders may suffer substantial dilution. | |
● | If we do not obtain adequate capital funding or improve our financial performance, we may not be able to continue as a going concern. | |
● | We have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions as a primary component of our growth strategy. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms, or at all, which could disrupt our operations and adversely impact our business and operating results. | |
● | Increased competition for acquisition targets in our industry may affect the availability of acquisition targets, which could adversely affect our growth. | |
● | Our ability to acquire additional businesses may require us to raise capital through the sale of equity and/or debt securities, which we may be unable to do on acceptable terms. | |
● | We may be unable to successfully integrate acquisitions, which may adversely impact our operations. | |
● | Acquisitions that we complete may have an adverse impact on our results of operations. | |
● | Our resources may not be sufficient to manage our expected growth and the failure to properly manage our potential growth would be detrimental to our business. | |
● | Our business is capital intensive, requiring ongoing cash outlays that may strain or consume our available capital and force us to sell assets, incur debt, or sell equity on unfavorable terms. | |
● | We currently depend on a limited number of customers for our revenue. | |
● | Our operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities. | |
● | Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others. |
● | We may lose contracts through competitive bidding, early termination or governmental action, or we may have to substantially lower prices in order to retain certain contracts, any of which would cause our revenue and our operating margins to decline. | |
● | Efforts by labor unions to organize our employees could divert management attention and increase our operating expenses. | |
● | We will need to raise additional capital in the future and additional capital may not be available to us on reasonable terms, if at all, when or as we require. If we issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that may be convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, our common stock, our existing stockholders would experience further dilution and could trigger anti-dilution provisions in outstanding warrants. |
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COMPANY OVERVIEW
PART I
ITEM I. | Business |
TraQiQ,Overview
We are an integrated provider of non-hazardous solid waste and recycling collection, transportation, transfer and disposal services. We also provide technology-enabled solutions for food waste processing, including onsite digesters for food waste, together with cloud-based software tracking and analytics solutions. We currently have the majority of our operations in Michigan but are looking to expand our presence across the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States.
Our principal operating subsidiary, Titan Trucking, LLC (“Titan Trucking”), which is based in Troy, Michigan, is a non-hazardous solid waste management company providing waste and recycling collection and transportation services for industrial generators, commercial contractors and transfer station operators located in Michigan. Titan Trucking began non-hazardous waste collection operations in May 2017 and completed the asset acquisitions of Century Waste, Inc and WTI Global Waste and Recycling Services, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) was incorporated in the StateJune 2022 and December 2022, respectively. Through these companies, we currently operate a fleet of California on September 9, 2009 as Thunderclap Entertainment, Inc. On July 14, 2017, Thunderclap Entertainment, Inc. changed its name to TraQiQ, Inc. For23 vehicles. All of Titan Trucking’s revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and 2021, our operations were concentrated in India, Southeast Asia and Latin America, and involved servicing business supply chains with last mile delivery and mobile commerce. We helped businesses in emerging markets leverage the gig economy with the following two-prong approach: (i) we offered our software as a service so our customers could build their own delivery networks and (ii) we offered our network of over 14,000 task workers in India through our Mimo network. In December 2022, we sold a substantial portion of this legacy business. We remain in the technology services and solutions business through our subsidiary, TraQIQ Solutions Inc., and continue to operate our OmniM2M.com website that drives internet of things e-commerce revenue.
On January 5, 2023, we consummated the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of December 30, 2022 (the “Purchase Agreement”) among Renovare Environmental, Inc. (“REI”) and BioHiTech America, LLC (“BHT” and, together with REI, the “Renovare Sellers”) and us, pursuant to which the Renovare Sellers sold and assigned to us, and we purchased and assumedwas derived from the Renovare Sellers, (a) certain assets relatedprovision of roll-off, rubber wheel and long-haul tractor trailer services to the business of (i) aerobic digestion technology solutionsits customers.
In January 2023, Recoup Technologies, Inc. (“Recoup Technologies”) was formed to serve as our food waste digester operating company and acquired technologies and equipment for the disposalon-site biological processing of food waste, at the point of generation and (ii) data analytics with respect to food waste (collectively, the “Digester Business”) and (b) certain specified liabilities of the Renovare Sellers. We intend for the Digester Business to be one of our principal businesses going forward, and we intend to supplement our current business through the acquisition of complementary businesses.
Going forward, our mission is to reduce the environmental impact of the waste management industry through the development and deployment of cost-effective technology solutions. Our suite of technologies includes on-site biological processing equipment for food waste andas well as proprietary real-time data analytics tools to reduce food waste generation. These proprietary solutions maycan enable certain businesses, including restaurants, hotels and municipalitiesother hospitality venues, cruise ships and educational facilities of all sizes to lower disposal costs while having a positive impact on the environment. When used individually or in combination, weWe believe that our food processing solutions can reduce the carbon footprint associated with waste transportation, repurpose non-recyclable plastics, and significantly reduce landfill usage. As we continue
Our Operating Strategy
Our objective is to expand the geographic scope of our operations and to become one of the leading providers of non-hazardous solid waste management businessin each market that we planserve. Our operating strategy to discontinue or spin offachieve this objective is to capitalize on the remaining portionscontinuing consolidation of the legacy business.solid waste management industry by (i) identifying and penetrating new markets and expanding our operations in our existing markets through tuck-in acquisitions that are combined with existing operations, (ii) increasing profitability by vertically integrating our operations and achieving economies of scale, and (iii) internalizing greater volumes of disposal waste through the acquisition of strategic landfills and transfer stations, and (iv) achieving internal growth. We will seek to avoid highly-competitive, large urban markets and instead target markets in which we can attain high market share either through exclusive contracts, vertical integration or asset positioning. We will seek to be among the leading providers of waste services in most of our markets. The key components of our operating strategy, which are tailored to the competitive and regulatory factors that affect our markets, are as follows:
● | Expansion Through Acquisitions. We have implemented an acquisition program to expand our operations by acquiring solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal companies, principally in the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States. The principal components of our acquisition strategy are as follows: |
● | Enter New Markets. We will typically seek to enter a new market by acquiring one or several solid waste collection and transportation operations where there are sufficient disposal alternatives to ensure competitive disposal pricing. We may also acquire solid waste landfills in our targeted new markets with significant currently-permitted capacity and in connection therewith or thereafter acquire nearby solid waste collection and transfer station operations so as to secure a captive waste stream for internal disposal into the acquired landfill. As we expand, we plan to focus our business in the markets where competition from national service providers is limited. We plan to start new market development projects in certain disposal-neutral markets in which we will provide services to commercial, industrial and municipal customers relying on superior customer service as our catalyst for growth. We believe this strategic focus positions us to acquire significant share within our target markets, maximize customer retention and benefit from a higher and more stable pricing environment. |
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● | Expansion of Market Share and Services. We plan to direct acquisition efforts towards those markets in which we will be able to provide vertically integrated collection and disposal services and/or provide waste collection services in markets with high barriers to entry. After our initial entry into a new market, we will seek to expand our market share and services through (i) the acquisition of solid waste management businesses and operations that can be integrated with our existing operations without increases in infrastructure or that complement our existing services, and (ii) expansion into adjacent markets. Such acquisitions may involve adding collection operations, transfer stations, collection routes and landfill capacity that allow us to expand market share and increase asset utilization by eliminating duplicate management, administrative and operational functions. Prior to acquisition, we will analyze each prospective target for cost savings through the elimination of inefficiencies and excesses that are typically associated with private companies competing in fragmented industries. | ||
● | Target Secondary and Rural Markets. By targeting secondary and rural markets, we believe that we will be able to garner a higher local market share than would be attainable in more competitive urban markets, which we believe reduces our exposure to customer churn and improves financial returns. |
● | Increasing Productivity and Operating Efficiency. We believe we can reduce the total operating expenses of owned and acquired businesses by implementing centralized financial controls, consolidating certain functions performed separately by each business prior to its acquisition by us, and consolidating collection routes, equipment, and personnel through tuck-in acquisitions. In addition, we are implementing programs to take advantage of certain economies of scale in such areas as the purchase of equipment, vehicles, parts and tools, vehicle and equipment maintenance, data processing, financing arrangements, employee benefits, insurance and bonding, and communications. | |
● | Provide Vertically Integrated Services. In markets where we believe that owning landfills is a strategic advantage to a collection operation because of competitive and regulatory factors, we plan to focus on providing integrated services, from collection through disposal of solid waste in landfills that we own or operate. After we have acquired a landfill, we will seek to maximize internalization of waste we collect, and thereby intend to realize higher margins from our waste operations. | |
● | Pursue Exclusive and Municipal Contracts. In markets where waste collection services are provided under exclusive arrangements, or where waste disposal is municipally owned or funded or available at multiple sources, we believe that controlling the waste stream by providing collection services under exclusive arrangements is often more important to our growth and profitability than owning or operating landfills. We intend to devote significant resources to securing municipal contracts. Our management team is well versed in bidding for municipal contracts with over 60 years of experience and working knowledge in the solid waste industry and local service areas in existing and target markets. We hope to procure and negotiate exclusive municipal contracts, allowing us to maintain stable recurring revenue but also providing a significant barrier to entry to our competitors in those markets. |
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● | Internal Growth. To generate internal revenue growth, our management and sales and marketing personnel will focus on increasing market penetration in our current and adjacent markets, soliciting new customers in markets in which such customers have the option to choose a particular waste collection service and marketing upgraded or additional services (such as compaction or automated collection) to existing customers. We believe we can achieve internal growth, principally from additional sales into our current markets, by providing superior and improved service and through our existing marketing efforts. We also intend to selectively implement price increases when competitive advantages and appropriate market conditions exist. As customers are added in existing markets, our revenue per routed truck increases, which generally increases our collection efficiencies and profitability. In markets in which we have exclusive contracts, franchises and governmental certificates, we expect internal volume growth generally to track population and business growth. | |
● | Manage on a Decentralized Basis. We will strive to acquire synergistic companies with strong management that can remain with us to support future growth and leadership as we will manage our operations on a decentralized basis. This places decision-making authority close to the customer, enabling us to identify and address customers’ needs quickly in a cost-effective manner. We believe that decentralization provides a low-overhead, highly-efficient operational structure that allows us to expand into geographically contiguous markets and operate in relatively small communities that larger competitors may not find attractive. We believe that this structure gives us a strategic competitive advantage, given the relatively rural nature of many of the markets in which we plan to operate, and makes us an attractive buyer to many potential acquisition candidates. | |
It is expected that each operating location will have a district or site manager who has a high degree of decision-making authority for his or her operations and is responsible for maintaining service quality, promoting safety, implementing marketing programs and overseeing day-to-day operations, including contract administration. Local managers will also help identify acquisition candidates and will be responsible for integrating acquired businesses into our operations and obtaining the permits and other governmental approvals required for us to operate. | ||
● | Implement Operating Standards. We will develop company-wide operating standards, which will be tailored for each of our markets based on industry norms and local conditions. We implement cost controls and employee training and safety procedures and establish a sales and marketing plan for each market. By internalizing the waste stream of acquired operations, we expect to further increase operating efficiencies and improve capital utilization. We plan to use a wide-area information system network, implement financial controls and consolidate certain accounting, personnel and customer service functions. While regional and district management operate with a high degree of autonomy, our executive officers monitor regional and district operations and require adherence to our accounting, purchasing, safety, marketing and internal control policies, particularly with respect to financial matters. Our executive officers will regularly review the performance of regional officers, district managers and operations. We believe we can improve the profitability of existing and newly-acquired operations by establishing operating standards, closely monitoring performance and streamlining certain administrative functions. |
Waste Industry Overview
With an estimated $73.7 billion market share for 2023, the waste collection services industry focuses on collecting hazardous and nonhazardous waste and recyclable materials. Nonhazardous waste includes municipal solid waste, household waste, and industrial and commercial waste. The industry also includes the operations of transfer stations where waste is relocated from local vehicles to long-distance vehicles like long haul trucks or trains for transport to disposal facilities or sorted for further processing. Given the utility-like nature of trash and recyclable material collection, the industry is highly recession resistant. While it has been immune to technological disruptions, the ability to leverage new technologies, such as automated and energy-efficient vehicles, represent a new benefit to businesses, which is expected to continue over the coming years.
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During the past four decades, our industry has experienced periods of substantial consolidation activity; however, we believe significant fragmentation remains. We believe that there are two primary factors that lead to consolidation:
● | Stringent industry regulations have caused operating and capital costs to increase, with many local industry participants finding these costs difficult to bear and deciding to either close their operations or sell them to larger operators; and | |
● | Larger operators are increasingly pursuing economies of scale by vertically integrating their operations or by utilizing their facility, asset and management infrastructure over larger volumes. Accordingly, larger solid waste collection and disposal companies are seeking to become more cost-effective and competitive by controlling a larger waste stream and by gaining access to significant financial resources to make acquisitions. |
Management believes that the larger public companies as well as those backed by private equity firms target the larger revenue generating companies available in their respective markets leaving smaller sellers with less access to acquirers. We will focus on those niche smaller opportunities where we can take advantage of our entrepreneurial approach.
Operations
Through our subsidiaries, we provide solid waste collection services to approximately 475 industrial and commercial customers in the Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan area. In the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, substantially all of our collection revenue was derived from services provided to industrial customers. However, it is our intention to increase substantially the revenues we derive in our current business operations from services provided to commercial customers. We also expect to acquire companies that derive significant revenues from commercial and residential customers.
REVOLUTION SERIES™ DIGESTERSCollection Services. Collection involves picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (“MRF”) or disposal site. We generally will provide collection services under one of two types of arrangements:
● | For commercial and industrial collection services, typically we have, and expect to continue to have, three-year service agreements. The fees under the agreements are influenced by factors such as collection frequency, type of collection equipment we furnish, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, distance to the disposal facility, labor costs, cost of disposal and general market factors. As part of the service, we provide steel containers to most customers to store their solid waste between pick-up dates. Containers vary in size and type according to the needs of our customers and the restrictions of their communities. Many are designed to be lifted mechanically and either emptied into a truck’s compaction hopper or directly into a disposal site. By using these containers, we can service most of our commercial and industrial customers with trucks operated by only one employee. | |
● | For most residential collection services, we will seek to acquire companies that have a contract with, or a franchise granted by, a municipality, homeowners’ association or some other regional authority that will give us the exclusive right to service all or portion of the homes in an area. These contracts or franchises are typically for periods of three to ten years. We expect that we also will provide services under individual monthly subscriptions directly to households. The fees for residential collection are either paid by the municipality or authority from their tax revenues or service charges, or are paid directly by the residents receiving the service. |
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In our roll off waste collection operations, we supply our customers with waste containers of various sizes of dumpsters that are primarily used for construction and demolition debris but can also be used for municipal waste and recyclable materials. These containers are designed so that they can be lifted mechanically on to a collection truck to be transported to a disposal facility. By using these containers, we can service our customers with trucks operated by a single employee. Roll off collection services are not generally performed under long-term service agreements but are provided on an “on call” basis. In certain cases, contract terms may apply but tend to be shorter in length, in some cases having terms of only six months, and may vary according to the customers’ underlying projects. Fees are generally charged in one of two ways: fixed fee per pick up depending on the size of equipment provided, or separate fees for transportation of the dumpster provided added to the disposal cost for materials deposited in our equipment and disposed of. Disposal fees can vary depending on type of material and origin of the waste.
Additionally, we rent rubber wheel trailers to smaller generators of waste such as homeowners and small commercial contractors. Rubber wheel trailers are primarily used for clean up debris and in some cases smaller quantities of construction and demolition debris. Rubber wheel trailers generally cause less trauma to customer property and are more convenient to load or relocate on a customer location. We tow the rubber wheel trailers with our standard vehicles and transport them with the waste to either a landfill or a transfer station for disposal. Fees for rubber wheel services are similar to those for roll off collection services.
Transportation and Disposal Services. All solid waste management companies must have access to a disposal facility, such as a solid waste landfill. While landfills are the main depositories for solid waste in North America, the significant capital requirements of developing and operating a landfill serve as a barrier to landfill ownership, and, thus, we currently utilize third party disposal facilities. It is usually preferable for our collection operations to use disposal facilities that we own or operate, rather than using third-party disposal facilities, which generally allows us to realize higher consolidated margins and stronger operating cash flows. The fees charged at disposal facilities, which are referred to as tipping fees, are based on several factors, including our cost to construct, maintain and close the landfill, the distance to an alternative disposal facility, the type and weight or volume of solid waste deposited and competition.
In many cases where waste generators are not within close proximity to landfills, waste is disposed of at transfer stations. Transfer stations act as intermediary facilities where smaller quantities of waste can be delivered and consolidated into vehicles capable of transporting larger quantities of material. Transfer station operators can achieve economies of scale by transporting these larger quantities. Transportation from transfer stations is normally provided via tractor trailer style vehicles but can also be achieved using alternate transportation means such as rail or barge. Transfer station operators normally charge a fee for volume delivered to their facility usually measured in tons or cubic yards. The Companymain costs to transfer station operators is the disposal fee charged by the final disposal facility which can be a landfill, waste to energy facility, or other licensed disposal facility, together with the cost associated with the transportation of the material. As transfer station operators are dependent upon transporters to ultimately remove the waste delivered to their facility, these services are in high demand.
Recycling Services. Recycling involves the separation of reusable materials from the waste stream for processing and resale or other disposition. We not only collect materials from households and businesses in our service areas, we also sell them to manufacturers to be recycled and sold in the North American market. Demand for recycled materials is generally growing. Several states have recently passed minimum-recycled-content mandates, and many companies are responding to requirements for recycled content from their own customers and to meet sustainability targets. While we currently marketsdo not own any recycling facilities, as we expand our service offerings, we will seek to build or acquire such facilities in an effort to attract additional customers and increase our operating margins.
Food Waste Digester Services. Through our Recoup Technologies subsidiary, we are a leading provider of an innovative clean technology that was designed to solve the increasingly-relevant issue of food waste disposal by combining waste disposal equipment with advanced data analytics. With approximately 2.5 billion tons of food wasted each year and over 97% of such waste being sent to landfills, food waste is a serious issue that has detrimental environmental and economic implications. Our solution has attracted the attention of leading corporations and governments around the world as they strive to reduce carbon emissions and measure environmental impact while realizing a compelling return on investment.
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We currently market an aerobic digestion technology solution for the disposal of food waste at the point of generation. ItsOur line of Revolution Series Digesters has been described asare self-contained, robotic digestive systems that we believe are as easy to install as a standard dishwasher with no special electrical or plumbing requirements. Units range in size depending upon capacity, with the smallest unit approximatelyapproximating the size of a residential washing machine. The digesters utilize a biological process to convert up to 1,400 pounds of food waste in a 24-hour period into a liquid that we believe is safe to discharge down an ordinary drain. This process can result in a substantial reduction in costs for customers including cruise lines, restaurants, retail stores, hospitals, hotel/hospitality companies and governmental units by eliminating the transportation and logistics costs associated with food waste disposal. The CompanyWe also expectsexpect the process to reduce the greenhouse gases associated with food-waste transportation and decomposition in landfills that have been linked to climate change. The Company offers itsWe offer our Revolution Series Digesters in several sizes targeting small- to mid-sized food waste generation sites that are often more economical than traditional disposal methods. We also offer the microorganisms that are used with the digesters in the biological conversion process. The microorganisms are typically supplied on a monthly basis and are typically supplied for the life of the digester. Our Revolution Series Digesters are manufactured and assembled in the United States.
In an effort to expand the capabilities of itsour digesters, the Company developedwe offer a sophisticated Internet of Things (“IoT”) technology platform to provide itsour customers with transparency into their internal and supply chain waste generation and operational practices. This patented process collects weight relatedweight-related data from the digesters to deliver real-time data that provides valuable information that when analyzed, can improve efficiency, and validate corporate sustainability efforts. The Company provides itsWe provide our IoT platform through a SaaS (“Software as a Service”) model that is either bundled in itsour rental agreements or sold through a separate quarterly or annual software license. The Company continues to addWe are considering adding new capacity sizes to itsour line of Revolution Series Digesters to meet customer needs.
Digester Technologies, Markets, Customers and Competition
The Company plans to leverage its existing technology, including our digester’s on-board patented weighing system, by collecting, accumulating, and providing empirical data that can aid in improving the efficiencyAcquisition of the upstream supply chain. By streaming data from the digesters, collecting information from system users and integrating business application data, TraQiQ’s internet-enabled system known as the BioHiTech CloudTM can provide necessary data to aid customers in reshaping their purchasing decisions and positively affecting employee behavior. In its simplest form, the BioHiTech Cloud can quantify food waste in a fashion that we do not believe has historically been available. It enables users to understand food waste generation habits and to improve operational efficiencies.
The BioHiTech Cloud data can be used to help educate customers as to where, when and how waste is being created. Tracking and analyzing waste based on creation time, food type, preparation stage, origin of waste or other key metrics may provide a clearer picture of the food waste lifecycle. Our digesters provide significant economic savings and decreases in carbon footprint, and we believe that the addition of the BioHiTech Cloud increases that impact by helping customers to manage inventory more accurately and to improve their preparation practices and staff efficiencies.
The Company believes that its combined offering of technology and digesters provides customers with information that has not been readily available to consumers in the past and that has the potential for improved management and reduction of waste at the point of generation on a real-time basis.
The Company believes that its digester products can remove organic waste from the overcrowded and costly landfills of the world and provide significant benefits to both business organizations and the community including:Standard Waste Services, LLC
Standard was founded in 2017 by Dominic Campo to provide contracted commercial roll-off and front-load waste services, including dumpster compactor rentals, to customers principally in the Southeast Michigan market. Standard currently operates approximately 20 waste collection trucks servicing approximately 1,000 commercial and industrial customers. With a pipeline of additional pending new customers, Standard is expected to enable Titan Trucking to advance its commercial front-load segment by securing recurring revenue pursuant to multiyear contracts with its customers.
In connection with the Purchase Agreement, Titan Trucking paid to Sellers a cash deposit in the amount of $652,000 (the “Closing Deposit”) that is not refundable, but will reduce the Cash Consideration (as defined below) if the Closing occurs. In exchange for the Membership Interests, Titan Trucking will pay the following consideration (the “Purchase Price”): (a) $10,440,000 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”), less the Closing Deposit; provided, that, at the Closing, $300,000 of the Cash Consideration will be placed in escrow for the benefit of Titan Trucking to satisfy indemnification obligations of the Sellers; (b) an amount equal to the aggregate amount paid by Standard for purchases of new trucks and trailers for the period from June 7, 2023 through the date of the Closing (the “Closing Date”) in an amount not to exceed $533,000; (c) 273,684.21 shares of a series of our convertible preferred stock that will convert into 100 shares of common stock per share of convertible preferred stock, equal to a value of $2,610,000, (the “Investment Shares”); and (d) an additional 60,000 Investment Shares because the Closing did not occur prior to February 2, 2024. In addition, the Purchase Price shall be reduced by the amount of indebtedness of Standard as of the Closing Date and the amount of any fees and expenses of Standard or the Sellers related to the removalnegotiation and entry into the Purchase Agreement that are not paid prior to the Closing. The Purchase Price is also subject to adjustment post-Closing based on the amount of waste,working capital of Standard at the Company’s solution also provides real time informationClosing and metrics to improve the efficiency of an organization. Such information has not been readily available to consumersother adjustments as described in the past. By providing a cloud-based dashboardPurchase Agreement.
We currently expect the Closing to occur in the second quarter of 2024, subject to applicable customary conditions for Closing for each of Titan Trucking and mobile application, the BioHiTech Cloud gives real-time visibility toSellers contained in the status ofPurchase Agreement. However, there can be no assurance that the device itselfClosing will occur or that we will acquire the Membership Interests.
Sales and provides insight to the efficiencies of the operations of food preparation and consumption of the user. Using cloud technologies, the Company’s systems allow for visibility into the food preparation and consumption processes on an individual, regional, or national level.Marketing
The BioHiTech Cirrus™ application allowsWe focus our marketing efforts on increasing and extending business with existing customers, more immediate accessas well as increasing our new customer base. Our sales and marketing strategy is to analytical data provided byprovide prompt, high quality, comprehensive solid waste collection to our customers at competitive prices. We target potential customers of all sizes, from small quantity generators to large companies and municipalities. Because the Eco-Safe Digesterwaste collection and more efficient monitoring acrossdisposal business is a numberhighly-localized business, most of network-connected devices. The mobile applicationour marketing activity is available to existing BioHiTech Cloud customers and is available through the iTunes Store and Google Play.local in nature.
Target MarketsCustomers
The Company’s target market for its digesters includes any producers of consistent volumes of food waste. As municipalities continue to enact ordinances prohibiting commercial food waste from being disposed of in landfills, the Company intends to focus its efforts on targeting those businesses most affected by such ordinances. Many cities and states have already banned landfill disposal of food waste generated by large, commercial food waste generators, with pending legislation in numerous others. The Company anticipates this trend to continue as sustainability efforts advance.
Customers
CustomersWe have a diverse customer base. During the year ended December 31, 2023, our largest customer accounted for approximately 30% of our revenues. During the Company’s digesters are consistent producers of food waste. Industries served include, but are not limited, to the maritime sector as well as retail, healthcare, government, hospitality, education and food service (including traditional restaurants and quick service restaurants). Volume of food waste, as well as traditional waste disposal costs, are the primary drivers of return on investment for customers. The Company sells its products to customers throughout the United States and abroad. We estimate that there are approximately 200,000 potentialyear ended December 31, 2022, we had two customers that would benefit from the useaccounted for 52% and 12% of our digesters, which include restaurants, cruise ships, healthcare facilities and local municipalities.
Digester Marketing Strategy
The Company markets through two channels: “reseller” and “in-house” direct sales. Domestic and international resellers are granted a non-exclusive license to sell and market products and services. All resellers are required to purchase all products and consumables directly from the Company. In some cases, we also provide annual service to customersrevenues, respectively. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our resellers at an additional charge.
As regulations continue to be passed regarding the disposalrevenues in either of food waste, we plan to leverage both our internal and external marketing sources to communicate to and inform the target marketthose periods. We have no long-term agreements with any of the increasing levelcustomers that accounted for more than 10% of need for our products and services.
Competition
There are a small numberrevenues in any of companies that distribute products utilizing a similar aerobic digestion methodology as our Revolution Digester, but we believe that they lack our technological depth of data collection, analytics and reporting. With the receipt of a United States patent on our Network Connected Weight Tracking System for a Food Waste Disposal Machine in 2018 and a Canadian patent in 2022, there is a barrier to competitors providing similar technology to their customers. Further, we believe that these competitors do not have a competitive product to the Revolution Series of digesters based on price point, size, throughput, power and plumbing requirements and data collection, analytics and reporting.those periods.
Most of these competitors originated in Korea and continue to manufacture their products in Asia and India. One company that we are aware of has claimed to be developing competitive data collection and web enablement, but are unaware of the deployment and functionality of their technology offering. Compared to our competitors, we believe that our machine has the smallest footprint and requires the least amount of water to operate, and we believe it is an industry leader in terms of installations and efficiency. Currently we are not aware of any direct competitor with the ability to capture and deliver real time data.
Alternative technologies or processes to digesters or similar equipment are:
Traditional Composting: Composting has been in existence for many years and has historically been the only option for organics disposal. Composting:
Anaerobic Digestion: Anaerobic digesters are readily used throughout Europe. Anaerobic digestion (“AD”) is the decomposition of organic waste in the absence of oxygen. The beneficial by-product is gas that is used to generate electricity. AD is generally accomplished on a large municipal or commercial scale and traditionally has not been readily available as an “at the source” solution. AD facilities are beginning to be utilized in the United States and are considered to be a viable disposal option for organic waste. While the technology is sound, we believe that AD facilities face various challenges in the United States, although we believe that AD facilities will continue to be developed and will be a part of the total solution for organic waste disposal. Many private equity funds have made investments in companies that own or are permitting AD facilities. The challenges to AD include:
Patents and Trademarks
On May 22, 2018, BioHiTech received a United States patent for its “Network Connected Weight Tracking System for a Food Waste Disposal Machine”, which expires on July 23, 2036. On March 22, 2022, BioHiTech received a Canadian patent for the “Network Connected Weight Tracking System for a Food Waste Disposal Machine”, which expires on January 12, 2035. Both of these patents have been transferred to the Company.
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Corporate History
Competition
The Company was incorporated in the State of California on September 9, 2009 as Thunderclap Entertainment, Inc. On July 14, 2017, Thunderclap Entertainment, Inc. changed its name to TraQiQ, Inc.
On March 18, 2022, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, approved a reverse 1-for-8 stock splitThe U.S. solid waste collection and disposal industry is highly competitive and, even following consolidation, remains fragmented. The industry requires substantial labor and capital resources which are barriers to entry for some. The industry presently includes large, publicly-held, national waste companies such as Republic Services, Inc. and Waste Management, Inc.; several regional, publicly-held and privately-owned companies; and several thousand small, local, privately owned companies. Our existing market and certain of the Company’s common stock (the “Reverse Split”). The Reverse Split was effective on March 21, 2022. The common stockmarkets in which we will likely compete are served by one or more of these large, national companies, as well as by numerous privately-held regional and common stock equivalentslocal solid waste companies of varying sizes and resources, some of which have accumulated substantial goodwill in their markets. We also compete with counties, municipalities and solid waste districts that maintain their own waste collection and disposal operations. Public sector operations may have financial advantages over us because of their access to user fees and similar charges, tax revenues, tax-exempt financing and the per-share amounts have been retroactively restated in accordance with ASC 855-10-25 and the loss per share figures have been retroactively restated in accordance with ASC 260-10-55-12.ability to flow-control waste streams to publicly owned disposal facilities.
On December 30, 2022,We compete for collection based primarily on geographic location and the Company entered intoprice and quality of our services. From time to time, our competitors may reduce the price of their services in an Assignmenteffort to expand their market share or service areas or to win competitively bid on contracts. These practices may cause us to reduce the price of Stock (the “MTP Agreement”) with Mimo Technologies Private Ltd. (“MTP”) and Lathika Regunathan (“LR”), pursuantour services or, if we elect not to which the Company sold, assigned and transferreddo so, to LR, and LR purchased from the Company, all of the Company’s equity interests in MTP in exchange for nominal consideration of $1.00.lose business.
On December 30, 2022,The U.S. municipal solid waste services industry has undergone significant consolidation and, as a result of this consolidation, we encounter competition in our efforts to acquire transfer stations and collection operations. Competition exists not only for collection, transfer and disposal volume but also for acquisition candidates. We generally compete for acquisition candidates with large, publicly-held waste management companies, private equity-backed firms as well as numerous privately-held regional and local solid waste companies of varying sizes and resources. Accordingly, it may become uneconomical for us to make further acquisitions or we may be unable to locate or acquire suitable acquisition candidates at price levels and on terms and conditions that we consider appropriate, particularly in markets we do not already serve. Competition in the Company entered into an Assignmentdisposal industry is also affected by the increasing national emphasis on recycling and other waste reduction programs, which may reduce the volume of Stock (the “TSP Agreement”) with TraQiQ Solutions Private Ltd. (“TSP”) and LR, pursuant to which the Company sold, assigned and transferred to LR and LR purchased from the Company, all of the Company’s equity interestswaste deposited in TSP in exchange for nominal consideration of $1.00.landfills.
On December 30, 2022, the Company entered into an Assignment of Units (the “Rohuma Agreement”, and, together with the MTP Agreement and the TSP Agreement, the “Disposition Agreements”) with Rohuma LLC (“Rohuma”) and Happy Kompany LLC (“Happy”) pursuant to which the Company sold, assigned and transferred to Happy, and Happy purchased from the Company, all of the Company’s equity interests in Rohuma, in exchange for nominal consideration of $1.00. Pursuant to the Rohuma Agreement, the Company assumed the liabilities of Rohuma with respect to two loans with Paypal/Loanbuilder in an aggregate principal amount of $155,053 plus any accumulated interest and fees.Regulation
On January 5, 2023, the Company, consummated the transactions contemplatedOur business is subject to extensive and evolving federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and transportation laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are administered by the Purchase Agreement among TraQiQU.S. Environmental Inc. (“REI”)Protection Agency, or EPA, and BioHiTech America, LLC (“BHT”various other federal, state and togetherlocal environmental, zoning, air, water, transportation, land use, health and safety agencies. Many of these agencies regularly inspect our operations to monitor compliance with REI,these laws and regulations. Governmental agencies have the “Renovare Sellers”)authority to enforce compliance with these laws and the Company, pursuantregulations and to which the Renovare Sellers sold and assigned to the Company, and the Company purchased and assumed from the Renovare Sellers, (a) certain assets related to the businessobtain injunctions or impose civil or criminal penalties in cases of (i) offering aerobic digestion technology solutions for the disposal of food waste at the point of generation and (ii) data analytics with respect to food waste (collectively, the “Digester Business”) and (b) certain specified liabilitiesviolations. We believe that regulation of the Renovare Sellers, including, but not limitedwaste industry will continue to indebtedness in an amount equalevolve, and we will need to $3,017,090 (the “Michaelson Debt”) owedadapt to Michaelson Capital Special Finance Fund II, L.P. (“Michaelson”).future legal and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance.
In exchange forOur operations are subject to extensive regulation, principally under the assetsfederal statutes described below.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of the Digester Business, the Company (a) paid the Renovare Sellers an amount equal1970, as amended, or OSHA. OSHA establishes certain employer responsibilities, including maintenance of a workplace free of recognized hazards likely to $150,000 and (b) issued to REI (i) 1,250,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and (ii) 15,686,926 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 (the “Common Stock”), a portion of which is being held in escrow. The Purchase Agreement contained standard representations and warrantiescause death or serious injury, compliance with standards promulgated by the CompanyOccupational Safety and Health Administration and various record keeping, disclosure and procedural requirements. Various standards, including standards for notices of hazards, safety in excavation and demolition work and the Renovare Sellershandling of asbestos, may apply to our operations.
Flow Control/Interstate Waste Restrictions. Certain permits and approvals, as well as certain state and local regulations, may limit a landfill or transfer station to accepting waste that originates from specified geographic areas, restrict the importation of out-of-state waste or wastes originating outside the local jurisdiction or otherwise discriminate against non-local waste. From time to time, federal legislation is proposed that would allow some local flow control restrictions. Although no such federal legislation has been enacted to date, if such federal legislation should be enacted in the future, states in which exceptwe use landfills could limit or prohibit the importation of out-of-state waste or direct that wastes be handled at specified facilities. These restrictions could also result in higher disposal costs for fundamental representations, remain in effect for twelve months following the closing date. 1,568,693 shares of the Common Stock portion of the closing considerationour collection operations. If we were placed into escrow, the release of which is contingent upon a mutual agreement of the parties or January 4, 2024 or if a claim is pending, a final non-appealable order of any court of competent jurisdiction. Additional agreements ancillaryunable to the asset acquisition were also executed, including but not limitedpass such higher costs through to a bill of sale, assignmentour customers, our business, financial condition and assumption agreement, an escrow agreement and a domain name assignment agreement. The Renovare Sellers also agreed that, for a period of five years from closing date, the Sellers would not engage in a business that competes with the Digester Business.operating results could be adversely affected.
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State and Local Regulation. Each state in which we now operate or may operate in the future has laws and regulations governing the generation, storage, treatment, handling, transportation and disposal of solid waste, occupational safety and health, water and air pollution and, in most cases, the siting, design, operation, maintenance, closure and post-closure maintenance of landfills and transfer stations. State and local permits and approval for these operations may be required and may be subject to periodic renewal, modification or revocation by the issuing agencies. In addition, many states have adopted statutes comparable to, and in some cases more stringent than, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA. These statutes impose requirements for investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites and liability for costs and damages associated with such sites, and some provide for the imposition of liens on property owned by responsible parties. Furthermore, many municipalities also have ordinances, local laws and regulations affecting our operations. These include zoning and health measures that limit solid waste management activities to specified sites or activities, flow control provisions that direct or restrict the delivery of solid wastes to specific facilities, laws that grant the right to establish franchises for collection services and then put such franchises out for bid and bans or other restrictions on the movement of solid wastes into a municipality.
Certain state and local jurisdictions may also seek to enforce flow control restrictions through local legislation or contractually. In certain cases, we may elect not to challenge such restrictions. These restrictions could reduce the volume of waste going to landfills in certain areas, which may adversely affect our ability to operate our landfills at their full capacity and/or reduce the prices that we can charge for landfill disposal services. These restrictions may also result in higher disposal costs for our collection operations. If we were unable to pass such higher costs through to our customers, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.
There has been an increasing trend at the state and local level to mandate and encourage waste reduction and recycling and to prohibit or restrict the disposal in landfills of certain types of solid wastes, such as construction and demolition debris, yard wastes, food waste, beverage containers, unshredded tires, lead-acid batteries, paper, cardboard and household appliances.
Many states and local jurisdictions have enacted “bad boy” laws that allow the agencies that have jurisdiction over waste services contracts or permits to deny or revoke these contracts or permits based on the applicant’s or permit holder’s compliance history. Some states and local jurisdictions go further and consider the compliance history of the parent, subsidiaries or affiliated companies, in addition to that of the applicant or permit holder. These laws authorize the agencies to make determinations of an applicant’s or permit holder’s fitness to be awarded a contract to operate and to deny or revoke a contract or permit because of unfitness unless there is a showing that the applicant or permit holder has been rehabilitated through the adoption of various operating policies and procedures put in place to assure future compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Some state and local authorities enforce certain federal laws in addition to state and local laws and regulations. For example, in some states, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, OSHA, parts of the Clean Air Act and parts of the Clean Water Act are enforced by local or state authorities instead of the EPA, and in some states those laws are enforced jointly by state or local and federal authorities.
Public Utility Regulation. In many states, public authorities regulate the rates that landfill operators may charge.
Seasonality
Based on our industry and our historic trends, we expect our operations to vary seasonally. Typically, revenue will be highest in the second and third calendar quarters and lowest in the first and fourth calendar quarters. These seasonal variations result in fluctuations in waste volumes due to weather conditions and general economic activity. We also expect that our operating expenses may be higher during the winter months due to periodic adverse weather conditions that can slow the collection of waste, resulting in higher labor and operational costs.
Employees
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 39 full-time employees, of whom 23 were employed in collection, transfer and disposal operations, 12 in clerical, administrative and sales positions and four in management. None of our employees is represented by a labor union. We have not experienced any work stoppages and we believe that our relations with our employees are good.
The safety of our employees and customers is extremely important to us and we have a strong track record of safety and environmental compliance. We constantly review and assess our policies practices and procedures in order to create a safer work environment for our employees and to reduce the frequency of workplace injuries.
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Corporate Information
The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 14205 SE 36th St., Suite 100, Bellevue WA 98006 and its telephone number is (425) 818-0560. The Company’s website is https://RecoupEnv.com/. Information contained on our website does not constitute part of and is not incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K.
Available Information
The Company’s reports filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, are available, free of charge, on our Investors website at https://recoupenv.com/investors/ as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, and other information regarding us and other companies that file materials with the SEC electronically.
ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors |
Item 1A. Risk FactorsInvesting in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following information about these risks, together with the other information appearing elsewhere in this report, including our financial statements, the notes thereto and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before deciding to invest in our securities. The occurrence of any of the following risks could have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects, as well as our ability to accomplish our strategic objectives. As a result, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations and stock price.
Risks RelatingRelated to Our Finances and Business Operations of Financial ConditionPlan
WeSince our recent transition to an environmental solutions company in January 2023, we lack an established operating history on which to evaluate our consolidated business and determine if we will be able to execute our business plan, and we can give no assurance that our operations will result in profits.
While we have conducted business operations since 2017, we commenced the transition to an environmental solutions company in January 2023 and consummated the acquisition of our Titan Trucking subsidiary and its various lines of business in May 2023. As a result, we have a limited operating history as a consolidated company upon which you may evaluate our business and prospects. Our business operations are subject to thenumerous risks, encountered by early-stage companies.
Our company has a limited operating history,uncertainties, expenses and youdifficulties associated with early stage enterprises. You should consider and evaluatean investment in our operating prospectscompany in light of thethese risks, uncertainties, expenses and uncertainties frequently encountered by early-stage companies in rapidly evolving markets. For us, thesedifficulties. Such risks include:
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Because we are subject to these risks, and the other risks discussed below, you may have a difficult time evaluating our business and your investment in our company.
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We have had a history of losses and may incur future losses, which may prevent us from attaining profitability.
We have incurred significant net losses since inception. Our net loss was approximately $149.0 million (of which $142.5 million related to non-cash transactions, including $5.6 million in stock-based compensation, $20.4 million in goodwill impairment, and $116.6 million in loss on extinguishment and issuance of share rights) and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $150.0 million. We may continue to incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays, and other unknown events.
We anticipate that our operating expenses will increase substantially in the foreseeable future as we undertake the acquisition and integration of additional entities and businesses, incur expenses associated with maintaining compliance as a public company, and increase marketing and sales efforts to increase our customer base. These risksincreased expenditures may make it more difficult to achieve and maintain profitability. In addition, our efforts to grow our business may be more expensive than we expect, and we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to offset increased operating expenses. If we are describedrequired to reduce our expenses, our growth strategy could be materially affected. We will need to generate and sustain significant revenue levels in more detail below. Our future periods in order to become profitable, and, even if we do, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability.
Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will achieve sustainable operating profits as we continue to expand our markets, service offerings and infrastructure, further develop our marketing efforts, and otherwise implement our growth will depend substantiallyinitiatives. Any failure to achieve and maintain profitability would have a materially adverse effect on our ability to address these and the other risks described in this section. If we do not successfully address these risks, we will be unable to sustainimplement our business growth to dateplan, our results and you could lose your investment.operations, and our financial condition.
Our operating lossesIf we are unable to obtain additional funding when needed, our business operations will be harmed, and if we do obtain additional financing, our then-existing shareholders may suffer substantial dilution.
As we take steps to grow our business through additional acquisitions, by entering into new markets or by expanding our service offerings, or as we respond to potential opportunities and/or adverse events, our working capital deficiencyneeds may change. We anticipate that if our cash are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we will require additional funding to sustain our ongoing operations and to continue our expansion strategies. We do not have any contracts or commitments for additional funding, and there can be no assurance that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all, if needed. The inability to obtain additional capital will restrict our ability to grow and may reduce our ability to conduct business operations. If we are unable to obtain additional financing to finance a revised growth plan, we will likely be required to curtail such plans or cease our business operations in one or more markets. Any additional equity financing may involve substantial dilution to our then existing shareholders.
Raising capital in the future could cause dilution to our existing shareholders and may restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights.
In the future, we may seek additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and collaborations and strategic and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a shareholder. Debt financing, if available, would result in increased fixed payment obligations and may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions such as incurring debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through collaboration or strategic alliance arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our future revenue streams or product candidates on terms that are not favorable to us.
If we do not obtain adequate capital funding or improve our financial performance, we may not be able to continue as a going concern.
We have incurred a net loss in each year since our inception and expect to incur losses in future periods as we continue to acquire additional waste management companies and increase our expenses in order to grow our business. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we doare unable to obtain adequate funding or if we are unable to grow our revenue substantially to achieve and sustain profitability, we may not be able to continue as a going concern, investors could lose their entire investment.
Our operating losses and working capital deficiency raiseconcern. The report of our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2023 included herein contains an explanatory paragraph indicating that there is substantial doubt aboutas to our ability to continue as a going concern. We have an accumulated deficitconcern as a result of $17,522,786 as of December 31, 2022. We may never achieve profitability. If we do not generate sufficient revenues, do not achieve profitability and do not have other sources of financing for our business, we may have to curtail or cease our development plans and operations, which could cause investors to lose the entire amount of their investment.recurring losses from operations.
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We are currently in default on several of our debt obligations, and have been in default on other debt obligations in the past year.
If we are unable to resolve such defaultsraise additional capital when required or any future defaults, it could have an adverse impact on acceptable terms, we may be required to significantly delay, scale back or restrict our business, results of operations and financial condition and isour acquisition program or obtain funds by entering into agreements on unattractive terms, which would likely to negatively impact the price of our common stock.
We are currently in default on five notes totaling $409,225 of debt (the “Outstanding Debt”). In addition, there was an additional $400,000 that was previously in default, but has subsequently been cured. Upon an event of default under the Outstanding Debt, the holders of such debt may exercise all rights and remedies available under the terms of the notes or applicable laws. We are currently in discussions with holders of the Outstanding Debt regarding possible solutions for the payment of the Outstanding Debt, including the possible extension of the maturity date of the Outstanding Debt. However, there can be no assurance that our discussions will be successful and if we are not successful in finding an acceptable resolution to the existing default or the impending event of default, the holders of the Outstanding Debt will be able to seek judgement for the full amount due and may seek to foreclose on our assets. If this occurs, any such remedy will have a material adverse effect on our business, resultsstock price and our relationships with third parties with whom we have business relationships, at least until additional funding is obtained. If we do not have sufficient funds to continue operations, we could be required to seek bankruptcy protection or other alternatives that would likely result in our stockholders losing some or all of operations and financial condition and is likelytheir investment in us. In addition, our ability to negatively impact the price of our common stock.achieve profitability or to respond to competitive pressures would be significantly limited.
If we are unable to transition to our new business, integrate our acquisitions or manage the growthThe amount and timing of those companies effectively, our business could be adversely affected.
In the past, our business has grown mostly through the acquisition of other companies, both in the United States and in India. Going forward, we intend to focus on environmental services by acquiring cash-flow positive companies in that segment. We expect that our primary focus will be to acquire companies in the environmental services located in the United States. however, if we are unable to transition to the environmental services business or integrate our acquisitions effectively or efficiently, or fail to manage our growth, this could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Therefore, our future operating results depend to a large extentfunding requirements depends on our ability to manage this transition, expansion and growth successfully. In addition, to successfully manage such growth, we will need to implement legal and accounting systems, human resource management and other tools, and if we are unable to do so this could also materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Post-acquisition of the Renovare business, we face substantial competition in the waste services industry, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
The waste services industry is highly competitive, has undergone a period of consolidation and requires substantial labor and capital resources. Some of the markets in which we compete are served by one or more large, established companies, that are more well-known and better financed than we are. Intense competition exists not only to provide services to customers, but also to develop new products and services and to acquire other businesses within each market. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial and other resources than we do.
In our waste disposal markets, we also compete with operators of alternative disposal and recycling facilities. We also increasingly compete with companies that seek to use waste as feedstock for alternative uses. Public entities may have financial advantages because of their ability to charge user fees or similar charges, impose tax revenues, access tax-exempt financing and, in some cases, utilize government subsidies. If we are unable to distinguish ourselves from our competitors and are unable to compete successfully, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
If third parties claim that we infringe their intellectual property, it may result in costly litigation.
Third parties may claim our current or future products infringe their intellectual property rights. Any such claims, with or without merit, could cause costly litigation that could consume significant management time. As the number of product and services offerings in the artificial intelligence, mobile payments and task worker markets increases and functionalities increasingly overlap, we may become increasingly subject to infringement claims. Such claims also might require us to enter into royalty or license agreements. If required, we may not be able to enter into such royalty or license agreements or obtain them on terms acceptable to us.
Pandemics and other public health emergencies,many factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, or fear thereof, could adversely impact our business, operations and financial condition.
Occurrences of epidemics or pandemics, depending on their scale, may cause different degrees of damage to national and local economies. Global economic conditions may be disrupted by widespread outbreaks of infectious or contagious diseases, including any resurgence or new variants of COVID-19. Pandemics and other public health emergencies, or fear thereof, have in the past caused and may in the future cause substantial changes in consumer behavior and restrictions on business and individual activities, which have led, and may lead to reduced economic activity. These effects could be exacerbated or prolonged by the emergence of variants. Extraordinary actions taken by international, federal, state and local public health and governmental authorities to contain and combat pandemics in regions throughout the world, including travel bans, quarantines, “stay-at-home” orders and similar mandates for many individuals and businesses to substantially restrict daily activities have had and could in the future have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We will need additional financing. Any limitation on our ability to obtain such additional financing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may need to raise additional capital, which we may be unable to obtain on favorable or reasonable terms, or at all. If we raise additional capital, it could result in dilution to our stockholders. Any limitation on our ability to obtain additional capital as and when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired, which could harm our operating results, our ability to operate our business and investors’ views of us.
Ensuring that we have adequate internal financial and accounting controls and procedures in place so that we can produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis is a costly and time-consuming effort. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires public companies to conduct an annual review and evaluation of their internal controls. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December 31, 2022. Our failure to maintain the effectiveness of our internal controls in accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has had and may in the future have a material adverse effect on our business. We could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock. In addition, if our efforts to comply with new or changed laws, regulations, and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be harmed.
Risks Relating to our Common Stock
Our common stock is concentrated among a two large stockholders, whose interests may conflict with those of investors.
As of March 24, 2023, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President, Ajay Sikka, beneficially owns shares representing approximately 35% of our common stock, and Renovare Environmental, Inc. beneficially owns shares representing approximately 42% of our common stock. Each, therefore, is in a position to exercise substantial influence over the outcome of all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including the election of directors.
We may be unsuccessful in having our common stock listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
We have applied to have our common stock listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TRIQ.” Our application has not yet been approved, and there can be no assurance that it will be approved. If it is approved and our common stock is listed, we may not be able to meet the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market, which require, among other things, a minimum closing price of our common stock and a minimum market capitalization. If we are unable to satisfy the requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market for continued listing, our common stock would be subject to delisting from that market, and we might or might not be eligible to list our shares on another Nasdaq market. A delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq Capital Market, particularly if we did not qualify to be listed on another Nasdaq market, could negatively impact us by, among other things, reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock.
There is currently not an active liquid trading market for the Company’s common stock.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets QB tier under the symbol “TRIQ”. However, there is currently no regular active trading market in our common stock. Although there are periodic volume spikes from time to time, a consistent, active trading market may not develop. Whether or not in the future our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, there is no assurance an active trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained or that we will remain eligible for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. If an active market for our common stock develops, there is a significant risk that our stock price may fluctuate in the future in response to any of the following factors, some of which are beyond our control:
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● | the hiring of additional management and other personnel as we continue to grow. |
We cannot be certain that additional funding will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, we have in the past and may in the future be restricted or limited by the terms of the credit facilities governing our indebtedness on our ability to enter into additional indebtedness and any future debt financing based upon covenants that restrict our operations, including limitations on our ability to incur liens or additional debt, pay dividends, redeem our stock, make certain investments and engage in certain merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions.
We have a holding company ownership structure and will depend on distributions from our operating subsidiaries to meet our obligations. Contractual or legal restrictions applicable to our subsidiaries could limit payments or distributions from them.
We are a holding company and derive all of our operating income from, and hold substantially all of our assets through, our subsidiaries. The effect of this structure is that we will depend on the earnings of our subsidiaries, and the payment or other distributions to us of these earnings, to meet our obligations and make capital expenditures. Provisions of U.S. corporate and tax law, like those requiring that dividends are paid only out of surplus, and provisions of any future indebtedness may limit the ability of our subsidiaries to make payments or other distributions to us. Additionally, in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of any of our subsidiaries, creditors of that subsidiary (including trade creditors) will generally be entitled to payment from the assets of that subsidiary before those assets can be distributed to us.
Substantially all of our assets are pledged to Michaelson under the Michaelson Note, a default under which could cause or liquidation. Additionally, the terms of the Michaelson Note place restrictions on our operating and financial flexibility. If we raise additional capital through debt financing, the terms of any new debt could further restrict our ability to operate our business.
On January 5, 2023, we completed the acquisition of our digester assets, and as part of the consideration we paid for such assets, we assumed the obligations of the seller under a secured loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Michaelson Capital Special Finance Fund II, L.P. (“Michaelson”) and the Secured Promissory Note in the then-outstanding amount of $3,017,090 (the “Michaelson Note”) issued to Michaelson thereunder. The Michaelson Note had an original maturity date of December 31, 2023, which in December 2023 was extended to March 31, 2024. We failed to pay the balance on March 31, 2024, but in April 2024, we agreed to extend the term of the Michaelson Note until June 30, 2024, and received a forbearance on all other defaults until May 1, 2024. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the Michaelson Note and our other obligations under the Loan Agreement. The Loan Agreement contains usual and customary restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay cash dividends or repurchase our stock, and merge or consolidate with another entity. These covenants could cause us to be unable to pursue business opportunities that we or our stockholders may consider beneficial. Upon an event of default under the Michaelson Note, including our failure to pay all outstanding amounts under the Michaelson Note on the maturity date, Michaelson may accelerate all of our repayment obligations and foreclose on our pledged assets, which could require us to renegotiate the Loan Agreement on terms less favorable to us or to immediately cease operations. Further, if our assets are liquidated upon foreclosure, Michaelson’s right to repayment would be senior to the rights of the holders of our capital stock to receive any proceeds from the liquidation. If we raise any additional debt financing, the terms of such additional debt could further restrict our operating and financial flexibility.
Our lack of an independent audit committee and audit committee financial expert at this time may hinder our board of directors’ effectiveness in monitoring our compliance with its disclosure and accounting obligations. Until we establish such committee, we will be unable to obtain a listing on a national securities exchange.
Although our common stock is not listed on any national securities exchange, for purposes of independence we use the definition of independence applied by the NYSE American. Currently, we have no independent audit committee. Our board of directors functions as our audit committee and is comprised of five directors. An independent audit committee would play a crucial role in the corporate governance process, assessing our processes relating to our risks and control environment, overseeing financial reporting, and evaluating internal and independent audit processes. The lack of an independent audit committee may deprive us of management’s independent judgment. We may, however, have difficulty attracting and retaining independent directors with the requisite qualifications. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified, independent directors, the management of our business could be compromised. An independent audit committee is required for listing on any national securities exchange. Therefore, until such time as we meet the audit committee independence requirements of a national securities exchange, we will be ineligible for listing on any national securities exchange.
Our board of directors acts as our compensation committee, which presents the risk that compensation and benefits paid to those executive officers who are board members and other officers may not be commensurate with our financial performance.
A compensation committee consisting of independent directors is a safeguard against self-dealing by company executives. Our board of directors, which has no independent members, acts as the compensation committee for our company and determines the compensation and benefits of our executive officers, administers our employee stock and benefit plans, and reviews policies relating to the compensation and benefits of our employees. Our lack of an independent compensation committee presents the risk that an executive officer on the board may have influence over his or her personal compensation and benefit levels that may not be commensurate with our financial performance or the market place.
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Risks Related to Our Acquisition Strategy
We have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions as a primary component of our growth strategy. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms, or at all, which could disrupt our operations and adversely impact our business and operating results.
A primary component of our growth strategy has been to acquire complementary businesses to grow our company. As a result, our rate of future growth and profitability is largely dependent on our ability to identify and acquire additional solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal businesses. We intend to continue to pursue acquisitions of complementary businesses, technologies and products to expand our operations and customer base and provide access to new markets and increase benefits of scale. This strategy involves risks inherent in assessing the values, strengths, weaknesses, risks, and profitability of acquisition candidates, including adverse short-term effects on our reported operating results, diversion of management’s attention, dependence on retaining, hiring and training key personnel, and risks associated with unanticipated problems or latent liabilities. Acquisitions also involve certain known and unknown risks that could cause our actual growth or operating results to differ from our expectations. For example:
● | we may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or to consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms; | |
● | we may pursue international acquisitions, which inherently pose more risks than domestic acquisitions; | |
● | we compete with others to acquire complementary products, technologies and businesses, which may result in decreased availability of, or increased price for, suitable acquisition candidates; | |
● | we may not be able to obtain the necessary financing, on favorable terms or at all, to finance any or all of our potential acquisitions; and | |
● | we may ultimately fail to consummate an acquisition even if we announce that we plan to acquire a technology, product or business. |
Increased competition for acquisition targets in our industry may affect the availability of acquisition targets, which could adversely affect our growth.
Increased competition for acquisition candidates may result in fewer acquisition opportunities being made available to us as well as less advantageous acquisition terms, which may increase acquisition costs to levels that are beyond our financial capability or that may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the number or timing of our acquisitions or as to the availability of financing necessary to complete an acquisition. We also believe that a significant factor in our ability to consummate acquisitions will be the attractiveness of our common stock as an investment to potential acquisition candidates. Such attractiveness may, in large part, be dependent upon the market price and capital appreciation prospects of our common stock compared to the equity securities of our competitors. Many of our competitors for acquisitions are larger, more established companies with significantly greater capital resources than us and whose equity securities may be more attractive than our common stock. To the extent our common stock is less attractive to acquisition candidates, our acquisition program may be adversely affected.
Our ability to acquire additional businesses may require us to raise capital through the sale of equity and/or debt securities, which we may be unable to do on acceptable terms.
The timing, size and success of our acquisition efforts and the associated capital commitments cannot be readily predicted. We intend to use our common stock, cash, debt and borrowings under our credit facility, if necessary, as consideration for future acquisitions of companies. The issuance of additional common stock in connection with future acquisitions may be dilutive to holders of outstanding shares of common stock. In addition, if our common stock does not maintain a sufficient market value or potential acquisition candidates are unwilling to accept common stock as part of the consideration for the sale of their businesses, we may be required to use more of our cash resources, including obtaining additional capital through debt financing. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing if and when it is needed or that it will be available on terms that we deem acceptable. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate some or all of our research and development programs or commercialization efforts. As a result, we may be unable to pursue our acquisition strategy successfully, which may prevent us from achieving our growth objectives.
We may be unable to successfully integrate acquisitions, which may adversely impact our operations.
Acquired businesses, technologies or products may not perform as we expect and we may fail to realize anticipated revenue and profits. In addition, our acquisition strategy may divert management’s attention away from our existing business, resulting in the loss of key customers or employees, and expose us to unanticipated problems or legal liabilities, including responsibility as a successor for undisclosed or contingent liabilities of acquired businesses or assets.
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If we fail to conduct due diligence on our potential targets effectively, we may, for example, not identify problems at target companies or fail to recognize incompatibilities or other obstacles to successful integration. Our inability to successfully integrate future acquisitions could impede us from realizing all of the benefits of those acquisitions and could severely weaken our business operations. The integration process may disrupt our business and, if new businesses, technologies or products are not integrated or implemented effectively, may preclude the realization of the full benefits expected by us and could harm our results of operations. In addition, the overall integration of new technologies, products or businesses may result in unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities and competitive responses. The difficulties integrating an acquisition include, among other things:
● | issues in integrating the target company’s technologies, products or businesses with ours; | |
● | incompatibility of marketing and administration methods; | |
● | maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees; | |
● | integrating the cultures of our companies; | |
● | preserving important strategic customer relationships; | |
● | consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures and eliminating duplicative operations; and | |
● | coordinating and integrating geographically separate organizations. |
In addition, even if the operations of an acquisition are integrated successfully, we may not realize the full benefits of the acquisition, including the synergies, cost savings or growth opportunities, that we expect. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all.
Acquisitions that we complete may have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Acquisitions may cause us to:
● | issue common stock that would dilute our current stockholders’ ownership percentage; | |
● | use a substantial portion of our cash resources; | |
● | increase our interest expense, leverage and debt service requirements if we incur additional debt to pay for an acquisition; | |
● | assume liabilities for which we do not have indemnification from the former owners; further, indemnification obligations may be subject to dispute or concerns regarding the creditworthiness of the former owners; | |
● | record goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets that are subject to impairment testing and potential impairment charges; | |
● | experience volatility in earnings due to changes in contingent consideration related to acquisition earn-out liability estimates; | |
● | incur amortization expenses related to certain intangible assets; | |
● | lose existing or potential contracts as a result of conflict-of-interest issues; | |
● | become subject to adverse tax consequences or deferred compensation charges; | |
● | incur large and immediate write-offs; or | |
● | become subject to litigation. |
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The occurrence of any or all of the above risks could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
We may be subject to claims arising from the operations of our various businesses for periods prior to the dates we acquired them.
We may be subject to claims or liabilities arising from the ownership or operation of acquired businesses for the periods prior to our acquisition of them, including environmental, warranty, workers’ compensation and other employee-related and other liabilities and claims not covered by insurance. These claims or liabilities could be significant. Our ability to seek indemnification from the former owners of our acquired businesses for these claims or liabilities may be limited by various factors, including the specific time, monetary or other limitations contained in the respective acquisition agreements and the financial ability of the former owners to satisfy our indemnification claims. In addition, insurance companies may be unwilling to cover claims that have arisen from acquired businesses or locations, or claims may exceed the coverage limits that our acquired businesses had in effect prior to the date of acquisition. If we are unable to successfully obtain insurance coverage of third-party claims or enforce our indemnification rights against the former owners, or if the former owners are unable to satisfy their obligations for any reason, including because of their current financial position, we could be held liable for the costs or obligations associated with such claims or liabilities, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our resources may not be sufficient to manage our expected growth and the failure to properly manage our potential growth would be detrimental to our business.
We may fail to adequately manage our anticipated future growth. Any growth in our operations will place a significant strain on our administrative, financial and operational resources and increase demands on our management and on our operational and administrative systems, controls and other resources. We cannot assure you that our existing personnel, systems, procedures or controls will be adequate to support our operations in the future or that we will be able to successfully implement appropriate measures consistent with our growth strategy. As part of this growth, we may have to implement new operational and financial systems, procedures and controls to expand, train and manage our employee base, and maintain close coordination among our technical, accounting, finance, marketing and sales. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so, or that if we are able to do so, we will be able to effectively integrate them into our existing staff and systems. There may be greater strain on our systems as we acquire new businesses, requiring us to devote significant management time and expense to the ongoing integration and alignment of management, systems, controls and marketing. If we are unable to manage growth effectively, such as if our sales and marketing efforts exceed our capacity to design and produce our products and services or if new employees are unable to achieve performance levels, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
We are subject to environmental and safety laws that restrict our operations and increase our costs.
We are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and occupational safety and health. These include, among other things, laws and regulations governing the use, treatment, storage and disposal of wastes and materials, air quality, water quality and the remediation of contamination associated with the release of hazardous substances. Our compliance with existing regulatory requirements is costly, and continued changes in these regulations could increase our compliance costs. Government laws and regulations often require us to enhance or replace our equipment. We are required to obtain and maintain permits that are subject to strict regulatory requirements and are difficult and costly to obtain and maintain. We may be unable to implement price increases sufficient to offset the cost of complying with these laws and regulations. In addition, regulatory changes could accelerate or increase expenditures for closure and post-closure monitoring at solid waste facilities and obligate us to spend sums over the amounts that we have accrued. In order to develop, expand or operate a landfill or other waste management facility, we must have various facility permits and other governmental approvals, including those relating to zoning, environmental protection and land use. The permits and approvals are often difficult, time consuming and costly to obtain and could contain conditions that limit our operations.
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We may become subject to environmental clean-up costs or litigation that could curtail our business operations and materially decrease our earnings.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or CERCLA, and analogous state laws provide for the remediation of contaminated facilities and impose strict joint and several liability for remediation costs on current and former owners or operators of a facility at which there has been a release or a threatened release of a hazardous substance. This liability is also imposed on persons who arrange for the disposal of and who transport such substances to the facility. Hundreds of substances are defined as hazardous under CERCLA and their presence, even in small amounts, can result in substantial liability. The expense of conducting a cleanup can be significant. Notwithstanding our efforts to comply with applicable regulations and to avoid transporting and receiving hazardous substances, we may have liability because these substances may be present in waste collected by us. The actual costs for these liabilities could be significantly greater than the amounts that we might be required to accrue on our financial statements from time to time.
In addition to the costs of complying with environmental regulations, we may incur costs to defend against litigation brought by government agencies and private parties. As a result, we may be required to pay fines or our permits and licenses may be modified or revoked. We may in the future be a defendant in lawsuits brought by governmental agencies and private parties who assert claims alleging environmental damage, personal injury, property damage and/or violations of permits and licenses by us. A significant judgment against us, the loss of a significant permit or license or the imposition of a significant fine could curtail our business operations and may decrease our earnings.
Our business is capital intensive, requiring ongoing cash outlays that may strain or consume our available capital and force us to sell assets, incur debt, or sell equity on unfavorable terms.
Our ability to remain competitive, grow and maintain our operations largely depends on our cash flow from operations and access to capital. Maintaining our existing operations and expanding them through internal growth or acquisitions requires large capital expenditures. As we undertake more acquisitions and further expand our operations, the amount we expend on capital will increase. These increases in expenditures may result in lower levels of working capital or require us to finance working capital deficits. We intend to continue to fund our cash needs through cash flow from operations, equity and debt financings and borrowings under our credit facility, if necessary. However, we may require additional equity or debt financing to fund our growth.
We do not have complete control over our future performance because it is subject to general economic, political, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors. It is possible that our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, and we may not otherwise have the capital resources, to allow us to make necessary capital expenditures. If this occurs, we may have to sell assets, restructure our debt or obtain additional equity capital, which could be dilutive to our stockholders. We may not be able to take any of the foregoing actions, and we may not be able to do so on terms favorable to us or our stockholders.
Our business operations are currently concentrated in the State of Michigan and such geographic concentration of our business could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Our business operations and customers are located in Michigan, and we expect to focus our operations on the Midwestern U.S. for at least the foreseeable future. During the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 84% of our total annualized revenues were derived from customers located in Michigan. Therefore, our business, financial condition and results of operations are susceptible to downturns in the general economy in the Midwestern U.S., particularly in Michigan, and other factors affecting the region, such as state regulations affecting the solid waste services industry and severe weather conditions. In addition, the costs and time involved in permitting, and the scarcity of, available landfills in the Midwestern U.S. could make it difficult for us to expand vertically in those markets. There can be no assurance that we will complete a sufficient number of acquisitions in other markets to lessen our geographic concentration.
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We currently depend on a limited number of customers for our revenue.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, one customer accounted for approximately 30% of total revenues generated and during the year ended December 31, 2022, two customers accounted for approximately 52% and 12%, respectively, of total revenues generated. We have no long-term agreements with any of the customers that accounted for more than 10% of our revenues in any of those periods.
Because we depend on these customers for a significant percentage of our revenue, a loss of one or more of these customers could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition. If these principal customers cease using our services, our business could be materially adversely affected.
Governmental authorities may enact climate change regulations that could increase our costs to operate.
Environmental advocacy groups and regulatory agencies in the United States have been focusing considerable attention on the emissions of greenhouse gases and their potential role in climate change. Congress has considered recent proposed legislation directed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and President Biden has indicated his support of legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has proposed rules to regulate greenhouse gases, regional initiatives have formed to control greenhouse gases and certain of the states in which we operate are contemplating air pollution control regulations that are more stringent than existing and proposed federal regulations, in particular the regulation of emissions of greenhouse gases. The adoption of laws and regulations to implement controls of greenhouse gases, including the imposition of fees or taxes, could adversely affect our collection operations. Changing environmental regulations could require us to take any number of actions, including the purchase of emission allowances or installation of additional pollution control technology, and could make some operations less profitable, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations that may result in significant liabilities.
We risk incurring significant environmental liabilities in connection with our use, treatment, storage, transfer and disposal of waste materials. Under applicable environmental laws and regulations, we could be liable if our operations are found to cause environmental damage to our properties or to the property of other landowners, particularly as a result of the contamination of air, drinking water or soil. Under current law, we could also be held liable for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired the assets or operations involved. This risk is of particular concern as we execute our growth strategy, partially though acquisitions, because we may be unsuccessful in identifying and assessing potential liabilities during our due diligence investigations. Further, the counterparties in such transactions may be unable to perform their indemnification obligations owed to us. Additionally, we could be liable if we arrange for the transportation, disposal or treatment of hazardous substances that cause environmental contamination, or if a predecessor owner made such arrangements and, under applicable law, we are treated as a successor to the prior owner. Any substantial liability for environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others.
Providing environmental and waste management services involves risks such as vehicular accidents and equipment defects, malfunctions and failures. Additionally, there are risks associated with waste mass instability and releases of hazardous materials or odors. There may also be risks presented by the potential for subsurface chemical reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures and increased production of leachate, landfill gas and odors. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury or death of employees and others, a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating expense and exposure to liability for pollution and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction.
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While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also adversely impact our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.
Increases in the costs of fuel may reduce our operating margins.
The price and supply of fuel needed to run our collection vehicles is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. Any significant price escalations or reductions in the supply could increase our operating expenses or interrupt or curtail our operations. Failure to offset all or a portion of any increased fuel costs through increased fees or charges would reduce our operating margins.
Increases in the costs of disposal may reduce our operating margins.
Historically, we have disposed of all of the waste that we collected in landfills operated by third parties under informal arrangements or without long-term contracts. If these third parties increase their disposal fees and we are unable to pass along the increase to our customers, our operating margins would be adversely impacted. In addition, if these third parties discontinue their arrangements with us and we are unable to locate alternative disposal sites, our business and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.
Increases in the costs of labor may reduce our operating margins.
We compete with other businesses in our markets for qualified employees. A shortage of qualified employees would require us to enhance our wage and benefits packages to compete more effectively for employees or to hire more expensive temporary employees. Labor is our second largest operating cost, and even relatively small increases in labor costs per employee could materially affect our cost structure. Failure to attract and retain qualified employees, to control our labor costs, or to recover any increased labor costs through increased prices we charge for our services or otherwise offset such increases with cost savings in other areas may reduce our operating margins.
Increases in costs of insurance may reduce our operating margins.
One of our largest operating costs is maintaining insurance coverage, including general liability, automobile physical damage and liability, property, employment practices, pollution, directors and officers, fiduciary, workers’ compensation and employer’s liability coverage, as well as umbrella liability policies to provide excess coverage over the underlying limits contained in our primary general liability, automobile liability and employer’s liability policies. Changes in our operating experience, such as an increase in accidents or lawsuits or a catastrophic loss, could cause our insurance costs to increase significantly or could cause us to be unable to obtain certain insurance. Increases in insurance costs would reduce our operating margins. Changes in our industry and perceived risks in our business could have a similar effect.
We may not be able to maintain sufficient insurance coverage to cover the risks associated with our operations, which could result in uninsured losses that would adversely affect our financial condition.
Integrated non-hazardous waste companies are exposed to a variety of risks that are typically covered by insurance arrangements. However, we may not be able to maintain sufficient insurance coverage to cover the risks associated with our operations for a variety of reasons. Increases in insurance costs and changes in the insurance markets may, given our resources, limit the coverage that we are able to maintain or prevent us from insuring against certain risks. Large or unexpected losses may exceed our policy limits, adversely affecting our results of operations, and may result in the termination or limitation of coverage, exposing us to uninsured losses, thereby adversely affecting our financial condition.
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Our failure to remain competitive with our numerous competitors, many of whom have greater resources than we do, could adversely affect our ability to retain existing customers and obtain future business.
Because our industry is highly competitive, we compete with large companies and municipalities, many of whom have greater financial and operational resources than we do. The non-hazardous solid waste collection and disposal industry includes large national, publicly-traded waste management companies; regional, publicly-held and privately-owned companies; and numerous small, local, privately-owned companies. Additionally, many counties and municipalities operate their own waste collection and disposal facilities and have competitive advantages not available to private enterprises. If we are unable to successfully compete against our competitors, our ability to retain existing customers and obtain future business could be adversely affected.
We may lose contracts through competitive bidding, early termination or governmental action, or we may have to substantially lower prices in order to retain certain contracts, any of which would cause our revenue and our operating margins to decline.
We are parties to contracts with municipalities and other associations and agencies. Many of these contracts are or will be subject to competitive bidding. We may not be the successful bidder, or we may have to substantially lower prices in order to be the successful bidder. In addition, some of our customers may terminate their contracts with us before the end of the contract term. If we were not able to replace revenue from contracts lost through competitive bidding or early termination or from lowering prices or from the renegotiation of existing contracts with other revenue within a reasonable time period, our revenue could decline.
Efforts by labor unions to organize our employees could divert management attention and increase our operating expenses.
We do not have any union representation in our operations. Groups of employees may seek union representation in the future, and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements could divert management attention and result in increased operating expenses and lower net income. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, we might have to wait through “cooling off” periods, which are often followed by union-initiated work stoppages, including strikes. Depending on the type and duration of these work stoppages, our operating expenses could increase significantly.
Poor decisions by our regional and local managers could result in the loss of customers or an increase in costs, or adversely affect our ability to obtain future business.
We manage our operations on a decentralized basis. Therefore, regional and local managers have the authority to make many decisions concerning their operations without obtaining prior approval from our executive officers. Poor decisions by regional or local managers could result in the loss of customers or an increase in costs, or adversely affect our ability to obtain future business.
We are vulnerable to factors affecting our local markets, which could adversely affect our stock price relative to our competitors.
Because the non-hazardous waste business is local in nature, our business in one or more regions or local markets may be adversely affected by events and economic conditions relating to those regions or markets even if the other regions of the country are not affected. As a result, our financial performance may not compare favorably to our competitors with operations in other regions, and our stock price could be adversely affected by our inability to compete effectively with our competitors.
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Seasonal fluctuations will cause our business and results of operations to vary among quarters, which could adversely affect our stock price.
Based on historic trends experienced by the businesses we have acquired, we expect our operating results to vary seasonally, with revenue typically lowest in the first quarter, higher in the second and third quarters, and again lower in the fourth quarter. Our operating revenues tend to be somewhat higher in the summer months, primarily due to the higher construction and demolition waste volumes. This seasonality also generally reflects the lower volume of waste during the winter months. Adverse weather conditions negatively affect waste collection productivity, resulting in higher labor and operational costs. The general increase in precipitation during the winter months increases the weight of collected waste, resulting in higher disposal costs, as costs are often calculated on a per ton basis. Because of these factors, we expect operating income to be generally lower in the winter months. As a result, our operating results may be negatively affected by these variations. Additionally, severe weather during any time of the year can negatively affect the costs of collection and disposal and may cause temporary suspensions of our collection services. Long periods of inclement weather may interfere with collection operations and reduce the volume of waste generated by our customers. Any of these conditions can adversely affect our business and results of operations, which could negatively affect our stock price.
We are dependent on our management team and development and operations personnel, and the loss of one or more key employees or groups could harm our business and prevent us from implementing our business plan in a timely manner.
Our success depends substantially upon the continued services of our executive officers and other key members of management, particularly our chief executive officer, Mr. Glen Miller, and our chief operating officer, Mr. Jeffrey Rizzo. From time to time, there may be changes in our executive management team resulting from the hiring or departure of executives. Such changes in our executive management team may be disruptive to our business. We are also substantially dependent on the continued service of our existing development and operations personnel because of the complexity of our service and technologies. While we have employment agreements with Messrs. Miller and Rizzo, we do not maintain a key person life insurance policy on either of such officers. The loss of one or more of our key employees or groups could seriously harm our business.
We have identified certain material weaknesses in our internal controls, which could cause stockholders and prospective investors to lose confidence in the reliability of our financing reporting.
Based upon the evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period covered by this report, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as a result of continuing weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting principally due to the following: (i) we have not established adequate financial reporting processes or monitoring activities to ensure adequate financial reporting and to mitigate the risk of management override, specifically because there are few employees and only two officers with management functions and therefore there is lack of segregation of duties; (ii) an outside consultant assists in the preparation of the annual and quarterly financial statements and partners with us to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements; and (iii) we did not maintain a sufficient complement of qualified accounting personnel and controls associated with segregation of duties over complex transactions.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our company’s financial reporting that could harm the trading price of our shares, if a trading market does develop.
We need additional capital to develop our business.
The development of our services will require the commitment of substantial resources to implement our business plan. In addition, substantial expenditures will be required to enable us to complete projects in the future. We currently have no additional borrowing capacity under our existing credit agreement, and it is likely we will need to seek additional financing through subsequent future private or public offerings of our equity securities or through strategic partnerships and other arrangements with corporate partners.
We cannot give you any assurance that any additional financing will be available to us, or if available, will be on terms favorable to us. The sale of additional equity securities will result in dilution to our stockholders. The occurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. If adequate additional financing is not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to implement our business development plan or continue our business operations.
Cyber incidents or cyberattacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.
We depend on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of third parties with which we may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, our systems or infrastructure, or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of our assets, proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early stage company without significant investments in data security protection, we may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. We may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect against, or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to, cyber incidents. It is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of them, could have adverse consequences on our business and lead to financial loss.
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Risks Related to Ownership of our Common Stock
You may experience dilution of your ownership interest because of the future issuance of additional shares of our common stock and because of our preferred stock and outstanding rights to acquire common stock and warrants.
As of March 31, 2024, our authorized capital stock consisted of 425,000,000 shares, of which 400,000,000 shares were designated as common stock and 25,000,000 shares were designated as preferred stock, of which 630,900 shares were designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and 1,360,000 shares were designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.
In the future, we expect to issue our authorized but previously unissued equity securities in connection with future financings, which could result in the dilution of the ownership interests of our present stockholders. We may also issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock in connection with hiring or retaining employees or consultants, future acquisitions, future sales of our securities for capital raising purposes, or for other business purposes. The future issuance of any such additional shares of our common stock or other securities may create downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to issue additional shares, warrants or other convertible securities in the future in conjunction with hiring or retaining employees or consultants, future acquisitions, future sales of our securities for capital raising purposes or for other business purposes, including at a price (or exercise or conversion prices) below the price at which shares of our common stock are trading.
Under any of the circumstances described above, future issuances or conversions may depress the market price of our common stock, and may impair our ability to raise additional capital in the financial markets at a time and price favorable to us. The effect of this dilution may, in turn, cause the price of our common stock to decrease further, both because of the downward pressure on our stock price that may be caused by a large number of sales of our shares into the public market by our preferred holders, and because our other existing stockholders may, in response, decide to sell additional shares of our common stock, further decreasing our stock price.
The market price of our common stock is likely to be volatile and could subject us to litigation.
The market price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. Factors affecting the market price of our common stock include:
● | variations in our operating results, earnings per share, cash flows from operating activities, deferred revenue, | |
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● | addition or loss of significant customers; | |
● | changes in laws or regulations applicable to our products; | |
● | actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to our competitors; | |
● | forward looking guidance to industry and financial analysts related to future revenue and earnings per share; | |
● | the net increases in the number of customers and paying subscriptions, either independently or as compared with published expectations of industry, financial or other analysts that cover our company; | |
● | changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in recommendations by securities analysts that elect to follow our common stock; |
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● | announcements of technological innovations, new services or service enhancements, strategic alliances or significant agreements by us or by our competitors; | |
● | announcement or expectation of additional financing efforts; | |
● | announcements by us or by our competitors of mergers or other strategic acquisitions, or rumors of such transactions involving us or our competitors; | |
● | announcements of customer additions and customer cancellations or delays in customer contracts; | |
● | recruitment or departure of key personnel; | |
● | trading activity by a limited number of stockholders who together beneficially own a significant | |
● | general economic and market conditions. |
Any of these factors, as well as broader market and industry factors, may result in large and sudden changes in the trading volume of our common stock and could seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. This may prevent you from being able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for your shares of our common stock, if at all. In addition, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholders often institute securities class action litigation against that company. Our involvement in any class action suit or other legal proceeding could divert our senior management’s attention and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
There is currently only a limited public market for our common stock. Failure to develop or maintain a trading market could negatively affect the value of our common stock and make it difficult or impossible for you to sell any shares of our common stock that you hold.
There is currently only a limited public market for our common stock and an active public market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained. Failure to develop or maintain an active trading market could make it difficult for you to sell your shares without depressing the market price for our common stock or recover any part of your investment in us. Even if an active market for our common stock does develop, the market price of such securities may be highly volatile. In addition to the uncertainties relating to future operating performance and the profitability of operations, factors such as variations in interim financial results or various, as yet unpredictable, factors, many of which are beyond our control, may have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock. Further, quotes for shares of our common stock on the OTCQB may not be indicative of the market price on a national securities exchange, such as the NYSE or Nasdaq.
Our shares of common stock are subject to the penny stock rules, making it more difficult to trade our shares.
The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or authorized for quotation on certain automated quotation systems, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system. Because our common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange and the current price of our common stock is less than $5.00, our common stock is deemed to be a penny stock. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document containing specified information. In addition, the penny stock rules require that before effecting any transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, a broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our common stock, and therefore stockholders may have difficulty selling their shares.
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YouThere may experience dilutionbe restrictions on your ability to resell shares of your ownership interest due to future issuance of our securities.common stock under Rule 144.
We are currently authorizedCurrently, Rule 144 under the Securities Act permits the public resale of securities under certain conditions after a six or twelve month holding period by the seller, including requirements with respect to issue 300,000,000the manner of sale, sales volume restrictions, filing requirements and a requirement that certain information about the issuer is publicly available. At the time that stockholders intend to resell their shares under Rule 144, there can be no assurances that we will be subject to the reporting requirements of common stock and 10,000,000 sharesthe Securities Exchange Act of preferred stock. We1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or, if so, current in our reporting requirements under the Exchange Act, in order for stockholders to be eligible to rely on Rule 144 at such time. In addition to the foregoing requirements of Rule 144 under the Federal securities laws, the various state securities laws may issue additional shares of common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock in future public offerings or private placements for capital raising purposes or for other business purposes, or upon conversion or exercise of outstanding options, warrants, or preferred stock. The future issuanceimpose further restrictions on the ability of a substantial amountholder to sell or transfer the shares of common stock, or the perception that such an issuance could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common shares. A decline in the price of our common stock could make it more difficult to raise funds through future offerings of our common stock or securities convertible into common stock.
Our boardSales of directorsour currently issued and outstanding stock may issuebecome freely tradable pursuant to Rule 144 and fixmay dilute the termsmarket for your shares and have a depressive effect on the price of the shares of our preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could adversely affect the voting power of holders of our common stock or any change in control of our company.stock.
OurA substantial majority of our outstanding shares of common stock are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. As restricted shares, these shares may be resold only pursuant to an effective registration statement or under the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act and as required under applicable state securities laws. Rule 144 provides in essence that an affiliate (as such term is defined in Rule 144(a)(1)) of an issuer who has held restricted securities for a period of at least six months (one year after filing Form 10 information with the SEC for shell companies and former shell companies) may, under certain conditions, sell every three months, in brokerage transactions, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of an issuer’s outstanding shares of common stock or the average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks prior to the sale. Rule 144 also permits, under certain circumstances, the sale of securities, without any limitation, by a person who is not an affiliate of the issuer and who has satisfied a one-year holding period. A sale under Rule 144 or under any other exemption from the Securities Act, if available, or pursuant to subsequent registrations of our shares of common stock, may have a depressive effect upon the price of our shares of common stock in any active market that may develop.
Possible adverse effect of issuance of preferred stock.
As of March 31, 2024, our articles of incorporation authorizeauthorized the issuance of up to 10,000,00025,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 23,009,100 shares were “blank check” preferred stock available for issuance with such designationdesignations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by theour board of directors. Of these authorized shares, 220,135 Series B Preferred Stock are currently outstanding. OurAs a result of the foregoing, our board of directors is empowered,can issue, without stockholderfurther shareholder approval, to create additional series and issue additional shares of preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights whichthat could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. In the eventThe issuance of such issuances, the preferred stock could, be used, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delayingdiscourage, delay or preventingprevent a change in control of our company.
We do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock and investors should not buy our common stock expecting to receive dividends.
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock in the past, and do not anticipate that we will declare or pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, youholders of common stock will only realize an economic gain on yourtheir investment in our common stock if the price appreciates, which may not occur. Youappreciates. Investors should not purchase our common stock expecting to receive cash dividends. SinceBecause we do not pay dividends on our common stock, and if an activethere may be limited trading, market for our shares does not develop, youinvestors may not have any manner to liquidate or receive any payment on yourtheir investment. Therefore, our failure to pay dividends may cause youinvestors to not see any return on your investment even if we are successful in our business operations. In addition, becauseBecause we do not pay dividends on our common stock, we may have trouble raising additional funds, which could affect our ability to expand our business operations.
Our common stock is subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC and the trading market in the securities is limited, which makes transactions in the stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in the stock.
Our common stock is subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC because it has historically had a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require:
If we are successful in our application to list our stock for trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market and we are able to maintain that listing, our stock will cease to be a penny stock. However, if we cease to obtain and maintain that listing, we may again be subject to the penny stock rules. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the penny stock rules. In addition, according to the SEC, the market for penny stocks has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. These factors may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our common stock if it were to become subject to the penny stock rules.
If we are unable to successfully compete in the marketplace, our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
The waste services industry is subject to extensive and rapidly-changing government regulation. Changes to one or more of these regulations could cause a decrease in the demand for our products and services.
Stringent government regulations at the federal, state and local level in the U.S. have a substantial impact on the waste industry and compliance with such regulations is costly. A large number of complex laws, rules, orders and interpretations govern environmental protection, health, safety, land use, zoning, transportation and related matters. Among other things, governmental regulations and enforcement actions may restrict operations within the waste industry and may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We believe the demand for our digester product is created directly in response to recent laws and regulation prohibiting certain large, commercial food manufacturers, retailers and hospitality enterprises from discarding food wastes to landfills. Our digesters are just one solution for these businesses to comply with these regulations and other regulations. If there was a change to or elimination of these regulations, the demand for our product would almost certainly be greatly reduced and our income would, as a result, be adversely affected.
Currently, the microorganisms we employ in our digesters are approved for use to reduce food waste and to be poured into conventional sewer systems. However, if it was determined that we could no longer use these microorganisms, there is no guarantee that we could develop a replacement process to assure that we could continue to sell our products. Also, we would likely face claims from current customers were they unable to use our digesters for food waste disposal.
We may also incur the costs of defending against environmental litigation brought by governmental agencies and private parties. We may be in the future a defendant in lawsuits brought by parties alleging environmental damage, personal injury, and/or property damage, or which seek to overturn or prevent authorization of our products, all of which may result in us incurring significant liabilities.
We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates. If we identify suitable acquisition candidates, we may be unable to successfully negotiate acquisitions at a price or on terms and conditions acceptable to us, and we may be unable to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to complete potential acquisitions. If executed, acquisitions may not improve our business or may pose significant risks.
We may in the future, make acquisitions in order to acquire complementing or expanding our business, including developing additional disposal products and complementary services. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates. If we identify suitable acquisition candidates, we may be unable to successfully negotiate acquisitions at a price or on terms and conditions acceptable to us, including as a result of the limitations imposed by our debt obligations. Further, we may be unable to obtain the necessary regulatory approval, if required, to complete potential acquisitions. We may be unable to complete these transactions and, if executed, these transactions may not improve our business or may pose significant risks and could have a negative effect on our operations.
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Our abilityWe may need to achieveraise additional capital in the benefits of any potential future acquisition, including cost savings and operating efficiencies, depends in part on our ability to successfully integrate the operations of such acquired businesses with our operations. The integration of acquired businesses and other assetsfuture. Additional capital may require significant management time and resources that would otherwisenot be available for the ongoing managementto us on reasonable terms, if at all, when or as we require. If we issue additional shares of our existing operations. In addition, to the extent any future acquisitions are completed, wecommon stock or other securities that may be unsuccessfulconvertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, our common stock, our existing stockholders would experience further dilution and could trigger anti-dilution provisions in integrating acquired companies or their operations, or if integration is more difficult than anticipated, we may experience disruptions that could have a material adverse impact on future profitability. Some of the risks that may affect our ability to integrate, or realize any anticipated benefits from, acquisitions include:
outstanding warrants.
We rely on highly skilled personnel and, if we are unablemay need to retainraise additional capital in the future for acquisitions or motivate key personnel other purposes. Future financings may involve the issuance of debt, equity and/or hire additional qualified personnel, wesecurities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our equity securities. These financings may not be available to us on reasonable terms or at all when and as we require funding. If we are able to grow effectively.
Our performance is largely dependent onconsummate such financings, the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, and retain highly skilled personnel for all areastrading price of our organization. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends oncommon stock could be adversely affected and/or the terms of such financings may adversely affect the interests of our ability to retain and motivate existing employees. Due to our reliance upon its skilled professionals and laborers, thestockholders. Any failure to attract, integrate, motivate, and retain current and/orobtain additional key employees couldworking capital when required would have a material adverse effect on our business operating results and financial condition.condition and may result in a decline in our stock price. Any issuances of our common stock, preferred stock, or securities such as warrants or notes that are convertible into, exercisable or exchangeable for, our capital stock, would have a dilutive effect on the voting and economic interest of our existing stockholders.
If we failOur officers and directors are entitled to manage growth orindemnification from us for liabilities under our articles of incorporation, which could be costly to prepare for product scalabilityus and integration effectively, it could have an adverse effect on our employee efficiency, product quality, working capital levels and resultsmay discourage the exercise of operations.stockholder rights.
Our articles of incorporation provide that we possess and may exercise all powers of indemnification of our officers, directors, employees, agents and other persons and our bylaws also require us to indemnify our officers and directors as permitted under the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”). We will also have contractual indemnification obligations under our agreements with our directors and officers. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in our company incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors and officers. These provisions and resultant costs may also discourage our company from bringing a lawsuit against directors, officers and employees for breaches of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our stockholders against our directors, officers and employees even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit our company and stockholders.
Our bylaws and Nevada law may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management, which could have the result of depressing the trading price of our common stock.
Any significant growth
Certain anti-takeover provisions of Nevada law could have the effect of delaying or preventing a third party from acquiring us, even if the acquisition arguably could benefit our stockholders.
Nevada’s “combinations with interested stockholders” statutes, NRS 78.411 through 78.444, inclusive, prohibit specified types of business “combinations” between certain Nevada corporations and any person deemed to be an “interested stockholder” for two years after such person first becomes an “interested stockholder” unless the corporation’s board of directors approves the combination, or the transaction by which such person becomes an “interested stockholder”, in advance, or unless the combination is approved by the board of directors and sixty percent of the corporation’s voting power not beneficially owned by the interested stockholder, its affiliates and associates. Further, in the market forabsence of prior approval certain restrictions may apply even after such two-year period. However, these statutes do not apply to any combination of a corporation and an interested stockholder after the expiration of four years after the person first became an interested stockholder. For purposes of these statutes, an “interested stockholder” is any person who is (1) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation, or (2) an affiliate or associate of the corporation and at any time within the two previous years was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the corporation. The definition of the term “combination” is sufficiently broad to cover most significant transactions between a corporation and an “interested stockholder.” These statutes generally apply to Nevada corporations with 200 or more stockholders of record. However, a Nevada corporation may elect in its articles of incorporation not to be governed by these particular laws, but if such election is not made in the corporation’s original articles of incorporation, the amendment (1) must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of stock representing a majority of the outstanding voting power of the corporation not beneficially owned by interested stockholders or their affiliates and associates, and (2) is not effective until 18 months after the vote approving the amendment and does not apply to any combination with a person who first became an interested stockholder on or before the effective date of the amendment. We did not make such an election in our products orarticles of incorporation and have not amended our entry into new markets may require an expansionarticles of our employee base for managerial, operational, financial, and other purposes. During any period of growth, we may face problems relatedincorporation to our operational and financial systems and controls, including quality control and delivery and service capacities. We would also need to continue to expand, train and manage our employee base. Continued future growth will impose significant added responsibilities upon the members of management to identify, recruit, maintain, integrate, and motivate new employees.so elect.
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Aside from increased difficulties
Nevada’s “acquisition of controlling interest” statutes, NRS 78.378 through 78.3793, inclusive, contain provisions governing the acquisition of a controlling interest in certain Nevada corporations. These “control share” laws provide generally that any person that acquires a “controlling interest” in certain Nevada corporations may be denied voting rights, unless a majority of the disinterested stockholders of the corporation elects to restore such voting rights. Our bylaws provide that these statutes do not apply to us or any acquisition of our common stock. Absent such provision in our bylaws, these laws would apply to us as of a particular date if we were to have 200 or more stockholders of record (at least 100 of whom have addresses in Nevada appearing on our stock ledger at all times during the 90 days immediately preceding that date) and do business in the managementState of human resources, we may need increased liquidity to finance the expansionNevada directly or through an affiliated corporation, unless our articles of our existing business, the development of new products, and the hiring of additional employees. For effective growth management, we will be required to continue improving our operations, management, and financial systems and controls. Our failure to manage growth effectively may lead to operational and financial inefficiencies that will have a negativeincorporation or bylaws in effect on our profitability. We cannot assure investorsthe tenth day after the acquisition of a controlling interest provide otherwise. These laws provide that we will be ablea person acquires a “controlling interest” whenever a person acquires shares of a subject corporation that, but for the application of these provisions of the NRS, would enable that person to timelyexercise (1) one fifth or more, but less than one third, (2) one third or more, but less than a majority or (3) a majority or more, of all of the voting power of the corporation in the election of directors. Once an acquirer crosses one of these thresholds, shares which it acquired in the transaction taking it over the threshold and effectively meet that demand and maintainwithin the quality standards required by our existing and potential customers.90 days immediately preceding the date when the acquiring person acquired or offered to acquire a controlling interest become “control shares” to which the voting restrictions described above apply.
Various provisions of our bylaws may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt of us that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest. Our management teambylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote for the election of directors, and except as provided by Nevada law, our board of directors shall have the power to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws by a vote of not less than a majority of our directors. The interests of these stockholders and directors may not be ableconsistent with your interests, and they may make changes to successfully implement our business strategies.
If our management team is unable to execute on its business strategies, then our development, including the establishment of revenues and our sales and marketing activities, would be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we may encounter difficultiesbylaws that are not in effectively managing the budgeting, forecasting and other process control issues presented by any future growth. We may seek to augment or replace members of our management team or we may lose key members of our management team, and we may not be able to attract new management talentline with sufficient skill and experience.your concerns.
If we are unableNevada law also provides that directors may resist a change or potential change in control if the directors determine that the change is opposed to, retain key executivesor not in the best interests of, the corporation. The existence of the foregoing provisions and other key affiliates, our growthpotential anti-takeover measures could limit the price that investors might be significantly inhibited, and our business harmed with a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our success is,willing to a certain extent, attributable to the management, sales and marketing, and operational and technical expertise of certain key personnel. Ajay Sikka, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performs key functionspay in the operationfuture for shares of our business. The losscommon stock. They could also deter potential acquirers of Mr. Sikkaour company, thereby reducing the likelihood that you could havereceive a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If we lose the services of any senior management, we may not be able to locate suitable or qualified replacements and may incur additional expenses to recruit and train new personnel, which could severely disrupt our business and prospects.premium for your common stock in an acquisition.
Our financial results may not meet the expectations of investors and may fluctuate because of many factors and, as a result, investors should not rely on our revenue and/or financial projections as indicative of future results.
Fluctuations in operating results or the failure of operating results to meet the expectations investors may negatively impact the value of our securities. Operating results may fluctuate due to a variety of factors that could affect revenues or expenses in any particular quarter. Fluctuations in operating results could cause the value of our securities to decline. Investors should not rely on revenue or financial projections or comparisons of results of operations as an indication of future performance. As a result of the factors listed below, it is possible that in future periods results of operations may be below the expectations of investors. This could cause the market price of our securities to decline and negatively impact our ability to raise debt and capital. Factors that may affect our operating results include:
ITEM 1B. |
As a Smaller Reporting Company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item 1B.
ITEM 1C. | Cybersecurity |
We acknowledge the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital and interconnected world. Cybersecurity threats pose significant risks to the integrity of our systems and data, potentially impacting our business operations, financial condition and reputation.
None.As a smaller reporting company, we currently do not have formalized cybersecurity measures, a dedicated cybersecurity team or specific protocols in place to manage cybersecurity risks. Our approach to cybersecurity is in the developmental stage, and we have not yet conducted comprehensive risk assessments, established an incident response plan or engaged with external cybersecurity consultants for assessments or services.
Given our current stage of cybersecurity development, we have not experienced any significant cybersecurity incidents to date. However, we recognize that the absence of a formalized cybersecurity framework may leave us vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches and other cybersecurity incidents. Such events could potentially lead to unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, sensitive information, disrupt our business operations, result in regulatory fines or litigation costs and negatively impact our reputation among customers and partners.
We are in the process of evaluating our cybersecurity needs and developing appropriate measures to enhance our cybersecurity posture. This includes considering the engagement of external cybersecurity experts to advise on best practices, conducting vulnerability assessments and developing an incident response strategy. Our goal is to establish a cybersecurity framework that is commensurate with our size, complexity and the nature of our operations, thereby reducing our exposure to cybersecurity risks.
In addition, our board of directors will oversee any cybersecurity risk management framework and a dedicated committee of our board of directors or an officer appointed by our board of directors will review and approve any cybersecurity policies, strategies and risk management practices.
Despite our efforts to improve our cybersecurity measures, there can be no assurance that our initiatives will fully mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats. The landscape of cybersecurity risks is constantly evolving, and we will continue to assess and update our cybersecurity measures in response to emerging threats.
For a discussion of potential cybersecurity risks affecting us, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section.
ITEM 2. | Properties |
Item 2. PropertiesOur principal executive office is located at 300 E. Long Lake Road, Suite 100A, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, 48304, which is approximately 5,251 square feet of office space currently rented at a rate of $7,417 per month. In addition, we lease 10,704 square feet of office and shop facilities space currently rented at a rate of $9,016 per month in Troy, Michigan and 13,823 square feet of office space currently rented at a rate of $22,500 per month in Linwood, Michigan. It is our belief that such space is adequate for our immediate office needs. Additional space may be required as we expand our business activities, but we do not foresee any significant difficulties in obtaining additional office facilities if deemed necessary.
TraQiQ does not own Our principal property and equipment is comprised of vehicles and equipment in the State of Michigan. In addition, we lease real property in Michigan and Pennsylvania. These properties are sufficient to meet our current operational needs; however, we are exploring the potential acquisition and/or lease any property. Our mailing address is 14205 S.E. 36th St., Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98006.leasing of additional properties pursuant to its growth strategies.
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ITEM 3. | Legal Proceedings |
Item 3. Legal ProceedingsThere are no material proceedings to which any director or officer, or any associate of any such director or officer, is a party that is adverse to our company or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to our company or any of our subsidiaries. No director or executive officer has been a director or executive officer of any business which has filed a bankruptcy petition or had a bankruptcy petition filed against it during the past ten years. Except as described below, no current director or executive officer has been convicted of a criminal offense or is the subject of a pending criminal proceeding during the past ten years. No current director or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment or decree of any court permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities during the past ten years. No current director or officer has been found by a court to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law during the past ten years.
From time to time, we are involved inmay become a party to litigation and subject to claims and legal actions that arise inincident to the ordinary course of our business. WeAlthough the results of such litigation and claims in the ordinary course of business cannot predictbe predicted with certainty, we believe that the final outcome of any litigation or suit to which we are a party. However, we dosuch matters will not believe that an unfavorable decision of any of the current claims or legal actions against us, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position,business, results of operations liquidity or capital resources.financial condition. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense costs, diversion of management resources and other factors. Currently, there is no litigation pending against our company that could materially affect our company other than as follows:
In July 2022, a complaint was filed against our Titan Trucking subsidiary in the Circuit Court for Macomb County, Michigan titled Wolverine Transfer and Recycling LLC v. Titan Trucking LLC (Case No. 22-002780-CB) for breach of contract. In the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that Titan Trucking has breached a contractual agreement between Titan Trucking and the plaintiff pertaining to the transport of certain non-hazardous solid waste or recyclables from plaintiff’s transfer station to the locations identified in the contract. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, attorney and expert fees and other unspecified litigation costs. Titan Trucking has denied the claims of the plaintiff, and in May 2023, Titan Trucking filed amended counterclaims against the plaintiff alleging that plaintiff breached the contractual agreement by preventing Titan Trucking’s performance of its obligations under the agreement by failing to, among things, provide the necessary volumes of materials for shipment and the personnel sufficient to permit Titan Trucking to provide its services and by failing to pay certain invoices and to reimburse Titan Trucking for equipment damaged by plaintiff’s employees and for overweight trailer tickets. This matter is presently set on the court’s non-jury trial docket. Titan Trucking intends to continue to vigorously defend this lawsuit and to prosecute its counterclaims.
In July 2023, a complaint was filed against us and Ajay Sikka, a director of our company and our former chief executive officer, in the Circuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Lake County, Illinois titled Alta Waterford, LLC v. TraQiQ, Inc. and Ajay Sikka (Case No. 23LA00000476) for breach of contract. In the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that we breached contracts for the payment of compensation for investor relations and web development and copyright services allegedly provided by the plaintiff, which payment obligation was personally guaranteed by Mr. Sikka. The complaint seeks damages in the amount of $324,000, attorney fees and other unspecified litigation costs. We answered the complaint, denying all of the basic allegations, and the plaintiff then moved to strike our answer. In December 2023, the parties entered an agreement pursuant to which the plaintiff agreed to produce all of the documents supporting its claim that it performed services under the contracts, and we agreed that we would serve and file an amended answer within 21 days after receipt of their documents. Since that time, the plaintiff produced its documents and we filed our amended answer. We anticipate conducting deposition discovery in the weeks and months ahead, and the matter is scheduled for trial in Illinois in September 2024.
As of December 31, 2023, no accruals for loss contingencies have been recorded as the outcome of this litigation is neither probable nor reasonably estimable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
ITEM 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
ITEM 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Our common stock is quotedlisted for quotation on the OTCQB market operated by the OTC QB MarketMarkets Group under the trading symbol “TRIQ.“TESI.” Trading in our common stock on the OTCQB market has been limited and the quotations set forth below are not necessarily indicative of actual market values. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing bid prices for each quarter within the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 on the OTCQB market as reported by OTC QBMarkets Group. All quotations for the OTCQB market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactionstransactions.
Quarter Ended | High | Low | ||||||
December 31, 2023 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.03 | ||||
September 30, 2023 | $ | 3.77 | $ | 1.00 | ||||
June 30, 2023 | $ | 1.60 | $ | 0.35 | ||||
March 31, 2023 | $ | 3.70 | $ | 0.20 | ||||
December 31, 2022 | $ | 1.85 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
September 30, 2022 | $ | 3.25 | $ | 1.51 | ||||
June 30, 2022 | $ | 4.10 | $ | 3.00 | ||||
March 31, 2022 | $ | 5.58 | $ | 2.96 |
On March 29, 2024, the closing bid price for our common stock on the OTCQB market as reported by the quotation service operated by the OTC Markets Group was $0.74.
Transfer Agent
Equity Stock Transfer, LLC is the registrar and transfer agent for our common shares. Its address is 237 W 37th St Suite 602, New York, NY 10018, Telephone: 212-575-5757, Facsimile: 347-584-3644.
Holders of ourOur Common Stock
As of March 30, 2023,29, 2024, there were approximately 100 stockholders122 registered holders of record of our common stock. ThisAs of such date, 25,386,814 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. The number does not includeof our shareholders of record excludes any estimate by us of the number of beneficial owners of shares held by brokerage clearing houses, depositories or others in unregistered form. The stock transfer agent for our securities is Equity Stock Transfer.street name, the accuracy of which cannot be guaranteed.
Dividends
The Company has neverWe have not declared or paidany common stock dividends to date and the provisions of our Loan Agreement with Michaelson prohibit our payment of dividends so long as the Michaelson Note remains outstanding. As a result, we have no present intention of paying any cash dividends on itsour common stock. The Company currently intendsstock in the foreseeable future, and we intend to retain futureuse earnings, if any, to financegenerate growth. Subject to any limitations on the expansionpayment of its business. As a result, the Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in our credit facilities, the foreseeable future.payment by us of dividends, if any, in the future, is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other things, our earnings, capital requirements and financial condition, as well as other relevant factors. There are no material restrictions in our Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or Bylaws that restrict us from declaring dividends.
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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2023, regarding our compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance:
Plan category | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Weighted- Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) | |||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
2020 Equity compensation plan approved by security holders | - | $ | - | 5,500,000 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - | |||||||||
Total | - | $ | - | 5,500,000 |
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
On December 30, 2022, the Company exchanged outstanding debt securities of the Company with unpaid principal and interest in the amount of $5,786,474 for 13,002,729 shares of its common stock and 220,135 shares of its Series B Preferred stock. These transactions were with Evergreen Capital Management, LLC (“Evergreen”), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and other individuals who are related to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. These sales of securities were consummated pursuant to the exemption from registration in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it was exclusively with existing security holders of the Company and no commission or other remuneration was given or paid, directly or indirectly, for soliciting such exchange. The sales were also exempt under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as all of the purchasers were sophisticated in business and investment matters.
On January 5, 2023, the Company23, 2024, 100,000 of our Series A Rights to Receive Common Stock (“Series A Rights”) were exercised. As a result, we issued 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to Greg Rankich. These sales of securities were consummated pursuant to the exemption from registration in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it was exclusively with existing security holders of the Company and no commission or other remuneration was given or paid, directly or indirectly, for soliciting such exchange. The sales were also exempt under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the purchaser was sophisticated in business and investment matters.
Between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022, 394,219 options were exercised into 394,219 shares of the Company’s common stock for $0.0001. These sales of securities were consummated pursuant to the exemption from registration in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company determined that all of the purchasers were sophisticated in business and investment matters.
On December 1, 2022, the Company issued 168,750 shares of its common stock in exchange for vested restricted stock awards. These sales of securities were consummated pursuant to the exemption from registration in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company determined that all of the purchasers were sophisticated in business and investment matters.
Between April 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022, the Company issued 179,506 shares of its common stock in exchange for warrants. These sales of securities were consummated pursuant to the exemption from registration in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company determined that all of the purchasers were sophisticated in business and investment matters.
Between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022, the Company issued 43,803 shares of its common stock in exchange for warrants. These sales of securities were consummated pursuant to the exemption from registration in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company determined that all of the purchasers were sophisticated in business and investment matters.
Through December 31, 2022, the Company issued 223,309 shares of its common stock in exchange for warrants. These sales of securities were consummated pursuant to the exemption from registration in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company determined that all of the purchasers were sophisticated in business and investment matters.
On July 5, 2022, the Company entered into a 11% OID Senior Secured Promissory Note with GS Capital Partners LLC (the “GS Capital”) in the amount of $144,000 (includes $14,000 of Original Issue Discount). The GS Capital note has a maturity of twelve months and accrues interest at a rate of 12% per year. The conversion price is equal to 86% of the lowest trading price of the Company’s common stock for the 12 Trading Days immediately preceding the delivery of a notice of conversion. In accordance with the terms of the note, the Company issued 3,000100,000 shares of common stock asto holders of such Series A Rights.
Between January 17, 2024 and January 29, 2024, 10,152,269 of our Series B Rights to Received Common Stock (“Series B Rights”) were exercised. As a commitment fee. These securities wereresult, we issued as10,152,269 shares of common stock to the holders of such Series B Rights.
In January 2024, we issued an aggregate of 2,750,001 warrants to purchase common stock to investors in a private offeringplacement.
The offers, sales and sale pursuant to the exemptionissuances of securities listed above, were deemed exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated thereunder in that the issuance of 1933, as amended.securities did not involve a public offering. The Company determined that GS Capital Partners, LLC was sophisticatedrecipients of such securities in businesseach of these transactions represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment purposes only and investment matters.not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof. All of the foregoing securities are deemed restricted securities for purposes of the Securities Act and appropriate legends were affixed to the securities issued in such transactions.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to file selected financial data.None.
ITEM 6. | [Reserved] |
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates and judgments, including those described in greater detail below. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
As used in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” except where the context otherwise requires, the term “we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Company,” refers to the business of TraQiQ, Inc.
Overview of Our Company
We operate two distinct lines of business. The Company currently markets an aerobic digestion technology solutionfirst is Titan Trucking, LLC (“Titan Trucking”), a non-hazardous solid waste management company providing waste and recycling collection and transportation services for industrial generators, commercial contractors and transfer station operators in Michigan. Titan Trucking maintains a fleet of roll off and tractor trailer trucks to perform its services. Titan Trucking operates in a highly recession resistant industry given the ongoing generation of waste and recyclable materials. Titan Trucking’s goal is to provide our customers with safe and efficient options for the disposal and recycling of their waste streams. Titan Trucking has begun to create the infrastructure needed to expand its operations organically and through strategic acquisitions and market development opportunities across the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States. The second is Recoup Technologies, Inc., which provides technology enabled solutions for food waste at the point of generation. Its line of Revolution Series Digesters has been described as self-contained, robotic digestive systems that we believe are as easy to install as a standard dishwasher with no special electrical or plumbing requirements. Units range in size depending upon capacity, with the smallest unit approximately the size of a residential washing machine. The digesters utilize a biological process to convertprocessing including onsite Digestors for food waste into a liquid that we believe is safe to discharge down an ordinary drain. This process can result in a substantial reduction in costs for customers including cruise lines, restaurants, retail stores, hospitals, hotel/hospitality companiesalong with cloud-based software tracking and governmental units by eliminating the transportation and logistics costs associated with food waste disposal. The Company also expects the process reduce the greenhouse gases associated with food-waste transportation and decomposition in landfills that have been linked to climate change. The Company offers its Revolution Series Digesters in several sizes targeting small- to mid-sized food waste generation sites that are often more economical than traditional disposal methods. The Revolution Series Digesters are manufactured and assembled in the United States.analytics solutions.
In an effort to expand the capabilitiesDisposal of its digesters, the Company developed a sophisticated Internet of ThingsTraQiQ Private Solutions, Inc (“IoT”Ci2i”) technology platform to provide its customers with transparency into their internal and supply chain waste generation and operational practices. This patented process collects weight related data from the digesters to deliver real-time data that provides valuable information that when analyzed, can improve efficiency, and validate corporate sustainability efforts. The Company provides its IoT platform through a SaaS (“Software as a Service”) model that is either bundled in its rental agreements or sold through a separate annual software license. The Company continues to add new capacity sizes to its line of Revolution Series Digesters to meet customer needs.
The Company was incorporated in the State of California on September 9, 2009 as Thunderclap Entertainment, Inc. On July 14, 2017, Thunderclap Entertainment, Inc. changed its name to TraQiQ, Inc.
On March 18, 2022, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, approvedJuly 28, 2023, we and our wholly-owned subsidiary, TraQiQ Solutions, Inc (“Ci2i”), and Ajay Sikka (“Sikka”), a reverse 1-for-8 stock split of the Company’s common stock (the “Reverse Split”). The Reverse Split was effective on March 21, 2022. The common stockdirector and common stock equivalents and the per-share amounts have been retroactively restated in accordance with ASC 855-10-25 and the loss per share figures have been retroactively restated in accordance with ASC 260-10-55-12.
On December 30, 2022, the Companyour former chief executive officer, entered into an Assignment of Stock Agreement (the “MTP“Assignment Agreement”) with Mimo Technologies Private Ltd. (“MTP”) and Lathika Regunathan (“LR”), pursuant to which. Under the Company sold,terms of the Assignment Agreement, we assigned and transferred to LR, and LR purchased from the Company,Sikka all of our rights, title and interests in the Company’sissued and outstanding equity interests in MTPof Ci2i in exchange for nominal consideration of $1.00.$1. We additionally assumed from Ci2i loans and short-term debts valued at $209,587 plus fees and interest. Other than the liabilities assumed from Ci2i, the balance sheet amounts and operations of Ci2i as of the date of sale were insignificant.
Reverse Acquisition with Titan Trucking, LLC
On December 30, 2022, the CompanyMay 19, 2023, we and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Titan Merger Sub Corp. (“Merger Sub”), entered into an AssignmentAgreement and Plan of StockMerger (the “TSP“Merger Agreement”), with TraQiQ Solutions Private Ltd.Titan Trucking, Titan 5, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“TSP”Titan 5”), Titan National Holdings 2, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“Holdings”), Jeffrey Rizzo, an individual (“JR”), William McCauley, an individual (“WM”, and, LR,together with Holdings, Titan 5 and JR, the “Sellers”), and Jeffrey Rizzo, as the Seller Representative, pursuant to which, Merger Sub was merged with and into Titan Trucking, with Titan Trucking continuing as the Company sold, assignedsurviving entity and transferred to LR and LR purchased fromas a wholly-owned subsidiary of our company (the “Titan Merger”).
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company, allTitan Merger qualified as a tax-free “reorganization”. Under the terms of the Company’s equityTitan Merger Agreement, upon the closing of the Titan Merger, we paid the Titan Trucking owners 630,900 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock. Concurrent to the Titan Merger, our chief executive officer and one of our directors resigned from their respective positions and our current chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer were appointed. Additionally, the new chief executive officer and chief operating officer were both appointed as directors of our company.
In accordance with ASC 805 – Business Combinations, the Titan Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition with Titan Trucking being deemed the accounting acquirer of our company. Titan Trucking, as the accounting acquirer, recorded the assets and liabilities of our company at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The historical consolidated financial statements of Titan Trucking have replaced our historical consolidated financial statements with respect to periods prior to the completion of the Titan Merger with retroactive adjustments to Titan Trucking’s legal capital to reflect the legal capital of our company. We remain the continuing registrant and reporting company.
Titan Trucking was deemed to be the accounting acquirer based on the following facts and circumstances: (1) the Titan Trucking owners owned approximately 65% of the voting interests of the combined company immediately following the transaction; (2) the Titan Merger resulted in TSPsignificant changes to the combined company’s board of directors; (3) the Titan Merger resulted in exchangesignificant changes to the management of the combined company.
We accounted for nominalthe Titan Merger as a reverse acquisition using acquisition accounting. Because the Titan Merger qualifies as a reverse acquisition and given that Titan Trucking was a private company at the time of the Titan Merger and therefore its value was not readily determinable, the fair value of the merger consideration was deemed to be equal to the quoted market capitalization of $1.00.our company at the acquisition date. The purchase consideration was as follows:
TraQiQ, Inc. market capitalization at closing | $ | 27,162,222 | ||
Total purchase consideration | $ | 27,162,222 |
On December 30, 2022,We recorded all tangible and intangible assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values on the Company entered into an Assignment of Units (the “Rohuma Agreement”, and, together withacquisition date. The following represents the MTP Agreement and the TSP Agreement, the “Disposition Agreements”) with Rohuma LLC (“Rohuma”) and Happy Kompany LLC (“Happy”) pursuant to which the Company sold, assigned and transferred to Happy, and Happy purchased from the Company, allallocation of the Company’s equity interests in Rohuma, in exchange for nominal consideration of $1.00. Pursuant to the Rohuma Agreement, the Company assumed the liabilities of Rohuma with respect to two loans with Paypal/Loanbuilder in an aggregate principal amount of $155,053 plus any accumulated interest and fees.estimated purchase consideration:
Estimated | ||||
Description | Fair Value | |||
Assets: | ||||
Cash | $ | 69,104 | ||
Accounts receivable, net | 369,338 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 17,893 | |||
Inventory | 64,894 | |||
Fixed assets, net | 1,134 | |||
Intangible assets, net | 6,471,621 | |||
Goodwill | 26,880,916 | |||
$ | 33,874,900 | |||
Liabilities: | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | (1,009,993 | ) | |
Customer deposits | (311,544 | ) | ||
Accrued payroll and related taxes | (21,077 | ) | ||
Derivative liability | (219,171 | ) | ||
Convertible notes payable | (1,466,382 | ) | ||
Convertible notes payable – related parties | (102,851 | ) | ||
Notes payable | (3,579,160 | ) | ||
Notes payable – related parties | (2,500 | ) | ||
$ | (6,712,678 | ) | ||
Net fair value of assets (liabilities) | $ | 27,162,222 |
Reincorporation as Titan Environmental Solutions Inc.
OnEffective January 5,10, 2024, and pursuant to an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Reincorporation Agreement”), we merged with and into (the “reincorporation”) our wholly-owned subsidiary, Titan Environmental Solutions Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Titan”), with Titan as the surviving entity. As a result of the reincorporation, our jurisdiction of incorporation was changed from California to Nevada and our corporate name was changed from “TraQiQ, Inc.” to “Titan Environmental Solutions Inc.” The individuals serving as our executive officers and directors as of the effective time of the reincorporation continued to serve in such respective capacities with Titan following the effective time of the reincorporation.
Change in Equity Instruments and Share Authorizations
Pursuant to the Reincorporation Agreement, each share of our common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the reincorporation was converted into one share of Titan’s common stock. Additionally, each share of our Series C Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the reincorporation was converted into one share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Titan (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), which has substantially the same rights and preferences as the Series C Preferred Stock. Each of our Series A Rights to Receive Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the reincorporation was converted into one Series A Right to Receive Common Stock of Titan, which has substantially the same rights and preferences as our original Series A Rights to Acquire Common Stock. Each of our Series B Rights to Receive Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the reincorporation was converted into one Series B Right to Receive Common Stock of Titan, which has substantially the same rights and preferences as our original Series B Rights to Acquire Common Stock.
As a result of the reincorporation, all of our outstanding warrants were assumed by Titan and now represent warrants to acquire shares of Titan’s common stock. The reincorporation increased our authorized capital stock to 425,000,000 total shares, consisting of 400,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of which 630,900 shares were designated “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”. In connection with the reincorporation, we also adopted the “Titan Environmental Solutions Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.”
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Authorization of Reverse Stock Split
In connection with the Company, consummatedapproval of the transactions contemplatedReincorporation Agreement, our board of directors was authorized to effect a reverse stock split of our outstanding common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”) on the basis of one share of our common stock for up to 50 shares of our common stock, at an exact ratio at the discretion of the board of directors, at any time prior to the first anniversary of the effective date of the reincorporation. In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, if one is approved by our board of directors, our board of directors may also amend our articles of incorporation to reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock to a number of shares, as determined by the Purchase Agreement among TraQiQ Environmental, Inc. (“REI”) and BioHiTech America, LLC (“BHT” and, together with REI,board of directors, that is not less than 110% of the “Renovare Sellers”) and the Company, pursuant to which the Renovare Sellers sold and assignednumber of outstanding shares of common stock on a fully-diluted basis after giving effect to the Company,Reverse Stock Split.
Change in Trading Symbol of Common Stock
Following the reincorporation and effective on January 16, 2024, the Company purchased and assumedtrading symbol of our common stock changed from the Renovare Sellers, (a) certain assets related“TRIQ” to the business of (i) offering aerobic digestion technology solutions for the disposal of food waste at the point of generation and (ii) data analytics with respect to food waste (collectively, the “Digester Business”) and (b) certain specified liabilities of the Renovare Sellers, including, but not limited to, indebtedness in an amount equal to $3,017,090 (the “Michaelson Debt”) owed to Michaelson Capital Special Finance Fund II, L.P. (“Michaelson”)“TESI”.
In exchange for the assetsCreation of the Digester Business, the Company (a) paid the Renovare Sellers an amount equal to $150,000 and (b) issued to REI (i) 1,250,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock par value $0.0001
On March 29, 2024, we filed a Certificate of Designation with the Nevada Secretary of State (as subsequently amended, the “Certificate of Designation”), designating 1,360,000 authorized shares of preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”). As of the date of this Report, 50,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock have been issued.
The Series B Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights on the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends accruing on a daily basis in arrears at the rate of 10% per annum, or after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Triggering Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), 15% per annum, based on a 360 day year and the stated value of the Series B Preferred Stock of $10.00 per share (the “Stated Value”). We may, at our option, upon not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days’ written notice, redeem the then issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of 130% of the Stated Value per share of Series B Preferred Stock, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Mandatory Redemption Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), we will be required to redeem all of the then issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock may elect to convert the Series B Preferred Stock into shares of common stock, at the applicable conversion rate (subject to certain adjustments), at any time, which right is subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined in the Certificate of Designation). Subject to certain terms, we have the right to require the each holder of Series B Preferred Stock to mandatorily convert all or any portion of their Series B Preferred Stock. A holder of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into which the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such the Holder are convertible on any matter presented to our stockholders, except as required by law or as specifically set forth in the Certificate of Designation. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, each holder of Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to receive out of our assets before any payment or distribution shall be made to the holders of any Junior Securities (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), the greater of (i) an amount per share equal to the sum of (x) the Stated Value and (y) any unpaid dividends, and (ii) 15,686,926 sharesthe same amount that a holder of the Company’s common stock par value $0.0001 (the “Common Stock”), a portion of which is being held in escrow. The Purchase Agreement contained standard representations and warranties by the Company and the Renovare Sellers which, except for fundamental representations, remain in effect for twelve months following the closing date. 1,568,693 shares of the Common Stock portion of the closing consideration were placed into escrow, the release of which is contingent upon a mutual agreement of the parties or January 4, 2024 or if a claim is pending, a final non-appealable order of any court of competent jurisdiction. Additional agreements ancillary to the asset acquisition were also executed, including but not limited to a bill of sale, assignment and assumption agreement,would receive on an escrow agreement and a domain name assignment agreement. The Renovare Sellers also agreed that, for a period of five years from closing date, the Sellers would not engage in a business that competes with the Digester Business.as-converted basis.
Going Concern
The Company has an accumulated deficitFor the year ended December 31, 2023, we had a net loss of $17,522,786 and$149,005,049. We had a working capital deficit of $1,616,199$10,935,108 as of December 31, 2022, compared to an accumulated deficit2023 (deficit of $8,953,768 and a working capital deficit of $9,844,269$1,106,879 as of December 31, 2021. The Company’s continuation2022). These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for a period of time within one year after the date on which our consolidated financial statements were issued.
Management’s plans include raising capital through issuances of equity and debt securities, and minimizing operating expenses of the business to improve our cash burn rate. On July 17, 2023, we converted $1,944,000 of principal and $75,263 of accrued interest related to our outstanding convertible note payables into Series A Rights, resulting in the extinguishment of almost all of our convertible note embedded derivative liabilities. In addition, we have been successful in attracting substantial capital from investors interested in the current public status of our company that has been used to support our ongoing cash outlays. This included $2,595,000 of convertible notes during the year ended December 31, 2023. We believe, but cannot guarantee, we will continue to be able to attract capital from outside sources as we pursue a move to a national stock exchange. We have engaged a qualified investment bank to assist in the uplisting of our common stock and simultaneous raise of capital. In addition, our revenue continues to grow and we expect to shrink our net losses over the upcoming quarters through organic and acquisitive growth. We have identified a plan to decrease expenses going forward to reduce our cash burn.
Employee Benefit Plan
Titan Trucking offers a 401(k) plan. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan on the first day of the month following the date of hire. Employees may defer up to $22,500 per year. Titan Trucking is dependentrequired to contribute on behalf of each eligible participating employee. Titan Trucking will match 50% of the participants deferral not to exceed 3% of employee compensation. Employees will share in the matching contribution regardless of the amount of service completed during the plan year. Employees will become 100% vested in the employer matching contributions after one year of service.
Employer contributions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $15,116 and $11,164, respectively.
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Results of Operations and Financial Condition for the Year Ended December 31, 2023 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Year Ended 2023 | Year Ended 2022 | Percent Change | ||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 7,624,584 | $ | 4,203,112 | 81 | % | ||||||
Cost of revenues | 6,503,135 | 4,207,852 | 55 | % | ||||||||
Gross profit(loss) | 1,121,449 | (4,740 | ) | (23,759 | )% | |||||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||
Salary and salary related costs | 1,720,492 | 475,512 | 262 | % | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 5,590,486 | - | 100 | % | ||||||||
Professional fees | 3,146,692 | 265,575 | 1,085 | % | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 505,434 | - | 100 | % | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 1,074,634 | 359,175 | 199 | % | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment | 20,364,001 | - | 100 | % | ||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 32,401,739 | 1,100,262 | 2,845 | % | ||||||||
Operating Loss | (31,280,290 | ) | (1,105,002 | ) | 2,731 | % | ||||||
Other Income (Expense): | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liability | 41,670 | - | 100 | % | ||||||||
Interest expense, net of interest income | (1,380,122 | ) | (199,453 | ) | 592 | % | ||||||
Gain on forgiveness of note payable | 91,803 | - | 100 | % | ||||||||
Gain on forgiveness of the Paycheck Protection Program loan | - | 812,305 | (100 | )% | ||||||||
Other income (expense) | 113,212 | (166,513 | ) | (168 | )% | |||||||
Loss on extinguishment and on issuance of share rights | (116,591,322 | ) | - | 100 | % | |||||||
Total other income (expense) | (117,724,759 | ) | 446,339 | (26,476 | )% | |||||||
Provision for income taxes | - | - | 100 | % | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (149,005,049 | ) | $ | (658,663 | ) | $ | 22,522 | % |
Revenue
Years Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Product sales and related product services | $ | 1,396,127 | $ | - | ||||
Waste collection and sales | 6,228,457 | 4,203,112 | ||||||
Total revenue | $ | 7,624,584 | $ | 4,203,112 |
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our revenues increased by $3,421,472, or 81%, from $4,203,112 to $7,624,584. The increase was the result of the Titan Merger on May 19, 2023, and the resulting revenue generated by the combined operations of our company and Titan Trucking. The Titan Merger resulted in the development of our Digester Segment and our revenue from product sales and related product services. We also expanded the operations of our Trucking Segment with the acquisition of new containers and other fixed assets, which increased the revenue generated.
Cost of Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our cost of revenue increased by $2,295,283, or 55%, from $4,207,852 to $6,503,135. The increase was the result of the Titan Merger on May 19, 2023, and the resulting increased revenue caused by the combined operations of our company and Titan Trucking. Additionally, we have continued to expand the Trucking Segment operations, which also resulted in increased cost of revenues.
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Operating Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our salary and salary-related costs increased by $1,244,980, or 262%, from $475,512 to $1,720,492. The increase was due to the increased personnel costs associated with the Titan Merger and increases to the operational activity of Titan Trucking.
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our stock-based compensation increased by $5,590,486, or 100%, from $0 to $5,590,486. The increase was due to the vesting of restricted stock awards.
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our professional fees increased by $2,881,117, or 1,085%, from $265,575 to $3,146,692. The increase was attributed primarily to consulting, accounting and legal fees incurred during 2023 related to the Titan Merger and our other acquisition activities.
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our depreciation and amortization expense increased by $505,434, or 100%, from $0 in December 2022 to $505,434. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was the result of the intangible assets recognized from the Titan Merger.
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our general and administrative expenses increased by $715,459, or 199%, from $359,175 to $1,074,634. The increase was primarily due to our increased operational and sales activities, the addition of two leases, and the Titan Merger.
Impairment of Goodwill
Due to the reverse acquisition with Titan Trucking, we recognized goodwill of $26,880,916 for the Digester reporting unit on our consolidated balance sheet. As a result of the financial performance of our Digester Segment, we concluded it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying amount as of June 30, 2023. We performed an impairment assessment of the goodwill. Our quantitative impairment test indicated a fair value of the reporting unit that was lower than its carrying value, and as a result, the goodwill was impaired with an impairment expense of $20,364,001 during the year December 31, 2023. There was no goodwill impairment expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Interest Expense, net of Interest Income
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our interest expense, net of interest income increased by $1,180,669, or 592%, from $199,453 to $1,380,122. The increase was due mainly to a large increase in debt instruments accruing interest on our consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Titan Merger. We have also issued and sold new debt instruments following the Titan Merger, which has resulted in increased interest expense.
Net Loss
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, our net loss increased by $148,346,386, or 22,522% from $658,663 to $149,005,049 due to the loss on extinguishment and issuance of share rights of $116,591,322, the impairment to goodwill, the increase in professional expenses, and the other effects of the Titan Merger.
Segment Analysis
Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by management, namely the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) of an organization, in order to determine operating and resource allocation decisions. By this definition, we have identified our Chief Operating Officer as the CODM. We operate and report in two segments: Trucking and Digesters.
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Trucking Segment: The Trucking Segment generates service revenues and incurs expenses by transporting environmental and other waste for customers.
Digester Segment: The Digester Segment primarily generates revenues and incurs expenses through the production and sale of ‘digester’ equipment to customers. This segment also generates revenue through related services, such as digester maintenance and software services.
We believe that this structure reflects our current operational and financial management, and that it provides the best structure for our company to focus on growth opportunities while maintaining financial discipline. The factors used to identify the Trucking and Digester operating segments were the difference in revenue streams and customer base for each segment, the reporting structure for operational and performance information within our company, and our decision to organize our company around the different revenue generating activities of the segments. Total revenues for each reportable segment was as follows:
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Trucking | $ | 6,228,457 | $ | 4,203,112 | ||||
Digester | 1,395,992 | - | ||||||
Corporate / Other | 135 | - | ||||||
Total | $ | 7,624,584 | $ | 4,203,112 |
Gross profit (loss) for each reportable segment is as follows:
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
$ | $ | |||||||
Trucking | 322,657 | (4,740 | ) | |||||
Digester | 798,748 | - | ||||||
Corporate / Other | 44 | - | ||||||
Total | $ | 1,121,449 | $ | (4,740 | ) |
Net loss before provision for income taxes for each reportable segment is as follows:
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Trucking | $ | (4,152,256 | ) | $ | (658,663 | ) | ||
Digester | (20,303,071 | ) | - | |||||
Corporate / Other | (124,549,722 | ) | - | |||||
Total | $ | (149,005,049 | ) | $ | (658,663 | ) |
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Total assets, capital expenditures, and depreciation and amortization expense for each reportable segment is as follows:
Assets | Capital Expenditures | Depreciation and Amortization (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Trucking | $ | 8,804,653 | $ | 7,407,967 | $ | 643,100 | $ | 3,349,628 | $ | 492,770 | $ | 325,382 | ||||||||||||
Digesters | 13,122,976 | - | 14,345 | — | 436,684 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Corporate / Other | 247,845 | - | - | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 22,175,474 | $ | 7,407,967 | $ | 657,445 | $ | 3,349,628 | $ | 929,454 | $ | 325,382 |
(1) | Depreciation expense of $424,040 and $325,382 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is classified as cost of revenues on the consolidated statement of operations and included in the Trucking Segment depreciation and amortization because it is information reviewed by the CODM. |
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measure)
We have included in this report Adjusted EBITDA, a measure of financial performance that is not defined by U.S. GAAP. We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors and include this measure in other communications to investors.
For this non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, we are providing below a reconciliation of the differences between the non-U.S. GAAP measure and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, an explanation of why our management and board of directors believe the non-U.S. GAAP measure provides useful information to investors and any additional purposes for which our management and board of directors use the non-U.S. GAAP measures. This non-U.S. GAAP measure should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net loss before interest expense (net of interest income), income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and certain non-recurring and non-cash transactions such as goodwill impairments, loss on extinguishment and issuance of share rights, stock-based compensation, and the change in fair value of derivative liabilities. Our management believes that this presentation provides useful information to management and investors regarding our core trends by providing a more direct view of the underlying costs and performance. In addition, management uses this measure for reviewing our financial and operational results. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
We do not consider Adjusted EBITDA in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The principal limitation of Adjusted EBITDA is that it excludes certain expenses and income that are required by U.S. GAAP to be recorded in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is subject to inherent limitations as this metric reflects the exercise of judgment by management about which expenses and income are excluded or included in determining Adjusted EBITDA. In order to compensate for these limitations, management presents Adjusted EBITDA in connection with U.S. GAAP results. A reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:
Years Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Net loss | $ | (149,005,049 | ) | $ | (658,663 | ) | ||
Interest expense, net of interest income | 1,380,122 | 199,453 | ||||||
Income taxes | - | - | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization (a) | 929,454 | 325,382 | ||||||
(146,695,473 | ) | (133,828 | ) | |||||
Non-recurring, non-cash transactions: | ||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liability (b) | (41,670 | ) | - | |||||
Stock-based compensation (c) | 5,590,486 | - | ||||||
Goodwill impairment | 20,364,001 | - | ||||||
Loss on extinguishment and issuance of share rights (d) | 116,591,322 | - | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (4,191,334 | ) | $ | (133,828 | ) |
(a) | This amount includes $424,020 and $325,382 of depreciation expense included in cost of revenues in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. |
(b) | This amount reflects the change in fair value of our derivative liability during the year ended (Note 11 – Derivative Liabilities). |
(c) | Represents incentive-based stock compensation (Note 15 - Stock Based Compensation). |
(d) | This loss was due to the fair value of the Series A Rights at time of conversion being higher than the value of the debt extinguished as a results of the issuance of the Series A Rights. (Note 14 - Stockholders Equity). |
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is the ability of an enterprise to generate sufficientadequate amounts of cash flows from operations to meet its needs for cash requirements. As of December 31, 2023, we had $103,578 in cash compared to $26,650 at December 31, 2022, an increase of $76,928 resulting primarily from net proceeds of debt financings. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $971,000 in accounts receivable compared to approximately $518,000 at December 31, 2022 an increase of approximately $453,000. The increase in receivables was primarily from the approximately $369,000 of receivables gained from the Titan Merger.
As of December 31, 2023, we had total current assets of approximately $1.5 million and total current liabilities of approximately $12.4 million, or negative working capital of approximately $10.9 million, compared to total current assets of approximately $0.9 million and total current liabilities of approximately $2.0 million, or negative working capital of $1.1 million at December 31, 2022. This is a decrease in working capital of approximately $9.8 million over the working capital balance at the end of 2022 driven primarily by the Titan Merger and the private placements of debt securities completed during the twelve-month period.
As of December 31, 2023, we had undiscounted obligations which it has not been ablein the amount of approximately $7.9 million relating to accomplishthe payment of indebtedness due within one year. We anticipate meeting our cash obligations on our indebtedness that is payable on or prior to date, and/or obtain additional financingDecember 31, 2024 primarily through the issuance of debt and equity securities, as well as through earnings from its stockholders and/or other third parties.operations, including, in particular, those of our Trucking segment.
Our consolidated financial statements have been preparedfuture capital requirements for our operations will depend on a going concern basis, which impliesmany factors, including the Company will continueprofitability of our businesses, the number and cash requirements of other acquisition candidates that we pursue, and the costs of our operations. We plan to meet its obligationsgenerate positive cash flow from Titan Trucking to address some of our liquidity needs. However, to execute our business plan, service our existing indebtedness, finance our proposed acquisitions and continue its operations for the next fiscal year. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon the ability of the Companyimplement our business strategy, we anticipate that we may need to obtain necessaryadditional financing from time to time and may choose to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financings, a bank line of credit, borrowings from affiliates or other arrangements. We cannot be sure that any additional funding, if needed, will be available on terms favorable to us or at all. Furthermore, any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-linked securities may dilute our current stockholders’ ownership in us and could also result in a decrease in the market price of our common stock. The terms of those securities issued by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors and may include the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have a further dilutive effect. Furthermore, any debt financing, if available, may subject us to restrictive covenants and significant interest costs. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital, when needed, to continue operations successfully locatingin their current form.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and negotiating2022, our capital expenditures were approximately $0.7 million and approximately $3.3 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we offset our capital expenditures with other business entities for potential acquisition and /or acquiring new clients to generate revenues. The consolidated financial statements of the Company do not include any adjustments that may resultapproximately $97,000 in proceeds from the outcomedisposal of the uncertainties.property and equipment. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we offset our capital expenditures with approximately $0.4 million from the Company converted $5.0 millionproceeds from disposal of debt into shares of commonproperty and Series B Preferred Stock. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2023, the Company completed an acquisition of Renovare. Overall, management is focused on effectively positioning the Companyequipment.
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We expect our capital expenditures for a positive increase in cash flows. The Companynext 12 months will grow as we continue to closely monitorexpand the cash flowsTitan Trucking operational activity. These capital expenditures will be primarily utilized for equipment needed to generate revenue and for office equipment. We expect to fund such capital expenditures out of the Company.our working capital.
In orderCash Flows
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (3,248,631 | ) | $ | (312,264 | ) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (491,022 | ) | (2,977,809 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 3,816,581 | 3,283,144 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | $ | 76,928 | $ | (6,929 | ) |
Operating Activities. The net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily used to further implement its business planfund a net loss of approximately $149 million, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of approximately $144 million. Non-cash expenses were primarily made up of approximately $117 million of loss on extinguishment and satisfy its working capital requirements,issuance of share rights, approximately $20.4 million of goodwill impairment and approximately $5.6 million of stock compensation expense. Approximately $2.0 million of cash was generated from net changes in the Company will needlevels of operating assets and liabilities, primarily related to raise additional capital. There is no guarantee thatan increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, an increase in accrued payroll and payroll taxes, and an increase in the Company will be able to raise additional equity or debt financing at acceptable terms, if at all.operating lease liability. The cash generated was offset by an increase in other assets, an increase in inventory, an increase in prepaid expenses, an increase in accounts receivable and an increase in customer deposits.
There is no assurance thatThe net cash used by operating activities for the Company will ever be profitable. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustmentsyear ended December 31, 2022 was primarily used to reflectfund a net loss of approximately $659,000, adjusted for non-cash income in the possible future effects onaggregate amount of approximately $234,000. Approximately $581,000 was generated by net changes in the recoverabilitylevels of operating assets and classificationliabilities, primarily related to increases in accounts payable, and decreases in other receivables, offset by increases in accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and a decrease in the operating lease liability.
Investing Activities. During the year ended December 31, 2023, our cash used in investing activities was composed of assets or the amounts and classificationsapproximately $69,000 of liabilities that may result should the Company be unable to continuenet cash received as a going concern.result of the Titan Merger and approximately $657,000 used for the acquisition of property and equipment, offset by approximately $97,000 from the disposal of property and equipment. During the year ended December 31, 2022, our cash used in investing activities was due to approximately $3,350,000 used for the acquisition of fixed assets, offset by approximately $372,000 received from the disposal of property and equipment.
Financing Activities. There was $3.8 million in cash generated from financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to proceeds from convertible notes of $2.6 million, proceeds from notes payable – related parties of $1.3 million, proceeds from notes payable of $871,000, proceeds from convertible notes – related parties of $675,000 and cash from the issuance of warrants of $267,000. Cash provided from financing activities was offset by approximately $1.8 million of repayments of notes payable and $160,000 of repayments of notes payable – related parties. There was approximately $3.3 million of cash generated from financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022. The cash provided by financing activities was due to approximately $4.4 million in proceeds from notes payable, offset by repayments of note payables of approximately $1.0 million and loan origination fees of $100,000.
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities. We note that there was approximately $27 million of non-cash activity related to the recapitalization of equity due to the reverse merger transaction. Additionally, we settled a note payable as a contribution to equity for $170,000. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized a subscription receivable of $200,000 in exchange for equity, we recognized a member contribution of approximately $518,000 in exchange for an intangible asset purchase, and we also recognized member contributions of $4,506,000 in exchange for the extinguishment of loans payable.
Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes. We had approximately $578,000 and 219,000 of cash payments for interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no cash payments for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Those material accounting estimates that we believe are the most critical to an investor’s understanding of our financial results and condition are discussed immediately below and are particularly important to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations and require the application of significant judgment by our management to determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in the determination of certain estimates.
Business Combinations
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TraQiQ, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company appliesUnder the guidance of Topic 810 Consolidation of theenumerated in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) to determine whether805, if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not considered a business and how to consolidate another entity. Pursuant to ASC paragraph 810-10-15-10, all majority-owned subsidiaries—all entitiesis accounted for as an asset acquisition at which point, the acquirer measures the assets acquired based on their cost, which is allocated on a relative fair value basis.
Business combinations are accounted for utilizing the fair value of consideration determined by the our management and external specialists. We recognize estimated fair values of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is recognized as any excess in whichfair value over the net value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition price of a parentbusiness over the fair value of identified net assets of that business. Goodwill has an indefinite lifespan and is not amortized. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and record an impairment charge when the carrying amount of a controlling financial interest—are consolidated except when control does not restreporting unit with goodwill exceeds the parent.fair value of the reporting unit. We have two reporting units, Trucking and Digester.
PursuantWe assess qualitative factors to ASC paragraph 810-10-15-8, the usual condition fordetermine if it is necessary to conduct a controlling financial interest is ownership ofquantitative goodwill impairment test. If deemed necessary, a majority voting interest, and, therefore, as a general rule ownership by one reporting entity, directly or indirectly, of more than 50 percentquantitative assessment of the outstanding voting sharesreporting unit’s fair value is conducted and compared to its carrying value in order to determine the impairment charge. Due to the reverse acquisition with Titan Trucking, we recognized goodwill of another entity is a condition pointing toward consolidation. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership,$26,880,916 for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders, or by court decree.
In accordance with ASC 810-10-45, the Company has deconsolidated the subsidiaries of MTP, Rohuma and TSP asDigester reporting unit. As a result of the nonreciprocal transfer (spinoff). The Company has recognizedfinancial performance of our Digester Segment, we concluded it was more likely than not that the loss onfair value of the spinoff in net loss onreporting unit was less than its carrying amount as of June 30, 2023. Therefore, we performed an impairment assessment of the consolidated statements of operations
Use of Estimatesgoodwill.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates include, but are not limited to, management’s estimate of provisions required for non-collectible accounts receivable, depreciative lives of our assets, determination of technological feasibility, and valuation allowances of our deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Capitalized Software Costs
In accordance with the relevant FASB accounting guidance regarding the development of software to be sold, leased, or marketed, the Company expenses such costs as they are incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at and after which time these costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Once the technological feasibility is established per ASC 985-20, the Company capitalizes costs associated with the acquisition or development of major software for internal and external use in the balance sheet. Costs incurred to enhance the Company’s software products, after general market release of the services using the products, is expensed in the period they are incurred. The Company only capitalizes subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internally developed software to the extent that such changes allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. The Company expenses software maintenance and training costs as incurred. As of December 31, 2022, there were no capitalized software costs.
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), specifically ASC 606-10-50-12. This standard provides a single set of guidelines for revenue recognition to be used across all industries and requires additional disclosures. The updated guidance introduces a five-step model to achieve its core principal of the entity recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted the updated guidance effective January 1, 2018 using the full retrospective method, however the new standard did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations, as it did not change the manner or timing of recognizing revenue.
Professional Service Revenue
TRAQ Pvt Ltd. generally derived a large part of its revenues from professional and support services, which included revenue generated from software development projects and associated fees for consulting, implementation, training, and project management provided to customers using their systems. Revenue from arrangements with customers was recognized based on the Company’s satisfaction of distinct performance obligations identified in each agreement, generally at a point in time as discussed in ASC 606. In instances where multiple performance obligations were identified, the Company allocated the transaction price to each performance obligation based on relative selling prices of each distinct product or service, and recognizes revenue related to each performance obligation at the points in time that each performance obligation is satisfied. The Company’s performance obligation included providing customization of software and the selling of licenses, where the Company typically satisfied its performance obligations prior to the submission of invoices to the customer for such services. The Company’s performance obligation for consulting and technical support was delivered on as the work was being performed, which was satisfied prior to invoicing. The Company generally collected payment within 30 to 60 days of completion of the performance obligation and there were no agency relationships.
Software development arrangements involving significant customization, modification or production were accounted for in accordance with the appropriate technical accounting guidance issued by the FASB using the percentage-of- completion method. The Company recognized revenue using periodic reported actual hours worked as a percentage of total expected hours required to complete the project arrangement and applied the percentage to the total arrangement fee.
Unbilled revenue represented earnings in excess of billings as at the end of the reporting period. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities were accounted for on a net basis and therefore were excluded from revenues in the statements of operations.
TRAQ Pvt Ltd. has deferred the revenue and costs attributable to certain process transition activities with respect to its customers where such activities do not represent the culmination of a separate earnings process. Such revenue and costs were subsequently recognized ratably over the period in which the related services were performed. Further, the deferred costs were limited to the amount of the deferred revenues. As of December 31, 2022, there was no deferred revenue.
Software Solution Revenue
Revenue from arrangements with customers was recognized based on the Company’s satisfaction of distinct performance obligations identified in each agreement, generally at a point in time as discussed in ASC 606. In instances where multiple performance obligations are identified, the Company allocated the transaction price to each performance obligation based on relative selling prices of each distinct product or service, and recognized revenue related to each performance obligation at the points in time that each performance obligation was satisfied. The Company’s performance obligation included providing connectivity to software, generally through a monthly subscription, where the Company typically satisfied its performance obligations prior to the submission of invoices to the customer for such services. The Company’s performance obligation for hardware components that were purchased by the customer in connection with the solution was delivery of the purchased device, which was satisfied prior to invoicing. The Company provided a twelve-month warranty on their hardware. All units deployed by the Company were past the twelve-month period, thus the Company did not accrue for a warranty liability. The Company generally collected payment within 30 to 60 days of completion of the performance obligation and there were no agency relationships.
Revenue From Sales of Goods
Revenue from arrangements with customers was recognized based on the Company’s satisfaction of distinct performance obligations identified in each agreement, generally at a point in time as discussed in ASC 606. The performance obligations were satisfied upon shipment of the merchandise being sold.
Costs of Services Provided
Costs of services provided consisted of data processing costs, customer support costs including personnel costs to maintain the Company’s proprietary databases, costs to provide customer call center support, hardware and software expense associated with transaction processing systems and exchanges, telecommunication and computer network expense, and occupancy costs associated with facilities where these functions are performed. Depreciation expense was not included in costs of services provided.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The Company accounts for foreign currency transactions in accordance with ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters” (“ASC 830”), specifically the guidance in subsection ASC 830-20, “Foreign Currency Transactions”. The U.S. dollar is the functional and reporting currency for the Company and its subsidiaries other than the Indian subsidiaries whose functional currency is the Indian Rupee. Pursuant to ASC 830, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, with the resulting gains or losses upon settlement reported in foreign exchange gain (loss) in the computation of net income (loss). Gains or losses resulting from translation adjustments are reported under accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company follows ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”. This requires recognition and measurement of uncertain income tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” approach. Management evaluates the Company’s tax positions on an annual basis.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal tax jurisdiction and various state and foreign tax jurisdictions. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the IRS and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they were filed. Foreign income tax returns are subject to examination by foreign taxing authorities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
ASC 825, “Financial Instruments,” requires the Company to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments: The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses, stockholder advances, and short-term financing approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments. The Company does not utilize derivative instruments.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) include additional dilution from common stock equivalents, such as convertible notes, preferred stock, stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options and warrants. Common stock equivalents are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share when the Company reports a loss because to do so would be anti-dilutive for periods presented. An uncertain number of shares underlying convertible debt have been excluded from the computation of loss per share because their impact was anti-dilutive.
Related Party Transactions
Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal stockholders of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal stockholders of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal where one-party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The Company discloses all related party transactions. All transactions shall be recorded at fair value of the goods or services exchanged. Property purchased fromDigester reporting unit was estimated using an income approach and included assumptions related to estimates of future revenue and operating expenses, long-term growth rates, a related party is recorded at the cost to the related partytechnology obsolescence rate, and any payment to or on behalfa discount rate. The quantitative impairment test indicated a fair value of the related party in excess of the cost is reflectedreporting unit that was lower than its carrying value, and, as compensation or distribution to related parties depending on the transaction.
Lease Obligations
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current portion of operating lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities, less current portion in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. For leases in which the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating lease arrangements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for separately. There is no lease obligation as of December 31, 2022.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s revenues increased by $1,582, or 100%, from $0 in 2021 to $1,582 in 2022. As a result, the goodwill was impaired with an impairment expense of operations being discontinued, a majority of revenue has been reclassified to discontinued operations, leaving a small amount or revenue remaining on the statements of operations relating to continuing operations.
Cost of Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s cost of revenues increased by $54,209, or 100%, from $0 in 2021 to $54,209 in 2022. As a result of operations being discontinued, a majority of cost of revenues has been reclassified to discontinued operations, leaving a small amount of revenue remaining on the statements of operations relating to continuing operations.
Operating Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s salary and salary-related costs decreased by $1,086,226, or 85%, from $1,279,860 in 2021 to $193,634 in 2022. The decrease is the result of scaling down operations in 2022, and inevitably the dispositions of Rohuma, TSP and Mimo$20,364,001 during the year ended December 31, 2022.2023.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s professional fees decreased by $335,680, or 48%, from $694,787 in 2021 to $359,107 in 2022. Our professional fees decreased due to the acquisitions of Rohuma and Mimo as well as fees related to the acquisitions of those companies in 2021, and due to public offering expenses in 2021.
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Convertible Instruments
ForWe evaluate our convertible instruments, such as warrants and convertible notes, to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as equity instruments, derivative liabilities, or liabilities, to be separately accounted for in accordance with ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) and ASC 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” (“ASC 480”). The assessment considers whether the year ended December 31, 2022 comparedconvertible instruments are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to December 31, 2021,ASC 480, meet the Company’s rent expense slightly decreased by $50, or 2%, from $2,184definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the convertible instruments meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the convertible instruments are indexed to our own ordinary shares and whether the instrument holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in 2021 to $2,134 in 2022.
a circumstance outside of our control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of the instrument’s issuance, and as of each subsequent balance sheet date while the instruments are outstanding. If the classification changes as a result of events during the period, the contract is reclassified as of the date of the event that caused the reclassification.
ForEmbedded conversion options and any related freestanding instruments are recorded as a discount to the years ended December 31, 2022host instrument. We allocate proceeds based on the relative fair values of the debt and 2021,equity components. The accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments requires that we record embedded conversion options and any related freestanding instruments at their fair values as of the Company’s depreciationinception date of the agreement and amortization expense was $33,240.
at fair value as of each subsequent balance sheet date. Any change in fair value is recorded in earnings each period as non-operating, non-cash income or expense.
For the year ended December 31, 2022 comparedValuations derived from various models are subject to December 31, 2021, the Company’s generalongoing internal and administrative expenses decreased by $1,706,278, or 69%, from $2,458,206 in 2021 to $751,928 in 2022 primarily due to the cutbacks in travelexternal verification and stock based compensation expenses.
Interest Expense, net of interest income
For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s interest expense increased by $639,483, or 50%, from $1,266,777 in 2021 to $1,906,260 in 2022 due to higher levels of debt in 2022.
Derivative Liabilities
For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s change inreview. We determined the fair value of the derivative liability and derivative expense decreased by $221,797, from $1,077,387 in 2021 to $855,590 in 2022 due to the convertible promissory notes and related warrants being classified as derivative liabilities and the changes in the share price over the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. In addition the Company recognized a gain on extinguishment of derivative liabilities of $0 in 2022 versus $1,089,675 in 2021.
Forgiveness of Debt and Other Income
For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s forgiveness of debt and other income increased by $1,742,606 or 17,301%, from $10,072 in 2021 to $1,752,678 in 2022 due to the forgiveness of accrued interest on notes payable upon conversion of debt.
Loss from discontinued operations
For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s loss from discontinued operations, after taxes increased by $6,137,455, from $632,258 in 2021 to $6,769,713 in 2022 primarily due to the loss from disposal of subsidiaries of $5,804,121.
Net Loss
For the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, the Company’s net loss increased by $2,718,193, from $6,453,363 in 2021 to $9,171,556 in 2022 due to the changes noted herein.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
As of December 31, 2022, current assets were $66,460 and current liabilities outstanding were $1,682,659, which resulted in a working capital deficit of $1,616,199. As of December 31, 2021, current assets were $980,747 and current liabilities outstanding were $10,825,016, which resulted in a working capital deficit of $9,844,269.
We believe that our available cash balance as of2023 using the date of this filing will not be sufficient to fund our anticipated level of operationsBlack-Scholes pricing model for at least the next 12 months. Management believes that our ability to continue our operations depends on our ability to sustain and grow revenue and results of operations as well as our ability to access capital markets when necessary to accomplish our strategic objectives. Management believes that we will continue to incur losses for the immediate future. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we incurred negative cash flowits derivative liability from operations. We expect to finance our cash needs from the results of operations and, depending on results of operations, we may need additional equity or debt financing until we can achieve profitability and positive cash flows from operating activities, if ever.
On or prior to March 31, 2024, we have obligations relating to the payment of indebtedness on term loans and notes payable of $3,652,890 and $1,350,037, respectively. We anticipate meeting our cash obligations on our indebtedness that is payable on or prior to March 31, 2024 from the results of operations and, depending on results of operations, we will likely need additional equity or debt financing.
Our future capital requirements for our operations will depend on many factors, including the profitability of our businesses, the number of and cash requirements of other acquisition candidates that we pursue, and the costs of our operations. Our management has taken several actions to ensure that we will have sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations through March 31, 2024, including the sale of certain of our businesses. We also are evaluating other measures to further improve our liquidity, including, the sale of equity or debt securities and entering into joint ventures with third parties. Lastly, we may elect to reduce certain related-party and third-party debt by converting such debt into preferred or common shares. Our management believes that these actions will enable us to meet our liquidity requirements through March 31, 2024. There is no assurance that we will be successful in any capital-raising efforts that we may undertake to fund operations during 2023.
We plan to generate positive cash flow from our operation; however, to execute our business plan, service our existing indebtedness and implement our business strategy, we will need to obtain additional financing from time to timewarrants. The inputs used involve management’s judgment and may choose to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financings, a bank line of credit, borrowings from affiliates or other arrangements. We cannot be sure that any additional funding, if needed, will be available on terms favorable to us or at all. Furthermore, any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-linked securities may dilute our current stockholders’ ownership in us and could also result in a decrease in the market price of our common stock. The terms of any securities issued by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors and may include the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have a further dilutive effect. We also may be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which may adversely impact our financial condition. Furthermore, any debt financing, if available, may subject us to restrictive covenants and significant interest costs. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital, when needed, to continue operations in their current form.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Net cash used in operating activities was $1,464,960 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $3,163,103 in 2021. Cash used in operating activities for 2022 and 2021 was primarily related to the loss in operations offset by a loss on the disposal of subsidiaries, increases and decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses and the changes in accounts receivable due to the lack of adequate cash flow of the Company as well as non-cash charges related to stock-based compensation, the change in the fair value of the derivative liabilities, gains and losses on extinguishment and settlement of debt and the amortization of discounts related to our debt instruments.
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities was $(33,257) for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $20,941 in the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash provided by (used in) investing activities for 2022 and 2021, related to fixed asset additions in 2022 compared to cash paid for acquisitions of $21,825 and cash received in acquisitions of companies of $48,789 as well as acquisitions of fixed assets of $6,023 in 2021.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted of proceeds from the issuance of notes of $1,667,975. The Company repaid $388,945 in notes payable during the year ended December 31, 2022. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted of proceeds from the issuance of common stock and warrants of $494,545 and convertible notes of $1,715,000, along with proceeds received from related party notes of $2,986,125 and $50,331 in proceeds from issuance of long-term debt. The Company repaid $1,292,397 in related party notes, $515,615 in convertible notes and $214,242 in long-term debt during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Outstanding Indebtedness
On January 5, 2023, the Company entered into a 11% OID Senior Secured Promissory Note with Evergreen Capital Management, LLC (“Evergreen”) in the amount of $480,000 (includes $80,000 of Original Issue Discount). Evergreen has a maturity of twelve months to December 30, 2023. It accrues interest at a rate of 10% per year. The conversion price Subject to the adjustments described herein, the conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) shall be equal the lesser of $0.015 or 90% of average of the two lowest VWAPs for the five consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is immediately preceding the delivery of a notice of conversion.
On January 5, 2023, the Company, consummated the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement among TraQiQ Environmental, Inc. (“REI”) and BioHiTech America, LLC (“BHT” and, together with REI, the “Renovare Sellers”) and the Company, pursuant to which the Renovare Sellers sold and assigned to the Company, and the Company purchased and assumed from the Renovare Sellers, (a) certain assets related to the business of (i) offering aerobic digestion technology solutions for the disposal of food waste at the point of generation and (ii) data analytics with respect to food waste (collectively, the “Digester Business”) and (b) certain specified liabilities of the Renovare Sellers, including, but not limited to, indebtedness in an amount equal to $3,017,090 (the “Michaelson Debt”) owed to Michaelson Capital Special Finance Fund II, L.P. (“Michaelson”).
On January 4, 2023, the Company borrowed cash in exchange for a 20% OID Senior Secured Promissory Note dated January 4, 2023 in the original principal amount of $180,000 (the “OID Note”). The OID Note matures on January 4, 2024, bears interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum and has no prepayment penalty. In the event of a default by the Company under the OID Note, the outstanding principal and interest will be convertible by the holder into Common Stock at a conversion price equal to the lower of (i) $.015 per share and (ii) an amount equal to 90% of the average of the two lowest volume weighted average prices of the Common Stock for the five consecutive trading days prior to the conversion date.
On October 21, 2022, the Company entered into a 20% OID Senior Secured Promissory Note with Evergreen Capital Management, LLC (the “Evergreen Note”) in the amount of $48,000 (includes $8,000 of Original Issue Discount). The Evergreen Note has a maturity of twelve months to July 21, 2023. It accrues interest at a rate of 10% per year. The conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) is 75% of the price per share at which the common stock of the Company is sold to the public in a qualified offering. There are certain price protections, which make the conversion option a derivative liability.
net loss.
On July 5, 2022, the Company entered into a 11% OID Senior Secured Promissory Note with GS Capital Partners LLC (the “GS Capital”) in the amount of $144,000 (includes $14,000 of Original Issue Discount). The GS Capital note has a maturity of twelve months and accrues interest at a rate of 12% per year. The conversion price is equal to 86% of the lowest trading price of the Company’s common stock for the 12 trading days immediately preceding the delivery of a notice of conversion. In accordance with the terms of the note, the Company issued 3,000 shares of common stock as a commitment fee.
On January 19, 2021, the Company issued a 12% Convertible Promissory Note to GS Capital Partners, LLC (the “GS Note”) in the principal amount of $125,000. The GS Note has a maturity date of one-year from issuance and is to be repaid commencing on the fifth monthly anniversary and every month thereafter in the amount of $20,000. In the event of a payment default, the GS Note will be convertible into common stock at a conversion price of 66% of the lowest closing stock price over the previous 20 trading days. There are certain price protections for GS Capital Partners, LLC under the terms of the GS Note, which make the conversion option a derivative liability. The Company recorded an original issue discount in the amount of $10,000 and $5,000 was paid out of the proceeds for legal fees. In accordance with the terms of the GS Note, the Company issued 3,250 shares of common stock as a commitment fee and issued 21,250 shares of common stock that are returnable upon the Company repaying the GS Note in accordance with its terms. This note was paid off in 2021.
On February 12, 2021, the Company issued a 10% Convertible Promissory Note to Platinum Point Capital, LLC (the “Platinum Note”) in the principal amount of $400,000. The Platinum Note has a maturity date of one-year from issuance. The Platinum Note is convertible into common stock a conversion price of the greater of (a) $0.08 or (b) 70% of the lowest traded stock price over the previous 15 trading days, provided that the conversion price will not exceed $8.00. There are certain price protections for Platinum Point Capital, LLC under the terms of the Platinum Note, which make the conversion option a derivative liability. The Company granted 25,000 warrants to purchase shares of common stock that have a term of three-years and an exercise price of $2.00 per share with the Platinum Note. The warrants granted with the Platinum Note also contain certain price protections that make the value of the warrants a derivative liability. The Company and Platinum Point Capital, LLC entered into an amendment to exclude the Mimo warrants granted on February 17, 2021 from the price protections. In accordance with the terms of the Platinum Note, the Company issued 7,500 shares of common stock as a commitment fee. This note was repaid/ converted into shares of common stock in 2021.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
As a smaller reporting company we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requiredrequested by this Item.Item 7A.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
ITEM 8. | Financial Statements |
Our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the report of our independent registered public accounting firm,Consolidated Financial Statements are set forth starting on pagepages F-1 of this report.through F-39.
ITEM 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures |
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
On April 5, 2021, the Board of Directors of TraQiQ, Inc. approved the dismissal of AJSH & Co LLP (“AJSH”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on April 6, 2021 reporting on this event and stating that (1) the reports of AJSH on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles; (2) during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, there were no “disagreements” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions) with AJSH on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to the satisfaction of AJSH would have caused AJSH to make reference thereto in its reports on the consolidated financial statements for such years; and (3) during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, there were no “reportable events” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).None.
On April 5, 2021, the Board approved the appointment of T R Chadha & Co LLP (“TRC”) as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately, to perform independent audit services for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 neither the Company, nor anyone on its behalf, consulted TRC regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered with respect to the consolidated financial statements of the Company, and no written report or oral advice was provided to the Company by TRC that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was the subject of a “disagreement” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a “reportable event” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
ITEM 9A. |
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Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure ControlsAs required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, our principal executive officer and Procedures
Based on an evaluation as of the date of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’sprincipal financial officer evaluated our company’s disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer(as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, because15d-15(e) of the disclosed material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were ineffectiveExchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensureReport. Based on this evaluation, these officers concluded that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Certifying Officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon the evaluationas of the disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period covered by this report, our Certifying Officers concludedReport, these disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
The conclusion that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as a resultwas due to the presence of continuingmaterial weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as identified below under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” Management anticipates that such disclosure controls and procedures will not be effective until the material weaknesses are remediated.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdown can occur because of simple error or mistake.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) for our company. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance, not absolute assurance, regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, 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 that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the design and operation of our internal control over financial reporting principallyas of December 31, 2023 based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as at December 31, 2023 due to the following:following material weaknesses.
We have not established adequate financial reporting processes or monitoring activities to ensure adequate financial reporting and to mitigate the risk of management override, specifically because there are few employees and only two officers with management functions and therefore there is lack of segregation of duties. | |||
An outside consultant assists in the preparation of the annual and quarterly financial statements and partners with us to ensure compliance with | |||
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Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishingWe plan to take steps to enhance and maintaining adequateimprove the design of our internal controlcontrols over financial reporting as definedwhen our company has sufficient staff to allocate responsibilities. During the period covered by this Report, we have not been able to remediate the material weaknesses identified above. To remediate such weaknesses, we plan to appoint additional qualified personnel to address inadequate segregation of duties and ineffective risk management once our financial resources will support the required staffing level. These remediation efforts are largely dependent upon our company securing additional financing to cover the costs of implementing the changes required. If we are unsuccessful in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, using the criteria establishedsecuring such funds, remediation efforts may be adversely effected in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013 framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.a material manner.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. As a result of management’s assessment, management has determined that there are material weaknesses due to the lack of segregation of duties and, due to the limited resources based on the size of the Company. Due to the material weaknesses management concluded that as of December 31, 2022, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was ineffective. In order to address and resolve the weaknesses, the Company will endeavor to locate and appoint additional qualified personnel to the board of directors and pertinent officer positions as the Company’s financial means allow. To date, the Company’s limited financial resources have not allowed the Company to hire the additional personnel necessary to address the material weaknesses.
This annual reportReport does not include an attestation report of the Company’sour independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s reportOur internal control over financial reporting was not subject to attestation by the Company’sour independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Companyus to provide only management’s report in this annual report on Form 10-K.Report.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.
Changes inIn Internal Control Over Financial ReportingReporting.
There have beenwere no changes in the Company’sour internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter (the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report)year ended December 31, 2023 that hashave materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’sour internal control over financial reporting.
The term “internal control over financial reporting” is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the registrant’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
(a) | Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the registrant; |
(b) | Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the registrant are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the registrant; and |
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the registrant’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
ITEM 9B. |
Trading Plans During the
Not applicable.
PART III
The following
Jeffrey Rizzo has been our Chief Operating Officer since May 2023 upon the acquisition of Titan Trucking. Mr. Rizzo founded Titan in 2017, where he served as President until May 2023. Mr. Rizzo has over 25 years of experience in the solid waste collection, transportation and disposal business working for private companies. Throughout his career, Mr. Rizzo has been successful in acquiring and integrating multiple waste companies. Michael Jansen has been our Chief Financial Officer since May 2023, upon the acquisition of Titan Trucking. Mr. Jansen has 30 years of experience in the solid waste collection, transportation, disposal and recycling business working for both public and private companies. Mr. Jansen spent over 14 years working for Waste Management, Inc. as the Regional VP of Finance for the Michigan marketplace. Throughout his career, Mr. Jansen has been involved in the acquisition of several waste companies. From September 2016 to April 2023, Mr. Jansen was Director Finance Operations of GFL Environmental USA, Inc. (GFL:NYSE), a diversified waste management company with operations across North America, where he was involved with various financial matters, including overseeing financial performance and reporting. Mr. Jansen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Wayne State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Directors Richard Berman was appointed as a director of our company in April 2021. Mr. Berman’s business career spans over 35 years of venture capital, senior management, and merger & acquisitions experience. In the past five years, Mr. Berman has served as a director of many public and private companies. Currently, he is a director of five public companies - Cryoport Inc. (“Cryptoport”), a cold chain logistics company; ComSovereign Holding Corp., a U.S.-based developer of 4G LTE advanced and 5G communication systems; BioVie Inc., a clinical-stage drug development company; Advaxis Inc. (“Advaxis”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company; and Cuentas, Inc., a provider of mobile banking and payment solutions serving Latino and Hispanic consumers. Over the last decade he has served on the board of five companies that have reached over $1 billion in market capitalization - Cryoport, Advaxis, EXIDE, Internet Commerce Corporation, and Ontrak (Catasys). Previously, Mr. Berman worked at Goldman Sachs, and as Senior Vice President of Bankers Trust Company, where he started the M&A and Leveraged Buyout Departments. Subsequently, he created the largest battery company in the world in the 1980’s, by merging Prestolite, General Battery and Exide to
Frank E. Celli was appointed as a director of our company in March 2023. Mr. Celli has been in the waste and recycling industry for 35 years. Over the course of his career, he has been an owner and Chief Executive Officer of multiple solid waste companies, with experience in numerous facets of the industry, including waste collection, transfer station operations, landfill operations and recycling operations. Mr. Celli was co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Interstate Waste Services from 2000 to 2006. Since May 2022, Mr. Celli has served as Managing Member of FC Advisory, a management consulting company, and, since 2020, Mr. Celli has served as a consultant and strategic corporate advisor at Direct Waste Services, Inc., a solid waste collection and recycling company, positions that Mr. Celli continues to hold. From August 2015 until November 2020, Mr. Celli served as Chief Executive Officer and from August 2015 until March 2022, Mr. Celli served as Chairman of the Board, of BioHitech Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: BHTG), a waste reduction and technology company that was rebranded to Renovare Environmental, Inc. (Nasdaq:RENO) in December 2021. Over the course of his career, Mr. Celli has completed over 50 acquisitions and spearheaded multiple exits. Mr. Celli has a Bachelor of Science degree from Pace University Lubin School of Business. Ajay Sikka was appointed
To our knowledge, our directors and
Board Composition and Structure Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors, which currently consists of five members. The term of service for each director is until his or her successor is elected at our annual meeting or his or her death, resignation or removal, whichever is earliest to occur. While we do not have a stand-alone diversity policy, in considering whether to recommend any director nominee, including candidates recommended by stockholders, we believe that the backgrounds and qualifications of the directors, considered as a group, should provide a significant mix of experience, knowledge and abilities that will allow our board of directors to fulfill its responsibilities. As set forth in our corporate governance guidelines, when considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills, taken as a whole, to enable our board of directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, the board of directors focuses primarily on each person’s background and experience as reflected in the information discussed in each of the directors’ individual biographies set forth above. We believe that our directors and director nominees will provide an appropriate mix of experience and skills relevant to the size and nature of our business. Our board of directors expects a culture of ethical business conduct. Our board of directors encourages each member to conduct a self-review to determine if he or she is providing effective service with respect to both our company and our stockholders. Should it be determined that a member of our board of directors is unable to effectively act in the best interests of our stockholders, such member would be encouraged to resign. Board Leadership Structure Our corporate governance guidelines provide our board of directors with flexibility to combine or separate the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in accordance with its determination that utilizing one or the other As Chairman of the Board, Mr. Miller’s key responsibilities include facilitating communication between our board of directors and management, assessing management’s performance, managing board members, preparation of the agenda for each board meeting, acting as chair of board meetings and meetings of our company’s stockholders and managing relations with We will take steps to ensure that adequate structures and processes are Committees of our Board of Directors We currently do not have a formal audit committee, a compensation committee or a nominating and corporate governance committee. As our business expands, and if we seek to list our common stock on a national exchange, our board of directors will evaluate the necessity of such committees.
Audit Committee We intend to establish an audit committee of the board of directors consisting of “independent directors” for purposes of serving on an audit committee under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and NYSE American rules and will include an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act. The audit committee may be responsible for, among other matters:
Compensation Committee We intend to establish a compensation committee of the board of directors consisting of “independent directors” under the rules of the NYSE American and the definition of non-employee director under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. The compensation committee may be responsible for, among other matters:
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee We intend to establish a nominating and corporate governance committee of the board of directors consisting of “independent directors” under the rules of the NYSE American, which may be responsible for, among other matters:
Other Committees Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time. Director Term Limits Our board of directors has not adopted policies imposing an arbitrary term or retirement age limit in connection with individuals serving as directors as it does not believe that such a limit is in the best interests of our company. Our board of directors will annually review the composition of our board of directors, including the age and tenure of individual directors. Our board of directors will strive to achieve a balance between the desirability of its members having a depth of relevant experience, on the one hand, and the need for renewal and new perspectives, on the other hand.
Our board of directors, management and all employees of our company are committed to implementing and adhering to the Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC reports of their ownership and changes in their ownership of our common stock. To our knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports and amendments to such reports with respect to the
Summary
The following table
On May 15, 2023, we entered into a five-year employment agreement with Michael Jansen, our Chief Financial Officer. On May 19, 2023, we entered into five-year employment agreements with Glen Miller, our Chief Executive Officer, and Jeffrey Rizzo, our Chief Operating Officer.
The following is a summary of the compensation arrangements set forth in each employment agreement described above:
As an incentive to commence employment with us, pursuant to such agreements, we agreed to issue to each of Messrs. Miller and Rizzo a restricted stock award of 7,948,753 shares of common stock and to Mr. Jansen a restricted stock award of 500,000 shares of common stock, all in accordance with our 2023 equity incentive plan. Such shares of common stock shall vest annually in five equal installments over five years. Additionally, as an incentive to commence employment with Mr. Jansen, we agreed to pay Mr. Jansen a signing bonus of $50,000, payable in five equal monthly installments commencing on the 120th day of employment. As of December 31, 2023 and the date of this report, none of the awards mentioned in this paragraph have been issued. In addition, if for any fiscal year during the term of such agreements, our net revenues, exclusive of extraordinary one-time revenues, exceed the Base Amount (as defined below), then commencing on January 1 of the next succeeding fiscal year, each of Messrs. Jansen’s, Miller’s and Rizzo’s base salary will be increased by 10% for every $50,000,000 of annual revenue we achieved in such fiscal year over the Base Amount. For purposes of the employment agreements, the “Base Amount” will initially be $100,000,000 and will be adjusted each January 1 during the term of the agreements to the amount, rounded down to the next increment of $50,000,000, by which the amount of our net revenues, exclusive of extraordinary one-time revenues, for the prior fiscal year exceeded the Base Amount for such fiscal year. In addition to base salary, each of Messrs. Jansen, Miller and Rizzo will be eligible to participate in a yearly discretionary performance-based bonus plan, in accordance with a bonus plan approved by our board of directors, with the bonus target in each calendar year equal to 45% of the executive’s base salary for Mr. Miller and Mr. Rizzo and equal to 15% of the executive’s base salary for Mr. Jansen. The bonuses will be based upon agreed-upon goals and milestones being met by the executive. Under each of these employment agreements, Messrs. Jansen, Miller and Rizzo will be entitled to severance in the event we terminate his employment without Cause (as defined in the employment agreement), or he resigns from his employment for Good Reason (as defined in the employment agreement). The severance amount for each of Messrs. Miller and Rizzo would be (i) his pro rata base salary through the date of termination, and (ii) a severance amount equal to 12 months’ salary. The severance amount for Mr. Jansen would be (i) his pro rata base salary through the date of termination, and (ii) a severance amount equal to six months’ salary.
No compensation was
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Equity Incentive Plan 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. On October 10, 2023, our board of directors approved, and on or about October 10, 2023 our stockholders approved, the 2023 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”) to provide an additional means to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons. Effective January 10, 2024 and in conjunction with the reincorporation, the 2023 Plan was adopted. Purpose. The purpose of our 2023 Plan is to encourage and enable our and our affiliates’ officers, employees, directors and other key persons (including consultants and prospective employees) upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts we largely depend for the successful conduct of our business to acquire a proprietary interest in our company. Eligibility. Participants in our 2023 Plan may include full or part-time officers, employees, directors and key persons (including advisors and consultants) of our company or our affiliates who are selected to receive awards from time to time by the administrator in its sole discretion. Administration. Our 2023 Plan will be administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors, or, if at any time our compensation committee is not in existence, our board of directors. In addition, to the extent applicable law permits, our board of directors may delegate any of its authority under our 2023 Plan to another committee or one or more officers, and our compensation committee may delegate any of its authority hereunder to a sub-committee or to one or more officers, except that no such delegation is permitted with respect to awards made to individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act unless the delegation is to another committee consisting entirely of “nonemployee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. Subject to the provisions of our 2023 Plan, the administrator has the power to administer the plan, including but not limited to, the power to select the eligible officers, employees, directors, and key employees to whom awards are granted; to determine the number of shares to be covered by each award; to determine the terms and conditions of any award and to amend any outstanding award. Authorized Shares. A total of 32,500,000 shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance under our 2023 Plan. The 2023 Plan does not have a limitation on the number of authorized shares that may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options. The shares available for issuance may be authorized but unissued shares or shares reacquired by us and held in its treasury. The share reserve under our 2023 Plan is depleted by the maximum number of shares, if any, that may be issuable under an award as determined at the time of grant. However, awards that may only be settled in cash (determined at the time of grant) do not deplete the share reserve. If (i) an award lapses, expires, terminates or is cancelled without the issuance of shares, (ii) it is determined during or at the conclusion of the term of an award that all or some portion of the shares with respect to which the award was granted will not be issuable on the basis that the conditions for such issuance will not be satisfied, (iii) shares are forfeited under an
Adjustments to Shares. If, as a result of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in our capital stock, the outstanding shares are increased or decreased or are exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of our company, or additional shares or new or different shares or other securities of our company or other non-cash assets are distributed with respect to such shares or other securities, or, if, as a result of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, the outstanding shares are converted into or exchanged for a different number or kind of securities of our company or any successor entity (or a parent or subsidiary thereof), the administrator will make an appropriate or proportionate adjustment in (i) the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under our 2023 Plan; (ii) the number and kind of shares or other securities subject to any then outstanding awards under our 2023 Plan; and (iii) the exercise price for each share subject to any then outstanding stock options. The administrator also may adjust the number of shares subject to outstanding awards and the exercise price and the terms of outstanding awards to take into consideration material changes in accounting practices or principles, extraordinary dividends, acquisitions or dispositions of stock or property or any other event if it is determined by the administrator that such adjustment is appropriate to avoid distortion in the operation of our 2023 Plan, subject to the limitations described in our 2023 Plan. Effect of a Sale Event. Unless otherwise provided in an award or other agreement, upon a “sale event,” if the successor or surviving corporation (or parent thereof) so agrees, then, without the consent of any holder of an award (or other person with rights in an award), some or all outstanding awards may be assumed, or replaced with the same type of award with similar terms and conditions, subject to adjustments described in our 2023 Plan, by the successor or surviving corporation (or parent thereof) in the sale event. A “sale event” is generally defined for this purpose as (i) any person becoming the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the combined voting power of our then-outstanding securities (subject to exceptions and other limitations scribed in our 2023 Plan), (ii) our stockholders approving a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of our company, (iii) the consummation of (a) an agreement for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets (other than to certain excluded persons), (b) a merger, consolidation or reorganization of our company with or involving any other corporation (subject to specified exceptions), or (iv) a change in the majority of our board of directors that is not approved by a supermajority of the existing board. More detailed descriptions and additional information on limitations relating to each of these sale events is are in our 2023 Plan. If, after a sale event in which the awards are assumed or replaced, the award holder experiences a termination event as a result of a termination of service without cause, due to death or disability, or as a result of a resignation for good reason, in each case within 24 months after a sale event, then the award holder’s awards will be vested in full or deemed earned in full (assuming target performance, if applicable). To the extent the awards are not assumed or replaced in the sale event, then, (i) each option will become immediately and fully vested and, unless the administrator determines otherwise, will be canceled on the sale event in exchange for a cash payment equal to the excess of the price paid in the sale event over the exercise price of the option, and all options with an exercise price lower than the price paid in the sale event will be canceled for no consideration, (ii) restricted stock and restricted stock units (not subject to performance goals) will be vested in full and settled, along with any accompanying dividend equivalent units, and (iii) all awards subject to performance goals with outstanding performance periods will be canceled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the amount that would have been due under the award if performance had been satisfied at the better of target or the performance trend through the sale event. Solely with respect to awards granted on and after the completion of this offering, and except as otherwise expressly provided in any agreement with an award holder, if the receipt of any payment by an award holder under the circumstances described above would result in the payment by the award holder of any excise tax provided for in Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code, then the amount of such payment shall be reduced to the extent required to prevent the imposition of such excise tax. Limit on Director Awards. The maximum value of awards granted during a single fiscal year to any non-employee director, taken together with any cash fees paid during the fiscal year to the non-employee director in respect of the director’s service as a member of our board of directors during such year (including service as a member or chair of any committees of the board), shall not exceed $250,000 in any calendar year, although our board of directors may, in its discretion, make exceptions to the limit in extraordinary circumstances. Types of Awards. Awards under our 2023 Plan may consist of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, restricted stock units, or any combination of those awards. Some provisions of our 2023 Plan relating to these award types are summarized below.
Stock Options. A stock option is an award entitling the recipient to acquire shares, at such exercise price as determined by the administrator (which may not be lower than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant) and subject to such restrictions and conditions as the administrator may determine at the time of grant. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other service relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives. Stock options granted under our 2023 Plan may be either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted only to our employees or employees of our subsidiaries, and must certain requirements specified in our 2023 Plan and the Code. Stock options will become exercisable at such time or times as determined by the administrator at or after the grant date and set forth in the stock option agreement. The administrator may at any time accelerate the exercisability of all or any portion of any stock option. Restricted Stock. A restricted stock award is a grant (or sale, at such purchase price as determined by the administrator) of shares that are subject to such restrictions and conditions as the administrator may determine at the time of grant. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other service relationship) or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives. The terms and conditions of each such agreement shall be determined by the administrator. Unrestricted Stock. The administrator may grant (or sell at par value or such higher purchase price determined by the administrator) unrestricted shares, in respect of past services, in exchange for cancellation of a compensation right, as a bonus, or any other valid consideration, or in lieu of any cash compensation due to such individual. Restricted Stock Units and Dividend Equivalent Units. The administrator may grant restricted stock units representing the right to receive a future payment of cash, the amount of which is determined by reference to our shares, shares or a combination of cash and shares. The administrator will determine all terms and conditions of an award of restricted stock units, including but not limited to the number granted, in what form they will be settled, whether performance goals must be achieved for the restricted stock units to be earned, the length of any vesting or performance period and the date of payment, and whether the grant will include dividend equivalent units. The administrator will determine all terms and conditions of an award of dividend equivalent units, including whether payment will be made in cash or shares. However, no dividend equivalent units may be paid with respect to restricted stock units that are not earned or that do not become vested. Termination of Employment or Service. Except as otherwise provided in any award agreement or an award holder’s employment offer letter, severance letter or services agreement, or as determined by administrator at the time of the award holder’s termination of employment or service:
Term of Plan and Plan Amendments. Our 2023 Plan will continue until all shares reserved for issuance under our 2023 Plan have been issued, or, if earlier, until such time as the administrator terminates our 2023 Plan as described below. No incentive stock options may be granted after the ten (10) year anniversary of the date of stockholder approval of our 2023 Plan unless the stockholders have approved an extension.
Our board of directors may, at any time, amend, terminate or discontinue our 2023 Plan, except that our stockholders must approve any amendment to the extent approval is required by Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Code, the listing requirements of any principal securities exchange or market on which our shares are then traded or any other applicable law. In addition, stockholders must approve any amendment to our 2023 Plan that would materially increase the number of shares reserved (except as permitted by the adjustment provisions of our 2023 Plan) or that would diminish the protections afforded by the anti-repricing provisions of our 2023 Plan. Any termination of our 2023 Plan will not affect the authority of our board of directors and the administrator to administer outstanding awards or affect the rights of award holders with respect to awards previously granted to them. Award Amendments, Cancellation and Disgorgement. Subject to the anti-repricing and other requirements of our 2023 Plan, the administrator may modify, amend or cancel any award. However, except as otherwise provided in our 2023 Plan or an award agreement, the consent of the award holder is required to any amendment that materially diminishes the holder’s rights under the award. Our 2023 Plan includes exceptions to the consent requirement for actions necessary to comply with applicable law or the listing requirements of securities exchanges, to preserve favorable accounting or tax treatment of any award for our company or to the extent the administrator determines that an action does not materially and adversely affect the value of the award or is in the best interest of the affected award holder or any other person who has an interest in the award. The administrator has full power and authority to terminate or cause an award holder to forfeit an award, and require an award holder to disgorge to us, any gains attributable to the award, if the award holder engages in any action constituting, as determined by the administrator in its discretion, cause for termination, or a breach of any award agreement or any other agreement between the award holder and us or one of our affiliates concerning noncompetition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, trade secrets, intellectual property, non-disparagement or similar obligations. In addition, any awards granted pursuant to our 2023 Plan, and any shares issued or cash paid pursuant to an award, will be subject to any recoupment or claw-back policy that is adopted by us from time to time, or any recoupment or similar requirement otherwise made applicable to us by law, regulation or listing standards. Repricing and Backdating Prohibited. Notwithstanding anything in our 2023 Plan to the contrary, and except for the adjustments provided for in our 2023 Plan, neither the administrator nor any other person may (i) amend the terms of outstanding stock options to reduce the exercise or grant price of such outstanding stock options; (ii) cancel outstanding stock options in exchange for stock options with an exercise or grant price that is less than the exercise or grant price of the original stock options; or (iii) cancel outstanding stock options with an exercise or grant price above the current fair market value of a share in exchange for cash or other securities. In addition, the administrator may not make a grant of a stock option with a grant date that is effective prior to the date the administrator takes action to approve the award. Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End As of December 31, 2023, there were no outstanding equity awards to our named executive officers.
The following
The amounts and percentages of common stock
In the table below, the percentage of beneficial ownership of our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock is based on 25,386,814 shares of our common stock and 630,900 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock (each share of Series A Preferred Stock convertible into 100 shares of common stock) outstanding as of March 29, 2024. Unless otherwise noted below, the address of the persons listed on the table is c/o Titan Environmental Solutions Inc. 300 E. Long Lake Road, Suite 100A, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.
While our board of directors has not yet adopted a written related-party transactions policy, our board of directors will review all material facts of all related-party transactions and either approve or disapprove entry into the related-party transaction, subject to certain limited exceptions. In determining whether to approve or disapprove entry into a related-party transaction, our board of directors shall take into account, among other factors, the following: (i) whether the related-party transaction is on terms no less favorable to us than terms generally available from an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances; (ii) the extent of the related party’s interest Related Party Transactions Other than
On multiple occasions, from 2017 thru 2022, Ajay Sikka, a director of our company and our former Chief Executive Officer,
On September 13, 2018, Kunaal Sikka, the son of
On December 15, 2021, Kunaal Sikka,
On January 3, 2017 and February 1, 2017, Swarn Singh, the father-in-law of
On December 15, 2021, Swarn Singh
On June 15, 2021, Greg Rankich, one of our former directors,
On June 13, 2023, we sold and issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note to Titan 5, LLC. The note has a principal amount of $120,000, an annual interest rate of 10%, and a maturity date of June 13, 2024. The note contains a “rollover rights” conversion feature that enables the holder to convert all or part of the note’s principal and accrued interest in the event of a public offering or private placement of our equity, equity-linked securities, or debt securities into the consideration for such public or private offering.
Between June 13, 2023 and June 24, 2023, we sold and issued two 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Notes to Glen Miller, our Chief Executive Officer. The
In July 2023, we entered into an exchange agreements with (i) Ajay Sikka pursuant to which Mr. Sikka exchanged 45,000 shares of our former Series B Preferred Stock, 5,000,000 shares of common stock and a payment receivable from us for unreimbursed advances in the amount of $100,000 for Series A Rights to acquire an aggregate of 11,500,000 shares of common stock, and (ii) Glen Miller, our Chairman of the Board
On July 20, 2023, we entered into an exchange agreement with Renovare Environmental, Inc. (“REI”) pursuant to which REI exchanged 14,118,233 shares of our common stock and 1,250,000 shares of our former Series B Preferred Stock for Series A Rights and Series B Rights. Following the closing of such transaction, we entered into certain settlement agreements on July 20, 2023 with REI and certain stockholders of REI signatory thereto pursuant to which, in consideration of a release by such stockholders of any and all claims such stockholders may have had against REI or our company, REI transferred Series A Rights to acquire an aggregate of 96,989,534 shares of common stock and Series B Rights to acquire 9,883,357 shares of common stock, to such stockholders, including a settlement agreement with an entity controlled by Frank E. Celli, a director of our company, pursuant to which REI transferred to such entity Series A Rights to acquire 44,679,817 shares of our common stock. On October 30, 2023, Glen Miller, our Chief Executive Officer, made a loan to us in the amount of $250,000. The loan is non-interest bearing and to be repaid within 30 days of our receipt of bridge funding. The loan also features a provision stating that we will pay a 10% late fee in the event repayment is not made within 30 days of maturity. On November 30, 2023, Jeff Rizzo, our Chief Operating Officer, made a loan to us in the amount of $65,000. The loan is non-interest bearing and is to be repaid within 30 days of our receipt of bridge funding. The loan also features a provision stating that we will pay a 10% late fee in the event repayment is not made within 30 days of maturity. On December 22, 2023, we sold and issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note to FC Advisory, a company owned by Frank Celli, a director of our company. The note has a principal amount of $60,000, an annual interest rate of 10%, and a maturity date of December 22, 2024. The note contains a “rollover rights” conversion feature that enables the holder to convert all or part of the note’s principal and accrued interest in the event of a public offering or private placement of our equity, equity-linked securities, or debt securities into the consideration for such public or private offering.
On December 28, 2023, we sold and issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note to Frank Celli, a director of our company. The note has a principal amount of $150,000, an annual interest rate of 10%, and a maturity date of December 28, 2024. The note contains a “rollover rights” conversion feature that enables the holder to convert all or part of the note’s principal and accrued interest in the event of a public offering or private placement of our equity, equity-linked securities, or debt securities into the consideration for such public or private offering. On February 23, 2024, Glen Miller, our Chief Executive Officer, made a loan to us in the amount of $50,000. The loan was issued with an original issue discount of $5,000, is non-interest bearing and matures on June 30, 2024. On February 23, 2024, Titan Holdings 2, LLC made a loan to us in the amount of $50,000. The loan was issued with an original issue discount of $5,000, is non-interest bearing and matures on June 30, 2024. On February 28, 2024, we sold and issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note to Frank Celli, a director of our company. The note has a principal amount of $62,500, an annual interest rate of 12%, and a maturity date of December 28, 2024. The note contains a “rollover rights” conversion feature that enables the holder to convert all or part of the note’s principal and accrued interest in the event of a public offering or private placement of our equity, equity-linked securities, or debt securities into the consideration for such public or private offering. We have an informal agreement with Jeff Rizzo to borrow from Mr. Rizzo as working capital needs arise. These additional funds are to be repaid as funding becomes available. As of the date of this report, we have borrowed $45,000 in additional funding pursuant to this arrangement. We have an informal agreement with Titan Holdings 2, LLC to borrow from Titan Holdings 2, LLC as working capital needs arise. These additional funds are to be repaid as funding becomes available. As of the date of this report, we have borrowed $66,000 in additional funding pursuant to this arrangement. We have an informal agreement with Titan 5, LLC, a major stockholder, to borrow from Titan 5, LLC as working capital needs arise. These additional funds are to be repaid as funding becomes available. As of the date of this report, we have borrowed $107,000 in additional funding pursuant to this arrangement. Board Independence Our board of directors currently consists of
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C., our principal accountants for the year ended December 31, 2023 and by T R Chadha & Co LLP (“TRC”), our principal accountants for the year ended December 31, 2022, for the audit of financial statements, quarterly reviews of our interim financial statements and services normally provided by the independent accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for
Audit fees during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K, for the reviews of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and
(a) (1) Financial Statements See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on Page F-1. (2) Financial Statement Schedule All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the amounts are immaterial and not required, or the required information is presented in the financial statements and notes beginning on F-1 on this report. (3) Exhibits The
None.
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, on the 15th day of April, 2024.
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Glen Miller and Michael Jansen, and each of them individually, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution for him or her, and in his or her name in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and any of them, his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed
TITAN ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors
Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Titan Environmental Solutions, Inc. (formerly TraQiQ, Inc.) and its subsidiaries
Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note
Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.
Our
Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Business Combination and Reverse Merger
As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 of the financial statements, the Company completed a business combination on May 19, 2023, which consisted of a merger with Titan Trucking, LLC which was accounted for as a reverse merger with the Company being determined to be the legal acquirer and Titan Trucking, LLC being determined to be the accounting acquirer. In aggregate, the determination of the fair value of the consideration transferred in the reverse merger was valued at approximately $27.2 million. The Company measured the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value, which resulted in the recognition of intangible assets consisting of intellectual property, customer lists, tradenames, non-compete agreements and goodwill. We identified the accounting for the business combinations, including management’s valuation of the acquired intangible assets and the determination of the accounting acquirer in a reverse merger as a critical audit matter due to the complex nature of these items, which required the use of significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. Auditing these elements required an increased level of audit effort, including the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge. How the Critical Audit Matter was addressed in the Audit Addressing the matter involved performing subjective procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the financial statements. The primary procedures we performed included: (i) Obtaining and reading the merger agreement, (ii) auditing the appropriateness of management’s conclusions surrounding the classification of this transaction as a business combination and reverse merger, (iii) auditing management’s assessment of the identification of assets to be acquired and liabilities assumed and valued, and (iv) auditing management’s development of the assumptions used in the valuation models applied and the reasonableness of those assumptions, and auditing the disclosures over this transaction. Professionals with specialized skills and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating certain methodologies and assumptions used in determining fair values. Goodwill Impairment
/s/
We have served as the Company’s auditor since
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TITAN ENVIRONMENTAL SOLTUIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31,
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Titan Environmental Solutions Inc., formerly known as TraQiQ, Inc.
The Company is based out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and offers a comprehensive package of waste reduction, collection, recycling, and technology-enabled solutions to support customer demand. The Company operates two distinct lines of business. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Titan Trucking, LLC (“Titan Trucking”), is a non-hazardous solid waste management company providing waste and recycling collection and transportation services for industrial generators, commercial contractors and transfer station operators in Michigan. Titan Trucking maintains a fleet of roll off and tractor trailer trucks to perform its services. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Recoup Technologies, Inc. (“Recoup”), provides technology-enabled solutions for food waste processing, including onsite digestors for food waste along with cloud-based software tracking and analytics solutions. On May 19, 2023, the Company completed its acquisition of Titan Trucking and Titan Trucking’s wholly owned subsidiary, Senior Trucking, LLC (“Senior”). In accordance with ASC 805 - Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), the transaction was treated as a reverse acquisition for financial reporting purposes, with Titan treated as the legal acquirer and Titan Trucking treated as the accounting acquirer. Titan remains the continuing registrant and reporting company. Accordingly, the historical financial and operating data of the Company, which covers periods prior to the closing date of the Titan Merger, reflects the assets, liabilities, and results of operations for Titan Trucking and does not reflect the assets, liabilities and results of operations of Titan for the periods prior to May 19, 2023 (Note 3 – Business Combinations). On July 28, 2023, the Company, its wholly owned subsidiary TraQiQ Solutions, Inc (“Ci2i”), and Ajay Sikka (“Sikka”), a director of the Company and its former chief executive officer, signed an Assignment of Stock Agreement (the “Assignment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Assignment Agreement, the Company assigned and transferred to Sikka all of the rights, title, and interests in the issued and outstanding equity interests of Ci2i in exchange for consideration of $1. The Company additionally assumed from Ci2i loans and short term debts valued at $209,587 plus fees and interest. Other than the liabilities assumed from Ci2i, the balance sheet amounts and operations of Ci2i as of the date of sale were insignificant. March 31, 2023 Consolidated Financial
In connection with the preparation of the Company’s
The Company’s acquisition of Titan Trucking on May 19, 2023 (Note 3 – Business Combinations) (the “Titan Merger”) was treated as a reverse
The Company’s
For
NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Accounting
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of eliminated. The
are recognized when incurred.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
Cash
The Company considers
Accounts receivables are recorded at the amount the Company expects to As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company allocated $ Subscriptions Receivable Subscriptions receivable consists of units that have been issued with subscriptions that have not yet been settled. As of December 31, 2023, there were no subscriptions receivable as they were settled during 2023. As of December 31, 2022, there were $200,000, in subscriptions that had not yet settled. Subscriptions receivable are carried at cost which approximates fair value. Inventory Inventories primarily consist of parts for our digester business purchased for resale. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. Management reviews the age of inventories for obsolescence and determined that a reserve for obsolescence was not required as of December 31,
Property and Equipment,
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ESTIMATED USEFUL LIFE
Management regularly reviews property and equipment for possible impairment. This review occurs annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Based on management’s assessment, there were no indicators of impairment of the Company’s property and equipment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Finite Long-lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite long-lived intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Finite long-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Management annually evaluates the estimated remaining useful lives of the finite intangible assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. Titan acquired the finite intangible asset, customer lists, as part of the acquisition of WTI Global, Inc. during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company also recognized finite intangible intellectual property, noncompete agreement, customer list, and tradename assets from
SCHEDULE OF FINITE LONG-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS ESTIMATED USEFUL LIFE
Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of
The Company
The
The Company
Fair Value Measurements
ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosure about fair value measurements.
The following provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which fair value is observable:
Level 1- fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted in active markets for identical assets or liabilities);
Level 2- fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and
Level 3- fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Financial instruments classified as Level 1
These
In addition, since estimates are as of a specific point in time, they are susceptible to material near-term changes. Changes in economic conditions may also dramatically affect the estimated fair values.
Fair value estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management for the respective periods. The respective carrying value of certain financial instruments approximated their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. These financial instruments include cash,
The Company evaluates its convertible instruments, such as warrants and convertible notes, to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as equity instruments, derivative liabilities, or liabilities, to be separately accounted for in accordance with ASC 815 “Derivatives Embedded conversion options and any related freestanding instruments are recorded as a discount to the host instrument. The Company allocates proceeds based on the Valuations derived from various models are subject to ongoing internal and external verification and review.
We account for stock awards to employees and non-employees by measuring the
The 1. Identify the contract with a customer. 2. Identify the performance obligations in the contract. 3. Determine the transaction price of the contract. 4. Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract. 5. Recognize revenue when the performance obligations are met or delivered. The Company’s operating revenues are primarily generated from fees charged for the collection and The Company’s Digester Segment recognizes operating revenues from its product sales, such as sales of digester equipment and parts. Performance obligations from product sales are satisfied at the point in time when products are shipped to the customer, which is when the customer has title and control. Therefore, the Company’s product sale contracts have a single performance obligation (shipment of product). The Company primarily receives fixed consideration for sales of products. When revenue is earned
The following is a summary of revenue disaggregated by type for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022: SUMMARY OF DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUE
As of December 31, 2023, four customers accounted for approximately 47% of accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for approximately 63% of accounts receivable. During the year ended December 31, 2023, one customer accounted for approximately 30% of total revenues generated. During the year ended December 31, 2022, two customers accounted for approximately 52% and 12%, respectively, of total revenues generated. The Company maintains positive customer relationships and continually expands its customer base, mitigating the impact of any potential concentration risks that exist. Income Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a Advertising and Marketing Costs Costs associated with advertising are charged to expense as occurred. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 the advertising and marketing costs were $61,724 and $11,336, respectively.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) – Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 requires a public entity to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Additionally, it requires a public entity to disclose the title and position of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). ASU 2023-07 does not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates them, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. A public entity should apply the amendments in this ASU retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2023-07 will have on its financial disclosures. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09). ASU 2023-09 requires that an entity, on an annual basis, disclose additional income tax information, primarily related to the Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires the measurement of expected credit losses for financial instruments carried at amortized cost, such as accounts receivable, held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts. The main objective of this ASU is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The Company adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2023. The adoption did not 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) (“ASU 2020-06”) to simplify accounting for certain financial instruments. ASU 2020-06 eliminates the current models that require separation of NOTE 3 – BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Titan Trucking, LLC Reverse Acquisition
The Company’s subsidiary Titan Merger Sub Corp. (“Merger Sub”), Titan Trucking and the owners of Titan Trucking (“Titan Trucking owners”) entered into a merger agreement (the “Titan Merger Agreement”) on May 19, 2023 (the “acquisition date”). Pursuant to the terms of the Titan Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was merged with and into Titan Trucking on the acquisition date with Titan Trucking surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Titan Merger”). For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Titan Merger qualified as a tax-free “reorganization”. Under the terms of the Titan Merger Agreement, the Company agreed to pay the Titan Trucking owners shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock. Concurrent to the Titan Merger, the Company’s chief executive officer and one of the Company’s directors resigned from their respective positions and a new chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer were appointed. Additionally, the new chief executive officer and chief operating officer were both appointed as directors of the Company. The Company additionally agreed to issue stock compensation in the form of shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock to the new chief executive officer (Note 15 – Stock-Based Compensation). In accordance with ASC 805 – Business Combinations, the Titan Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition with Titan Trucking being deemed the accounting acquirer of Titan. Titan Trucking, as the accounting acquirer, recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Titan at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Titan Trucking’s historical consolidated financial statements have replaced Titan’s historical consolidated financial statements with respect to periods prior to the completion of the Titan Merger with retroactive adjustments to Titan’s legal capital to reflect the legal capital of Titan. Titan remains the continuing registrant and reporting company.
Titan Trucking was deemed to be the accounting acquirer based on the following facts and circumstances: (1) the Titan Trucking owners owned approximately 65% of the voting interests of the combined company immediately following the transaction; (2) the Titan Merger resulted in significant changes to the combined company’s Board of Directors; (3) the Titan Merger resulted in significant changes to the management of the combined company. The Company accounted for the Titan Merger as a reverse acquisition using acquisition accounting. Because the Titan Merger qualifies as a reverse acquisition and given that Titan Trucking was a private company at the time of the Titan Merger and therefore its value was not readily determinable, the fair value of the merger consideration was deemed to be equal to quoted market capitalization of the Company at the acquisition date. The purchase consideration was as follows: SCHEDULE OF PURCHASE CONSIDERATION
The Company recorded all tangible and intangible assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The following represents the allocation of the estimated purchase consideration: SCHEDULE OF TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS ACQUIRED AND LIABILITIES ASSUMED AT THEIR PRELIMINARY ESTIMATED FAIR VALUES
The Company assessed the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities and the amount of goodwill to be recognized as of the acquisition date. Fair values were based on management’s estimates and assumptions. The intangible assets acquired were specific to the Company’s Recoup subsidiary. The fair value of the intellectual property intangible asset was measured using the multiple periods excess earnings method (“MPEEM”). Significant inputs used to measure the fair value include an estimated useful life of ten (10) years, an estimate of projected revenue and costs associated with existing customers, an estimated technology obsolescence adjustment, and a discount rate of 12.7%.
The fair value of the tradenames intangible asset was measured using the relief from royalty method. Significant inputs used to measure the fair value include an estimated projected revenue from the tradename, a pre-tax royalty rate of 1%, and a discount rate of 12.7%. The fair value of the customer list intangible asset was measured using the modified MPEEM. Significant inputs used to measure the fair value include an estimated useful life of ten (10) years, an estimate of projected revenue and costs associated with the new customers, an estimated customer attrition rate, and a discount rate of 12.7%. The fair value of the noncompete agreement intangible asset was measured with a discounted cash flow analysis that compared projected cash flows during the noncompete agreement period with and without the agreement. Significant inputs used to measure the fair value include an estimate of time for the parties involved to identify the product, bring in the technology, and start the manufacturing process. As well as the estimated risk that the parties involved would choose to compete without the agreement in place and a discount rate of 12.7%. The noncompete agreement prevents the parties involved from directly or indirectly, engaging in, or be interested in, any business or entity that engages in any substantially similar business for a period of five (5) years. Goodwill arising from the acquisition consisted of new customer relationships for the Company, access to new product market opportunities and expected growth opportunities. Total acquisition costs incurred were approximately $450,000 recorded as a component of professional fees expenses. Of the goodwill recognized as a result of the Titan Merger, $6,516,915 is expected to be tax deductible, ratably over a period of fifteen (15) years. The approximate revenue and gross profit for Titan (excluding the operations of Titan Trucking) from May 19, 2023 through December 31, 2023 was $1,396,000 and $799,000, respectively. The following supplemental pro-forma financial information approximate combined financial information assumes that the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2022: SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTAL PRO-FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The pro forma combined results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, include stock-based compensation of $20,364,001. The pro forma combined results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have occurred, nor are they necessarily indicative of future consolidated results. and goodwill impairment expense of $ NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Property and equipment consist of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022: SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Depreciation expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $424,363 and $325,382, respectively.
On June 10, 2022, Titan Trucking entered into an asset purchase agreement with Century Waste Management (“Century”) for consideration of approximately $1,805,000. The entire purchase price agreement was allocated as fair value to the equipment acquired; no goodwill or intangible assets were determined to be transferred as part of the sale. In order to fund the asset purchase from Century, Titan entered into several private equipment financing agreements (Note 9 – Notes Payable). NOTE 5 – INTANGIBLES, NET Intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022: SCHEDULE OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Amortization expense from intangible assets was $505,091 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. On December 9, 2022, Titan entered into a purchase agreement with WTI Global, Inc. (the “seller” or “WTI”) for consideration of approximately $687,500 in exchange for intangible assets. The entire purchase consideration was allocated as fair value to the customer lists acquired from the seller. The $687,500 was funded through a combination of a note payable to the seller of $170,000 and an equity infusion from a member of Titan for $517,500. See Note 9 – Notes Payable and Note 10 – Convertible Notes Payable for further details. As a result of the Titan Merger, the Company recorded $5,228,548 of intellectual property, $509,818 of tradenames, a $450,307 customer list, and a $282,948 noncompete agreement on the acquisition date (Note 3 – Business Combinations). Future amortization expense from intangible assets as of December 31, 2023 were as follows: SCHEDULE OF FUTURE AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
NOTE 6 – GOODWILL
The Company has
The
SCHEDULE OF CARRYING VALUE OF GOODWILL
NOTE 7 – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES Detail of accounts payable and accrued expenses as of December 31, 2023, and 2022 was as follows: SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
NOTE 8 – LEASES As of December 31, 2023, Titan Trucking maintains three leases classified as operating leases. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less or leases that are immaterial are not included on the consolidated balance sheets. Titan Trucking has a 62-month lease in Troy, Michigan which expires on January 15, 2025. The monthly payments were initiated on February 15, 2020 at $8,251 after a 2-month rent abatement period. Straight rent was calculated at $8,479 per month. The total remaining operating lease expenses through expected termination date on the lease are approximately $110,000.
On April 1, 2023, Titan Trucking entered into a 60-month lease in Detroit, Michigan, with a related party through common ownership, which expires on March 31, 2028. On September 1, 2023, the Company and the related party amended the lease, resulting in decreased payment terms. The lease has the option to renew for an additional 5 years given proper notice. The monthly payments were initiated on May 1, 2023 after a 1-month rent abatement period. Straight rent for the amended lease was calculated at $29,113 per month. The total remaining operating lease expenses expected through termination date on the lease are approximately $1,485,000. Following the amendment, the supplemental cash flow impact of the right-of-use asset exchanged for new lease obligations was $1,411,851. On November 1, 2023, the Company entered into a 39-month lease in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan which expires on January 31, 2027. The monthly payments were initiated in February of 2024 at $7,417 after a 3-month rent abatement period. Straight rent was calculated at $7,542 per month. The total remaining operating lease expenses through expected termination date on the lease are approximately $287,000. Following the lease, the supplemental cash flow impact of the right-of-use asset exchanged for new lease obligations was $251,057. SCHEDULE OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE REMAINING LEASE TERMS AND DISCOUNT RATES
Future minimum lease payments required under operating leases on an undiscounted cash flow basis as of December 31, 2023 were as follows: SCHEDULE OF FUTURE MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES
The 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company records operating lease expense as a component of general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
NOTE 9 – NOTES PAYABLE
The
The Company’s notes payables balance as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, consisted of the following: SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT
Interest expense on these notes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 Principal maturities for the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2023 were as follows: SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL MATURITIES OF NOTES PAYABLE
Paycheck Protection Program Note Forgiveness Titan applied for and received loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) in the amounts of $406,152 and $406,152, received on May 5, 2020 and February 1, 2021, respectively. On January 31, 2022 and March 21, 2022, Titan received notices that the entire balances of the loans plus any accrued interest were forgiven and recorded NOTE 10 – CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE Convertible Notes Payable Issued Prior to Titan Merger On October 31, 2022, the Company issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Notes (the “Evergreen – 2022 Note”) to Evergreen Capital Management, LLC (“Evergreen”). The Evergreen – 2022 Note had a principal amount of $48,000, an annual interest rate of 10% per annum and a maturity date of July 21, 2023. The Evergreen – 2022 Note contained a conversion feature, enabling it to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon the event of default. The conversion price was equal to 75% of the price per share at which the Company’s stock is sold to the
Between January 1, 2023 and April 6, 2023, the Company issued five 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Notes (the “Evergreen – 2023 Notes”) to Evergreen. The Evergreen 2023 Notes had principal amounts ranging from $12,000 to 480,000, had an annual interest rate of 10% per annum, and were issued with maturity dates ranging from December 31, 2023 to April 30, 2024. The Evergreen 2023 Notes contained identical conversion features, enabling them to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price was equal to the lower of (1) $0.015 per share or (2) 90% of the average of the two lowest volume-weighted average price of the five trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the conversion date. The conversion features each contained a variable settlement feature which was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 – Derivative Liabilities). On July 17, 2023, the Evergreen – 2023 Notes were cancelled in exchange for Series A Rights and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity). On July 5, 2022, the Company issued an original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note (the “GS Capital Note”) to GS Capital Partners, LLC (“GS Capital”) that was dated as of July 5, 2022, and had a principal amount of $36,000. As of June 30, 2023, the Company has repaid the remaining outstanding principal balance. The GS Capital Note had an annual interest rate of 12% per annum and a maturity date of July 5, 2023. The GS Capital Note contained a conversion feature, enabling it to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price is equal to the lowest trading price of the Company’s common stock for the 12 trading days immediately preceding the delivery of a notice of conversion. The conversion feature contains a variable settlement feature which was determined to be a derivative liability, however upon completing repayment of the principal balance, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 11–- Derivative Liabilities). On February 16, 2023, the Company issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note (the “Chambers Note”) to the James D. Chambers Living Trust (“Chambers”) with a principal amount of $60,000. The Chambers Note had an annual interest rate of 10% per annum and a maturity date of February 28, 2024. The Chambers Note also contained a conversion feature, enabling it to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price was equal to the lower of (1) $0.015 per share or (2) 90% of the average of the two lowest volume-weighted average price of the five trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the conversion date. The conversion feature contained a variable settlement feature which was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 - Derivative Liabilities). On July 17, 2023, the Chambers Note was cancelled in exchange for Series A Rights and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity). On February 14, 2023 and March 14, 2023, the Company issued two 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Notes (the “Eleven 11 Notes”) to Eleven 11 Management, LLC (“Evergreen”) with principal amounts of $54,000 and $60,000, respectively. The Eleven 11 Notes had an annual interest rate of 10% per annum and had maturity dates of February 14, 2024 and February 28, 2024. The Eleven 11 Notes also contained identical conversion features, enabling them to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price was equal to the lower of (1) $0.015 per share or (2) 90% of the average of the two lowest volume-weighted average price of the five trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the conversion date. The conversion features each contain a variable settlement feature which was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 - Derivative Liabilities). On July 17, 2023, the Eleven 11 Notes were cancelled in exchange for Series A Rights and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity). Between February 16, 2023 and April 26, 2023, the Company issued four 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Notes (the “Cavalry Fund Notes”) to Cavalry Fund I LP (“Cavalry”). The Cavalry Fund Notes had principal amounts ranging from $108,000 to $120,000, an annual interest rate of 10% per annum, and maturity dates ranging from February 28, 2024 to April 30, 2024. The Cavalry Fund Notes contained identical conversion features, enabling them to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price was equal to the lower of (1) $0.015 per share or (2) 90% of the average of the two lowest volume-weighted average price of the five trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the conversion date. The conversion features each contained a variable settlement feature that was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 - Derivative Liabilities). On July 17, 2023, the Calvary Fund Notes were cancelled in exchange for Series A Rights and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity).
Between March 3, 2023 and April 18, 2023, the Company issued three 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Notes (the “Keystone Notes”) to Keystone Capital Partners (“Keystone”). The Keystone Notes had principal amounts ranging from $30,000 to $90,000, an annual interest rate of 10% per annum, and were issued with maturity dates ranging from February 28, 2024 to April 17, 2024. The Keystone Notes also all contained identical conversion features, enabling them to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price was equal to the lower of (1) $0.015 per share or (2) 90% of the average of the two lowest volume-weighted average price of the five trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the conversion date. The conversion features each contained a variable settlement feature that was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 - Derivative Liabilities). On July 17, 2023, the Keystone Notes were cancelled in exchange for Series A Rights and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity). On November 22, 2022, the Company issued an original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note (the “Diagonal Note”) to 1800 Diagonal Lending, LLC (“Diagonal”) with a principal balance of $130,016. The Diagonal Note has an annual interest rate of 11% per annum and a maturity date of November 22, 2023. As of May 19, 2023 the principal balance was $78,010. Between May 19, 2023 and June 30, 2023, the Company made principal repayments of $26,003 for the Diagonal Note. The Diagonal Note contains a conversion feature, enabling it to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price is equal to 75% of the lowest trading price of the Company’s common stock during the ten trading days immediately preceding the conversion date. The conversion feature contains a variable settlement feature that was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 - Derivative Liabilities). As of December 31, 2023, the Company had completed repaying the principal balance of the Diagonal Note and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity). On April 17, 2023, the Company issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note (the “Seven Knots Note”) to Seven Knots, LLC (“Seven Knots”). The Seven Knots Note had a principal amount of $60,000, an annual interest rate of 10% per annum, and a maturity date of April 16, 2024. The Seven Knots Note also contained a conversion feature, enabling it to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price was equal to the lower of (1) $0.015 per share or (2) 90% of the average of the two lowest volume-weighted average price of the five trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the conversion date. The conversion feature contained a variable settlement feature that was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 - Derivative Liabilities). On July 17, 2023, the Seven Knots Note was cancelled in exchange for Series A Rights and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity).
On May 12, 2023, the Company issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note (the “Sikka Note”) to Ajay Sikka (“Sikka”), a current director and former chief executive officer of the Company. The Sikka Note had a principal amount of $120,000, an annual interest rate of 10% per annum and a maturity date of May 31, 2024. The Sikka Note also contained a conversion feature, enabling it to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price was equal to the lower of (1) $0.015 per share or (2) 90% of the average of the two lowest volume-weighted average price of the five trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the conversion date. The conversion feature contained a variable settlement feature that was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 - Derivative Liabilities). On July 17, 2023, the Sikka Note was cancelled in exchange for Series A Rights and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity). On May 12, 2023, the Company issued a 20% original issue discount Senior Secured Promissory Note (the “Miller Note”) to Glen Miller, the Company’s chief executive officer. The Miller Note had a principal amount of $60,000, an annual interest rate of 10% per annum, and a maturity date of May 31, 2024. The Miller Note also contained a conversion feature, enabling it to convert into shares of the Company’s common stock upon default. The conversion price was equal to the lower of (1) $0.015 per share or (2) 90% of the average of the two lowest volume-weighted average price of the five trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the conversion date. The conversion feature contained a variable settlement feature that was determined to be a derivative liability (Note 11 - Derivative Liabilities). On July 17, 2023, the Miller Note was cancelled in exchange for Series A Rights and as a result, the derivative liability was reduced to $0 (Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity).
Convertible Notes Payable and Convertible Notes Payable – Related Parties
The SCHEDULE OF
Interest expense
SCHEDULE OF
NOTE
On February 12, 2021, the Company
SCHEDULE OF VALUATION ASSUMPTIONS
The SCHEDULE OF DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
Activity related to the derivative liabilities for the year ended December 31, SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITY RELATED TO DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
On December 28, 2023, the Company and Michaelson signed a Forbearance Agreement (the “December Michaelson Amendment”) which amended the Michaelson Note and was accounted for as a debt modification in accordance with ASC 470 – Debt. The December Michaelson Amendment states that following the payment of its other obligations owed to Michaelson, the Company shall issue Michaelson $50,000 worth of preferred stock at the current offering terms and conditions (Note 9 – Notes Payable). The Advance on Offering balance was $50,000 and $0 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company has analyzed these amounts and determined that they are liabilities in accordance with ASC 480 – Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity. In April 2024, the Company and Michaelson agreed to extend the term of the Michaelson Note until June 30, 2024, and forbear all other terms until May 1, 2024. Among other terms, the Company agreed to pay a $100,000 forbearance fee, payable in $50,000 of cash and $50,000 of Series B Preferred Stock. (Please see Note 9 – Notes Payable and Note 20 – Subsequent Events). NOTE 13 – BENEFIT PLAN
Employer contributions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $15,116and
NOTE 14 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY As further described in Note 3 – Business Combinations, under applicable accounting principles, the historical financial results of Titan Trucking prior to May 19, 2023 has replaced the historical financial statements of Titan for the period prior to May 19, 2023. Titan Trucking’s equity structure, prior to the combination with the Titan, was a limited liability company, resulting in all components of equity attributable to the members being reported within Member’s Equity. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company
As of December 31, 2022, Titan Trucking had members’ equity of $2,526,104. Each Member had voting rights based on and proportionate to such Member’s Membership interest. On February 1, 2023, in exchange for the settlement of the $170,000 WTI promissory note, a 2.254% membership interest in Titan Trucking was granted to the seller of WTI (Note 9 – Notes Payable). Series A Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2023, there were Series A Convertible Preferred shares issued and outstanding. Series B Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2023, there were shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. On July 17, 2023, all outstanding shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock were exchanged for the Company’s Series A Rights. Each outstanding share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was convertible into the shares of the Company’s common stock at any time commencing after the issuance date. Series B Convertible Stock had no voting rights. Upon any liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation”), the Series B Holders were entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company, whether capital or surplus, the same amount that a holder of Common Stock would receive if the Series B Preferred were fully converted. Except for stock dividends or distributions for, Series B Holders were entitled to receive, and the Company was required to pay, dividends on shares of Series B Preferred equal (on an as-if-converted-to-Common-Stock basis) to and in the same form as dividends actually paid on shares of the Common Stock when, as, and if such dividends are paid on shares of the Common Stock. No other dividends were required to be paid on shares of Series B Preferred. On July 17, 2023, the Company entered into Exchange Agreements (the “Series B Preferred Exchange Agreements”) with two accredited investors, including Sikka. Pursuant to the Series B Preferred Exchange Agreements, such investors exchanged shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock into an aggregate of Series A Rights dated as of July 17, 2023. On July 20, 2023, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “REI Exchange Agreement”) with Renovare Environmental, Inc. (“REI”) pursuant to which REI exchanged shares of Common Stock and shares of Series B Preferred Stock for Series A Rights dated July 20, 2023 and Series B Rights dated July 20, 2023.
Series C Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2023, there were shares of Series C Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. As a result of the reincorporation and effective January 10, 2024, each share of the Company’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the reincorporation was converted into one share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Titan (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), which has substantially the same rights and preferences as the Series C Preferred Stock (Note 20 – Subsequent Events). Each outstanding share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock has a par value of $1,000 out of the assets of the Company, whether capital or surplus, before any distribution of such assets is made or set aside for the holders of the of common stock and any other stock of the Company ranking junior to the Series C Preferred Stock. Upon any Liquidation, the Series C Holders shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company, whether capital or surplus, the same amount that a holder of common stock would receive if the Series C Preferred were fully converted. Except for stock dividends or distributions for, Series C Holders are entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay, dividends on shares of Series C Preferred equal (on an as-if-converted-to-Common-stock basis) to and in the same form as dividends actually paid on shares of the common stock when, as, and if such dividends are paid on shares of the common stock. No other dividends shall be paid on shares of Series C Preferred. and is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time commencing after the issuance date. The Series C Convertible Stock has voting rights equivalent to the voting rights of the common stock the holder would receive upon conversion. Upon any liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation”), the Series C Holders shall be entitled to receive on a pro-rata basis, the first $ On May 19, 2023, pursuant to the terms of the Titan Merger Agreement, the Company completed the Titan Merger. Under the terms of the Titan Merger Agreement, the Company agreed to pay the Titan owners shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock as consideration. The Company accounted for the Titan Merger as a reverse acquisition using acquisition accounting. Because the Titan Merger qualifies as a reverse acquisition and given that Titan was a private company at the time of the Titan Merger and therefore its value was not readily determinable, the fair value of the merger consideration was deemed to be equal to quoted market capitalization of the Company at the acquisition date (Note 3 – Business Combinations). Concurrent to the Titan Merger, the Company’s chief executive officer and one of the Company’s directors resigned from their respective positions and a new chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer were appointed. The Company agreed to issue stock compensation in the form of shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock to the new chief executive officer (Note 15 – Stock-Based Compensation). On September 28, 2023, the Company and the chief executive officer signed a cancellation agreement, and the Series C Preferred Stock shares were rescinded (Note 15 – Stock-Based Compensation). Common Stock As of December 31, 2023, there were shares of common stock authorized. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had shares of common stock issued and outstanding. As a result of the reincorporation and effective January 10, 2024, each share of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the reincorporation was converted into one share of common stock of Titan. Additionally, the authorized shares of common stock was increased to (Note 20 - Subsequent Events). Under the terms of the Company’s articles of incorporation, holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, and do not have cumulative voting rights. The holders of outstanding shares of common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets or funds legally available for the payment of dividends at such times and in such amounts as the Company’s board of directors from time to time may determine. The common stock is not entitled to pre-emptive rights and is not subject to conversion or redemption. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the assets legally available for distribution to stockholders are distributable ratably among the holders of common stock after payment of liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of preferred stock and the payment of other claims of creditors. 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 outstanding preferred stock and any series of preferred stock the Company may designate and issue in the future.
During the year ended December 31, On July 17, 2023, the Company also entered into Exchange Agreements (the “Series B Preferred Exchange Agreements”) with two accredited investors, including Sikka. Pursuant to the Series B Preferred Exchange Agreements Sikka exchanged 100,000 for an Warrants As a result of the reincorporation and effective January 10, 2024, all the Company’s outstanding warrants were assumed by Titan and now represent warrants to acquire shares of Titan’s common stock. (Note 20 - Subsequent Events). The following schedule summarizes the changes in the Company’s common stock warrants during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022: SCHEDULE OF CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
On December 28, 2023, the Company issued 2,500,000 warrant shares to Cavalry 1 LP in exchange for $300,000 of which $33,000 was paid for issuance fees. The warrants were valued at their fair value at the time of grant, which was deemed to be $0.55 per share. The fair value of the warrants was in excess of the consideration received, and as a result the Company recognized a deemed dividend of $1,075,000. Right to Receive Common Shares On July 17, 2023, the Company entered into Exchange Agreements (the “Note Exchange Agreements”), with five holders of its
On July 17, 2023, the Company also entered into Exchange Agreements (the “Series B Preferred Exchange Agreements”) with two accredited investors, including Sikka. Pursuant to the On July 20, 2023, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “REI Exchange Agreement”) with Renovare Environmental, Inc. (“REI”) pursuant to which REI exchanged shares of Common Stock and shares of Series B Preferred Stock for Series A Rights dated July 20, 2023 and Series B Rights dated July 20, 2023. The Series A Rights and Series B Rights were valued at their fair value at the time of grant, which was deemed to be $ per Series A Right Share and $ per Series B Right Share. The transactions contemplated by the Note Exchange Agreement, Series B Preferred Exchange Agreement and REI Exchange Agreement are together referred to as the “Rights Exchanges”. As a result of the Rights Exchanges, the Company recognized a loss of $116,591,322 during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company’s Series A Rights obligate the Company to The Company’s Series B Rights obligate the Company to issue Common Stock (“Series B Right Shares”) to the holder without any additional consideration. The number of Series B Right Shares is fixed and is only subject to customary non-price based ratable adjustments, such as stock splits, and stock combinations. The Company’s Series B Rights are exercisable upon the earlier of (1) December 31, 2023 or (2) the initial date on which the Company’s Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, Nasdaq Capital Markets, or the Nasdaq Global Market. The Series B Rights expire five years after the issuance date. The Series B Rights require the Company to hold in reserve the total number of shares of Common Stock that would need to be exercised in order meet the obligations of the Series B Rights. The Company assessed the Series A Rights and Series B Rights for appropriate balance sheet classification and concluded that the Series A Rights and Series B Rights are freestanding equity-linked financial instruments that meet the criteria for equity classification under ASC 480 and ASC 815. Accordingly, they are classified as equity and accounted for as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. The Company also determined that the Series A Rights and Series B Rights should be included in the determination of basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings per Share. As a result of the reincorporation and effective January 10, 2024, each of the Company’s Series A Right to Receive Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the reincorporation was converted into one Series A Right to Receive Common Stock of Titan, which has substantially the same rights and preferences as the Company’s original Series A Rights to Acquire Common Stock. Also, each of the Company’s Series B Right to Receive Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the reincorporation was converted into one Series B Right to Receive Common Stock of Titan, which has substantially the same rights and preferences as the Company’s original Series B Rights to Acquire Common Stock. (Note 20 - Subsequent Events).
The TraQiQ Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan was initially approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on November 23, 2020. In conjunction with the reincorporation (Note 20 – Subsequent Events) and effective January 10, 2024, the Company adopted the Titan Environmental Solutions Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”). The 2023 Plan limits the shares of common stock authorized to be awarded as stock awards to shares. The 2023 Plan terminates upon the earlier of 1) the earliest date at which all shares awarded under the plan have been satisfied in full or terminated and there remain no new shares authorized to be issued under the plan, or 2) the tenth anniversary of the plan’s effective date. SCHEDULE OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS ACTIVITY
As of June 30, 2023, there were shares of common stock related to restricted stock grants that were vested and unissued. On September 13, 2023, the Company signed a Cancellation of Restricted Stock Grants Agreement with Sikka and two directors which rescinded and annulled of the vested and unreleased shares and the unvested shares. Consequently, the obligation to issue shares was eliminated. Stock-based compensation from restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $ and $ , respectively. As of December 31, 2023, there remained $ of unrecognized stock-based compensation from restricted stock awards. The total fair value of restricted shares that vested during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $ and $ , respectively. The fair value of the vested and unreleased shares on the date of the Titan Merger was $ . On the Titan Merger acquisition date, the Company awarded
The fair value of the Series C Preferred Stock was determined using observable inputs (level 2 fair value measurement) with a market approach technique. The main input for the
Commitments
On March 1, 2023, Titan Trucking entered into a consulting agreement (the “March 2023 Agreement”) with a consultant for consulting services related to the consolidated waste industry. As consideration, the Company agreed to pay the consultant a monthly fee of $10,000 through the course of the three-year term of the agreement. Upon reaching the maturity, both parties may agree to an optional one-year term extension. Additionally, the Company agreed to pay the consultant a success fee equal to: 1) one percent (1%) of the purchase price paid by the Company to acquire an enterprise engaged in the business of hauling, transportation, waste brokerage, and recycling, 2) two percent (2%) of the purchase price paid by the Company for all stand-alone landfills and transfer stations, 3) one percent (1%) of the revenue received by the Company, for a twelve month period commencing upon execution, for all municipal or large commercial contracts, and 4) one and twenty-five hundredths percent (1.25%) of the purchase price received by the Company for transfer stations associated with a professionally recognized hauling company.
Contingencies From time to time, the Company is involved in routine litigation that arises in the ordinary course of business. Currently, there is no litigation pending against our company that could materially affect our company other than as follows: In July 2022, a complaint was filed against Titan Trucking in the Circuit Court for Macomb County, Michigan for breach of contract. In the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that Titan Trucking has breached a contractual agreement between Titan Trucking and the plaintiff pertaining to the transport of certain non-hazardous solid waste or recyclables from plaintiff’s transfer station to the locations identified in the contract. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, attorney and expert fees and other unspecified litigation costs. Titan Trucking has denied the claims of the plaintiff, and in May 2023, Titan Trucking filed amended counterclaims against the plaintiff alleging that plaintiff breached the contractual agreement by preventing Titan Trucking’s performance of its obligations under the agreement by failing to, among things, provide the necessary volumes of materials for shipment and the personnel sufficient to permit Titan Trucking to provide its services and by failing to pay certain invoices and to reimburse Titan Trucking for equipment damaged by plaintiff’s employees and for overweight trailer tickets. This matter is presently set on the court’s non-jury trial docket. As of December 31, 2023, no accruals for loss contingencies have been recorded as the outcome of this litigation is neither probable nor reasonably estimable. In July 2023, a complaint was filed against the Company and Sikka in the Circuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Lake County, Illinois for breach of contract. In the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that the Company breached contracts for the payment of compensation for investor relations and web development and copyright services allegedly provided by the plaintiff, which payment obligation was personally guaranteed by Sikka. The complaint seeks damages in the amount of $324,000, attorney fees and other unspecified litigation costs. The Company answered the complaint, denying all of the basic allegations, and the plaintiff then moved to strike the Company’s answer. In December 2023, the parties entered an agreement pursuant to which the plaintiff agreed to produce all of the documents supporting its claim that it performed services under the contracts, and the Company agreed to serve and file an amended answer within 21 days after receipt of their documents. Since that time, the plaintiff produced its documents and the Company filed its amended answer. The Company anticipates conducting deposition discovery in the weeks and months ahead, and the matter is scheduled for trial in Illinois in September 2024. As of December 31, 2023, no accruals for loss contingencies have been recorded as the outcome of this litigation is neither probable nor reasonably estimable. Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of vested common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number vested of common shares, plus the net impact of common shares (computed using the treasury stock method), if dilutive, resulting from the exercise of dilutive securities. In periods when losses are reported, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company excluded the common stock equivalents summarized below, which entitle the holders thereof to ultimately acquire shares of common stock, from its calculation of loss per share, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
As further described in Note 3 – Business Combinations, under applicable accounting principles, the historical financial results of Titan prior to May 19, 2023 replace the historical financial statements for the period prior to May 19, 2023. Titan’s equity structure, prior to the combination with the TraQiQ, was a limited liability company, resulting in all components of equity attributable to the members being reported within Member’s Equity. Given that Titan was a limited liability company, net loss prior to the reverse acquisition is not applicable for purposes of calculating loss per share. The Company has assessed the Series A Right to Receive Common Stock (“Series A Rights”) and the Series B Rights to Receive Common Stock (“Series B Rights”) for appropriate balance sheet classification and concluded that the Series A Rights and Series B Rights are freestanding equity-linked financial instruments that meet the criteria for equity classification under ASC 480 and ASC 815. In accordance with ASC 260 Earnings per Share the Company determined that the Series A Rights and Series B Rights should be included in the determination of basic and diluted earnings per share. As the Company has reported a net loss for all periods presented, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share. NOTE Prior to the Titan Merger, Titan Trucking filed its taxes as an S-Corp. The SCHEDULE OF INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) PROVISION
The following table summarizes the significant differences between the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for financial statement purposes for the years ended December 31, SCHEDULE OF EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE RECONCILIATION
The following is a summary of the components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022: SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
As of December 31, 2023, the Company has a net operating loss carry forward of $14,875,000. Of the $14.9 million of net operating losses, $1.3 million will begin to expire in 2029 and $13.6 million will not expire but will be limited in utilization of 80% of taxable income.Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the period that deductible temporary differences and carry-forwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income. As the achievement of required future taxable income is uncertain, the Company recorded a valuation allowance.
ASC 740 provides guidance on the financial statement recognition and measurement for uncertain income tax positions that are taken or expected to be taken in a company’s income tax return. The Company has evaluated its tax positions and believes there are no uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2023. The Company classifies income tax penalties and interest, if any, as part of other general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of 2022.
NOTE 19 –
Digester Segment: The Digester Segment primarily generates revenues and incurs expenses through the production and sale of ‘digester’ equipment to customers. The segment also generates revenue through related services such as digester maintenance and software services. The Company believes that this structure reflects its current operational and financial management, and that it provides the best structure for the Company SCHEDULE OF TOTAL REVENUES FOR EACH REPORTABLE SEGMENT
Gross profit (loss) for each reportable segment is as follows: SCHEDULE OF GROSS PROFIT (LOSS) FOR EACH REPORTABLE SEGMENT
Net loss before provision for income taxes for each reportable segment is as follows: SCHEDULE OF NET LOSS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
Total assets, SCHEDULE OF TOTAL ASSETS CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
Reincorporation in Nevada as Titan Environmental Solutions Inc., and Associated Effects Effective January 10, 2024, and pursuant to an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Reincorporation Agreement”) the Company merged with and into (the “reincorporation”), its wholly owned subsidiary Titan Environmental Solutions Inc. (“Titan”) with Titan as the surviving entity. As a result of the reincorporation the Company’s corporate name was changed from “TraQiQ, Inc.” to “Titan Environmental Solutions Inc.”. The individuals serving as the TraQiQ, Inc. executive officers and directors as of the effective time of the reincorporation continued to serve in such respective capacities with Titan following the effective time of the reincorporation. Change in Equity Instruments and Share Authorizations Pursuant to the Reincorporation Agreement each share of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the reincorporation was converted into one share of Titan’s common stock. Additionally, each share of the Company’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Reincorporation Merger was converted into one share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Titan (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), which has substantially the same rights and preferences as the Series C Preferred Stock. Each of the Company’s Series A Right to Receive Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the reincorporation was converted into one Series A Right to Receive Common Stock of Titan, which has substantially the same rights and preferences as the Company’s original Series A Rights to Receive Common Stock. Each of the Company’s Series B Right to Receive Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the reincorporation was converted into one Series B Right to Receive Common Stock of Titan, which has substantially the same rights and preferences as the Company’s original Series B Rights to Receive Common Stock. As a result of the reincorporation, all the Company’s outstanding warrants were assumed by Titan and now represent warrants to acquire shares of Titan’s common stock. The reincorporation increased the authorized capital stock of the Company to 425,000,000 total shares, consisting of shares of common stock, par value $ per share, and shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $ per share, of which shares were designated “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”. Due to the reincorporation the Company also adopted the “Titan Environmental Solutions Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan”. Authorization of Reverse Stock Split Pursuant to the terms of the Reincorporation Agreement the Titan board of directors was authorized to effect a reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) on the basis of one new share of Titan common stock for up to The Titan board of directors shall amend the articles of incorporation of Titan to reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock to a number of shares, as determined by the Titan board of directors, that is not less than 110% of the number of outstanding shares of common stock on a fully-diluted basis after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split. shares of old Titan common stock, at the discretion of the Titan board of directors, at any time prior to the first anniversary of the effective date of the reincorporation. Change in Trading Symbol of Common Stock Following the reincorporation and effective January 16, 2024, the Company’s trading name was changed from TraQiQ, Inc. to Titan Environmental Solutions Inc. Additionally, the trading symbol of its common stock changed from “TRIQ” to “TESI”. Exchange of Prefunded Warrants (Share Rights) for Common Stock On January 23, 2024, of the Company’s Series A Rights were exercised. As a result, the Company issued shares of common stock. Between January 17, 2024 and January 29, 2024, of the Company’s Series B Rights were exercised. As a result, the Company issued shares of common stock.
Issuance of Related Party Convertible Note Payable On February 28, 2024, the Company issued a convertible note payable to a Director. The note has a maturity date of August 31, 2025, an annual interest rate of 11%, and a principal balance of $62,500. The note also was issued with an original issue discount of $12,500. The note contains a “mandatory conversion” feature requiring that in the event the Company completes a change in control transaction and in connection to that transaction, the holder of another note held by the Company converts their note into equity securities of the Company, the note with the mandatory conversion feature shall automatically convert into the same equity securities. The note also contains a “rollover rights” conversion feature that enables the holder to convert all or part of the note’s principal and accrued interest in the event of a public offering or private placement of the Company’s equity, equity linked, or debt securities into purchase consideration for said public or private offering. Issuance of Related Party Note Payable On February 23, 2024, the Company issued a note payable to Glen Miller, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The note has a principal amount of $55,000 and an original issue discount of $5,000. The note is non-interest bearing and matures on June 30, 2024. The note also has a provision requiring a late fee of 10% of the note’s principal in the event the Company defaults on repayment by more than thirty (30) days. On February 23, 2024, the Company issued a note payable to a related party. The note has a principal amount of $55,000 and an original issue discount of $5,000. The note is non-interest bearing and matures on June 30, 2024. The note also has a provision requiring a late fee of 10% of the note’s principal in the event the Company defaults on repayment by more than thirty (30) days. Issuance of Convertible Note Payables
On
On March 7, 2024, the Company issued a convertible note payable (the “March 2024 Note”). The note has a maturity date of August 31, 2025, an annual interest rate of 11%, and a principal balance of $125,000. The note also was issued with an original issue discount of $25,000. The February 2024 Note and the March 2024 Note both contain a “mandatory conversion” feature requiring that in the event the Company completes a change in control transaction and in connection to that transaction, the holder of another note held by the Company converts their note into equity securities of the Company, the note with the mandatory conversion feature shall automatically convert into the same equity securities. The February 2024 Note and March 2024 Note both also contain a “rollover rights” conversion feature that enables the holder to convert all or part of the note’s principal and accrued interest in the event of a public offering or private placement of the Company’s equity, equity linked, or debt securities into purchase consideration for said public or private offering. Designation of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock As of January 4, 2024, the Company’s board of directors designated a series of Preferred Stock consisting of shares that were designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”). The rights related to the Series A Preferred Stock are virtually identical to the rights related to the Company’s common stock, except that each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into 100 shares of Common Stock and the shares of Series A Preferred Stock vote together with the Common Stock on all matters submitted for a vote to our common stockholders on an as-converted basis. As of April 3, 2024, the Company’s board of directors designated a series of Preferred Stock consisting of shares that were designated Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”). The Series B Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights on the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends accruing on a daily basis in arrears at the rate of 10% per annum, or after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Triggering Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designations, as amended (the “Amended Certificate of Designation”)), 15% per annum, based on a 360 day year and the stated value of the Series B Preferred Stock of $ per share (the “Stated Value”). The Company may, at its option, upon not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days’ written notice, redeem the then issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of 130% of the Stated Value per share of Series B Preferred Stock, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Mandatory Redemption Event (as defined in the Amended Certificate of Designation), the Company will be required to redeem all of the then issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock may elect to convert the Series B Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock, at the applicable conversion rate (subject to certain adjustments), at any time, which right is subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined in the Amended Certificate of Designation). Subject to certain terms, the Company has the right to require that each holder of Series B Preferred Stock mandatorily convert all or any portion of their Series B Preferred Stock. A holder of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such the Holder are convertible on any matter presented to the Company’s stockholders, except as required by law or as specifically set forth in the Amended Certificate of Designation. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, each holder of Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to receive out of the Company’s assets before any payment or distribution shall be made to the holders of any Junior Securities (as defined in the Amended Certificate of Designation), the greater of (i) an amount per share equal to the sum of (x) the Stated Value and (y) any unpaid dividends, and (ii) the same amount that a holder of Common Stock would receive on an as-converted basis. Warrants and Securities Purchase Agreement On January 5, 2024, the Company received $650,000 from three investors in exchange for preferred stock and warrants. The first investor received 916,667 warrants, the On April 5, 2024, the Company
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